HMG非组蛋白在基因表达调节中的作用——Ⅰ.HMG非组蛋白对小鼠肝细胞核转录活性和DNA酶Ⅰ消化动力学的影响

本文观察了外加的HMG对体外核转录和DNA酶Ⅰ消化不同状态细胞核的影响,并与功能已经比较清楚、组成和结构较为相似的组蛋白H_1进行比较,发现:(1)外加的HMG与组蛋白H_1均能抑制肝细胞核的转录活性,但它们的抑制作甩以组蛋白H_1最强,磷酸化组蛋白H_1其次,HMG最弱。(2)组蛋白H_1能抑制DNA酶Ⅰ对肝细胞核的消化,而外加的HMG对小鼠肝细胞核消化的影响呈双相:短暂消化时HMG能降低细胞核对DNA酶Ⅰ的敏感性,但其抑制作用较H_1弱;延长消化时反而能增加核对DNA酶Ⅰ的敏感性。(3)组蛋白H_1对DNA酶Ⅰ有限消化后的残核消化无明显的影响而HMG能促进残核的消化。(4)组蛋白H_1能抑制DNA酶Ⅰ消化去组蛋白H_1细胞核,而HMG能促进去组蛋白H_1的细胞核的消化。实验结果启示HMG非组蛋白与组蛋白H_1相对置的变化会引起染色质结构的改变,从而影响转录的进行,这可能是基因表达粗调节的一种方式。HMG能增加非活性核小体对DNA酶Ⅰ的敏感性说明HMG很可能与活性核小体结构的形成有关。     

组蛋白翻译后修饰与DNA损伤响应蛋白招募的调控

组蛋白翻译后修饰是细胞DNA损伤早期应答反应的重要内涵,一方面是松弛、开放染色质结构的必要分子调节事件,以便DNA损伤响应蛋白能接近DNA损伤位点;另一方面直接参与DNA损伤修复蛋白招募过程的调控。综述了在DNA损伤信号激发下,发生的组蛋白主要修饰类型,异组蛋白H2AX、H2A.Z在DNA损伤部位与组蛋白置换,及其对DNA损伤响应蛋白招募的调节作用和机制。     

海洋游仆虫细胞核染色质组分和组蛋白的初步研究

收集海洋游仆虫(Euplotes vannus)的细胞,制备其染色质。稀酸抽提染色质得到的组蛋白经聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳、SDS-聚丙烯酰胺梯度凝胶电泳、等电点聚焦和氨基酸分析等方法测定,其核染色质中组蛋白占核总蛋白的69.6％;DNA:RNA:组蛋白:非组蛋白为1∶0.022∶1.1∶0.047。染色质的全组蛋白由16种氨基酸组成,碱性氨基酸与酸性氨基酸之比为1.06∶1,是一种弱碱性蛋白质。等电点为pH8.1—9.15,分子量为10,500—22,000道尔顿。     

组蛋白乙酰化／脱乙酰化与DNA甲基化的关系

组蛋白乙酰化和脱乙酰化与DNA甲基化有密切的关系,本文介绍了DNA甲基化对组蛋白乙酰化／脱乙酰化影响,组蛋白乙酰化／脱乙酰化对DNA甲基化的影响,以及组蛋白乙酰化／脱乙酰化和DNA甲基化协同效应。     

组蛋白乙酰化、DNA甲基化在肿瘤发生中的作用

组蛋白乙酰化和DNA甲基化调控基因表达的两种主要方式,目前认为组蛋白乙酰化和DNA低甲基化可促进基因表达,而组蛋白去乙酰化和DNA高甲基化可抑制基因表达,组蛋白乙酰化和DNA甲基化这两种分子机制相互协调,实现基因表达的精细调控。     

组蛋白赖氨酸甲基化在表观遗传调控中的作用

组蛋白赖氨酸的甲基化在表观遗传调控中起着关键作用。组蛋白H3的K4、K9、K27、K36、K79和H4的K20均可被甲基化。组蛋白H3第9位赖氨酸的甲基化与基因的失活相关连; 组蛋白H3第4位赖氨酸和第36位赖氨酸的甲基化与基因的激活相关连; 组蛋白H3第27位赖氨酸的甲基化与同源盒基因沉默、X染色体失活、基因印记等基因沉默现象有关; 组蛋白H3第79位赖氨酸的甲基化与防止基因失活和DNA修复有关。与此同时, 组蛋白的去甲基化也受到更为广泛的关注。 关键词: 组蛋白赖氨酸甲基转移酶; 组蛋白赖氨酸甲基化; 组蛋白去甲基化     

