肿瘤干细胞标记物CD_(133)与miR-429在大肠癌组织中的表达及其相关性研究

目的:检测CD133不同亚群大肠癌细胞HT-29的miR-429表达情况,探讨miR-429及CD133的表达与肿瘤的发生发展之间的关系。方法:采用荧光活化细胞分选法(FACS)分选出CD133不同亚群细胞,实时荧光定量PCR分别检测两组细胞miR-429的表达,合成miR-429寡核苷酸和阴性对照miRNA并分别转染CD133+和CD133-两个亚群细胞。再将细胞种植于非肥胖糖尿病/严重联合免疫缺陷(NOD/SCID)小鼠体内构建移植瘤模型,不同时间测量肿瘤体积和重量,RT-PCR及蛋白质印迹检测CD133+和CD133-两组肿瘤CD133mRNA和蛋白质表达。结果:血清检出CD133+细胞为67.9%,miR-429的表达量是CD133+细胞的(1.83±0.91)倍(P0.05),CD133+比例与miR-429表达呈负相关(r=0.591,P0.05);miR-429+/CD133+组的移植瘤体积及重量与对照组比较有统计学差异(P0.05),且miR-429+/CD133+组成瘤时间较对照组晚约2周,但miR-429+/CD133+组的移植瘤CD133表达量低,与阴性对照组比较无明显差异(P0.05)。结论:miR-429可能作为CD133的负性调控因子,具有抑制肿瘤生长的作用,但miR-429与CD133在肿瘤发生、发展过程中的作用机制有待进一步研究阐明。     

棕榈酸促进肝癌细胞侵袭转移的分子机制

目的:探讨棕榈酸(Palmiticacid,PA)对人肝癌细胞系SMMC-7721侵袭转移能力的影响,并通过检测肝癌细胞系中CD147-MMPs信号通路在PA影响下的变化,初探PA影响肝癌细胞侵袭转移的分子机制。方法:PA(0、20、50、100μM)作用SMMC-7721细胞后(8、16、24h),MTT法检测细胞增殖,划痕及Transwell实验评价细胞迁移侵袭能力,Western-blot及real-time PCR检测CD147蛋白及其mRNA的水平,ELISA检测基质金属蛋白酶(MMP-2,MMP-9)的水平。结果:与对照组相比,PA作用SMMC-7721细胞后,细胞存活率无显著差异(P0.05);细胞迁移和侵袭能力显著增高(P0.05);CD147蛋白及其mRNA的表达显著增高(P0.05);培养上清中MMP-9的浓度显著增高(P0.05),MMP-2的水平则无变化。不同的梯度组之间相比较,细胞迁移和侵袭能力、CD147的表达水平(蛋白及其mRNA)以及培养上清中MMP-9的浓度均随PA作用时间和作用剂量的增大而产生更显著的增高。结论:PA通过活化CD147-MMPs信号通路促进SMMC-7721细胞的迁移侵袭。     

Properties of apolipoprotein E derived peptide modulate their lipid-binding capacity and influence their anti-inflammatory function

Apolipoprotein-derived peptides are promising candidates for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions. The beneficial effects of these peptides are based on multiple mechanisms; prominent among them being high-affinity binding to pro-inflammatory oxidized phospholipids (Ox-PLs) and facilitating their sequestration/metabolism/clearance in the body. This indicates that peptides which can bind exclusively to Ox-PLs without recognizing normal, non-oxidized phospholipids (non-Ox-PLs) will be more potent anti-inflammatory agent than that of the peptides that bind to both Ox-PLs and non-Ox-PLs. In order to develop such Ox-PL-specific peptides, the knowledge about the properties (molecular determinants) of peptides that govern their Ox-PL preference is a must. In this study we have synthesized eleven peptides corresponding to the conserved regions of human apolipoprotein E and compared their biochemical properties, lipid-binding specificities, and anti-inflammatory properties. Our results show that these peptides exhibit considerably different specificities towards non-Ox-PL and different species of Ox-PLs. Some of these peptides bind exclusively to the Ox-PLs and inhibit the pro-inflammatory function of Ox-PLs in human blood. Biochemical characterization revealed that the peptides possess substantially different properties. Our results suggest that physicochemical properties of peptides play an important role in their lipid-binding specificity.     

