Antiproliferative effect of aaptamine on human chronic myeloid leukemia k562 cells

We previously isolated aaptamine, a benzonaphthyridine alkaloid, from marine sponge Aaptos suberitoids. In this study, we investigated the anti-proliferative effect of aaptamine on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) K562 cells. Aaptamine inhibited growth of K562 with a GI50 as 10 μM, and arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase. Western blot analysis indicated that aaptamine induced p21 expression in K562 cells. Moreover, p21 promoter was activated by aaptamine treatment in p21 transfected K562 cells. Since K562 is p53 negative, aaptamine was demonstrated to be a p53-independent p21 inducer in CML cells.     

Betel Nut Arecoline Induces Different Phases of Growth Arrest between Normal and Cancerous Prostate Cells through the Reactive Oxygen Species Pathway

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a reproductive system cancer in elderly men. We investigated the effects of betel nut arecoline on the growth of normal and cancerous prostate cells. Normal RWPE-1 prostate epithelial cells, androgen-independent PC-3 PCa cells, and androgen-dependent LNCaP PCa cells were used. Arecoline inhibited their growth in dose- and time-dependent manners. Arecoline caused RWPE-1 and PC-3 cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and LNCaP cell arrest in the G0/G1 phase. In RWPE-1 cells, arecoline increased the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-1, p21, and cyclins B1 and D3, decreased the expression of CDK2, and had no effects on CDK4 and cyclin D1 expression. In PC-3 cells, arecoline decreased CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, p21, p27, and cyclin D1 and D3 protein expression and increased cyclin B1 protein expression. In LNCaP cells, arecoline decreased CDK2, CDK4, and cyclin D1 expression; increased p21, p27, and cyclin D3 expression; had no effects on CDK1 and cyclin B1 expression. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine blocked the arecoline-induced increase in reactive oxygen species production, decreased cell viability, altered the cell cycle, and changed the cell cycle regulatory protein levels. Thus, arecoline oxidant exerts differential effects on the cell cycle through modulations of regulatory proteins.     

Combinatorial Measurement of CDKN1A/p21 and KIF20A Expression for Discrimination of DNA Damage-Induced Clastogenicity

In vitro mammalian cytogenetic tests detect chromosomal aberrations and are used for testing the genotoxicity of compounds. This study aimed to identify a supportive genomic biomarker could minimize the risk of misjudgments and aid appropriate decision making in genotoxicity testing. Human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells were treated with each of six DNA damage-inducing genotoxins (clastogens) or two genotoxins that do not cause DNA damage. Cells were exposed to each compound for 4 h, and gene expression was comprehensively examined using Affymetrix U133A microarrays. Toxicogenomic analysis revealed characteristic alterations in the expression of genes included in cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A/p21)-centered network. The majority of genes included in this network were upregulated on treatment with DNA damage-inducing clastogens. The network, however, also included kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) downregulated by treatment with all the DNA damage-inducing clastogens. Downregulation of KIF20A expression was successfully confirmed using additional DNA damage-inducing clastogens. Our analysis also demonstrated that nucleic acid constituents falsely downregulated the expression of KIF20A, possibly via p16 activation, independently of the CDKN1A signaling pathway. Our results indicate the potential of KIF20A as a supportive biomarker for clastogenicity judgment and possible mechanisms involved in KIF20A downregulation in DNA damage and non-DNA damage signaling networks.     

Oncogenic MicroRNAs Characterization in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

A key challenge for the improvement of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) management could derive from a deeper characterization of the biology of these neoplasms that could greatly improve the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment choice. The aim of this study was to identify specific miRNAs that are deregulated in tumor vs. normal kidney tissues and that could impact on the biology of ccRCC. To this end we selected four miRNAs (miR-21-5p, miR-210-3p, miR-185-5p and miR-221-3p) and their expression has been evaluated in a retrospective cohort of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues from 20 ccRCC patients who underwent surgical nephrectomy resection. miR-21-5p and miR-210-3p resulted the most significantly up-regulated miRNAs in this patient cohort, highlighting these onco-miRNAs as possible relevant players involved in ccRCC tumorigenesis. Thus, this study reports the identification of specific oncogenic miRNAs that are altered in ccRCC tissues and suggests that they might be useful biomarkers in ccRCC management.     