~(60)Co-γ辐照对中国仓鼠卵巢成纤维细胞DNA和组蛋白合成的影响

本文介绍了~(60)Co-γ辐照对同步的和非同步的CHO细胞的DNA合成和组蛋白合成关系的影响的研究,用~3H-胸腺嘧啶核苷和~(14)C-丙氨酸双标记,未经辐照的和经4Gy～60Gy ~(60)Co-γ辐照的CHO细胞,通过~3H和~(14)C的参入来估价DNA和组蛋白的合成,并用聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳鉴定辐照前后组蛋白各组分的变化情况,实验表明: 1)、在4～60Gy剂量范内,无论是同步的还是非同步的CHO细胞其DNA合成和组蛋白合成都受到不同程度的抑制。2)、在辐照后1—3小时,DNA合成和组蛋白合成都受到不同程度的抑制,但辐照后4小时,DNA合成被进一步抑制而组蛋白的合成却逐渐恢复正常,到辐照后48小时组蛋白的合成几乎接近对照水平。3)、16Gy ~(60)Co-γ辐照后8小时,非同步的CHO细胞的DNA合成被抑制的情况比G_1期CHO细胞更为严重。4)、16Gy ~(60)Co-γ辐照S期细胞,在辐照后1—24小时中DNA合成被明显抑制的同时,组蛋白的合成也受到相应的抑制。5)、从未经辐照的和经6、16和60Gy~(60)Co-γ辐照的CHO细胞分别提取全组蛋白,进行聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳,从电泳图谱的变化清楚地看到组蛋白H_1和H_3受辐照影响大于组蛋白H_4和H_(2B)+H_(2A),因此我们推测DNA合成和组蛋白H_1和H_3的关系较之组蛋白H_4和H_(2A)+H_(2B)更为密切。     

表观遗传学研究方法进展

表观遗传调控是基因表达调控的重要组成部分,已成为当前研究的热点.目前其研究主要集中在DNA甲基化和组蛋白修饰.针对这两种表观修饰,其研究方法也取得了较太进展,一方面方法的是敏度和特异性都在不断提高;另一方面表现修饰的检测正在逐步从定性检测向定量分析方向发展,从个别位点向高通量检测发展.此外,新一代测序技术的应用特大大推动表观遗传研究的发展,包括单分子实时测序法、单分子纳米孔科序法等.综述目前常用的DNA甲基化、组蛋白修饰研究方法以及最新的单分子测序技术,并对它们在表观遗传修饰检测中的应用作了简要对比分析.     

两种方法制备模板DNA在PCR-SSCP中的应用研究

目的:比较两种方法(DNA试剂盒提取法和FTA卡法)提取的DNA在PCR-SSCP反中的可靠性.方法:用DNA试剂盒从全血中提取DNA和用NaOH方法从FTA卡中提取DNA后,用分光光度计检测两种方法提取DNA的浓度及纯度,进行PCR反应之后,用2％的琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测其质量,接着进行SSCP检测,观测其效果.两种方法提取的样品相同,进行PCR反应和SSCP检测的条件完全一致.结果:用DNA试剂盒提取法和FTA卡法提取的DNA纯度分别为OD260/280=1.817,OD260/280=1.806.48份贵州荷斯坦奶牛DNA后续PCR反应和SSCP的检测结果表明,两种方法提取的DNA用于PCR反应和SSCP检测其效果没有明显差别,成功率为100％.结论:FTA卡结合DNA较稳定,用NaOH法提取DNA效果可靠且比试剂盒方法简便、快捷、经济,值得推广.     

