Wnt信号通路在视网膜色素上皮发育中的作用

Wnt（wingless-type MMTV integration site family members）信号通路与细胞的发育分化密切相关,尤其对动物胚胎期中枢神经系统的发育至关重要。在眼的早期发育中,视泡背部视网膜色素上皮细胞（RPE）Wnt/βcatenin信号通路高度活跃,对神经视网膜及RPE的发育调控起重要作用。本文结合目前该领域研究进展,综合评述Wnt信号通路、Wnt蛋白家族以及Wnt信号通路与RPE发育的关系。     

ERK通路独立于RSK通路调节iPS细胞向内皮细胞分化

目的 研究ERK和RSK通路影响人诱导多能干细胞（human induced pluripotent stem cells,hiPSCs）向内皮细胞分化的机制，探索提高内皮分化效率的策略。方法 利用三阶段法诱导iPS细胞向内皮细胞分化，期间用qRT-PCR检测分化相关基因的表达，Western blot检测ERK通路活化情况，免疫荧光、成管实验验证细胞分化效果，用ERK和RSK抑制剂分别抑制两个通路，比较两个通路对iPS细胞向内皮分化的影响。结果 iPS细胞可成功诱导分化为内皮细胞；iPS细胞向内皮分化具有阶段性；抑制ERK通路后会明显降低内皮分化效率，促使其向平滑肌细胞分化；抑制RSK通路无明显影响。结论ERK通路是iPS细胞向内皮分化的重要信号通路，与RSK通路差异调控iPS细胞向内皮分化。     

诱导人脐带间充质干细胞分化为视网膜色素上皮样细胞的研究

目的：探讨用猪视网膜色素上皮细胞（RPE）条件培养基诱导hUCMSCs分化为RPE样细胞的方法。方法通过流式细胞技术鉴定hUCMSCs的表面标记分子;通过诱导hUCMSCs分化成为脂肪、骨和软骨细胞确定其多系分化能力;将hUCMSCs培养在猪RPE的条件培养液中并添加诱导因子来诱导hUCMSCs向RPE细胞分化。对照组与处理组Q-PCR结果采用t检验比较。结果 hUCMSCs表达CD105、CD90、CD73、CD44和CD29,但不表达CD34,CD45和MHCII等分子标记,在成脂、成骨、成软骨分化培养基中可分化为脂肪、骨和软骨细胞。单独使用猪RPE条件培养液不能有效诱导hUCMSCs向RPE细胞分化,但联合应用猪RPE条件培养液和诱导因子（视黄酸,activin-A和人重组骨形成蛋白-7）可有效诱导hUCMSCs分化为RPE样细胞,RPE细胞标记分子RPE65、Mitf和Ck8/18的基因表达量分别提高了2.1±0.4、6.8±1.3和2.5±0.3倍（P〈0.05）。诱导产生的RPE样细胞呈多边形,但不含色素颗粒。结论猪RPE条件培养液联合诱导因子可有效诱导hUCMSCs分化为RPE样细胞,可能会为治疗视网膜变性疾病提供合适的种子细胞。     

抑制mTOR信号通路可增强5-aza-dC对胃癌细胞生长的抑制作用

本实验主要研究哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白（mTOR）信号通路与DNA甲基化在人胃癌细胞生存活力、细胞周期、相关基因及蛋白表达方面的相互作用．分别单独或联合DNA甲基化酶抑制剂5-氮杂-2’-脱氧胞苷（5-aza-dC）、mTOR抑制剂雷帕霉素（rapamycin,RAPA）和P13K抑制剂LY294002干预人胃癌MKN45和SGC7901细胞,以MTT检测细胞生存活力,流式细胞术检测细胞周期,real-timePCR检测PTEN,p27^Kip1基因表达情况,亚硫酸氢盐修饰后测序检测DNA甲基化改变,蛋白免疫印迹检测相关蛋白表达情况．结果发现单独应用5-aza-dC对胃癌细胞的抑制作用不明显,当其联合mTOR信号通路抑制剂时则显著抑制胃癌细胞生长（P〈0．01）;抑制mTOR信号通路可增强5-aza-dC使细胞阻滞在G2期的作用;联合用药还能提高抑癌基因PTEN,p27^Kip1的表达,但不影响DNA甲基化状态;LY294002及RAPA使Akt,p70S6K及4E-BPl磷酸化表达显著下降（P〈0．01）,但5-aza-dE并不增强这一效应．以上研究提示mTOR信号通路抑制剂可间接促进DNA甲基化酶抑制剂对胃癌细胞的抑制作用,为肿瘤的治疗提供新思路．     

