VNTR Polymorphisms of the Serotonin Transporter and Dopamine Transporter Genes in Male Opiate Addicts

VNTR polymorphisms of the serotonin transporter (hSERT) and dopamine transporter (DAT1) gene were studied in male opiate addicts. Samples of ethnic Russians and ethnic Tatars did not differ in genotype and allele frequencies. Homozygosity at hSERT (especially 10/10) was associated with early opiate addiction, while genotype 12/10 proved to be protective. In the case of DAT1, genotype 9/9 was associated with early opiate addiction. The combination of hSERT genotype 10/10 with DAT1 genotype 10/10 was shown to be a risk factor of opiate abuse under 16 years of age.     

Lack of Association Between Down Syndrome and Polymorphisms in Dopamine Receptor D4 and Serotonin Transporter Genes

Down Syndrome (DS) patients suffer from cognitive dysfunction, depression, hyperactivity, irritability etc. Dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5HT) are known to control cognitive and behavioral attributes. An increased number of the DA receptor 4 (DRD4) is detected in brain regions primarily involved in cognition. Impairments in executive function have also been reported with depletion in 5HT. A variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) in the exon 3 of DRD4 and an insertion/deletion polymorphism in the promoter region of 5HT transporter (5HTTLPR) have been found to be associated with different neurobehavioral disorders; however, association of these polymorphisms with DS has never been explored. The present family-based analysis on DS revealed significant over-transmission of a DRD4 VNTR allele which encodes for D4 receptor with average activity. No association was noticed for the 5HTTLPR. We may conclude that these genetic polymorphisms are not contributing to the neuromotor and cognitive dysfunctions observed in DS.     

Involvement of TRPC Channels in Lung Cancer Cell Differentiation and the Correlation Analysis in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels are Ca²⁺-permeable cationic channels controlling the Ca²⁺ influx evoked by G protein-coupled receptor activation and/or by Ca²⁺ store depletion. Here we investigate the involvement of TRPCs in the cell differentiation of lung cancer. The expression of TRPCs and the correlation to cancer differentiation grade in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were analyzed by real-time PCR and immunostaining using tissue microarrays from 28 patient lung cancer samples. The association of TRPCs with cell differentiation was also investigated in the lung cancer cell line A549 by PCR and Western blotting. The channel activity was monitored by Ca²⁺ imaging and patch recording after treatment with all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA). The expression of TRPC1, 3, 4 and 6 was correlated to the differentiation grade of NSCLC in patients, but there was no correlation to age, sex, smoking history and lung cancer cell type. ATRA upregulated TRPC3, TRPC4 and TRPC6 expression and enhanced Ca²⁺ influx in A549 cells, however, ATRA showed no direct effect on TRPC channels. Inhibition of TRPC channels by pore-blocking antibodies decreased the cell mitosis, which was counteracted by chronic treatment with ATRA. Blockade of TRPC channels inhibited A549 cell proliferation, while overexpression of TRPCs increased the proliferation. We conclude that TRPC expression correlates to lung cancer differentiation. TRPCs mediate the pharmacological effect of ATRA and play important roles in regulating lung cancer cell differentiation and proliferation, which gives a new understanding of lung cancer biology and potential anti-cancer therapy.     

Common Polymorphisms in Genes Encoding the Human Mineralocorticoid Receptor and the Human Amiloride-sensitive Sodium Channel

We have examined the human mineralocorticoid receptor gene and the genes encoding the three subunits of the human amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel. Eight new common polymorphisms were identified in these genes which may be useful in genotyping and linkage analysis.     

Receptor Tyrosine Kinase EphA5 Is a Functional Molecular Target in Human Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is often refractory to radiotherapy, but molecular mechanisms of tumor resistance remain poorly defined. Here we show that the receptor tyrosine kinase EphA5 is specifically overexpressed in lung cancer and is involved in regulating cellular responses to genotoxic insult. In the absence of EphA5, lung cancer cells displayed a defective G₁/S cell cycle checkpoint, were unable to resolve DNA damage, and became radiosensitive. Upon irradiation, EphA5 was transported into the nucleus where it interacted with activated ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated) at sites of DNA repair. Finally, we demonstrate that a new monoclonal antibody against human EphA5 sensitized lung cancer cells and human lung cancer xenografts to radiotherapy and significantly prolonged survival, thus suggesting the likelihood of translational applications.     

