Detection of tumoral netrin-1 protein levels using ultrasound microbubble contrast agents:  In vitro  validation

Microbubbles are broadly used as ultrasound contrast agents. In this paper we use a low-cost flow focusing microchannel fabrication method for preparing microbubble contrast agents by using some surface active agents and a viscosity enhancing material to obtain appropriate microbubbles with desired lifetime and stability for any in vitro infusion for velocity measurement. All the five parameters that govern the bubble size extract and some efforts are done to achieve the smallest bubbles by adding suitable surfactant concentrations. By using these microbubbles for the echo-particle image velocimetry method, we experimentally determine the velocity field of steady state and pulsatile pipe flows.

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Tantalum Oxide Nanoparticles as Versatile Contrast Agents for X-ray Computed Tomography

10.26434/chemrxiv.11845572.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Shatadru Chakravarty ◽

Jeremy Hix ◽

Kaitlyn Wieweora ◽

Maximilian Volk ◽

Elizabeth Kenyon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Contrast Agents ◽

Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles ◽

Sol Gel ◽

Tantalum Oxide ◽

High Signal ◽

Drug Delivery Vehicles ◽

X Ray Computed

Here we describe the synthesis, characterization and in vitro and in vivo performance of a series of tantalum oxide (TaOx) based nanoparticles (NPs) for computed tomography (CT). Five distinct versions of 9-12 nm diameter silane coated TaOx nanocrystals (NCs) were fabricated by a sol-gel method with varying degrees of hydrophilicity and with or without fluorescence, with the highest reported Ta content to date (78%). Highly hydrophilic NCs were left bare and were evaluated in vivo in mice for micro-CT of full body vasculature, where following intravenous injection, TaOx NCs demonstrate high CT contrast, circulation in blood for ~ 3 h, and eventual accumulation in RES organs; and following injection locally in the mammary gland, where the full ductal tree structure can be clearly delineated. Partially hydrophilic NCs were encapsulated within mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs; TaOx@MSNPs) and hydrophobic NCs were encapsulated within poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA; TaOx@PLGA) NPs, serving as potential CT-imagable drug delivery vehicles. Bolus intramuscular injections of TaOx@PLGA NPs and TaOx@MSNPs to mimic the accumulation of NPs at a tumor site produce high signal enhancement in mice. In vitro studies on bare NCs and formuated NPs demonstrate high cytocompatibility and low dissolution of TaOx. This work solidifies that TaOx-based NPs are versatile contrast agents for CT.

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AAnti-Inflammatory Effects of Plasma Circulating Exosomes Obtained from Normal-Weight and Obese Subjects on Hepatocytes

Endocrine Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1871530320666200505121426 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

Author(s):

Reza Afrisham ◽

Sahar Sadegh-Nejadi ◽

Reza Meshkani ◽

Solaleh Emamgholipour ◽

Molood Bagherieh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

Hepg2 Cells ◽

Human Liver ◽

Liver Cells ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Human Liver Cells ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Introduction: Obesity is a disorder with low-grade chronic inflammation that plays a key role in the hepatic inflammation and steatosis. Moreover, there are studies to support the role of exosomes in the cellular communications, the regulation of metabolic homeostasis and immunomodulatory activity. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the influence of plasma circulating exosomes derived from females with normal-weight and obesity on the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in human liver cells. Methods: Plasma circulating exosomes were isolated from four normal (N-Exo) and four obese (O-Exo) women. The exosomes were characterized and approved for CD63 expression (common exosomal protein marker) and morphology/size using the western blot and TEM methods, respectively. The exosomes were used for stimulation of HepG2 cells in vitro. After 24 h incubation, the protein levels of TNF-α,IL-6, and IL-1β were measured in the culture supernatant of HepG2 cells using the ELISA kit. Results: The protein levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the cells treated with O-Exo and N-Exo reduced significantly in comparison with control group (P=0.039 and P<0.001 respectively), while significance differences were not found between normal and obese groups (P=0.808, and P=0.978 respectively). However, no significant differences were found between three groups in term of IL-1β levels (P=0.069). Based on the correlation analysis, the protein levels of IL-6 were positively correlated with TNF-α (r 0.978, P<0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that plasma circulating exosomes have probably anti-inflammatory properties independently from body mass index and may decrease the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in liver. However, further investigations in vitro and in vivo are needed to address the anti-inflammatory function of N-Exo and O-Exo in human liver cells and/or other cells.