直接重整细胞核程序的诱导性多能干细胞研究进展

诱导性多能干细胞（induced pluripotent stem cells, iPS）是分化细胞在外源性因子作用下,经直接细胞核程序重整而重新获得分化潜能的干细胞,具有很重要的应用前景。介绍了iPS诱导方法从转录因子、RNA结合蛋白、小分子化合物、到信号传导通路的发展过程,以及在提高生物安全性方面的改进。iPS的生成在细胞学上表现为渐进的、时间依赖的过程,同细胞的分化状态密切相关;然而,iPS同胚胎干细胞表遗传特征并非完全相同。iPS的进展结合基因治疗和细胞治疗的成果已应用到动物疾病模型的治疗。     

靶向调控AKT/mTOR信号通路对骨肉瘤细胞MG63增殖、凋亡、自噬及成骨分化的影响

该文探究靶向调控AKT/mTOR信号通路后,对人骨肉瘤细胞株(MG63)增殖、凋亡、自噬及成骨分化的影响并探讨其机制。RT-PCR检测在不同恶性程度骨肉瘤细胞中AKT、mTOR基因表达的情况;选择靶向mTOR信号通路的抑制剂雷帕霉素和激活剂3-苄基-5-(2-硝基苯氧甲基)-γ-丁内酯(3-BDO),分别用CCK-8检测细胞增殖;DAPI染色、Annexin V-FITC/PI双染法检测凋亡;碱性磷酸酶(ALP)染色检测早期成骨能力;茜素红染色检测中晚期成骨能力;Western blot技术检测自噬相关蛋白及分化抑制因子(Id1)表达。结果显示,AKT/mTOR表达情况与骨肉瘤恶性程度有关;通过靶向抑制AKT/mTOR信号通路后,可抑制骨肉瘤细胞MG63增殖,促进凋亡,上调自噬水平,抑制其早、晚期成骨分化;靶向激活AKT/mTOR信号通路后,对骨肉瘤细胞MG63增殖、凋亡无明显影响,下调自噬水平,但可促进其早、晚期成骨分化。该研究表明,靶向调控AKT/mTOR信号通路与分化抑制因子(Id1)表达有关,可进一步阐明骨肉瘤发病机制,为诱导分化治疗提供理论依据。     

雷帕霉素对糖尿病肾病大鼠足细胞生物学行为及mTOR信号通路的影响

为了探究雷帕霉素对糖尿病肾病大鼠足细胞生物学行为及哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白（mammalian target of rapamycin,mTOR）信号通路的影响,采用链脲霉素腹腔注射构建糖尿病肾病大鼠模型,将正常大鼠体内取出的足细胞设为对照组,模型大鼠体内取出的足细胞设为糖尿病肾病模型组（DN组）,取2 mg·kg^-1雷帕霉素干预DN组足细胞,并将其设为雷帕霉素组（RAPA组）。采用3-（4,5-二甲基噻唑-2）-2,5-二苯基四氮唑溴盐[3-（4,5-dimethylthiahiazo-z-y1）-2,5-diphenytetrazoliumromide,MTT]法检测足细胞增殖水平,Transwell检测细胞迁移和侵袭能力,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡水平,Western blot法检测上皮-间充质转化标志物[E-钙黏蛋白（E-cadherin）、N-钙黏蛋白（N-cadherin）、波形纤维蛋白（vimentin）]、mTOR和核糖体S6激酶1（S6K1）蛋白表达水平。结果显示,与对照组相比,DN组细胞增殖水平显著被抑制,细胞迁移、侵袭水平显著升高,细胞凋亡率显著增加,上皮-间充转标志物E-cadherin表达显著下调,N-cadherin和Vimentin表达显著上调,mTOR/S6K1信号通路被显著活化（P<0.05）。与DN组相比,RAPA组细胞增殖水平显著升高,细胞迁移、侵袭水平显著降低,细胞凋亡率显著降低,E-cadherin表达显著上调,N-cadherin和Vimentin表达显著下调,mTOR和S6K1的蛋白表达显著被抑制（P<0.05）。结果表明,雷帕霉素通过抑制mTOR信号通路,促进足细胞体外增殖,抑制细胞迁移、侵袭、凋亡和上皮-间充质转化,发挥对糖尿病肾病大鼠足细胞的保护作用。     

