Neural localization of addicsin in mouse brain

Addicsin is a member of the prenylated Rab acceptor (PRA) 1 domain family and a murine homolog of the rat glutamate-transporter-associated protein 3-18 (GTRAP3-18). This protein is considered to function as a modulator of the neural glutamate transporter excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1). However, its molecular functions remain largely unknown. Here, we examined the regional and cellular localization of addicsin in the central nervous system (CNS) by using a newly generated antibody specific for the protein. Distribution analysis by Western blot and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the protein was widely distributed in various regions of the mature CNS, including the olfactory bulbs, cerebral cortex, amygdala, hippocampus CA1–3 fields, dentate gyrus, and cerebellum. Double immunofluorescence analysis revealed that addicsin was expressed in the somata of principal neurons in the CNS such as the pyramidal cells and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic interneurons scattered in the hippocampal formation. Furthermore, the protein showed pre-synaptic localization in the stratum lucidum of the CA3 field of the hippocampal formation. Subcellular localization analysis of highly purified synaptic fractions prepared from mouse forebrain supported the cytoplasmic and pre-synaptic distribution of addicsin. These results suggest that addicsin has neural expression and may play crucial roles in the basic physiological functions of the mature CNS.     

ATRA诱导SP100蛋白表达及其对白血病NB4细胞增殖的影响

目的探讨SP100蛋白在全反式维甲酸(ATRA)作用NB4细胞过程中的表达及其对NB4细胞增殖和周期的影响。方法实时定量PCR检测SP100 mRNA的表达;Western blot检测SP100蛋白的表达;免疫荧光检测SP100的定位;CCK-8检测NB4细胞的增殖;流式细胞术检测NB4细胞的周期。结果 ATRA能明显促进NB4细胞中SP100mRNA水平和蛋白水平,并将SP100由弥散的小点状转变为较大的斑块状;感染SP100-shRNA的NB4细胞增殖活力明显高于未感染组和病毒空载组(P0.05),并使G2/M期的细胞增多。结论 ATRA促进NB4细胞中SP100蛋白的表达,SP100蛋白可能参与NB4细胞增殖活力的调节。     

PAR-2在人胰腺肿瘤细胞中的表达及其相关机制的研究

目的:通过对蛋白酶激活受体-2(PAR-2)在人胰腺癌细胞及癌旁组织中表达态势的研究,以期明确PAR-2在胰腺癌中表达特点,并探索其相关机制。方法:收集胰腺癌标本,采用免疫组织化学(SP法)检测胰腺癌PAR-2基因的表达;培养胰腺癌细胞,采用逆转录聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)检测胰腺癌PAR-2基因的表达。结果:胰腺癌组PAR-2 mR-NA的表达高于对照组(P<0.01)。PAR-2在胰腺癌中的表达与患者年龄、性别无关(P>0.05),但癌细胞远处转移者显著高于无转移者(P<0.01)。结论:胰腺癌的发生与发展与PAR-2正相关。PAR-2在胰腺癌中的表达与患者年龄、性别无关;但与淋巴结转移正相关。     

Peptidoglycan activation of the proPO-system without a peptidoglycan receptor protein (PGRP)?

Recognition of microbial polysaccharide by pattern recognition receptors triggers the prophenoloxidase (proPO) cascade, resulting in melanin synthesis and its deposition on the surface of invading pathogens. Several masquerade-like proteins and serine proteinase homologues have been shown to be involved in the proPO activation in insects. In this study, a novel serine proteinase homologue, Pl-SPH2, was found and isolated as a 30 kDa protein from hemocytes of the freshwater crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus, by its binding property to a partially lysozyme digested or TCA-treated insoluble Lysine (Lys)-type peptidoglycan (PGN) and soluble polymeric Lys-type PGN. Two other proteins, the Pl-SPH1 and lipopolysaccharide- and β-1,3-glucan-binding protein (LGBP) were also found in the several different PGN-binding assays. However no PGRP homologue was detected. Neither was any putative PGRP found after searching available crustacean sequence databases. If RNA interference of Pl-SPH2, Pl-SPH1 or LGBP in the crayfish hematopoietic tissue cell culture was performed, it resulted in lower PO activity following activation of the proPO-system by soluble Lys-type PGN. Taken together, we report for the first time that Lys-type PGN is a trigger of proPO-system activation in a crustacean and that two Pl-SPHs are involved in this activation possibly by forming a complex with LGBP and without a PGRP.     

