Semaphorin3A/neuropilin-1 signaling acts as a molecular switch regulating neural crest migration during cornea development

Cranial neural crest cells migrate into the periocular region and later contribute to various ocular tissues including the cornea, ciliary body and iris. After reaching the eye, they initially pause before migrating over the lens to form the cornea. Interestingly, removal of the lens leads to premature invasion and abnormal differentiation of the cornea. In exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect, we find that semaphorin3A (Sema3A) is expressed in the lens placode and epithelium continuously throughout eye development. Interestingly, neuropilin-1 (Npn-1) is expressed by periocular neural crest but down-regulated, in a manner independent of the lens, by the subpopulation that migrates into the eye and gives rise to the cornea endothelium and stroma. In contrast, Npn-1 expressing neural crest cells remain in the periocular region and contribute to the anterior uvea and ocular blood vessels. Introduction of a peptide that inhibits Sema3A/Npn-1 signaling results in premature entry of neural crest cells over the lens that phenocopies lens ablation. Furthermore, Sema3A inhibits periocular neural crest migration in vitro. Taken together, our data reveal a novel and essential role of Sema3A/Npn-1 signaling in coordinating periocular neural crest migration that is vital for proper ocular development.     

Plexin-A3 and plexin-A4 restrict the migration of sympathetic neurons but not their neural crest precursors

During development, the semaphorin family of guidance molecules is required for proper formation of the sympathetic nervous system. Plexins are receptors that mediate semaphorin signaling, but how plexins function during sympathetic development is not fully understood. Using phenotypic analyses of mutant mice in vivo, expression pattern studies, and in vitro assays, we show that plexin-A3 and plexin-A4 are essential for normal sympathetic development. This study confirms our previous in vitro findings that the two plexins differentially regulate the guidance of sympathetic axons. In addition, we find that semaphorin signaling through plexin-A3 and plexin-A4 restricts the migration of sympathetic neurons, but these two plexins function redundantly since migration defects are only observed in plexin-A3/-A4 double mutants. Surprisingly, our analysis also indicates that plexin-A3 and plexin-A4 are not required for guiding neural crest precursors prior to reaching the sympathetic anlagen. Immunoprecipitation studies suggest that these two plexins independently mediate secreted semaphorin signaling. Thus, plexin-A3 and plexin-A4 are expressed in newly-differentiated sympathetic neurons, but not their neural crest precursors. They function cooperatively to regulate the migration of sympathetic neurons and then differentially to guide the sympathetic axons.     

Implication of anti-inflammatory macrophages in regenerative moto-neuritogenesis: Promotion of myoblast migration and neural chemorepellent semaphorin 3A expression in injured muscle

Regenerative mechanisms that regulate intramuscular motor innervation are thought to reside in the spatiotemporal expression of axon-guidance molecules. Our previous studies proposed a heretofore unexplored role of resident myogenic stem cell (satellite cell)-derived myoblasts as a key presenter of a secreted neural chemorepellent semaphorin 3A (Sema3A); hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) triggered its expression exclusively at the early-differentiation phase. In order to verify this concept, the present study was designed to clarify a paracrine source of HGF release. In vitro experiments demonstrated that activated anti-inflammatory macrophages (CD206-positive M2) produce HGF and thereby promote myoblast chemoattraction and Sema3A expression. Media from pro-inflammatory macrophage cultures (M1) did not show any significant effect. M2 also enhanced the expression of myoblast-differentiation markers in culture, and infiltrated predominantly at the early-differentiation phase (3–5 days post-injury); M2 were confirmed to produce HGF as monitored by in vivo/ex vivo immunocytochemistry of CD11b/CD206/HGF-positive cells and by HGF in situ hybridization of cardiotoxin- or crush-injured tibialis anterior muscle, respectively. These studies advance our understanding of the stage-specific activation of Sema3A expression signaling. Findings, therefore, encourage the idea that M2 contribute to spatiotemporal up-regulation of extracellular Sema3A concentrations by producing HGF that, in turn, stimulates a burst of Sema3A secretion by myoblasts that are recruited to site of injury. This model may ensure a coordinated delay in re-attachment of motoneuron terminals onto damaged fibers early in muscle regeneration, and thus synchronize the recovery of muscle-fiber integrity and the early resolution of inflammation after injury.     

