scholarly journals Sex-specific differences in emphysema using a murine antisense oligonucleotide model of α-1 antitrypsin deficiency

2019 ◽  
Vol 316 (6) ◽  
pp. L1165-L1173
Author(s):  
Rashika Joshi ◽  
Mohit Ojha ◽  
Jana Lewis ◽  
Qiang Fan ◽  
Brett Monia ◽  
...  

α-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is the leading genetic cause of emphysema; however, until recently, no genuine animal models of AAT deficiency existed, hampering the development of new therapies. This shortcoming is now addressed by both AAT-null and antisense oligonucleotide mouse models. The goal of this study was to more fully characterize the antisense oligonucleotide model. Both liver AAT mRNA and serum AAT levels were lower in anti-AAT versus control oligonucleotide-treated mice after 6, 12, and 24 wk. Six and twelve weeks of anti-AAT oligonucleotide therapy induced emphysema that was worse in female than male mice: mean linear intercept 73.4 versus 62.5 μm ( P = 0.000003). However, at 24 wk of treatment, control oligonucleotide-treated mice also developed emphysema. After 6 wk of therapy, anti-AAT male and female mice demonstrated a similar reduction serum AAT levels, and there were no sex or treatment-specific alterations in inflammatory, serine protease, or matrix metalloproteinase mRNAs, with the exception of chymotrypsin-like elastase 1 ( Cela1), which was 7- and 9-fold higher in anti-AAT versus control male and female lungs, respectively, and 1.6-fold higher in female versus male anti-AAT-treated lungs ( P = 0.04). While lung AAT protein levels were reduced in anti-AAT-treated mice, lung AAT mRNA levels were unaffected. These findings are consistent with increased emphysema susceptibility of female patients with AAT-deficiency. The anti-AAT oligonucleotide model of AAT deficiency is useful for compartment-specific, in vivo molecular biology, and sex-specific studies of AAT-deficient emphysema, but it should be used with caution in studies longer than 12-wk duration.

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengwu Xiao ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Meimian Hua ◽  
Huan Chen ◽  
Bin Yang ◽  
...  

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.


2013 ◽  
Vol 451 (3) ◽  
pp. 453-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia C. S. Chini ◽  
Carlos Escande ◽  
Veronica Nin ◽  
Eduardo N. Chini

The nuclear receptor Rev-erbα has been implicated as a major regulator of the circadian clock and integrates circadian rhythm and metabolism. Rev-erbα controls circadian oscillations of several clock genes and Rev-erbα protein degradation is important for maintenance of the circadian oscillations and also for adipocyte differentiation. Elucidating the mechanisms that regulate Rev-erbα stability is essential for our understanding of these processes. In the present paper, we report that the protein DBC1 (Deleted in Breast Cancer 1) is a novel regulator of Rev-erbα. Rev-erbα and DBC1 interact in cells and in vivo, and DBC1 modulates the Rev-erbα repressor function. Depletion of DBC1 by siRNA (small interfering RNA) in cells or in DBC1-KO (knockout) mice produced a marked decrease in Rev-erbα protein levels, but not in mRNA levels. In contrast, DBC1 overexpression significantly enhanced Rev-erbα protein stability by preventing its ubiquitination and degradation. The regulation of Rev-erbα protein levels and function by DBC1 depends on both the N-terminal and C-terminal domains of DBC1. More importantly, in cells depleted of DBC1, there was a dramatic decrease in circadian oscillations of both Rev-erbα and BMAL1. In summary, our data identify DBC1 as an important regulator of the circadian receptor Rev-erbα and proposes that Rev-erbα could be involved in mediating some of the physiological effects of DBC1.


Reproduction ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 139 (4) ◽  
pp. 759-769 ◽  
Author(s):  
F P Yuan ◽  
X Li ◽  
J Lin ◽  
C Schwabe ◽  
E E Büllesbach ◽  
...  