Avanti lipid tools: Connecting lipids,technology, and cell biology

Lipid research is challenging owing to the complexity and diversity of the lipidome. Here we review a set of experimental tools developed for the seasoned lipid researcher, as well as, those who are new to the field of lipid research. Novel tools for probing protein–lipid interactions, applications for lipid binding antibodies, enhanced systems for the cellular delivery of lipids, improved visualization of lipid membranes using gold-labeled lipids, and advances in mass spectrometric analysis techniques will be discussed. Because lipid mediators are known to participate in a host of signal transduction and trafficking pathways within the cell, a comprehensive lipid toolbox that aids the science of lipidomics research is essential to better understand the molecular mechanisms of interactions between cellular components. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Tools to study lipid functions.     

Manufacturing of highly functional and specific T cells for adoptive immunotherapy against virus from granulocyte colony-stimulating factor–mobilized donors

Background aimsCytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation remains an important risk after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which can be effectively controlled through adoptive transfer of donor-derived CMV-specific T cells (CMV-T). CMV-T are usually obtained from donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected before G-CSF mobilization. Despite previous studies that showed impaired T-cell function after granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilization, recent publications suggest that G-CSF-primed PBMCs retain anti-viral function and are a suitable starting material for CMV-T manufacturing. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of generating CMV-T from G-CSF–mobilized donors by use of the activation marker CD137 in comparison with conventional non-primed PBMCs.MethodsCMV-T were isolated from G-CSF–mobilized and non-mobilized donor PBMCs on the basis of CMVpp65 activation-induced CD137 expression and expanded during 3 weeks. Functional assays were performed to assess antigen-specific activation, cytokine release, cytotoxic activity and proliferation after anti-genic re-stimulation.ResultsWe successfully manufactured highly specific, functional and cytotoxic CMV-T from G-CSF–mobilized donor PBMCs. Their anti-viral function was equivalent to non-mobilized CMV-T, and memory phenotype would suggest their long-term maintenance after adoptive transfer.ConclusionsWe confirm that the use of an aliquot from G-CSF–mobilized donor samples is suitable for the manufacturing of CMV cellular therapies and thereby abrogates the need for successive donations and ensures the availability for patients with unrelated donors.     

Studies on the interaction between vincamine and human serum albumin: a spectroscopic approach

The interaction between vincamine (VCM) and human serum albumin (HSA) has been studied using a fluorescence quenching technique in combination with UV/vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT–IR) spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and molecular modeling under conditions similar to human physiological conditions. VCM effectively quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA via static quenching. The binding constants were calculated from the fluorescence data. Thermodynamic analysis by Van't Hoff equation revealed enthalpy change (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS) were ?4.57 kJ/mol and 76.26 J/mol/K, respectively, which indicated that the binding process was spontaneous and the hydrophobic interaction was the predominant force. The distance r between the donor (HSA) and acceptor (VCM) was obtained according to the Förster's theory of non‐radiative energy transfer and found to be 4.41 nm. Metal ions, viz., Na⁺, K⁺, Li⁺, Ni²⁺, Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Al³⁺ were found to influence binding of the drug to protein. The 3D fluorescence, FT–IR and CD spectral results revealed changes in the secondary structure of the protein upon interaction with VCM. Furthermore, molecular modeling indicated that VCM could bind to the subdomain IIA (site I) of HSA. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

In Vitro and Cellular Effects of 4-Pyridone-3-Carboxamide Riboside on Enzymes of Nucleotide Metabolism

4-Pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribonucleoside (4PYR) is an endogenously produced nucleoside that has recently been identified as a substrate for intracellular phosphorylation to form nucleotide derivatives. Low level of 4PYR is normally present in human plasma, but 4PYR massively accumulates in patients with renal failure. This study aimed to evaluate effects of 4PYR and its monophosphate derivative (4PYMP) on several enzymes of nucleotide metabolism in homogenates and intact cells. Activities of adenosine monophosphate deaminase (AMPD), adenosine deaminase, ecto-5′-nucleotidase (e5NT), adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT), hypoxanthine/guanine phosphoribosyltransferase, purine nucleoside phosphorylase, and S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) were evaluated in erythrocyte lysates, rat heart homogenates, and in the intact rat cardiomyocytes by high performance liquid chromatography–based assays. 4PYMP caused significant inhibition of AMPD in both erythrocyte lysate and heart homogenate with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 74 and 55 μM, respectively. Inhibition of e5NT in heart homogenates was also noted with IC50 of 63 μM. 4PYMP slightly inhibited APRT and 4PYR caused moderate activation of SAHH. No effects on other enzymes studied were noted. Inhibition of AMPD by 4PYMP in homogenates was confirmed in the intact cell experiments with isolated cardiomyocytes that were allowed to accumulate 4PYMP by incubation with 4PYR. We conclude that among pathways studied, most important is the effect of 4PYMP on AMPD and that such effect could be one of the consequences of elevated plasma 4PYR concentration.     

