p38 MAPKs在细胞周期调控中的作用

p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(mitogen-activated protein kinases,MAPKs)作为MAPK家族的成员,传统认为它主要参与调控细胞应激反应和免疫反应。近年来发现它还参与调控细胞的增殖、凋亡和分化。在不同应激刺激下,p38 MAPKs通过多条信号转导通路作用于细胞周期的各个检验点,抑制细胞增殖,阻滞细胞于不同周期。     

A divalent FHA/BRCT‐binding mechanism couples the MRE11–RAD50–NBS1 complex to damaged chromatin

The MRE11–RAD50–NBS1 (MRN) complex accumulates at sites of DNA double‐strand breaks in large chromatin domains flanking the lesion site. The mechanism of MRN accumulation involves direct binding of the Nijmegen breakage syndrome 1 (NBS1) subunit to phosphorylated mediator of the DNA damage checkpoint 1 (MDC1), a large nuclear adaptor protein that interacts directly with phosphorylated H2AX. NBS1 contains an FHA domain and two BRCT domains at its amino terminus. Here, we show that both of these domains participate in the interaction with phosphorylated MDC1. Point mutations in key amino acid residues of either the FHA or the BRCT domains compromise the interaction with MDC1 and lead to defects in MRN accumulation at sites of DNA damage. Surprisingly, only mutation in the FHA domain, but not in the BRCT domains, yields a G2/M checkpoint defect, indicating that MDC1‐dependent chromatin accumulation of the MRN complex at sites of DNA breaks is not required for G2/M checkpoint activation.     

Mismatch repair-mediated G2/M arrest by 6-thioguanine involves the ATR-Chk1 pathway

DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency in human cancers is associated with resistance to a spectrum of clinically active chemotherapy drugs, including 6-thioguanine (6-TG). We and others have shown that 6-TG-induced DNA mismatches result in a prolonged G2/M cell cycle arrest followed by apoptosis in MMR(+) human cancer cells, although the signaling pathways are not clearly understood. In this study, we found that prolonged (up to 4 days) treatment with 6-TG (3microM) resulted in a progressive phosphorylation of Chk1 and Chk2 in MMR(+) HeLa cells, correlating temporally with a drug-induced G2/M arrest. Transfection of HeLa cells with small interfering RNA (siRNA) against the ataxia telangiectasia-related (ATR) kinase or against the Chk1 kinase destroyed the G2/M checkpoint and enhanced the apoptosis following 6-TG treatment. On the other hand, the induction of a G2/M population by 6-TG was similar in ATM(-/-) and ATM(+) human fibroblasts, suggesting that the ATM-Chk2 pathway does not play a major role in this 6-TG response. Our results indicate that 6-TG DNA mismatches activate the ATR-Chk1 pathway in the MMR(+) cells, resulting in a G2/M checkpoint response     

Assessment of Anti-recombination and Double-strand Break-induced Gene Conversion in Human Cells by a Chromosomal Reporter

Gene conversion is one of the frequent end results of homologous recombination, and it often underlies the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes in cancer cells. Here, we have developed an integrated assay system that allows simultaneous examination of double-strand break (DSB)-induced gene conversion events at the site of a DSB (proximal region) and at a surrounding region ～1 kb away from the break (distal region). Utilizing this assay system, we find that gene conversion events at the proximal and distal regions are relatively independent of one another. The results also indicate that synthesis-dependent strand annealing (SDSA) plays a major role in DSB-induced gene conversion. In addition, our current study has demonstrated that hMLH1 plays an essential role in anti-recombination and gene conversion. Specifically, the anti-recombination activity of hMLH1 is partially dependent on its interaction with hMRE11. Our data suggests that the role of hMLH1 and hMRE11 in the process of gene conversion is complex, and these proteins play different roles in DSB-induced proximal and distal gene conversions. In particular, the involvement of hMLH1 and hMRE11 in the distal gene conversion requires both hMSH2 and heteroduplex formation.     

