Engineered extracellular vesicles carrying let-7a-5p for alleviating inflammation in acute lung injury

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening respiratory condition characterized by severe inflammation and lung tissue damage, frequently causing rapid respiratory failure and long-term complications. The microRNA let-7a-5p is involved in the progression of lung injury, inflammation, and fibrosis by regulating immune cell activation and cytokine production. This study aims to use an innovative cellular electroporation platform to generate extracellular vesicles (EVs) carring let-7a-5p (EV-let-7a-5p) derived from transfected Wharton's jelly-mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) as a potential gene therapy for ALI.

METHODS

A cellular nanoporation (CNP) method was used to induce the production and release of EV-let-7a-5p from WJ-MSCs transfected with the relevant plasmid DNA. EV-let-7a-5p in the conditioned medium were isolated using a tangential flow filtration (TFF) system. EV characterization followed the minimal consensus guidelines outlined by the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles. We conducted a thorough set of therapeutic assessments, including the antifibrotic effects using a transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-induced cell model, the modulation effects on macrophage polarization, and the influence of EV-let-7a-5p in a rat model of hyperoxia-induced ALI.

RESULTS

The CNP platform significantly increased EV secretion from transfected WJ-MSCs, and the encapsulated let-7a-5p in engineered EVs was markedly higher than that in untreated WJ-MSCs. These EV-let-7a-5p did not influence cell proliferation and effectively mitigated the TGF-β-induced fibrotic phenotype by downregulating SMAD2/3 phosphorylation in LL29 cells. Furthermore, EV-let-7a-5p regulated M2-like macrophage activation in an inflammatory microenvironment and significantly induced interleukin (IL)-10 secretion, demonstrating their modulatory effect on inflammation. Administering EVs from untreated WJ-MSCs slightly improved lung function and increased let-7a-5p expression in plasma in the hyperoxia-induced ALI rat model. In comparison, EV-let-7a-5p significantly reduced macrophage infiltration and collagen deposition while increasing IL-10 expression, causing a substantial improvement in lung function.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals that the use of the CNP platform to stimulate and transfect WJ-MSCs could generate an abundance of let-7a-5p-enriched EVs, which underscores the therapeutic potential in countering inflammatory responses, fibrotic activation, and hyperoxia-induced lung injury. These results provide potential avenues for developing innovative therapeutic approaches for more effective interventions in ALI.

Pyruvate Kinase Differentially Alters Metabolic Signatures during Head and Neck Carcinogenesis

During glycolysis, the muscle isoform of pyruvate kinase PKM2 produces ATP in exchange for dephosphorylation of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) into pyruvate. PKM2 has been considered as a tumor-promoting factor in most cancers, whereas the regulatory role of PKM2 during head and neck carcinogenesis remained to be delineated. PKM2 mRNA and protein expression was examined in head and neck tumorous specimens. The role of PKM2 in controlling cellular malignancy was determined in shRNA-mediated PKM2-deficient head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) cells. In agreement with the results in other cancers, PKM2 expression is enriched in both mouse and human HNSC tissues. Nevertheless, PKM2 mRNA expression reversely correlated with tumor stage, and greater recurrence-free survival rates are evident in the PKM2high HNSC population, arguing that PKM2 may be tumor-suppressive. Multifaceted analyses showed a greater in vivo xenografic tumor growth and an enhanced cisplatin resistance in response to PKM2 loss, whereas PKM2 silencing led to reduced cell motility. At the molecular level, metabolic shifts towards mitochondrial metabolism and activation of oncogenic Protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signals were detected in PKM2-silencing HNSC cells. In sum, our findings demonstrated that PKM2 differentially modulated head and neck tumorigenicity via metabolic reprogramming.

Blood Biomarkers as Prognostic Indicators for Neurological Injury in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been linked to various neurological complications. This meta-analysis assessed the relationship between glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in the blood and neurological injury in COVID-19 patients. A comprehensive search of various databases was conducted until 18 August 2023, to find studies reporting GFAP and NfL blood levels in COVID-19 patients with neurological complications. GFAP and NfL levels were estimated between COVID-19 patients and healthy controls, and meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4 software for analysis. In the 21 collected studies, it was found that COVID-19 patients had significantly higher levels of pooled GFAP (SMD = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.73; p ≤ 0.001) and NfL (SMD = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.82; p ≤ 0.001) when compared to the healthy controls. The pooled GFAP (SMD = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.26, 1.45; p ≤ 0.01) and NfL (SMD = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.48, 1.26; p ≤ 0.001) were significantly higher in non-survivors. These findings indicate a significant association between COVID-19 severity and elevated levels of GFAP and NfL, suggesting that GFAP and NfL could serve as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers for the early detection and monitoring of COVID-19-related neurological injuries.