多巴胺转运体基因多态性与癌症患者性别关系研究

目的:探讨多巴胺转运体基因(DAT1)多态性与新疆汉族癌症患者性别的关系.方法:采用聚合酶链式反应和VNTR多态性分析技术对新疆汉族癌症患者DAT1多态性进行检测,比较各组间等位基因和基因型频率分布的差异及组内男女性别等位基因和基因型频率分布的差异.结果:在213例无关癌症人群个体中,DATI VNTR多态性表现出6～12倍重复的7种等位基因,共检出7种基因型.男女癌症患者的DATl VNTR等位基因及基因型频率的差异均无显著性(P>0.05).结论:多巴胺转运体基因(DAT1)3'端40bp可变串联重复多态性可能与汉族癌症患者的性别无关.     

Thermodynamic Coupling Function Analysis of Allosteric Mechanisms in the Human Dopamine Transporter

Allostery plays a crucial role in the mechanism of neurotransmitter-sodium symporters, such as the human dopamine transporter. To investigate the molecular mechanism that couples the transport-associated inward release of the Na⁺ ion from the Na2 site to intracellular gating, we applied a combination of the thermodynamic coupling function (TCF) formalism and Markov state model analysis to a 50-μs data set of molecular dynamics trajectories of the human dopamine transporter, in which multiple spontaneous Na⁺ release events were observed. Our TCF approach reveals a complex landscape of thermodynamic coupling between Na⁺ release and inward-opening, and identifies diverse, yet well-defined roles for different Na⁺-coordinating residues. In particular, we identify a prominent role in the allosteric coupling for the Na⁺-coordinating residue D421, where mutation has previously been associated with neurological disorders. Our results highlight the power of the TCF analysis to elucidate the molecular mechanism of complex allosteric processes in large biomolecular systems.     

MiR-107 and MiR-185 Can Induce Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Non Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Lines

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short single stranded noncoding RNAs that suppress gene expression through either translational repression or degradation of target mRNAs. The annealing between messenger RNAs and 5′ seed region of miRNAs is believed to be essential for the specific suppression of target gene expression. One miRNA can have several hundred different targets in a cell. Rapidly accumulating evidence suggests that many miRNAs are involved in cell cycle regulation and consequentially play critical roles in carcinogenesis.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Introduction of synthetic miR-107 or miR-185 suppressed growth of the human non-small cell lung cancer cell lines. Flow cytometry analysis revealed these miRNAs induce a G1 cell cycle arrest in H1299 cells and the suppression of cell cycle progression is stronger than that by Let-7 miRNA. By the gene expression analyses with oligonucleotide microarrays, we find hundreds of genes are affected by transfection of these miRNAs. Using miRNA-target prediction analyses and the array data, we listed up a set of likely targets of miR-107 and miR-185 for G1 cell cycle arrest and validate a subset of them using real-time RT-PCR and immunoblotting for CDK6.

Conclusions/Significance

We identified new cell cycle regulating miRNAs, miR-107 and miR-185, localized in frequently altered chromosomal regions in human lung cancers. Especially for miR-107, a large number of down-regulated genes are annotated with the gene ontology term ‘cell cycle’. Our results suggest that these miRNAs may contribute to regulate cell cycle in human malignant tumors.     

Genetic Polymorphisms Affect Mouse and Human Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1 Function

Methamphetamine (MA) and neurotransmitter precursors and metabolites such as tyramine, octopamine, and β-phenethylamine stimulate the G protein-coupled trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1). TAAR1 has been implicated in human conditions including obesity, schizophrenia, depression, fibromyalgia, migraine, and addiction. Additionally TAAR1 is expressed on lymphocytes and astrocytes involved in inflammation and response to infection. In brain, TAAR1 stimulation reduces synaptic dopamine availability and alters glutamatergic function. TAAR1 is also expressed at low levels in heart, and may regulate cardiovascular tone. Taar1 knockout mice orally self-administer more MA than wild type and are insensitive to its aversive effects. DBA/2J (D2) mice express a non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in Taar1 that does not respond to MA, and D2 mice are predisposed to high MA intake, compared to C57BL/6 (B6) mice. Here we demonstrate that endogenous agonists stimulate the recombinant B6 mouse TAAR1, but do not activate the D2 mouse receptor. Progeny of the B6XD2 (BxD) family of recombinant inbred (RI) strains have been used to characterize the genetic etiology of diseases, but contrary to expectations, BXDs derived 30–40 years ago express only the functional B6 Taar1 allele whereas some more recently derived BXD RI strains express the D2 allele. Data indicate that the D2 mutation arose subsequent to derivation of the original RIs. Finally, we demonstrate that SNPs in human TAAR1 alter its function, resulting in expressed, but functional, sub-functional and non-functional receptors. Our findings are important for identifying a predisposition to human diseases, as well as for developing personalized treatment options.     