A role for RhoA in the two-phase migratory pattern of post-otic neural crest cells

Neural crest (NC) cells have been elegantly traced to follow stereotypical migratory pathways throughout the vertebrate embryo, yet we still lack complete information on individual cell migratory behaviors and how molecular mechanisms direct NC cell guidance. Here, we analyze the spatio-temporal migratory pattern of post-otic NC and the in vivo role of the small Rho GTPase, RhoA, using fluorescent cell labeling, molecular perturbation, and intravital 4D (3D+ time) confocal imaging in the intact chick embryo. We find that the post-otic NC cell migratory pattern is established in two phases with distinct cell migratory behaviors. An initial wide front of lateral-directed NC cells, led by NC from rhombomere 7 (r7), move as a distinct subpopulation. This is followed in time by fewer NC cells that migrate collectively from r7 to r8 in a follow-the-leader manner with extensive cellular extensions between cells. We show that post-otic migratory NC cells express RhoA, using RT-PCR on isolated, flow cytometry sorted NC cells and in neural tube culture explants. When RhoA function is altered by expression of a dominant negative or constitutively active form, or injection of C3, there are two major consequences. RhoA constitutively active expressing NC cells are less directional, slower and form fewer follow-the-leader chain assemblies. NC cells expressing RhoA-DN are less affective in retracting filopodia, migrate slower and also form fewer follow-the-leader chain assemblies. Together, these alterations to NC cell intrinsic signaling and cell-cell contact disrupt the precise spatio-temporal post-otic NC cell migratory pattern.     

Ultrastructural and tissue-culture studies on the role of fibronectin,collagen and glycosaminoglycans in the migration of neural crest cells in the fowl embryo

Summary The initial migration of neural crest (NC) cells into cell-free space was studied by transmission electron microscopy at trunk levels of fowl embryos, some of which were fixed in the presence of ruthenium red. Migrating NC cells occurred in zones which contained fewer ruthenium-red stained 15–40 nm diameter granules than other regions. The ruthenium-red stained granules were linked by similarly stained thin ( 3 nm diameter) microfibrils. The granules resemble proteoglycan and the microfibrils may be hyaluronate. NC cells contacted thicker ( 10 nm diameter) fibrils and interstitial bodies, which did not require ruthenium red for visualization. Cytoplasmic microfilaments were sometimes aligned at the point of contact with the extracellular fibrils, which may be fibronectin and collagen.Phase-contrast time-lapse videotaping and scanning electron microscopy showed that NC cells of the fowl embryo in vitro migrated earlier and more extensively on glass coated with fibronectin-rich fibrous material and adsorbed fibronectin molecules than on glass coated with collagen type I (fibres and adsorbed molecules). NC cells became completely enmeshed in fibronectin-rich fibres, but generally remained on the surface of collagen-fibre gels. When given a choice, NC cells strongly preferred fibronectin coatings to plain glass, and plain glass to dried collagen gels. NC cells showed a slight preference for plain glass over glass to which collagen was adsorbed. Addition to the culture medium of hyaluronate (initial conc. 20 mg/ml), chondroitin (5 mg/ml) and fully sulphated chondroitin sulphate and dermatan sulphate (up to 10 mg/ml) did not drastically alter NC cell migration on fibronectin-rich fibrous substrates. However, partially desulphated chondroitin sulphate (5mg/ml) strongly retarded the migration of NC cells.The in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that fibronectin may dictate the pathways of NC cell migration by acting as a highly preferred physical substrate. However, the utilization of these pathways may be reduced by the presence of proteoglycans bearing undersulphated chondroitin sulphate.Abbreviations NC neural crest - ECM extracellular material - GAG glycosaminoglycan - FN fibronectin - CIG cold insoluble globulin - TEM transmission electron microscopy - SEM scanning electron microscopy - DMEM-H HEPES buffered Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium - FCS foetal calf serum - CEE chick embryo extract - SDS-PAGE sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis - PBS phosphate-buffered saline     

