scholarly journals Understanding Pathogen-host Interplay by Expression Profiles of LncRNA and mRNA in the Liver of Echinococcus Multilocularis-infected Mice

Author(s):  
Xiaofeng Nian ◽  
Li Li ◽  
Xusheng Ma ◽  
Xiurong Li ◽  
Wenhui Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Echinococcus multilocularis (Em) infection and the growth and proliferation of its metacestode within the internal organs of hosts are related to complex host–parasite interactions at the molecular level. Previous studies reported the profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs in Echinococcus granulosus-infected mice or cells, suggesting the potential role of lncRNAs in regulating host-parasite interplay. However, the profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs of mice in response to Em are poorly understood. Methods: Numerous differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) and mRNAs (DEMs) in the mouse liver at eight time points after Em infection were identified by microarray. Functional Annotation of dysregulated DEMs was conducted by gene ontology (GO) classification and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The potential function of DELs was predicted by constructing lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network and Transcription factor (TF)-lncRNA-mRNA Ternary Network. Additionally, qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to validate the upregulated DEMs at 30 days post-infection (dpi), which were enriched in Toll-like and RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathways. Cytokines and chemokines involved in these two pathways were determined by ELISA.Results: Thirty-one DEMs and 68 DELs were found continuously dysregulated. These DEMs were notably enriched in the “antigen processing and presentation,” “Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation” and “Th17 cell differentiation” pathways. The potential function prediction of DELs revealed that most DELs might influence the differentiation of Th17 cell and TGF-β/Smad pathway through trans regulating the SMAD3, STAT1, and early growth response (EGR) genes. Additionally, the validated results by qRT-PCR and western blotting showed that the mRNA expression levels of these genes increased while the corresponding protein expression levels were unaltered except c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK). Regardless, phospho-nuclear factor Kappa B (p-NF-κB) downstream of these two pathways was induced at 15 and 30 dpi, which led to the elevated levels of IL-1 beta and IL-6 in the serum. Conclusion: Our data provide novel clues in understanding the roles of lncRNAs in the host–Em interplay and the influence of Em infection on host innate immunity.

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Di Hua ◽  
Jie Yang ◽  
Qinghai Meng ◽  
Yuanyuan Ling ◽  
Qin Wei ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease. Soufeng sanjie formula (SF), which is composed of scolopendra (dried body of Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L. Koch), scorpion (dried body of Buthus martensii Karsch), astragali radix (dried root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge), and black soybean seed coats (seed coats of Glycine max (L.) Merr), is a traditional Chinese prescription for treating RA. However, the mechanism of SF in treating RA remains unclear. This study was aim to investigate the anti-arthritic effects of SF in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model and explore the mechanism by which SF alleviates arthritis in CIA mice. Methods For in vivo studies, female DBA/1J mice were used to establish the CIA model, and either SF (183 or 550 mg/kg/day) or methotrexate (MTX, 920 mg/kg, twice/week) was orally administered to the mice from the day of arthritis onset. After administration for 30 days, degree of ankle joint destruction and serum levels of IgG and inflammatory cytokines were determined. The balance of Th17/Treg cells in the spleen and lymph nodes was analyzed using flow cytometry. Moreover, the expression levels of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor (ROR) γt and phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3, Tyr705) in the spleen were detected by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the effect of SF on Th17 cells differentiation in vitro was investigated in CD4+ T cells under Th17 polarization conditions. Results SF decreased the arthritis score, ameliorated paw swelling, and reduced cartilage loss in the joint of CIA mice. In addition, SF decreased the levels of bovine collagen-specific IgG in sera of CIA mice. SF decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17A) and increased the level of IL-10 both in the sera and the joint of CIA mice. Moreover, SF treatment rebalanced the Th17/Treg ratio in the spleen and lymph nodes of CIA mice. SF also reduced the expression levels of ROR γt and pSTAT3 (Tyr705) in the spleen of CIA mice. In vitro, SF treatment reduced Th17 cell generation and IL-17A production and inhibited the expression of RORγt, IRF4, IL-17A, and pSTAT3 (Tyr705) under Th17 polarization conditions. Conclusions Our results suggest that SF exhibits anti-arthritic effects and restores Th17/Treg homeostasis in CIA mice by inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation.


