p35 interacts with α-tubulin and organelle proteins: Nuclear translocation of p35 in dying cells

RNA-Sequencing Analysis of Gene-Expression Profiles in the Dorsal Gland of Alligator sinensis at Different Time Points of Embryonic and Neonatal Development

Significant advances have been made in the morphological observations of the dorsal gland (DG), an oval organ/tissue which lies on both sides of the dorsal midline of the crocodilian. In the current study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to identify the changing patterns of Alligator sinesis DGs at different timepoints from the 31st embryonic day (E31) to the newly hatched 1st day (NH1). A comprehensive transcriptional changes of differentially expression gene (DEGs) involved in the melanogenesis, cholesterol metabolism, and cell apoptosis pathways suggested that the DG might serves as a functional secretory gland in formation, transport and deposition of pigment, and lipids secretion via lysosomal exocytosis. Furthermore, the remarkable immunohistochemical staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-positive signals in the basilar cells, in parallel with the immuno-reactive TdT-mediated dUTP nick-End labeling(TUNEL) within suprabasal cells, provided direct molecular evidence supporting for the speculation that DG serves as a holocrine secretion mode. Finally, subsequent phylogenetic and immunohistochemical analysis for the PITX2, the identified DEGs in the RNA-seq, was helpful to further elucidate the transcriptional regulatory mechanism of candidate genes. In conclusion, the current results are of considerable importance in enriching our understanding of the intrinsic relationship between the skin derivatives and lifestyles of newborn Alligator sinesis.

27-Hydroxycholesterol upregulates the production of heat shock protein 60 of monocytic cells

Investigating differentially expressed proteins in a milieu rich in cholesterol oxidation products, we found via mass spectrometry-based proteomics that surface levels of heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) were upregulated on monocytic cells in the presence of 27-hydroxycholesterol (27OHChol). The elevated levels of cytoplasmic membrane HSP60 were verified via Western blot analysis and visualized by confocal microscopy. Treatment with 27OHChol also resulted in increased levels of cellular HSP60 without altering its transcription. Cholesterol, however, did not affect cell-surface levels and cellular amount of HSP60. GSK 2033, an LXR antagonist, inhibited expression of live X receptor α, but not of HSP60, induced by 27OHChol. Treatment with 27OHChol also resulted in increased release of HSP60 from monocytic cells, but the release was significantly reduced by inhibitors of endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi protein trafficking, brefeldin A and monensin. Results of the current study indicate that 27OHChol upregulates not only cell-surface and cellular levels of HSP60 but also its release from monocytic cells, thereby contributing to activation of the immune system.