小细胞肺癌药物治疗的研究进展

小细胞肺癌(small cell lung cancer,SCLC)约占肺癌患者总数的15%-20%,与吸烟关系密切,约60%-70%的患者就诊时已处于广泛期,预后很差,内科药物治疗仍然为其主要的治疗手段。由于其细胞生物学行为复杂,恶性程度高,易出现复发及耐药,通过多药联合、优化给药顺序、改变用药方法及调整药物剂量强度并没有获得预期的疗效,且毒副反应较多,其死亡率依然高居各种肿瘤之首,寻求有效的治疗方案变得迫切而棘手。近年来,随着SCLC内科治疗药物研究的不断深入,一些研究热点药物如bcl-2抑制剂、Hedgehog信号通路抑制剂、ipilimumab、贝伐单抗等已在Ⅱ期或Ⅲ期试验中显示出良好的抗肿瘤活性,为SCLC的药物治疗提供了新的方向。本文就目前针对SCLC的药物治疗进展情况作一综述。     

Presence and Characterization of the Dopamine Transporter in Human Resting Lymphocytes

The paucity of information on the presence of the dopamine transporter (DAT) in blood cells, prompted us to explore it in human resting lymphocytes by means of the binding of ³H-WIN 35,428, a compound which is currently considered the most selective ligand for labelling this protein, and by means of the specific reuptake of ³H-dopamine (³H-DA). Lymphocytes were obtained by 15 healthy subjects. The results showed the presence of a specific and saturable binding of ³H-WIN 35,428, which labelled one site only. A specific ³H-DA reuptake was also measured. The pharmacological characterization of both binding and reuptake was overlapping. These findings would indicate that human resting lymphocytes carry the DAT, whose functions in periphery are still unknown.     

Analysis of Human Dopamine D3 Receptor Quaternary Structure

The dopamine D₃ receptor is a class A, rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptor that can form dimers and/or higher order oligomers. However, the molecular basis for production of these complexes is not well defined. Using combinations of molecular modeling, site-directed mutagenesis, and homogenous time-resolved FRET, the interfaces that allow dopamine D₃ receptor monomers to interact were defined and used to describe likely quaternary arrangements of the receptor. These were then compared with published crystal structures of dimeric β₁-adrenoreceptor, μ-opioid, and CXCR4 receptors. The data indicate important contributions of residues from within each of transmembrane domains I, II, IV, V, VI, and VII as well as the intracellular helix VIII in the formation of D₃-D₃ receptor interfaces within homo-oligomers and are consistent with the D₃ receptor adopting a β₁-adrenoreceptor-like quaternary arrangement. Specifically, results suggest that D₃ protomers can interact with each other via at least two distinct interfaces: the first one comprising residues from transmembrane domains I and II along with those from helix VIII and a second one involving transmembrane domains IV and V. Moreover, rather than existing only as distinct dimeric species, the results are consistent with the D₃ receptor also assuming a quaternary structure in which two transmembrane domain I-II-helix VIII dimers interact to form a ”rhombic” tetramer via an interface involving residues from transmembrane domains VI and VII. In addition, the results also provide insights into the potential contribution of molecules of cholesterol to the overall organization and potential stability of the D₃ receptor and possibly other GPCR quaternary structures.     

Syntaxin 1A and Receptor for Activated C Kinase Interact with the N-Terminal Region of Human Dopamine Transporter

The dopamine transporter (DAT) regulates the extent and duration of dopamine receptor activation through sodium-dependant reuptake of dopamine into presynaptic neurons, resulting in termination of dopaminergic neurotransmission. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we have identified novel interactions between DAT, the SNARE protein syntaxin 1A, and the receptor for activated C kinases (RACK1). This association involves the intracellular N-terminal domain of human DAT (hDAT). Our data suggest that hDAT may exist as dimers or oligomers and that its protein-protein interactions with syntaxin 1A and RACK1 form functional regulatory complexes that may mediate DAT trafficking through modulation of hDAT phosphorylation by PKC.     

Pokemon在小细胞肺癌中的表达及临床意义

目的:检测Pokemon在小细胞肺癌(SCLC)中的表达情况,并探讨其在SCLC发生、发展中的作用及临床意义。方法:应用SP免疫组化方法检测Pokemon在52例SCLC肿瘤组织及20例病灶旁正常组织中的表达。结果:Pokemon在正常肺组织中不表达,52例SCLC组织中,35例呈阳性表达,占67.3%。Pokemon的表达与SCLC患者的性别、年龄、吸烟、淋巴结转移情况均无关(P0.05),而与TNM分期显著相关(P0.05)。Pokemon阳性表达者生存期明显短于阴性表达者,二者比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。单因素分析结果显示TNM分期、Pokemon的表达与SCLC患者的预后相关;多因素分析结果显示仅Pokemon的表达与SCLC患者的预后显著相关(P=0.013)。结论:Pokemon在SCLC组织中呈高表达,预示SCLC患者的预后较差,Pokemon表达可能作为SCLC的独立预后预测因素。     