Physical interactions between the Alg1, Alg2, and Alg11 mannosyltransferases of the endoplasmic reticulum

The early steps of N-linked glycosylation involve the synthesis of a lipid-linked oligosaccharide, Glc(3)Man(9)GlcNAc(2)-PP-dolichol, on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. Prior to its lumenal translocation and transfer to nascent glycoproteins, mannosylation of Man(5)GlcNAc(2)-PP-dolichol is catalyzed by the Alg1, Alg2, and Alg11 mannosyltransferases. We provide evidence for a physical interaction between these proteins. Using a combination of biochemical and genetic assays, two distinct complexes that contain multiple copies of Alg1 were identified. The two Alg1-containing complexes differ from one another in that one complex contains Alg2 and the other contains Alg11. Alg1 self-assembles through a C-terminal domain that is distinct from the region required for its association with Alg2 or Alg11. Missense mutations affecting catalysis but not Alg1 protein stability or assembly with Alg2 or Alg11 were also identified. Overexpression of these catalytically inactive alleles resulted in dominant negative phenotypes, providing genetic evidence for functional Alg1-containing complexes in vivo. These data suggest that an additional level of regulation that ensures the fidelity of complex oligosaccharide structures involves the physical association of the related catalytic enzymes in the ER membrane.     

错配修复蛋白hMSH2、hMLH1在涎腺粘液表皮样癌中的表达

目的:探讨人类错配修复基因2 the human mutS homolog 2(hMSH2)人类错配修复基因1human mutL homolog 1(hMLH1)在涎腺粘液表皮样癌(salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma-SMEC)表达水平及临床病理意义。重点研究人类错配修复基因2和人类错配修复基因1与目标肿瘤发生的相关性。方法:采用HE染色方法筛选共计47例典型病例,采用免疫组织化学染色分析37例SMEC、10例正常组织涎腺中hMSH2、hMLH1的表达水平,结合计算机辅助高清晰图像分析处理技术做出综合评价。结果:hMLH1的表达与SMEC分化呈负相关(P0.05);hMLH1的低表达或表达缺失在低分化的SMEC中较普遍,在中分化和高分化中表达逐步增强;hMSH2的表达与SMEC分化不相关(P0.05)。结论:hMSH2、hMLH1异常表达与涎腺黏液表皮样的发生、演进存在相关性,以hMLH1、hMSH2为切入点为涎腺黏液表皮样癌治疗与预防提供参考依据。     

hMLH1、P27、P53的表达及其在宫颈癌发病中的意义

目的 了解宫颈癌中hMLH1、P27、P53表达情况及其与宫颈癌发生和发展的关系.方法 采用免疫组织化学技术SP法检测临床资料较完整的72例子宫颈鳞癌和31例慢性宫颈炎组织hMLH1、P27、P53蛋白表达.结果 （1）hMLH1在宫颈炎及宫颈癌组的表达率分别为61.3%和58.3%,差异无显著性（P＞0.05）;hM-LH1在宫颈癌各期中表达率分别为Ⅰ期60.0%,Ⅱ期52.6%,Ⅲ期33.3%,差异无显著性（P＞0.05）;hMLH1表达率与宫颈癌分级无关（P＞0.05）;（2）P27在宫颈炎及宫颈癌组的表达率分别为74.2%%和76.4%,差异无显著性（P＞0.05）;P27的表达率与宫颈癌分级和分期无关（P＞0.05）;（3）P53在宫颈炎及宫颈癌组的表达率分别为32.3%和65.3%,差异有显著性（P＜0.05）;P53在宫颈癌各级中的表达率分别为Ⅰ级36.4%,Ⅱ级73.0%,Ⅲ级67.9%,Ⅰ级与Ⅱ、Ⅲ级的表达率差异有显著性（P＜0.05）;P53表达率与宫颈癌分期无关（P＜0.05）;（4）hMLH1表达阳性与阴性的宫颈癌中P27的表达率为94.6%和60.0%,差异有显著性（P＜0.05）;P53的表达率为62.8%和62.1%,差异无显著性（P＞0.05）.结论 P53基因突变与宫颈癌的发生和组织分化程度有关;hMLH1与P27表达缺失和宫颈癌发生的关系尚不确切.hMLH1可能使宫颈癌中P27表达上调,而对p53基因突变累积无明显抑制作用.     

