Objective To construct human secreted apoptosis-related protein 1 (SARP1) gene yeast two-hybrid bait vector so as to study the biological functions of the SARP1 gene in the scar tissue. Methods The target gene from SARP1 gene full-length DNA segment was amplified by PCR, the upstream and downstream primers of the SARP1 gene with restriction enzymes Nde I and Sal I were designed. pGBKT7-SARP1 recombination plasmid was constructed by ligating the vector and the PCR production and identified by PCR and sequencing. Further more, pGBKT7-SARP1 was transformed into competent AH109 which contained kanamycin for selecting positive clones and screened the positive clony on the plate of SD/-Trp. The toxicity and transcriptional activation were tested by the phenotype assay. Results SARP1 was amplified and cloned into pGBKT7 successfully, SARP1 gene sequence in recombinant plasmid pGBKT7-SARP1 was verified by gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing analysis. The sequence of inserted SARP1 gene was the same as the corresponding sequence found in GenBank database. The recombinant pGBKT7-SARP1 plasmids and empty pGBKT7 vector could form white colonies on SD/-Trp plates and none could survive on SD/-Leu plates. Conclusion The recombinant pGBKT7-SARP1 gene yeast two-hybrid bait vector is successfully constructed.
ObjectiveTo explore the diagnostic value of ultrasound elastography (USE) combined with long non-coding RNA actin filament associated protein 1 anti-sense RNA 1 (AFAP1-AS1) mRNA in thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) wash-out fluid for distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid nodules. MethodsThe patients with thyroid nodules who were treated in the Shenzhen Futian District Second People’s Hospital from January 2020 to June 2022 were collected. Before operation, the patients’ thyroid nodules were evaluated by the USE score and the AFAP1-AS1 mRNA in the thyroid FNA wash-out fluid was detected. The pathological result of the thyroid nodule after operation was as a gold standard for diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules. The clinical diagnostic value of USE score combined with AFAP1-AS1 mRNA in the FNA wash-out fluid of the benign and malignant thyroid nodules were analyzed. ResultsA total of 174 thyroid nodules (124 patients) were detected in this study, of which 62 (45 patients) were histologically diagnosed as malignant. There was a statistical difference in the comparison of the composition ratio of USE score grading between the benign and malignant thyroid nodules (Z=8.82, P<0.001). The point of USE of the benign thyroid nodules was statistically lower than that of the malignant thyroid nodules [2.28±1.16 vs. 4.26±1.01, mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI)=2.98 (2.76, 3.20), t=30.85, P<0.001]. The AFAP1-AS1 mRNA in the FNA wash-out fluid of the malignant thyroid nodules was statistically higher than that of the benign thyroid nodules [1.45±0.27 vs. 1.13±0.16, MD (95%CI)=1.45(1.39, 1.50), t=10.69, P<0.001]. Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between the USE score of thyroid nodules and the expression of AFAP1-AS1 mRNA in the FNA wash-out fluid (r=0.58, P<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of USE score in combination with expression of AFAP1-AS1 mRNA in the FNA wash-out fluid for diagnosing the malignant thyroid nodules by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 93.5% and 88.4% respectively. The area under the ROC curve (95%CI) was 0.91 (0.86, 0.96). Conclusion According to preliminary results of this study, USE score combined with AFAP1-AS1 mRNA in the thyroid FNA wash-out fluid is more sensitive and shows a potential diagnostic performance than USE score or AFAP1-AS1 mRNA detection alone for distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid nodules.
ObjectiveA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network associated with long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) specific for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) was constructed based on bioinformatics methods, and the functional mechanism of actinfilament-associated protein 1-antisense RNA1 (AFAP1-AS1) in LUAD was analyzed, in order to provide a new direction for the study of LUAD therapeutic targets. MethodsThe gene chip of LUAD was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and lncRNA and mRNA with differential expression between LUAD and normal tissues were screened using GEO2R online software, and their target genes were predicted by online databases to construct ceRNA networks and perform enrichment analysis. In cell experiments, AFAP1-AS1 was genetically knocked down and siRNA was constructed and transfected into LUAD cells A549 by cell transfection. CCK8, transwell, scratch assay and flow cytometry were used to detect the ability of cells to proliferate, invade, migrate and apoptosis. ResultsA total of 6 differentially expressed lncRNA and 494 differentially expressed mRNA were identified in the microarray of LUAD. The ceRNA network involved a total of 6 lncRNA, 22 miRNA, and 55 mRNA. Enrichment analysis revealed that mRNA was associated with cancer-related pathways. In cell assays, knockdown of AFAP1-AS1 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and AFAP1-AS1 promoted apoptosis. ConclusionIn this study, we construct a lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network, which may help to further investigate the mechanism of action of LUAD. In addition, through cellular experiments, AFAP1-AS1 is found to have potential as a therapeutic target for LUAD.
