Smoking and COPD increase sputum levels of extracellular superoxide dismutase

Extracellular superoxide dismutase (ECSOD) is the major superoxide-scavenging enzyme in the lung. Certain ECSOD polymorphisms are protective against COPD. We postulated that smokers and COPD subjects would have altered levels of ECSOD in the lung, airway secretions, and/or plasma. Lung tissue ECSOD was evaluated from nonsmokers, smokers, and subjects with mild to very severe COPD by Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. ECSOD levels in plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and induced-sputum supernatants were analyzed by ELISA and correlated with smoking history and disease status. Immunohistochemistry identified ECSOD in extracellular matrix around bronchioles, arteries, and alveolar walls, with decreases seen in the interstitium and vessels of severe COPD subjects using digital image analysis. Plasma ECSOD did not differ between COPD subjects and controls nor based on smoking status. ECSOD levels in induced sputum supernatants were elevated in current smokers and especially in COPD subjects compared to nonsmokers, whereas corresponding changes could not be seen in the BALF. ECSOD expression was reduced around vessels and bronchioles in COPD lungs. Substantial increases in sputum ECSOD in smokers and COPD is interpreted as an adaptive response to increased oxidative stress and may be a useful biomarker of disease activity in COPD.     

吸烟对肺组织D4-GDI表达的影响及其与慢性阻塞性肺疾病相关性的蛋白质组学研究

慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)是环境因素与遗传因素共同作用的结果,而吸烟是导致COPD发生的最主要危险因素,然而,吸烟导致COPD的机制及COPD的遗传易感机制目前尚未完全阐明．蛋白质组学研究方法具有高效和信息含量丰富的特点,为COPD研究提供了有力的帮助,被认为在COPD的研究领域具有广阔的前景．运用二维凝胶电泳和基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱蛋白质组学研究方法结合生物信息学技术,对不吸烟者、非COPD吸烟者和吸烟COPD患者的肺组织进行蛋白质组比较,共鉴定出24种表达差异蛋白．研究发现,非COPD吸烟者肺组织ρ-GDP解离抑制因子2(D4-GDI)表达水平为不吸烟者的1.7倍,吸烟COPD患者肺组织D4-GDI表达水平接近非COPD吸烟者的2倍．通过免疫组织化学染色和Western-blotting检测对肺组织D4-GDI表达水平进行验证,获得了与蛋白质组学研究相一致的结果．结果首次说明：吸烟能够导致肺组织D4-GDI表达水平升高,D4-GDI参与了COPD的发病机制而且可能与COPD易感性相关．     

Cigarette Smoke Decreases the Maturation of Lung Myeloid Dendritic Cells

BackgroundConflicting data exist on the role of pulmonary dendritic cells (DCs) and their maturation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Herein, we investigated whether disease severity and smoking status could affect the distribution and maturation of DCs in lung tissues of patients undergoing elective pneumectomy or lobectomy for suspected primary lung cancer.ResultsCOPD was diagnosed in 43 patients (16 current smokers and 27 former smokers), whereas the remaining 32 subjects were classified as non-COPD (11 current smokers, 13 former smokers, and 8 never smokers). The number and maturation of DCs did not differ significantly between COPD and non-COPD patients. However, the results of flow cytometry indicated that maturation markers CD40 and CD83 of BDCA1-positive mDCs were significantly decreased in smokers than in non-smokers (P = 0.023 and 0.013, respectively). Immunohistochemistry also revealed a lower number of LDCs in COPD patients than in non-COPD subjects.ConclusionsCigarette smoke, rather than airflow limitation, is the main determinant of impaired DCs maturation in the lung.     