Stress-induced analgesia

For over 30 years, scientists have been investigating the phenomenon of pain suppression upon exposure to unconditioned or conditioned stressful stimuli, commonly known as stress-induced analgesia. These studies have revealed that individual sensitivity to stress-induced analgesia can vary greatly and that this sensitivity is coupled to many different phenotypes including the degree of opioid sensitivity and startle response. Furthermore, stress-induced analgesia is influenced by age, gender, and prior experience to stressful, painful, or other environmental stimuli. Stress-induced analgesia is mediated by activation of the descending inhibitory pain pathway. Pharmacological and neurochemical studies have demonstrated involvement of a large number of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. In particular, there are key roles for the endogenous opioid, monoamine, cannabinoid, γ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate systems. The study of stress-induced analgesia has enhanced our understanding of the fundamental physiology of pain and stress and can be a useful approach for uncovering new therapeutic targets for the treatment of pain and stress-related disorders.     

Hepatic leukemia-associated macrophages exhibit a pro-inflammatory phenotype in Notch1-induced acute T cell leukemia

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are well accepted and the pathological role of macrophages in hematopoietic malignancies have been proposed. Hepatomegaly is frequently observed in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients with poor prognosis. However, the role of leukemia-associated macrophages (LAMs) in hepatic microenvironment remains unclear. Here, the characteristics of hepatic LAMs (H-LAMs) were studied in Notch1 induced T-ALL model. Increase in proportion and absolute counts of H-LAMs was detected with infiltration of inflammatory cells. Furthermore, H-LAMs exhibited a more M1-like phenotype distinct from that of TAMs in hepatocellular carcinoma and LAMs from BM or spleen in leukemia. Moreover, H-LAMs expressed increased level of cytokines in charge of recruiting inflammatory cells, which contributed to pro-inflammatory hepatic microenvironment.     

Investigation of gene–gene interactions between CD40 and CD40L in Polish multiple sclerosis patients

CD40–CD40L interaction is necessary for the activation of both humoral and cellular immune response and has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Therefore, we analyzed the combined influence of the CD40 and CD40L variants on MS susceptibility and progression on well-defined Polish population. Our investigation revealed that CT individuals in rs1883832 locus of CD40 possessed almost 1.5-fold higher risk for MS than CC individuals (OR = 1.44; 95%CI = 1.03–2.1; p = 0.032), while this risk for TT individuals was almost 2.5-fold higher (OR = 2.36; 95%CI = 1.19–4.78; p = 0.014).     

Inhibitors of TLR-4, NF-κB,and SAPK/JNK signaling reduce the toxic effect of lipopolysaccharide on RAW 264.7 cells

The present study was designed to examine and compare the effects of three suppressors on the cytokine response in tandem with examining: the synthesis of inducible forms of heat shock proteins; HSP72 and HSP90α; activities of NF-κB and SAPK/JNK signaling pathways; and TLR4 expression. Pre-treatment with inhibitors offers promise as protective means to lower the activity of these cascades, thereby circumventing the formation of excessive amounts of pro-inflammatory molecules. Three inhibitors of TLR4, SAPK/JNK, and NF-κB signaling, namely CLI-095, SP600125, and IKK Inhibitor XII, respectively, were added to cultured RAW 264.7 macrophages before the Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) application. Treatments of RAW 264.7 cells with each of the inhibitors resulted in a reduced response to LPS as was visualized by a decrease of TNF-α, IL-1, and IFN-γ production. In addition, inhibitors of the NF-κB and SAPK/JNK signaling reduced IL-6 production in LPS-treated cells, whereas the IKK inhibitor XII also decreased IL-10 production. Further, the NO production in LPS-stimulated macrophages was significantly reduced following application of CLI-095 or IKK inhibitor XII. The results also showed that the inhibitors suppressed TLR4 production and decreased phosphorylation of NF-κB and SAPK/JNK proteins, thereby preventing the activation NF-κB and SAPK/JNK signaling pathways in LPS-activated cells. In addition, the production of inducible heat shock proteins, HSP72 and HSP90-α, was reduced in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells pre-treated with inhibitors. These results suggest that inhibitors CLI-095, SP600125, and IKK inhibitor XII demonstrate potential effectiveness in the reduction of the inflammatory response by mechanisms involving both the cellular defense system and cellular signaling. In conclusion, suppressor of NF-κB cascade, IKK inhibitor XII, seems to be the most effective anti-toxic agent among studied inhibitors.     

PLAGL2对SP—C基因表达调控的作用靶点研究

目的 研究PLAGL2对SP—c基因表达调控的作用靶点。方法 定点诱变技术分别突变掉SP—C基因启动子上PLAGL2的结合位点以及PLAGL2的第6、7位锌指结构域序列并获得相应的突变体；凝胶电泳迁移实验研究PLAGL2及其突变体分别与SP—C基因启动子及其突变体之间的相互结合作用。结果 PLAGL2能与同位素标记的SP—C基因启动子片段相结合形成蛋白-DNA复合物，而两者的突变体却不能与相应的蛋白或DNA片段发生相互作用。结论 PLAGL2通过其第6、7位锌指结构与SP—C基因启动子上PLAGL2的核心和簇结合位点序列相互结合从而实现对SP—C基因的表达调控。