Glutathione reductase（GR） catalyzes the reduction of glutathione disulfide（GSSG） to reduced glutathione（GSH）and participates in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, which scavenges H_2O_2. Here, we report that chlor...Glutathione reductase（GR） catalyzes the reduction of glutathione disulfide（GSSG） to reduced glutathione（GSH）and participates in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, which scavenges H_2O_2. Here, we report that chloroplastic/mitochondrial GR2 is an important regulator of leaf senescence. Seed development of the homozygous gr2 knockout mutant was blocked at the globular stage. Therefore, to investigate the function of GR2 in leaf senescence, we generated transgenic Arabidopsis plants with decreased GR2 using RNAi. The GR2 RNAi plants displayed early onset of age-dependent and darkand H2O2-induced leaf senescence, which was accompanied by the induction of the senescence-related marker genes SAG12 and SAG13. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that genes related to leaf senescence, oxidative stress, and phytohormone pathways were upregulated directly before senescence in RNAi plants. In addition, H2O2 accumulated to higher levels in RNAi plants than in wild-type plants and the levels of H_2O_2 peaked in RNAi plants directly before the early onset of leaf senescence. RNAi plants showed a greater decrease in GSH/GSSG levels than wild-type plants during leaf development. Our results suggest that GR2 plays an important role in leaf senescence by modulating H_2O_2 and glutathione signaling in Arabidopsis.展开更多
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is associated with significant metabolic and renal complications,including diabetic nephropathy(DN).AIM To investigate the role of ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M...BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is associated with significant metabolic and renal complications,including diabetic nephropathy(DN).AIM To investigate the role of ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2(RRM2)in T2DM and its potential involvement in renal injury through oxidative stress,apoptosis,and ferroptosis.METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted,comprising 194 patients with T2DM and 120 healthy controls at our hospital between January 2022 and December 2023.The data were analyzed to ascertain the correlation between RRM2 levels and DN onset in patients with T2DM.The apoptosis rate,reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels,oxidative stress,cystine uptake,and ferrous ion(Fe2+)levels were quantified using the HK-2 cell lysates.Reverse transcription quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to assess mRNA and protein expression,respectively.RESULTS Serum RRM2 levels were significantly higher in T2DM patients than in controls(P<0.05)but declined in the macroalbuminuria subgroup.Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified 30 pg/mL as the optimal cut-off(area under the curve=0.958;sensitivity=86%;specificity=95%).RRM2 was negatively correlated with age,diabetes duration,systolic blood pressure,fasting blood glucose,glycosylated hemoglobin,serum creatinine,neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin,kidney injury molecule-1,and malondialdehyde,and positively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate,glutathione(GSH),solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11),and GSH peroxidase 4(GPX4).Logistic regression confirmed RRM2 as an independent protective factor against DN[odds ratio(OR)=0.820,95%confidence interval(95%CI)=0.712-0.945,P=0.006].In vitro,RRM2 overexpression enhanced HK-2 cell proliferation,activated PI3K/Akt signaling,and reduced apoptosis,ROS,oxidative stress,and ferroptosis,accompanied by the restoration of GSH,Nrf2,SLC7A11,and GPX4.These protective effects were abolished by PI3K/Akt inhibition,highlighting RRM2’s renoprotective,pathway-dependent role.CONCLUSION These findings suggest that RRM2 plays a crucial protective role against diabetic renal injury by mitigating oxidative stress,apoptosis,and ferroptosis via PI3K/Akt activation.Serum RRM2 may serve as a novel biomarker for early DN detection,and therapeutic strategies targeting RRM2 may offer potential benefits in preventing diabetic kidney disease progression.展开更多
BACKGROUND Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent programmed non-apoptotic cell death characterized by the accumulation of free iron ions and lipid peroxidation.It is associated with the inactivation of glutathione peroxida...BACKGROUND Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent programmed non-apoptotic cell death characterized by the accumulation of free iron ions and lipid peroxidation.It is associated with the inactivation of glutathione peroxidase(GPX)and the accumulation of lipid peroxides within cells.Ferroptosis is closely related to the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Chlorogenic acid(CGA),an important bioactive component found in 61 traditional Chinese medicines such as Eucommia ulmoides,has been extensively studied for its effects on various malignant tumors.However,the specific role and potential mechanism of CGA in HCC remain unclear.AIM To elucidate the anti-tumor characteristics and potential mechanisms of CGA in inducing ferroptosis in HCC cells.METHODS The effects of CGA on the proliferation,migration,and invasion of HCC cells were evaluated through in vitro experiments.Bioinformatics analysis combined with network pharmacology was used to study the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of CGA intervention in HCC ferroptosis.In vitro experiments were conducted to verify and explore the anti-HCC effects and mechanisms of CGA through the ferroptosis pathway.RESULTS In vitro experiments showed that CGA dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation,invasion,and migration of HCC cells.Bioinformatics analysis combined with network pharmacology revealed that the pathway of CGA intervention in HCC cell ferroptosis was mainly enriched in the prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2)/aldoketo reductase family 1 member C3(AKR1C3)/GPX4 signaling pathway,which was associated with arachidonic acid.In vitro experiments further confirmed that CGA-induced ferroptosis in HCC cells was related to mitochondrial damage through the reprogramming of arachidonic acid metabolism by regulating the PTGS2/AKR1C3/GPX4 signaling pathway.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that CGA inhibits HCC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion by inducing ferroptosis through the PTGS2/AKR1C3/GPX4 axis,suggesting its potential as a novel ferroptosis inducer or anti-HCC drug.展开更多
African swine fever virus(ASFV),as a member of the large DNA viruses,may regulate autophagy and apoptosis by inhibiting programmed cell death.However,the function of ASFV proteins has not been fully elucidated,especia...African swine fever virus(ASFV),as a member of the large DNA viruses,may regulate autophagy and apoptosis by inhibiting programmed cell death.However,the function of ASFV proteins has not been fully elucidated,especially the role of autophagy in ASFV infection.One of three Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductases(PYCR),is primarily involved in conversion of glutamate to proline.Previous studies have shown that depletion of PYCR2 was related to the induction of autophagy.In the present study,we found for the first time that ASFV E199 L protein induced a complete autophagy process in Vero and HEK-293 T cells.Through co-immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry(Co IP-MS)analysis,we firstly identified that E199 L interact with PYCR2 in vitro.Importantly,our work provides evidence that E199 L down-regulated the expression of PYCR2,resulting in autophagy activation.Overall,our results demonstrate that ASFV E199 L protein induces complete autophagy through interaction with PYCR2 and down-regulate the expression level of PYCR2,which provide a valuable reference for the role of autophagy during ASFV infection and contribute to the functional clues of PYCR2.