Construction and Expression of Eukaryotic Expression Vector and Plasmid Expressing siRNA of Human Protection of Telomeres 1

1 IntroductionThe POT1 (protection of telomeres 1) protein binds the single-stranded overhang at the ends of chromosomes in diverse eukaryocytes. It is essential for chromosome end-protection in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and it is involved in regulation of telomere length in human cells. Human POT1 had been identified in 2001 year. Its amino terminal is highly conservative in eukaryocytes. Since Pot1 can bind internal loops and directly adjacent DNA-binding sites, it is…     

ATP depletion induces translocation of STIM1 to puncta and formation of STIM1–ORAI1 clusters: translocation and re-translocation of STIM1 does not require ATP

Depletion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium store triggers translocation of stromal interacting molecule one (STIM1) to the sub-plasmalemmal region and formation of puncta—structures in which STIM1 interacts and activates calcium channels. ATP depletion induced the formation of STIM1 puncta in PANC1, RAMA37, and HeLa cells. The sequence of events triggered by inhibition of ATP production included a rapid decline of ATP, depletion of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P₂) and a slow calcium leak from the ER followed by formation of STIM1 puncta. STIM1 puncta induced by ATP depletion were co-localized with clusters of ORAI1 channels. STIM1–ORAI1 clusters that developed as a result of ATP depletion were very poor mediators of Ca²⁺ influx. Re-translocation of STIM1 from puncta back to the ER was observed during total ATP depletion. We can therefore conclude that STIM1 translocation and re-translocation as well as formation of STIM1–ORAI1 clusters occur in an ATP-independent fashion and under conditions of PI(4,5)P₂ depletion. Michael Chvanov and Ciara M. Walsh are considered as equal first authors.     

Function and regulation of IL-1α in inflammatory diseases and cancer

The interleukin (IL)-1 family of cytokines is currently comprised of 11 members that have pleiotropic functions in inflammation and cancer. IL-1α and IL-1β were the first members of the IL-1 family to be described, and both signal via the same receptor, IL-1R. Over the last decade, much progress has been made in our understanding of biogenesis of IL-1β and its functions in human diseases. Studies from our laboratory and others have highlighted the critical role of nod-like receptors (NLRs) and multi-protein complexes known as inflammasomes in the regulation of IL-1β maturation. Recent studies have increased our appreciation of the role played by IL-1α in inflammatory diseases and cancer. However, the mechanisms that regulate the production of IL-1α and its bioavailability are relatively understudied. In this review, we summarize the distinctive roles played by IL-1α in inflammatory diseases and cancer. We also discuss our current knowledge about the mechanisms that control IL-1α biogenesis and activity, and the major unanswered questions in its biology.     

Expression and significance of HIF-1α and VEGF-C in gastric carcinoma

Objective The present studies aimed at studying the expression and significance of HIF-1α and VEGF-C in gastric carcinoma. Methods SP method was used for the immunohistochemical detection of HIF-1α and VEGF-C proteins in paraffin embedded archival samples from 44 patients with gastric carcinoma and 20 normal gastric tissues. Results In 44 cases, the positive rate of HIF-1αwas 59.09%(26/44)and 23 cases 52. 27%(23/44)showed VEGF-C positive in cytoplasm and they were significantly higher than those in gastric normal tissue. The positive rate of HIF-1α in gastric cancer tissue expression with lymph node metastasis was higher than that without lymph node metastasis(72. 41% 21/29 vs 33.33 % 5/15;x2 = 6.25, P ＜ 0. 05).The positive rate of VEGF-C expression with lymph node metastasis and that without lymph node metastasis was 65. 52%(19/29)and 26. 67%(4/15)respectively(x2 = 4. 53, P ＜ 0. 05). The expression of HIF-1α and VEGF-C was closely correlated with lymph node metastasis and the depth of tumor invasion(x2 = 5. 14,P ＜ 0. 05, and x2 = 4. 38, P ＜ 0. 05), but no relationship with tumor position, sex and age. The positive expression of HIF-1α was consistent with the positive expression of VEGF-C. Conclusion The up regulated expression of HIF-1α and VEGF-C were observed in gastric cancer. The expression of HIF-1α and VEGF-C were correlated with lymph node metastasis and they were of some value for predicting prognosis of gastric carcinoma.     