定边油田东仁沟地区长21油藏储层特征研究

通过岩心铸体薄片、扫描电镜、物性分析、压汞分析等手段,分别从储层岩石学特征、储层物性特征、储层渗流特征等各个方面对东仁沟地区长21油层组的储层特征进行了深入的研究.结果表明该区长21储层岩石类型主要以长石砂岩为主、填隙物以粘土矿物高岭石为主、储层物性较好,属于中孔-中渗储层.     

The Role of Cell Cycle Regulators in Cell Survival—Dual Functions of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 20 and p21Cip1/Waf1

The mammalian cell cycle is important in controlling normal cell proliferation and the development of various diseases. Cell cycle checkpoints are well regulated by both activators and inhibitors to avoid cell growth disorder and cancerogenesis. Cyclin dependent kinase 20 (CDK20) and p21^Cip1/Waf1 are widely recognized as key regulators of cell cycle checkpoints controlling cell proliferation/growth and involving in developing multiple cancers. Emerging evidence demonstrates that these two cell cycle regulators also play an essential role in promoting cell survival independent of the cell cycle, particularly in those cells with a limited capability of proliferation, such as cardiomyocytes. These findings bring new insights into understanding cytoprotection in these tissues. Here, we summarize the new progress of the studies on these two molecules in regulating cell cycle/growth, and their new roles in cell survival by inhibiting various cell death mechanisms. We also outline their potential implications in cancerogenesis and protection in heart diseases. This information renews the knowledge in molecular natures and cellular functions of these regulators, leading to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the associated diseases and the discovery of new therapeutic strategies.     

Hyperactive RAS/PI3-K/MAPK Signaling Cascade in Migration and Adhesion of Nf1 Haploinsufficient Mesenchymal Stem/Progenitor Cells

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene, which affect approximately 1 out of 3000 individuals. Patients with NF1 suffer from a range of malignant and nonmalignant manifestations such as plexiform neurofibromas and skeletal abnormalities. We previously demonstrated that Nf1 haploinsufficiency in mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSPCs) results in impaired osteoblastic differentiation, which may be associated with the skeletal manifestations in NF1 patients. Here we sought to further ascertain the role of Nf1 in modulating the migration and adhesion of MSPCs of the Nf1 haploinsufficient (Nf1^+/−) mice. Nf1^+/− MSPCs demonstrated increased nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, increased migration, and increased actin polymerization as compared to wild-type (WT) MSPCs. Additionally, Nf1^+/− MSPCs were noted to have significantly enhanced cell adhesion to fibronectin with selective affinity for CH271 with an overexpression of its complimentary receptor, CD49e. Nf1^+/− MSPCs also showed hyperactivation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways when compared to WT MSPCs, which were both significantly reduced in the presence of their pharmacologic inhibitors, {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"LY294002","term_id":"1257998346","term_text":"LY294002"}}LY294002 and PD0325901, respectively. Collectively, our study suggests that both PI3-K and MAPK signaling pathways play a significant role in enhanced migration and adhesion of Nf1 haploinsufficient MSPCs.     

