印记基因DLK1的研究进展

在哺乳动物中,有一部分特别的基因,它们由于受到印迹而只表达单一亲本的基因,这种表观遗传的修饰现象就是基因组印记,这有别于经典的孟德尔遗传学定律。DNA甲基化是一种重要的表观遗传修饰,主要的修饰部位发生在DNA的CpG岛,它参与了细胞分化,基因组稳定性、基因印记等多种细胞生物学过程,基因印迹的建立和维持是胚胎正常发育的基础,这一过程的实现有赖于各种DNA甲基化转移酶的精确表达和密切的配合。已发现在哺乳动物的基因组中存在着许多的印记基因,DLK1基因为父系表达母源沉默的印记基因,它的表达同样受到DNA甲基化的调节,它首先在神经母细胞瘤发现并克隆,定位于人类染色体14q32,属于表皮生长因子样超家族的成员之一,约有6个外显子。研究表明,DLK1基因在胚胎肝、早期肌肉组织以及造血干细胞等组织中均有表达,人DLK1基因全长1557bp,编码序列含有1152核苷酸,编码383个氨基酸残基,在人、小鼠、绵羊都存在保守序列,它参与多种细胞的增殖、分化并且与相关肿瘤的发生发展有着密切的关系,印迹基因的印迹异常与肿瘤的易感性及发生发展有重要的关系,本文就国内外DLK1基因的研究进展做一综述。     

印记基因DLK1的研究进展

在哺乳动物中,有一部分特别的基因,它们由于受到印迹而只表达单一亲本的基因,这种表观遗传的修饰现象就是基因组印记,这有别于经典的孟德尔遗传学定律。DNA甲基化是一种重要的表观遗传修饰,主要的修饰部位发生在DNA的CpG岛。它参与了细胞分化,基因组稳定性、基因印记等多种细胞生物学过程,基因印迹的建立和维持是胚胎正常发育的基础,这一过程的实现有赖于各种DNA甲基化转移酶的精确表达和密切的配合。已发现在哺乳动物的基因组中存在着许多的印记基因,DLK1基因为父系表达母源沉默的印记基因,它的表达同样受到DNA甲基化的调节,它首先在神经母细胞瘤发现并克隆,定位于人类染色体14q32,属于表皮生长因子样超家族的成员之一,约有6个外显子。研究表明,DLK1基因在胚胎肝、早期肌肉组织以及造血干细胞等组织中均有表达,人DLK1基因全长1557bp,编码序列含有1152核苷酸,编码383个氨基酸残基,在人、小鼠、绵羊都存在保守序列,它参与多种细胞的增殖、分化并且与相关肿瘤的发生发展有着密切的关系,印迹基因的印迹异常与肿瘤的易感性及发生发展有重要的关系,本文就国内外DLK1基因的研究进展做一综述。     

基于生物信息学分析SCHIP1在急性髓系白血病中的表达及其临床意义

通过数据挖掘和生物信息学分析手段,探讨施旺膜蛋白相互作用因子1(schwannomin interacting protein 1,SCHIP1)基因在急性髓系白血病患者中的表达情况及其临床意义。首先,对Oncomine数据库中收录的所有急性髓系白血病(acute myloid leukaemia,AML)数据集进行荟萃分析,筛选出目标基因SCHIP1并进一步分析其在AML病人中的表达变化。随后,从GEO数据库中下载含生存信息的AML数据集源文件,分析SCHIP1表达对疾病的预后作用。另外,利用TCGA数据库对SCHIP1的表达情况进行亚组分析及与FLT3基因突变、PML/RARα融合基因和RAS活化等高危因素进行相关性分析。最后,利用GEPIA2工具验证SCHIP1的表达情况、预后意义及与FLT3、PML基因表达的相关性。结果发现Oncomine数据库中收录了44个AML数据集,总计共3534个样本数据。其中5个数据集共1188个样本包含“Cancer vs.Normal”的mRNA表达数据,对其进行荟萃分析显示SCHIP1位于显著高表达分子的第17位。生存分析显示,SCHIP1表达量与AML患者总体生存率呈负相关。亚组分析显示SCHIP1在M0/M1/M2中较M3/M6中表达更高,但与年龄、性别和种族无关。另外,相关性研究分析显示SCHIP1与FLT3基因突变弱相关,但与PML/RARα融合基因和RAS活化等高危因素无显著相关性。这些结果表明SCHIP1在急性髓系白血病中高表达,且其高表达与患者的生存预后呈显著负相关。因此,SCHIP1可作为疾病的预后生物标志物,并有望成为AML的精准治疗靶点。     