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the roles of the ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2) subunit in colorectal cancer (CRC) and ultraviolet (UV)-induced DNA damage repair. METHODS:Immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarray was p...AIM:To investigate the roles of the ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2) subunit in colorectal cancer (CRC) and ultraviolet (UV)-induced DNA damage repair. METHODS:Immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarray was performed to detect the expression of RRM2. Seven CRC cell lines were cultured and three human colon cancer cell lines, i.e., HCT116, SW480 and SW620, were used. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of RRM2, respectively. Cell proliferation assay, cell cycle analysis were performed. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by double staining with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Annexin Ⅴ and propidium iodide (PI) usingAnnexin Ⅴ/PI apoptosis kit. The motility and invasion of CRC cells were assessed by the Transwell chamber assay. Cells were irradiated with a 254 nm UV-C lamp to detect the UV sensitivity after RRM2 depletion. RESULTS:Immunohistochemical staining revealed elevated RRM2 levels in CRC tissues. RRM2 overexpression was positively correlated with invasion depth (P < 0.05), poorly differentiated type (P = 0.0051), and tumor node metastasis stage (P = 0.0015). The expression of RRM2 in HCT116 cells was downregulated after transfection, and HCT116 cell proliferation was obviously suppressed compared to control groups (P < 0.05). In the invasion test, the number of cells that passed through the chambers in the RRM2-siRNA group was 81 ± 3, which was lower than that in the negative control (289 ± 7) and blank control groups (301 ± 7.2). These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). Our data suggest that RRM2 overexpression may be associated with CRC progression. RRM2 silencing by siRNA may inhibit the hyperplasia and invasiveness of CRC cells, suggesting that RRM2 may play an important role in the infiltration and metastasis of CRC, which is a potential therapeutic strategy in CRC. In addition, RRM2 depletion increased UV sensitivity. CONCLUSION:These findings suggest that RRM2 may be a facilitating factor in colorectal tumorigenesis and UV-induced DNA damage repair.展开更多
Our previous studies showed that resveratrol could inhibit the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs） and repress mRNA and protein expression of quinone reductase 2 （NQO2）. This study further explor...Our previous studies showed that resveratrol could inhibit the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs） and repress mRNA and protein expression of quinone reductase 2 （NQO2）. This study further explored the potential mechanisms whereby resveratrol inhibits the proliferation of rat VSMCs. Lentiviral vectors that incorporated NQO2 small interfering RNA （siRNA） were constructed and transduced into rat VSMCs. The cell proliferation was detected using the bromodeoxyuridine （BrdU） assay. Cultured rat VSMCs were stimulated with angiotensin II and the level of reactive oxygen species （ROS） was measured using a ROS assay kit. A realtime quantitative PCR was used to detect NQO2 mRNA levels. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK1/2） and NQO2 protein expression were determined by Western blotting analysis. The inhibitory effect of resveratrol （10 and 50 μmol/L） on the proliferation of rat VSMCs in the NQO2 siRNA group was significantly weaker than that in the normal and scrambled siRNA group （P 〈 0.01）. The ROS level in the NQO2 siRNA and resveratrol （50 μmol/L） treatment groups were lower than that in the normal and scrambled siRNA groups （P 〈 0.01 in both）. Compared with the normal and scrambled siRNA group, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was significantly decreased in the NQO2 siRNA and resveratrol （50 μmol/L） treatment group （P 〈 0.01 in both）. In conclusion, high concentration of resveratrol inhibits angiotensin II-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and subsequent proliferation by down-regulation of NQO2 in cultured rat VSMCs.展开更多
BACKGROUND Ribonucleotide reductase(RR)is a key enzyme in tumor proliferation,especially its subunit-RRM2.Although there are multiple therapeutics for tumors,they all have certain limitations.Given their advantages,tr...BACKGROUND Ribonucleotide reductase(RR)is a key enzyme in tumor proliferation,especially its subunit-RRM2.Although there are multiple therapeutics for tumors,they all have certain limitations.Given their advantages,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)monomers have become an important source of anti-tumor drugs.Therefore,screening and analysis of TCM monomers with RRM2 inhibition can provide a reference for further anti-tumor drug development.AIM To screen and analyze potential anti-tumor TCM monomers with a good binding capacity to RRM2.METHODS The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database was used to analyze the level of RRM2 gene expression in normal and tumor tissues as well as RRM2's effect on the overall survival rate of tumor patients.TCM monomers that potentially act on RRM2 were screened via literature mining.Using AutoDock software,the screened monomers were docked with the RRM2 protein.RESULTS The expression of RRM2 mRNA in multiple tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues,and it was negatively correlated with the overall survival rate of patients with the majority of tumor types.Through literature mining,we discovered that berberine,ursolic acid,gambogic acid,cinobufagin,quercetin,daphnetin,and osalmide have inhibitory effects on RRM2.The results of molecular docking identified that the above TCM monomers have a strong binding capacity with RRM2 protein,which mainly interacted through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic force.The main binding sites were Arg330,Tyr323,Ser263,and Met350.CONCLUSION RRM2 is an important tumor therapeutic target.The TCM monomers screened have a good binding capacity with the RRM2 protein.展开更多
Paddy soils are an important source of atmospheric nitrous oxide(N_(2)O).However,numerous studies have focused on N_(2)O production during the soil tillage period,neglecting the N_(2)O production during the dry fallow...Paddy soils are an important source of atmospheric nitrous oxide(N_(2)O).However,numerous studies have focused on N_(2)O production during the soil tillage period,neglecting the N_(2)O production during the dry fallow period.In this study,we conducted an incubation experiment using the acetylene inhibition technique to investigate N_(2)O emission and reduction rates of paddy soil profiles(0-1 m)from Guangdong Province and Jinlin Province in China,with different heavy-metal pollution levels.The abundance and community structures of denitrifying bacteria were determined via quantitative-PCR and Illumina MiSeq sequencing of nosZ,nirK,and nirS genes.Our results showed that the potential N_(2)O emission rate,N_(2)O production rate,and denitrification rate have decreased with increasing soil vertical depth and heavy-metal pollution.More importantly,we found that the functional gene type of N_(2)O reductase switched with the tillage state of paddy soils,which cladeⅡnos Z genes were the dominant gene during the tillage period,while cladeⅠnos Z genes were the dominant gene during the dry fallow period.The heavy-metal pollution has less effect on the niche differentiation of the nos Z gene.The N_(2)O emission rate was significantly regulated by the genus Bradyhizobium,which contains both N_(2)O reductase and nitrite reductase genes.Our findings suggests that the nos Z gene of N_(2)O reductase can significantly impact the N_(2)O emission from paddy soils.展开更多
