Cell type–specific channelrhodopsin-2 transgenic mice for optogenetic dissection of neural circuitry function

Optogenetic methods have emerged as powerful tools for dissecting neural circuit connectivity, function and dysfunction. We used a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic strategy to express the H134R variant of channelrhodopsin-2, ChR2(H134R), under the control of cell type–specific promoter elements. We performed an extensive functional characterization of the newly established VGAT-ChR2(H134R)-EYFP, ChAT-ChR2(H134R)-EYFP, Tph2-ChR2(H134R)-EYFP and Pvalb(H134R)-ChR2-EYFP BAC transgenic mouse lines and demonstrate the utility of these lines for precisely controlling action-potential firing of GABAergic, cholinergic, serotonergic and parvalbumin-expressing neuron subsets using blue light. This resource of cell type–specific ChR2(H134R) mouse lines will facilitate the precise mapping of neuronal connectivity and the dissection of the neural basis of behavior.     

Mineralocorticoids modulate the expression of the β-3 subunit of the Na+, K+-ATPase in the renal collecting duct

Renal sodium reabsorption depends on the activity of the Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase α/β heterodimer. Four α (α_1–4) and 3 β (β_1–3) subunit isoforms have been described. It is accepted that renal tubule cells express α₁/β₁ dimers. Aldosterone stimulates Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity and may modulate α₁/β₁ expression. However, some studies suggest the presence of β₃ in the kidney. We hypothesized that the β₃ isoform of the Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase is expressed in tubular cells of the distal nephron, and modulated by mineralocorticoids. We found that β₃ is highly expressed in collecting duct of rodents, and that mineralocorticoids decreased the expression of β₃. Thus, we describe a novel molecular mechanism of sodium pump modulation that may contribute to the effects of mineralocorticoids on sodium reabsorption.     

Chromosomal locations of the gene coding for the CD3 (T3) γ subunit of the human and mouse CD3/T-cell antigen receptor complexes

The gene coding for the M _r 26000 chain of the human CD3 (T3) antigen/T-cell antigen receptor complex was mapped to chromosome band 11q23 by using a cDNA clone (pJ6T3 -2), by in situ hybridization to metaphase chromosomes and by Southern blot analysis of a panel of human-rodent somatic cell hybrids. The mouse homolog, here termed Cdg-3, was mapped to chromosome 9 using the mouse cDNA clone pB10.AT3 -1 and a panel of mouse-hamster somatic cell hybrids. Similar locations for the CD3 genes have been described previously. Thus, the corporate results indicate that the CD3 and genes have remained together since they duplicated about 200 million years ago.     

Expression of the Clustered NeuAcα2–3Galβ O-Glycan Determines the Cell Differentiation State of the Cells

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are pluripotent stem cells from early embryos, and their self-renewal capacity depends on the sustained expression of hESC-specific molecules and the suppressed expression of differentiation-associated genes. To discover novel molecules expressed on hESCs, we generated a panel of monoclonal antibodies against undifferentiated hESCs and evaluated their ability to mark cancer cells, as well as hESCs. MAb7 recognized undifferentiated hESCs and showed a diffuse band with molecular mass of >239 kDa in the lysates of hESCs. Although some amniotic epithelial cells expressed MAb7 antigen, its expression was barely detected in normal human keratinocytes, fibroblasts, or endothelial cells. The expression of MAb7 antigen was observed only in pancreatic and gastric cancer cells, and its levels were elevated in metastatic and poorly differentiated cancer cell lines. Analyses of MAb7 antigen suggested that the clustered NeuAcα2–3Galβ O-linked oligosaccharides on DMBT1 (deleted in malignant brain tumors 1) were critical for MAb7 binding in cancer cells. Although features of MAb7 epitope were similar with those of TRA-1–60, distribution of MAb7 antigen in cancer cells was different from that of TRA-1–60 antigen. Exposure of a histone deacetylase inhibitor to differentiated gastric cancer MKN74 cells evoked the expression of MAb7 antigen, whereas DMBT1 expression remained unchanged. Cell sorting followed by DNA microarray analyses identified the down-regulated genes responsible for the biosynthesis of MAb7 antigen in MKN74 cells. In addition, treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer cells with MAb7 significantly abrogated the adhesion to endothelial cells. These results raised the possibility that MAb7 epitope is a novel marker for undifferentiated cells such as hESCs and cancer stem-like cells and plays a possible role in the undifferentiated cells.     