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanism by which metastasis-associated protein 3 (MTA3) participates in glioma resistance through reactive oxygen species. Methods Protein expression in glioma stem cells (GSCs) and non-GSCs was detected using Western blotting. GSCs included U87 and SHG44 cells, while non-GSCs included U87s and SU-2 cells. After overexpressing MTA3, U87 and SHG44 cells were divided into Lv-scr and Lv-MTA3 groups. The self-renewal capacity of glioma cells was assessed through a neurosphere formation assay. Cell survival fractions were examined following exposure to 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 Gy X-ray irradiation under normoxic or hypoxic conditions. Apoptosis and reactive oxygen species expression were analyzed using flow cytometry. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the stem cell markers CD133 and nestin, as well as the differentiation markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, for astrocytes) and neuronal class Ⅲ β-tubulin. Results In GSCs, MTA3 expression was lower in the U87s and SU-2 groups. After MTA3 overexpression, Lv-MTA3 expression was higher in U87s and SU-2 compared to the Lv-scr group. Under normoxic or hypoxic conditions, U87 and SU-2 showed greater radioresistance compared to glioma cell lines U87 and SHG44. Compared to non-GSCs, basal reactive oxygen species formation was reduced in GSCs, while reactive oxygen species generation was increased in non-GSCs. Following exposure to different doses of X-rays under normoxic or hypoxic conditions, GSCs with MTA3 overexpression exhibited greater radiosensitivity than those with stable integration. Additionally, MTA3 overexpression slightly increased the oxygen enhancement ratio (OER) in GSCs. MTA3 overexpression reduced the immunoreactivity of CD133 and nestin in both stem cell lines, and increased immunofluorescence staining of GFAP and neuronal class Ⅲ β-tubulin, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusions MTA3 is downregulated in GSCs. Overexpression of MTA3 reduces the radioresistance and stemness of GSCs both in vitro and in vivo. MTA3 plays a crucial role in regulating the radiosensitivity and stemness of GSCs through reactive oxygen species.
ObjectiveTo investagte the effects of single immunoglobin IL-1 receptor related protein (SIGIRR) on inflammation induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) in A549 cells derived from mouse alveolar epithelial cells. MethodsA549 cells were divided into a control group and an over-expressed SIGIRR group. Eukaryotic expression vectors pcDNA3.1(+) constructed with SIGIRR cDNA were transiently transfected into A549 cells, in which SIGIRR was forced to be over-expressed. The expression level of SIGIRR after transfection was detected with Western blot and RT-PCR method. After stimulated by CSE in both groups, the protein level of IL-6 was detected by ELISA, the transcriptional activity of cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) was detected by dual-luciferase reporter assay system, and the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by chemiluminescence method. ResultsThe expression level of SIGIRR increased significantly in A549 cells transfected with SIGIRR vectors. The COX-2 expression and the levels of ROS and IL-6 were significantly increased in the control group after CSE stimulation. Nevertheless, in the over-expressed SIGIRR group, the COX-2 expression and the release of ROS was reduced while the protein level of IL-6 was down-regulated compared with the control group(P < 0.05). ConclusionsUp-regulated SIGIRR expression can suppress the levels of ROS, COX-2 and IL-6 in A549 cells stimulated by CSE. It suggests that SIGIRR can inhibit airway inflammation caused by smoking.
ObjectiveTo investigate biofilm formation on the surface of silica gel by breast surgery clinical specimens of Staphylococcus epidermidis and to analyze the relationship between biofilm formation and icaA, icaD, and accumulation-associated protein (aap) gene. MethodsBetween December 2011 and January 2013, 44 strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis were isolated from the clinical specimens of the female patients who had no symptom of infection. The icaA, icaD, and aap genes were detected by PCR and 4 genotypic groups were divided:icaA+icaD+/aap+ group (group A), icaA+icaD+/aap- group (group B), icaA-icaD-/aap+ group (group C), and icaA-icaD-/aap- group (group D). Biofilms mass was semi-quantified by semi-quantitative adherence assay after 8, 12, 24, 30, and 36 hours of incubation. The thickness of biofilms was measured by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) at 12 and 24 hours after incubation. The ultrastructure of biofilms was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) at 24 hours after incubation. ResultsPCR test showed that 13 strains were icaA+icaD+/aap+(group A), 12 strains were icaA+icaD+/aap-(group B), 16 strains were icaA-icaD-/aap+(group C), and 3 strains were icaA-icaD-/aap-(group D). In 29 strains which had bacterial biofilm formation (65.9%), there were 13 strains in group A, 7 strains in group B, 9 strains in group C, and 0 in group D. The result of semi-quantitative adherence assay showed no significant difference in the absorbance (A) values among 4 groups at 8 hours (P>0.05). The A values of groups A, B, and C were significantly higher than that of group D at 12-36 hours, and group A was significantly higher than groups B and C (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups B and C (P>0.05). The results of CLSM showed that the thickness of biofilm in groups A, B, and C was significantly larger than that in group D at 12 and 24 hours after incubation (P<0.05), and the thickness of biofilm in group A was significantly larger than that in groups B and C (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups B and C (P>0.05). The result of SEM showed that the mature biofilm could be observed on the surface of silica gel in groups A, B, and C, and the ultrastructure of biofilms in group A were the most abundant and extensive among 3 groups. The ultrastructure of biofilm in group B was similar to that in group C. No obvious biofilms formed in group D. ConclusionicaA, icaD, and aap genes all play key roles in the process for biofilm formation of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Futhermore, aap gene enhance the ability of biofilm-forming when aap and ica genes coexist, so the biofilm-forming ability of icaA+icaD+/aap+ is strongest.
