核糖核酸酶5在宿主防御中的作用及机制

抗菌肽是机体天然免疫的重要组成部分。核糖核酸酶5（ribonuclease5,RNASE5;又名angiogenin）属于核糖核酸酶A超家族,是一个分泌型小分子蛋白质,广泛分布于机体需要抵御外界病原微生物的组织中。RNASE5对病毒、细菌以及真菌都存在抑制效应,具有广谱抗菌特点,但其表达和活性受到宿主生理状态和外界环境多层次的调控。RNASE5存在多样的抗微生物作用机制,其带正电荷的理化特性破坏微生物细胞壁,而其核糖核酸酶活性则是杀伤真菌所必须的。除了直接作用于微生物外,RNASE5还可作为重要因子调节宿主免疫功能,参与多种病理过程。本文综述了RANSE5的结构、生物活性与功能、作用特点与机制,并讨论了在其研究中存在的问题,以期为今后的研究提供新思路和新方向。     

Atomic Force Microscopy Characterization of Protein Fibrils Formed by the Amyloidogenic Region of the Bacterial Protein MinE on Mica and a Supported Lipid Bilayer

Amyloid fibrils play a crucial role in many human diseases and are found to function in a range of physiological processes from bacteria to human. They have also been gaining importance in nanotechnology applications. Understanding the mechanisms behind amyloid formation can help develop strategies towards the prevention of fibrillation processes or create new technological applications. It is thus essential to observe the structures of amyloids and their self-assembly processes at the nanometer-scale resolution under physiological conditions. In this work, we used highly force-sensitive frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM) to characterize the fibril structures formed by the N-terminal domain of a bacterial division protein MinE in solution. The approach enables us to investigate the fibril morphology and protofibril organization over time progression and in response to changes in ionic strength, molecular crowding, and upon association with different substrate surfaces. In addition to comparison of the fibril structure and behavior of MinE^1-31 under varying conditions, the study also broadens our understanding of the versatile behavior of amyloid-substrate surface interactions.     

Analysis of the interactions of multicomponents in Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. with human serum albumin using on-line dialysis coupled with HPLC

Interactions of three iridoid glycosides extracted from Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. (CIG) with protein were simultaneously explored by on-line dialysis sampling coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (DS-HPLC). Three main compounds in CIG were unequivocally identified as loganin, sweroside and cornuside by comparing their t(R), MS data and UV spectra with those of reference compounds. Dialysis recoveries and quantitative characteristics of DS-HPLC for three iridoid glycosides were determined. Recoveries of dialysis sampling ranged from 73.9 to 91.7% with the RSD below 3.0%. Based on the determination of concentrations before and after interaction with human serum albumin (HSA), the binding parameters of loganin, sweroside and cornuside with HSA were obtained and the binding mechanisms were investigated.     

The N-terminal amphipathic helix of the topological specificity factor MinE is associated with shaping membrane curvature

Pole-to-pole oscillations of the Min proteins in Escherichia coli are required for the proper placement of the division septum. Direct interaction of MinE with the cell membrane is critical for the dynamic behavior of the Min system. In vitro, this MinE-membrane interaction led to membrane deformation; however, the underlying mechanism remained unclear. Here we report that MinE-induced membrane deformation involves the formation of an amphipathic helix of MinE(2-9), which, together with the adjacent basic residues, function as membrane anchors. Biochemical evidence suggested that the membrane association induces formation of the helix, with the helical face, consisting of A2, L3, and F6, inserted into the membrane. Insertion of this helix into the cell membrane can influence local membrane curvature and lead to drastic changes in membrane topology. Accordingly, MinE showed characteristic features of protein-induced membrane tubulation and lipid clustering in in vitro reconstituted systems. In conclusion, MinE shares common protein signatures with a group of membrane trafficking proteins in eukaryotic cells. These MinE signatures appear to affect membrane curvature.     

Blastocysts cloned from the Putian Black pig ear tissues frozen without cryoprotectant at -80 and -196 degrees Celsius for 3 yrs

The Putian Black pig, as one of elite cultivars of endemic species in China, has been on the verge of extinction and urgently needs protection. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and noncryoprotected frozen tissue technology have successfully resurrected several mammalian species. Therefore, this study explored the primary feasibility of conserving this breed using a combination of both technologies. Skin tissues obtained from the ears of adult Putian Black boars were frozen without cryoprotectant at −20, −80, or −196 °C and stored for 3 yrs. Primary cell culture, passage and subculture were performed on frozen samples after being rapidly thawed at 39 °C and on fresh pig ear tissues (control). Cloned embryos were reconstructed using fibroblasts (from frozen and fresh tissues) with enucleated oocytes. Live cell lines were obtained from tissues frozen at −80 and at −196 °C and appeared to have normal proliferative activity after passage; furthermore, they directed cloned embryos to develop to the blastocyst stage after nuclear transfer. We concluded that the population of Putian Black pig might be increased in the future by transferring cloned blastocysts into synchronized recipient pigs.     

2010年7～12月肠道病毒B组河南株的血清学分布

本文对河南省2010年7~12月的HFMD监测标本进行了肠道病毒B组的血清型分布研究。来自HFMD病例的阳性病毒分离物进行分子分型方法鉴定并进行VP1完整编码区核苷酸序列测定和分析。所获VP1全序与其他B组各基因型代表株和中国大陆株进行比较并构建系统发生树。共获得14株HEV-B河南株,分为E1、E6 、E11、 E13、 E25、 E30共6个血清型。VP1系统进化分析显示2010年河南HEV-B分离株与原型株亲缘关系较远,E25、E11和E6均与山东株亲缘关系最近,E1和E13均与云南株亲缘关系最近,E30与2008年河南株亲缘关系最近。E6病毒存在两种基因型的共循环现象。     

Studies on the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti pyretic effects of Isatis indigotica root.