Human type II pneumocyte chemotactic responses to CXCR3 activation are mediated by splice variant A

Chemokine receptors control several fundamental cellular processes in both hematopoietic and structural cells, including directed cell movement, i.e., chemotaxis, cell differentiation, and proliferation. We have previously demonstrated that CXCR3, the chemokine receptor expressed by Th1/Tc1 inflammatory cells present in the lung, is also expressed by human airway epithelial cells. In airway epithelial cells, activation of CXCR3 induces airway epithelial cell movement and proliferation, processes that underlie lung repair. The present study examined the expression and function of CXCR3 in human alveolar type II pneumocytes, whose destruction causes emphysema. CXCR3 was present in human fetal and adult type II pneumocytes as assessed by immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. CXCR3-A and -B splice variant mRNA was present constitutively in cultured type II cells, but levels of CXCR3-B greatly exceeded CXCR3-A mRNA. In cultured type II cells, I-TAC, IP-10, and Mig induced chemotaxis. Overexpression of CXCR3-A in the A549 pneumocyte cell line produced robust chemotactic responses to I-TAC and IP-10. In contrast, I-TAC did not induce chemotactic responses in CXCR3-B and mock-transfected cells. Finally, I-TAC increased cytosolic Ca(2+) and activated the extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase)/protein kinase B kinases only in CXCR3-A-transfected cells. These data indicate that the CXCR3 receptor is expressed by human type II pneumocytes, and the CXCR3-A splice variant mediates chemotactic responses possibly through Ca(2+) activation of both mitogen-activated protein kinase and PI 3-kinase signaling pathways. Expression of CXCR3 in alveolar epithelial cells may be important in pneumocyte repair from injury.     

bcl-2癌基因蛋白在甲状腺癌中的表达及其意义

利用免疫组织化学技术,对６４例甲状腺癌进行了ｂｃｌ－２蛋白表达的检测,同时进行ｐ５３蛋白的对照检测。结果显示,甲状腺癌中ｂｃｌ－２蛋白阳性表达率为８１．３％（５２／６４）,但未分化癌无阳性表达。ｐ５３蛋白在甲状腺癌的阳性表达率为２０．３％（１３／６４）,而未分化癌全部为阳性表达。两种抗体在甲状腺癌的阳性表达率有显著性差异（Ｐ＜０．０１）。结果提示ｂｃｌ－２蛋白在甲状腺癌的表达与肿瘤细胞的分化程度有关,并与ｐ５３蛋白呈反比关系,ｂｃｌ－２与ｐ５３蛋白表达的不同分布可作为判断甲状腺癌预后的一个重要参考指标     

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and inhaled steroids alter surfactant protein D (SP-D) levels: a cross-sectional study

Background

Surfactant protein D (SP-D), an innate immune molecule, plays an important protective role during airway inflammation. Deficiency of this molecule induces emphysematous changes in murine lungs, but its significance in human COPD remains unclear.

Methods

We collected bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 20 subjects with varying degrees of COPD (8 former smokers and 12 current smokers) and 15 asymptomatic healthy control subjects (5 never smokers, 3 remote former smokers, and 7 current smokers). All subjects underwent a complete medical history and pulmonary function testing. SP-D was measured by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric methods and multivariable linear regression for control of confounding. The effect of corticosteroid treatment on SP-D synthesis was studied in vitro using an established model of isolated type II alveolar epithelial cell culture.

Results

Among former smokers, those with COPD had significantly lower SP-D levels than healthy subjects (median 502 and 1067 ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.01). In a multivariable linear regression model controlling for age, sex, race, and pack-years of tobacco, COPD was independently associated with lower SP-D levels (model coefficient -539, p = 0.04) and inhaled corticosteroid use was independently associated with higher SP-D levels (398, p = 0.046). To support the hypothesis that corticosteroids increase SP-D production we used type II alveolar epithelial cells isolated from adult rat lungs. These cells responded to dexamethasone treatment by a significant increase of SP-D mRNA (p = 0.041) and protein (p = 0.037) production after 4 days of culture.

Conclusion

Among former smokers, COPD is associated with lower levels of SP-D and inhaled corticosteroid use is associated with higher levels of SP-D in the lung. Dexamethasone induced SP-D mRNA and protein expression in isolated epithelial cells in vitro. Given the importance of this molecule as a modulator of innate immunity and inflammation in the lung, low levels may play a role in the pathogenesis and/or progression of COPD. Further, we speculate that inhaled steroids may induce SP-D expression and that this mechanism may contribute to their beneficial effects in COPD. Larger, prospective studies are warranted to further elucidate the role of surfactant protein D in modulating pulmonary inflammation and COPD pathogenesis.     