hMLH1基因启动子CpG岛甲基化致MSI与肿瘤的关系

通过人类错配修复基因( hMLHl)启动子CpG岛甲基化与微卫星不稳定性(MSI)的分析,探讨癌症发病的机制.错配修复基因hMLH1启动子CpG岛甲基化是hMLH1基因失活的重要机制,而hMLH1的表达失活则可导致MSI的产生,促进癌症的发生.根据一系列研究得出结论,在肿瘤组织中hMLH1基因启动子CpG岛甲基化和微卫星不稳定(MSI)有显著相关性,并在癌症早期发生、发展过程中起重要作用.因此临床检测hMLH1基因启动子CpG岛甲基化及微卫星不稳定可能成为癌症鉴别诊断、评价预后、指导化疗的分子标志物之一.     

Exploring QSAR for CYP11B2 binding affinity and CYP11B2/CYP11B1 selectivity of diverse functional compounds using GFA and G/PLS techniques

A data set of a series of 132 structurally diverse compounds with cytochrome 11B2 and 11B1 (CYP11B2 and CYP11B1) enzyme inhibitory activities was subjected to molecular shape analysis to explore contributions of shape features as well as electronic, structural, and physicochemical parameters toward enzyme inhibitory activities, in search of appropriate molecular scaffolds with optimum substitutions for highly potent CYP11B2 inhibitors. Genetic function approximation (GFA) and genetic partial least squares (G/PLS) were used as chemometric tools for modeling, and the derived equations were of acceptable statistical quality considering both internal and external validation parameters (Q²: 0.514–0.659, R²_pred: 0.510–0.734). The G/PLS models with spline option for CYP11B2 and CYP11B1 inhibition and selectivity modeling appeared to be the best models based on r_m²_(overall) criterion. The study indicates the importance of the pyridinylnaphthalene and pyridylmethylene-indane scaffolds with less polar and electrophilic substituents for optimum CYP11B2 inhibitory activity and CYP11B2/CYP11B1 selectivity.     

脑胶质瘤患者组织和血清MGMT、hMLH1和hMSH2基因启动子甲基化状态检测

目的探讨脑胶质瘤患者组织和血清中MGMT、hMLH1和hMSH2基因启动子CpG岛甲基化发生率及相关性。方法甲基化特异性PCR（MSP）检测39例脑胶质瘤组织样本及32例预处理的脑胶质瘤血清样本中MGMT、hMLH1和hMSH2基因启动子区的甲基化状态。结果脑胶质瘤组织MGMT、hMLH1和hMSH2基因启动子区甲基化发生率分别为46．2％、10．3％和20．5％,肿瘤组织中至少有一种基因甲基化的发生率为64．1％（25／39）;在脑胶质瘤患者外周循环血液中检测到了相关基因甲基化系列,并且与组织中基因甲基化发生率明显相关。结论MGMT、hMLH1和hMSH2基因启动子甲基化是脑胶质瘤发生过程中常见的分子事件,血清中相关基因DNA甲基化检测有可能为脑胶质瘤诊断和个体化化疗提供一种稳定的无创性检测指标。     

Ca2+ responses to thyrotropin-releasing hormone and angiotensin II: the role of plasma membrane integrity and effect of G11alpha protein overexpression on homologous and heterologous desensitization

