Effects of external application of Chinese medicine on diabetic ulcers and the expressions of β-catenin, c-myc and K6

Objective  

To observe the clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine (CM) treatment of Hongyou Ointment (红油膏) and Shengji Powder (生肌散) on diabetic ulcers, and to observe the influence of CM treatment on the expressions of proteins associated with the Wnt signaling pathway, such as β-catenin, c-myc and K6.     

Wnt/Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β/β-catenin Signaling Activation Mediated Sevoflurane Preconditioning-induced Cardioprotection

Background:

Sevoflurane preconditioning (SP) has been shown to invoke potent myocardial protection in animal studies and clinical trials. However, the mechanisms underlying SP are complex and not yet well understood. We investigated the hypothesis that the cardioprotection afforded by SP is mediated via the Wnt/glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β)/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Methods:

Two models were established: A Langendorff perfused rat heart model and the H9C2 cell hypoxia/reoxygenation model. Both rats and H9C2 cells were randomly divided into 6 groups as follows: S group, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) group, DMSO group, IWP group, SP group, and SP + IWP group. Hemodynamic parameters, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in coronary effluent and cell culture supernatant, and the infarct size were measured to evaluate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injuries. To determine the activity of Wnt/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway, the expressions of Wnt3a, phospho-GSK3β, and β-catenin were measured by Western blotting.

Results:

SP improved cardiac function recovery, reduced infarct size (18 ± 2% in the SP group compared with 35 ± 4% in the I/R group; P < 0.05), decreased LDH activity in coronary effluent, and culture supernatant. IWP-2, an inhibitor of Wnt, abolished the cardioprotection by SP. In addition, Western blotting analysis demonstrated that the expressions of Wnt3a, phospho-GSK3β, and β-catenin significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the I/R group, compared with the S group; and compared to I/R group, SP significantly (P < 0.05) increased Wnt3a, phospho-GSK3β, and β-catenin expressions. Pretreatment with IWP-2 significantly (P < 0.05) abolished SP-induced Wnt/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling activation.

Conclusions:

The results showed for the first time that cardioprotection afforded by SP may be mediated partly via the Wnt/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway.     

Altered Wnt Signaling Pathway in Cognitive Impairment Caused by Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia: Focus on Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β and β-catenin

Background:

Cognitive impairment is a severe complication caused by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The mechanisms of causation are still unclear. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is involved in cognition, and abnormalities in it are implicated in neurological disorders. Here, we explored the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway abnormalities caused by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), the most characteristic pathophysiological component of OSA.

Methods:

We divided 32 4-week-old male C57/BL mice into four groups of eight each: a CIH + normal saline (NS) group, CIH + LiCl group, sham CIH + NS group, and a sham CIH + LiCl group. The spatial learning performance of each group was assessed by using the Morris water maze (MWM). Protein expressions of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and β-catenin in the hippocampus were examined using the Western blotting test. EdU labeling and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling staining methods were used, respectively, to determine the proliferation and apoptosis of neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus region.

Results:

Mice exposed to CIH showed impaired spatial learning performance in the MWM, including increased mean escape latencies to reach the target platform, decreased mean times passing through the target platform and mean duration in the target quadrant. The GSK-3β activity increased, and expression of β-catenin decreased significantly in the hippocampus of the CIH-exposed mice. Besides, CIH significantly increased hippocampal neuronal apoptosis, with an elevated apoptosis index. Meanwhile, LiCl decreased the activity of GSK-3β and increased the expression of β-catenin and partially reversed the spatial memory deficits in MWM and the apoptosis caused by CIH.

Conclusions:

Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway abnormalities possibly play an important role in the development of cognitive deficits among mice exposed to CIH and that LiCl might attenuate CIH-induced cognitive impairment via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.     