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All-Trans Retinoic Acid Increases DRP1 Levels and Promotes Mitochondrial Fission

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells10051202 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 1202

Author(s):

Bojjibabu Chidipi ◽

Syed Islamuddin Shah ◽

Michelle Reiser ◽

Manasa Kanithi ◽

Amanda Garces ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Retinoic Acid ◽

Mitochondrial Fission ◽

Normal Function ◽

Mitochondrial Network ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Trans Retinoic Acid ◽

All Trans Retinoic Acid ◽

Area And Perimeter

In the heart, mitochondrial homeostasis is critical for sustaining normal function and optimal responses to metabolic and environmental stressors. Mitochondrial fusion and fission are thought to be necessary for maintaining a robust population of mitochondria, and disruptions in mitochondrial fission and/or fusion can lead to cellular dysfunction. The dynamin-related protein (DRP1) is an important mediator of mitochondrial fission. In this study, we investigated the direct effects of the micronutrient retinoid all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the mitochondrial structure in vivo and in vitro using Western blot, confocal, and transmission electron microscopy, as well as mitochondrial network quantification using stochastic modeling. Our results showed that ATRA increases DRP1 protein levels, increases the localization of DRP1 to mitochondria in isolated mitochondrial preparations. Our results also suggested that ATRA remodels the mitochondrial ultrastructure where the mitochondrial area and perimeter were decreased and the circularity was increased. Microscopically, mitochondrial network remodeling is driven by an increased rate of fission over fusion events in ATRA, as suggested by our numerical modeling. In conclusion, ATRA results in a pharmacologically mediated increase in the DRP1 protein. It also results in the modulation of cardiac mitochondria by promoting fission events, altering the mitochondrial network, and modifying the ultrastructure of mitochondria in the heart.

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TRIM27 interacts with Iκbα to promote the growth of human renal cancer cells through regulating the NF-κB pathway

BMC Cancer ◽

10.1186/s12885-021-08562-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chengwu Xiao ◽

Wei Zhang ◽

Meimian Hua ◽

Huan Chen ◽

Bin Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Lines ◽

Prognostic Indicator ◽

The Cancer Genome Atlas ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Loss Of Function ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Kaplan Meier ◽

Cancer Genome Atlas

Abstract Background The tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins exhibit oncogenic roles in various cancers. The roles of TRIM27, a member of the TRIM super family, in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remained unexplored. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the clinical impact and roles of TRIM27 in the development of RCC. Methods The mRNA levels of TRIM27 and Kaplan–Meier survival of RCC were analyzed from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to measure the mRNA and protein levels of TRIM27 both in vivo and in vitro. siRNA and TRIM27 were exogenously overexpressed in RCC cell lines to manipulate TRIM27 expression. Results We discovered that TRIM27 was elevated in RCC patients, and the expression of TRIM27 was closely correlated with poor prognosis. The loss of function and gain of function results illustrated that TRIM27 promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in RCC cell lines. Furthermore, TRIM27 expression was positively associated with NF-κB expression in patients with RCC. Blocking the activity of NF-κB attenuated the TRIM27-mediated enhancement of proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. TRIM27 directly interacted with Iκbα, an inhibitor of NF-κB, to promote its ubiquitination, and the inhibitory effects of TRIM27 on Iκbα led to NF-κB activation. Conclusions Our results suggest that TRIM27 exhibits an oncogenic role in RCC by regulating NF-κB signaling. TRIM27 serves as a specific prognostic indicator for RCC, and strategies targeting the suppression of TRIM27 function may shed light on future therapeutic approaches.

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Long noncoding RNA SNHG14 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating miR-876-5p/SSR2 axis

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research ◽

10.1186/s13046-021-01838-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zhibin Liao ◽

Hongwei Zhang ◽

Chen Su ◽

Furong Liu ◽

Yachong Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Noncoding Rna ◽

Animal Experiments ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Western Blot Assay ◽

Downstream Target ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Elevated Expression ◽

Rna Immunoprecipitation

Abstract Background Aberrant expressions of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be related to the progress of HCC. The mechanisms that SNHG14 has participated in the development of HCC are obscure. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to measure the lncRNA, microRNA and mRNA expression level. Cell migration, invasion and proliferation ability were evaluated by transwell and CCK8 assays. The ceRNA regulatory mechanism of SNHG14 was evaluated by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual luciferase reporter assay. Tumorigenesis mouse model was used to explore the roles of miR-876-5p in vivo. The protein levels of SSR2 were measured by western blot assay. Results In this study, we demonstrated that SNHG14 was highly expressed in HCC tissues, meanwhile, the elevated expression of SNHG14 predicted poor prognosis in patients with HCC. SNHG14 promoted proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells. We further revealed that SNHG14 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-876-5p and that SSR2 was a downstream target of miR-876-5p in HCC. Transwell, CCK8 and animal experiments exhibited miR-876-5p inhibited HCC progression in vitro and in vivo. By conducting rescue experiments, we found the overexpression of SSR2 or knocking down the level of miR-876-5p could reverse the suppressive roles of SNHG14 depletion in HCC. Conclusion SNHG14 promotes HCC progress by acting as a sponge of miR-876-5p to regulate the expression of SSR2 in HCC.