3β-Hydroxysteroid-△24 reductase （DHCR24） is a multifunctional enzyme that localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and has neuroprotective and cholesterol-synthesizing activities. DHCR24 overexpression confers neuro...3β-Hydroxysteroid-△24 reductase （DHCR24） is a multifunctional enzyme that localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and has neuroprotective and cholesterol-synthesizing activities. DHCR24 overexpression confers neuroprotection against apoptosis caused by amyloid β deposition. The present study aimed to construct two recombinant adenoviruses driving DHCR24 expression specifically in neurons. Two SYN1 promoter DNA fragments were obtained from human （h） and rat （r）. Recombinant Ad-r（h）SYN1-DHCR24 was transfected into AD-293, N2A （mouse neuroblastoma）, and MIN6 （mouse pancreatic carcinoma） cells. Western blot analysis showed DHCR24 was specially expressed in 293 and N2A cells, but no specific band was found in MIN6 cells. This demonstrates that the recombinant adenoviruses successfully express DHCR24, and no expression is observed in non-neuronal cells. TUNEL assay results showed apoptosis was inhibited in adenovirus-transfected neurons. Detecting reactive oxygen species by immunoflu- orescence, we found that adenovirus transfection inhibits apoptosis through scavenging excess reactive oxygen species. Our findings show that the recombinant DHCR24 adenoviruses induce neuron-specific DHCR24 expression, and thereby lay the foundation for further studies on DHCR24 gene therapy for Alzheimer＇s disease.展开更多
Resveratrol is a dietary polyphenol espoused to have chemopreventive activity against a variety of human cancer types. We first reported that resveratrol significantly decreases the proliferation of both androgen-depe...Resveratrol is a dietary polyphenol espoused to have chemopreventive activity against a variety of human cancer types. We first reported that resveratrol significantly decreases the proliferation of both androgen-dependent and hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells. However, the effects of resveratrol in normal prostate epithelial and stromal cells, particularly with regard to its uptake, subcellular distribution and intracellular targets, have not been investigated. To advance the knowledge on accessibility and cellular disposition of resveratrol in prostate cells, [3H] resveratrol, fractionation of cell extracts into subcellular compartments, Western blot analysis, resveratrol affinity column chromatography and flow cytometry were used to study the uptake and intracellular distribution of resveratrol in normally cultured prostate stromal （PrSCs） and epithelial cells （PrECs）. Pretreatment of both PrSCs and PrECs for 2 days with resveratrol modulated its uptake and selectively increased its distribution to the membrane and organelle compartments. Resveratrol affinity column chromatography studies showed differential expression of a previously identified resveratrol-targeting protein, quinone reductase 2 （QR2）, in PrSCs and PrECs. Flow cytometric analysis comparing resveratrol-treated and untreated PrSCs showed a large decrease in G1-phase and a concomitant increase in S and G2/M-phases of the cell cycle. These results suggest that resveratrol suppresses PrSC proliferation by affecting cell cycle phase distribution, which may involve the participation by QR2.展开更多
Background The formation and growth of tumors are related to the synthesis of the DNA. The enzyme ribonucleotide reductase （RR） is an enzyme that regulates the total rate of DNA synthesis and thus plays a pivotal ro...Background The formation and growth of tumors are related to the synthesis of the DNA. The enzyme ribonucleotide reductase （RR） is an enzyme that regulates the total rate of DNA synthesis and thus plays a pivotal role in cell growth. Catalytic subunit M2 （RRM2） is the main unit modulating the ribonucleotide reductase enzymatic activity. This study aimed to investigate the expression of RRM2 mRNA and protein in patients with ovarian cancer and its relevance to diagnosis and clinical outcome of the patients. Methods RRM2 mRNA levels and protein expression were detected in 98 ovarian specimens with immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （PCR）. Expression of the RRM2 protein and correlation of the RRM2 gene expression with clinical pathological features were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier test was used for evaluating RRM2 expression and time to progression and survival. The Cox proportional model was used to analyze the risk factors in prognosis of patients. Results Positive RRM2 immunostaining was found in 43 of 62 （69.4%） patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, 10 of 15 （66.7%） patients with borderline neoplasm, 4 of 15 （26.7%） patients with benign growths, and none of the normal group. The RRM2 mRNA levels were significantly over expressed in epithelial ovarian cancer （1.722＋0.639） and borderline ovarian neoplasms （1.365＋0.615）, compared to the normal group （0.678＋0.446） and benign group （0.828_＋0.545）. Patients with ovarian caner in clinical FIGO-stages Ill-IV presented higher RRM2 gene expression than those in clinical FIGO-stages I-I1. Furthermore, the survival of patients with low RRM2 mRNA level was significantly better than patients with high levels （P 〈0.05）. By Cox proportional risk model analysis, the risk of mortality of patients with high level expression of RRM2 mRNA was 2.553 times greater than those with low expression. Conclusion RRM2 expression closely correlates with the development of ovarian tumor and may serve as a novel predictive marker for diagnosis and prognosis of the disease.展开更多
The 4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl diphosphate reductase(HDR) is the last step key enzyme of the methylerythritol phosphate(MEP) pathway,synthesizing isopentenyl diphosphate and its allyl isomer dimethylallyl diphosphat...The 4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl diphosphate reductase(HDR) is the last step key enzyme of the methylerythritol phosphate(MEP) pathway,synthesizing isopentenyl diphosphate and its allyl isomer dimethylallyl diphosphate,which is important for regulation of isoprenoid biosynthesis.Here the full-length cDNA of HDR,designated TwHDR(GenBank Accession No.KJ933412.1),was isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii for the first time.TwHDR has an open reading frame(ORF) of 1386 bp encoding461 amino acids.TwHDR exhibits high homology with HDRs of other plants,with an N-terminal conserved domain and three conserved cysteine residues.TwHDR cDNA was cloned into an expression vector and transformed into an Escherichia coli hdr mutant.Since loss-of-function E.coli hdr mutant is lethal,the result showed that transformation of TwHDR cDNA rescued the E.coli hdr mutant.This complementation assay suggests that the TwHDR cDNA encodes a functional HDR enzyme.The expression of TwHDR was induced by methyl-jasmonate(MJ) in T.wilfordii suspension cells.The expression of TwHDR reached the highest level after 1 h of MJ treatment.These results indicate that we have identified a functional TwHDR enzyme,which may play a pivotal role in the biosynthesis of diterpenoid triptolide in T.wilfordii.展开更多
