EPA诱导人肝癌细胞SMMC-7721凋亡及端粒酶活性调控机制研究

目的:探究二十碳五烯酸(Eicosa Pentaenoic Acid.EPA)对SMMC-7721人肝癌细胞的凋亡、端粒逆转录酶h TERT的调控作用及端粒酶表达活性的影响。方法:体外培养SMMC-7721人肝癌细胞,用不同浓度的EPA(0μM、25μM、50μM、100μM、200μM)作用于SMMC-7721肝癌细胞(24 h、48 h、72 h)后,显微镜下观察其形态学变化;应用MTT法检测SMMC-7721肝癌细胞细胞增殖变化情况;Western-blot法检测h TERT、Bax、Bcl-2蛋白表达水平变化;Real Time-PCR检测h TERTm RNA的表达变化;ELISA法检测SMMC-7721肝癌细胞端粒酶活性的表达水平。结果:EPA可诱导肝癌细胞SMMC-7721发生细胞凋亡,具有明显的时间计量依赖关系。在此过程中Bcl-2蛋白表达的降低和Bax蛋白表达上调,同时端粒酶逆转录酶h TERT蛋白及其m RNA的表达水平和端粒酶活性均明显降低。结论:抑制端粒酶逆转录酶基因(h TERTm RNA)表达而抑制端粒酶的活性、诱导癌细胞凋亡,可能是EPA的抗癌作用机制之一。     

甲状旁腺激素对成骨细胞中ClC-3 氯通道表达及成骨分化影响的研究

目的:观察甲状旁腺激素(PTH)对成骨细胞中Cl C-3氯通道表达及成骨分化影响,初步探索Cl C-3介导PTH在细胞成骨分化中的作用。方法:采用10-8M、10-9M、10-10M PTH持续刺激和间断刺激MC3T3-E1细胞72 h后,通过CCK-8试剂盒法检测MC3T3-E1细胞的增殖情况,Real-Time PCR法检测MC3T3-E1细胞中Clcn3及成骨相关基因Alp、Runx2的表达情况,免疫荧光法检测10-9M PTH不同给药方式下对Cl C-3蛋白表达的影响。结果 :经不同浓度PTH连续和间断处理72 h后,结果显示10-9 M PTH间断刺激的MC3T3-E1细胞的增殖能力最强,且其Alp、Runx2 m RNA表达均高于10-8 M组和10-10 M组(P<0.05),而相同浓度间断刺激的MC3T3-E1细胞成骨相关基因的表达均高于持续刺激组,以10-9M间断刺激组差异最显著(P<0.05),而10-8 M和10-10M均无统计学差异(P>0.05),10-9 M PTH刺激的MC3T3-E1细胞中Cl C-3蛋白表达也显著增加(P<0.05)。结论 :成骨细胞的Cl C-3氯通道能够响应PTH的刺激发生变化,并伴随着成骨相关基因Alp、Runx2表达的增强。     

睾酮对内皮细胞妊娠相关血浆蛋白-A mRNA表达的影响

目的:观察睾酮对内皮细胞妊娠相关血浆蛋白-A(PAPP-A)m RNA表达的影响。方法:人原代脐静脉内皮细胞,选择第3~4代生长状态良好的细胞用于实验。实验分组:1空白对照组;2肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α(终浓度100μg/L)培养细胞组;3TNF-α(终浓度100μg/L)及睾酮1×10-8mol/L培养细胞组;4睾酮1×10-8mol/L培养细胞组。实验结束后收集各组细胞,用RT-PCR方法检测各组细胞PAPP-A m RNA表达水平。结果:TNF-α作用2 h后,内皮细胞中PAPP-A m RNA表达水平升高(P0.05),且随TNF-α作用时间的延长,PAPP-A表达逐渐升高,在16小时达高峰;睾酮作用后,PAPP-A m RNA表达水平较TNF-α组明显降低(P0.01)。结论:TNF-α上调内皮细胞PAPP-A m RNA的表达,而睾酮抑制了TNF-α对PAPP-A分泌增加的刺激作用。     