The contribution of MOR-1 exons 1–4 to morphine and heroin analgesia and dependence

Although morphine and heroin analgesia is mediated by μ-opioid receptors encoded by the MOR-1 gene, distinct isoforms are involved. Both opioids also induce dependence by acting at μ-opioid receptors, but which variants are utilized is not known. Here, we assayed morphine and heroin analgesia and dependence in mice treated with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AO) targeting MOR-1 exons 1–4. Whereas AOs targeting exons 1 and 4 blocked morphine analgesia, those targeting exons 2 and 3 blocked heroin analgesia. Neither morphine nor heroin analgesia was compromised 5 days after the last AO injection. In morphine and heroin dependent mice, only exon 1 AO significantly reduced jumping incidence during naloxone (50 mg/kg) precipitated withdrawal. Neither analgesia nor withdrawal jumping was attenuated in controls pretreated with saline or a mismatch oligodeoxynucleotide control sequence. While these data confirm previous reports that morphine and heroin analgesia are not mediated by a single μ-opioid receptor, both opiates nonetheless apparently induce dependence via a μ-opioid receptor isoform containing exon 1. For heroin, the possibility that analgesia and dependence are mediated by distinct μ-opioid receptor isoforms offers the prospect of developing potent opiate analgesics possessing reduced dependence liability.     

Inhalation of Carbon Monoxide Ameliorates Collagen-induced Arthritis in Mice and Regulates the Articular Expression of IL-1β and MCP-1

Carbon monoxide (CO), long considered a toxic gas, has recently been shown to mediate anti-inflammatory effects in various animal models. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the inhalation of CO ameliorated collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. CIA was induced in female DBA/1 mice by the injection of an anti-type II collagen antibody and lipopolysaccharide. The CO treatment group was exposed to CO gas at a concentration of 200 ppm in a closed cage starting on the day of the injection with an anti-type II collagen antibody and throughout the remaining study period. The clinical arthritis scores was examined daily for swelling of the paws as a sign of arthritis. For histopathology, the sections of the hind legs were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Moreover, we evaluated the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA in the hind paws. Both clinical arthritis scores as well as histological findings of joint inflammation were significantly reduced in mice treated with CO gas inhalation compared to untreated mice. Further, CO significantly inhibited the increased expression of IL-1β and MCP-1 mRNA in paws at day 3 after the induction of arthritis. In conclusion, the inhalation of CO protected mice from the synovial inflammation of CIA. Based on these data, the beneficial effects of CO in murine RA model may be attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties.     

Prevalence of tri- and tetraantennary glycans of humanα 1-acid glycoprotein in release of macrophage inhibitor of interleukin-1 activity

Based on the affinity for concanavalin A (Con A), human ₁-acid glycoprotein (AGP) can be separated by chromatography on Con A-Sepharose gel into three variants: Con A unreactive AGP, Con A weakly reactive AGP, and Con A strongly reactive AGP. When exposed to native AGP or to its glycan variants, murine peritoneal macrophages released a factor that inhibited the interleukin-1 (IL-1) proliferative activity as measured in terms of the thymocyte comitogenic assay. Con A unreactive AGP, which contains tri- and tetraantennary glycans and no biantennae, proved to be more effective than Con A weakly and Con A strongly reactive variants, which contain one and two diantennary glycans, respectively. The inhibitory effect was not a function of the negative charge related to the sialyl residues and was not mediated by the maanosyl-fucosyl receptor.     