Epigenomics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Congxia Bai ◽  
Tingting Liu ◽  
Yingying Sun ◽  
Hao Li ◽  
Ning Xiao ◽  
...  

Aim: To investigate the expression profiles of circRNAs after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Materials & methods: RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR were used to investigate and validate circRNA expression levels. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore potential functions of the circRNAs. Results: Expression levels of 15 circRNAs were consistently altered in patients with ICH compared with their expression levels in hypertension. Three circRNAs, hsa_circ_0001240, hsa_circ_0001947 and hsa_circ_0001386, individually or combined, were confirmed as promising biomarkers for predicting and diagnosing ICH. The circRNAs were involved mainly in lysine degradation and the immune system. Conclusion: This is the first study to report expression profiles of circRNAs after ICH and to propose that three circRNAs are potential biomarkers for ICH.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chung-Min Kang ◽  
Seong-Oh Kim ◽  
Mijeong Jeon ◽  
Hyung-Jun Choi ◽  
Han-Sung Jung ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to compare the differential gene expression and stemness in the human gingiva and dental follicles (DFs) according to their biological characteristics. Gingiva (n=9) and DFs (n=9) were collected from 18 children. Comparative gene expression profiles were collected using cDNA microarray. The expression of development, chemotaxis, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSs) related genes was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Histological analysis was performed using hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining. Gingiva had greater expression of genes related to keratinization, ectodermal development, and chemotaxis whereas DFs exhibited higher expression levels of genes related to tooth and embryo development. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of iPSc factors includingSOX2,KLF4, andC-MYCwere58.5±26.3,12.4±3.5, and12.2±1.9times higher in gingiva andVCAM1(CD146) andALCAM(CD166) were33.5±6.9and4.3±0.8times higher in DFs. Genes related to MSCs markers includingCD13,CD34,CD73,CD90, andCD105were expressed at higher levels in DFs. The results of qRT-PCR and IHC staining supported the microarray analysis results. Interestingly, this study demonstrated transcription factors of iPS cells were expressed at higher levels in the gingiva. Given the minimal surgical discomfort and simple accessibility, gingiva is a good candidate stem cell source in regenerative dentistry.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 10528-10528
Author(s):  
Ranit Aharonov ◽  
Gila Lithwick Yanai ◽  
Hila Benjamin ◽  
Mats Olot Sanden ◽  
Marluce Bibbo ◽  
...  

