Active expression of Gγ globin gene on chromosome 11 with Yunnanese (Ayγδβ)~0-thalasseinia deletion in MEL cells

A permanent lymphocyte cell line of a heterozygote with Yunnanese (Aγδβ)0-thalassemia deletion, associated with an increased production of Cry globin in adult, was founded using Epstein-Barr virus transformation. The hybrids of the lymphocyte cell and mouse erythroleukemia cell (MEL) were achieved and the hybrids containing human chromosome 11 were selected with the monoclonal antibody 53/6. The subclones containing only either the normal or the abnormal human chromosome 11 were separated and the expression of the human globin genes was studied. Expression of the β-globin gene, but not the Cγ and Aγ, was observed in the hybrids containing only the normal human chromosome 11, while active expression of the Cγ globin gene was observed in the hybrids containing only the abnormal human chromosome 11. These results have confirmed that the DNA deletion in the β-globin gene cluster is the cause of persistent active expression of the Cγ globin gene in the Yunnanese mutant.     

Initial function analysis of a novel erythroid differentiation related gene EDRF1

Erythroid differentiation depends on the establishment of specific patterns of gene expression. Hypersensitive site 2 (HS2, serving as a major enhancer of globin genes)-binding proteins may be involved in its natural open chromosomal environment formation. Previously we prepared monoclonal antibodies against HS2-binding nuclear proteins of terminal differentiated erythroid cells. By utilizing the monoclonal antibodies, we screened λ-gt11 human fetal liver cDNA expression library and obtained one cDNA clone, which was named erythroid differentiation related gene (EDRF1, Genbank accession number AF040247) , encompassing an entire open reading frame. We investigated the expression pattern of EDRF1 by RT-PCR technique. And a clue to the function of EDRF1 has been found from confirmation of high levels of EDRF1 mRNA in differentiated K562 and human fetal liver tissue. To illuminate the function of EDRF1 in K562 cells, sense and antisense EDRF1 constructs were prepared and transfected into K562 cells, α-glob     

In vivo distribution and gene expression of genetically modified hepatocytes after intrasplenic transplantation

To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of liver gene therapy mediated by intrasplenic transplanta-tion of genetically modified hepatocytes, the normal mouse liver cell line BNL CL. 2 cells were introduced with Neo-re-sistant (NeoR) gene or interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene in vitro, and transplanted intrasplenically into normal syngeneic mice (2 × 106 cell/mouse); subsequently, the expressions of the introduced genes in vivo were detected. The RT-PCR results showed that NeoR mRNA expressions were detectable in livers 24 h after transplantation and lasted over 11 weeks. Moreover, The NeoR mRNA was detected to be expressed temporarily in spleens (24 h- 1 week) and lungs (24-96 h) after transplantation. After intrasplenic transplantation of IL-2 gene-modified BNL CL.2 cells, the stable expressions of IL-2 mRNA in the livers of transplanted mice were detectable by RT-PCR (24 h-11 weeks), and certain levels of IL-2 (5-40 pg/mL) remained in the peripheral blood. When IL-2 gene-modified BNL CL. 2 cells were tran     

MiR-29a/b/c regulate human circadian gene hPER1 expression by targeting its 3/UTR

Several essential biological progresses in mammals are regulated by circadian rhythms. Though the molecular mechanisms of oscillating these circadian rhythms have been uncovered, the specific functions of the circadian genes are not very clear. It has been reported that knocking down circadian genes by microRNA is a useful strategy to explore the function of the circadian rhythms. In this study, through a forward bioinformatics screening ap- proach, we identified miR-29a/b/c as potent inhibitors for the human circadian gene hPER1. We further found that miR-29a/b/c could directly target hPER1 3/untranslated region （UTR） and down-regulate hPER1 at both mRNA and protein expression levels in human A549 cells. Thus, our findings suggested that the expression of hPER1 is regulated by miR-29a/b/c, which may also provide a new clue for the function ofhPER1.     

Ikaros in hematopoiesis and leukemia

Ikaros is a gene whose activity is essential for normal hematopoiesis.Ikaros acts as a master regulator of lymphoid and myeloid development as well as a tumor suppressor.In cells,Ikaros regulates gene expression via chromatin remodeling.During the past 15 years tremendous advances have been made in understanding the role of Ikaros in hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis.In this Topic Highlights series of reviews,several groups of international experts in this field summarize the experimental data that is shaping the emerging picture of Ikaros function at the biochemical and cellular levels.The articles provide detailed analyses of recent scientific advancements and present models that will serve as a basis for future studies aimed at developing a better understanding of normal hematopoiesis and hematological malignancies and at accelerating the application of this knowledge in clinical practice.     

MiR-15a/b promote adipogenesis in porcine pre-adipocyte via repressing FoxO1

Diabetes and many other metabolism syndromes are closely related to obesity. To reveal the underlying mechan ism of fat deposition, an increasing number of studies are focusing on the functions of miRNAs during adipocytes de velopment. Previous studies have proved that miR15a/b play important roles in multiple physiological processes; however, their functions during adipogenesis remain un clear. To reveal this, we detected the expression profiles of miR15a/b during adipogenesis in porcine preadipocyte, and found that their expression levels increased in the early stage of adipoeyte differentiation and dropped after day 4. Moreover, overexpression of miR15a/b in porcine pre adipocytes promoted adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation. Target genes of miR15a/b were predicted and examined, which revealed that Forkhead box protein O1 （FoxO1） is the target gene of miR15a/b. The inhibition of FoxO1 expression level caused by miR15a/b over expression had a positive effect on adipogenesis. Thus, we conclude that miR15a/b promote adipogenesis in porcine preadipocyte via repressing FoxO1.     

