MiR-21协同BMP9促进间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化

目的:探讨miR-21与BMP9之间的关系,明确miR-21在BMP9诱导间充质干细胞成骨分化中的作用。方法:(1)Ad-BMP9感染C3H10T1/2细胞,Real-time-PCR检测miR-21表达。RT-PCR检测ALP的表达。(2)MiR-21转染C3H10T1/2细胞,Real-time-PCR检测miR-21和BMP9表达。(3)MiR-21和BMP9-CM处理C3H10 T1/2细胞,ALP活性和染色实验检测C3H10 T1/2细胞早期成骨能力。茜素红S染色实验检测钙盐沉积情况。(4)MiR-21和BMP9-CM处理C3H10 T1/2细胞,Real-time-PCR检测成骨分化相关因子ALP,OCN的表达。(5)MiR-21和BMP9-CM处理C3H10T1/2细胞,Western blot检测p-Smad1/5蛋白水平的表达。结果:(1)BMP9暂时降低miR-21的表达。MiR-21也可以暂时降低BMP9的表达。(2)MiR-21可以协同BMP9增强ALP和钙盐沉积。(3)MiR-21协同BMP9增加了p-Smad1/5蛋白水平的表达。结论:MiR-21与BMP9存在相互关系,两者可以互相调节表达。MiR-21可以协同BMP9促进间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化,这一过程与增强BMP9/Smad信号的激活程度有关。     

miR-155通过下调BMP9/Smad信号通路抑制间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化

该文研究了在诱导小鼠间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化过程中miR-155的作用及其是否是通过调控BMP9/Smad(bonemorphogenetic protein 9/drosophila mothers against de-capentaplegic)信号通路发挥作用。在诱导C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化过程中,采用实时定量PCR(Real-time quantitative PCR,q RT-PCR)检测miR-155水平的变化。转染miR-155模拟剂(miR-155)至C3H10T1/2细胞后,miR-155水平显著增高(P0.001),而转染其抑制剂(anti-miR-155)至C3H10T1/2细胞后,miR-155水平显著降低(P0.001)。转染后成骨诱导培养基诱导成骨7 d,碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase,ALP)活性及染色结果显示,miR-155能显著降低C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化过程中的ALP活性(P0.01)、减弱ALP染色,而anti-miR-155则能逆转其作用。成骨诱导14 d茜素红S染色结果显示,miR-155组钙盐结节较对照组少,下调miR-155的水平后,钙盐沉积结节增多。q RT-RCR检测结果显示,miR-155显著降低BMP9 m RNA水平(P0.001),且miR-155组成骨基因Runx2和ALP表达均显著低于对照NC组(P0.05、P0.01)。Western blot检测BMP9、Runx2和p-Smad1/5/8蛋白质水平,结果显示,miR-155组蛋白质水平均显著降低(P0.01、P0.05、P0.001)。该研究结果提示,miR-155对C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化的抑制作用可能是通过抑制BMP9/Smad信号通路发挥作用的。     

RUNX2对BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化的影响

目的:研究和确认RUNX2在骨形态发生蛋白9(BMP9)诱导的间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化中的作用。方法:通过Western blot、RT-PCR、荧光素酶活性分析检测BMP9对RUNX2表达的影响;分别在过表达RUNX2和RNA干扰抑制RUNX2表达的情况下,利用碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性测定和染色、钙盐沉积实验,免疫细胞化学和裸鼠皮下异位成骨实验分析RUNX2对于BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞成骨分化的影响。结果:BMP9可以促进RUNX2的表达;RUNX2体外可促进BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2的ALP活性和钙盐沉积,却抑制了OCN表达,RUNX2还可促进BMP9诱导的裸鼠皮下异位成骨;而在降低RUNX2表达后,BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞的ALP活性、钙盐沉积、OCN表达和裸鼠皮下异位成骨均受到抑制。结论:RUNX2可以促进BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化。     