10528 Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the US. Treatment options are determined by tumor subtyping, for which there is lack of standardized, objective, and highly accurate techniques. In 20%-30% of cases significant limitations of tumor quantity and quality prevent full classification of the tumor using traditional diagnostic methods. Using microRNA microarray data generated from over a hundred formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) primary lung cancer samples, we have identified microRNA expression profiles that differ significantly for the main lung cancer types. Based on these findings, we have developed and validated a microRNA-based qRT-PCR assay that differentiates primary lung cancers into four types: squamous cell carcinoma, non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, carcinoid and small cell carcinoma. Methods: Over 700 primary tumor samples from different histological types of lung cancer were collected. Samples included FFPE blocks from resection or biopsies and cell blocks from cytology specimens including fine needle aspiration, bronchial brushing and bronchial washing. High-quality RNA was extracted from the samples using proprietary protocols. Expression levels of potential microRNA biomarkers were profiled using microarrays followed by a sensitive and specific qRT-PCR platform. An assay for lung tumors classification using 8 microRNAs on qRT-PCR was developed based on data from 261 samples. This assay was validated on an independent blinded set of 451 cytological and pathological samples. Results: Using the expression levels of 8 microRNAs measured in qRT-PCR, accurate classification of the primary lung tumors into the four main cancer types is obtained. The microRNA-based assay reached an accuracy of 94%. Moreover, cytological samples composed over 50% of the validation set and reached an accuracy of 95%. Conclusions: We present here a new microRNA-based assay for the classification of the four main types of lung cancer based only on the expression of 8 microRNAs. This assay displays very high levels of accuracy for both pathological and cytological samples. The assay comprises a standardized, well-tested and objective tool which can assist physicians in the diagnosis of lung cancer.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i15-i15
Author(s):  
Fenna F. Feenstra ◽  
Friso Calkoen ◽  
Johan M Kros ◽  
Lennart Kester ◽  
Mariëtte Kranendonk ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Ependymomas account for 8–10% of pediatric brain tumors, and the standard therapy of surgery and radiation has not changed for the past two decades. Characterization of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is of great importance in order to find better therapies. However, the TIME of ependymomas is still not defined. In this retrospective observational study we aimed to unravel the TIME of ependymomas at mRNA and protein expression levels. Methods Ependymoma samples from two locations were selected: Posterior Fossa (PF-A, n=8), and supratentorial (ST, n=5). Targeted gene expression profile using the PanCancer immune profile panel of NanoString technology was performed. Data were analyzed using the nSolver software. In addition, 8 samples were subjected to RNA bulk sequencing, and the sequenced data were connected to the expression data of the same samples. To validate some of the findings, immunohistochemistry was performed. Results Unsupervised hierarchical clustering showed that PF-A ependymomas can be divided into two groups based on the expression of their immune-related genes. PF-A that showed high immune-expression clustered closely to the ST ependymomas. Significant expressions of genes related to “antigen-processing” and “adhesion” pathways were found in the immune-active groups. On the contrary, the PF-A that had low expressions of immune-related genes showed a high expression of BMI1 that has a prognostic and therapeutic value. Connecting gene expression to bulk sequence data validated the findings. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that protein expression for some of the findings. Conclusion The TIME varies in ependymomas based on the location of the tumor. Moreover, the immune-related expression profiles indicated that PF-A ependymomas can be divided into two groups: immune-active and immune-not active PF-A. The prognostic and therapeutic values of the immune activity of PF-A should be further studied.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weifeng Zhang ◽  
Hualong Deng ◽  
Yanfen Liu ◽  
Shaohong Chen ◽  
You Liu ◽  
...  

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), belonging to the genus Morbillivirus in the family Paramyxoviridae, causes severe infectious disease in small ruminants and has been rapidly spreading in many parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Although vaccination is considered to be an effective means of controlling PPR, the heat-sensitive nature of the vaccines against PPRV greatly limits their application in areas with a hot climate. In the present study, we investigated the anti-PPRV effects of favipiravir and sought to identify the underlying mechanisms in vitro using the Vero cell line. MTT assays, Western blotting, indirect immunofluorescence assays, virus plaque formation assays, and qRT-PCR were used to assess the effects of favipiravir on the life cycle of PPRV and the expression of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Additionally, the expression levels of JAK1, STAT1, phosphorylated (p)-STAT1, PI3K, AKT, and p-AKT, as well as those of signaling molecules acting downstream of the JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, were determined by Western blotting and qRT-PCR. The results indicated that, in PPRV-infected, favipiravir-treated Vero cells, the attachment, invasion, replication, and release of PPRV were significantly inhibited, as was the expression of RdRp, when compared with that in untreated PPRV-infected cells. Furthermore, in favipiravir-treated cells, the expression of JAK1 and STAT1 was downregulated, whereas that of p-STAT1 was significantly upregulated. Similarly, the expression levels of PKR, IRF9, ISG54, and MxA proteins that are associated with innate antiviral activity in host cells were also markedly increased. Moreover, with favipiravir treatment, the expression of PI3K and p-AKT and the p-AKT/AKT ratio were significantly decreased, whereas the expression of AKT was noticeably upregulated. The expression of GSK3, NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, and BAD was also increased with favipiravir treatment, while the expression of CREB, p-CREB, p-GSK3, and Bcl-2 was slightly decreased. In addition, all the p-GSK3/GSK3, p-CREB/CREB, p-NF-κB/NF-κB, and p-BAD/BAD ratios were significantly reduced in favipiravir-treated cells. These results implied that the antiviral effectivity of favipiravir against PPRV is mediated by the JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT pathways and that favipiravir has potential for use as an effective antiviral agent against PPRV.


