Assessing Indoor Dust Interference with Human Nuclear Hormone Receptors in Cell-Based Luciferase Reporter Assays

ABSTRACT Some members of nuclear hormone receptors, such as the thyroid hormone receptor (TR), silence gene expression in the absence of the hormone. Corepressors, which bind to the receptor’s silencing domain, are involved in this repression. Hormone binding leads to dissociation of corepressors and binding of coactivators, which in turn mediate gene activation. Here, we describe the characteristics of Alien, a novel corepressor. Alien interacts with TR only in the absence of hormone. Addition of thyroid hormone leads to dissociation of Alien from the receptor, as shown by the yeast two-hybrid system, glutathioneS-transferase pull-down, and coimmunoprecipitation experiments. Reporter assays indicate that Alien increases receptor-mediated silencing and that it harbors an autonomous silencing function. Immune staining shows that Alien is localized in the cell nucleus. Alien is a highly conserved protein showing 90% identity between human and Drosophila. Drosophila Alien shows similar activities in that it interacts in a hormone-sensitive manner with TR and harbors an autonomous silencing function. Specific interaction of Alien is seen with Drosophila nuclear hormone receptors, such as the ecdysone receptor and Seven-up, the Drosophila homologue of COUP-TF1, but not with retinoic acid receptor, RXR/USP, DHR 3, DHR 38, DHR 78, or DHR 96. These properties, taken together, show that Alien has the characteristics of a corepressor. Thus, Alien represents a member of a novel class of corepressors specific for selected members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily.

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Nuclear Hormone Receptors and Adipogenesis

Critical Reviews in Eukaryotic Gene Expression ◽

10.1615/critreveukargeneexpr.v8.i2.30 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 141-168 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Jeffrey M. Gimble ◽

Claudius E. Robinson ◽

Stephen L. Clarke ◽

Molly R. Hill

Keyword(s):

Hormone Receptors ◽

Nuclear Hormone Receptors

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TEAD4 modulated LncRNA MNX1-AS1 contributes to gastric cancer progression partly through suppressing BTG2 and activating BCL2

Molecular Cancer ◽

10.1186/s12943-019-1104-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

You Shuai ◽

Zhonghua Ma ◽

Weitao Liu ◽

Tao Yu ◽

Changsheng Yan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gastric Cancer ◽

Cancer Progression ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Mechanistic Model ◽

Ectopic Expression ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Tissue Samples ◽

Reporter Assays

Abstract Background Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are dysregulated in obvious malignancies including GC and exploring the regulatory mechanisms underlying their expression is an attractive research area. However, these molecular mechanisms require further clarification, especially upstream mechanisms. Methods LncRNA MNX1-AS1 expression in GC tissue samples was investigated via microarray analysis and further determined in a cohort of GC tissues via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays. Cell proliferation and flow cytometry assays were performed to confirm the roles of MNX1-AS1 in GC proliferation, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis. The influence of MNX1-AS1 on GC cell migration and invasion was explored with Transwell assays. A xenograft tumour model was established to verify the effects of MNX1-AS1 on in vivo tumourigenesis. The TEAD4-involved upstream regulatory mechanism of MNX1-AS1 was explored through ChIP and luciferase reporter assays. The mechanistic model of MNX1-AS1 in regulating gene expression was further detected by subcellular fractionation, FISH, RIP, ChIP and luciferase reporter assays. Results It was found that MNX1-AS1 displayed obvious upregulation in GC tissue samples and cell lines, and ectopic expression of MNX1-AS1 predicted poor clinical outcomes for patients with GC. Overexpressed MNX1-AS1 expression promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells markedly, whereas decreased MNX1-AS1 expression elicited the opposite effects. Consistent with the in vitro results, MNX1-AS1 depletion effectively inhibited the growth of xenograft tumour in vivo. Mechanistically, TEAD4 directly bound the promoter region of MNX1-AS1 and stimulated the transcription of MNX1-AS1. Furthermore, MNX1-AS1 can sponge miR-6785-5p to upregulate the expression of BCL2 in GC cells. Meanwhile, MNX1-AS1 suppressed the transcription of BTG2 by recruiting polycomb repressive complex 2 to BTG2 promoter regions. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that MNX1-AS1 may be able to serve as a prognostic indicator in GC patients and that TEAD4-activatd MNX1-AS1 can promote GC progression through EZH2/BTG2 and miR-6785-5p/BCL2 axes, implicating it as a novel and potent target for the treatment of GC.