DLX1对BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化的影响

目的:分析和确认转录因子DLX1在骨形态发生蛋白9(bone morphogenetic protein 9,BMP9)诱导的间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化中的作用。方法:首先,BMP9腺病毒感染C3H10T1/2细胞,RT-PCR和Western blot检测DLX1表达变化;随后,利用重组腺病毒技术分别过表达DLX1和RNA干扰(RNA Intenference,RNAi)抑制DLX1的表达,并利用碱性磷酸酶(Alkaline Phosphatase,ALP)染色、钙盐沉积实验(茜素红染色),免疫细胞化学检测骨钙素(osteocalcin,OCN)表达和裸鼠皮下异位成骨实验分析DLX1对于BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化的影响。荧光素酶报告基因实验和Western blot分析DLX1对于BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞Smad1/5/8信号途径的影响。结果:BMP9可以促进C3H10T1/2细胞中DLX1基因和蛋白表达水平;过表达DLX1在体外可进一步促进BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞的ALP活性、钙盐沉积以及OCN的表达,过表达DLX1亦可促进BMP9诱导的裸鼠皮下异位成骨;反之,RNAi抑制DLX1表达后,由BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞的ALP活性、钙盐沉积、OCN表达和裸鼠皮下异位成骨均相应受到抑制。过表达DLX1可进一步增强BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞中Smad/1/5/8的转录调控活性,RNAi降低DLX1表达则可抑制BMP9诱导Smad/1/5/8的转录调控活性。但是,无论过表达DLX1和RNAi降低DLX1表达均不会对BMP9诱导的Smad/1/5/8磷酸化造成影响。结论:DLX1可以调节BMP9诱导的间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化,其调节作用可能是通过影响Smad1/5/8信号的转录调控活性而实现的。     

Hey1基因参与调控BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化

目的:观察发状分裂相关增强子Hey1在骨形态发生蛋白9(BMP9)诱导的小鼠间充质干细胞(MSCs)C3H10T1/2成骨分化中的作用。方法:包装Hey1、BMP9以及GFP的过表达慢病毒,并分别作用于C3H10T1/2细胞,RT-PCR和Western blot检测Hey1、BMP9以及GFP的慢病毒是否包装成功,碱性磷酸酶(ALP)检测早期成骨指标ALP的变化,茜素红S染色检测晚期成骨指标钙盐沉积,MTT检测Hey1对BMP9调控的C3H10T1/2细胞增值的影响,流式细胞术检测Hey1对BMP9调控的C3H10T1/2细胞周期的影响。结果:Hey1、BMP9以及GFP的慢病毒包装成功;在成骨分化早期,过表达Hey1基因可促进BMP9调控的C3H10T1/2细胞的成骨分化与增殖;在成骨分化晚期,过表达Hey1基因可促进BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞的成骨分化,并将BMP9调控的C3H10T1/2细胞周期阻滞在G1期。结论:Hey1基因可参与调控BMP9诱导的小鼠C3H10T1/2细胞的早晚期成骨分化,并对细胞的增殖与周期有一定的影响。     

Hmox1促进BMP9诱导C3H10T1/2细胞向成骨分化

目的:研究血红素加氧酶1(hemeoxygenase 1,Hmox1)在骨形态发生蛋白9(bone morphogenetic proteins 9,BMP9)诱导下间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2向成骨分化过程中发挥的作用。方法:用Ad-BMP9感染C3H10T1/2,分别用Q-PCR和Western blot检测Hmox1mRNA和蛋白水平的变化;Hmox1激动剂COPP处理BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞,碱性磷酸酶(ALP)染色和活性测定检测早期成骨指标ALP的变化;过表达Hmox1的重组腺病毒(Ad-Hmox1)处理BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞,ALP染色和活性测定早期成骨指标ALP,茜素红染色检测晚期成骨指标钙盐沉积,Western blot检测成骨相关基因COL1A1。结果:Ad-BMP9感染C3H10T1/2后,Hmox1的mRNA及蛋白水平均升高;BMP9与Hmox1激动剂COPP联用与BMP9组相比ALP的活性增强;Ad-Hmox1可以增强BMP9诱导下C3H10T1/2细胞的ALP活性和钙盐沉积,以及成骨相关基因COL1A1表达。结论:Hmox1可以促进BMP9诱导下C3H10T1/2细胞的成骨分化。     