LH receptor knockout (LhrKO) male mice exhibit a bilateral cryptorchidism resulting from a developmental defect in the gubernaculum during the inguinoscrotal phase of testis descent, which is corrected by testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).In vivoandin vitroexperiments were conducted to investigate the roles of the androgen receptor (AR) and RXFP2 signals in regulation of gubernacular development inLhrKO animals. This study demonstrated that AR and RXFP2 proteins were expressed in the gubernaculum during the entire postnatal period. TRT normalized gubernacular RXFP2 protein levels inLhrKO mice. Organ and primary cell cultures of gubernacula showed that 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) upregulated the expression ofRxfp2which was abolished by the addition of an AR antagonist, flutamide. A single s.c. testosterone injection also led to a significant increase inRxfp2mRNA levels in a time-dependent fashion inLhrKO animals. DHT, natural and synthetic insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), or relaxin alone did not affect proliferation of gubernacular mesenchymal cells, while co-treatments of DHT with either INSL3 or relaxin resulted in an increase in cell proliferation, and they also enhanced the mesenchymal cell differentiation toward the myogenic pathway, which included a decrease in a mesenchymal cell marker, CD44 and the expression of troponin. These effects were attenuated by the addition of flutamide, siRNA-mediatedRxfp2knockdown, or by an INSL3 antagonist. Co-administration of an INSL3 antagonist curtailed TRT-induced inguinoscrotal testis descent inLhrKO mice. Our findings indicate that the RXFP2 signaling pathway plays an important role in mediating androgen action to stimulate gubernaculum development during inguinoscrotal testis descent.


Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 4341-4341
Author(s):  
Johann Greil ◽  
Andreas Gessner ◽  
Maria Thomas ◽  
Olaf Heidenreich

Abstract The chromosomal translocation t(4;11) marks a therapy-resistant infant leukemia with very poor prognosis. It results in the expression of two fusion-proteins, MLL-AF4 and AF4-MLL. We addressed the role of MLL-AF4 in t(4;11) positive SEM cells by siRNA-mediated suppression. Depletion of MLL-AF4 results in induction of apoptosis, inhibition of proliferation, decrease in colony formation and diminished leukemic engraftment in vivo. Currently, we are analyzing global changes in protein expression. For that, we compare the proteome of MLL-AF4 depleted SEM cells with those of control cells. The analysis is performed by 2D-gelelectrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry identification and immunoblot validation of differentially expressed spots. One of these spots was identified as Aldolase A. Comparison of MLL-AF4 depleted SEM cells with control cells showed neither change in mRNA levels nor in absolute protein levels of Aldolase A. Two-dimensional western blotting, however, revealed differences in the protein pattern, suggesting changes in Aldolase A modifications upon MLL-AF4 depletion. These analyses will provide us with a better insight into the effects of siRNA-mediated MLL-AF4 knockdown on the proteome, and may enable us to identify new targets for molecular therapeutic approaches.


Parasitology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 143 (12) ◽  
pp. 1629-1638 ◽  
Author(s):  
HUA-RONG LI ◽  
GANG LI ◽  
MAN LI ◽  
SHU-LING ZHANG ◽  
HENG WANG ◽  
...  

SUMMARYInterleukin (IL)-13-associated signal pathway plays an important role in schistosomiasis hepatic fibrosis. In this study we tried to investigate the effects of corilagin to ameliorate schistosomiasis hepatic fibrosis through regulating IL-13-associated signal pathway in vitro and in vivo. Cellular model was set up with hepatic stellate cells-T6 cells stimulated by rIL-13 and male Balb/c mice were infected with Schistosoma japonicum cercariaeas as animal model. Liver histological changes were observed with haematoxylin and eosin staining. Masson staining was employed to observe the change of egg granulomas. Expression of Col (collagen) and Col III were examined with Immunohistochemistry. Western bolt was employed to detect the JAK-1 and IL13Rα1 proteins. The mRNA expression of Col I, Col III, IL-13, JAK-1 and IL13Rα1 were tested by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. As a result, less inflammatory changes were found in all corilagin groups compared with model group and praziquantel group. The mRNA levels of Col I, Col III, IL-13, JAK-1 and IL13Rα1 were significantly decreased after corilagin intervention (P < 0·01). JAK-1 and IL-13Rα1 protein levels were also greatly decreased in the corilagin groups (P < 0·01). In conclusion, corilagin could ameliorate schistosomiasis hepatic fibrosis by down-regulating the expression of IL-13 and signal molecules in IL-13 pathway.