Expressions of Interleukin-1β and Interleukin-6 Within Aortas and Uteri of Rats with Various Severities of Ligature-Induced Periodontitis

To investigate the associations of periodontitis with histological lesions in some other organs, various severities of periodontitis were induced in rats by 3/0 silk ligatures tied around different numbers of their molar necks. Six weeks after the initial placement of ligatures, all rats were sacrificed by an anaesthetic overdose. The distances from the cemento-enamel junction to the alveolar bone crest within the placement zone of the ligature and their contralateral zone in groups L₂ and L₃ were measured. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in serum were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques, and those within aortas and uteri were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and by immunohistochemistry. We divided the ligature-induced periodontitis models into mild, moderate and severe rat periodontitis and observed that although no association between periodontitis and the serum concentrations of IL-1β was detected, the differences in the severity of rat periodontitis led to varying degrees of elevated expressions of IL-1β and IL-6 within aortas and uteri.     

The influence of the HLA-DRB, HLA-DQB and polymorphic positions of the HLA-DRβ1 and HLA-DQβ1 molecules on risk of Iranian type 1 diabetes mellitus patients

Type 1 Diabetes mellitus (T1D) is an autoimmune and multifactorial disease. HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 loci have the strongest association with T1D. This study aimed at investigating (i) susceptibility or protection of alleles, genotypes and haplotypes of HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 loci; and (ii) highly polymorphic amino acid residues of HLA-DRβ1 and DQβ1 in 105 Iranian T1D patients and 100 controls. The results indicated that DRB1*04:01, 03:01, DQB1*03:02, 02:01 alleles, DRB1*03:01/04:01, 03:01/13:03, DQB1*02:01/03:02 genotypes, DRB1*04:01-DQB1*03:02, DRB1*03:01-DQB1*02:01, DRB1*07:01-DQB1*03:03 haplotypes had positive association with T1D. In contrast, HLA-DRB1*15:01, 13:01, DQB1*03:01, 06:01 alleles, DRB1*11:01/15:01, DQB1*03:01/06:01, 03:01/05:01 genotypes and DRB1*15:01-DQB1*06:01, DRB1*11:01-DQB1*03:01 haplotypes had negative association with T1D. Analysis of amino acid sequence of HLA-DRβ1 and DQβ1 revealed that DRβ1(Lys71+) and DQβ1(Asp57-) were significantly more frequent in patients than in controls and had a positive effect in the development of T1D. Haplotype analysis demonstrated that HLA-DRB1(Lys71+) allele provided major susceptibility for T1D, and DQβ1(Asp57-) had an additive effect. We designed an allele-specific primer to develop an easy, quick and cost-benefit method to detect the DRβ1(Lys71+) . This method can identify all 114 DRB1 alleles encoding DRβ1(Lys71+) by three PCR reactions. The PcPPV and PcNPV were also calculated to determine the impact of HLA genotype testing at amino acid positions. It showed that the DRβ1(Lys71+/+) genotype carrier had 1% absolute risk of developing T1D.     

Axenfeld�CRieger syndrome and spectrum of PITX2 and FOXC1 mutations

Axenfeld–Rieger syndrome (ARS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder, which encompasses a range of congential malformations affecting the anterior segment of the eye. ARS shows genetic heterogeneity and mutations of the two genes, PITX2 and FOXC1, are known to be associated with the pathogenesis. There are several excellent reviews dealing with the complexity of the phenotype and genotype of ARS. In this study, we will attempt to give a brief review of the clinical features and the relevant diagnostic approaches, together with a detailed review of published PITX2 and FOXC1 mutations.     