激活Shh信号通路促进BMP9诱导的小鼠成肌细胞C2C12向成骨分化

近年来骨组织工程技术迅猛发展,小鼠成肌细胞C2C12因其来源广泛等优点可望成为有效的种子细胞应用于组织工程. 然而,对于C2C12细胞的成骨分化机制仍需深入研究. 为了观察Sonic hedgehog（Shh）信号通路对骨形态发生蛋白9（bone morphogenetic proteins 9,BMP9）诱导的C2C12细胞成骨分化的影响,构建过表达腺病毒Ad Shh,并作用于BMP9处理的C2C12细胞,检测碱性磷酸酶（alkaline phosphatase , ALP）的变化,茜素红S染色检测钙盐沉积,RT PCR检测Shh、骨桥蛋白(osteopontin,OPN)、骨钙素（osteocalcin,OCN）、Runx2、Dlx5、Id1和Id2基因表达,Western印迹检测Shh、OPN、OCN、Runx2和Dlx5的蛋白质表达,Micro-CT和H&E染色检测裸鼠皮下异位成骨包块情况. 结果表明,活化Shh信号通路可促进BMP9诱导的C2C12细胞早晚期成骨分化,以及裸鼠皮下异位成骨.体内外实验证明,Shh信号通路能促进BMP9诱导小鼠成肌细胞C2C12向成骨分化.     

骨形态发生蛋白9通过p38激酶途径调控间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化

前期研究发现骨形态发生蛋白9(bone morphogenetic protein 9,BMP9)具有较强的诱导间充质干细胞成骨分化的能力.为进一步揭示其诱导和调控间充质干细胞成骨分化的机理,利用BMP9重组腺病毒感染间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2,通过体外细胞实验和体内动物实验,初步分析BMP9是否可通过p38激酶途径调控间充质干细胞成骨分化.结果发现,BMP9可以通过促进p38激酶磷酸化而导致其活化,p38抑制剂SB203580可抑制由BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞的碱性磷酸酶(alkalinephosphatase,ALP)活性、骨桥蛋白(osteopontin,OPN)表达和钙盐沉积,而且利用抑制剂SB203580抑制p38激酶活性后,BMP9诱导的Smad经典途径的激活也相应受到抑制,RNA干扰导致p38基因沉默同样也可抑制BMP9诱导的ALP活性、OPN表达、钙盐沉积以及裸鼠皮下异位成骨.因此,BMP9可通过活化p38激酶途径调控间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化.     

研究报告：骨形态发生蛋白9通过p38激酶途径调控间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化

前期研究发现骨形态发生蛋白9(bone morphogenetic protein 9,BMP9)具有较强的诱导间充质干细胞成骨分化的能力.为进一步揭示其诱导和调控间充质干细胞成骨分化的机理,利用BMP9重组腺病毒感染间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2,通过体外细胞实验和体内动物实验,初步分析BMP9是否可通过p38激酶途径调控间充质干细胞成骨分化.结果发现,BMP9可以通过促进p38激酶磷酸化而导致其活化,p38抑制剂SB203580可抑制由BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞的碱性磷酸酶(alkalinephosphatase,ALP)活性、骨桥蛋白(osteopontin,OPN)表达和钙盐沉积,而且利用抑制剂SB203580抑制p38激酶活性后,BMP9诱导的Smad经典途径的激活也相应受到抑制,RNA干扰导致p38基因沉默同样也可抑制BMP9诱导的ALP活性、OPN表达、钙盐沉积以及裸鼠皮下异位成骨.因此,BMP9可通过活化p38激酶途径调控间充质干细胞C3H10T1/2成骨分化.     