植物DNA甲基化及其研究策略

DNA甲基化是表观遗传学研究的热点问题之一, 植物DNA甲基化的研究对植物研究领域的发展有着举足轻重的作用。本文阐述了植物DNA甲基化的相关机制, 其中包括RdDM(RNA-dependent DNA methylation)、DNA 甲基化与组蛋白修饰 以及DNA 去甲基化等近几年研究的热点问题; 讨论了DNA甲基化在植物发育中的功能(包括基因组防御和调控基因表达)、DNA甲基化与转基因沉默的关系以及其在表观遗传学中的地位。最后就目前国内外研究植物DNA甲基化所采取的常用策略,即高效液相色谱法、亚硫酸盐测序法、甲基化敏感的限制性内切酶结合Southern杂交分析法和MSAP(methylation-sensitive amplified Polymorphism)法进行了详尽的介绍和讨论。     

Is agNOR and DNA ploidy analysis useful for evaluating thyroid neoplasms?

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the subjective AgNOR counting method and DNA content with histologic diagnoses of thyroid cancer and invasion. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-one consecutive cases of thyroid carcinoma were selected for DNA and AgNOR analysis. The diagnoses were: papillary carcinoma (n = 40), follicular carcinoma (n = 31), Hürthle cell adenocarcinoma (n = 4), and undifferentiated carcinoma (n = 6). Seven normal thyroids were used as controls. DNA quantitative measurement was performed with Vidas 2.0 software (Kontron Bildanalyse, Munich, Germany) connected to an MPM 210 photometer microscope (Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany). The DNA index was obtained using histograms. Counting the NORs was performed by subjectively counting the NORs in 200 malignant cells. RESULTS: DNA ploidy analysis showed all Hürthle cell adenocarcinomas, 21 (67%)follicular tumors, 23 (57%) papillary tumors and 4 (67%) undifferentiated carcinomas to be aneuploid. DNA analysis correlated with histologic type of the tumor (p = 0.032). There was no statistical significance to the AgNOR counting variables studied. Statistical analysis showed correlation between ploidy and histologic diagnosis, but not AgNOR counting, to have prognostic value. CONCLUSION: DNA ploidy is more useful than subjective counting of NORs as an adjunct method for thyroid lesion analysis.     

Comparison of agar plate and real-time PCR on enumeration of Lactobacillus, Clostridium perfringens and total anaerobic bacteria in dog faeces

AIMS: To compare agar plate and real-time PCR methods on enumeration of total anaerobic bacteria, Lactobacillus and Clostridium perfringens in dog faeces. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-two faecal specimens from Labrador retriever dogs were used to compare agar plate and real-time PCR enumeration methods for Lactobacillus, C. perfringens and total anaerobic bacteria. Total anaerobic bacteria, C. perfringens and Lactobacillus of faeces were counted (as CFU g(-1) faeces) for 48-h incubation at 37 degrees C in an anaerobic gas chamber on genus-selective media. Total genomic DNA from samples was extracted by the QIAamp DNA stool mini kit. The quantification of DNA (as DNA copy per gram faeces) by real-time PCR was performed with a LightCycler system with the QuantiTect SYBR green PCR kit for PCR amplification. The results indicated that there was a significant correlation between CFU and DNA copy of Lactobacillus (R2 = 0.78, P < 0.01) and total anaerobic bacteria (R2 = 0.21, P < 0.05); but no correlation was found between CFU and DNA copy of C. perfringens. The regression equations for Lactobacillus and total anaerobic bacteria were log(DNA copy) = 0.83 x log(CFU) + 1.43 and log(DNA copy) = 1.62 x log(CFU) - 6.32 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The real-time PCR method could be used to enumerate Lactobacillus within 2 days when compared with plating method which requires 5-6 days. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The real-time PCR method and the primer set for Lactobacillus spp. harboured in the dog intestine can be used for rapid enumeration of lactobacilli and monitoring of the faecal Lactobacillus community.     

Lymphocyte DNA damage in patients with acute coronary syndrome and its relationship with severity of acute coronary syndrome