Objective To screen the 5’ regulatory region of the aldose reductase (AR) gene for genetic variabilities causing changes in protein expression and affecting the promoter function. Methods The screenings were carri...Objective To screen the 5’ regulatory region of the aldose reductase (AR) gene for genetic variabilities causing changes in protein expression and affecting the promoter function. Methods The screenings were carried out by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP). All SSCP variants were submitted for DNA sequencing and inserted into the plasmid chloromycetin acetyl transferase (CAT) enhancer vector. The constructs were used to transfect Hela cells,and CAT assays were performed to assess promoter activity. Gel mobility shift and footprinting assays were also performed to determine the interaction between the DNA and nuclear proteins. Results Two polymorphisms, C(-106)T and C(-12)G, were identified in the regulatory region in 123 Chinese control subjects and 145 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The frequencies of genotypes WT/WT, WT/C(-12)G and WT/C(-106)T were not significantly different between the subjects and patients. In the patients with and without retinopathy, frequencies of WT/C(-106)T were 31.5% and 17.5% (P【0.05) respectively, and the frequencies of WT/C(-12)G were 10.5% and 2.5% (P】0.05) respectively. The total frequency of WT/C(-12)G and WT/C(-106)T in patients with retinopathy was 41.8%, significantly higher than that (20.0%) in patients without retinopathy (P【0.025). The relative transcription activities of the wild-type, the C(-12)G and the C(-106)T were 15.7%, 31.0% and 32.2%, respectively. The results of DNA-protein interaction assays showed that these variations did not change the binding site of DNA with trans-acting factors. Conclusion The polymorphisms C(-12)G and C(-106)T strongly associated with diabetic retinopathy in the Chinese population have been identified in the regulatory region of the aldose reductase gene.展开更多
We cloned and analyzed the two genes of the 1-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(E)-butenyl-4-diphosphate reductase(HDR) gene family from Huperzia serrate.The two transcripts coding HDR,named Hs HDR1 and Hs HDR2,were discovered in t...We cloned and analyzed the two genes of the 1-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(E)-butenyl-4-diphosphate reductase(HDR) gene family from Huperzia serrate.The two transcripts coding HDR,named Hs HDR1 and Hs HDR2,were discovered in the transcriptome dataset of H.serrate and were cloned by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The physicochemical properties,protein domains,protein secondary structure,and 3D structure of the putative Hs HDR1 and Hs HDR2 proteins were analyzed.The full-length c DNA of the Hs HDR1 gene contained 1431 bp encoding a putative protein with 476 amino acids,whereas the Hs HDR2 gene contained 1428 bp encoding a putative protein of 475 amino acids.These two proteins contained the conserved domain of 1-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(E)-butenyl-4-diphosphate reductase(PF02401),but without the transmembrane region and signal peptide.The most abundant expression of Hs HDR1 and Hs HDR2 was detected in H.serrate roots,followed by the stems and leaves.Our results provide a foundation for exploring the function of Hs HDR1 and Hs HDR2 in terpenoid and sterol biosynthesis in Huperziaceae plants.展开更多
Aim:Gemcitabine is a frontline agent for locally-advanced and metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC),but neither gemcitabine alone nor in combination produces durable remissions of this tumor type.We develo...Aim:Gemcitabine is a frontline agent for locally-advanced and metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC),but neither gemcitabine alone nor in combination produces durable remissions of this tumor type.We developed three PDAC patient-derived xenograft(PDX)models with gemcitabine resistance(gemR)acquired in vivo,with which to identify mechanisms of resistance relevant to drug exposure in vivo and to evaluate novel therapies.Methods:Mice bearing independently-derived PDXs received 100 mg/kg gemcitabine once or twice weekly.Tumors initially responded,but regrew on treatment and were designated gemR.We used immunohistochemistry to compare expression of proteins previously associated with gemcitabine resistance[ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1(RRM1),RRM2,human concentrative nucleoside transporter 1(hCNT1),human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1(hENT1),cytidine deaminase(CDA),and deoxycytidine kinase(dCK)]in gemR and respective gemcitabine-naïve parental tumors.Results:Parental and gemR tumors did not differ in tumor cell morphology,amount of tumor-associated stroma,or expression of stem cell markers.No consistent pattern of expression of the six gemR marker proteins was observed among the models.Increases in RRM1 and CDA were consistent with in vitro-derived gemR models.However,rather than the expected decreases of hCNT1,hENT1,and dCK,gemR tumors expressed no change in or higher levels of these gemR marker proteins than parental tumors.Conclusion:These models are the first PDAC PDX models with gemcitabine resistance acquired in vivo.The data indicate that mechanisms identified in models with resistance acquired in vitro are unlikely to be the predominant mechanisms when resistance is acquired in vivo.Ongoing work focuses on characterizing unidentified mechanisms of gemR and on identifying agents with anti-tumor efficacy in these gemR models。展开更多
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC),a malignancy of the digestive system,is highly prevalent and the primary cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide due to the lack of early diagnostic biomarkers and effective t...Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC),a malignancy of the digestive system,is highly prevalent and the primary cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide due to the lack of early diagnostic biomarkers and effective therapeutic targets.Dysregulated ribonucleotide reductase(RNR)expression has been confirmed to be causally linked to tumorigenesis.This study demonstrated that ribonucleotide reductase small subunit M2(RRM2)is significantly upregulated in ESCC tissue and that its expression is negatively correlated with clinical outcomes.Mechanistically,HuR promotes RRM2 mRNA stabilization by binding to the adenine/uridine(AU)-rich elements(AREs)within the 3′UTR,resulting in persistent overexpression of RRM2.Furthermore,bifonazole is identified as an inhibitor of HuR via computational screening and molecular docking analysis.Bifonazole disrupts HuR-ARE interactions by competitively binding to HuR at F65,R97,I103,and R153 residues,resulting in reduced RRM2 expression.Furthermore,bifonazole exhibited antitumor effects on ESCC patient-derived xenograft(PDX)models by decreasing RRM2 expression and the dNTP pool.In summary,this study reveals the interaction network among HuR,RRM2,and bifonazole and demonstrated that bifonazole is a potential therapeutic compound for ESCC through inhibition of the HuR/RRM2 axis.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30970218)the State Key Basic Research and Development Plan of China(2015CB150105)
文摘Glutathione reductase（GR） catalyzes the reduction of glutathione disulfide（GSSG） to reduced glutathione（GSH）and participates in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, which scavenges H_2O_2. Here, we report that chloroplastic/mitochondrial GR2 is an important regulator of leaf senescence. Seed development of the homozygous gr2 knockout mutant was blocked at the globular stage. Therefore, to investigate the function of GR2 in leaf senescence, we generated transgenic Arabidopsis plants with decreased GR2 using RNAi. The GR2 RNAi plants displayed early onset of age-dependent and darkand H2O2-induced leaf senescence, which was accompanied by the induction of the senescence-related marker genes SAG12 and SAG13. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that genes related to leaf senescence, oxidative stress, and phytohormone pathways were upregulated directly before senescence in RNAi plants. In addition, H2O2 accumulated to higher levels in RNAi plants than in wild-type plants and the levels of H_2O_2 peaked in RNAi plants directly before the early onset of leaf senescence. RNAi plants showed a greater decrease in GSH/GSSG levels than wild-type plants during leaf development. Our results suggest that GR2 plays an important role in leaf senescence by modulating H_2O_2 and glutathione signaling in Arabidopsis.