2004 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 279-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary H. Bassett ◽  
Takashi Suzuki ◽  
Hironobu Sasano ◽  
Perrin C. White ◽  
William E. Rainey

Abstract Aldosterone biosynthesis in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex is regulated by transcription of CYP11B2 (encoding aldosterone synthase). The effects of nerve growth factor-induced clone B (NGFIB) (NR4A1), Nur-related factor 1 (NURR1) (NR4A2), and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) (NR5A1) on transcription of human CYP11B2 (hCYP11B2) and hCYP11B1 (11β-hydroxylase) were compared in human H295R adrenocortical cells. hCYP11B2 expression was increased by NGFIB and NURR1. Although hCYP11B1 was activated by SF-1, cotransfection with SF-1 inhibited activation of hCYP11B2 by NGFIB and NURR1. NGFIB and NURR1 transcript and protein levels were strongly induced by angiotensin (Ang) II, the major regulator of hCYP11B2 expression in vivo. Sequential deletion and mutagenesis of the hCYP11B2 promoter identified two functional NGFIB response elements (NBREs), one located at −766/−759 (NBRE-1) and the previously studied Ad5 element at −129/−114. EMSAs suggested that both elements bound NGFIB and NURR1. In human adrenals, NURR1 immunoreactivity was preferentially localized in the zona glomerulosa and to a lesser degree in the zona fasciculata, whereas NGFIB was detected in both zones. The calmodulin kinase inhibitor KN93 partially blocked K+-stimulated transcription of NGFIB and NURR1. KN93 partially inhibited the effect of Ang II on NURR1 mRNA levels but did not modify the effect on expression of NGFIB. Mutation of the NBRE-1, Ad5, and Ad1/cAMP response element (CRE) cis-elements reduced both basal and Ang II-induced levels of hCYP11B2, demonstrating that all three elements are important for maximal transcriptional activity. Our results suggest that NGFIB and NURR1 are key regulators of hCYP11B2 expression and may partially mediate the regulation of hCYP11B2 by Ang II.


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 5896-5896
Author(s):  
Rui-Rong Xu ◽  
Nan-Xin Song ◽  
Xiao-Long Wu ◽  
Si-Yuan Cui ◽  
Zhen-Zhen Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: To observe the mechanisms of realgar intervening telomere protein POT1, TRF1, TRF2 expression to regulate telomere dynamics in THP-1 cells, and elucidate the experimental and theoretical basis for realgar targeted threapy of AML. Methods: 1.In vitro: (1)Cultured human acute myeloid leukemia THP-1 cells. (2), The cells were incubated in absence or presence of increasing concentration of realgar for 24/48 h, from which determined the IC50. Cell viability was tested by CCK-8 assay. (3)Apoptotic rate and cell cycle distribution were tested by FCM. (4)Each group of POT1, TRF1, TRF2 protein levels were tested by western-blot analysis. (5)Each group of POT1,TRF1,TRF2 mRNA levels were tested by RT-qPCR analysis. 2.In vivo: (1)Established THP-1 model in NOD/SCID mice, and the mouse were treated by realgar. (2)All the mouse were killed by institutionally approved method after 3 weeks. The apoptotic rate and cell cycle distribution of mice spleen cells were examined by FCM. (3)The changes of POT1, TRF1, TRF2 protein levels in organic tissue were detected by IHC. Results: 1.In vitro: (1)CCK-8 assay showed that after treated by realgar, THP-1 cells growth were inhibited and the cell viability decreased in a dose- and time- dependent manner, IC50 was 0.023μg/mL. Therefore, we choose a medium concentration was 0.015μg/mL (lower than IC50) at 48h. (2)Our study demonstrated that after treatment for 48h, the apoptotic rate and the G1 arrest of these THP-1 cell increased, compared with control group. (3)As shown by western blot analysis, compared with controls, realgar group POT1, TRF1 protein levels significantly increaesed and TRF2 decreased(P<0.01). (4) As shown by by RT-qPCR analysis, POT1, TRF1, TRF2 mRNA levels were consistent with their protein levels. 2.In vivo: (1) The THP-1/NOD-SCID model was established, and survival curve showed that compared with controls, realgar group mouse had longer life span(P<0.01). (2) The results of FCM showed that after treatment of realgar, the rate of THP-1 cell apoptosis and G1 arrest significantly increased(P<0.01). (3) The results of IHC showed that compared with controls, POT1, TRF1 protein levels significantly increased and TRF2 decreased in realgar group mouse(P<0.01). Conclusion: In vitro and in vivo studies results indicated that realgar could significantly prolong the life span of the THP-1/NOD-SCID mice, inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of THP-1 cell, and regulate telomere dynamics through intervening THP-1 cell telomere protein POT1, TRF1, TRF2 expression. Our studies results provided experimental and theoretical basis for realgar targeted threapy of AML. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 761-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Verdelli ◽  
Irene Forno ◽  
Annamaria Morotti ◽  
Pasquale Creo ◽  
Vito Guarnieri ◽  
...  

