Acceleration of Microbial Hydroxylations of Digitoxigenin by the Addition of C21 ⊿-3-Ketosteroids

It has been reported by several persons, including one of the authors, that DPNH obtained by the electrolytic reduction at controlled potentials is not fully active in respect to the reaction with alcohol dehydrogenase system. But statements concening the percentage of activity and the conditions which affect the activity were not identical. This article deals with these problems by reducing DPN electrolytically under different conditions followed by enzymatic examinations. The electrolytic reductions Of TPN and cytochrome c were also performed. Though the data presented are rather complicated, the most active DPNH was prepared in tripolyphosphate buffer with platinum electrode at ?2.0 volt vs. S.C.E., under ice-cooling. The effects of phosphates and electrolytic potential are discussed.     

C-terminal region of human p53 attenuates buffalo p53 N-terminal-specific transactivation of p21 promoter by modulating tetramerization of the protein

Here, we have studied in p53 null H1299 lung carcinoma cells, the dominant-negative effect of human p53 (h-p53) on buffalo p53 (b-p53) induced nuclear transactivation-dependent function. Recently, we have isolated and cloned the full-length cDNA of buffalo p53. Buffalo and human p53 proteins exhibit a high degree of structural and functional similarities. In transiently transfected H1299 cell line b-p53 appeared to be more sensitive to Mdm2-mediated degradation as compared to h-p53, although its ability to transactivate p21 promoter was stronger than that of the human counterpart. This higher transactivation ability of b-p53 was lost in the presence of h-p53 suggesting, a dominant-negative effect of h-p53 on b-p53’s transactivation of p21 promoter. Both human and buffalo p53 proteins could hetero-oligomerize but the b-p53 could tetramerize much faster than the h-p53. A chimeric cDNA construct of human p53 was made where the 1–260 bp N-terminus was replaced with buffalo p53 counterpart and expressed in H1299 cell line. The tetramerization ability of the chimeric p53 protein was comparable to that of h-p53. Properties of b-p53 like stronger p21 transactivation and super sensitivity to Mdm2 mediated degradation were lacking in the chimeric protein. Thus, it is suggested that faster ability of tetramerization as well as higher transactivation property of buffalo p53 is determined by the interplay of N- and C-terminal domains through macromolecular interactions.     

hsa-miR-342-3p生物信息学分析

通过生物信息学方法预测hsa-miR-342-3p靶基因及其功能机制。检索Pub Med有关hsa-miR-342-3p的研究报道并进行功能分析;检索miRBase获取hsa-miR-342-3p序列;通过Target Scan,Pictar和PITA数据库预测靶基因并取交集,对其进行组织和疾病特异性表达谱分析、功能富集分析(GO enrichment analysis)、信号转导通路富集分析(Pathway enrichment analysis)和蛋白质相互作用网络分析(PPI analysis)。结果发现:hsa-miR-342-3p序列在多物种间具有高度保守性;hsa-miR-342-3p在肾脏组织和急性淋巴细胞性白血病、乳腺癌疾病中表达水平较高(RPM≥1 000);预测得到14个hsa-miR-342-3p靶基因;靶基因分子功能分别富集于转化生长因子活性、DNA结合和蛋白激酶激活等(P0.05);hsa-miR-342-3p靶基因GO生物学过程主要集中于大分子代谢抑制,肺部组织发育、呼吸系统发育及管状组织发育建成(P0.05);细胞信号通路主要富集于TGF-Beta信号通路、细胞因子、受体作用信号通路及前列腺疾病信号通路(P0.01)。hsa-miR-342-3p在体内分布广泛,预测的靶向TGF-Beta信号通路可能在疾病发生中发挥重要调控作用,是具有潜在研究价值的生物学靶标。     

Regulation of NF-κB signaling by oxidized glycerophospholipid and IL-1β induced miRs-21-3p and -27a-5p in human aortic endothelial cells

Exposure of endothelial cells (ECs) to agents such as oxidized glycerophospholipids (oxGPs) and cytokines, known to accumulate in atherosclerotic lesions, perturbs the expression of hundreds of genes in ECs involved in inflammatory and other biological processes. We hypothesized that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in regulating the inflammatory response in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) in response to oxGPs and interleukin 1β (IL-1β). Using next-generation sequencing and RT-quantitative PCR, we characterized the profile of expressed miRNAs in HAECs pre- and postexposure to oxGPs. Using this data, we identified miR-21-3p and miR-27a-5p to be induced 3- to 4-fold in response to oxGP and IL-1β treatment compared with control treatment. Transient overexpression of miR-21-3p and miR-27a-5p resulted in the downregulation of 1,253 genes with 922 genes overlapping between the two miRNAs. Gene Ontology functional enrichment analysis predicted that the two miRNAs were involved in the regulation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling. Overexpression of these two miRNAs leads to changes in p65 nuclear translocation. Using 3′ untranslated region luciferase assay, we identified 20 genes within the NF-κB signaling cascade as putative targets of miRs-21-3p and -27a-5p, implicating these two miRNAs as modulators of NF-κB signaling in ECs.     

