癌基因Src在骨肉瘤细胞侵袭伪足形成中的作用

目的:探讨癌基因Src在体外培养骨肉瘤细胞侵袭伪足形成中的作用。方法:构建Src sh RNA慢病毒表达载体,在HEK293T细胞中包装慢病毒,感染HT-1080骨肉瘤细胞,经嘌呤霉素加压筛选,获得稳定沉默Src基因的骨肉瘤细胞系HT-1080-sh Src;实时定量PCR和Western Blot法检测基因沉默效率;采用原位明胶酶谱法检测侵袭伪足形成;采用侵袭小室实验检测下调Src基因表达对HT-1080细胞侵袭力的影响。结果:成功构建稳定沉默Src基因的骨肉瘤细胞系HT-1080-sh Src及对照细胞系HT-1080-shluc,经实时定量PCR和Western Blot检测,与对照细胞系相比,HT-1080-sh Src细胞中Src基因表达下调3倍以上;下调HT-1080细胞中Src基因表达能显著抑制HT-1080细胞侵袭伪足形成及其对细胞外基质的降解能力;下调Src基因表达能显著抑制骨肉瘤细胞侵袭力。结论:癌基因Src参与调节骨肉瘤细胞HT-1080侵袭伪足形成,促进肿瘤侵袭、转移。     

Focus: A Multifaceted Battle Against Cancer: Extracting Knowledge from Chemical Imaging Data Using Computational Algorithms for Digital Cancer Diagnosis

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic imaging is an emerging microscopy modality for clinical histopathologic diagnoses as well as for biomedical research. Spectral data recorded in this modality are indicative of the underlying, spatially resolved biochemical composition but need computerized algorithms to digitally recognize and transform this information to a diagnostic tool to identify cancer or other physiologic conditions. Statistical pattern recognition forms the backbone of these recognition protocols and can be used for highly accurate results. Aided by biochemical correlations with normal and diseased states and the power of modern computer-aided pattern recognition, this approach is capable of combating many standing questions of traditional histology-based diagnosis models. For example, a simple diagnostic test can be developed to determine cell types in tissue. As a more advanced application, IR spectral data can be integrated with patient information to predict risk of cancer, providing a potential road to precision medicine and personalized care in cancer treatment. The IR imaging approach can be implemented to complement conventional diagnoses, as the samples remain unperturbed and are not destroyed. Despite high potential and utility of this approach, clinical implementation has not yet been achieved due to practical hurdles like speed of data acquisition and lack of optimized computational procedures for extracting clinically actionable information rapidly. The latter problem has been addressed by developing highly efficient ways to process IR imaging data but remains one that has considerable scope for progress. Here, we summarize the major issues and provide practical considerations in implementing a modified Bayesian classification protocol for digital molecular pathology. We hope to familiarize readers with analysis methods in IR imaging data and enable researchers to develop methods that can lead to the use of this promising technique for digital diagnosis of cancer.     

Integrating the porcine physical and linkage map using cosmid-derived markers

An essential part in the development of informative linkage maps is to include genetic markers that have been anchored by physical mapping. Here a set of 18 porcine cosmid-derived genetic markers are reported that have been mapped by linkge analysis, and that also have been physically localized by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Three different strategies were used to establish polymorphic markers from the cosmid clones. Firstly, dinucleotide microsatellite loci were derived by sequencing cosmid subclones containing (CA), repeats. Secondly, variable SINE 3′ poly(A) tracts (SINEVA) were identified by direct SINE-PCR amplification of cosmid clones. Thirdly, the cosmids were used in Southern blot hybridization to detect restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). Compared with the most recent consensus compilation of the porcine gene map, the present assignment of markers to chromosomes Zp, 3, 4, 10, 12q, and 16 represents the first loci mapped to these chromosomes, for which linkage as well as in situ data are now available.     

A testis‐specific gene within a widely expressed gene: Contrasting evolutionary patterns of two differentially expressed mammalian proteins encoded by a single gene,CAMK4

Understanding the patterns of genetic variations within fertility‐related genes and the evolutionary forces that shape such variations is crucial in predicting the fitness landscapes of subsequent generations. This study reports distinct evolutionary features of two differentially expressed mammalian proteins [CaMKIV (Ca²⁺/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IV) and CaS (calspermin)] that are encoded by a single gene, CAMK4. The multifunctional CaMKIV, which is expressed in multiple tissues including testis and ovary, is evolving at a relatively low rate (0.46–0.64 × 10^?9 nucleotide substitutions/site/year), whereas the testis‐specific CaS gene, which is predominantly expressed in post‐meiotic cells, evolves at least three to four times faster (1.48–1.98 × 10^?9 substitutions/site/year). Concomitantly, maximum‐likelihood‐based selection analyses revealed that the ubiquitously expressed CaMKIV is constrained by intense purifying selection and, therefore, remained functionally highly conserved throughout the mammalian evolution, whereas the testis‐specific CaS gene is under strong positive selection. The substitution rates of different mammalian lineages within both genes are positively correlated with GC content, indicating the possible influence of GC‐biased gene conversion on the estimated substitution rates. The observation of such unusually high GC content of the CaS gene (≈74%), particularly in the lineage that comprises the bovine species, suggests the possible role of GC‐biased gene conversion in the evolution of CaS that mimics positive selection.