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between lymphocyte DNA damage and acute coronary syndromes (ACS). METHODS: The study population contained 53 patients with ACS, 48 patients with stable angina and 35 voluntary healty subjects. DNA damage was assessed by alkaline comed assay in peripheral lymphocyte and plasma levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined using a novel automated measurement method. RESULTS: In ACS patients, DNA damage was significantly higher than in patients with stable angina and control subjects (144+/-52 AU, 116+/-37, 68+/-34 AU; for three p<0.001, respectively). The TAC levels in patients with ACS were lower than the other groups (1.24+/-0.31 mmol Trolox equiv./l, 1.46+/-0.29 mmol Trolox equiv./l, p<0.05, respectively). DNA damage values in patients with acute miyocardial infarction were significantly higher than in patients with unstable angina (159.8+/-53.0 AU versus 131.8+/-48.4 AU; p<0.05, respectively). Lymphocyte DNA damage values in patients with ACS showed positive correlation with d-dimer (r=0.880, p<0.001) troponin I (r=538, p<0.001) and C-reactive protein (r=0.544, p<0.001) and negative correlation with TAC (r=-0.346, p=0.011). In multiple linear regression analysis, TAC (beta=-0.213, p=0.001) and d-dimer (beta=0.697, p<0.001) were independent predictors of DNA damage in patients with ACS. CONCLUSIONS:These findings indicate that lymphocyte DNA damage level increases in patients with ACS. Elevated DNA damage may be related with plaque instability and be useful for the identification of patients with acute coronary syndromes.     

Relationship between DNA damage, total antioxidant capacity and coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE: It has been known that there was a relation between the levels of DNA damage and the severity of the coronary artery disease (CAD). However, little is known about association of DNA damage with total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and CAD. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between DNA damage, TAC and CAD. METHODS: We used the comet assay to measure DNA damage from 53 patients with angiographically documented CAD and 42 patients with angiographically documented normal coronary vessel. The extent and severity of CAD was calculated to Gensini score index. TAC of plasma was determined using a novel automated measurement method. RESULTS: Mean values of DNA damage were significantly higher in CAD patients than in the control group (p<0.001). There was a positive correlation between Gensini score index and DNA damage (r=0.590, p<0.001). Additionally, significantly positive correlations between score of DNA damage, and diabetes, smoking, obesity and hyperlipidemia were found (p<0.05). There was also a negative correlation between TAC and DNA damage (r=-0.711, p<0.001). The DNA damage was significantly higher in diabetic, smoker, hyperlipidemic and obese individuals than those without these conditions (p=0.001, p=0.006, p=0.001, p=0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the level of DNA damage is increased and TAC level is decreased in CAD. DNA damage is correlated with the severity of the CAD, and levels of TAC.     

Mutagenesis directed by phosphotriester analogs of oligonucleotides

20-mer oligodeoxyribonucleotides d-ACGACGG (R') CCAG (R') TGATCCGTA, where R' = R' = H (20), F' = Et, R' = H (20-Et), or R' = R' = Et (20-Et2) were synthesized by modified triester method. Ethylated dinucleotide blocks were prepared by transesterification method from chlorophenyl derivatives. Structures of oligonucleotides were confirmed by Maxam - Gilbert method. Mutagenesis induced by oligonucleotides was studied on DNA of M13mpB phage. Oligonucleotides were not totally complementary to this DNA in the region of 4-11 codons of Z'-gene. They all were shown to direct the formation of the designed deletion mutants, phosphotriester analogues (20-Et) and (20-Et2) being more effective mutagens. The specificity of oligonucleotides: DNA binding and mutant DNA structure were shown by Sanger method.     

Increased lymphocyte deoxyribonucleic acid damage in patients with cardiac syndrome X

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether there is lymphocyte deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in patients with cardiac syndrome X (CSX), and its relation with total antioxidant status (TAS), inflammation and ischemia. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with CSX, 21 patients with non-CSX (NCSX) and 20 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Lymphocyte DNA damage (Arbitrary Unit) was assessed by alkaline single cell electrophoresis (comet) assay in peripheral lymphocyte, and plasma levels of TAS (mmol Trolox equiv./l) were determined using a novel automated measurement method. High sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and other biochemical parameters were measured from all subjects. Treadmill exercise test and coronary angiography were performed to CSX and NCSX groups. RESULTS: Lymphocyte DNA damage was increased in patients with CSX compared with NCSX and control group (p<0.001, for both). Also, TAS was decreased, and hsCRP was increased in CSX compared with NCSX and control group (p<0.001, for all). Lymphocyte DNA damage was correlated with magnitude of ST depression (p=0.034), hsCRP (p=0.001), TAS (p<0.001) and presence of diabetes (p=0.022) in bivariate analysis. In multiple linear regression analysis, lymphocyte DNA damage was correlated with only TAS (beta=-0.413, p=0.017) and hsCRP (beta=0.414, p=0.006). CONCLUSION: Lymphocyte DNA damage was increased in patients with CSX. The increase in lymphocyte DNA damage may be related with increased oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with CSX.     