外周血单核细胞HLA-DR/CD14分析的临床意义及其与降钙素原、C-反应蛋白、白细胞计数的相关性

目的:探讨外周血单核细胞HLA-DR/CD14表达在感染性疾病中的临床意义,及其与降钙素原(PCT)、C-反应蛋白(CRP)、白细胞(WBC)计数等指标的相关性。方法:收集2012-01~2013-07住院患者75例,包括脓毒血症患者47例,其中重度感染患者25例设为观察1组、中度感染患者22例设为观察2组;非感染炎症患者10例,设为观察3组;其他疾病患者18例,设为观察4组;以及本院健康体检者21例,设为正常对照组。用流式细胞术分析外周血单核细胞HLA-DR/CD14,同步定量检测各组的PCT、CRP、WBC指标,用SPSS13.0软件对各组间数据进行方差分析及相关性比较。结果:观察1、2组各项指标与正常对照组间均存在显著性差异,1、2组间除WBC外其他各项指标间均存在显著性差异,3、4组与1、2组比较各项指标均存在显著性差异,P值均0.01;观察1、2组内HLA-DR/CD14与PCT、CRP存在显著负相关关系,而与WBC不存在显著性相关关系。结论:HLA-DR/CD14在感染性疾病中具有重要意义,联合检测HLA-DR/CD14和PCT、CRP、WBC,有助于感染性疾病的临床评估、诊断治疗及疗效观察。     

Crosstalk between Adipocytes and Immune Cells in Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Metabolic Dysregulation in Obesity

Recent findings, notably on adipokines and adipose tissue inflammation, have revised the concept of adipose tissues being a mere storage depot for body energy. Instead, adipose tissues are emerging as endocrine and immunologically active organs with multiple effects on the regulation of systemic energy homeostasis. Notably, compared with other metabolic organs such as liver and muscle, various inflammatory responses are dynamically regulated in adipose tissues and most of the immune cells in adipose tissues are involved in obesity-mediated metabolic complications, including insulin resistance. Here, we summarize recent findings on the key roles of innate (neutrophils, macrophages, mast cells, eosinophils) and adaptive (regulatory T cells, type 1 helper T cells, CD8 T cells, B cells) immune cells in adipose tissue inflammation and metabolic dysregulation in obesity. In particular, the roles of natural killer T cells, one type of innate lymphocyte, in adipose tissue inflammation will be discussed. Finally, a new role of adipocytes as antigen presenting cells to modulate T cell activity and subsequent adipose tissue inflammation will be proposed.     

Aberrant production of IL-13 by T cells promotes exocrinopathy in Id3 knockout mice

Elevated levels of the cytokine IL-13 has been found to be associated with autoimmune diseases, including Sjögren’s Syndrome. However, whether IL-13 plays a causative role in disease development is not known and cannot be easily studied in humans. Our previous work has shown that levels of IL-13 are elevated in Id3 knockout mice, which has been established as a model for primary Sjögren’s Syndrome. Here, we utilized an IL-13 reporter to determine the source of the elevated IL-13 levels observed in Id3 knockout mice and assess its contribution to SS pathology. Our results indicate that T cells, notably CD4 and γδ T cells, in Id3 knockout mice acquire IL-13 competency at an elevated rate well before disease symptoms become apparent. We also show that T cells developing early in life are more predisposed to produce IL-13. Finally, analysis of Id3 and IL-13 double deficient mice demonstrated that IL-13 plays an essential role in the deterioration of gland function. Our study provides crucial genetic evidence that enhanced IL-13 production by T cells can play a causative role in the exocrinopathy observed in Id3 knockout mice.