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Effects of tacrolimus on autophagy protein LC3 in puromycin-damaged mouse podocytes

Journal of International Medical Research ◽

10.1177/0300060520971422 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (12) ◽

pp. 030006052097142

Author(s):

Xiao-qing Yang ◽

Sheng-you Yu ◽

Li Yu ◽

Lin Ge ◽

Yao Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fluorescence Intensity ◽

Light Chain ◽

In Vitro Model ◽

Group Versus ◽

Podocyte Injury ◽

Apoptosis Rate ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Vitro Model ◽

Intercellular Connections

Objective To investigate the mechanism through which tacrolimus, often used to treat refractory nephropathy, protects against puromycin-induced podocyte injury. Methods An in vitro model of puromycin-induced podocyte injury was established by dividing podocytes into three groups: controls, puromycin only (PAN group), and puromycin plus tacrolimus (FK506 group). Podocyte morphology, number, apoptosis rate and microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 alpha ( LC3) expression were compared. Results Puromycin caused podocyte cell body shrinkage and loose intercellular connections, but podocyte morphology in the FK506 group was similar to controls. The apoptosis rate was lower in the FK506 group versus PAN group. The low level of LC3 mRNA observed in untreated podocytes was decreased by puromycin treatment; however, levels of LC3 mRNA were higher in the FK506 group versus PAN group. Although LC3-I and LC3-II protein levels were decreased by puromycin, levels in the FK506 group were higher than the PAN group. Fewer podocyte autophagosomes were observed in the control and FK506 groups versus the PAN group. Cytoplasmic LC3-related fluorescence intensity was stronger in control and FK506 podocytes versus the PAN group. Conclusions Tacrolimus inhibited puromycin-induced mouse podocyte damage by regulating LC3 expression and enhancing autophagy.

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Elevating CDCA3 levels in non-small cell lung cancer enhances sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy

Communications Biology ◽

10.1038/s42003-021-02136-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Katrina Kildey ◽

Neha S. Gandhi ◽

Katherine B. Sahin ◽

Esha T. Shah ◽

Eric Boittier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Small Cell Lung Cancer ◽

Cell Lung Cancer ◽

Genome Instability ◽

Small Cell ◽

Small Cell Lung ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Platinum Based Chemotherapy ◽

Platinum Agents

AbstractPlatinum-based chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment for most non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases either as maintenance therapy or in combination with immunotherapy. However, resistance remains a primary issue. Our findings point to the possibility of exploiting levels of cell division cycle associated protein-3 (CDCA3) to improve response of NSCLC tumours to therapy. We demonstrate that in patients and in vitro analyses, CDCA3 levels correlate with measures of genome instability and platinum sensitivity, whereby CDCA3high tumours are sensitive to cisplatin and carboplatin. In NSCLC, CDCA3 protein levels are regulated by the ubiquitin ligase APC/C and cofactor Cdh1. Here, we identified that the degradation of CDCA3 is modulated by activity of casein kinase 2 (CK2) which promotes an interaction between CDCA3 and Cdh1. Supporting this, pharmacological inhibition of CK2 with CX-4945 disrupts CDCA3 degradation, elevating CDCA3 levels and increasing sensitivity to platinum agents. We propose that combining CK2 inhibitors with platinum-based chemotherapy could enhance platinum efficacy in CDCA3low NSCLC tumours and benefit patients.

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Silencing of Vangl2 attenuates the inflammation promoted by Wnt5a via MAPK and NF-κB pathway in chondrocytes

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research ◽

10.1186/s13018-021-02268-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ke Zhang ◽

Zhuoying Li ◽

Yunyang Lu ◽

Linyi Xiang ◽

Jiadong Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Western Blotting ◽

Planar Cell Polarity ◽

Type Ii Collagen ◽

Mapk Signaling ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Inflammatory Microenvironment ◽

Functional Roles ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Oa Chondrocytes

Abstract Background The Wnt planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway is implicated in osteoarthritis (OA) both in animals and in humans. Van Gogh-like 2 (Vangl2) is a key PCP protein that is required for the orientation and alignment of chondrocytes in the growth plate. However, its functional roles in OA still remain undefined. Here, we explored the effects of Vangl2 on OA chondrocyte in vitro and further elucidated the molecular mechanism of silencing Vangl2 in Wnt5a-overexpressing OA chondrocytes. Methods Chondrocytes were treated with IL-1β (10 ng/mL) to simulate the inflammatory microenvironment of OA. The expression levels of Vangl2, Wnt5a, MMPs, and related proinflammatory cytokines were measured by RT-qPCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) of Vangl2 and the plasmid targeting Wnt5a were constructed and transfected into ATDC5 cells. Then, the functional roles of silencing Vangl2 in the OA chondrocytes were investigated by Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and immunocytochemistry (ICC). Transfected OA chondrocytes were subjected to Western blotting to analyze the relationship between Vangl2 and related signaling pathways. Results IL-1β induced the production of Vangl2, Wnt5a, and MMPs in a time-dependent manner and the significantly increased expression of Vangl2. Vangl2 silencing effectively suppressed the expression of MMP3, MMP9, MMP13, and IL-6 at both gene and protein levels and upregulated the expression of type II collagen and aggrecan. Moreover, knockdown of Vangl2 inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPK signaling molecules (P38, ERK, and JNK) and P65 in Wnt5a-overexpressing OA chondrocytes. Conclusions For the first time, we demonstrate that Vangl2 is involved in the OA process. Vangl2 silencing can notably alleviate OA progression in vitro by inhibiting the expression of MMPs and increasing the formation of the cartilage matrix and can inhibit the proinflammatory effects of Wnt5a via MAPK and NF-κB pathway. This study provides new insight into the mechanism of cartilage inflammation.

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