Circulating miRs-183-5p, -206-3p and -381-3p may serve as novel biomarkers for 4,4’-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate exposure

Background: Occupational exposure to the most widely used diisocyanate, 4,4’-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), is a cause of occupational asthma (OA). Early recognition of MDI exposure and sensitization is essential for the prevention of MDI-OA.

Objective: Identify circulating microRNAs (miRs) as novel biomarkers for early detection of MDI exposure and prevention of MDI-OA.

Materials and methods: Female BALB/c mice were exposed to one of three exposure regimens: dermal exposure to 1% MDI in acetone; nose-only exposure to 4580?±?1497?μg/m³ MDI-aerosol for 60?minutes; or MDI dermal exposure/sensitization followed by MDI-aerosol inhalation challenge. Blood was collected and miRCURY? miRs qPCR Profiling Service was used to profile circulate miRs from dermally exposed mice. Candidate miRs were identified and verified from mice exposed to three MDI-exposure regimens by TaqMan^® miR assays.

Results: Up/down-regulation patterns of circulating mmu-miRs-183-5p, -206-3p and -381-3p were identified and verified. Circulating mmu-miR-183-5p was upregulated whereas mmu-miRs-206-3p and -381-3p were downregulated in mice exposed via all three MDI exposure regimens.

Discussion and conclusion: Upregulation of circulating miR-183-5p along with downregulation of circulating miRs-206-3p and -381-3p may serve as putative biomarkers of MDI exposure and may be considered as potential candidates for validation in exposed human worker populations.     

Positional cloning of cDNAs from the human chromosome 3p21–22 region identifies a clustered organization of zinc-finger genes

The human 3p21-22 region is frequently involved in karyotype rearrangements associated with malignancies. The high frequency of allelic loss in this region has been associated with virtually all small cell lung carcinomas and many renal carcinomas. These findings suggest that at least one tumor-suppressor gene might be located in 3p21-22. We have recently reported the isolation of a 750-kb yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) contig from 3p21-22. Here, we describe three new genes isolated from the 3p YAC contig by using a cDNA hybridization selection. Remarkably, the three new genes encode zinc-finger proteins, indicating the presence of a cluster of zinc-finger genes in human chromosome 3p21.     

Partial trisomy of the short arm of chromosome 3 (3p25→3pter)

Summary Two profoundly mentally mentally retarded brothers with partial trisomy for the distal part of the short arm of chromosome 3 (3p253pter) are described. Their anomaly arose as a segregation product of a balanced t(3p-;18q+) translocation in the mother. Compared with the other cases of partial 3p trisomy reported up to now, the present patients display a similar craniofacial dysmorphism with hypertelorism, broad nasal tip, short upper lip with prominent philtrum, and a large mouth with down-turned corners. Other stigmata, such as a prominent, high forehead with frontal bossing and full cheeks, were present during childhood but progressively disappeared.     

Calpain regulates N-terminal interaction of GSK-3β with 14-3-3ζ, p53 and PKB but not with axin

Calpain produces a truncation of GSK3β that removes the N-terminal inhibitory domain. Here we analyze the effect of that truncation on protein-protein interaction. We pulled down GST-tagged proteins in the presence of full length GSK-3β and calpain-cleaved GSK-3β. Commercial GSK-3β was first incubated with calpain for 2.5 min in vitro, and then with GST-tagged proteins in the presence of calpeptin, a synthetic calpain inhibitor. Western blot analyses were performed to determine if there is an interaction between these GST-tagged proteins and truncated GSK-3β. Using axin GST-tagged, we pulled down the protein in the presence of full length GSK-3β and calpain-cleaved GSK-3β. Western blot analyses showed full length GSK-3β in the pellet as well GSK-3β cleaved by calpain. Thus axin was able to bind GSK-3β without the N-terminal end. When the same experiment was carried out with GST-tagged 14-3-3ζ, p53 and PKB, full length GSK-3β was observed in the pellet, but GSK-3β truncated by calpain was not pulled down demonstrating that GSK-3β N-terminal end is necessary to interact with these three proteins. Our data demonstrate that N-terminal end is necessary for 14-3-3ζ, p53 and PKB interaction. However, the interaction of GSK3β with axin is not altered by calpain. These data support a physiological role for GSK3β truncation mediated by calpain.     