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Circular RNA mmu_circ_0005019 inhibits fibrosis of cardiac fibroblasts and reverses electrical remodeling of cardiomyocytes

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12872-021-02128-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Na Wu ◽

Chengying Li ◽

Bin Xu ◽

Ying Xiang ◽

Xiaoyue Jia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽

Circular Rna ◽

Protective Role ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Loss Of Function ◽

Candidate Target ◽

Paired Control ◽

Reporter Assays ◽

And Migration

Abstract Background Circular RNA (circRNA) have been reported to play important roles in cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction and heart failure. However, the role of circRNA in atrial fibrillation (AF) has rarely been investigated. We recently found a circRNA hsa_circ_0099734 was significantly differentially expressed in the AF patients atrial tissues compared to paired control. We aim to investigate the functional role and molecular mechanisms of mmu_circ_0005019 which is the homologous circRNA in mice of hsa_circ_0099734 in AF. Methods In order to investigate the effect of mmu_circ_0005019 on the proliferation, migration, differentiation into myofibroblasts and expression of collagen of cardiac fibroblasts, and the effect of mmu_circ_0005019 on the apoptosis and expression of Ito, INA and SK3 of cardiomyocytes, gain- and loss-of-function of cell models were established in mice cardiac fibroblasts and HL-1 atrial myocytes. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and RIP were performed to verify the binding effects between mmu_circ_0005019 and its target microRNA (miRNA). Results In cardiac fibroblasts, mmu_circ_0005019 showed inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and migration. In cardiomyocytes, overexpression of mmu_circ_0005019 promoted Kcnd1, Scn5a and Kcnn3 expression. Knockdown of mmu_circ_0005019 inhibited the expression of Kcnd1, Kcnd3, Scn5a and Kcnn3. Mechanistically, mmu_circ_0005019 exerted biological functions by acting as a miR-499-5p sponge to regulate the expression of its target gene Kcnn3. Conclusions Our findings highlight mmu_circ_0005019 played a protective role in AF development and might serve as an attractive candidate target for AF treatment.

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LncRNA LINC00858 enhances cervical cancer cell growth through miR-3064-5p/ VMA21 axis

Cancer Biomarkers ◽

10.3233/cbm-200033 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Min Wei ◽

Youguo Chen ◽

Wensheng Du

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Cell Proliferation ◽

Cell Apoptosis ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Cancer Cell Growth ◽

Protein Coding ◽

Gynecological Malignancy ◽

Promising Therapeutic Target ◽

Proliferation And Apoptosis ◽

Reporter Assays

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer (CC) is the most common form of gynecological malignancy. Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 858 (LINC00858) has been identified to participate in multiple cancers. However, the role and mechanism of LINC00858 in CC cells are still elusive. AIM: The aim of this study is to explore the biological functions and mechanisms of LINC00858 in CC cells. METHODS: RT-qPCR analysis was used to examine the expression of LINC00858 in CC cells. EdU and colony formation assay were utilized to assess cell proliferation. TUNEL assay and flow cytometry assay were conducted to assess cell apoptosis. The mechanism regarding LINC00858 was certified through RNA pull down, RIP and luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS: The up-regulated LINC00858 was detected in CC cells. Reduction of LINC00858 effectively subdued CC cells proliferation and stimulated cell apoptosis. LINC00858 was determined to bind with miR-3064-5p and up-regulate VMA21 in CC cells. In rescue assays, miR-3064-5p down-regulation and VMA21 up-regulation were able to counteract the effect caused by LINC00858 decrease on CC cell proliferation and apoptosis. CONCLUSION: LINC00858 enhances cell proliferation, while restraining cell apoptosis in CC through targeting miR-3064-5p/VMA21 axis, implying that LINC00858 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for CC.