microRNA-145表达对宫颈癌Hela细胞增殖及凋亡的影响

目的:探讨微小核糖核酸145(micro RNA-145)表达对宫颈癌Hela细胞增殖及凋亡的影响。方法:实验室常规培养宫颈癌Hela细胞并分为4组,空白(Blank)组(Hela细胞+RPMI1640)、micro RNA-145组(Hela细胞+RPMI1640+micro RNA-145-5p mimics)、阴性序列(NC)组(Hela细胞+RPMI1640+NC)、Mock组(Hela细胞+RPMI1640+Lipofectamine 2000),记录各组Hela细胞转染率,采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链锁反应(QRT-PCR)检测各组Hela细胞中micro RNA-145的表达水平,采用四甲基偶氮唑蓝(MTT)比色法检测Hela细胞增殖情况,采用4',6-二脒基-2-苯基吲哚(DAPI)染色法判断Hela细胞凋亡情况。结果:本研究中,各组Hela细胞转染率均80%;micro RNA-145组micro RNA-145的表达显著高于Blank组、NC组和Mock组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。转染24 h、48 h、72 h后,micro RNA-145组490 nm波长处的光密度值(OD490值)较转染0h后明显降低,转染48 h、72 h后,Blank组、NC组、Mock组OD490值较转染0 h后时明显升高,转染24 h、48 h、72 h后,micro RNA-145组OD490值均低于Blank组、NC组、Mock组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。DAPI染色后,micro RNA-145组Hela细胞凋亡率高于Blank组、NC组、Mock组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。转染后,Blank组、NC组、Mock组的micro RNA-145表达率、OD490值、DAPI染色后Hela细胞凋亡率比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:micro RNA-145表达上调可抑制宫颈癌Hela细胞增殖,并促进Hela细胞凋亡,通过药物调控micro RNA-145表达有望成为宫颈癌治疗的新靶点。     

Toll样受体对肠道病毒71型基因组RNA的识别分析

目的分析Toll样受体(TLRs)对肠道病毒71型(EV71)基因组RNA的识别。方法用荧光定量RT-PCR方法检测与EV71基因组RNA作用24、48和72 h后人结肠癌SW620细胞的TLR3、TLR7和白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、IL-8、IL-12 m RNA表达。结果细胞的TLR3、TLR7 m RNA和IL-6、IL-12 m RNA在作用72 h后表达增加,IL-8 m RNA各时间点表达无变化。结论 TLR3、TLR7可与EV71基因组RNA识别,并诱导细胞因子IL-6、IL-12活化表达。     

H_2O_2诱导小鼠肌原细胞系C2C12 UII/UT系统的高表达

目的:观察外源给予H2O2对C2C12细胞中UII/UT系统表达的影响。方法:培养小鼠肌原细胞系C2C12细胞株,应用胎盘蓝染色和测定细胞培养液中LDH的含量检测H2O2对细胞损伤的影响,应用放射免疫的方法检测细胞培养液和裂解液中UII的含量,应用RT-PCR法测定C2C12中UT mRNA的表达,应用Western Blot检测不同浓度H2O2对肌原细胞系C2C12中UT蛋白表达的影响。结果:外源给予不同浓度的H2O2,C2C12细胞裂解液中UII的含量各组间无明显差异,但增加了细胞孵育液中UII的含量,10-4 M和10-3 M时分别增加了83.1%(p0.01)和94.5%(P0.01)。低浓度H2O2(0.5×10-6 M,10-6 M,10-5 M,10-4 M)刺激明显增加了UT m RNA的表达,而高浓度的H2O2(10-3M)刺激反而使UT mRNA的表达降低。高浓度的H2O2(10-6 M,10-5M,10-4 M,10-3M)刺激使UT蛋白表达分别增加了200.1%、255.6%、111.1%和100.1%(均p0.05)。结论:H2O2作为T2DM发病因素之一的活性氧族,可能是T2DM时骨骼肌组织中UII/UT系统表达增加的一个因素。     