凋亡相关基因p53、bcl-2在乳腺导管非典型增生中表达的研究

为观察凋亡相关基因-p53,bcl-2在乳腺导管非典型增生及乳腺癌中的表达,探讨其与乳腺癌组织发生的关系。本实验应用原位杂交方法检测凋亡相关基因p53,bcl-2mRNA,应用免疫组织化学方法检测p53蛋白在44例乳腺导管非典型增生组织中的表达,并与6例乳腺导管单纯性增生及26例乳腺癌对比分析,实验结果为,p53mRNA在乳腺导管单纯性增生组织中呈较强表达（66.7%),在乳腺导自欺欺人这非典型增生组织中阳性表达为40%（轻度;55.6%,中度：41.7%,重度;26.1%)。在癌组织中的表达率为19.2%(导管内癌：21.4%,浸润性导管癌：16.7%),p53蛋白在导管单纯性增生组无表达,在导管非典型增生组阳性表达为24%（轻度：11.1%,中度;25%,重度;34.8%)。在癌组织中的阳性表达为38.4%(导管内癌：35.7%,浸润性导管癌：41.7%),bcl-2mRNA在单纯性增生组无表达,在非典型增生组中阳性表达为轻度：11.1%,中度：16.7%,重度：39.1%,在乳腺癌组织中阳性表达为导管内癌;78.6%,浸润性导管癌83.3%。实验结果表明,在乳腺导管重度非典型增生组织中可检测到p53基因有较高的表达缺失,突变及bcl-2mRNA过表达。     

Association of mast cells with lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

Surfactant protein D (SP-D), an innate immune molecule, plays an important protective role during airway inflammation. Deficiency of this molecule induces emphysematous changes in murine lungs, but its significance in human COPD remains unclear.

Methods

We collected bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 20 subjects with varying degrees of COPD (8 former smokers and 12 current smokers) and 15 asymptomatic healthy control subjects (5 never smokers, 3 remote former smokers, and 7 current smokers). All subjects underwent a complete medical history and pulmonary function testing. SP-D was measured by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric methods and multivariable linear regression for control of confounding. The effect of corticosteroid treatment on SP-D synthesis was studied in vitro using an established model of isolated type II alveolar epithelial cell culture.

Results

Among former smokers, those with COPD had significantly lower SP-D levels than healthy subjects (median 502 and 1067 ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.01). In a multivariable linear regression model controlling for age, sex, race, and pack-years of tobacco, COPD was independently associated with lower SP-D levels (model coefficient -539, p = 0.04) and inhaled corticosteroid use was independently associated with higher SP-D levels (398, p = 0.046). To support the hypothesis that corticosteroids increase SP-D production we used type II alveolar epithelial cells isolated from adult rat lungs. These cells responded to dexamethasone treatment by a significant increase of SP-D mRNA (p = 0.041) and protein (p = 0.037) production after 4 days of culture.

Conclusion

Among former smokers, COPD is associated with lower levels of SP-D and inhaled corticosteroid use is associated with higher levels of SP-D in the lung. Dexamethasone induced SP-D mRNA and protein expression in isolated epithelial cells in vitro. Given the importance of this molecule as a modulator of innate immunity and inflammation in the lung, low levels may play a role in the pathogenesis and/or progression of COPD. Further, we speculate that inhaled steroids may induce SP-D expression and that this mechanism may contribute to their beneficial effects in COPD. Larger, prospective studies are warranted to further elucidate the role of surfactant protein D in modulating pulmonary inflammation and COPD pathogenesis.     

猴免疫缺陷病毒引起多形核嗜中性白细胞凋亡的可能机理

本实验目的是研究猴免疫缺陷病毒（SIV）引起多形核嗜中性白细胞（PMNs）凋亡的机理。实验用PCR技术扩增gag基因,用Western blot法测定p53和bcl-2基因的表达。结果显示PMNs在被SIV感染后随着保温时间的延长存活率下降,在感染后24h可以从PMNs中扩增出gag基因。PMNs中p53基因的表达在感染后24h增加。同时bcl-2基因的表达在对照组和SIV感染组都增加,但在SIV感染组bcl-2蛋白的表达明显低于对照组。结果揭示SIV能够感染PMNs,p53和bcl-2基因表达的改变可能是SIV感染PMNs引起细胞凋亡的机理。     