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MITF induces escape from innate immunity in melanoma

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research ◽

10.1186/s13046-021-01916-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Luis Sánchez-del-Campo ◽

Román Martí-Díaz ◽

María F. Montenegro ◽

Rebeca González-Guerrero ◽

Trinidad Hernández-Caselles ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Immune System ◽

Nk Cells ◽

Nk Cell ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Damage Repair ◽

Reporter Assays ◽

Underlying Mechanisms ◽

Nk Cytotoxicity

Abstract Background The application of immune-based therapies has revolutionized cancer treatment. Yet how the immune system responds to phenotypically heterogeneous populations within tumors is poorly understood. In melanoma, one of the major determinants of phenotypic identity is the lineage survival oncogene MITF that integrates diverse microenvironmental cues to coordinate melanoma survival, senescence bypass, differentiation, proliferation, invasion, metabolism and DNA damage repair. Whether MITF also controls the immune response is unknown. Methods By using several mouse melanoma models, we examine the potential role of MITF to modulate the anti-melanoma immune response. ChIP-seq data analysis, ChIP-qPCR, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, and luciferase reporter assays were utilized to identify ADAM10 as a direct MITF target gene. Western blotting, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity assays were used to determine the underlying mechanisms by which MITF-driven phenotypic plasticity modulates melanoma NK cell-mediated killing. Results Here we show that MITF regulates expression of ADAM10, a key sheddase that cleaves the MICA/B family of ligands for NK cells. By controlling melanoma recognition by NK-cells MITF thereby controls the melanoma response to the innate immune system. Consequently, while melanoma MITFLow cells can be effectively suppressed by NK-mediated killing, MITF-expressing cells escape NK cell surveillance. Conclusion Our results reveal how modulation of MITF activity can impact the anti-melanoma immune response with implications for the application of anti-melanoma immunotherapies.

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Tumor Suppressive Role of miR-342-5p in Human Chondrosarcoma Cells and 3D Organoids

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22115590 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (11) ◽

pp. 5590

Author(s):

Clément Veys ◽

Abderrahim Benmoussa ◽

Romain Contentin ◽

Amandine Duchemin ◽

Emilie Brotin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Functional Screening ◽

Western Blots ◽

Egfr Expression ◽

Reporter Assays ◽

Direct Target ◽

Induced Apoptosis ◽

First Time

Chondrosarcomas are malignant bone tumors. Their abundant cartilage-like extracellular matrix and their hypoxic microenvironment contribute to their resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and no effective therapy is currently available. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) may be an interesting alternative in the development of therapeutic options. Here, for the first time in chondrosarcoma cells, we carried out high-throughput functional screening using impedancemetry, and identified five miRNAs with potential antiproliferative or chemosensitive effects on SW1353 chondrosarcoma cells. The cytotoxic effects of miR-342-5p and miR-491-5p were confirmed on three chondrosarcoma cell lines, using functional validation under normoxia and hypoxia. Both miRNAs induced apoptosis and miR-342-5p also induced autophagy. Western blots and luciferase reporter assays identified for the first time Bcl-2 as a direct target of miR-342-5p, and also Bcl-xL as a direct target of both miR-342-5p and miR-491-5p in chondrosarcoma cells. MiR-491-5p also inhibited EGFR expression. Finally, only miR-342-5p induced cell death on a relevant 3D chondrosarcoma organoid model under hypoxia that mimics the in vivo microenvironment. Altogether, our results revealed the tumor suppressive activity of miR-342-5p, and to a lesser extent of miR-491-5p, on chondrosarcoma lines. Through this study, we also confirmed the potential of Bcl-2 family members as therapeutic targets in chondrosarcomas.

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Molecular Cloning and Functional Characterization of Three 5-HT Receptor Genes (HTR1B, HTR1E and HTR1F) in Chickens

Genes ◽

10.3390/genes12060891 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 891

Author(s):

Caiyun Sun ◽

Yang Qiu ◽

Qin Ren ◽

Xiao Zhang ◽

Baolong Cao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Serotonin Receptor ◽

Functional Characterization ◽

Brain Regions ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Molecular Characteristics ◽

Intracellular Camp ◽

Pituitary Cells ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Serotonin Signaling ◽