调控睾丸支持细胞增殖和分化的信号通路研究进展

支持细胞是睾丸内的一类重要细胞,能为生精过程提供转运蛋白、调节蛋白、生长因子等数十种细胞因子,参与生精细胞成熟分化的调控,对睾丸内各级生殖细胞的迁移、增殖和分化具有重要的支持作用。研究表明,在Wnt/β-catenin信号通路中,关键蛋白β-catenin的适度激活能促进睾丸支持细胞的增殖、分化;在mTOR信号通路中,mTOR基因的缺失导致睾丸支持细胞的数量减少;在TGF-β信号通路中,不同浓度的TGF-β细胞因子影响睾丸支持细胞的增殖、分化。由此可见,Wnt/β-catenin信号通路、mTOR信号通路和TGF-β信号通路在睾丸支持细胞的增殖和分化中均具有重要的调控作用。对这三条信号通路调节支持细胞增殖分化的机制以及它们之间的相互作用作一综述,旨在为深入研究调控睾丸支持细胞增殖的信号机制提供理论依据,从而进一步为雄性生育的调控及生殖方面的疾病治疗提供新思路和新方法。     

抑制Hedgehog信号通路促进C3H10T1/2间充质干细胞成脂分化

激活Hedgehog信号通路可抑制间充质干细胞成脂分化,但抑制Hedgehog信号通路是否可促进脂肪细胞分化研究结果却并不一致.本研究采用环靶明诱导C3H10T1/2细胞成脂分化,并以国际公认的成脂诱导剂混合物（胰岛素、地塞米松、吲哚美辛和IBMX）诱导细胞分化作为参考. qRT-PCR结果显示,在10 μmol/L环靶明(cyclopamine)处理的C3H10T1/2细胞中,Hedgehog信号通路各基因相对表达量显著下降,而成脂分化调控基因PPARγ,C/EBPα和成脂分化标志基因FABP4相对表达量显著升高（P < 0.05). 与此一致,Western印迹结果表明,在环靶明处理的C3H10T1/2细胞中,Hedgehog信号通路中的Shh蛋白和Gli1蛋白表达水平显著下降,成脂分化相关的PPARγ、C/EBPα和FABP4蛋白表达水平显著升高（P < 0.05）. 此外,油红O染色方法证明,环靶明处理可诱导C3H10T1/2细胞成脂分化.以上研究结果提示,抑制Hedgehog信号通路对小鼠胚胎间充质干细胞的成脂分化具有促进作用,并可能为瘦肉型猪的培育和猪肉品质调控研究提供参考依据.     

FAK/mTOR信号通在肿瘤细胞中的调控作用

粘附斑激酶（focal adhesion kinase,FAK）是一种胞质非受体酪氨酸激酶,是整合素信号通路里一个重要的调节因子,在肿瘤细胞中高表达,与细胞迁移、粘附和侵袭有关。mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin)是非典型性的Ser/Thr激酶,属于PIKK（phosphatidylinositol kinase related kinase）超家族,介导营养信号调控细胞生长、分化及代谢等生理过程。近年的研究发现FAK通过三条途径与mTOR相关联,组成FAK/mTOR信号通路,在肿瘤细胞的增殖、迁移及肿瘤微环境中发挥着重要的调控作用。本文综述了FAK、mTOR和FAK/mTOR信号通路的特点及对肿瘤细胞调控作用的研究概况,为肿瘤治疗提供参考。     

