慢病毒载体介导的RNA干扰Akt2表达抑制猪前体脂肪细胞分化

丝氨酸/苏氨酸蛋白激酶2(serine/threonine protein kinase2,Akt 2)是胰岛素信 号通路的关键基因, 与细胞生存和癌症的发生密切相关. 但Akt2在前体脂肪细胞分化中 的作用仍然不是十分清楚. 本研究构建了慢病毒干扰载体pLentiH1-Akt2-shRNA 1, 2, 3及scrambled, 经酶切和测序鉴定均正确; 这4种干扰载体分别转染HEK293T细胞后, 均 获得有感染性的病毒颗粒并感染猪前体脂肪细胞. 转染HEK293T细胞48 h 后real-time PCR分析和转染72 h 后Western 印迹分析表明, Akt2-shRNA2 和shRNA3 介导的Akt2 mRNA和蛋白表达被显著下调 (P <0.05), 其中pLentiH1-Akt2-shRNA3 介导的对Akt2 mRNA和蛋白的干扰效率均达到70%以上 (P <0.01). 进一步研究发现, 猪前体脂肪细胞 中Akt2被有效干扰后, 细胞中脂滴明显减少并变小, 且成脂标志基因PPARγ和aP2蛋白 水平被显著下调. 本研究结果表明, Akt2 knockdown可显著抑制猪前体脂肪细胞分化.     

过表达Sirt2抑制猪前体脂肪细胞的分化

本文旨在利用过表达技术研究Sirt2在猪前体脂肪细胞分化中的作用.首先将Sirt2插入腺病毒穿梭载体pAdTrack-CMV,并与骨架载体pAdEasy-1在大肠杆菌BJ5183中同源重组,重组体用Lipofectamine2000包装转染HEK293细胞系,成功获得重组腺病毒vAd-Sirt2.用vAd-Sirt2感染猪前体脂肪细胞,48h后油红O染色法观察脂肪细胞分化情况,RT-PCR检测脂肪细胞分化标志基因PPARγ和aP2的表达.结果显示,过表达Sirt2促使细胞中脂滴减少,同时标志基因PPARγ、aP2mRNA水平显著降低,说明Sirt2抑制猪前体脂肪细胞分化,这为控制猪体脂沉积提供依据以及为人类肥胖和相关疾病的治疗和预防奠定基础.     

过表达miR-103促进猪前体脂肪细胞分化

为阐明miR-103在猪前体脂肪细胞分化过程中的调控作用,采用Real-time PCR检测猪前体脂肪细胞成脂分化过程中的miR-103表达谱,明确了其在分化过程中的表达趋势;使用miR-103的腺病毒超表达载体感染猪原代脂肪细胞,随后采用Real-time PCR和Western blotting分别检测成脂标记基因PPARγ、aP2的mRNA和蛋白表达量变化;油红O染色观察腺病毒miR-103侵染的前体脂肪细胞诱导分化第8天的成脂情况。结果显示,miR-103的表达量随着脂肪细胞分化而增加,在miR-103超表达的猪原代脂肪细胞的诱导分化过程中,成脂标记基因PPARγ、aP2的表达量与对照相比显著升高,分化第8天观察到明显的脂滴。说明miR-103能够促进猪前体脂肪细胞分化。     