Peptide analogues of 1811–1818 loop of the A3 subunit of the light chain A3-C1–C2 of FVIII of blood coagulation: biological evaluation

Factor VIII, the plasma protein deficient or defective in individuals with hemophilia A, is a critical member of the blood coagulation cascade. Recent studies have identified the FVIII light chain region Glu1811-Lys1818 as being involved in FIXa binding and in the assembly of the FX-activating FIXaz–FVIIIa complex. Based on this, a series of 12 peptides, analogues of the 1811–1818 loop of the A3 subunit of the light chain A3-C1–C2 of FVIIIa, were synthesized and evaluated for their anticoagulant activity. Only peptide Ac-ETKTYFWK-NH₂ showed significant anticoagulant activity by inhibiting about 40% factor VIII at a concentration of 0.43 mM. It also showed a prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time of 6.1 s, whereas its effect on prothrombin time measurements was meaningless. All the other peptides did not show any measurable effect at the concentration of 0.43 mM. These findings are encouraging though further investigation of the effect of this active peptide in different biological settings is needed in order to evaluate its possible clinical applications.     

A reconstituted cell-free system for the specific transfer of steroid–receptor complexes into nuclear chromatin isolated from rat ventral prostate gland

1. A system has been developed for the specific transfer of [(3)H]dihydrotestosterone-receptor complexes into prostatic chromatin in vitro. 2. Under optimum conditions the overall transfer of [(3)H]dihydrotestosterone into purified chromatin in this reconstituted system is entirely consistent with the results obtained in whole tissue both in vivo and in vitro. 3. The transfer of [(3)H]dihydrotestosterone into chromatin is tissue-specific and maximal into chromatin isolated from androgen-dependent tissues. 4. The tissue specificity is maintained at two levels: first, in the presence of specific cytoplasmic androgen-receptor proteins; secondly, by the nature and composition of the chromatin itself. 5. Evidence is presented that androgenic steroids in vivo may maintain the tissue-specific nature of chromatin in androgen-dependent tissues by the selective induction of nuclear protein synthesis. 6. The relevance of these findings to the mechanism of action of androgenic steroids is discussed.     

High-level expression of a recombinant fragment of human fibronectin containing the Cell I–Hep II–IIICS71 domain in Escherichia coli as a soluble protein

Fibronectin (FN) is a major matrix protein that is involved in multiple processes. Its Cell I–Hep II domain is potentially useful in tumor therapy. Here, a recombinant fragment of FN with the Cell I–Hep II-IIICS71 domain, CH/71, was expressed in Escherichia coli. The CH/71 fusion protein consists of Cell I–Hep II domain and 19th to 89th amino acids of IIICS domain of FN. The expression level of CH/71 in E. coli was very high after induction with IPTG. Furthermore, CH/71 protein was largely found in the soluble fraction. It was readily purified by one-step heparin–agarose affinity chromatograph. The ability of CH/71 binding cells was about 8-fold of that of Cell I–Hep II domain FN.     

Effect of serum type and concentration on the expression ofβ-galactosidase in recombinant vaccinia virus infected HeLa S3 cells

The effect of serum type and concentration on recombinant protein expression in vaccinia virus infected HeLa S3 cells was studied in both static and suspension culture. A model heterologous protein,-galactosidase (-gal), was used. Calf and horse sera in the range of 0.5–10%(v/v) were investigated. In static culture, the calf serum concentration did not show any significant influence on the -gal production which was almost completed within 24h postinfection (pi). Higher horse serum concentration, on the other hand, resulted in higher -gal concentration which continued to increase until 48 h pi. Total -gal concentrations in 0.5% calf serum at 24 h pi and 10% horse serum at 48 h pi were 2.2±0.7 and 2.2±0.1 IU/ml, respectively. In suspension culture, both sera showed their respective effects on the -gal production similar to those observed in static culture, indicating that the cultivation method had little influence on -gal production. Accordingly, the use of 0.5% calf serum after virus infection in recommended for economical -gal production.     