文摘BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is associated with significant metabolic and renal complications,including diabetic nephropathy(DN).AIM To investigate the role of ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2(RRM2)in T2DM and its potential involvement in renal injury through oxidative stress,apoptosis,and ferroptosis.METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted,comprising 194 patients with T2DM and 120 healthy controls at our hospital between January 2022 and December 2023.The data were analyzed to ascertain the correlation between RRM2 levels and DN onset in patients with T2DM.The apoptosis rate,reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels,oxidative stress,cystine uptake,and ferrous ion(Fe2+)levels were quantified using the HK-2 cell lysates.Reverse transcription quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to assess mRNA and protein expression,respectively.RESULTS Serum RRM2 levels were significantly higher in T2DM patients than in controls(P<0.05)but declined in the macroalbuminuria subgroup.Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified 30 pg/mL as the optimal cut-off(area under the curve=0.958;sensitivity=86%;specificity=95%).RRM2 was negatively correlated with age,diabetes duration,systolic blood pressure,fasting blood glucose,glycosylated hemoglobin,serum creatinine,neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin,kidney injury molecule-1,and malondialdehyde,and positively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate,glutathione(GSH),solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11),and GSH peroxidase 4(GPX4).Logistic regression confirmed RRM2 as an independent protective factor against DN[odds ratio(OR)=0.820,95%confidence interval(95%CI)=0.712-0.945,P=0.006].In vitro,RRM2 overexpression enhanced HK-2 cell proliferation,activated PI3K/Akt signaling,and reduced apoptosis,ROS,oxidative stress,and ferroptosis,accompanied by the restoration of GSH,Nrf2,SLC7A11,and GPX4.These protective effects were abolished by PI3K/Akt inhibition,highlighting RRM2’s renoprotective,pathway-dependent role.CONCLUSION These findings suggest that RRM2 plays a crucial protective role against diabetic renal injury by mitigating oxidative stress,apoptosis,and ferroptosis via PI3K/Akt activation.Serum RRM2 may serve as a novel biomarker for early DN detection,and therapeutic strategies targeting RRM2 may offer potential benefits in preventing diabetic kidney disease progression.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82074425Natural Foundation of Hunan Province,No.2023JJ30364 and No.2023JJ30361+1 种基金Hunan Provincial Key R&D Program,No.2023SK2057Key Project of Hunan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine,No.A2023042.
文摘BACKGROUND Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent programmed non-apoptotic cell death characterized by the accumulation of free iron ions and lipid peroxidation.It is associated with the inactivation of glutathione peroxidase(GPX)and the accumulation of lipid peroxides within cells.Ferroptosis is closely related to the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Chlorogenic acid(CGA),an important bioactive component found in 61 traditional Chinese medicines such as Eucommia ulmoides,has been extensively studied for its effects on various malignant tumors.However,the specific role and potential mechanism of CGA in HCC remain unclear.AIM To elucidate the anti-tumor characteristics and potential mechanisms of CGA in inducing ferroptosis in HCC cells.METHODS The effects of CGA on the proliferation,migration,and invasion of HCC cells were evaluated through in vitro experiments.Bioinformatics analysis combined with network pharmacology was used to study the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of CGA intervention in HCC ferroptosis.In vitro experiments were conducted to verify and explore the anti-HCC effects and mechanisms of CGA through the ferroptosis pathway.RESULTS In vitro experiments showed that CGA dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation,invasion,and migration of HCC cells.Bioinformatics analysis combined with network pharmacology revealed that the pathway of CGA intervention in HCC cell ferroptosis was mainly enriched in the prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2)/aldoketo reductase family 1 member C3(AKR1C3)/GPX4 signaling pathway,which was associated with arachidonic acid.In vitro experiments further confirmed that CGA-induced ferroptosis in HCC cells was related to mitochondrial damage through the reprogramming of arachidonic acid metabolism by regulating the PTGS2/AKR1C3/GPX4 signaling pathway.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that CGA inhibits HCC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion by inducing ferroptosis through the PTGS2/AKR1C3/GPX4 axis,suggesting its potential as a novel ferroptosis inducer or anti-HCC drug.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No. 2017YFD0502303)the Key Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province (2020B020222001)+2 种基金China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (grant no. 2019M652922)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (grant no.2019A1515012006)the Chief expert Project of Agricultural Industry Technology system in Guangdong Province (2019KJ128)。
文摘African swine fever virus(ASFV),as a member of the large DNA viruses,may regulate autophagy and apoptosis by inhibiting programmed cell death.However,the function of ASFV proteins has not been fully elucidated,especially the role of autophagy in ASFV infection.One of three Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductases(PYCR),is primarily involved in conversion of glutamate to proline.Previous studies have shown that depletion of PYCR2 was related to the induction of autophagy.In the present study,we found for the first time that ASFV E199 L protein induced a complete autophagy process in Vero and HEK-293 T cells.Through co-immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry(Co IP-MS)analysis,we firstly identified that E199 L interact with PYCR2 in vitro.Importantly,our work provides evidence that E199 L down-regulated the expression of PYCR2,resulting in autophagy activation.Overall,our results demonstrate that ASFV E199 L protein induces complete autophagy through interaction with PYCR2 and down-regulate the expression level of PYCR2,which provide a valuable reference for the role of autophagy during ASFV infection and contribute to the functional clues of PYCR2.