天麻素对镉诱导的星形胶质细胞损伤的保护效应

目的:探讨氯化镉(CdCl_2)和天麻素(GAS)对小鼠星形胶质细胞活力及神经营养因子GDNF和抗氧化基因Nrf2,HO-1,SOD-1表达的影响。方法:首先,给予体外培养的小鼠星形胶质细胞不同浓度的CdCl_2(Con,2.5μM,5μM,10μM,20μM)处理24 h或48 h,随后检测细胞活力筛选出造成星形胶质细胞损伤的CdCl_2浓度和时间。然后使用上述筛选的CdCl_2作用浓度(5μM)构建星形胶质细胞损伤的同时再给予不同浓度的天麻素(0,20μg/m L,30μg/m L,40μg/m L, 50μg/m L)处理24 h或48 h,随后检测细胞活力并提取细胞RNA检测其caspase3,GDNF(胶质源性神经营养因子Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor,GDNF)和Nrf2(Nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor2),HO-1(Heme oxygenase 1),SOD-1(superoxide dismutase 1)等抗氧化基因的m RNA表达的变化。结果:(1) 2.5μM CdCl_2处理24 h后星形胶质细胞活力已经有明显下降(P0.05),5μM CdCl_2处理24 h后,星形胶质细胞活力显著下降(P0.01);(2) CdCl_2浓度越大,细胞损伤严重;(3)一定浓度的天麻素处理可以缓解CdCl_2造成的星形胶质损伤,恢复其细胞活力,下调caspase3 m RNA水平;(4) CdCl_2下调了星形胶质细胞的GDNF, Nrf2, HO-1和SOD-1的m RNA水平,天麻素可以抑制Cd Cl_2对上述基因的m RNA水平的调节作用,且浓度越高调节作用越强。结论:天麻素可能通过调节小鼠星形胶质细胞的GDNF, Nrf2, HO-1和SOD-1基因表达缓解CdCl_2导致的细胞损伤。     

Cathepsin L在鱼藤酮诱导的PC12细胞凋亡中的作用

目的:研究Egr-1对Cathepsin L的调控在鱼藤酮(Rotenone)诱导的多巴胺能神经元PC12凋亡的作用,初步探讨Egr-1与Cathepsin L的关系及机制。方法:常规培养PC12细胞,分别取1μM,2μM的Rotenone处理,用倒置显微镜观察细胞的形态变化;确定敏感性最强的浓度后再在不同的时间点下用Western blotting检测Egr-1、Cathepsin L蛋白表达情况;采用Egr-1si RNA转染PC12细胞,空载体siVector转染PC12细胞,Hoechst染色法检测细胞凋亡,Western blotting检测各处理组中Egr-1、Cathepsin L蛋白的表达情况。结果:Western blotting结果显示,经Rotenone刺激过的PC12细胞在2μM的浓度下最敏感,其Egr-1和Cathepsin L蛋白的表达量显著增加,且Egr-1在15 min就有明显的增加,而Cathepsin L在30 min才明显增加,说明Egr-1的确是出现在Cathepsin L蛋白的上游;Egr-1siRNA转染的PC12细胞的Cathepsin L表达量明显低于于空载体转染PC12细胞。结论:多巴胺能神经元PC12在Rotenone刺激下,细胞内Cathepsin L的表达与细胞内Egr-1蛋白水平有关,并且在抑制Egr-1的表达后,细胞内Cathepsin L的表达也相应的降低。所以我们得出Egr-1对Cathepsin L可能有调控作用,从而来调控多巴胺能神经元的凋亡。     