The molecular mechanisms involved in GPCR-initiated signaling cascades where the two receptors share the same signaling cascade, such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and angiotensin II (ANG II), are still far from being understood. Here, we analyzed hormone-induced Ca(2+) responses and the process of desensitization in HEK-293 cells, which express endogenous ANG II receptors. These cells were transfected to express exogenously high levels of TRH receptors (clone E2) or both TRH receptors and G(11)alpha protein (clone E2M11). We observed that the characteristics of the Ca(2+) response, as well as the process of desensitization, were both strongly dependent on receptor number and G(11)alpha protein level. Whereas treatment of E2 cells with TRH or ANG II led to significant desensitization of the Ca(2+) response to subsequent addition of either hormone, the response was not desensitized in E2M11 cells expressing high levels of G(11)alpha. In addition, stimulation of both cell lines with THR elicited a clear heterologous desensitization to subsequent stimulation with ANG II. On the other hand, ANG II did not affect a subsequent response to TRH. ANG II-mediated signal transduction was strongly dependent on plasma membrane integrity modified by cholesterol depletion, but signaling through TRH receptors was altered only slightly under these conditions. It may be concluded that the level of expression of G-protein-coupled receptors and their cognate G-proteins strongly influences not only the magnitude of the Ca(2+) response but also the process of desensitization and resistance to subsequent hormone addition.     

The intragenic suppressor mutation Leu59Phe compensates for the effect of detrimental mutations in the jasmonate receptor COI1

The phytohormones jasmonates (JAs) control plant development, growth, and defense against insects and pathogens. The Arabidopsis JA receptor Coronatine Insensitive 1 (COI1) interacts with ARABIDOPSIS SKP-LIKE1 (ASK1)/ASK2 to form the SCF^COI1 E3 ligase and mediate JA responses. Here, we performed a genetic suppressor screen using the leaky coi1-2 (COI1^Leu245Phe) mutant for restored sensitivity to JA, and identified the intragenic suppressor mutation Leu59Phe, which was in the region connecting the F-box and leucine-rich repeats domains of COI1. The L59F substitution not only restores the COI1^L245F function, but also the COI1^Gly434Glu (coi1-22^rsp) function in JA responses, through recovering their interactions with ASK1 or ASK2 and their protein levels. The L59F change itself could not enhance the interactions between COI1 and ASK1/2, nor affect JA responses. The present study reveals that the Leu59Phe substitution compensates for the effect of some deleterious mutations in the JA receptor COI1.     

Mitotic entry: The interplay between Cdk1, Plk1 and Bora

Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is an important mitotic kinase that is crucial for entry into mitosis after recovery from DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest. Plk1 activation is promoted by the conserved protein Bora (SPAT-1 in C. elegans), which stimulates the phosphorylation of a conserved residue in the activation loop by the Aurora A kinase. In a recent article published in Cell Reports, we show that the master mitotic kinase Cdk1 contributes to Plk1 activation through SPAT-1/Bora phosphorylation. We identified 3 conserved Sp/Tp residues that are located in the N-terminal, most conserved part, of SPAT-1/Bora. Phosphorylation of these sites by Cdk1 is essential for Plk1 function in mitotic entry in C. elegans embryos and during DNA damage checkpoint recovery in mammalian cells. Here, using an untargeted Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) biosensor to monitor Plk1 activation, we provide additional experimental evidence supporting the importance of these phosphorylation sites for Plk1 activation and subsequent mitotic entry after DNA damage. We also briefly discuss the mechanism of Plk1 activation and the potential role of Bora phosphorylation by Cdk1 in this process. As Plk1 is overexpressed in cancer cells and this correlates with poor prognosis, understanding how Bora contributes to Plk1 activation is paramount for the development of innovative therapeutical approaches.     

Pro-apoptotic effect and cytotoxicity of genistein and genistin in human ovarian cancer SK-OV-3 cells