Cwc21p promotes the second step conformation of the spliceosome and modulates 3′ splice site selection

Pre-mRNA splicing involves two transesterification steps catalyzed by the spliceosome. How RNA substrates are positioned in each step and the molecular rearrangements involved, remain obscure. Here, we show that mutations in PRP16, PRP8, SNU114 and the U5 snRNA that affect this process interact genetically with CWC21, that encodes the yeast orthologue of the human SR protein, SRm300/SRRM2. Our microarray analysis shows changes in 3′ splice site selection at elevated temperature in a subset of introns in cwc21Δ cells. Considering all the available data, we propose a role for Cwc21p positioning the 3′ splice site at the transition to the second step conformation of the spliceosome, mediated through its interactions with the U5 snRNP. This suggests a mechanism whereby SRm300/SRRM2, might influence splice site selection in human cells.     

Are p27 and p21 Cytoplasmic Oncoproteins?

By causing cytoplasmic mislocation of p27 and p21, the Akt oncogenic kinase functionally inactivates these nuclear tumor suppressor proteins. Is cytoplasmic localization of p27 and p21 simply equivalent to loss of their function or are new functions acquired in the cytoplasm? Indeed, several lines of evidence suggest that cytoplasmic p27 and p21 may be oncoproteins with antiapoptotic activities.     

Are p27 and p21 cytoplasmic oncoproteins?

By causing cytoplasmic mislocation of p27 and p21, the Akt oncogenic kinase functionally inactivates these nuclear tumor suppressor proteins. Is cytoplasmic localization of p27 and p21 simply equivalent to loss of their function or are new functions acquired in the cytoplasm? Indeed, several lines of evidence suggest that cytoplasmic p27 and p21 may be oncoproteins with antiapoptotic activities.     

24p3-24p3受体系统：一种新的铁转运途径

小鼠24p3是脂质运载蛋白lipocalin家族的成员之一,可在白介素3(interleukin-3,IL-3)缺乏时诱导细胞发生凋亡,并参与细胞的铁转运过程.最近,Devireddy等又成功克隆到了24p3的细胞表面受体(24p3 receptor,24p3R),进一步确定了24p3-24p3R这一新的铁转运途径.该途径的发现不仅增加了对铁转运理论新的认识,更重要的是,这一发现为铁代谢调控细胞凋亡理论的建立奠定了基础.     

Senescence—like changes induced by expression of p21^Waf1／Cip1 in NIH3T3 cell line

P21^Waf1/Cip1 is a potent cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor.As a downstream mediator of P53,P21^Waf1/Cip1 involves in cell cycle arrest,differentiation and apoptosis.Previous studies in human cells provided evidence for a link between P21^Waf1/Cip1 and cellular senescence.While in murine cells,the role of P21^Waf1/Cip1 is indefinite.We explored this issue using NIH3T3 cells with inducible P21^Waf1/Cip1 expression.Induc-tion of P21^Waf1/Cip1 triggered G1 growth arrest, and NIH3T3-p21 cells exhibited morphologic features,such as enlarged and flattened cellular shape,specific to the senescence phenotype.We also showed that P21^Waf1/Cip1-transduced NIH3T3 cells expressed β-galactosidase activity at pH6.0 ,which is known to be a marker of senescence.Our results suggest that P21^Waf1/Cip1 can also induce senescence-like changes in murine cells.     

Effects of activin and TGFβ on p21 in colon cancer

Activin and TGFβ share SMAD signaling and colon cancers can inactivate either pathway alone or simultaneously. The differential effects of activin and TGFβ signaling in colon cancer have not been previously dissected. A key downstream target of TGFβ signaling is the cdk2 inhibitor p21 (p21(cip1/waf1)). Here, we evaluate activin-specific effects on p21 regulation and resulting functions. We find that TGFβ is a more potent inducer of growth suppression, while activin is a more potent inducer of apoptosis. Further, growth suppression and apoptosis by both ligands are dependent on SMAD4. However, activin downregulates p21 protein in a SMAD4-independent fashion in conjunction with increased ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation to enhance migration, while TGFβ upregulates p21 in a SMAD4-dependent fashion to affect growth arrest. Activin-induced growth suppression and cell death are dependent on p21, while activin-induced migration is counteracted by p21. Further, primary colon cancers show differential p21 expression consistent with their ACVR2/TGFBR2 receptor status. In summary, we report p21 as a differentially affected activin/TGFβ target and mediator of ligand-specific functions in colon cancer, which may be exploited for future risk stratification and therapeutic intervention.     