顺铂诱导人宫颈癌细胞系P27表达及其超微弱发光测定的意义

目的:探讨化疗药物对肿瘤增殖活性的影响.方法:选择人宫颈癌细胞系Hela分为两组,分别采用MTT比色法分析测定顺铂处理Hela细胞的浓度;免疫组化SP法分别检测Hela细胞中P27蛋白表达;流式细胞仪分析加药前后细胞周期变化及凋亡情况;用IFFM-D型流动式化学发光仪检测细胞的超弱发光强度.结果:顺铂处理Hela细胞48h的IC50值为3mg/L,当DDP浓度,在3mg/L以下时,对Hela细胞无明显毒性作用,超过此浓度时,其毒性呈剂量效应关系(P<0.001);流式细胞仪分析细胞周期可见与Hela细胞相比较,Hela+DDP细胞的G2期细胞数增多,而G1,S期的细胞数明显减少(P<0.01);从细胞调亡检测显示Hela与Hela+DDP相比,细胞凋亡率在不同时间点明显升高,在24h,48h,72h结果分别为(11.4±5.8、21.8±7.9、32.5±11.6)%.免疫组化结果显示Hela+DDP与Hela细胞相比细胞膜上P27蛋白高表达;在10-4mol/L鲁米诺及0.3%的双氧水(H2O2)条件下Hela细胞超弱发光强度高于用Hela+DDP细胞9P<0.001).结论:超弱发光能够快速、准确、有效地反映肿瘤细胞氧化代谢特点和增殖活动,也可用于筛选敏感的化疗药物.     

顺铂诱导入宫颈癌细胞系P27表达及其超微弱发光测定的意义

目的：探讨化疗药物对肿瘤增殖活性的影响。方法：选择人宫颈癌细胞系Hela分为两组,分别采用MTT比色法分析测定顺铂处理Hela细胞的浓度;免疫组化SP法分别检测Hela细胞中P27蛋白表达;流式细胞仪分析加药前后细胞周期变化及凋亡情况;用IFFM-D型流动式化学发光仪检测细胞的超弱发光强度。结果：顺铂处理Hela细胞48h的IC50值为3mg／L,当DDP浓度在3mg／L以下时,对Hela细胞无明显毒性作用,超过此浓度时,其毒性呈剂量效应关系（P〈0．001）;流式细胞仪分析细胞周期可见与Hela细胞相比较,Hela＋DDP细胞的G2期细胞数增多,而Gl、S期的细胞数明显减少（P〈0．01）;从细胞凋亡检测显示Hela与Hela＋DDP相比,细胞凋亡率在不同时间点明显升高,在24h、48h、72h结果分别为（11．4±5．8、21．8±7．9、32．5±11．6）％。免疫组化结果显示Hela＋DDP与Hela细胞相比细胞膜上P27蛋白高表达;在10—4mol／L鲁米诺及0.3％的双氧水（H202）条件下Hela细胞超弱发光强度高于用Hela＋DDP细胞（P〈0．001）。结论：超弱发光能够快速、准确、有效地反映肿瘤细胞氧化代谢特点和增殖活动,也可用于筛选敏感的化疗药物。     

Oncostatin M induces upregulation of claudin-2 in rodent hepatocytes coinciding with changes in morphology and function of tight junctions

In rodent livers, integral tight junction (TJ) proteins claudin-1, -2, -3, -5 and -14 are detected and play crucial roles in the barrier to keep bile in bile canaculi away from the blood circulation. Claudin-2 shows a lobular gradient increasing from periportal to pericentral hepatocytes, whereas claudin-1 and -3 are expressed in the whole liver lobule. Although claudin-2 expression induces cation-selective channels in tight junctions of epithelial cells, the physiological functions and regulation of claudin-2 in hepatocytes remain unclear. Oncostatin M (OSM) is a multifunctional cytokine implicated in the differentiation of hepatocytes that induces formation of E-cadherin-based adherens junctions in fetal hepatocytes. In this study, we examined whether OSM could induce expression and function of claudin-2 in rodent hepatocytes, immortalized mouse and primary cultured proliferative rat hepatocytes. In the immortalized mouse and primary cultured proliferative rat hepatocytes, treatment with OSM markedly increased mRNA and protein of claudin-2 together with formation of developed networks of TJ strands. The increase of claudin-2 enhanced the paracellular barrier function which depended on molecular size. The increase of claudin-2 expression induced by OSM in rodent hepatocytes was regulated through distinct signaling pathways including PKC. These results suggest that expression of claudin-2 in rodent hepatocytes may play a specific role as controlling the size of paracellular permeability in the barrier to keep bile in bile canaculi.     