Author(s):  
Chao Sun ◽  
Shuang-Hai Hu ◽  
Bing-Qi Dong ◽  
Shan Jiang ◽  
Fang Miao ◽  
...  

Introduction: Although it has been reported that the anti-diabetic drug metformin has multiple extra-hypoglycemic activities, such as anti-oxidation, anti-aging and even anti-tumor, topical metformin also can induce hair regeneration, but the precise mechanism involved in that process is still unclear. Objectives: To assess the effect of metformin on hair growth in a mouse hair follicle reconstitution model generated by in vitro self-assembled three-dimensional aggregates of epidermal and dermal cells (3D aggregates). Methods: Epidermal cells and dermal cells were isolated and cultured from the mouse skin of fifty C57BL/6 mouse pups (1-day-old). For tracing the distribution of dermal cells during the self-assembly process of 3D aggregates, the dermal cells were labeled with Vybrant Dil cell-labelling solution and mixed with epidermal cells at 1:1 ratio. Formed 3D aggregates were treated with 10 mM metformin and then were grafted into recipient BALB/c nude mice. The biomarkers (HGF, CD133, ALP, β-catenin and SOX2) associated with the hair-inductive activity of dermal cells were detected in the grafted skin tissues and in cultured 3D aggregates treated with metformin using immunofluorescent staining, quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), and western blotting. Furthermore, the expression levels of CD133 were also examined in dermal cells with different passage numbers using qRT-PCR and western blotting. Results: Metformin directly stimulates the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of cultured 3D aggregates, upregulates both the protein and mRNA expression levels of molecular markers (HGF, CD133, ALP, β-catenin and SOX2) and improves the survival rate of reconstituted hair follicles. Moreover, we also found that metformin increases the expression of CD133 in dermal cells thus maintaining their trichogenic capacity that would normally be lost by serial subculture. Conclusions: These results suggest that metformin can promote hair follicle regeneration in vitro through up-regulation of the hair inductive capability of dermal cells, warranting further evaluation in the clinical treatment of male or female pattern hair loss.


Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 4763-4763 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Zhong ◽  
Lan Xu ◽  
Xin Li ◽  
Xian-fu Sheng ◽  
Fang-yuan Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract CAG regimen was widely used in the clinical treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the mechanisms of G-CSF in the CAG regimen remain unknown. For the purpose of better elucidating the function of G-CSF, we evidenced that G-CSF could enhance HL60 and primary leukemia cells proliferation in vitro. Meanwhile, transwell migration experiments demonstrated that G-CSF, similar as the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100, could remarkably inhibit the chemotaxis of HL60 cells induced by the chemokines released from marrow stromal cells (Fig 1). qRT-PCR and Western blotting results showed that the expression of miR-146a was up-regulated after G-CSF treatment, while the expression levels of CXCR4 and smad4 were down-regulated (Fig 2). CXCR4 and Smad4 expression levels in miR-146a over expression lentivirus infected HL60 cells were significantly decreased, which manifested the direct or indirect targeted relationship between miR-146a and CXCR4/Smad4. Our qRT-PCR and Western blotting results also showed an involvement of NF-KB in G-CSF induced up-regulation of miR-146a in AML cells. G-CSF activated NF-KB in the cells. Activated NF-KB induced the up-regulation of miR-146a expression. Sanguinarine, an inhibitor of NF-KB significantly inhibited miR-146a expression. We further demonstrated the involvement of NF-KB in the regulation of G-CSF in CXCR4 and Smad4 expression (Fig 3). Our study demonstrated that G-CSF not only could induce resting leukemia cells into proliferation cell cycle, but also could inhibit chemotaxis of leukemia cells. We elucidated the mechanism of G-CSF/NF-KB/miR-146a/CXCR4 signaling pathway in CAG treatment of AML. The expression levels of MiR-146a /CXCR4 /Smad4 may be selected as the clinical markers for CAG protocol choosing. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Parasitology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 132 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. MATSUMOTO ◽  
N. MÜLLER ◽  
A. HEMPHILL ◽  
Y. OKU ◽  
M. KAMIYA ◽  
...  