The root of Isatis indigotica (Cruciferae), popularly known as Ban-Lan-Gen is used in traditional Chinese medicine for seasonal febrile diseases, pestilence, mumps, eruptive diseases, inflammatory diseases with redness of skin, sore throat, etc. In this study, we evaluated the antinociceptive, antiinflammatory and antipyretic effects of Isatis indigotica root methanolic extract. The results showed that Isatis indigotica root extract significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the writhing responses of mice and decreased the licking time in both the early and late phases of the formalin test. It also reduced the paw edema induced by carrageenan in rats. In addition, it potently attenuated pyrexia induced by lipopolysaccharide.     

Peritumoral Small EphrinA5 Isoform Level Predicts the Postoperative Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

EphrinA5, a member of Eph/Ephrin family, possesses two alternative isoforms, large ephrinA5 isoform (ephrinA5L) and small ephrinA5 isoform (ephrinA5S). EphrinA5L is a putative tumor suppressor in several types of human cancers. However, the role of ephrinA5S in hepato-carcinogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we evaluate the role of ephrinA5 isoforms in human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC).

Methodology/Principal Findings

A total of 142 paired HCCs and peritumoral liver tissue was examined for relative expression of ephrinA5L and ephrinA5S by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We analyzed their expression in relation to clinical parameters, disease-free survival and overall survival. Functional assays were performed to dissect the possible underlying mechanisms. Both ephrinA5L and ephrinA5S were significantly downregulated in HCCs, as compared to those in peritumoral tissue (p = 0.013 and 0.001). Univariate analysis demonstrated that ephrinA5S was positively correlated with old age and histological grade. In multivariate analysis, high ephrinA5S expression in peritumoral tissue had better disease-free survival (p = 0.002) and overall survival (p = 0.045) in patients with HCC after surgical resection. Functional analysis in HCC cell lines revealed that ephrinA5S had a more potent suppressive effect than ephrinA5L on cell proliferation (p<0.05) and migration (p<0.01). Furthermore, forced expression of both ephrinA5 isoforms in HCC cell lines significantly down-regulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression by promoting c-Cbl-mediated EGFR degradation.

Conclusions/Significance

EphrinA5S might be a useful prognostic biomarker for HCCs after surgical resection. EphrinA5, especially ephrinA5S, acts as a tumor suppressor in hepatocarcinogenesis. Peritumoral small ephrinA5 isoform level could determine the postoperative survival in hepatocellular carcinoma.     

应用溶血指数探讨溶血对多个生化项目的干扰情况

目的:探讨标本溶血对生化项目检测结果的影响,并使用溶血指数对影响程度进行量化,并探讨其临床意义。方法:总蛋白(TP)、尿酸(UA)、肌酸激酶(CK)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、总胆红素(TBIL)均参考美国临床实验室标准化委员会(CLSI)制定的评价方案EP7-A2文件的标准程序,每个项目收集20份新鲜混合血清(TBIL<17.1μmol/L和TBIL>150μmol/L分别收集),包括参考值范围内的10份、低值和高值各5份,每份新鲜混合血清用3~4份入选血样混合成约8 mL。每份新鲜混合血清分成若干份,分别与洗涤好红细胞配制的溶血液制成5个不同浓度的溶血模型(试验组)及与之配对的无溶血模型(对照组),然后分别测定试验组、对照组及分出的1份混合血清原样的血红蛋白浓度,并在罗氏cobasC501全自动生化分析仪上测定3次所需项目和溶血指数,计算血红蛋白浓度与溶血指数之间的关系,以及溶血对TP、UA、CK、LDH、TBIL检测结果影响的大小。参考EP7-A2文件的统计方法,计算最大允许偏差对应的干扰物浓度,以每份测试混合血清的溶血指数为x轴、其对应的检测项目变化值(干扰值)为y轴绘制干扰曲线。结果:对每项目20份混合血清的660个测试、5个项目3960检测结果用假设检验统计,TP、CK、LDH、TBIL(<17.1μmol/L和>150μmol/L)的μ值分别为4.42、2.34、2.20、2.76、2.93,P值均小于0.05,说明溶血对TP、UA、CK、LDH、TBIL均存在显著干扰。通过回归分析统计出不同溶血程度的溶血指数值对应的干扰变化值的干扰剂量反应曲线。TP、CK、LDH、TBIL的干扰剂量回归方程分别为y=0.0099x-0.065、y=0.1001x-2.42、y=1.1406x-1.3303、y=1.78×10-5x2-0.011x-0.235、y=1.88×10-5x2-0.048x-4.169。从干扰剂量反应曲线可看出溶血对LDH、CK、TP检测产生正干扰,对TBIL检测产生负干扰。同时发现溶血对UA结果的干扰很不稳定,即溶血对尿酸检测结果存在正干扰及负干扰,这一结果得到相关文献印证。结论:溶血指数可作为标本是否合格的客观指标,避免主观判断的误差;利用测得的溶血指数,可从干扰剂量曲线或回归方程求出检测结果的变化值,使临床通过干扰曲线判断溶血对检测项目产生的影响,从而做出准确客观的判断。     

原发性肝癌标志物的实验室研究进展

原发性肝癌是最常见的恶性肿瘤之一,治疗的关键在于早期诊断。近几年来各项诊断措施都有了较大的进展。在实验室诊断方面,发现了许多新的肿瘤标志物,有关临床应用也不断见诸报道。我们就近年来的研究进展进行简要综述。