Differences in mRNA expression,protein content,and enzyme activity of superoxide dismutases in type II pneumocytes of acute and chronic lung injury

The lung is protected against oxidative stress by a variety of antioxidants and type II pneumocytes seem to play an important role in antioxidant defense. Previous studies have shown that inhalation of NO₂ results in acute and chronic lung injury. How the expression and enzyme activity of antioxidant enzymes are influenced in type II cells of different inflammatory stages has yet not been studied. To elucidate this question, we exposed rats to 10 ppm NO₂ for 3 or 20 days to induce acute or chronic lung injury. From these and air-breathing rats, type II pneumocytes were isolated. The mRNA expression and protein content of CuZnSOD and MnSOD as well as total SOD-specific enzyme activity were determined. For the acute lung injury (3 d NO₂), the expression of CuZnSOD mRNA was significantly increased, while MnSOD expression was significantly reduced after 3 days of NO 2 exposure. For the chronic lung injury (20 d NO₂), CuZnSOD expression was still enhanced, while MnSOD expression was comparable to control. In parallel to CuZnSOD mRNA expression, the protein amount was significantly increased in acute and chronic lung injury however MnSOD protein content exhibited no intergroup differences. Total SOD enzyme activity showed a significant decrease after 3 days of NO₂ exposure and was similar to control after 20 days. We conclude that during acute and chronic lung injury in type II pneumocytes expression and protein synthesis of CuZnSOD and MnSOD are regulated differently.     

Sputum proteomics identifies elevated PIGR levels in smokers and mild-to-moderate COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. However, the exact mechanisms leading to COPD and its progression are still poorly understood. In this study, induced sputum was analyzed by cysteine-specific two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) coupled with mass spectrometry to identify proteins involved in COPD pathogenesis. The comparison of nonsmokers, smokers, and smokers with moderate COPD revealed 15 changed proteins with the majority, including polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR), being elevated in smokers and subjects with COPD. PIGR, which is involved in specific immune defense and inflammation, was further studied in sputum, lung tissue, and plasma by Western blot, immunohistochemistry/image analysis, and/or ELISA. Sputum PIGR was characterized as glycosylated secretory component (SC). Lung PIGR was significantly elevated in the bronchial and alveolar epithelium of smokers and further increased in the alveolar area in mild to moderate COPD. Plasma PIGR was elevated in smokers and smokers with COPD compared to nonsmokers with significant correlation to obstruction. In conclusion, new proteins in smoking-related chronic inflammation and COPD could be identified, with SC/PIGR being one of the most prominent not only in the lung but also in circulating blood.     

The role of the liver X receptor in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

There is a need for novel anti-inflammatory therapies to treat COPD. The liver X receptor (LXR) is a nuclear hormone receptor with anti-inflammatory properties.

Methods

We investigated LXR gene and protein expression levels in alveolar macrophages and whole lung tissue from COPD patients and controls, the effect of LXR activation on the suppression of inflammatory mediators from LPS stimulated COPD alveolar macrophages, and the effect of LXR activation on the induction of genes associated with alternative macrophage polarisation.

Results

The levels of LXR mRNA were significantly increased in whole lung tissue extracts in COPD patients and smokers compared to non-smokers. The expression of LXR protein was significantly increased in small airway epithelium and alveolar epithelium in COPD patients compared to controls. No differences in LXR mRNA and protein levels were observed in alveolar macrophages between patient groups. The LXR agonist GW3965 significantly induced the expression of the LXR dependent genes ABCA1 and ABCG1 in alveolar macrophage cultures. In LPS stimulated alveolar macrophages, GW3965 suppressed the production of CXCL10 and CCL5, whilst stimulating IL-10 production.

Conclusions

GW3965 did not significantly suppress the production of TNFα, IL-1β, or CXCL8. Our major finding is that LXR activation has anti-inflammatory effects on CXC10, CCL5 and IL-10 production from alveolar macrophages.     