Parathyroid tumors deregulate microRNAs belonging to the two clusters on the chromosome 19, the C19MC and miR-371-373 clusters. Here, we report that the embryonic miR-372 is aberrantly expressed in half of parathyroid adenomas (PAds) in most of atypical adenomas and carcinomas (n = 15). Throughin situhybridization, we identified that miR-372-positive parathyroid tumor cells were scattered throughout the tumor parenchyma. In PAd-derived cells, ectopic miR-372 inhibited the expression of its targetsCDKN1A/p21 and LATS2 at both mRNA and protein levels. Although the viability of parathyroid cells was not affected by miR-372 overexpression, the miRNA blunted camptothecin-induced apoptosis in primary PAd-derived cultures. miR-372 overexpression in parathyroid tumor cells increased parathormone (PTH) mRNA levels, and it positively correlatedin vivowith circulating PTH levels. Conversely, the parathyroid-specific genesTBX1andGCM2were not affected by miR-372 mimic transfection. Finally, miR-372 dampened the Wnt pathway in parathyroid tumor cells through DKK1 upregulation. In conclusion, miR-372 is a novel mechanism exploited by a subset of parathyroid tumor cells to partially decrease sensitivity to apoptosis, to increase PTH synthesis and to deregulate Wnt signaling.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenjian Yao ◽  
Jianjun Wang ◽  
Li Zhu ◽  
Xiangbo Jia ◽  
Lei Xu ◽  
...  

BackgroundIncreasing researches have been reported that epigenetic alterations play critical roles in ESCC development. However, the role of the histone demethylase KDM4D in ESCC tumorigenesis is poorly investigated. This study aims to discover the underlying mechanisms between KDM4D and ESCC progression.MethodsCCK-8 assays, clone formation assay and soft-agar assays were performed to assess cell proliferation. Transwell assay was utilized to assess cell migration efficiency, while sphere formation assay was used to evaluate the cell self-renewal ability. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted to identify prognostic factors and predict the potential E3 ubiquitin ligases. In vitro ubiquitination assay was conducted to confirm the regulations between SYVN1 and HMGB1. The mRNA levels or protein levels of genes were detected by real-time PCR and western blot analysis. In vivo tumor xenograft models were used to determine whether the HMGB1 inhibition affected the malignant features of ESCC cells.ResultEpigenome screening and low-throughput validations highlighted that KDM4D is a tumor suppressor in ESCC. KDM4D expressed lowly in tumors that predicts poor prognosis. KDM4D deficiency significantly enhanced tumor growth, migration and stemness. Mechanistically, KDM4D transcriptionally activates SYVN1 expressions via H3K9me3 demethylation at the promoter region, thereby triggering the ubiquitin-dependent degradation of HMGB1. Low KDM4D depended on accumulated HMGB1 to drive ESCC progression and aggressiveness. Targeting HMGB1 (Glycyrrhizin) could remarkably suppress ESCC tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, especially in KDM4D-deficient cells.ConclusionsWe systematically identified KDM4D/SYVN1/HMGB1 axis in ESCC progression, proving novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.


2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (5) ◽  
pp. H2053-H2061 ◽  
Author(s):  
Treena E. McDonald ◽  
Michelle N. Grinman ◽  
Chris M. Carthy ◽  
Keith R. Walley

Inflammatory mediators of sepsis induce apoptosis in many cell lines. We tested the hypothesis that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection in vivo results in induction of early apoptotic and survival pathways as well as evidence of late-stage apoptosis in the heart. Hearts were collected from control rats and at 6, 12, and 24 h after LPS injection (4 mg/kg). Activation of an apoptotic pathway was identified by a 1,000-fold increase in caspase-3 activity at 24 h ( P < 0.05). Confirmation of these results occurred when terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining identified myocardial cells undergoing DNA fragmentation with significant levels at 24 h post-LPS injection. LPS also caused early proapoptotic mRNA (Bax) to increase (16% at 24 h, P < 0.05), whereas the Bax protein initially decreased (35% at 6 h, P < 0.05) and then returned to baseline values by 24 h. Six hours after LPS injection, Bcl-2 (early prosurvival) mRNA levels increased, whereas its protein levels decreased (70%, P < 0.05) and then returned to baseline levels by 24 h. Mitochondrial cytochrome c levels decreased, suggestive of mitochondrial involvement. Thus involvement of proapoptotic and prosurvival pathways in the heart occurs during a septic inflammatory response.


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