MicroRNA Expression Profiles of Human iPS Cells,Retinal Pigment Epithelium Derived From iPS,and Fetal Retinal Pigment Epithelium

The objective of this report is to describe the protocols for comparing the microRNA (miRNA) profiles of human induced-pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) derived from human iPS cells (iPS-RPE), and fetal RPE. The protocols include collection of RNA for analysis by microarray, and the analysis of microarray data to identify miRNAs that are differentially expressed among three cell types. The methods for culture of iPS cells and fetal RPE are explained. The protocol used for differentiation of RPE from human iPS is also described. The RNA extraction technique we describe was selected to allow maximal recovery of very small RNA for use in a miRNA microarray. Finally, cellular pathway and network analysis of microarray data is explained. These techniques will facilitate the comparison of the miRNA profiles of three different cell types.     

多能干细胞分化来源视网膜色素上皮细胞移植治疗视网膜变性研究进展

视网膜色素上皮（RPE）对视觉功能的维持起着至关重要的作用。视网膜变性是全球不可治愈性致盲疾病的重要原因,它由视网膜色素上皮功能失常所引起。因此,视网膜色素上皮移植是视网膜变性患者恢复视力的一种最有前景的手段之一。随着干细胞技术的快速发展,从多能干细胞（PSC）到有功能的视网膜色素上皮细胞的体外分化诱导技术已经成熟,其中包括胚胎干细胞（ESCs）和诱导多能干细胞（iPSCs）等。此外,从患者特异性iPSCs分化而来的RPE更能用于阐明发病机理并有针对性地个体治疗。更值得一提的是,经诱导得到RPE的移植不论在动物模型中,还是在临床试验里都已经得到了可喜的治疗效果。本文回顾PSC来源RPE干预治疗视网膜变性的最新研究进展。     

Palmitoyl transferase activity of lecithin retinol acyl transferase

Lecithin retinol acyl transferase (LRAT) has the essential role of catalyzing the transfer of an acyl group from the sn-1 position of lecithin to vitamin A to generate all-trans-retinyl esters (tREs). In vitro studies had shown previously that LRAT also can exchange palmitoyl groups between RPE65, a tRE binding protein essential for vision, and tREs. This exchange is likely to be of regulatory significance in the operation of the visual cycle. In the current study, the substrate specificity of LRAT is explored with palmitoylated amino acids and dipeptides as RPE65 surrogates. Both O- and S-substituted palmitoylated analogues are excellent substrates for tLRAT, a readily expressed and readily purified form of LRAT. Using vitamin A as the palmitoyl acceptor, tREs are readily formed. The cognate of these reactions occurs in crude retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) membranes as well. RPE membranes containing LRAT transfer palmitoyl groups from radiolabeled [1-(14)C]-l-alpha-dipalmitoyl diphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) to RPE65. Palmitoyl transfer is abolished by preincubation with a specific LRAT antagonist both in membranes and with purified tLRAT. These experiments are consistent with an expanded role for LRAT function as a protein palmitoyl transferase.     

A palmitoylation switch mechanism in the regulation of the visual cycle

RPE65 is essential for the biosynthesis of 11-cis-retinal, the chromophore of rhodopsin. Here, we show that the membrane-associated form (mRPE65) is triply palmitoylated and is a chaperone for all-trans-retinyl esters, allowing their entry into the visual cycle for processing into 11-cis-retinal. The soluble form of RPE65 (sRPE65) is not palmitoylated and is a chaperone for vitamin A, rather than all-trans-retinyl esters. Thus, the palmitoylation of RPE65 controls its ligand binding selectivity. The two chaperones are interconverted by lecithin retinol acyl transferase (LRAT) acting as a molecular switch. Here mRPE65 is a palmitoyl donor, revealing a new acyl carrier protein role for palmitoylated proteins. When chromophore synthesis is not required, mRPE65 is converted into sRPE65 by LRAT, and further chromophore synthesis is blocked. The studies reveal new roles for palmitoylated proteins as molecular switches and LRAT as a palmitoyl transferase whose role is to catalyze the mRPE65 to sRPE65 conversion.     