鼻咽癌组织中蛋白酶ICH的表达及其与bcl-2的表达关系

探讨蛋白酶ＩＣＨ１ 与凋亡基因ｂｃｌ２ 的关系及在鼻咽癌发生中的作用。应用免疫组化方法对４６例鼻咽癌组织中ＩＣＨ１ （ＩＣＨ１Ｌ和ＩＣＨ１Ｓ） 和ｂｃｌ２ 的表达进行观察。结果发现１１ 例良性病变中２ 例ＩＣＨ１Ｌ阳性, １ 例ＩＣＨ１Ｓ阳性。４６ 例鼻咽癌中１６ 例ＩＣＨ１Ｌ阳性, ２２ 例ＩＣＨ１Ｓ阳性, 阳性率分别为３４８％ 和４７８％ , 各组织学分型间无明显差异（Ｐ＞ ００５）。癌细胞ＩＣＨ１ 表达较良性病变增加, 但ＩＣＨ１Ｌ与良性病变比较无显著性差异 （Ｐ＞ ００５）。良性鼻咽上皮ｂｃｌ２ 阴性。４６ 例鼻咽癌中３８ 例ｂｃｌ２ 阳性, 阳性率为８２６％ , ｂｃｌ２ 表达与组织分型也无明显关系 （Ｐ＞ ００５）。ＩＣＨ１Ｌ与ｂｃｌ２ 呈反向表达关系。提示ＩＣＨ１ 和ｂｃｌ２ 表达异常可能与鼻咽上皮的癌变有关。ｂｃｌ２ 对ＩＣＨ１Ｌ表达可能有影响。     

Human dendritic cell lysosome-associated membrane protein expressed in lung type II pneumocytes

Human dendritic cell LAMP (hDC-LAMP) is a unique member of the lysosome-associated membrane protein (LAMP) family with a tissue distribution initially described as restricted to major histocompatibility class II (MHC II) compartments of activated DC before the translocation of MHC II to the cell surface [Immunity 9 (1998) 325]. In this report, we show that hDC-LAMP is also expressed by lung type II pneumocytes, another cell type with constitutive expression of MHC II. A recombinant hDC-LAMP protein and a monospecific anti-hDC-LAMP polyclonal antibody were prepared. The antibody reacted specifically with hDC-LAMP sequences of hDC-LAMP protein expressed in transfected cells and with a 54 kDa protein of normal human lung tissue with properties corresponding to those of transgene expressed hDC-LAMP. Immunohistochemical analysis of hDC-LAMP in human lung showed its presence in alveolar type II epithelial cells (type II pneumocytes) as well as in cells in the interfollicular area of bronchus-associated lymph nodes, where interdigitating DCs are concentrated, and with lesser staining of alveolar macrophages. The native protein contained approximately 16% carbohydrates, most of which are sialyl N-linked oligosaccharides, with an acidic isoelectric point (pI 4.8). The restricted localization of this protein to lung type II pneumocytes and DCs is in contrast to hLAMP-1, which was present in many cell types of the lung and lymph node. Type II pneumocytes are known to express MHC II and the abundant expression of hDC-LAMP in these cells as well as in DCs suggests its possible relationship to specific MHC II related function(s) of DC and type II pneumocytes.     

Evaluation of intra-amniotic surfactant administration for lung maturation in preterm sheep

We aimed to evaluate the effects of intra-amniotic surfactant administration on alveolar lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio, density of type II pneumocytes, and fetal lung function in preterm merino sheep. Pregnant ewes at 119 days gestation either received 200 mg intra-amniotic surfactant (n=4) or saline solution (n=4). After 24 h, the lambs were delivered by hysterotomy and mechanically ventilated. Lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios in alveolar fluid, inflating pressure–volume relationships, and type II pneumocyte counts in histological specimens were compared among the groups. All of the lambs completed the protocol. Mean lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio increased significantly in amniotic (p=0.03) and alveolar fluid (p=0.03) samples of surfactant-treated animals. Lung function in terms of pressure–volume curves did not differ between two groups. Type II pneumocyte density tended to be higher (p=0.057) after intra-amniotic surfactant administration. Single-dose treatment with intra-amniotic surfactant seems to improve amniotic and alveolar lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio questionably by increasing alveolar type II cells. Pressure–volume relationships from inflation of the lungs might be unaltered with intra-amniotic surfactant treatment.     