Increased DNA breaks and up-regulation of both G1 and G2 checkpoint genes p21WAF1/CIP1 and 14-3-3 σ in circulating leukocytes of glaucoma patients and vasospastic individuals

Summary. Objective: Vascular disorder leading to local ischemia/reperfusion has been shown to play an important role in the glaucomatous damage. A decreased expression level of XPGC-gene has been found in circulating leukocytes of normal-tension glaucoma patients. Although decreased activity of XPGC-gene leads to insufficient DNA-repair, no leukopenia has been observed in glaucoma. Molecular mechanisms ensuring cell survival have not been elucidated yet for glaucoma with vascular disorder.Material and methods: Using the ex vivo optical imaging method of alkaline comet assay comparative quantification of DNA breaks was performed in circulating leukocytes of non-glaucomatous non-vasospastic and vasospastic individuals as well as both normal-tension and high-tension glaucoma patients. Relative expression levels of the anti-apoptotic factors P21^WAF1/CIP1 and 14-3-3 were investigated in all groups tested.Results and conclusions: The quantification of P21^WAF1/CIP1 showed the highest expression rates in high-tension glaucoma patients which were significantly higher than those in all other groups tested. The highest expression rates of 14-3-3 were found in both groups of glaucoma patients. These expression levels correlated well with DNA breaks measured. Since the expression of P21^WAF1/CIP1 in leukocytes was shown to be crucial for their survival under stress conditions, we suppose further that the up-regulation of this gene is the key event in the survival mechanisms of leukocytes in glaucoma accompanied with vascular disorder. The p21^WAF1/CIP1 gene should be further taken into consideration as a potential marker, the up-regulation of which in circulating leukocytes of vasospastic individuals may indicate an increased risk for the developing glaucoma.     

The effect of 1-β-d-arabinofuranosyl-cytosine on the expression of the common fragile site at 3p14

Summary The effect of the G₂-treatment of 1--d-arabino-furanosyl-cytosine (araC) on the expression of the common fragile site at 3p14 (FRA3B) was studied. A significantly increased frequency of FRA3B induced by G₂ treatment of araC was found in the lymphocytes grown in folate-deficient medium (positive rate 100%). A relatively low frequency of FRA3B was also induced in the cultures with folate in four of the seven subjects. These is a synergistic effect between araC and growth in folate-deficient medium on the induction of FRA3B. The results suggest that the DNA lesions related to the expression of FRA3B induce the long-patch repair and that the low DNA polymerase activity and inefficient repair process during G₂ phase is involved in the expression of FRA3B.     

NMR spectroscopy of 14-3-3ζ reveals a flexible C-terminal extension: differentiation of the chaperone and phosphoserine-binding activities of 14-3-3ζ

Intracellular 14-3-3 proteins bind to many proteins, via a specific phosphoserine motif, regulating diverse cellular tasks including cell signalling and disease progression. The 14-3-3ζ isoform is a molecular chaperone, preventing the stress-induced aggregation of target proteins in a manner comparable with that of the unrelated sHsps (small heat-shock proteins). 1H-NMR spectroscopy revealed the presence of a flexible and unstructured C-terminal extension, 12 amino acids in length, which protrudes from the domain core of 14-3-3ζ and is similar in structure and length to the C-terminal extension of mammalian sHsps. The extension stabilizes 14-3-3ζ, but has no direct role in chaperone action. Lys(49) is an important functional residue within the ligand-binding groove of 14-3-3ζ with K49E 14-3-3ζ exhibiting markedly reduced binding to phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated ligands. The R18 peptide binds to the binding groove of 14-3-3ζ with high affinity and also reduces the interaction of 14-3-3ζ ligands. However, neither the K49E mutation nor the presence of the R18 peptide affected the chaperone activity of 14-3-3ζ, implying that the C-terminal extension and binding groove of 14-3-3ζ do not mediate interaction with target proteins during chaperone action. Other region(s) in 14-3-3ζ are most likely to be involved, i.e. the protein's chaperone and phosphoserine-binding activities are functionally and structurally separated.     

人Xp21．1－p21．3上3．5MbYAC重叠群构建及物理图谱分析

用Ａｌｕ－ＰＣＲ指纹图谱法分析了人Ｘｐ２１．１－ｐ２１．３上一系列的酵母人工染色体（ｙｅａｓｔａｒｔｉｆｉｃｉａｌｃｈｒｏｍｏｓｏｍｅ,ＹＡＣ）克隆,发现其中的两个ＹＡＣ克隆构成包含ＤＸＳ１６６位点的重叠群,而且这一重叠群与以前构建的包含ＤＭＤ基因全序列的ＹＡＣ重叠群相连接,ＹＡＣ克隆末端探针交叉杂交证实了这一重叠,使这一ＹＡＣ重叠群至少延伸至ＤＸＳ１６６位点,形成一个跨度为３．５Ｍｂ的ＹＡＣ重叠群。基于这些重叠的ＹＡＣ克隆绘制了这一区域的大尺度限制酶切图谱,并在这一图谱上定位了ＤＸＳ１６６位点,从而确定了ＤＸＳ１６６位点与ＤＭＤ基因的物理关系。这一工作为ＤＭＤ基因的５＇远端调控作用研究及该区域未知基因的克隆奠定了基础。