小细胞肺癌分子标记物研究进展

肺癌仍然是现在最常见的恶性肿瘤之一。小细胞肺癌(Smallcelllungcancer,SCLC)是肺癌中恶性程度最高的一种类型,与吸烟密切相关,其较早发生远处转移和播散导致预后差,目前的主要治疗手段有手术、化学治疗、放射治疗。但其具有初始化放疗敏感,却很快耐受的特点,导致了它总体预后不良,生存期短。如何寻求一种有效的疾病预后、疗效判断标记物,显得尤为重要。本文主要介绍近年来在小细胞肺癌中分子标记物的研究进展,包括神经内分泌的相关蛋白、凋亡蛋白抑制剂(Survivin)、相关酶类及膜蛋白,这些分子标记物与小细胞肺癌疾病的进展、预后密切相关,能够为临床的疾病治疗评估提供潜在可行的方法。但是,这些标记物仍存在特异性不高的问题,最终应用于临床实践,仍需要更多的临床研究。     

Genetic Variants in Inflammation-Related Genes Are Associated with Radiation-Induced Toxicity Following Treatment for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy is often accompanied by the development of esophagitis and pneumonitis. Identifying patients who might be at increased risk for normal tissue toxicity would help in determination of the optimal radiation dose to avoid these events. We profiled 59 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 37 inflammation-related genes in 173 NSCLC patients with stage IIIA/IIIB (dry) disease who were treated with definitive radiation or chemoradiation. For esophagitis risk, nine SNPs were associated with a 1.5- to 4-fold increase in risk, including three PTGS2 (COX2) variants: rs20417 (HR:1.93, 95% CI:1.10–3.39), rs5275 (HR:1.58, 95% CI:1.09–2.27), and rs689470 (HR:3.38, 95% CI:1.09–10.49). Significantly increased risk of pneumonitis was observed for patients with genetic variation in the proinflammatory genes IL1A, IL8, TNF, TNFRSF1B, and MIF. In contrast, NOS3:rs1799983 displayed a protective effect with a 45% reduction in pneumonitis risk (HR:0.55, 95% CI:0.31–0.96). Pneumonitis risk was also modulated by polymorphisms in anti-inflammatory genes, including genetic variation in IL13. rs20541 and rs180925 each resulted in increased risk (HR:2.95, 95% CI:1.14–7.63 and HR:3.23, 95% CI:1.03–10.18, respectively). The cumulative effect of these SNPs on risk was dose-dependent, as evidenced by a significantly increased risk of either toxicity with an increasing number of risk genotypes (P<0.001). These results suggest that genetic variations among inflammation pathway genes may modulate the development of radiation-induced toxicity and, ultimately, help in identifying patients who are at an increased likelihood for such events.     

单羧酸转运蛋白基因SNP 与肝细胞肝癌预后的关联研究

目的:探讨单羧酸转运蛋白基因(monocarboxylate transporter,MCT)单核苷酸多态性(single nucleotide polymorphism,SNPs)与肝细胞肝癌(hepatocellular carcinoma,HCC)根治术患者预后的关系。方法:运用Sequenom i PLEX分型技术对830例原发性HCC患者MCT家族(MCT1、MCT2和MCT4)基因上的8个功能性SNP位点进行基因分型,并分析这些SNP与HCC患者预后的相关性。结果:MCT1基因rs1049434位点和MCT2基因rs995343位点基因型与HCC患者总体生存期及无复发生存期均显著相关(P0.05)。携带MCT1 AT基因型或TT基因型的患者死亡及复发风险均显著低于携带AA基因型的患者(HR=0.72;P=0.042或HR=0.64;P=0.002);携带MCT2 CT基因型或TT基因型的患者死亡及复发风险均显著高于携带CC基因型的患者(HR=1.64;P=0.018或HR=1.52;P=0.026)。而且,MCT1基因rs1049434位点和MCT2基因rs995343位点对HCC预后存在显著的累积效应,携带2个危险基因型的患者死亡及复发风险分别是没有危险基因型患者的2.16倍和2.54倍。此外,携带2个危险基因型的HCC患者在术后行TACE辅助治疗后死亡及复发风险均显著降低(P0.05)。结论:MCT1和MCT2基因上的功能性SNP位点有可能作为HCC根治术后预后评估和TACE辅助治疗反应预测的独立标志物。