DLK1在干细胞和肿瘤中的作用

DLK1是EGF家族成员之一,是一个父源表达母源沉默的印记基因产物,其表达受等位基因差异性甲基化区(DMR)的调控。Dlk1是细胞分化的重要调节基因,可抑制脂肪前体细胞向脂肪细胞分化。DLK1通过和Notch1相互作用,在Notch通路中起负调控作用。DLK1在肝干细胞中表达,提示可以作为肝干细胞分离的标记物。此外,DLK1在多种分泌性肿瘤细胞中高表达,提示DLK1可能与这些肿瘤的形成密切相关。     

牛DLK1基因的生物信息学分析

DLK1基因是位于DLK1-DIO3印记区域内一个父源表达的印记基因。本研究利用生物信息学方法对牛DLK1基因进行了分子进化分析、基因和蛋白质结构分析并预测了其启动子和CpG岛区域。对7种动物DLK1基因mR NA序列的分子进化分析结果显示,牛与羊的遗传距离最小,亲缘关系最近。蛋白质在线分析软件表明,DLK1蛋白由信号肽、EGF结构域以及跨膜区组成。牛DLK1基因包含5个外显子,且存在多种可变剪切体。启动子在线软件预测,牛DLK1核心启动子可能位于该基因起始密码子上游1 790~1 840 bp处。预测结果表明,人、小鼠和牛三个物种DLK1潜在的核心启动子区所处的位置具有一致性,并且三个物种的启动子区DNA序列具有高度保守性。以上研究结果为进一步阐明牛DLK1基因的生物学功能及其印记调控机理提供了参考依据。     

人红系分化相关基因高表达提高TF-1细胞系存活能力

目的：检测人红系分化相关基因（EDAG）对TF-1细胞株存活能力的影响。方法：采用电转染法将过表达EDAG的质粒高效转染TF-1细胞株,通过G418筛选得到过表达EDAG的TF-1细胞稳定株,用MTs法检测过表达EDAG的细胞稳定株在撤除细胞因子后的增殖情况,用流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡。结果：用表达GFP的质粒电转染TF-1细胞株,通过综合评价转染效率和细胞状态,确定最佳转染条件为1350V电压电击30ms,电击次数为1次;对得到的细胞稳定株进行检测,其内源EDAG的mRNA和蛋白水平均上调;将细胞稳定株在撤除细胞因子状态下培养,过表达EDAG后细胞存活能力增强、凋亡减少。结论：用电转染方式高效转染TF-1细胞,通过筛选得到过表达EDAG的稳定细胞株,并证实撤除细胞因子后过表达EDAG能提高TF-1细胞系的存活及抗凋亡能力。     

OAZ1基因诱导慢粒白血病K562细胞向成熟红系方向分化

近年来,鸟氨酸脱羧酶抗酶(OAZ)作为肿瘤治疗的潜在靶点备受关注.本文研究了OAZ1基因过表达对慢粒白血病K562细胞红系分化的作用.构建框移位点突变的OAZ1 过表达慢病毒载体pLVX-Neo-OAZ1-IRES-ZsGreen,包装病毒并感染K562细胞, Western 印迹验证其过表达效果.FACS检测细胞分化标志物CD71和GPA,结合联苯胺染色分析细胞红系分化情况.对比氯化高铁血红素(hemin)诱导组,实时RT-PCR检测与K562细胞红系分化、癌变的关键基因(GATA1、BCR/ABL、TGFβ)转录水平,对OAZ1 诱导分化的机制进行初步探索.结果表明,慢病毒过表达载体及K562细胞过表达体系构建成功.OAZ1过表达后细胞红系分化标志物CD71+/GPA+为(11.22±2.09)%,与对照组(4.07±1.04)%、空病毒组(1.79±2.36)%相比差异极显著(P<0.01);联苯胺蓝染阳性率为(14.037±0.083)%,与对照组、空病毒组比较,差异也极显著(P<0.01).定 量分析结果提示,相对于GATA1、BCR/ABL 基因mRNA转录水平的影响,OAZ1对TGFβ 基因的作用更为明显.为此推断,OAZ1基因可诱导白血病K562细胞向成熟红系方向分化,其作用机制可能与TGFβ信号转导通路相关.     