Hsa_circ_0069094 positively regulates the expression of oncogenic ZNF217 by competitively targeting miR-758–3p to promote the development of breast cancer

To investigate the functions and potential mechanisms of hsa_circ_0069094 in this cancer. The expression of hsa_circ_0069094, zinc finger protein 217 (ZNF217) and microRNA-758–3p (miR-758–3p) was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and the protein level of ZNF217 was detected by western blot. Cell proliferation was assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and colony formation assay. Cell cycle progression and cell apoptosis were determined using flow cytometry assay. Cell invasion and cell migration were monitored using transwell assay and wound healing assay. The protein levels of apoptosis-related proteins were quantified by western blot. The putative relationship between miR-758–3p and hsa_circ_0069094 and ZNF217 was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Xenograft model was constructed in mice to explore the role of hsa_circ_0069094 on solid tumor growth.Hsa_circ_0069094 and ZNF217 were highly expressed, while miR-758–3p was poorly expressed in tissues and cells of breast cancer. Hsa_circ_0069094 knockdown or ZNF217 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and migration and induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cells. The inhibitory effects of hsa_circ_0069094 knockdown on cell malignant behaviors were abolished by ZNF217 overexpression. Hsa_circ_0069094 competed with ZNF217 for the binding site of miR-758–3p, and hsa_circ_0069094 positively regulated ZNF217 expression by competitively binding to miR-758–3p. Hsa_circ_0069094 knockdown also blocked solid tumor growth in mice. Collectively, Hsa_circ_0069094 played oncogenic effects in breast cancer by activating the expression of ZNF217 via competitively binding to miR-758–3p, which might be a novel strategy for breast cancer suppression.     

RPA Accumulation during Class Switch Recombination Represents 5′–3′ DNA-End Resection during the S–G2/M Phase of the Cell Cycle

1. Download : Download full-size image

Highlights? RPA and Rad51 bind asymmetrically to recombining immunoglobulin genes ? Ig gene DNA breaks are resected as B cells enter the S–G2/M cell-cycle stages ? ATM regulates localized DNA-end resection in G1 ? DNA-end resection in S–G2/M is extensive and ATM independent     

Nuclear PLC Beta 1 is required for 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation and regulates expression of the cyclin D3–cdk4 complex

A phosphoinositide signalling cycle is present in the nucleus, independent of that which occurs at the plasma membrane. The key enzyme involved in this cycle is phospholipase (PLC) β1. This nuclear cycle has been shown to be involved in both cell proliferation and differentiation. Here, we report that nuclear PLCβ1 activity is upregulated during differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. During differentiation there are two phases of PLCβ1 activity; the first occurs within 5 min of treatment with differentiation media, does not require new PLCβ1 to enter the nucleus and is regulated by pERK and PKC α while the second phase occurs from day 2 of differentiation, requires new PLCβ1 protein to enter the nucleus and is independent of regulation by pERK and PKC α. Over-expression with the PLC mutants, Δmk (which lacks the ERK phosphorylation site) and M2B (which lacks the nuclear localisation sequence), revealed that both phases of PLCβ1 activity are required for terminal differentiation to occur. Inhibition of PLCβ1 activity prevents the upregulation of cyclinD3 and cdk4 protein, suggesting that PLCβ1 plays a role in the control of the cell cycle during differentiation. These results indicate nuclear PLCβ1 as a key regulator of adipocyte differentiation.     