孤儿核受体SHP敲减抑制BMP9诱导C3H10T1/2细胞的成骨分化

孤儿核受体SHP(small heterodimer partner)是核受体超家族中的一员,具有LXXLL模体及配体结合域,但无经典的DNA结合域.它可与多种转录因子结合,调节细胞的增殖、分化和代谢等生物学过程.但目前关于SHP在BMP9诱导成骨分化中的确切作用却尚不清楚.本研究证明,SHP参与BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化. RT-PCR结合Western印迹方法检测蛋白揭示,异位表达BMP9上调了SHP在C3H10T1/2细胞中的表达. 小干扰RNA敲减SHP基因在C3H10T1/2细胞的表达下调了成骨相关基因Runx2、Id1、Id2及CTGF的表达,而过表达BMP9则可上调这些基因的表达.碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性测定/染色及茜素红染色显示,敲减核受体SHP基因可抑制BMP9的成骨分化作用,而过表达BMP9可部分消除SHP 敲减导致的成骨抑制作用.上述结果提示,核受体SHP为BMP9诱导的C3H10T1/2细胞成骨分化所必需. 究竟BMP9如何上调SHP基因表达,以及SHP究竟通过何种机制上调BMP9下游成骨分化相关基因的表达尚待进一步研究.     

Intermediate-affinity LFA-1 binds alpha-actinin-1 to control migration at the leading edge of the T cell

T lymphocytes use LFA-1 to migrate into lymph nodes and inflammatory sites. To investigate the mechanisms regulating this migration, we utilize mAbs selective for conformational epitopes as probes for active LFA-1. Expression of the KIM127 epitope, but not the 24 epitope, defines the extended conformation of LFA-1, which has intermediate affinity for ligand ICAM-1. A key finding is that KIM127-positive LFA-1 forms new adhesions at the T lymphocyte leading edge. This LFA-1 links to the cytoskeleton through alpha-actinin-1 and disruption at the level of integrin or actin results in loss of cell spreading and migratory speed due to a failure of attachment at the leading edge. The KIM127 pattern contrasts with high-affinity LFA-1 that expresses both 24 and KIM127 epitopes, is restricted to the mid-cell focal zone and controls ICAM-1 attachment. Identification of distinctive roles for intermediate- and high-affinity LFA-1 in T lymphocyte migration provides a biological function for two active conformations of this integrin for the first time.     

Regulation of cell survival by sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor S1P1 via reciprocal ERK-dependent suppression of Bim and PI-3-kinase/protein kinase C-mediated upregulation of Mcl-1

Although the ability of bioactive lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) to positively regulate anti-apoptotic/pro-survival responses by binding to S1P₁ is well known, the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that expression of S1P₁ renders CCL39 lung fibroblasts resistant to apoptosis following growth factor withdrawal. Resistance to apoptosis was associated with attenuated accumulation of pro-apoptotic BH3-only protein Bim. However, although blockade of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation could reverse S1P₁-mediated suppression of Bim accumulation, inhibition of caspase-3 cleavage was unaffected. Instead S1P₁-mediated inhibition of caspase-3 cleavage was reversed by inhibition of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase C (PKC), which had no effect on S1P₁ regulation of Bim. However, S1P₁ suppression of caspase-3 was associated with increased expression of anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1, the expression of which was also reduced by inhibition of PI3K and PKC. A role for the induction of Mcl-1 in regulating endogenous S1P receptor-dependent pro-survival responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells was confirmed using S1P receptor agonist FTY720-phosphate (FTY720P). FTY720P induced a transient accumulation of Mcl-1 that was associated with a delayed onset of caspase-3 cleavage following growth factor withdrawal, whereas Mcl-1 knockdown was sufficient to enhance caspase-3 cleavage even in the presence of FTY720P. Consistent with a pro-survival role of S1P₁ in disease, analysis of tissue microarrays from ER⁺ breast cancer patients revealed a significant correlation between S1P₁ expression and tumour cell survival. In these tumours, S1P₁ expression and cancer cell survival were correlated with increased activation of ERK, but not the PI3K/PKB pathway. In summary, pro-survival/anti-apoptotic signalling from S1P₁ is intimately linked to its ability to promote the accumulation of pro-survival protein Mcl-1 and downregulation of pro-apoptotic BH3-only protein Bim via distinct signalling pathways. However, the functional importance of each pathway is dependent on the specific cellular context.     