Establishing Functional Retina in a Dish: Progress and Promises of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Retinal Neuron Differentiation

The human eye plays a critical role in vision perception, but various retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to vision loss or blindness. Although progress has been made in understanding retinal development and in clinical research, current treatments remain inadequate for curing or reversing these degenerative conditions. Animal models have limited relevance to humans, and obtaining human eye tissue samples is challenging due to ethical and legal considerations. Consequently, researchers have turned to stem cell-based approaches, specifically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), to generate distinct retinal cell populations and develop cell replacement therapies. iPSCs offer a novel platform for studying the key stages of human retinogenesis and disease-specific mechanisms. Stem cell technology has facilitated the production of diverse retinal cell types, including retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and photoreceptors, and the development of retinal organoids has emerged as a valuable in vitro tool for investigating retinal neuron differentiation and modeling retinal diseases. This review focuses on the protocols, culture conditions, and techniques employed in differentiating retinal neurons from iPSCs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the significance of molecular and functional validation of the differentiated cells.

Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Diagnostic Cytology and Genomic Testing for Hematologic Disorders

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field of computer science that involves the development of computational programs that can mimic human intelligence. In particular, machine learning and deep learning models have enabled the identification and grouping of patterns within data, leading to the development of AI systems that have been applied in various areas of hematology, including digital pathology, alpha thalassemia patient screening, cytogenetics, immunophenotyping, and sequencing. These AI-assisted methods have shown promise in improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, identifying novel biomarkers, and predicting treatment outcomes. However, limitations such as limited databases, lack of validation and standardization, systematic errors, and bias prevent AI from completely replacing manual diagnosis in hematology. In addition, the processing of large amounts of patient data and personal information by AI poses potential data privacy issues, necessitating the development of regulations to evaluate AI systems and address ethical concerns in clinical AI systems. Nonetheless, with continued research and development, AI has the potential to revolutionize the field of hematology and improve patient outcomes. To fully realize this potential, however, the challenges facing AI in hematology must be addressed and overcome.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A disease of significant importance for older patients

BACKGROUND

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is clinically defined as a non-healing jawbone ulcerative-necrotic lesion appearing after dental therapy or minor trauma in patients treated previously with anti-resorptive, anti-angiogenic or immunomodulators. Older patients with osteoporosis and cancer receive these pharmacological agents regularly. As these patients are long-term survivors, efficient treatment is of paramount importance for their quality of life.

METHODS

Literature searches via PubMed were conducted to identify relevant MRONJ studies. Basic information on MRONJ classification, clinical features, and pathosphysiology is presented herein as well as various clinical studies dealing with MRONJ in patients with osteoporosis and cancer. Lastly, we discuss current managment of patients and new trends in treatment of MRONJ.

RESULTS

Although close follow-up and local hygiene have been advocated by some authors, severe forms of MRONJ are not responsive to conservative therapy. At present, there is no "gold standard" therapy for this condition. However, as the physiopathological basis of MRONJ is represented by the anti-angiogenic action of various pharmacological agents, new methods to increase and promote local angiogenesis and vascularization have recently been successfully tested in vitro, limited preclinical studies, and in a pilot clinical study.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that the best method implies application on the lesion of endothelial progenitor cells as well as pro-angiogenic factors such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and other related molecules. More recently, scaffolds in which these factors have been incorporated have shown positive results in limited trials. However, these studies must be replicated to include a large number of cases before any official therapeutic protocol is adopted.

Haptic Perception Training Programs on Fine Motor Control in Adolescents with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Preliminary Study

Somatosensory and haptic perception deficit was commonly found in developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and was closely related to fine motor functions, and the intervention strategies should thus emphasize improving the underlying haptic functions. This study was intended to investigate the effects of haptic perception training programs on fine motor functions in adolescents with DCD. A total of 82 DCD participants were assigned to either the haptic perception training program (HTP; n = 42, 16 females, mean age = 13.32 ± 2.85 years) or standard occupational therapy (SOT; n = 40, 16 females, mean age = 13.41 ± 3.8 years) group. Both groups were given 12-week training, twice a week, 30 min per session. Outcome measures were: Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTFHT), Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Second Edition (BOT-2), Test of Visual-Perceptual Skills- Fourth Edition (TVPS-4), and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale -Chinese Version (VABS-C). After the intervention, the HTP group outscored the SOT group on most fine motor control (JTFHT and BOT-2) tasks and all TVPS-4 and VABS-C items. The HTP group had greater pre–post changes on fine motor integration, fine motor precision, manual dexterity, and writing. TVPS-4 reached significant intervention gains on visual spatial relations, visual memory, and visual sequential memory. The haptic perception training programs demonstrated benefits in enhancing fine motor control in adolescents with DCD. It could be used as an easy and effective alternative to hospital or school-based therapy during the pandemic.