文摘AIM:To investigate the roles of the ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2) subunit in colorectal cancer (CRC) and ultraviolet (UV)-induced DNA damage repair. METHODS:Immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarray was performed to detect the expression of RRM2. Seven CRC cell lines were cultured and three human colon cancer cell lines, i.e., HCT116, SW480 and SW620, were used. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of RRM2, respectively. Cell proliferation assay, cell cycle analysis were performed. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by double staining with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Annexin Ⅴ and propidium iodide (PI) usingAnnexin Ⅴ/PI apoptosis kit. The motility and invasion of CRC cells were assessed by the Transwell chamber assay. Cells were irradiated with a 254 nm UV-C lamp to detect the UV sensitivity after RRM2 depletion. RESULTS:Immunohistochemical staining revealed elevated RRM2 levels in CRC tissues. RRM2 overexpression was positively correlated with invasion depth (P < 0.05), poorly differentiated type (P = 0.0051), and tumor node metastasis stage (P = 0.0015). The expression of RRM2 in HCT116 cells was downregulated after transfection, and HCT116 cell proliferation was obviously suppressed compared to control groups (P < 0.05). In the invasion test, the number of cells that passed through the chambers in the RRM2-siRNA group was 81 ± 3, which was lower than that in the negative control (289 ± 7) and blank control groups (301 ± 7.2). These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). Our data suggest that RRM2 overexpression may be associated with CRC progression. RRM2 silencing by siRNA may inhibit the hyperplasia and invasiveness of CRC cells, suggesting that RRM2 may play an important role in the infiltration and metastasis of CRC, which is a potential therapeutic strategy in CRC. In addition, RRM2 depletion increased UV sensitivity. CONCLUSION:These findings suggest that RRM2 may be a facilitating factor in colorectal tumorigenesis and UV-induced DNA damage repair.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.30971255)
文摘Our previous studies showed that resveratrol could inhibit the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs） and repress mRNA and protein expression of quinone reductase 2 （NQO2）. This study further explored the potential mechanisms whereby resveratrol inhibits the proliferation of rat VSMCs. Lentiviral vectors that incorporated NQO2 small interfering RNA （siRNA） were constructed and transduced into rat VSMCs. The cell proliferation was detected using the bromodeoxyuridine （BrdU） assay. Cultured rat VSMCs were stimulated with angiotensin II and the level of reactive oxygen species （ROS） was measured using a ROS assay kit. A realtime quantitative PCR was used to detect NQO2 mRNA levels. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK1/2） and NQO2 protein expression were determined by Western blotting analysis. The inhibitory effect of resveratrol （10 and 50 μmol/L） on the proliferation of rat VSMCs in the NQO2 siRNA group was significantly weaker than that in the normal and scrambled siRNA group （P 〈 0.01）. The ROS level in the NQO2 siRNA and resveratrol （50 μmol/L） treatment groups were lower than that in the normal and scrambled siRNA groups （P 〈 0.01 in both）. Compared with the normal and scrambled siRNA group, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was significantly decreased in the NQO2 siRNA and resveratrol （50 μmol/L） treatment group （P 〈 0.01 in both）. In conclusion, high concentration of resveratrol inhibits angiotensin II-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and subsequent proliferation by down-regulation of NQO2 in cultured rat VSMCs.
基金Supported by Nanchong City School’s Science and Technology Strategic Cooperation,China,No.20SXQT0304Research and Development Project Plan of Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College,China,No.2020ZD003.
文摘BACKGROUND Ribonucleotide reductase(RR)is a key enzyme in tumor proliferation,especially its subunit-RRM2.Although there are multiple therapeutics for tumors,they all have certain limitations.Given their advantages,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)monomers have become an important source of anti-tumor drugs.Therefore,screening and analysis of TCM monomers with RRM2 inhibition can provide a reference for further anti-tumor drug development.AIM To screen and analyze potential anti-tumor TCM monomers with a good binding capacity to RRM2.METHODS The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database was used to analyze the level of RRM2 gene expression in normal and tumor tissues as well as RRM2's effect on the overall survival rate of tumor patients.TCM monomers that potentially act on RRM2 were screened via literature mining.Using AutoDock software,the screened monomers were docked with the RRM2 protein.RESULTS The expression of RRM2 mRNA in multiple tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues,and it was negatively correlated with the overall survival rate of patients with the majority of tumor types.Through literature mining,we discovered that berberine,ursolic acid,gambogic acid,cinobufagin,quercetin,daphnetin,and osalmide have inhibitory effects on RRM2.The results of molecular docking identified that the above TCM monomers have a strong binding capacity with RRM2 protein,which mainly interacted through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic force.The main binding sites were Arg330,Tyr323,Ser263,and Met350.CONCLUSION RRM2 is an important tumor therapeutic target.The TCM monomers screened have a good binding capacity with the RRM2 protein.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.91851204 and 92251304)the Excellent Innovation Project of Research Center for EcoEnvironmental Sciences,Chinese Academy of Sciences (No.RCEES-EEI-2019-02)the Program of the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of Chinese Academy of Sciences。
文摘Paddy soils are an important source of atmospheric nitrous oxide(N_(2)O).However,numerous studies have focused on N_(2)O production during the soil tillage period,neglecting the N_(2)O production during the dry fallow period.In this study,we conducted an incubation experiment using the acetylene inhibition technique to investigate N_(2)O emission and reduction rates of paddy soil profiles(0-1 m)from Guangdong Province and Jinlin Province in China,with different heavy-metal pollution levels.The abundance and community structures of denitrifying bacteria were determined via quantitative-PCR and Illumina MiSeq sequencing of nosZ,nirK,and nirS genes.Our results showed that the potential N_(2)O emission rate,N_(2)O production rate,and denitrification rate have decreased with increasing soil vertical depth and heavy-metal pollution.More importantly,we found that the functional gene type of N_(2)O reductase switched with the tillage state of paddy soils,which cladeⅡnos Z genes were the dominant gene during the tillage period,while cladeⅠnos Z genes were the dominant gene during the dry fallow period.The heavy-metal pollution has less effect on the niche differentiation of the nos Z gene.The N_(2)O emission rate was significantly regulated by the genus Bradyhizobium,which contains both N_(2)O reductase and nitrite reductase genes.Our findings suggests that the nos Z gene of N_(2)O reductase can significantly impact the N_(2)O emission from paddy soils.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(General Program),No.31271494Excellent Talent Support Program of Liaoning Province,No.LJQ2011004