We investigated the effects of genistein and genistin on proliferation and apoptosis of human ovarian SK-OV-3 cells and explored the mechanism for these effects. SK-OV-3 cells were treated with genistein and genistin at various concentrations (ranging from 1 to 100 muM) either alone or in combination for 24 and 48 h. Cell proliferation was estimated using an MTT assay, and cell cycle arrest was evaluated using FACS. Caspase-3 activity and annexin-based cell cycle analysis were used as measures of apoptosis. In addition, genistein- and genistin-induced cytotoxicity was determined by measuring release of LDH. Genistein treatment for 24 or 48 h substantially inhibited SK-OV-3 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, and genistin treatment for 48 h also inhibited cell proliferation. Genistein caused cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in dose- and time-dependent manner, and genistin caused cell cycle arrest not only at G2/M phase but also at G1 phase. Genistein markedly induced apoptosis and significantly increased LDH release, whereas genistin did not affect LDH release. Moreover, exposure to both genistein and genistin in combination for 48 h induced apoptosis without increasing LDH release. Genistein and genistin inhibit cell proliferation by disrupting the cell cycle, which is strongly associated with the arrest induction of either G1 or G2/M phase and may induce apoptosis. Based on our findings, we speculate that both genistein and genistin may prove useful as anticancer drugs and that the combination of genistein and genistin may have further anticancer activity.     

The positive circadian regulators CLOCK and BMAL1 control G2/M cell cycle transition through Cyclin B1

We previously identified a tight bidirectional phase coupling between the circadian clock and the cell cycle. To understand the role of the CLOCK/BMAL1 complex, representing the main positive regulator of the circadian oscillator, we knocked down Bmal1 or Clock in NIH3T3^3C mouse fibroblasts (carrying fluorescent reporters for clock and cell cycle phase) and analyzed timing of cell division in individual cells and cell populations. Inactivation of Bmal1 resulted in a loss of circadian rhythmicity and a lengthening of the cell cycle, originating from delayed G2/M transition. Subsequent molecular analysis revealed reduced levels of Cyclin B1, an important G2/M regulator, upon suppression of Bmal1 gene expression. In complete agreement with these experimental observations, simulation of Bmal1 knockdown in a computational model for coupled mammalian circadian clock and cell cycle oscillators (now incorporating Cyclin B1 induction by BMAL1) revealed a lengthening of the cell cycle. Similar data were obtained upon knockdown of Clock gene expression. In conclusion, the CLOCK/BMAL1 complex controls cell cycle progression at the level of G2/M transition through regulation of Cyclin B1 expression.     

The hMLH1 promoter polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility in Asian populations: A meta-analysis

Background

A variety of studies have evaluated the associations between polymorphisms in the promoter regions of the hMLH1 and cancer risk. However, the results remain inconclusive. To better understand the roles of the hMLH1 polymorphisms and cancer risk, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to investigate the association between the hMLH1 − 93G/A and 1151T/A (Val384Asp) polymorphisms and cancer risk in Asian population.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis by conducting searches of the published studies in Pub Med, CNKI, CBM, ISI web of knowledge and Google scholar search databases. Finally, 12 studies were included into our meta-analysis. Overall and subgroup analyses were performed. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the associations between hMLH1 polymorphisms and cancer risk. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.0.

Results

Twelve studies addressing two hMLH1 polymorphisms were analyzed among a total of 4128 cancer cases and 4678 controls. For hMLH1 − 93G/A, there was no evidence that the hMLH1 − 93G/A polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased cancer risk (P > 0.05) in Asian populations (heterozygote comparison: OR = 0.89 [95% CI (0.75, 1.060)] P = 0.20; dominant model comparison: OR = 0.98 [95% CI (0.83, 1.15)] P = 0.79). In subgroup analysis based on cancer types and the sources of control, no associations were found in colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and “other cancers” under the any gene model except for lung cancer (recessive model comparison: OR = 1.69 [95% CI (1.30, 2.19)] P < 0.0001). For hMLH1 1151T/A, the polymorphism significantly associated with an increased cancer risk in Asians: OR = 1.88 [95% CI (1.49, 2.25)], P < 0.0001, and OR = 1.87 [95% CI (1.49, 2.25)], P < 0.0001.

Conclusions

Our investigations demonstrated that the hMLH1 − 93G/A polymorphism is not a candidate for susceptibility to overall cancers, and that the hMLH1 1151T/A polymorphism is significantly associated with higher cancer risk in Asian populations. Further studies with large sample size for hMLH1 should be conducted.