Ursolic Acid Inhibits T-Cell Activation through Modulating Nuclear Factor-κB Signaling

<正>Objective:To investigate the effects of ursolic acid(UA) on T-cell proliferation and activation,as well as to examine its effect on nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway in T cells.Methods:T-cells isolated from BALB/c mice were incubated with UA at concentrations ranging from 5-30μmol/L in the presence of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA) or PMA plus ionomycin.The proliferation of T cells was measured by the MTT assay.The expressions of CD69,CD25,and CD71 on T-cell surface were analyzed using flow cytometry. The level of interleukin-2(IL-2) in the culture supernatant of activated T cells was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The level of phosphorylated IκB-α(p-lκB-α) in total protein and p65,a subunit of NF-κB,nuclear translocation were measured by Western blot analysis.Results:UA in a dose-dependent manner significantly decreased the proliferation and inhibited the surface expressions of CD69,CD25,and CD71 in murine T lymphocytes upon in vitro activation(P0.01).Significant reduction of IL-2 production was found in activated T cells treated with UA(P0.01).The PMA-induced increase in p-lκB-αprotein was inhibited,and nuclear translocation of p65 from the cytoplasm was blocked by UA.Conclusion:UA is a potent inhibitor for T cell activation and proliferation;these effects are associated with the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway.     

The regulatory effects of polyporus polysaccharide on the nuclear factor kappa B signal pathway of bladder cancer cells stimulated by Bacillus Calmette-Guerin

Objective  

To detect the effects of Polyporus polysaccharide (PPS), Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), and their combination on the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway associated-gene expression and investigate the molecular mechanisms of the toxic-reducing effect of PPS in coordination with BCG against bladder cancer.     

Sex-determining Region of Y Chromosome-related High-mobility-group Box 2 in Malignant Tumors: Current Opinions and Anticancer Therapy

Objective:To gain insight into the mechanism by which sex-determining region of Y chromosome (SRY)-related high-mobility-group box 2 (SOX2) involved in carcinogenesis and cancer stem cells (CSCs).Data ...     

Profiles of the auditory epithelia related microRNA expression in neonatal and adult rats

Background

The impact of miRNA differential expression on the auditory epithelium stem cell development in postnatal rats is not clear. The present study was designed to analyze miRNA expression in the organ of Corti of neonatal and adult rats.

Methods

The cochleae of newborn (P0) and adult (P30) Sprague-Dawley rats were dissected in cold PBS to collect the sensory epithelia. Small RNAs were extracted using the mirVana RNA Isolation kit. Then, miRNA expression profiling was performed with RNAs from three newborns and three adult rats utilizing the TaqMan Array Rodent MicroRNA Panel.

Results

Eighteen miRNAs were found be differentially expressed, 16 were unregulated in mature cochleae with the fold changes ranging from 17 to 600 folds. The expression levels of two miRNAs were reduced in the mature rat cochleae. GO analysis and signaling pathway analysis revealed the potential involvement of the miRNAs in the regulation of Wnt and TGF-β signaling pathways in hair cell development.

Conclusions

Our results provided novel insights into the functional significance of miRNAs in the basilar membrane cells development, and revealed the potential importance of miRNAs in the hair cell by regulation of Wnt and TGF-β signaling.     

Wnt信号通路的生物学效应及其与肺部疾病的关系

Wnt信号转导通路(Wnt通路)是一条在进化上保守的信号途径,它主要由经典Wnt/β-catenin信号途径和非经典的Wnt信号途径(Wnt/平面细胞的极性途径和Wnt/Ca2+途径)组成。其生物学效应广泛,可调控细胞的黏附、迁移、增生和凋亡等。作为一条与多种疾病密切关系的信号转导通路,其在肺部疾病发生、发展中所起的重要作用也逐渐被揭示。     

益气解毒方通过Wnt/β-catenin信号通路对鼻咽癌CNE2细胞增殖的影响

目的探讨益气解毒方对鼻咽癌CNE2细胞增殖及Wnt/β-catenin信号通路的影响。方法将CNE2细胞用不同浓度(0.25、0.50、1.0 g/L)的益气解毒方水提物和阳性对照药(顺铂,4 mg/L)分别处理24、48、72 h,采用MTT法检测细胞增殖率,流式细胞术检测药物作用48 h后细胞周期分布情况;Western blot检测Wnt/β-catenin信号通路关键蛋白Wnt5a/b、β-catenin及细胞周期蛋白CyclinD1的表达情况。结果MTT结果显示,益气解毒方对鼻咽癌CNE2细胞增殖具有明显抑制作用,且其抑制作用与作用时间、药物浓度呈正相关(P<0.05)。细胞周期结果显示,处理48 h后,G0/G1期比例降低,S期和G2/M期比例增加(P<0.05,P<0.01)。Western blot结果显示,水提物处理48 h后,Wnt/β-catenin信号通路关键蛋白Wnt5a/b、β-catenin及细胞周期蛋白CyclinD1的表达量明显下降(P<0.01)。结论益气解毒方可通过下调Wnt/β-catenin信号通路关键蛋白Wnt5a/b、β-catenin及细胞周期蛋白CyclinD1的表达,阻滞细胞周期,抑制人鼻咽癌CNE2细胞的增殖。     