Evaluation of applying feulgen stain for DNA analysis on destained hematoxylin-eosin-stained cytologic smears

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and reliability of DNA analysis performed on the original hematoxylin-eosin (HE)-stained cytologic specimens by destaining the slides and restaining with the Feulgen method. STUDY DESIGN: Image cytometric analysis of DNA ploidy status was performed in a comparative study on 20 cytologic preparations from 10 nasopharyngeal carcinomas. Ten smears were stained directly by the Feulgen method, and the others were Feulgen stained after HE destaining. RESULTS: There was 90% overall concordance in DNA determination and a good correlation (r = .97, P < .001) between the DNA indices determined by the 2 methods. Discordance was probably due to tumor heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that image cytometric DNA analysis on previously routinely HE-stained cytologic preparations is feasible and reliable. This method permits retrospective studies on archival cytologic material from patients with long term follow-up data.     

Lymphocyte DNA damage is associated with increased aortic intima-media thickness

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether there is an association between lymphocyte DNA damage and aortic intima-media thickness (IMT). METHODS: We studied 70 patients (mean age: 41.6+/-10 years) who underwent transesophageal echocardiography for various indications. Four different grades were determined according to intima-media thickness (IMT) of thoracic aorta measured by transesophageal echocardiography. DNA damage was assessed by alkaline single cell electrophoresis (comet) assay in peripheral lymphocytes. Plasma level of total antioxidant status (TAS) was determined by using automated measurement method. High sensitive C-reactive protein and other biochemical markers were studied in all subjects. RESULTS: The major increase in lymphocyte DNA damage was observed in patients with grade 4 IMT when compared with other groups (p<0.001, for all). Lymphocyte DNA damage of patients with grade 1 IMT was also lower than patients with grade 2 IMT (p=0.013) and patients with grade 3 IMT (p<0.001). Lymphocyte DNA damage of patients with grade 2 IMT was found at low level compared with patients with grade 3 IMT (p=0.012) as well. In multiple linear regression analysis, IMT was independently correlated with lymphocyte DNA damage (beta=0.515, p<0.001), TAS level (beta=-420, p<0.001), total cholesterol (beta=0.407, p<0.001) and LDL cholesterol level (beta=287, p=0.020). CONCLUSION: Lymphocyte DNA damage may be an independent predictor for the grade of thoracic IMT, and may play a role in pathogenesis of thoracic atherosclerosis besides TAS and cholesterol levels.     

Applicability of liquid-based cytology to the assessment of DNA content in cervical lesions using static cytometry

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nuclear DNA content of cervical lesions in liquid-based cytologic specimens prepared for static cytometry. STUDY DESIGN: The DNA content of cervical lesions was evaluated in cervical samples prepared with the Autocyte PREP liquid-based cytology system (TriPath Imaging Inc., Burlington, North Carolina, U.S.A.). A series of 47 samples stained with the Papanicolaou method (chronic cervicitis, n = 15; cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] 1, n = 25; CIN 2, n = 5; CIN 3, n = 2) were collected from consecutive women enrolled in an ongoing screening study at Leonor Mendes de Barros Hospital, S?o Paulo, Brazil, in 2002. Each residual sample was processed according to the Feulgen-thionin method (TriPath Imaging). Ploidy evaluation was performed using the CAS 200 image analysis system and Quantitative DNA Measurement software 3.0 (version 8.1) (Becton Dickinson, San Jose, Califoria, U.S.A.). Cellular ploidy was analyzed from atypical nuclei, and the DNA index was obtained using histograms for interpretation. RESULTS: All chronic cervicitis cases were diploid. Of the CIN 1 cases, 44% were diploid, 12% tetraploid, 32% aneuploid and 12% polyploid (diploid plus tetraploid). CIN 2 lesions were diploid in 60% and aneuploid in 40% of cases, whereas all CIN 3 lesions (100%) were aneuploid. CONCLUSION: The liquid-based cytologic samples proved to be suitable and highly useful for DNA analysis by image cytometry, which was capable of discriminating CIN 3 lesions from CIN 1 and 2 but not CIN 1 from 2 lesions. Aneuploidy was closely associated with CIN 3 lesions.