紧密连接蛋白claudin-4 在肾透明细胞癌中的表达及预后意义

目的:探讨claudin-4在肾透明细胞癌中的表达及与临床病理特征及预后的相关性。方法:应用免疫组织化学技术检测50例肾透明细胞癌组织及10例正常肾组织标本中claudin-4的表达情况,并分析与临床病理参数的相关性;随机选取其中4例肾透明细胞癌患者癌组织及4例正常肾新鲜组织,Western blot检测claudin-4的表达情况,并与免疫组化检测结果进行相关性分析;结合随访结果分析claudin-4的表达水平与患者无疾病生存期的关系。结果:Claudin-4在肾透明细胞癌组织中的表达显著高于肾正常组织(P<0.05),表达水平与肿瘤的直径、TNM分期、临床分期及淋巴结转移相关;Western blot结果也表明claudin-4在肾透明细胞癌组织中的表达显著高于肾正常组织(P<0.01),与免疫组化结果呈显著正相关(r2=0.748,P<0.01);Kaplan-Meier分析显示claudin-4高表达组患者的患者无疾病生存期为20.7个月,显著低于低表达组的30.8个月。COX多因素比例风险模型分析显示,claudin-4的表达不是肾透明细胞癌的独立预后因素(RR值=1.686,95%CI 0.174~16.311,P=0.652)。结论:claudin-4蛋白表达上调可能促进肾透明细胞癌的发生和发展,有可能作为肾透明细胞癌潜在的治疗靶点及影响不良预后的指标。     

细胞色素C在apoptin诱导宫颈癌Hela细胞凋亡中的作用

目的研究肿瘤特异性凋亡基因（apoptin）在诱导Hela细胞凋亡中的信号转导机制。方法用含有apoptin基因的真核表达载体瞬间转染体外培养的Hela细胞;采用MTT法检测Hela细胞的凋亡;以比色法检测caspase-8和caspase-3的相对活性;Western blotting检测凋亡细胞中细胞色素C的表达量。结果 MTT法证明ap-optin基因瞬间转染的Hela细胞凋亡率明显高于其他各组（P〈0.01）;caspase-3的活性升高,但caspase-8活性没有明显变化;细胞色素C释放量明显增多。结论 Apoptin基因可能通过促进线粒体释放细胞色素C激活caspase-3,进而诱导Hela细胞凋亡。     

Expression, mitogenic activity and regulation by growth hormone of growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor in Branchiostoma belcheri

Our aim has been to characterize the molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of the channel-forming tight-junctional protein claudin-2 in response to the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), which is elevated, for example, in active Crohn’s disease. TNFα caused an 89% decrease of the paracellular resistance in colonic HT-29/B6 cells, whereas transcellular resistance was unaltered. The claudin-2 protein level was increased by TNFα without changes in subcellular tight-junctional protein localization as revealed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Enhanced gene expression was identified as the source of this increase, since claudin-2-specific mRNA and promoter activity was elevated, whereas mRNA stability remained unaltered. Specific inhibitors and phospho-specific antibodies revealed that the increased gene expression of claudin-2 after TNFα treatment was mediated by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathway. Thus, the up-regulation of claudin-2 by TNFα is attributable to the regulation of the expression of the gene, as a result of which epithelial barrier function is disturbed, for example, during chronic intestinal inflammation. J. Mankertz and M. Amasheh contributed equally to this work. This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and the Sonnenfeld-Stiftung Berlin.     