MicroRNA-7–regulated TLR9 signaling–enhanced growth and metastatic potential of human lung cancer cells by altering the phosphoinositide-3-kinase,regulatory subunit 3/Akt pathway

Recent evidence shows that microRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to the biological effects of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling on various cells. Our previous data showed that TLR9 signaling could enhance the growth and metastatic potential of human lung cancer cells. However, the potential role of miRNAs in the effects of TLR9 signaling on tumor biology remains unknown. In this paper, we first report that TLR9 signaling could reduce intrinsic miR-7 expression in human lung cancer cells. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-7 can significantly inhibit TLR9 signaling–enhanced growth and metastatic potential of lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Notably, we identify phosphoinositide-3-kinase, regulatory subunit 3 (PIK3R3) as a novel target molecule of miR-7 in lung cancer cells by Western blotting and luciferase report assay. Further study shows that miR-7 inhibits the effects of TLR9 signaling on lung cancer cells through regulation of the PIK3R3/Akt pathway. These data suggest that miR-7 could act as a fine-tuner in regulating the biological effects of TLR9 signaling on human lung cancer cells, which might be helpful to the understanding of the potential role of miRNAs in TLR signaling effects on tumor biology.     

Mapping of the human gene encoding the mutual signal-transducing subunit (β-chain) of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-3 (IL-3), and interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor complexes to chromosome 22q13.1

The human gene encoding the mutual signal-transducing subunit (-chain) of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-3, and interleukin-5 receptor complexes has been mapped to chromosome 22q13.1 by the fluorescence in situ hybridization method.     

Apoplastic expression of the xylanase and β(1–3, 1–4) glucanase domains of the xyn D gene from Ruminococcus flavefaciens leads to functional polypeptides in transgenic tobacco plants

We are investigating the possibilities of transgenic plants as bioreactors for the production of industrial enzymes using cell wall-hydrolysing enzymes as first examples. Within the frame work of this work two distinct domains of the xynD gene from Ruminococcus flavefaciens encoding a xylanase (XYLD-A) and a (1–3, 1–4)glucanase (XYLD-C) were separately cloned into a plant expression vector which would target the proteins into the apoplast. Transgenic tobacco plants were obtained expressing xylan-hydrolysing as well as lichenan-hydrolysing activities. Despite similar steady-state levels of the respective mRNAs xylan hydrolysis rates were between 40 and 170 mol min–1 m^–2 leaf area depending on the transgenic plant while (1–3, 1–4)glucan degradation was much more effective ranging between 200 and 2000 mol min^–1 m^–2. The high activity levels of the XYLD-C expressing plants were reflected on the protein level. XYLD-C accumulated in the intercellular space and was one of the most prominent bands in protein gels. Despite their apoplastic location as confirmed by activity measurements using intercellular fluids the transgenic plants had not undergone any phenotypic alteration.     

A comparative theoretical investigation into the strength of the trigger-bond in the Na+, Mg2+ and HF complexes involving the nitro group of R–NO2 (R = –CH3, –NH2 and –OCH3) or the C = C bond of (E)-O2N–CH = CH–NO2

A comparative theoretical investigation into the change in strength of the trigger-bond upon formation of the Na⁺, Mg²⁺ and HF complexes involving the nitro group of RNO₂ (R?=? –CH₃, –NH₂, –OCH₃) or the C?=?C bond of (E)-O₂N–CH?=?CH–NO₂ was carried out using the B3LYP and MP2(full) methods with the 6-311++G**, 6-311++G(2df,2p) and aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets. Except for the Mg²⁺?π system with (E)-O₂N–CH?=?CH–NO₂ (i.e., C₂H₂N₂O₄?Mg²⁺), the strength of the trigger-bond X–NO₂ (X?=?C, N or O) was enhanced upon complex formation. Furthermore, the increment of bond dissociation energy of the X–NO₂ bond in the Na⁺ complex was far greater than that in the corresponding HF system. Thus, the explosive sensitivity in the former might be lower than that in the latter. For C₂H₂N₂O₄?Mg²⁺, the explosive sensitivity might also be reduced. Therefore, it is possible that introducing cations into the structure of explosives might be more efficacious at reducing explosive sensitivity than the formation of an intermolecular hydrogen-bonded complex. AIM, NBO and electron density shifts analyses showed that the electron density shifted toward the X–NO₂ bond upon complex formation, leading to a strengthened X–NO₂ bond and possibly reduced explosive sensitivity.