Apolipoprotein M gene single nucleotide polymorphisms discovery in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and determined by the base-quenched probe technique

Delineating the intricacies of polymorphisms, structures, functions and therapeutic applications of biological high-density lipoprotein-apolipoprotein M: A review

Apolipoprotein-M (ApoM), primarily associated with high-density lipoproteins (HDL), plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health. It facilitates the transport of lipids such as cholesterol and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), contributing to reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), which removes excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver for excretion. Through its association with HDL and S1P, ApoM exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and anti-apoptotic effects. The ApoM-S1P complex regulates various cellular, immunological, and physiological processes via S1P receptors, and its dysregulation is linked to metabolic and inflammatory disorders. Reduced plasma ApoM levels are associated with atherosclerosis, diabetes, and chronic systemic inflammation. ApoM levels and paraoxonase-1 activity in early pregnancy correlate with gestational hypertension risk, potentially affecting fetal vascular health. ApoM also functions as a S1P chaperone, and recent research highlights the roles of ApoM/S1P axis and the ApoA1-ApoM (A1M) complex in glucose and lipid metabolism, emphasizing its therapeutic relevance in cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancer, and diabetes. The ApoM-Fc fusion protein exhibits promising therapeutic potential by reducing fibrosis, enhancing endothelial function, and promoting tissue regeneration. HDL-ApoM macromolecules bind bacterial endotoxins and aids in its clearance. This review explores ApoM gene organization, isoforms, point mutations, protein structure, functions and their relevance for developing novel therapeutics.

A novel method for detecting nine hotspot mutations of deafness genes in one tube

Deafness is a common sensory disorder. In China, approximately 70% of hereditary deafness originates from four common deafness-causing genes: GJB2, SLC26A4, GJB3, and MT-RNR1. A single-tube rapid detection method based on 2D-PCR technology was established for nine mutation sites in the aforementioned genes, and Sanger sequencing was used to verify its reliability and accuracy. The frequency of hotspot mutations in deafness genes was analysed in 116 deaf students. 2D-PCR identified 27 genotypes of nine loci according to the melting curve of the FAM, HEX, and Alexa568 fluorescence channels. Of the 116 deaf patients, 12.9% (15/116) carried SLC26A4 mutations, including c.919-2A > G and c.2168A > G (allele frequencies, 7.3% and 2.2%, respectively). The positivity rate (29.3%; 34/116) was highest for GJB2 (allele frequency, 15.9% for c.235delC, 6.0% for c.299_300delAT, and 2.6% for c.176-191del16). Sanger sequencing confirmed the consistency of results between the detection methods based on 2D-PCR and DNA sequencing. Common pathogenic mutations in patients with non-syndromic deafness in Changzhou were concentrated in GJB2 (c.235delC, c.299_300delAT, and c.176-191del16) and SLC26A4 (c.919-2A > G and c.2168 A > G). 2D-PCR is an effective method for accurately and rapidly identifying deafness-related genotypes using a single-tube reaction, and is superior to DNA sequencing, which has a high cost and long cycle.

Regulation of the apolipoprotein M signaling pathway: a review

Apolipoprotein M (apoM), an apolipoprotein predominantly associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL), is considered a mediator of the numerous roles of HDL, including reverse cholesterol transport, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, and mediates pre-β-HDL formation. ApoM expression is known to be regulated by a variety of in vivo and in vitro factors. The transcription factors farnesoid X receptor, small heterodimer partner, liver receptor homolog-1, and liver X receptor comprise the signaling cascade network that regulates the expression and secretion of apoM. Moreover, hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α and c-Jun/JunB have been demonstrated to exert opposing regulatory effects on apoM through competitive binding to the same sites in the proximal region of the apoM gene. Furthermore, as a carrier and modulator of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), apoM binds to S1P within its hydrophobic-binding pocket. The apoM/S1P axis has been discovered to play a crucial role in the apoM signaling pathway through its ability to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, vascular barrier homeostasis, inflammatory response and other pathological and physiological processes. Using the findings of previous studies, the present review aimed to summarize the regulation of apoM expression by various factors and its role in different physiological and pathological conditions, and provide a new perspective for the further treatment of these diseases.

High-Throughput Two-Dimensional Polymerase Chain Reaction Technology

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a very powerful tool for clinical gene detection. Multiplex PCR especially improves the throughput of this technology. However, it is often necessary to employ techniques such as electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, or sequencing after multiplex PCR amplification for product identification, which requires additional equipment and has high risks of contamination. In this work, we developed a high-throughput two-dimensional (2D) PCR technology that can identify multiple target genes simultaneously in just one closed tube and within a relatively short time by using both fluorescence and the melting temperature (Tm). As an example, a method detecting 9 human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes and reference genes in a single tube was successfully established using 2D PCR. If designed properly, 2D PCR is believed to have the capability to identify more than 30 genes in one closed tube at a time. This method is particularly suitable for distinguishing microorganisms, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and the methylation of genes and will be of great help to clinical work.

Neoantigens in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Lung Cancer: A Point of View

The goal of this manuscript is to explore the role of clinical proteomics for detecting mutations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer by mass spectrometry-based technology. COPD and lung cancer caused by smoke inhalation are most likely linked by challenging the immune system via partly shared pathways. Genome-wide association studies have identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms which predispose an increased susceptibility to COPD and lung cancer. In lung cancer, this leads to coding mutations in the affected tissues, development of neoantigens, and different functionality and abundance of proteins in specific pathways. If a similar reasoning can also be applied in COPD will be discussed. The technology of mass spectrometry has developed into an advanced technology for proteome research detecting mutated peptides or proteins and finding relevant molecular mechanisms that will enable predicting the response to immunotherapy in COPD and lung cancer patients.