Effects of Weipixiao(胃痞消) on Wnt Pathway-Associated Proteins in Gastric Mucosal Epithelial Cells from Rats with Gastric Precancerous Lesions

Objective: To study the effects of Weipixiao(胃痞消, WPX) on Wnt pathway-associated proteins in gastric mucosal epithelial cells from rats with gastric precancerous lesions(GPL). Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, model, vitacoenzyme(0.2 g·kg~(-1)·day~(-1)), WPX high-dose(H-WPX, 15 g·kg~(-1)·day~(-1)), WPX medium-dose(M-WPX, 7.5 g·kg~(-1)·day~(-1)) and WPX low-dose(L-WPX, 3.75 g·kg~(-1)·day~(-1)) groups. After successfully establishing the GPL model, the rats were consecutively administered WPX or vitacoenzyme by gastrogavage for 10 weeks. Differential expression of Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-proteincoupled receptor 5(Lgr5), matrix metalloproteinase-7(MMP-7), Wnt1, Wnt3 a, and β-catenin in gastric mucosal epithelial cells in all groups were immunohistochemically detected, and the images were taken and analyzed semiquantitatively by image pro plus 6.0 software. Results: Gastric epithelium in the model group showed significantly higher expression levels of Lgr5, MMP-7, Wnt1, Wnt3 a and β-catenin than those of the control group(P0.01). Interestingly, we also observed Lgr5+ cells, which generally located at the base of the gastric glandular unit, migrated to the luminal side of gastric epithelium with GPL. The expression levels of Lgr5, MMP-7, Wnt1, and β-catenin were all down-regulated in the L-WPX group as compared with those of both model and vitacoenzyme groups(P0.05). A similar, but nonsignificant down-regulation in expression level of Wnt3 a was noted in all WPX groups(P0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that the therapeutic mechanisms of WPX in treating GPL might be related with its inhibitory effects on the expressions of Lgr5, MMP-7, Wnt1, β-catenin and the aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway.     

Role of Wnt Inhibitory Factor-1 in Inhibition of Bisdemethoxycurcumin Mediated Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Highly Metastatic Lung Cancer 95D Cells

Background:

Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) is an active component of curcumin and a chemotherapeutic agent, which has been suggested to inhibit tumor growth, invasion and metastasis in multiple cancers. But its contribution and mechanism of action in invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are not very clear. Therefore, we tried to study the effects of BDMC on regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is closely linked to tumor cell invasion and metastasis.

Methods:

In this study, we first induced transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) mediated EMT in highly metastatic lung cancer 95D cells. Thereafter, we studied the effects of BDMC on invasion and migration of 95D cells. In addition, EMT markers expressions were also analyzed by western blot and immunofluorescence assays. The contribution of Wnt inhibitory factor-1 (WIF-1) in regulating BDMC effects on TGF-β1 induced EMT were further analyzed by its overexpression and small interfering RNA knockdown studies.

Results:

It was observed that BDMC inhibited the TGF-β1 induced EMT in 95D cells. Furthermore, it also inhibited the Wnt signaling pathway by upregulating WIF-1 protein expression. In addition, WIF-1 manipulation studies further revealed that WIF-1 is a central molecule mediating BDMC response towards TGF-β1 induced EMT by regulating cell invasion and migration.

Conclusions:

Our study concluded that BDMC effects on TGF-β1 induced EMT in NSCLC are mediated through WIF-1 and elucidated a novel mechanism of EMT regulation by BDMC.     