紫萍磷转运蛋白1;1 cDNA序列的克隆及表达模式

紫萍Spirodela polyrrhiza是一种在生物质资源开发利用和水体生物修复中广泛使用的漂浮植物。随着水体富营养化日益严重,紫萍在水面随处可见。有文献报道紫萍对水体中的氮和磷有良好的净化作用。为了深入研究紫萍对水体中无机磷的吸收和转运,以紫萍为材料提取RNA反转录为cDNA,以此为模板,扩增得到1条特异性片段,其开放读码框 (ORF) 全长序列为1 620 bp,编码539个氨基酸,命名为SpPHT1;1,在GenBank中登录号为MN720003。生物信息学分析表明,SpPHT1;1没有内含子,编码的蛋白是一种稳定的、疏水的、具有11个跨膜结构域的蛋白,其结构具有主要协助转运蛋白超家族 (Major facilitator superfamily,MFS) 保守的结构域,聚类分析显示紫萍SpPHT1;1与玉米ZmPHT2和高粱SbPHT1-8有较近的亲缘关系,推测其属于植物磷转运蛋白家族PHT1成员。正常磷条件,SpPHT1;1在紫萍叶中的表达明显多于根;低磷条件促进该基因的表达,相对表达量在紫萍根和叶生长48 h时均达到峰值;丰磷条件会抑制基因表达,说明SpPHT1;1的表达会受到外界磷浓度的影响。研究结果有助于紫萍磷转运蛋白基因功能的进一步深入研究,为紫萍的进一步开发和利用提供理论依据。     

Yeast cells lacking all known ceramide synthases continue to make complex sphingolipids and to incorporate ceramides into glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors

In yeast, the inositolphosphorylceramides mostly contain C26:0 fatty acids. Inositolphosphorylceramides were considered to be important for viability because the inositolphosphorylceramide synthase AUR1 is essential. However, lcb1Δ cells, unable to make sphingoid bases and inositolphosphorylceramides, are viable if they harbor SLC1-1, a gain of function mutation in the 1-acyl-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase SLC1. SLC1-1 allows the incorporation of C26:0 fatty acids into phosphatidylinositol (PI), thus generating PI″, an abnormal, C26-containing PI, presumably acting as surrogate for inositolphosphorylceramide. Here we show that the lethality of the simultaneous deletion of the known ceramide synthases LAG1/LAC1/LIP1 and YPC1/YDC1 can be rescued by the expression of SLC1-1 or the overexpression of AUR1. Moreover, lag1Δ lac1Δ ypc1Δ ydc1Δ (4Δ) quadruple mutants have been reported to be viable in certain genetic backgrounds but to still make some abnormal uncharacterized inositol-containing sphingolipids. Indeed, we find that 4Δ quadruple mutants make substantial amounts of unphysiological inositolphosphorylphytosphingosines but that they also still make small amounts of normal inositolphosphorylceramides. Moreover, 4Δ strains incorporate exogenously added sphingoid bases into inositolphosphorylceramides, indicating that these cells still possess an unknown pathway allowing the synthesis of ceramides. 4Δ cells also still add quite normal amounts of ceramides to glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors. Synthesis of inositolphosphorylceramides and inositolphosphorylphytosphingosines is operated by Aur1p and is essential for growth of all 4Δ cells unless they contain SLC1-1. PI″, however, is made without the help of Aur1p. Furthermore, mannosylation of PI″ is required for the survival of sphingolipid-deficient strains, which depend on SLC1-1. In contrast to lcb1Δ SLC1-1, 4Δ SLC1-1 cells grow at 37 °C but remain thermosensitive at 44 °C.     