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-Related Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Exhibits a Low Prevalence of EGFR and ALK Driver Mutations

Lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are two major lung diseases. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, v‐Ki‐ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements represent driver mutations that are frequently assessed on initial evaluation of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The present study focused on the expression of driver mutations in NSCLC patients presenting with COPD and further evaluated the association between NSCLC and COPD. Data from 501 consecutive patients with histologically proven recurrent or metastatic NSCLC were analyzed retrospectively. The patients underwent spirometry and genotyping of EGFR, ALK, and KRAS in tissue samples. Patient characteristics and expression of driver mutations were compared between the COPD and non-COPD groups.Among 350 patients with spirometric results, 106 (30.3%) were diagnosed with COPD, 108 (30.9%) had EGFR mutations, 31 (8.9%) had KRAS mutations, and 34 (9.7%) showed ALK rearrangements. COPD was independently associated with lower prevalences of EGFR mutations (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.254–0.931, p = 0.029) and ALK rearrangements (95% CI, 0.065–0.600, p = 0.004). The proportions of EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements decreased as the severity of airflow obstruction increased (p = 0.001). In never smokers, the prevalence of EGFR mutations was significantly lower in the COPD group than in the non-COPD group (12.7% vs. 49.0%, p = 0.002). COPD-related NSCLC patients exhibited low prevalences of EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements compared with the non-COPD group. Further studies are required regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying lung cancer associated with COPD.     

Variability in the precursor proteins of collagen I and III in different stages of COPD

Background

Levels of precursor proteins of collagen I and III are increased in fibrotic pulmonary diseases. This study determined whether the expression of precursors of type I and III collagen proteins would be increased in small and large airways of COPD patients in various stages of the disease reflecting fibrogenesis.

Methods

The levels of precursor proteins of collagen I and III were studied by immunohistochemistry and quantified by image analysis in lung tissue of 16 non-smokers, 20 smokers with normal lung function, 20 smokers with stage I-II COPD and 8 ex-smokers with stage IV COPD.

Results

In large airways, the subepithelial layer which was positive for precursor proteins of collagen I and III was thicker in smokers and in stage I-II COPD compared to non-smokers. Large airways in stage IV COPD showed reduced expression of precursor protein of collagen I whereas precursor of collagen III was increased. The amount of precursor protein of collagen III was increased in small airways of smokers and stage I-II COPD but reduced in stage IV COPD.

Conclusions

Precursor proteins of collagen I and III revealed different expression profiles in large and small airways in various stages of COPD. Smoking enhanced expression of both precursors in large airways with a positive correlation with pack-years.     

Numb在三阴乳腺癌中抑制HDM2泛素化降解p53

目的:探究Numb蛋白在三阴乳腺癌患者中的表达降低情况,及Numb蛋白在三阴乳腺癌中对抑癌因子p53蛋白水平的影响及调控机制,进一步研究Numb蛋白的降低与三阴乳腺癌发生发展的相关性,从而为缺乏有效治疗方法的三阴乳腺癌提供一个潜在的治疗新靶点。方法:40例三阴乳腺癌患者病理组织切片取自重庆医科大学临床病理诊断中心,采用免疫组化法检测Numb蛋白在三阴乳腺癌患者中的表达情况。MCF-10A细胞株和MDA-MB-231细胞株均为ATCC来源,采用qPCR和Western blot法检测对比Numb、HDM2、p53三者的转录水平和蛋白质水平在以上两个细胞株中差异。采用增强型绿色荧光蛋白(enhance green fluorescent protein,EGFP)质粒转染的方法在MDA-MB-231细胞中重表达Numb,采用q PCR和Western blot法验证Numb、HDM2、p53三者表达的变化。结果:转染NUMB-EGFP后MDA-MB-231细胞中Numb的mRNA和蛋白质水平均明显上调,HDM2无显著改变,p53在转录水平无明显变化,但在蛋白质水平显著升高。在231细胞中上调Numb蛋白可以在转录后水平调节p53水平,使p53蛋白随之显著升高。结论:Numb蛋白在三阴乳腺癌患者中表达降低的比列很高,为55%,且Numb蛋白在三阴乳腺癌细胞MDA-MB-231中可以调控抑癌因子p53蛋白水平,Numb蛋白水平与p53蛋白水平呈正相关。