Distribution pattern of matrix metalloproteinases 1, 2, 3, and 9, tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2, and α2-macroglobulin in cases of generalized AA- and AL amyloidosis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade basement membranes and connective tissue and play an essential role in the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix which is disrupted by the deposition of amyloid. This immunohistochemical study investigated the distribution pattern of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, -2, -3, and -9) and their inhibitors [alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2-M), tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP)-1, and TIMP-2] in human AA- and AL amyloid deposits. Specimens of liver, kidney, and spleen from 22 autopsy cases were investigated. Nine patients had suffered from generalized AA amyloidosis, eight from generalized AL amyloidosis, and five from rheumatoid arthritis or tuberculosis with no histological evidence of amyloid. In all amyloidotic and non-amyloidotic patients, each protease and protease inhibitor was detected in almost every organ investigated. In the amyloidotic cases, there was no indication that a specific protease or protease inhibitor was absent or expressed, but a difference was observed in their spatial distribution patterns. The most noticeable difference was found in immunostaining of amyloid. Only MMP-1, -2, and -3, and alpha 2-M were present in AA amyloid deposits, and only TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were found in deposits of AL amyloid. This is the first study to show that MMP-1, -2, and -3 are present in AA amyloid deposits. They may be involved in tissue remodeling or in proteolysis of the precursor and fibril proteins.     

Discoordinate expression of IL-1α and IL-1β in interfacial membranes of failed joint prostheses

Bone resorption following either cemented or uncemented total hip replacement has been implicated as an important etiologic factor in aseptic loosening of prostheses, the most frequent cause of clinical failure. Interleukin-1 (IL-1), collagenase and prostaglandin E₂ are considered to play key roles in pathological bone resorption. We have measured the actual levels and quantified the genes coding for several cytokines [IL-1, IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF), transforming growth factor- (TGF) and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF)] in interfacial membranes obtained from cemented or uncemented loosened joint replacements. IL-1, IL-6 and TNF were barely detectable in the interfacial membranes either at protein or mRNA levels, while IL-1 and TGF were found to be expressed at the highest levels in freshly isolated tissues. However, the expression of IL-1 increased 10–1000-fold either in isolated cells or explant cultures of interfacial membranes within 24 h. The expression of other cytokines, measured directly in tissue or cells, did not suggest a discoordinate expression of bone-resorbing cellular mediators.     

Role of serum pro-hepcidin and GSTM1 and GSTT1 null polymorphisms for estimation of the risk of myocardial siderosis in children and “young adults” with β-thalassemia major

This study aims to evaluate the serum pro-hepcidin level in β-thalassemia patients, to clarify its relation with serum level of ferritin and to assess the possible role of null polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase genes, GSTM1 and GSTT1, for susceptibility to β-thalassemia and myocardial siderosis. The serum level of pro-hepcidin was assessed in 31 patients [16 children (52 %) and 15 young adults (48 %)] with β-thalassemia and nine healthy individuals [four children (44 %) and five young adults (56 %)] applying ELISA method. Genotyping for the null polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 was performed successfully by multiplex PCR in 17 patients and in 40 healthy individuals, which were enrolled in the case–control study for assessment of the role of these polymorphisms as risk factors for β-thalassemia. The mean serum level of pro-hepcidin in patients did not differ significantly (159.12?±?70.12 ng/ml) from that in controls (144.64?±?53.30 ng/ml). We found a significant positive correlation with the serum ferritin (R?=?0.371, p?=?0.039). In addition, there was an association between the serum pro-hepcidin and the type of chelating therapy. The frequency of GSTT1 null genotypes was significantly higher in patients than in controls (0.29 vs. 0.07, p?=?0.025). We observed tendencies for a higher serum ferritin and lower value of ejection fraction of the left ventricle (EFLV) of the patients carrying GSTT1 null genotypes than those with non-null GSTT1 genotypes. The serum levels of pro-hepcidin is not the most precise markers of iron overload and organ dysfunction, but it could be considered as a relatively good alternative of the serum ferritin as an index of iron stores. In addition, we suggest that GSTT1 null genotype could be considered as a predisposing factor for β-thalassemia, myocardial siderosis, and dysfunction in patients with this disease.     