Phactr4: A new integrin modulator required for directional migration of enteric neural crest cells

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is critically important for many intestinal functions such as peristalsis and secretion. Defects in the embryonic formation of the ENS cause Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) or megacolon, a severe birth defect that affects approximately 1 in 5,000 newborns. One of the least understood aspects of ENS development are the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control chain migration of the ENS cells during their migration into and along the embryonic gut. We recently reported a mouse model of HSCR in which mutant embryos carrying a hypomorphic allele of the Phactr4 gene show an embryonic gastrointestinal defect due to loss of enteric neurons in the colon. We found that Phactr4 modulates integrin signaling and cofilin activity to coordinate the forces that drive enteric neural crest cell (ENCC) migration in the mammalian embryo. In this extra view, we briefly summarize the current knowledge on integrin signaling in ENCC migration and introduce the Phactr protein family. Employing the ENS as a model, we shed some light on the mechanisms by which Phactr4 regulates integrin signaling and controls the cell polarity required for directional ENCC migration in the mouse developing gut.     

Phagocytosis by Lymnaea stagnalis haemocytes: a potential role for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase but not protein kinase A

The molecular events that regulate phagocytosis, an important innate immune response, in invertebrate defence cells (haemocytes) are poorly understood. Lymnaea stagnalis haemocytes were used as a model to elucidate the role of cell signalling pathways in phagocytosis by molluscan defence cells. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) inhibitor, LY294002, significantly impaired haemocyte phagocytic activity in a dose-responsive manner with 10 microM LY294002 reducing internalization of fluorescent-conjugated Escherichia coli by 62% (P < or = 0.001). In contrast, the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor KT5720 was without effect. Therefore, PI3-K, but not PKA, appears to control phagocytosis by haemocytes in these gastropod molluscs.     