Errα通过抑制β-Catenin促进猪前体脂肪细胞成脂分化

雌激素相关受体α（Errα）和Wnt/β-Catenin 信号通路都能够调控成脂分化.研究表明Errα和wnt/β-Catenin信号通路之间存在互作,β-联蛋白（β-Catenin）是Wnt/β-Catenin 信号通路的关键因子. 为了研究Errα和β-Catenin在脂肪生成中的相互作用,在293A细胞中包装得到Errα腺病毒并侵染猪前体脂肪细胞. LiCl 和XCT790被用于不同处理的猪前体脂肪细胞. 蛋白质印迹实验发现,在成脂分化过程中,Errα表达升高,β-Catenin表达降低. 显微观察绿色荧光发现,Errα腺病毒能够侵染猪前体脂肪细胞. 蛋白质印迹实验显示,在猪前体脂肪细胞中,Errα腺病毒促进Errα表达,XCT790抑制Errα表达. 油红O染色结果表明,β-Catenin抑制成脂分化,而Errα通过抑制β-Catenin促进成脂分化. 进一步的蛋白质印迹实验表明,在猪前体脂肪细胞成脂分化过程中,LiCl能够稳定β-Catenin表达,Errα抑制β-Catenin表达. 这些发现提示,Errα通过抑制β-Catenin表达来促进成脂分化.     

新型噻唑并三嗪类化合物R001抑制ERK1/2磷酸化的抗肿瘤作用

目的:探讨噻唑并三嗪类化合物R001对ERK1/2磷酸化的影响及其抗肿瘤活性.方法:采用基于U2OS-EGFP细胞的荧光分析法和MTT法检测化合物R001对U2OS-EGFP-4F12G和U2OS、T47D、SKOV3、MCF7等其他肿瘤细胞增殖的影响;采用电子显微镜观察化合物R001对MCF7、T47D、U2OS-EGFP-4F12G和SKOV3等多种肿瘤细胞株增殖的抑制作用;采用流式细胞术检测化合物R001对MCF7、U2OS-EGFP-4F12G和SKOV3等多种肿瘤细胞周期的影响;采用免疫印迹法检测检测化合物R001对ERK1/2磷酸化的影响.结果:基于U2OS-EGFP细胞的荧光分析法显示,化合物R001抑制U2OS-EGFP-4F12G细胞增殖的IC50值为11.58 μM;MTT法显示,化合物R001对U2OS、T47D、SKOV3、MCF7等多种肿瘤细胞增殖的影响具有剂量依赖性;电子显微镜观察显示,化合物R001可以引起MCF7、SKOV3和U2OS-EGFP-4F12G三种肿瘤细胞的数量和形态变化;流式细胞术显示,化合物R001可将MCF7、U2OS-EGF-4F12G和SKOV3等肿瘤细胞阻断在S期;免疫印迹试验显示,化合物R001可以有效抑制SKOV3和U2OS细胞中ERK1/2的磷酸化.结论:噻唑并三嗪类化合物R001通过抑制ERK1/2磷酸化而发挥抗肿瘤作用.     

CTSB超表达促进体外培养的猪前体脂肪细胞分化

为研究溶酶体组织蛋白酶B(cathepsin B,CTSB)对脂肪细胞分化的影响,本实验构建了Ctsb重组腺病毒超表达载体,包装并侵染体外培养的猪前体脂肪细胞,采用油红O染色,油红O提取比色法检测猪前体脂肪细胞分化的情况,并通过real-time PCR法检测成脂关键基因mRNA水平的变化.结果显示,重组腺病毒Ctsb载体构建成功,转染猪前体脂肪细胞后,使Ctsb的mRNA和蛋白质表达量分别提高了约16倍和12倍. CTSB超表达能促进脂肪细胞的分化和脂质积累,成脂关键基因过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ(peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, PPARγ)、脂肪酸结合蛋白2(adipocyte protein 2, aP2)的表达量均有显著升高. 研究表明,提高Ctsb的表达能促进猪前体脂肪细胞分化,揭示了Ctsb在猪前体脂肪细胞分化过程中可能发挥关键作用. 研究结果为进一步研究其作用机制奠定了基础.     