Notch1信号通路激活在低氧诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞血管形成中的作用

目的观察低氧条件下HIF-1α/VEGF/Notch信号通路在人脐静脉内皮细胞（HUVEC）血管生成中的作用。 方法将HUVEC进行常氧和低氧[二氯化钴（CoCl2）,200 μmol/L]诱导,再将常氧和低氧处理的HUVEC应用Notch1信号通路的抑制剂DAPT （30 μmol/L,24 h）和激活剂JAG-1 （30 μmol/L,24 h）干预。通过体外小管形成实验观察低氧对HUVEC血管生成能力的影响。应用RT-PCR和Western blot检测HUVEC中低氧诱导因子-1α （HIF-1α）、血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）、基质金属蛋白酶-9 （MMP-9）和Notch1信号分子（Notch1、Dell4和JAG-1）的mRNA和蛋白表达。通过Transwell迁移实验和伤口愈合实验观察低氧、DAPT、JAG-1对HUVEC迁移能力的影响。应用MTT法检测低氧及Notch1对HUVEC增殖的影响。两组间比较采用t检验,采用析因设计方差分析低氧和DAPT以及低氧和JAG-1对HUVEC迁移能力、距离、小管形成能力和细胞增殖的交互作用。 结果与常氧组比较,低氧组小管总长[（8.18±0.62）mm比（15.43±1.32）mm]增高,差异具有统计学意义（P < 0.05）。与常氧组比较,低氧组的HIF-1α、VEGF、MMP-9、Notch1、Dell4和JAG-1的mRNA相对表达量和蛋白相对表达量（1.01±0.03比4.43±0.35,1.02±0.03比3.55±0.28,0.98±0.04比3.24±0.25,1.01±0.03比3.22±0.25,0.99±0.02比2.89±0.22,1.02±0.04比2.43±0.19,0.98±0.01比3.13±0.24,0.98±0.02比2.67±0.21,0.97±0.03比2.45±0.19,1.01±0.03比2.44±0.19,1.00±0.04比2.30±0.18,1.03±0.05比2.27±0.18）均升高,差异有统计学意义（P均< 0.05）。Transwell迁移实验和伤口愈合实验显示,低氧条件下,DAPT干预使HUVEC的迁移能力降低,JAG-1干预使HUVEC的迁移能力升高（P均< 0.05）。小管形成和MTT法测定显示,低氧条件下,DAPT干预使HUVEC的小管形成能力和细胞增殖能力降低,JAG-1干预使HUVEC的小管形成能力和细胞增殖能力升高（P均< 0.05）。析因设计的方差分析结果显示,低氧和JAG-1对迁移细胞数、小管形成和细胞增殖能力交互作用具有协同作用（P < 0.05）。 结论低氧可通过激活HIF-1α/VEGF/Notch1信号通路提高HUVEC的血管生成能力、迁移能力和细胞增殖能力。     

Spy1 induces de-ubiquitinating of RIP1 arrest and confers glioblastoma's resistance to tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α)-induced apoptosis through suppressing the association of CLIPR-59 and CYLD

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a grade-IV glioma, is resistant to TNF-α induced apoptosis. CLIPR-59 modulates ubiquitination of RIP1, thus promoting Caspase-8 activation to induce apoptosis by TNF-α. Here we reported that CLIPR-59 was down-regulated in GBM cells and high-grade glioma tumor samples, which was associated with decreased cancer-free survival. In GBM cells, CLIPR-59 interacts with Spy1, resulting in its decreased association with CYLD, a de-ubiquitinating enzyme. Moreover, experimental reduction of Spy1 levels decreased GBM cells viability, while increased the lysine-63-dependent de-ubiquitinating activity of RIP1 via enhancing the binding ability of CLIPR-59 and CYLD in GBM, thus promoting Caspase-8 and Caspase-3 activation to induce apoptosis by TNF-α. These findings have identified a novel Spy1-CLIPR-59 interplay in GBM cell''s resistance to TNF-α-induced apoptosis revealing a potential target in the intervention of malignant brain tumors.     