神经生长因子对乙型脑炎病毒感染BHK-21细胞的抑制作用

目的观察神经生长因子(nerve growth factor,NGF)对乙型脑炎病毒(Japanese encephalitis virus,JEV)感染地鼠肾细胞BHK-21的抑制作用。方法将不同浓度的NGF(100、50、25、12.5、6.3、3.1、1.6和0.8μg/L)加入BHK-21细胞中,采用MTT法检测NGF对BHK-21细胞的毒性作用;将不同稀释度的JEV(10-1、10-2、10-3、10-4、10-5、10-6、10-7)JEV感染BHK-21细胞,蚀斑计数法测定病毒滴度;在JEV感染的BHK-21细胞中加入不同浓度的NGF,观察细胞的CPE情况,并通过蚀斑减少率分析NGF对JEV的抑制作用。结果 NGF浓度在100μg/L以内对BHK-21细胞无毒性;JEV的滴度为Lg 8.70 pfu/ml;NGF(12.5μg/L)+JEV组BHK-21细胞病变程度明显减轻;随着NGF浓度的提高,蚀斑减少率也呈升高趋势(r=0.929,P<0.05),NGF浓度为3.1μg/L以上时,蚀斑减少率达10%以上,具有明显的抗JEV效果。结论 NGF在浓度为0.8～100μg/L的范围内,对JEV具有明显的抑制作用,为今后研究NGF抗病毒的作用机制奠定了实验基础。     

anti-Benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide Treatment Increases Levels of the Proteins p53 and p21WAF1 in the Human Mammary Carcinoma Cell Line MCF-7

The tumor suppressor p53 is involved in the recognition of DNA damage induced by radiation and chemicals. The effect of polycyclic hydrocarbons on p53 was investigated by treating MCF-7 cells with anti-benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide (B[a]PDE), an ultimate carcinogenic metabolite of benzo[a]pyrene. Western blotting of lysates with antibody mAb1801 showed that B[a]PDE doses of 0.1 to 0.5 μM caused detectable increases in p53 protein. In cells treated with 0.3 μM B[a]PDE, p53 protein levels increased by 2 hours after treatment, reached a maximum between 8 and 24 hours and returned to control value by 120 hours after treatment. Levels of p21^WAF1 protein increased by 8 hours after treatment, reached a maximum by 48 hours and returned to control value by 168 hours after treatment. B[a]PDE-DNA adducts were quantitated by [γ-³³P]ATP postlabeling and separation on reverse-phase HPLC. Adduct levels dropped rapidly between 2 and 24 hrs after treatment (48 to 15 pmol/mg DNA), and subsequently decreased more slowly (12 pmol/mg DNA at 48 hrs to 3 at 168 hrs). By 96 hours after treatment, p53 protein levels were comparable to those from untreated controls, although a low level of B[a]PDE-DNA adducts remained. Cells treated with B[a]PDE also incorporated significantly less [³H]thymidine into DNA than did untreated cells for at least 24 hours after treatment. These results provide preliminary evidence that B[a]PDE-induced DNA damage is recognized by a p53-dependent signal transduction pathway and suggest that cell cycle arrest occurs during the repair of the majority of the B[a]PDE-DNA adducts.     

Synergistic inhibition of human glioma cell line by temozolomide and PAMAM‐mediated miR‐21i

Temozolomide (TMZ) is a promising chemotherapeutic agent for treating glioblastomas. However, resistance develops quickly and with a high frequency. Efforts to overcome chemoresistance are, therefore, critically needed. In present study, a poly(amidoamine; PAMAM) dendrimer was used as a vector to deliver microRNA‐21 inhibitor (miR‐21i) into U87 cells and the chemosensitivity of the combination effect of miR‐21i and TMZ for glioma therapy was investigated. Flow cytometry analysis showed the uptake efficiency of microRNA‐21 inhibitor after complexation with PAMAM. Real‐time PCR and in situ hybridization indicated that, compared with TMZ or miR‐21i treated cells, cells simultaneously treated with miR‐21i and TMZ showed a remarkable decrease in the microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) level. The transfection of miR‐21i enhanced the chemosensitivity by significantly decreasing the IC50 value of TMZ to glioma cells. Knockdown of miR‐21 promoted the cells' apoptosis, and at the same time, inhibited cell invasion. In conclusion, the combination treatment of glioma cells with TMZ and miR‐21i could yield a synergistic effect in inhibition of human glioma cell line. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013