过表达RBP4抑制体外培养的猪前体脂肪细胞分化

为研究视黄醇结合蛋白4(retinol binding protein 4,RBP4)对猪前体脂肪细胞分化的影响,实验构建了RBP4重组腺病毒表达载体,包装并感染猪前体细胞,采用油红O染色和Real-time PCR等方法,检测了过表达RBP4对成脂分化的作用. 研究结果显示,重组腺病毒RBP4载体构建成功,转染猪前体脂肪细胞后,使RBP4的mRNA水平和蛋白水平分别增加了约400倍和20倍. 过表达RBP4能减少脂肪细胞的脂质积累,降低成脂关键基因过氧化物酶体增生物激活受体γ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, PPARγ)和脂肪酸结合蛋白2 (adipocyte protein 2, aP2)的表达. 结果表明,RBP4对猪前体脂肪细胞分化有抑制作用,为进一步研究RBP4对猪前体脂肪细胞分化的作用机制奠定基础.     

miR-191通过调控C/EBPβ转录影响猪前体脂肪细胞分化

对实验室前期Solexa结果进行深入挖掘,结合生物信息学分析从不同发育阶段猪皮下脂肪组织差异表达的miRNAs中筛选出高丰度差异极显著的候选miR-191.采用腺病毒过表达miR-191,实时定量PCR、Western blot及双荧光素酶报告基因检测等技术方法,初步研究miR-191对猪前体脂肪细胞分化的影响.结果发现,miR-191随着猪前体脂肪细胞的分化表达量逐渐增加.与对照组相比,过表达miR-191的猪前体脂肪细胞中miR-191转录本显著增加,并引起CCAAT增强子结合蛋白β(C/EBPβ)、PPARγ和aP2的mRNA水平降低,抑制了猪前体脂肪细胞分化.同时,Western blot结果显示,与对照组相比过表达miR-191的猪前体脂肪细胞在48 h C/EBPβ蛋白水平下降了55%.更重要的是,通过TargetScan等算法正向筛选以及MicroInspector反向筛选联合获得miR-191候选靶基因,经双荧光素酶报告基因检测结果证实,miR-191可直接作用于C/EBPβ3′UTR,从而降低萤火虫荧光素酶活性.综上所述,miR-191可能通过抑制脂肪细胞分化早期标志基因C/EBPβ的表达,从而抑制了猪前体脂肪细胞的分化.     

钙信号调节小鼠前体脂肪细胞分化和脂质蓄积的机制

本试验用醋酸钙、p38丝裂原激活蛋白激酶(p38MAPK)抑制剂SB203580及钙通道阻滞剂和激动剂刺激小鼠前体脂肪细胞。通过实时定量PCR技术检测前体脂肪细胞分化标志基因和钙信号相关受体基因表达水平,用油红O染色提取法和Fura-2/AM荧光法测定胞内脂质蓄积情况及胞浆游离Ca2+浓度([Ca2+]i)变化,以探讨钙信号调节前体脂肪细胞分化的潜在机制。结果表明:钙通道阻滞剂和激动剂显著改变了脂蛋白脂酶(LPL),过氧化物增殖激活受体γ(PPARγ)、脂肪酸合成酶(FAS)的表达水平,且影响细胞内的脂质蓄积。与降低外钙摄入相比,降低内钙释放能促进前体脂肪细胞分化(P<0.01),而提高外钙摄入与提高内钙释放相比,提高外钙摄入显著抑制前体脂肪细胞分化(P<0.01)。SB203580可降低胞浆[Ca2+]i浓度,促进前体细胞分化和脂质蓄积(P<0.01)。但钙信号并未影响维生素D受体(VDR)和细胞外钙敏感受体(CaSR)的表达水平。提示钙信号可能通过p38MAPK通路影响前体脂肪细胞分化和脂质蓄积。     