文摘3β-Hydroxysteroid-△24 reductase （DHCR24） is a multifunctional enzyme that localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and has neuroprotective and cholesterol-synthesizing activities. DHCR24 overexpression confers neuroprotection against apoptosis caused by amyloid β deposition. The present study aimed to construct two recombinant adenoviruses driving DHCR24 expression specifically in neurons. Two SYN1 promoter DNA fragments were obtained from human （h） and rat （r）. Recombinant Ad-r（h）SYN1-DHCR24 was transfected into AD-293, N2A （mouse neuroblastoma）, and MIN6 （mouse pancreatic carcinoma） cells. Western blot analysis showed DHCR24 was specially expressed in 293 and N2A cells, but no specific band was found in MIN6 cells. This demonstrates that the recombinant adenoviruses successfully express DHCR24, and no expression is observed in non-neuronal cells. TUNEL assay results showed apoptosis was inhibited in adenovirus-transfected neurons. Detecting reactive oxygen species by immunoflu- orescence, we found that adenovirus transfection inhibits apoptosis through scavenging excess reactive oxygen species. Our findings show that the recombinant DHCR24 adenoviruses induce neuron-specific DHCR24 expression, and thereby lay the foundation for further studies on DHCR24 gene therapy for Alzheimer＇s disease.
文摘Resveratrol is a dietary polyphenol espoused to have chemopreventive activity against a variety of human cancer types. We first reported that resveratrol significantly decreases the proliferation of both androgen-dependent and hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells. However, the effects of resveratrol in normal prostate epithelial and stromal cells, particularly with regard to its uptake, subcellular distribution and intracellular targets, have not been investigated. To advance the knowledge on accessibility and cellular disposition of resveratrol in prostate cells, [3H] resveratrol, fractionation of cell extracts into subcellular compartments, Western blot analysis, resveratrol affinity column chromatography and flow cytometry were used to study the uptake and intracellular distribution of resveratrol in normally cultured prostate stromal （PrSCs） and epithelial cells （PrECs）. Pretreatment of both PrSCs and PrECs for 2 days with resveratrol modulated its uptake and selectively increased its distribution to the membrane and organelle compartments. Resveratrol affinity column chromatography studies showed differential expression of a previously identified resveratrol-targeting protein, quinone reductase 2 （QR2）, in PrSCs and PrECs. Flow cytometric analysis comparing resveratrol-treated and untreated PrSCs showed a large decrease in G1-phase and a concomitant increase in S and G2/M-phases of the cell cycle. These results suggest that resveratrol suppresses PrSC proliferation by affecting cell cycle phase distribution, which may involve the participation by QR2.
文摘Background The formation and growth of tumors are related to the synthesis of the DNA. The enzyme ribonucleotide reductase （RR） is an enzyme that regulates the total rate of DNA synthesis and thus plays a pivotal role in cell growth. Catalytic subunit M2 （RRM2） is the main unit modulating the ribonucleotide reductase enzymatic activity. This study aimed to investigate the expression of RRM2 mRNA and protein in patients with ovarian cancer and its relevance to diagnosis and clinical outcome of the patients. Methods RRM2 mRNA levels and protein expression were detected in 98 ovarian specimens with immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （PCR）. Expression of the RRM2 protein and correlation of the RRM2 gene expression with clinical pathological features were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier test was used for evaluating RRM2 expression and time to progression and survival. The Cox proportional model was used to analyze the risk factors in prognosis of patients. Results Positive RRM2 immunostaining was found in 43 of 62 （69.4%） patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, 10 of 15 （66.7%） patients with borderline neoplasm, 4 of 15 （26.7%） patients with benign growths, and none of the normal group. The RRM2 mRNA levels were significantly over expressed in epithelial ovarian cancer （1.722＋0.639） and borderline ovarian neoplasms （1.365＋0.615）, compared to the normal group （0.678＋0.446） and benign group （0.828_＋0.545）. Patients with ovarian caner in clinical FIGO-stages Ill-IV presented higher RRM2 gene expression than those in clinical FIGO-stages I-I1. Furthermore, the survival of patients with low RRM2 mRNA level was significantly better than patients with high levels （P 〈0.05）. By Cox proportional risk model analysis, the risk of mortality of patients with high level expression of RRM2 mRNA was 2.553 times greater than those with low expression. Conclusion RRM2 expression closely correlates with the development of ovarian tumor and may serve as a novel predictive marker for diagnosis and prognosis of the disease.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.81422053 and 81373906 to Wei Gao,and No.81325023 to Luqi Huang)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China(863 Program,No.2015AA0200908)
文摘The 4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl diphosphate reductase(HDR) is the last step key enzyme of the methylerythritol phosphate(MEP) pathway,synthesizing isopentenyl diphosphate and its allyl isomer dimethylallyl diphosphate,which is important for regulation of isoprenoid biosynthesis.Here the full-length cDNA of HDR,designated TwHDR(GenBank Accession No.KJ933412.1),was isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii for the first time.TwHDR has an open reading frame(ORF) of 1386 bp encoding461 amino acids.TwHDR exhibits high homology with HDRs of other plants,with an N-terminal conserved domain and three conserved cysteine residues.TwHDR cDNA was cloned into an expression vector and transformed into an Escherichia coli hdr mutant.Since loss-of-function E.coli hdr mutant is lethal,the result showed that transformation of TwHDR cDNA rescued the E.coli hdr mutant.This complementation assay suggests that the TwHDR cDNA encodes a functional HDR enzyme.The expression of TwHDR was induced by methyl-jasmonate(MJ) in T.wilfordii suspension cells.The expression of TwHDR reached the highest level after 1 h of MJ treatment.These results indicate that we have identified a functional TwHDR enzyme,which may play a pivotal role in the biosynthesis of diterpenoid triptolide in T.wilfordii.