Effect of IL-1β and TNF-α polymorphisms on the prognosis and survival of gastric cancer patients

So far, a number of association studies have focused on the effect of polymorphisms in IL-1β and TNF-α genes on the susceptibility to gastric cancer (GC). Here, we evaluate the possible association between common polymorphisms in the IL-1β and TNF-α genes with various clinicopathological characteristics, including overall survival of GC patients. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was performed for IL-1β-31(T?>?C) and IL-1β-511(C?>?T) and TNF-α-857 (C?>?T) polymorphisms in 130 GC patients. IL-1β-31CC and IL-1β-511TT genotypes held a significantly lower risk of lymphatic invasion (IL-1β-31CC vs. others: adjusted OR?=?0.39, 95% CI?=?0.15-0.96, P?=?0.04, IL-1β-511TT vs. others: adjusted OR?=?0.23, 95% CI?=?0.08-0.67, P?=?0.007). The IL-1β-31CC and IL-1β-511TT genotypes were weakly associated with reduced risk of venous invasion (IL-1β-31CC vs. others: adjusted OR?=?0.35, 95% CI?=?0.12-1.05, P?=?0.06, IL-1β-511TT vs. others: adjusted OR?=?0.32, 95% CI?=?0.08-1.20, P?=?0.09). The IL-1β-511TT genotype was also weakly associated with reduced risk of lymph node metastasis (IL-1β-511TT vs. others: adjusted OR?=?0.42, 95% CI?=?0.17-1.04, P?=?0.06). When the TNF-α-857CT and TNF-α-857-TT genotypes were considered as T carrier, the patients with TNF-α-857T carrier showed significantly better overall survival than patients with CC genotype (P?=?0.011). GC patients who have both IL-1β-31 CC and IL-1β-511 TT genotypes and have at least one of protective genotypes (IL-1β-31 CC, IL-1β-511 TT, TNF-α-857 T carrier) were also associated with better prognostic factors, such as lymphatic and venous invasion better survival. IL-1β-31CC, IL-1β-511TT genotype, and TNF-α-857T carrier may have protective effect against GC progression.     

Asd-homothallism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: identification of asd1-1 as an allele of sir4 and detection of α-specific suppressors of it

Asd-homothallism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae involves a life cycle characterized by a non-mating phenotype and endomitotic diploidization. The former trait is determined by a single mutation, asd1-1. This mutation was mapped between hom2 and lys4 on the right arm of chromosome IV and was complemented by the cloned SIR4 gene. Therefore, we conclude that asd1-1 is an allele of sir4-11 and renamed it sir4-11. Endomitotic diploidization of asd-homothallism is caused by the collaboration of three to four mutations including sir4-11. In the course of this study, we detected -specific suppressors of sir4-11.     

Assessment of caspofungin susceptibility of Candida glabrata by the Etest®, CLSI,and EUCAST methods,and detection of FKS1 and FKS2 mutations

Candida glabrata has emerged as a major pathogen in invasive candidiasis in recent years. Currently, guidelines for invasive candidiasis treatment recommend fluconazole or an echinocandin as the first-line therapy. Nevertheless, the resistance of Candida glabrata to echinocandin is an emerging problem and has been partly associated with mutations in the FKS1 and FKS2 genes. The Etest® is an appropriate method for determining antifungal susceptibility in emergency routine diagnosis. In this work, we evaluated the reliability of the Etest® in comparison with the two reference broth microdilution methods, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST), to assess the caspofungin resistance of 193 isolates of Candida glabrata. The interpretation of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values was also discussed according to different breakpoints. Moreover, FKS1 and FKS2 mutations were investigated for isolates with high MICs. Our results showed that the MIC₅₀ value was similar to the MIC₉₀ value for each method. The Etest® method showed the lowest MIC values, whereas EUCAST presented the highest. Categorical agreement between the Etest® and CLSI methods was 100 % and 36 % using the breakpoints proposed by Arendrup et al. (Antimicrob Agents Chemother 56(7):3965–3968, 2012) and Pfaller et al. (Int J Antimicrob Agents 38(1):65–69, 2011), respectively. Two isolates showed high MIC values with the three methods and both presented FKS2 mutations. A novel FKS2 mutation was also reported for one isolate. Future epidemiological studies should also evaluate the reliability of the Etest® to detect echinocandin resistance, as it remains a routine method.