过表达鸡Klf2促进klf7转录抑制脂肪细胞分化

过表达Krüppel样因子2(Krüppel like factor 2,Klf2)或Klf7可抑制脂肪细胞形成,但是在脂肪组织中Klf2是否调控klf7表达还不清楚。本研究采用油红O染色和蛋白质印迹法技术研究了过表达Klf2对鸡前脂肪细胞分化的影响,结果显示过表达Klf2抑制油酸诱导的前脂肪细胞分化和pparγ表达,同时促进klf7表达(P<0.05)。利用Spearman相关性分析研究人和鸡脂肪组织中klf2和klf7的表达数据之间的关系,发现klf2和klf7的表达数据存在明显的正相关(r>0.1)。荧光素酶报告基因分析显示,在鸡前脂肪细胞中过表达Klf2促进鸡klf7启动子(–241/–91、–521/–91、–1845/–91、–2286/–91和–1215/–91)的活性(P<0.05);此外,在鸡前脂肪细胞中,klf7启动子(–241/–91)报告基因活性与共转染的klf2过表达质粒的浓度正相关(Tau=0.91766,P=1.074×10–7),过表达Klf2显著促进klf7的mRNA表达水平。综上所述,促进klf7表达可能是Klf2抑制鸡脂肪细胞形成的作用途径之一,鸡klf7翻译起始位点上游–241 bp/–91 bp序列可能介导转录因子Klf2对klf7表达的转录调控作用。     

Myostatin regulates preadipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism of adipocyte via ERK1/2

Myostatin is known as an inhibitor of muscle development, but its role in adipogenesis and lipid metabolism is still unclear, especially the underlying mechanisms. Here, we demonstrated that myostatin inhibited 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation into adipocyte by suppressing C/EBPα (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α) and PPARγ (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ), also activated ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2). Furthermore, myostatin enhanced the phosphorylation of HSL (hormone-sensitive lipase) and ACC (acetyl-CoA carboxylase) in fully differentiated adipocytes, as well as ERK1/2. Besides, we noted that myostatin markedly raised the levels of leptin and adiponectin release and mRNA expression during preadipocyte differentiation, but the levels were inhibited by myostatin treatments in fully differentiated adipocytes. These results suggested that myostatin suppressed 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation and regulated lipid metabolism of mature adipocyte, in part, via activation of ERK1/2 signalling pathway.     

ssc-miR-204 regulates porcine preadipocyte differentiation and apoptosis by targeting TGFBR1 and TGFBR2

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) take part in a variety of biological processes by regulating target genes. Transforming growth factor β receptor 1 (TGFBR1) and TGFBR2 are crucial members of the TGF-β family and are serine/threonine kinase receptors. The aim of this study was to explore the functions of ssc-miR-204 in porcine preadipocyte differentiation and apoptosis with regard to the TGFβ/Smad pathway. We identified miRNAs predicted to target TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 using a database and selected ssc-miR-204 as a candidate miRNA. ssc-miR-204 overexpression dramatically reduced the levels of TGFBR1 and TGFBR2. However, after transfection with ssc-miR-204 inhibitor, TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 levels were dramatically increased. ssc-miR-204 overexpression dramatically promoted porcine preadipocyte differentiation and apoptosis. After transfection with ssc-miR-204 inhibitor, porcine preadipocyte differentiation and apoptosis were dramatically inhibited. After transfection with ssc-miR-204 mimics, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 protein levels significantly decreased, and adipogenesis was regulated by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway. Taken together, these results verified that ssc-miR-204 regulates porcine preadipocyte differentiation and apoptosis by targeting TGFBR1 and TGFBR2.     

Stretch-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 depends on differentiation stage of osteoblasts

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of mechanical loading on osteoblasts and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling in relation to osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. A human osteoblast cell line (SV-HFO) was triggered to differentiate to the advanced state of mineralization by addition of the osteogenic factors dexamethasone and beta-glycerophosphate. Osteoblasts were subjected to cyclic, equibiaxial stretch for 5, 15, or 60 min at different stages of differentiation (days 7, 14, and 21). Baseline (static) phosphorylated ERK1/2 and total ERK1/2 levels gradually increased during osteoblast differentiation. Cyclic stretch induced a rapid increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation with a maximum between 5 and 15 min. Prolonged stretching for 60 min resulted in a decrease of phosphorylated ERK1/2 towards baseline level, suggesting a desensitization mechanism. The effect of stretch on ERK1/2 phosphorylation was strongest at later stages of differentiation (days 14 and 21). At day 21, the increase of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in response to stretch was significantly lower in non-differentiating than in differentiating osteoblasts. This could not be explained by differences in cell density, but did correlate with the formation of extracellular matrix, collagen fibrils. Mineralization of the extracellular matrix did not lead to a further increase of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates that the extent of activation of the ERK1/2 pathway is dependent on the differentiation or functional stage of the osteoblast. The presence of an extracellular matrix, but not per se mineralization, seems to be the predominant determinant of osteoblastic response to strain.     