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of Yes-associated protein (YAP) screened by bioinformatics in rats with myocardial-ischemia reperfusion injury and establish the base for further research. MethodsThe difference of gene spectrum of rats with myocardial-ischemia reperfusion injury was analyzed by bioinformatics technique. The related signaling pathways and key genes were screened by KOBAS2.0 and KEGG. Eighteen Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal group (n=6), sham operation group (n=6) and myocardial-ischemia reperfusion injury group (n=6). The expression of target gene was detected by immunochemistry, quantitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. ResultsA total of 345 differentially expressed genes were found by bioinformatics, among which 181 were up-regulated and 164 were down-regulated. The differential genes were mainly enriched in Wnt, HIPPO, MAPK, Jak-STAT and other signaling pathways. We focused on HIPPO pathway and found that the expression of YAP increased significantly in myocardial-ischemia reperfusion injury group, compared with the normal group and sham operation group (P＜0.05). ConclusionsThe expression of YAP of HIPPO signal pathway is increased in rats with myocardial-ischemia reperfusion injury.
ObjectiveTo construct the recombinant adenovirus vector carrying antisense multidrug resistanceassociated protein (MRP) and transfect the human drugresistant hepatocellular carcinoma cell line(SMMC7721/ADM). MethodsThe fragment of MRP gene encoding 5′region was cloned reversely into the shuttle plasmid pAdTrackCMV, with the resultant plasmid and the backbone plasmid pAdEasy1,the homologous recombination took place in the bacteria and the recombinant adenoviral plasmid was generated. The adenoviruses were packaged and amplified in 293 cells. Then the cell line of SMMC7721/ADM was transfected with the resultant adenoviruses.ResultsThe recombinant adenovirus vector carrying antisense MRP was constructed successfully. The viral titer was 2.5×109 efu/ml, and more than 90% SMMC7721/ADM cells could be transfected when the multiplicity of infection（MOI） was 100. ConclusionThe recombinant adenovirus vector constructed by us could introduce the antisense MRP into the human drugresistant hepatocellular cell line effectively, which would provide experimental basis for the mechanisms and reversal methods of the multidrug resistance in human hepatocellular carcinoma.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of La-related protein 6 (LARP6) gene on the survival of postoperative patients with gastric cancer, and to explore its relationship with immune cell infiltration.MethodsThe clinical survival information and gene expression information of gastric cancer patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The relationship between LARP6 gene expression and clinical characteristics of patients were analyzed. Cox proportion hazard regression model was used to find out the prognostic risk factors of gastric cancer patients, and then Kaplan-Meier plotter database was used to verify. Then the correlation between LARP6 gene expression and immunity was proved by Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER) immune database.ResultsIn gastric cancer patients, the expression of LARP6 gene was related to pathological stage, T stage, and N stage (P<0.05), but not related to M stage and sex (P>0.05). Multivariate Cox proportion hazard regression analysis showed that age [HR=2.022, 95%CI was (1.287, 3.176), P=0.002] and LARP6 gene expression [HR=1.176, 95%CI was (1.070, 1.293), P<0.001] were prognostic factors. Further verified by Kaplan Meier plotter database, the results also showed that the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of gastric cancer patients with high expression of LAPR6 gene were worse than those with low expression of LARP6 gene (P<0.001). TIMER database was used to explore the correlation between the expression level of LARP6 gene and immune cell infiltration in patients with gastric cancer, and the results showed that the expression level of LARP6 gene in gastric cancer patients was positively correlated with the infiltration number of CD4+ T cells and macrophage cell (P<0.001). Log-rank results showed that infiltration number of macrophage cell and LARP6 gene expression were risk factors for clinical prognosis of gastric cancer patients (P<0.05).ConclusionsMacrophage cell andcell and LARP6 gene expression are risk factors for gastric cancer patients. LARP6 may be a new target for the treatment of gastric cancer.
Objective To explore the expression of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), as a key protein of Hippo signal pathway, in rats with brain injury. Methods A total of 18 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal group, sham operation group and brain injury group. The expression of YAP1 in rats with brain injury was detected by immunochemistry, quantitative polymerase chainreaction and Western blotting. Result Seventy-two hours after the brain injury, the expression level of YAP1 in protein and gene increased significantly in brain injury group, compared with those in the normal and sham operation group (P<0.05). Conclusion The expression of YAP1 increases in rats with brain injury, which maybe a new target for therapy.