Protein Kinase D Promotes Airway Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction and Permeability through Down-regulation of Claudin-1

At the interface between host and external environment, the airway epithelium serves as a major protective barrier. In the present study we show that protein kinase D (PKD) plays an important role in the formation and integrity of the airway epithelial barrier. Either inhibition of PKD activity or silencing of PKD increased transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), resulting in a tighter epithelial barrier. Among the three PKD isoforms, PKD3 knockdown was the most efficient one to increase TEER in polarized airway epithelial monolayers. In contrast, overexpression of PKD3 wild type, but not PKD3 kinase-inactive mutant, disrupted the formation of apical intercellular junctions and their reassembly, impaired the development of TEER, and increased paracellular permeability to sodium fluorescein in airway epithelial monolayers. We further found that overexpression of PKD, in particular PKD3, markedly suppressed the mRNA and protein levels of claudin-1 but had only minor effects on the expression of other tight junctional proteins (claudin-3, claudin-4, claudin-5, occludin, and ZO-1) and adherent junctional proteins (E-cadherin and β-catenin). Immunofluorescence study revealed that claudin-1 level was markedly reduced and almost disappeared from intercellular contacts in PKD3-overexpressed epithelial monolayers and that claudin-4 was also restricted from intercellular contacts and tended to accumulate in the cell cytosolic compartments. Last, we found that claudin-1 knockdown prevented TEER elevation by PKD inhibition or silencing in airway epithelial monolayers. These novel findings indicate that PKD negatively regulates human airway epithelial barrier formation and integrity through down-regulation of claudin-1, which is a key component of tight junctions.     

Claudin-8 Expression in Renal Epithelial Cells Augments the Paracellular Barrier by Replacing Endogenous Claudin-2

Claudins are transmembrane proteins of the tight junction that determine and regulate paracellular ion permeability. We previously reported that claudin-8 reduces paracellular cation permeability when expressed in low-resistance Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) II cells. Here, we address how the interaction of heterologously expressed claudin-8 with endogenous claudin isoforms impacts epithelial barrier properties. In MDCK II cells, barrier improvement by claudin-8 is accompanied by a reduction of endogenous claudin-2 protein at the tight junction. Here, we show that this is not because of relocalization of claudin-2 into the cytosolic pool but primarily due to a decrease in gene expression. Claudin-8 also affects the trafficking of claudin-2, which was displaced specifically from the junctions at which claudin-8 was inserted. To test whether replacement of cation-permeable claudin-2 mediates the effect of claudin-8 on the electrophysiological phenotype of the host cell line, we expressed claudin-8 in high-resistance MDCK I cells, which lack endogenous claudin-2. Unlike in MDCK II cells, induction of claudin-8 in MDCK I cells (which did not affect levels of endogenous claudins) did not alter paracellular ion permeability. Furthermore, when endogenous claudin-2 in MDCK II cells was downregulated by epidermal growth factor to create a cell model with low transepithelial resistance and low levels of claudin-2, the permeability effects of claudin-8 were also abolished. Our findings demonstrate that claudin overexpression studies measure the combined effect of alterations in both endogenous and exogenous claudins, thus explaining the dependence of the phenotype on the host cell line.     