The present study aimed to search for and characterize parasite molecules, whose expression levels correlate with the viability and growth activity of Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes. We focused on the expression profiles of 2 parasite-derived genes, 14-3-3 and II/3-10, as putative molecular markers for viability and growth activity of the larval parasite. In experiments in vivo, gene expression levels of 14-3-3 and II/3-10 were relatively quantified by real-time reverse transcription-PCR using a housekeeping gene, beta-actin, as a reference reaction. All three reactions were compared with growth activity of the parasite developing in permissive nu/nu and in non-permissive wild type BALB/c mice. At 2 months p.i., the transcription level of 14-3-3 was significantly higher in parasites actively proliferating in nu/nu mice compared to parasites moderately growing in wild type mice. Immunoblotting experiments confirmed at the protein level that 14-3-3 was over-expressed in parasites derived from nu/nu mice at 2 months p.i. In vitro treatment of E. multilocularis with an anti-echinococcal drug nitazoxanide resulted in a significant decrease of both 14-3-3 and II/3-10 transcription levels found after 8 days of treatment, which correlated with the kinetics of a housekeeping gene, beta-actin. The conclusion is that 14-3-3, combined with II/3-10, exhibits good potential as a molecular marker to assess viability and growth activity of the parasite.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendan He ◽  
Yanru Yang ◽  
Longgan Cai ◽  
Qiaoling Lei ◽  
Zhongdong Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background This study systematically evaluated microRNA (miRNA) expression patterns in peri-miniscrew implant crevicular fluid (PMICF) in orthodontic patients. Methods Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed to obtain miRNA profiles in PMICF or gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) collected from 3 healthy volunteers (H), 3 peri-implantitis patients (PMSII) and 5 periodontitis patients (P). MiRNA expression patterns were compared between normal and orthodontic PMICF and GCF. Differentially expressed miRNAs were estimated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Enrichment analyses of the gene targets controlled by these miRNAs were conducted by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Results Compared with healthy donors, in PMSII patients, a total of 206 upregulated miRNAs and 152 downregulated miRNAs were detected in PMICF, while periodontitis patients had 333 upregulated miRNAs and 318 downregulated miRNAs. MiR-544a, miR-1245b-3p, miR-1825, miR-4291, miR-3689e, and miR-4477a were chosen randomly for further examination. qRT-PCR examination confirmed that the expression levels of miR-1245b-3p and miR-4291 were higher in PMSII than in H samples and that the expression levels of miR-1825 were higher in PMSII than in P samples. However, contrary to the NGS results, qRT-PCR analysis showed decreased expression of miR544a in PMSII. MiR3689e and miR4477a expression did not differ significantly among all samples. According to GO and KEGG pathway analyses of miR-1825, miR-4291, and miR-1245b-3p high enrichment of target genes involved in the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway was observed. Conclusions The NGS analysis of normal and orthodontic PMICF/CGF showed different miRNA profiles, which may lay the foundation for future research on the molecular mechanism of PMSII. miR-4291, miR-1245b-3p and miR-1825 may be used as diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets for PMSII.


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