成人急性髓性白血病SOCS-1基因及其甲基化的研究

目的：通过检测成人急性髓性白血病中SOCS．1基因表达水平及其甲基化水平,研究其在白血病发病中的作用。方法：运用甲基化特异性PCR（Methylation specificPCR,MSP）方法,对24例急性髓性白血病患者和4株白血病细胞株（Jurkat、Raji、U937、NALM17）,进行SOCS-1基因甲基化水平的研究;同时运用Real—timePCR法定量分析SOCS—1基因表达水平。以10例健康人为正常对照组。结果：24例成人急性髓性白血病患者中,15例有SOCS-1基因甲基化（62．5％）,而正常对照组无SOCS-1基因甲基化（0％）,二者有显著差异（P〈0．05）;SOCS-1基因甲基化组与无SOCS-1基因甲基化组相比较,其SOCS—1基因相对表达量明显减少（P口0．05）;与患者临床病理特征相结合比较,发现SOCS-1基因的甲基化与患者年龄、性别和病程阶段无相关。4株白血病细胞株中,Jurkat和U937表现有SOCS—1甲基化（50％）,Raji和NALM17无SOCS—1甲基化,前者SOCS-1基因表达量较后者也明显降低（P〈0．05）。结论：SOCS—1基因在成人急性髓性白血病中甲基化水平明显增高,且SOCS-1基因甲基化后表达水平受到抑制,提示SOCS-1基因及其甲基化在急性髓性白血病的发生发展中可能具有一定作用。     

成人急性髓性白血病SOCS-1 基因及其甲基化的研究

目的:通过检测成人急性髓性白血病中SOCS-1基因表达水平及其甲基化水平,研究其在白血病发病中的作用。方法:运用甲基化特异性PCR(Methylation specific PCR,MSP)方法,对24例急性髓性白血病患者和4株白血病细胞株(Jurkat、Raji、U 937、NALM 17),进行SOCS-1基因甲基化水平的研究;同时运用Real-time PCR法定量分析SOCS-1基因表达水平。以10例健康人为正常对照组。结果:24例成人急性髓性白血病患者中,15例有SOCS-1基因甲基化(62.5%),而正常对照组无SOCS-1基因甲基化(0%),二者有显著差异(P<0.05);SOCS-1基因甲基化组与无SOCS-1基因甲基化组相比较,其SOCS-1基因相对表达量明显减少(P﹤0.05);与患者临床病理特征相结合比较,发现SOCS-1基因的甲基化与患者年龄、性别和病程阶段无相关。4株白血病细胞株中,Jurkat和U 937表现有SOCS-1甲基化(50%),Raji和NALM 17无SOCS-1甲基化,前者SOCS-1基因表达量较后者也明显降低(P<0.05)。结论:SOCS-1基因在成人急性髓性白血病中甲基化水平明显增高,且SOCS-1基因甲基化后表达水平受到抑制,提示SOCS-1基因及其甲基化在急性髓性白血病的发生发展中可能具有一定作用。     

Comparative analysis of cell surface proteins in chronic and acute leukemia cell lines

This study was designed to identify the cell surface protein markers that can differentiate between chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute promyelocytic leukemia cells (APL). The differentially expressed plasma membrane proteins were analyzed between CML cell line (K562) and APL cell line (NB4) using the comparative proteomic approach. The cell membrane proteins were enriched by labeling with a membrane-impermeable biotinylation reagent, sulfo-NHS-SS-Biotin, and subjected to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). By comparative proteomic analysis of K562 and NB4 cells, we identified 25 membrane and 14 membrane-associated proteins. The result of LC-MS/MS combined with chemical tagging method was validated by confirming the expression and localization of one of the differentially expressed plasma membrane proteins, CD43, by FACS and confocal microscopy. Our results indicate that CD43 could be a potential candidate for differentiating CML from APL.     