Deletion of Fgfr1 in Osteoblasts Enhances Mobilization of EPCs into Peripheral Blood in a Mouse Endotoxemia Model

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to neovascularization and vascular repair, and may exert a beneficial effect on the clinical outcome of sepsis. Osteoblasts act as a component of “niche” in bone marrow, which provides a nest for stem/progenitor cells and are involved in the formation and maintenance of stem/progenitor cells. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) can regulate osteoblast activity and influence bone mass. So we explored the role of FGFR1 in EPC mobilization. Male mice with osteoblast-specific knockout of Fgfr1 (Fgfr1^fl/fl;OC-Cre) and its wild-type littermates (Fgfr1^fl/fl) were used in this study. Mice intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used to measure the number of circulating EPCs in peripheral blood and serum stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α). The circulating EPC number and the serum level of SDF-1α were significantly higher in Fgfr1^fl/fl;OC-Cre mice than those in Fgfr1^fl/fl mice after LPS injection. In cell culture system, SDF-1α level was also significantly higher in Fgfr1^fl/fl;OC-Cre osteoblasts compared with that in Fgfr1^fl/fl osteoblasts after LPS treatment. TRAP staining showed that there was no significant difference between the osteoclast activity of septic Fgfr1^fl/fland Fgfr1^fl/fl;OC-Cre mice. This study suggests that targeted deletion of Fgfr1 in osteoblasts enhances mobilization of EPCs into peripheral blood through up-regulating SDF-1α secretion from osteoblasts.     

Biological significance and topological basis of aquaporin-partnering protein-protein interactions

Aquaporins (AQPs) are intramolecular channels essential for transport of H₂O, CO₂, and other small substrates across membranes. Through this function, AQPs can modulate CO₂ uptake and assimilation in plants and regulate water relations and many other physiological processes in all living organisms. To execute their physiological roles, AQPs may experience 3 types of hetero-molecular interaction, between AQPs and their kinases; between AQP isoforms; and between AQPs and other proteins that are neither AQPs nor kinases. Interacting with non-AQP non-kinase proteins may enable AQPs to extend their functions beyond substrate transport, and most fascinatingly, to serve as a gateway control for translocation of virulence effectors from pathogenic bacteria into the cytosol of eukaryotic cells. In this mini review, we will summarize the latter 2 types of interaction and discuss the physiological and/or pathological significance. We will also discuss a research angle to elucidate the structural basis of AQP-partnering protein interactions.     

Feedback Regulation of SIN by Etd1 and Rho1 in Fission Yeast

In fission yeast, the septation initiation network (SIN) is thought to promote cytokinesis by downstream activation of Rho1, a conserved GTPase that controls cell growth and division. Here we show that Etd1 and PP2A-Pab1, antagonistic regulators of SIN, are Rho1 regulators. Our genetic and biochemical studies indicate that a C-terminal region of Etd1 may activate Rho1 by directly binding it, whereas an N-terminal domain confers its ability to localize at the growing tips and the division site where Rho1 functions. In opposition to Etd1, our results indicate that PP2A-Pab1 inhibits Rho1. The SIN cascade is upstream-regulated by the Spg1 GTPase. In the absence of Etd1, activity of Spg1 drops down prematurely, thereby inactivating SIN. Interestingly, we find that ectopic activation of Rho1 restores Spg1 activity in Etd1-depleted cells. By using a cytokinesis block strategy, we show that Rho1 is essential to feedback-activate Spg1 during actomyosin ring constriction. Therefore, activation of Spg1 by Rho1, which in turn is regulated by Etd1, uncovers a novel feedback loop mechanism that ensures SIN activity while cytokinesis is progressing.