Cleavage of Mer Tyrosine Kinase (MerTK) from the Cell Surface Contributes to the Regulation of Retinal Phagocytosis

Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages and spent photoreceptor outer segments (POS) by retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells requires several proteins, including MerTK receptors and associated Gas6 and protein S ligands. In the retina, POS phagocytosis is rhythmic, and MerTK is activated promptly after light onset via the αvβ5 integrin receptor and its ligand MFG-E8, thus generating a phagocytic peak. The phagocytic burst is limited in time, suggesting a down-regulation mechanism that limits its duration. Our previous data showed that MerTK helps control POS binding of integrin receptors at the RPE cell surface as a negative feedback loop. Our present results show that a soluble form of MerTK (sMerTK) is released in the conditioned media of RPE-J cells during phagocytosis and in the interphotoreceptor matrix of the mouse retina during the morning phagocytic peak. In contrast to macrophages, the two cognate MerTK ligands have an opposite effect on phagocytosis and sMerTK release, whereas the integrin ligand MFG-E8 markedly increases both phagocytosis and sMerTK levels. sMerTK acts as a decoy receptor blocking the effect of both MerTK ligands. Interestingly, stimulation of sMerTK release decreases POS binding. Conversely, blocking MerTK cleavage increased mostly POS binding by RPE cells. Therefore, our data suggest that MerTK cleavage contributes to the acute regulation of RPE phagocytosis by limiting POS binding to the cell surface.     

A cleavable affinity biotinylating agent reveals a retinoid binding role for RPE65

Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) membranes contain the full biochemical apparatus capable of processing all-trans-retinol (vitamin A) into 11-cis-retinal, the visual chromophore. As many of these proteins are integral membrane proteins and resistant to traditional methods of identification, alternate methods of identifying these proteins are sought. The approach described here involves affinity biotinylation with alkali cleavable linkers. A vitamin A containing affinity-labeling haloacetate is described which facilitates the identification of retinoid binding proteins (RBPs). Treatment of crude bovine RPE membranes with (3R)-3-[boc-lys(biotinyl)-O]-all-trans-retinol chloroacetate 1 in the low micromolar range led to the specific labeling of RPE65 and lecithin retinol acyltransferase (LRAT). Only RPE65 is labeled at 5 microM 1 at 4 degrees C. Labeled RPE65 was readily isolated by binding the labeled protein to avidin-containing beads, followed by cleavage of the protein from the beads at pH 11. Trypsin digestion of RPE65 modified by 1, followed by mass spectrometry, demonstrates that C231 and C448 are alkylated by 1. These studies validate the approach that was used, and furthermore demonstrate that RPE65, a major membrane-associated protein of the RPE, is a RBP.     

FATP1 Inhibits 11-cis Retinol Formation via Interaction with the Visual Cycle Retinoid Isomerase RPE65 and Lecithin:Retinol Acyltransferase

The isomerization of all-trans retinol (vitamin A) to 11-cis retinol in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a key step in the visual process for the regeneration of the visual pigment chromophore, 11-cis retinal. LRAT and RPE65 are recognized as the minimal isomerase catalytic components. However, regulators of this rate-limiting step are not fully identified and could account for the phenotypic variability associated with inherited retinal degeneration (RD) caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene. To identify new RPE65 partners, we screened a porcine RPE mRNA library using a yeast two-hybrid assay with full-length human RPE65. One identified clone (here named FATP1c), containing the cytosolic C-terminal sequence from the fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1 or SLC27A1, solute carrier family 27 member 1), was demonstrated to interact dose-dependently with the native RPE65 and with LRAT. Furthermore, these interacting proteins colocalize in the RPE. Cellular reconstitution of human interacting proteins shows that FATP1 markedly inhibits 11-cis retinol production by acting on the production of all-trans retinyl esters and the isomerase activity of RPE65. The identification of this new visual cycle inhibitory component in RPE may contribute to further understanding of retinal pathogenesis.