基金grantsfromtheNationalNaturalScienceFoundationofChina (No 396 70 35 2 )
文摘Objective To screen the 5’ regulatory region of the aldose reductase (AR) gene for genetic variabilities causing changes in protein expression and affecting the promoter function. Methods The screenings were carried out by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP). All SSCP variants were submitted for DNA sequencing and inserted into the plasmid chloromycetin acetyl transferase (CAT) enhancer vector. The constructs were used to transfect Hela cells,and CAT assays were performed to assess promoter activity. Gel mobility shift and footprinting assays were also performed to determine the interaction between the DNA and nuclear proteins. Results Two polymorphisms, C(-106)T and C(-12)G, were identified in the regulatory region in 123 Chinese control subjects and 145 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The frequencies of genotypes WT/WT, WT/C(-12)G and WT/C(-106)T were not significantly different between the subjects and patients. In the patients with and without retinopathy, frequencies of WT/C(-106)T were 31.5% and 17.5% (P【0.05) respectively, and the frequencies of WT/C(-12)G were 10.5% and 2.5% (P】0.05) respectively. The total frequency of WT/C(-12)G and WT/C(-106)T in patients with retinopathy was 41.8%, significantly higher than that (20.0%) in patients without retinopathy (P【0.025). The relative transcription activities of the wild-type, the C(-12)G and the C(-106)T were 15.7%, 31.0% and 32.2%, respectively. The results of DNA-protein interaction assays showed that these variations did not change the binding site of DNA with trans-acting factors. Conclusion The polymorphisms C(-12)G and C(-106)T strongly associated with diabetic retinopathy in the Chinese population have been identified in the regulatory region of the aldose reductase gene.
基金supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(No.30900113)the Program for Innovative Research Team in the Institute of Medicinal Plant Development(No.IT1304)
文摘We cloned and analyzed the two genes of the 1-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(E)-butenyl-4-diphosphate reductase(HDR) gene family from Huperzia serrate.The two transcripts coding HDR,named Hs HDR1 and Hs HDR2,were discovered in the transcriptome dataset of H.serrate and were cloned by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The physicochemical properties,protein domains,protein secondary structure,and 3D structure of the putative Hs HDR1 and Hs HDR2 proteins were analyzed.The full-length c DNA of the Hs HDR1 gene contained 1431 bp encoding a putative protein with 476 amino acids,whereas the Hs HDR2 gene contained 1428 bp encoding a putative protein of 475 amino acids.These two proteins contained the conserved domain of 1-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(E)-butenyl-4-diphosphate reductase(PF02401),but without the transmembrane region and signal peptide.The most abundant expression of Hs HDR1 and Hs HDR2 was detected in H.serrate roots,followed by the stems and leaves.Our results provide a foundation for exploring the function of Hs HDR1 and Hs HDR2 in terpenoid and sterol biosynthesis in Huperziaceae plants.
文摘Aim:Gemcitabine is a frontline agent for locally-advanced and metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC),but neither gemcitabine alone nor in combination produces durable remissions of this tumor type.We developed three PDAC patient-derived xenograft(PDX)models with gemcitabine resistance(gemR)acquired in vivo,with which to identify mechanisms of resistance relevant to drug exposure in vivo and to evaluate novel therapies.Methods:Mice bearing independently-derived PDXs received 100 mg/kg gemcitabine once or twice weekly.Tumors initially responded,but regrew on treatment and were designated gemR.We used immunohistochemistry to compare expression of proteins previously associated with gemcitabine resistance[ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1(RRM1),RRM2,human concentrative nucleoside transporter 1(hCNT1),human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1(hENT1),cytidine deaminase(CDA),and deoxycytidine kinase(dCK)]in gemR and respective gemcitabine-naïve parental tumors.Results:Parental and gemR tumors did not differ in tumor cell morphology,amount of tumor-associated stroma,or expression of stem cell markers.No consistent pattern of expression of the six gemR marker proteins was observed among the models.Increases in RRM1 and CDA were consistent with in vitro-derived gemR models.However,rather than the expected decreases of hCNT1,hENT1,and dCK,gemR tumors expressed no change in or higher levels of these gemR marker proteins than parental tumors.Conclusion:These models are the first PDAC PDX models with gemcitabine resistance acquired in vivo.The data indicate that mechanisms identified in models with resistance acquired in vitro are unlikely to be the predominant mechanisms when resistance is acquired in vivo.Ongoing work focuses on characterizing unidentified mechanisms of gemR and on identifying agents with anti-tumor efficacy in these gemR models。
基金funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant numbers:81872335,82303891 and 82303119)The Central Plains Science and Technology Innovation Leading Talents(No.224200510015,China)+1 种基金Key scientific research project plan of colleges and universities in Henan Province(grant number:24A310025,China)Science and Technology Project of Henan Province(No.242102310414,China).
文摘Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC),a malignancy of the digestive system,is highly prevalent and the primary cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide due to the lack of early diagnostic biomarkers and effective therapeutic targets.Dysregulated ribonucleotide reductase(RNR)expression has been confirmed to be causally linked to tumorigenesis.This study demonstrated that ribonucleotide reductase small subunit M2(RRM2)is significantly upregulated in ESCC tissue and that its expression is negatively correlated with clinical outcomes.Mechanistically,HuR promotes RRM2 mRNA stabilization by binding to the adenine/uridine(AU)-rich elements(AREs)within the 3′UTR,resulting in persistent overexpression of RRM2.Furthermore,bifonazole is identified as an inhibitor of HuR via computational screening and molecular docking analysis.Bifonazole disrupts HuR-ARE interactions by competitively binding to HuR at F65,R97,I103,and R153 residues,resulting in reduced RRM2 expression.Furthermore,bifonazole exhibited antitumor effects on ESCC patient-derived xenograft(PDX)models by decreasing RRM2 expression and the dNTP pool.In summary,this study reveals the interaction network among HuR,RRM2,and bifonazole and demonstrated that bifonazole is a potential therapeutic compound for ESCC through inhibition of the HuR/RRM2 axis.