lncRNA MAGI2-AS3下调miR-31-5p抑制肺腺癌细胞的增殖、迁移、侵袭并促进凋亡

目的研究lncRNA MAGI2-AS3对肺癌A549细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭和凋亡的影响和潜在的分子机制。方法根据转染载体不同将A549细胞分为pcDNA3.1组(转染pcDNA3.1)、pcDNA3.1-MAGI2-AS3组(转染pcDNA3.1-MAGI2-AS3)、anti-miR-NC组(转染anti-miR-NC)、anti-miR-31-5p组(转染anti-miR-31-5p)、pcDNA3.1-MAGI2-AS3+miR-NC组(共转染pcDNA3.1-MAGI2-AS3和miR-NC)、pcDNA3.1-MAGI2-AS3+miR-31-5p组(共转染pcDNA3.1-MAGI2-AS3和miR-31-5p mimics)。实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)检测miR-31-5p和MAGI2-AS3 RNA的表达,四氮唑蓝(MTT)法测定A549细胞增殖活性,Transwell实验检测细胞迁移和侵袭能力,双荧光素酶报告系统验证MAGI2-AS3与miR-31-5p的调控关系,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡与周期。两组间比较采用独立样本t检验进行分析;多组间比较采用单因素方差分析,组内多重比较采用SNK-q检验。结果与人正常肺细胞HBE相比,肺癌细胞A549中的MAGI2-AS3表达量(0.48±0.03比1.29±0.06)降低,miR-31-5p表达量(1.01±0.05比0.25±0.02)升高;与pcDNA3.1组比较,pcDNA3.1-MAGI2-AS3组A549细胞活力(0.48±0.04比0.77±0.06)、迁移[(81.33±2.87)个比(124.33±3.09)个]和侵袭[(32.00±2.83)个比(53.00±3.27)个]细胞数、S期细胞所占比例(23.01﹪±1.00﹪比32.95﹪±1.06﹪)均降低,凋亡率(19.95﹪±1.25﹪比7.23﹪±0.51﹪)、G0-G1期细胞所占比例(43.58﹪±2.15﹪比33.56﹪±1.23﹪)均升高;与anti-miR-NC组比较,anti-miR-31-5p组A549细胞活力(0.53±0.04比0.78±0.06)、迁移[(76.00±3.74)个比(108.33±2.87)个]和侵袭[(30.00±1.63)个比(42.33±2.05)个]细胞数、S期细胞所占比例(24.43﹪±1.13﹪比32.91﹪±1.08﹪)降低,凋亡率(18.21﹪±1.24﹪比7.29﹪±0.51﹪)、G0-G1期细胞所占比例(41.56﹪±2.19﹪比33.53﹪±1.27﹪)升高,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05);双荧光素酶报告系统结果显示,MAGI2-AS3靶向负调控miR-31-5p的表达。与pcDNA3.1-MAGI2-AS3+miR-NC组比较,pcDNA3.1-MAGI2-AS3+miR-31-5p组A549细胞活力(0.68±0.06比0.50±0.04)、迁移[(91.00±1.63)个比(52.67±2.62)个]和侵袭[(62.67±2.49)个比(31.67±4.03个)]细胞数升高,凋亡率(10.59﹪±1.0﹪比21.11﹪±1.14﹪)降低,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。结论lncRNA MAGI2-AS3通过靶向miR-31-5p抑制A549细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭,促进细胞凋亡。lncRNA MAGI2-AS3是肺癌潜在分子治疗靶点。     

Correlation between the high expression of C/EBPbeta protein in F442A cells and their relative resistance to antiadipogenic action of TCDD in comparison to 3T3-L1 cells

We compared the ability of two clonally derived murine preadipocyte cell lines, 3T3-L1(L1) and 3T3-F442A (F442A), to differentiate after treatment by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), and found that the former cell line was clearly suppressed by TCDD but the latter was not. It was initially postulated that the easiest way to explain the lack of response to TCDD in F442A cells could be an alteration in aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) functionality. This hypothesis was tested first, but no differences were found in the levels or functions of AhR. To find an alternate explanation for such a differential effect of TCDD, we tested the action of several diagnostic agents on the process of adipocyte differentiation of these two cells. No differences were found between these two lines of cells in the susceptibility to the antiadipogenic action of 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), or to TNFalpha, indicating that the basic biochemical components engaged in the antiadipogenic actions of these agents in these two cell lines are similar. In contrast, F442A cells were found to be more resistant to the antiadipogenic action of EGF or TGFbeta than L1 cells which were tested side by side. Based on the knowledge that TNFalpha preferentially affects C/EBPalpha and that TGFbeta specifically controls C/EBPbeta and delta in their antiadipogenic action, we hypothesized that the major cause for the differential response of these two similar cell lines could be the insensitivity of C/EBPbeta and/or delta of F442A cells to the action of TCDD. We could obtain supporting data for this hypothesis, showing that in F442A cells, the level of C/EBPbeta is already high even before the addition of adipocyte differentiation factors and that TCDD did not cause any significant changes in the titer of C/EBPbeta.     