Emanuel Strehler's work on calcium pumps and calcium signaling

Cells are equipped with mechanisms to control tightly the influx, efflux and resting level of free calcium (Ca 2+ ). Inappropriate Ca 2+ signaling and abnormal Ca 2+ levels are involved in many clinical disorders including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. Ca 2+ also plays a major role in cell growth, differentiation and motility; disturbances in these processes underlie cell transformation and the progression of cancer. Accordingly, research in the Strehler laboratory is focused on a better understanding of the molecular "toolkit" needed to ensure proper Ca 2+ homeostasis in the cell, as well as on the mechanisms of localized Ca 2+ signaling. A longterm focus has been on the plasma membrane calcium pumps (PMCAs), which are linked to multiple disorders including hearing loss, neurodegeneration, and heart disease. Our work over the past 20 years or more has revealed a surprising complexity of PMCA isoforms with different functional characteristics, regulation, and cellular localization. Emerging evidence shows how specific PMCAs contribute not only to setting basal intracellular Ca 2+ levels, but also to local Ca 2+ signaling and vectorial Ca 2+ transport. A second major research arearevolves around the calcium sensor protein calmodulin and an enigmatic calmodulin-like protein (CALML3) that is linked to epithelial differentiation. One of the cellular targets of CALML3 is the unconventional motor protein myosin-10, which raises new questions about the role of CALML3 and myosin-10 in cell adhesion and migration in normal cell differentiation and cancer.     

Proteins binding to the 5'-flanking regulatory elements of the human β-globin gene~1

The binding of nuclear proteins prepared from mouse erythroid tissue in different developmental stages to the 5'-flanking regulatory elements of human globin gene, two negative control regions(NCR1, -610 to -490 bp; NCR2,-338 to -233bp), was identified. Two stage specific protein factors corresponding to embryonic and fetal stages were found to be capable of binding to NCR2. These data provided evidence that the cis acting elements of the 5'-flanking region might be involved in the developmental control of globin gene and NCR2 might be responsible in part for the silence of globin gene in the embryonic and fetal stages.     

A multi-epitope vaccine based on Chlamydia trachomatis major outer membrane protein induces specific immunity in mice

We evaluated the immunogenicity and efficacy of a candidate vaccine comprising the major outer membrane protein （MOMP） multi-epitope of Chlamydia trachomatis. A short gene of muiti-epitope derived from MOMP containing multiple T- and B-cell epitopes was artificially synthesized. The recombinant plasmid pET32a（＋） containing codon optimized MOMP multi-epitope gene was constructed. Expression of the fusion protein Trx-His- MOMP multi-epitope in Escherichia coli was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blot analysis. Balb/c mice were inoculated with the purified fusion protein subcutaneously three times with 2-week intervals. Results showed that the MOMP multiepitope elicited not only strong humoral immune responses to C. trachomatis by generating significantly high levels of specific antibodies （lgG1 and IgG2a）, but also a cellular immune response by inducing robust cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses in mice. Furthermore, the MOMP multi- epitope substantially primed secretion of IFN-γ, revealing that this vaccine could induce a strong Thl response. Finally, the mice vaccinated with the MOMP multi-epitope displayed a reduction of C. trachomatis shedding upon a chlamydial challenge and an accelerated clearance of the infected C. trachomatis. In conclusion, the MOMP multi- epitope vaccine may have the potentiality for the development of effective prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines against the C. trachomatis infection.     

应用荧光原位杂交技术检测人βE珠蛋白基因在转基因小鼠染色体上的整合状态

为将荧光原位杂交技术应用于基因定位研究中,探讨一种能有效地检测转基因动物染色体上外源基因整合状态的实验方法,对小鼠腹腔注射秋水仙素后,取转基因小鼠骨髓制备中期染色体,将传统的FISH方法加以改进,检测外源基因在转基因小鼠染色体上的整合状态.检测结果表明,外源人βE珠蛋白基因已稳定地整合于小鼠染色体上.FISH能直观地反映外源基因在转基因动物染色体上的整合状态,该方法可对转基因动物及基因转移研究中的外源基因整合后进行染色体定位检测。 Abstract:To determine the integration site of human βE globin gene in the chromosomes of transgenic mice, transgenic mice carrying human βE globin gene were injected intraperitoneally with colchicines, then, bone marrow cells wereisolated and metaphase chromosomes were prepared, the traditional FISH method was improved to detect the integration site of humanβE globin gene in transgenic mice when combined with G-banding. Human t3E globin gene can bedetected in different position of different chromosomes in transgenic mice and FISH signals showed that two mice were heterozygous of human 13E globin gene and one was homozygous. Human t3E globin gene was integrated into thechromosomes of transgenic mice in a random pattern and the results demonstrated that FISH can be used to investigate the integration site of foreign genes in transgenic mice.     

Molecular cloning and structural analysis of human norepinephrine transporter gene（NETHG）

A cDNA molecule encoding a major part of the human Norepinephrine transporter(hNET) was synthesized by means of Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR) technique and used as a probe for selecting the human genomic NET gene.A positive clone harbouring the whole gene was obtained from a human lymphocyte genomic library through utilizing the “genomic walking” technique.The clone,designated as phNET,harbours a DNA fragment of about 59 kd in length inserted into BamH I site in cosmid pWE15.The genomic clone contains 14 exons encoding all amino acid residues in the protein.A single exon encodes a distinct transmembrane domain,except for transmembrane domain 10 and 11,which are encoded by part of two exons respectively,and exon 12,which encodes part of domain 11 and all of domain 12.These results imply that there is a close relationship between exon splicing of a gene and structureal domains of the protein,as is the case for the human γ－aminobutyric acid transporter(hGAT) and a number of other membrane proteins.