Claudin-7 inhibits human lung cancer cell migration and invasion through ERK/MAPK signaling pathway

Tight junctions are the most apical component of the junctional complex critical for epithelial cell barrier and polarity functions. Although its disruption is well documented during cancer progression such as epithelial–mesenchymal transition, molecular mechanisms by which tight junction integral membrane protein claudins affect this process remain largely unknown. In this report, we found that claudin-7 was normally expressed in bronchial epithelial cells of human lungs but was either downregulated or disrupted in its distribution pattern in lung cancer. To investigate the function of claudin-7 in lung cancer cells, we transfected claudin-7 cDNA into NCI-H1299, a human lung carcinoma cell line that has no detectable claudin-7 expression. We found that claudin-7 expressing cells showed a reduced response to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) treatment, were less motile, and formed fewer foot processes than the control cells did. In addition, cells transfected with claudin-7 dramatically decreased their invasive ability after HGF treatment. These effects were mediated through the MAPK signaling pathway since the phosphorylation level of ERK1/2 was significantly lower in claudin-7 transfected cells than in control cells. PD98059, a selective inhibitor of ERK/MAPK pathway, was able to block the motile effect. Claudin-7 formed stable complexes with claudin-1 and -3 and was able to recruit them to the cell-cell junction area in claudin-7 transfected cells. When control and claudin-7 transfected cells were inoculated into nude mice, claudin-7 expressing cells produced smaller tumors than the control cells. Taken together, our study demonstrates that claudin-7 inhibits cell migration and invasion through ERK/MAPK signaling pathway in response to growth factor stimulation in human lung cancer cells.     

Claudin-7 is frequently overexpressed in ovarian cancer and promotes invasion

Background

Claudins are tight junction proteins that are involved in tight junction formation and function. Previous studies have shown that claudin-7 is frequently upregulated in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) along with claudin-3 and claudin-4. Here, we investigate in detail the expression patterns of claudin-7, as well as its possible functions in EOC.

Methodology/Principal Findings

A total of 95 ovarian tissue samples (7 normal ovarian tissues, 65 serous carcinomas, 11 clear cell carcinomas, 8 endometrioid carcinomas and 4 mucinous carcinomas) were studied for claudin-7 expression. In real-time RT-PCR analysis, the gene for claudin-7, CLDN7, was found to be upregulated in all the tumor tissue samples studied. Similarly, immunohistochemical analysis and western blotting showed that claudin-7 protein was significantly overexpressed in the vast majority of EOCs. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of claudin-7 in ovarian cancer cells led to significant changes in gene expression as measured by microarrays and validated by RT-PCR and immunoblotting. Analyses of the genes differentially expressed revealed that the genes altered in response to claudin-7 knockdown were associated with pathways implicated in various molecular and cellular functions such as cell cycle, cellular growth and proliferation, cell death, development, and cell movement. Through functional experiments in vitro, we found that both migration and invasion were altered in cells where CLDN7 had been knocked down or overexpressed. Interestingly, claudin-7 expression was associated with a net increase in invasion, but also with a decrease in migration.

Conclusion/Significance

Our work shows that claudin-7 is significantly upregulated in EOC and that it may be functionally involved in ovarian carcinoma invasion. CLDN7 may therefore represent potential marker for ovarian cancer detection and a target for therapy.     

Somatostatin inhibition of gastrin gene expression: involvement of pertussis toxin-sensitive and -insensitive pathways.

These studies were performed to determine the intracellular pathways involved in regulating gastrin gene expression. The inclusion of 10(-4) M forskolin or 10(-4) M dibutyryl cyclic AMP (DBcAMP) in incubation medium containing dog antral mucosa resulted in 249% and 323% increases, respectively, in gastrin mRNA levels. The stimulatory effects of forskolin and DBcAMP were both inhibited significantly by 10(-6) M somatostatin. Preincubation of antral mucosa with pertussis toxin nearly abolished the inhibitory effects of somatostatin on gastrin mRNA stimulated by forskolin, but had no effect following DBcAMP. To examine whether calcium-dependent pathways might be involved in regulating gastrin gene expression, antral mucosa was incubated with increasing concentrations of calcium or the ionophore ionomycin. Both agents produced only modest increases in gastrin mRNA, which were abolished by the addition of somatostatin to the incubation medium. These studies indicate that somatostatin appears to inhibit gastrin gene expression through mechanisms involving both pertussis toxin-sensitive and -insensitive pathways.