miR-363-3p靶向 TWIST1调控上皮间质转化抑制非小细胞肺癌A549细胞迁移和侵袭

目的探讨miR-363-3p靶向TWIST1调控非小细胞肺癌A549细胞迁移和侵袭的分子机制。 方法将体外培养的A549细胞分为空白对照组（细胞未做任何处理）;模拟物对照组（转染miR-363-3p模拟物阴性对照）;模拟物组（转染miR-363-3p模拟物）;后期实验另设：模拟物+ pcDNA组（转染miR-363-3p模拟物和pcDNA3.1空载体质粒）;模拟物+ TWIST1组（转染miR-363-3p模拟物和pcDNA3.1-TWIST1过表达质粒）。采用RT-PCR检测细胞中miR-363-3p的表达,Western blot检测细胞中TWIST1蛋白和上皮间质转化（EMT）相关蛋白Vimentin、E-cadherin的表达,Transwell小室实验检测细胞的迁移和侵袭。双荧光素酶报告基因实验检测miR-363-3p和TWIST1的靶向关系。两组间比较采用独立样本t检验,多组间比较采用单因素方差分析,组间两两比较采用LSD-t检验。 结果与空白对照组和模拟物对照组比较,模拟物组A549细胞中miR-363-3p表达水平（1.00±0.08、0.97±0.05比3.82±0.45）升高,TWIST1 mRNA （1.00±0.06、0.98±0.06比0.39±0.02）和蛋白的表达水平（0.81±0.05、0.78±0.06比0.42±0.02）降低,差异具有统计学意义（P均< 0.05）。与空白对照组和模拟物对照组比较,模拟物组A549细胞Vimentin蛋白表达水平（0.58±0.04、0.55±0.05比0.36±0.03）降低,E-cadherin蛋白的表达水平（0.22±0.02、0.25±0.03比0.47±0.03）增高,迁移细胞数（85.75±5.45、83.52±6.85比53.05±4.50）和侵袭细胞数（128.26±6.15、125.95±8.05比71.64±5.75）降低,差异有统计学意义（P均< 0.05）。与模拟物对照组比较,模拟物组细胞中Vimentin蛋白的表达水平（0.55±0.05比0.36±0.03）降低,而E-cadherin蛋白表达水平（0.25±0.03比0.47±0.03）升高,迁移细胞数（83.52±6.85比53.05±4.50）和侵袭细胞数（125.95±8.05比71.64±5.75）均减少（P均< 0.05）。TWIST1是miR-363-3p潜在的靶基因。与模拟物+ pcDNA3.1组比较,模拟物+ TWIST1组A549细胞中Vimentin蛋白的表达水平（0.32±0.02比0.42±0.03）升高,而E-cadherin蛋白表达水平（0.56±0.04比0.38±0.03）降低,A549细胞的迁移数（49.45±4.22比67.52±5.05）和侵袭数（72.45±5.73比108.35±6.56）增加（P均< 0.05）。 结论miR-363-3p可通过靶向TWIST1调控EMT抑制A549细胞迁移和侵袭。     

The localisation of PtdIns3P in Drosophila fat responds to nutrients but not insulin: a role for Class III but not Class II phosphoinositide 3-kinases

PtdIns3P and PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃ are regulated differently in fat body in response to nutritional status and insulin signalling. In feeding larvae PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃ is upregulated at the cell membrane where it is generated in response to insulin signalling. In contrast PtdIns3P is down regulated in the fat body of well-fed larvae but on starvation it accumulates in punctate vesicles throughout the cytoplasm and on refeeding it relocalises to vesicles at the periphery of the cell. Both responses are independent of insulin signalling and on the presence of glutamine which has previously been linked to nutritional sensing. We find that both Class II and Class III PI3Ks are capable of generating PtdIns3P in vivo but the source of PtdIns3P in the fat body and the response to nutritional status can be exclusively accounted for by Class III PI3K activity.     