Oxidative stress-induced apoptosis is mediated by ERK1/2 phosphorylation

Oxidative stress is known to induce apoptosis in a wide variety of cell types, apparently by modulating intracellular signaling pathways. High concentrations of H2O2 have been found to induce apoptosis in L929 mouse fibroblast cells. To elucidate the mechanisms of H2O2-mediated apoptosis, ERK1/2, p38-MAPK, and JNK1/2 phosphorylation was examined, and ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 were found to be activated by H2O2. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activation by treatment of L929 cells with PD98059 or dominant-negative ERK2 transfection blocked H2O2-induced apoptosis, while inhibition of JNK1/2 by dominant-negative JNK1 or JNK2 or MKK4 or MKK7 transfection did not affect H2O2-mediated apoptosis. H2O2-mediated ERK1/2 activation was not only Ras-Raf dependent, but also both tyrosine kinase (PDGFbeta receptor and Src) and PKCdelta dependent. H2O2-mediated PKCdelta-dependent and tyrosine kinase-dependent ERK1/2 activations were independent from each other. Based on the above results, we suggest for the first time that oxidative damage-induced apoptosis is mediated by ERK1/2 phosphorylation which is not only Ras-Raf dependent, but also both tyrosine kinase and PKCdelta dependent.     

ERK1/2和p-ERK1/2在肺癌组织中的表达及意义

目的研究细胞外信号调节激酶1/2（extracellular regulated kinase 1/2,ERK1/2）及其磷酸化状态（p-ERK1/2）在不同分化程度肺癌中的表达情况,探讨二者与肺癌侵袭、转移的关系。方法采用免疫组化（Envision）法,检测79例肺癌组织及l2例癌旁正常肺组织中ERK1/2和p-ERK1/2的表达。结果ERK1/2在高、中、低分化组表达率分别为13.6%,39.4%,66.7%,p-ERK1/2在高、中、低分化组表达率分别14.3%,27.3%,79.2%（P〈0.05）;无淋巴结转移者阳性率为20%,有淋巴结转移者阳性率为50.1%（P〈0.05）。ERK1/2和p-ERK1/2的表达在不同年龄、性别、肿瘤大小、肿瘤病理类型无显著性差异,而与分化程度有关,其中p-ERK1/2的表达还与有无淋巴结转移有关。结论ERK1/2和p-ERK1/2在肺癌组织中高表达且与分化程度有关。     

Cholesterol depletion induces ANTXR2-dependent activation of MMP-2 via ERK1/2 phosphorylation in neuroglioma U251 cell

Cholesterol is a critical component of lipid rafts implicated in regulating multiple signal transduction. The anthrax toxin receptor 2 (ANTXR2) is a type I membrane protein acting as the second receptor for the anthrax toxin. In this study, we first investigated the association between cholesterol and ANTXR2. We provided the evidence that cholesterol depletion by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MβCD) promoted ANTXR2 expression in U251 neuroglioma cell, which was reversed by cholesterol supplement. MβCD-induced ANTXR2 up-regulation contributed to ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which was responsible for MT1-MMP and MMP-2 activation. Our data suggested that cellular cholesterol regulated ANTXR2-dependent activation of MMP-2 via ERK1/2 phosphorylation in neuroglioma U251 cell.     