中医药防治阿尔茨海默病与Wnt/β-catenin信号通路作用研究述评

阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer's disease,AD)是一种中枢神经系统退行性疾病,以记忆力减退和认知障碍为主要表现。经典Wnt信号通路是重要的信号转导通路之一,调节多种靶基因的转录、翻译,参与中枢神经系统发育的过程。Wnt/β-catenin信号通路参与多种神经系统发育过程的调节,包括突触发生及功能形态变化,神经细胞的增值分化等。Wnt/β-catenin信号通路在AD发生机制中起到非常重要的作用。近年来研究发现,中医药对Wnt/β-catenin信号通路具有调节作用,中医药具有多成分、多靶点的优势,多种中药及复方、单体具有保护神经血管单元的作用,主要是通过调节Wnt/β-catenin信号通路中的关键信号分子Wnt3a、Axin2、GSK-3β、Wnt7b、β-catenin、TCF4、Fiz9等蛋白的表达发挥作用。这对探讨AD的发病机制及中医药防治的作用机制提供理论基础。     

新生大鼠缺氧缺血性脑损伤后差异性表达基因的生物信息学分析

目的 分析新生大鼠缺氧缺血性脑损伤（hypoxic-ischemic brain damage,HIBD）后7周大脑皮层与对照组脑皮层的基因表达差异,探讨其生物学意义。 方法 从基因表达数据库（Gene Expression Omnibus database,GEO）中获取新生Wista大鼠缺氧缺血性脑损伤后7周大脑皮层基因表达芯片数据集GSE37777。该数据集共8个样本,4个样本为HIBD组,4个样本为对照组。采用R软件包对数据做预处理和差异性表达基因（differentiallyexpressed genes,DEGs）的筛选,应用Cytoscape 插件ClueGO+Cluepedia构建DEGs功能分组通路网络。通过相互作用基因库检索工具（Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes,STRING）数据库和Cytoscape软件进行DEGs的蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用（protein-protein interaction,PPI）网络分析。结果 HIBD组共发现 973 DEGs,其中599个基因表达上调,374个基因表达下调。DEGs功能分组通路网络分析显示Hedgehog信号通路是最显著的差异性表达基因通路。HIBD组中Hedgehog通路相关基因Shh及Dhh表达上调,Wnt通路相关基因Wnt1、Wnt2B及Wnt5表达上调。PPI网络分析显示Ccnd1、Shh、 Ret及Gli3是主要的中心蛋白,Shh和Ret表达上调,Ccnd1和Gli3表达下调。 结论 生物信息学分析显示,新生大鼠HIBD后7周脑皮层可能存在Hedgehog和Wnt信号通路的激活,与细胞修复相关的蛋白Shh及Ret的表达上调。新生大鼠HIBD 7周后脑皮层可能存在持续修复过程。     

Wnt信号通路抑制因子Dickkopf-3与肿瘤关系的研究进展

Wnt信号通路(Wnt通路)是重要的细胞信号转导途径,在细胞的增殖、分化中发挥重要的作用。Wnt通路的异常与多种肿瘤的发生或转移有关。研究发现Wnt拮抗剂Dkk-3(Dickkopf-3)可以拮抗Wnt通路,并与多种肿瘤相关,抑制Dkk-3可抑制肿瘤生长。因此,深入研究Dkk-3对肿瘤机制阐明和治疗具有重要意义。     

经典Wnt/β-catenin信号通路中的双向调控

In recent years,Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been identified as a key player in embryogenesis and human diseases.Canonical Wnt signaling pathway is controlled by a variety of classic molecules like Wnt,β-catenin,Axin,APC,GSK-3β and CK1,which interact and coordinate to regulate the expressions of cell signaling molecules.The latest evidences suggest that some components of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling,like APC,GSK-3β,CK1,Dkk2 and WISE,play dual roles different from what they have been thought previously.Here w...     

Wnt/β-catenin信号通路拮抗剂与骨质疏松

Wnt/β-catenin信号通路是重要的细胞信号转导途径,在细胞的增殖、分化中发挥重要作用。目前的研究表明Wnt/β-catenin信号通路在骨代谢中发挥重要作用,该通路的异常与骨质疏松的发生有关。Wnt/β-catenin拮抗剂可以抑制Wnt/β-catenin信号通路,导致通路表达异常,进一步研究Wnt/β-catenin信号通路拮抗剂,设计出阻断该通路拮抗剂的物质,可为骨质疏松的治疗提供一种新的途径。     

鼻咽癌相关基因6在人结肠癌Wnt/β-catenin信号转导通路中的作用

目的:探讨鼻咽癌相关基因6(NGX6)对结肠癌Wnt/β-catenin信号转导通路下游靶分子的影响,明确NGX6与Wnt通路之间是否存在反馈调节.方法:将pCMV-myc-NGX6真核表达载体及pCMV-myc空白载体瞬时转染结肠癌细胞系SW620,Western印迹检测转染NGX6前后Wnt/β-catenin信号...