芳姜黄酮对人皮肤鳞状细胞癌A431细胞迁移、侵袭及凋亡的影响和机制研究

为研究芳姜黄酮(Ar-Turmerone)对人鳞状细胞癌A431细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭和凋亡的影响及机制。实验采用CCK-8法检测抑制率,吉姆萨染色观察细胞形态,划痕实验和Transwell小室实验研究细胞迁移和侵袭能力的变化,流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡率。此外,通过实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(Real-time PCR)与蛋白质印迹法(western blot)法检测mRNA和蛋白表达。siRNA阻断Notch1,Hes1和PTEN,检测相应的下游mRNA和蛋白的表达变化,流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡率。结果发现,芳姜黄酮可以抑制A431细胞增殖,使细胞形态发生改变,抑制细胞体外迁移和侵袭能力,促进细胞凋亡。经过芳姜黄酮处理后,Notch1,Hes1,PTEN的mRNA和蛋白表达升高。沉默Notch1,Hes1 mRNA和蛋白表达低于单纯给药组,而沉默Hes1,PTEN mRNA和蛋白表达也低于单纯给药组;沉默PTEN后,与单纯给药组相比,细胞死亡率降低。总之,芳姜黄酮可以抑制人鳞状细胞癌A431细胞的增殖并促进其凋亡,且具有抑制体外迁移和侵袭的作用,其促进细胞凋亡的机制是通过Notch1/Hes1/PTEN途径实现的。     

Two closely related human members of chitinase-like family, CHI3L1 and CHI3L2, activate ERK1/2 in 293 and U373 cells but have the different influence on cell proliferation

The activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) has been associated with specific outcomes. Sustained activation of ERK1/2 by nerve growth factor (NGF) is associated with translocation of ERKs to the nucleus of PC12 cells and precedes their differentiation into sympathetic-like neurons whereas transient activation by epidermal growth factor (EGF) leads to cell proliferation. It was demonstrated that different growth factors initiating the same cellular signaling pathways may lead to the different cell destiny, either to proliferation or to the inhibition of mitogenesis and apoptosis. Thus, further investigation on kinetic differences in activation of certain signal cascades in different cell types by biologically different agents are necessary for understanding the mechanisms as to how cells make a choice between proliferation and differentiation.It was reported that chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) protein promotes the growth of human synovial cells as well as skin and fetal lung fibroblasts similarly to insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). Both are involved in mediating the mitogenic response through the signal-regulated kinases ERK1/2. In addition, CHI3L1 which is highly expressed in different tumors including glioblastomas possesses oncogenic properties. As we found earlier, chitinase 3-like 2 (CHI3L2) most closely related to human CHI3L1 also showed increased expression in glial tumors at both the RNA and protein levels and stimulated the activation of the MAPK pathway through phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in 293 and U87 MG cells. The work described here demonstrates the influence of CHI3L2 and CHI3L1 on the duration of MAPK cellular signaling and phosphorylated ERK1/2 translocation to the nucleus. In contrast to the activation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation by CHI3L1 that leads to a proliferative signal (similar to the EGF effect in PC12 cells), activation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation by CHI3L2 (similar to NGF) inhibits cell mitogenesis and proliferation.     

The effect of grapefruit juice and seville orange juice on the pharmacokinetics of dextromethorphan: the role of gut CYP3A and P-glycoprotein

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of grapefruit juice and seville orange juice on dextromethorphan (DM) pharmacokinetics. Eleven healthy volunteers were studied over a 3-week period consisting of 5 study days each separated by a three-day washout. All subjects refrained from drinking caffeine containing beverages (coffee, soda, etc.) 8 h before orally taking DM (30 mg) with 200 ml water, 200 ml grapefruit juice, 200 ml water, 200 ml seville orange juice, and 200 ml water on Study Days 1 to 5. Aliquots of urine samples were assayed and analysed for DM, and the DM metabolites dextrorphan, 3-methoxymorphinan and 3-hydroxymorphinan using a validated HPLC method employing a phenyl column and a fluorescence detection. Results suggests that DM could provide some useful information on P-glycoprotein or related membrane efflux protein activity in the human gastro-intestinal tract. Bioavailability (F) of DM increased significantly with grapefruit and seville orange juice, but only returned to half the baseline value after three days of washout. This confirms that grapefruit and seville orange juice are long-lasting and perhaps irreversible inhibitors of gut CYP3A/P-glycoprotein. Grapefruit and seville orange juice appeared to have the same overall effect on DM pharmacokinetics. In addition, this paper presents a novel method of phenotyping for CYP2D6, CYP3A and P-glycoprotein using DM as a probe.