Reporter Assays

The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) signaling system is involved in a variety of physiological functions, including the control of cognition, reward, learning, memory, and vasoconstriction in vertebrates. Contrary to the extensive studies in the mammalian system, little is known about the molecular characteristics of the avian serotonin signaling network. In this study, we cloned and characterized the full-length cDNA of three serotonin receptor genes (HTR1B, HTR1E and HTR1F) in chicken pituitaries. Synteny analyses indicated that HTR1B, HTR1E and HTR1F were highly conserved across vertebrates. Cell-based luciferase reporter assays showed that the three chicken HTRs were functional, capable of binding their natural ligands (5-HT) or selective agonists (CP94253, BRL54443, and LY344864) and inhibiting intracellular cAMP production in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, activation of these receptors could stimulate the MAPK/ERK signaling cascade. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses revealed that HTR1B, HTR1E and HTR1F were primarily expressed in various brain regions and the pituitary. In cultured chicken pituitary cells, we found that LY344864 could significantly inhibit the secretion of PRL stimulated by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) or forskolin, revealing that HTR1F might be involved in the release of prolactin in chicken. Our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanism and facilitate a better understanding of the serotonergic modulation via HTR1B, HTR1E and HTR1F in avian species.

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The AaCBF4-AaBAM3.1 module enhances freezing tolerance of kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta)

Horticulture Research ◽

10.1038/s41438-021-00530-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Shihang Sun ◽

Chungen Hu ◽

Xiujuan Qi ◽

Jinyong Chen ◽

Yunpeng Zhong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cold Stress ◽

Freezing Tolerance ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Dna Interactions ◽

Functional Protein ◽

Actinidia Arguta ◽

Protein Dna Interactions ◽

Similar Phenotype ◽

Reporter Assays

AbstractBeta-amylase (BAM) plays an important role in plant resistance to cold stress. However, the specific role of the BAM gene in freezing tolerance is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that a cold-responsive gene module was involved in the freezing tolerance of kiwifruit. In this module, the expression of AaBAM3.1, which encodes a functional protein, was induced by cold stress. AaBAM3.1-overexpressing kiwifruit lines showed increased freezing tolerance, and the heterologous overexpression of AaBAM3.1 in Arabidopsis thaliana resulted in a similar phenotype. The results of promoter GUS activity and cis-element analyses predicted AaCBF4 to be an upstream transcription factor that could regulate AaBAM3.1 expression. Further investigation of protein-DNA interactions by using yeast one-hybrid, GUS coexpression, and dual luciferase reporter assays confirmed that AaCBF4 directly regulated AaBAM3.1 expression. In addition, the expression of both AaBAM3.1 and AaCBF4 in kiwifruit responded positively to cold stress. Hence, we conclude that the AaCBF-AaBAM module is involved in the positive regulation of the freezing tolerance of kiwifruit.

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LINC00265 maintains hepatocyte proliferation during liver regeneration by targeting miRNA-28-5p

Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry ◽

10.1093/bbb/zbaa049 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 85 (3) ◽

pp. 528-536

Author(s):

Sheng Yu ◽

Zhonglin Cui ◽

Jie Zhou ◽

Kai Wang ◽

Qingping Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Liver Resection ◽

Liver Regeneration ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Weight Ratio ◽

Hepatocyte Proliferation ◽

Phase Cell ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Hepatocyte Regeneration ◽

M Phase ◽

Reporter Assays

ABSTRACT Long noncoding RNAs have been implicated in many biological processes, but their roles in liver regeneration still need to be illustrated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of LINC00265 as a pivotal regulator of hepatocyte proliferation during liver regeneration. It was found that LINC00265 is significantly upregulated in rat liver tissues at various time points after 2/3 liver resection. LINC00265 knockdown inhibited hepatocyte proliferation, induced cell apoptosis and led to G2/M phase cell cycle arrestment. In rats subjected to surgery, LINC00265 knockdown decreased liver/body weight ratio, attenuated improvement from liver damage and reduced Ki67 and PCNA expression. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR-28-5p was a direct target of LINC00265, and inhibition of miR-28-5p abolished the effect of LINC00265 knockdown. In summary, LINC00265 might maintain hepatocyte proliferation by targeting miR-28-5p during liver regeneration and should be considered as a promising therapeutic option for hepatocyte regeneration after liver resection.

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