Relationship between c-Kit expression and proliferation in acute myeloblastic leukemia cell lines

We have proposed that the transmembrane receptor encoded by the c-Kit protooncogene and its ligand play an important role in regulating the proliferation of blasts cells in acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). To test this hypothesis, immunobeads were used to separate blasts from three Kit-expression positive cell lines into strongly Kit-protein positive and weakly Kit-protein positive fractions. The strongly positive fraction had greater proliferative potential than the weakly positive fraction as assessed both by colony-formation in methylcellulose and growth of clonogenic cells in suspension. The reproducibility of the percentage of each blast population found in the strongly and weakly positive fractions provided evidence that Kit-protein expression is regulated. Kinetic experiments provided evidence for reversible transitions between strong and weak Kit protein expression. Thus regulated expression of the Kit receptor may be a mechanism for controlling blast cell growth in culture. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Apoptotic events induced by synthetic naphthylchalcones in human acute leukemia cell lines

Acute leukemia is a disorder of the hematopoietic system characterized by the expansion of a clonal population of cells blocked from differentiating into mature cells. Recent studies have shown that chalcones and their derivatives induce apoptosis in different cell lines. Since new compounds with biological activity are needed, the aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of three synthetic chalcones, derived from 1-naphthaldehyde and 2-naphthaldehyde, on human acute myeloid leukemia K562 cells and on human acute lymphoblastic leukemia Jurkat cells. Based on the results, the most cytotoxic compound (A1) was chosen for further analysis in six human acute leukemia cells and in a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29). Chalcone A1 significantly reduced the cell viability of K562, Jurkat, Kasumi, U937, CEM and NB4 cells in a concentration and time-dependent manner when compared with the control group (IC₅₀ values between ∼1.5 μM and 40 μM). It was also cytotoxic to HL-29 cells. To further examine its effect on normal cells, peripheral blood lymphocytes collected from healthy volunteers were incubated with the compound. It has also been incubated with human fibroblasts cultured from bone marrow (JMA). Chalcone A1 is non-cytotoxic to PBL cells and to JMA cells. A1 caused significant cell cycle arrest in all phases according to the cell line, and increased the proportion of cells in the sub G0/G1 phase. To evaluate whether this chalcone induced cell death via an apoptotic or necrotic pathway, cell morphology was examined using fluorescence microscopy. Cells treated with A1 at IC₅₀ demonstrated the morphological characteristic of apoptosis, such as chromatin condensation and formation of apoptotic bodies. Apoptosis was confirmed by externalization of phosphatidylserine, which was detected by the Annexin V-FITC method, and by DNA fragmentation. The results suggest that chalcone A1 has potential as a new lead compound for cancer therapy.     

A novel 2,6-diisopropylphenyl-docosahexaenoamide conjugate induces apoptosis in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines

We have previously characterized the effects of 2,6-diisopropylphenyl–docosahexaenoamide (DIP–DHA) conjugates and their analogs on the proliferation and progression of breast cancer cell lines. For this study, we investigated the effects of the DIP–DHA conjugate on 2 representative T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cell lines: CEM and Jurkat. Treatment of both cell lines with DIP–DHA resulted in significantly greater inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis than that of parent compounds, 2,6-diisopropylphenol (DIP) or docosahexaenoate (DHA). Treatment of the cells with DIP–DHA resulted in increased activation of caspase-3, and caspase-7. Furthermore, induction of apoptosis in both cell lines was reversed in the presence of a caspase family inhibitor. Treatment with DIP–DHA reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. These observations suggest that the effects are driven by intrinsic apoptotic pathways. DIP–DHA treatment also downregulated surface CXCR4 expression, an important chemokine receptor involved in cancer metastasis that is highly expressed in both CEM and Jurkat cells. In conclusion, our data suggest that the DIP–DHA conjugate exhibits significantly more potent effects on CEM and Jurkat cells than that of DIP or DHA alone. These conjugates have potential use for treatment of patients with T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.