Duration of ERK1/2 phosphorylation induced by FGF or ocular media determines lens cell fate

The ocular environment is important for the establishment and maintenance of lens growth patterns and polarity. In the anterior chamber of the eye, the aqueous humour regulates lens epithelial cell proliferation whereas in the posterior, the vitreous humour regulates the differentiation of the lens cells into fiber cells. Members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) growth factor family have been shown to induce lens epithelial cells to undergo cell division and differentiate into fibers, with a low dose of FGF able to induce cell proliferation (but not fiber differentiation), and higher doses required to induce fiber differentiation. Both these cellular events have been shown to be regulated by the MAPK/ERK1/2 signalling pathway. In the present study, to better understand the contribution of ERK1/2 signalling in regulating lens cell proliferation and differentiation, we characterized the ERK1/2 signalling profiles induced by different doses of FGF, and compared these to those induced by the different ocular media. Here, we show that FGF induced a dose-dependent sustained activation of ERK1/2, with both a high (fiber differentiating) dose of FGF and vitreous, stimulating and maintaining a prolonged (up to 18 hr) ERK1/2 phosphorylation profile. In contrast, a lower (proliferating) dose of FGF, and aqueous, stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation for only up to 6 hr. If we selectively reduce the 18 hr ERK1/2 phosphorylation profile induced by vitreous to 6 hr, by specifically blocking FGF receptor signalling, the vitreous now fails to induce lens fiber differentiation but retains the ability to induce lens cell proliferation. These findings not only provide insights into the important role that FGF plays in the different ocular media that bathe the lens, but enlighten us on some of the putative molecular mechanisms by which one specific growth factor, in this case FGF, can elicit a different cellular response in the same cell type.     

G Protein-Coupled Receptor-Mediated ERK1/2 Phosphorylation: Towards a Generic Sensor of GPCR Activation

The development of new analytical methods, aimed at profiling G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) ligands, regardless of the G protein-coupling pattern of their respective receptor, remains a key goal in drug discovery. Considerable evidence has recently revived the central role that could be played by extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), the cornerstone protein kinase of the first tyrosine kinase receptor-mediated pathway identified, in response to the activation of various types of GPCRs. Here we reveal a conceptual study in which the potential of ERK phosphorylation is evaluated as a generic readout in response to three different receptors activating three main classes of G proteins: Gα_s, Gα_i and Gα _q. GPCR-mediated ERK phosphorylation was compared with different readouts such as GTPγ S, CAMP, or Ca^{2 +}. We propose the measurement of GPCR-activated ERK phosphorylation as an alternative assay to better understand the molecular pharmacology of ligands of promiscuous GPCRs.     

Sema4D/PlexinB1 promotes endothelial differentiation of dental pulp stem cells via activation of AKT and ERK1/2 signaling

Inducing of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) into endothelial cells (ECs) to prevascularize pulp tissue constructs may offer a novel and viable approach for enhancing pulp regeneration. However, there are numerous challenges in current methods for the acquisition of sufficient translational ECs. It was known that Sema4D/PlexinB1 signaling exerts profound effects on enhancing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and angiogenesis. Whether Sema4D/PlexinB1 could regulate endothelial differentiation of DPSCs is not yet investigated. In this study, when DPSCs were treated with Sema4D (2 μg/mL), ECs-specific (VEGFR1, VEGFR2, CD31, and vWF), and angiogenic genes and proteins were significantly upregulated. The induced ECs exhibited similar endothelial vessel formation ability to that of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, phosphorylation of AKT increased dramatically within 5 minutes (from 0.93 to 21.8), while p-ERK1/2 was moderately elevated (from 0.94 to 2.65). In summary, our results demonstrated that Sema4D/PlexinB1 signaling induces endothelial differentiation of DPSCs. The interactions of Sema4D, VEGF, ANGPTL4, ANG1, and HIF-1α may play a crucial role in mediating the differentiation process.