Amine-Functionalized Quantum Dots as a Universal Fluorescent Nanoprobe for a One-Step Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay with Single-Copy Sensitivity

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has received considerable attention for decentralized (point-of-care and on-site) nucleic acid testing in view of its simple temperature control (60-65 °C) and short assay time (15-60 min). There remains a challenge in its wide adoption and acceptance due to the limitations of the existing amplification result reporter probes, e.g., photobleaching of organic fluorophore and reduced sensitivity of the pH-sensitive colorimetric dye. Herein, we demonstrate CdSeS/ZnS quantum dots (semiconductor fluorescent nanocrystals with superior photostability than organic fluorophore) with surface modification of cysteamine (amine-QDs) as a new reporter probe for LAMP that enabled single-copy sensitivity (limit of detection of 83 zM; 20 μL reaction volume). For a negative LAMP sample (absence of target sequence), positively charged amine-QDs remained dispersed due to interparticle electrostatic repulsion. While for a positive LAMP sample (presence of target sequence), amine-QDs became precipitated. The characterization data showed that amine-QDs were embedded in magnesium pyrophosphate crystals (generated during positive LAMP), thus leading to their coprecipitation. This amine-QD-based one-step LAMP assay advances the field of QD-based nucleic acid amplification assays in two aspects: (1) compatibility─one-step amplification and detection (versus separation of amplification and detection steps); and (2) universality─the same amine-QDs for different target sequences (versus different oligonucleotide-modified QDs for different target sequences).

Virofree, an Herbal Medicine-Based Formula, Interrupts the Viral Infection of Delta and Omicron Variants of SARS-CoV-2

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a threat with the emergence of new variants, especially Delta and Omicron, without specific effective therapeutic drugs. The infection causes dysregulation of the immune system with a cytokine storm that eventually leads to fatal acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and further irreversible pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, the promising way to inhibit infection is to disrupt the binding and fusion between the viral spike and the host ACE2 receptor. A transcriptome-based drug screening platform has been developed for COVID-19 to explore the possibility and potential of the long-established drugs or herbal medicines to reverse the unique genetic signature of COVID-19. In silico analysis showed that Virofree, an herbal medicine, reversed the genetic signature of COVID-19 and ARDS. Biochemical validations showed that Virofree could disrupt the binding of wild-type and Delta-variant spike proteins to ACE2 and its syncytial formation via cell-based pseudo-typed viral assays, as well as suppress binding between several variant recombinant spikes to ACE2, especially Delta and Omicron. Additionally, Virofree elevated miR-148b-5p levels, inhibited the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (M^pro), and reduced LPS-induced TNF-α release. Virofree also prevented cellular iron accumulation leading to ferroptosis which occurs in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Furthermore, Virofree was able to reduce pulmonary fibrosis-related protein expression levels in vitro. In conclusion, Virofree was repurposed as a potential herbal medicine to combat COVID-19. This study highlights the inhibitory effect of Virofree on the entry of Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2, which have not had any effective treatments during the emergence of the new variants spreading.

Targeting Inflammasome Activation in COVID-19: Delivery of RNA Interference-Based Therapeutic Molecules

Mortality and morbidity associated with COVID-19 continue to be significantly high worldwide, owing to the absence of effective treatment strategies. The emergence of different variants of SARS-CoV-2 is also a considerable source of concern and has led to challenges in the development of better prevention and treatment strategies, including vaccines. Immune dysregulation due to pro-inflammatory mediators has worsened the situation in COVID-19 patients. Inflammasomes play a critical role in modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and their activation is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Numerous preclinical and clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment using different approaches are currently underway. Targeting different inflammasomes to reduce the cytokine storm, and its associated complications, in COVID-19 patients is a new area of research. Non-coding RNAs, targeting inflammasome activation, may serve as an effective treatment strategy. However, the efficacy of these therapeutic agents is highly dependent on the delivery system. MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, in conjunction with an efficient delivery vehicle, present a potential strategy for regulating NLRP3 activity through various RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms. In this regard, the use of nanomaterials and other vehicle types for the delivery of RNAi-based therapeutic molecules for COVID-19 may serve as a novel approach for enhancing drug efficacy. The present review briefly summarizes immune dysregulation and its consequences, the roles of different non-coding RNAs in regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome, distinct types of vectors for their delivery, and potential therapeutic targets of microRNA for treatment of COVID-19.

Mitochondrial genome and its regulator TFAM modulates head and neck tumourigenesis through intracellular metabolic reprogramming and activation of oncogenic effectors

Mitochondrial transcriptional factor A (TFAM) acts as a key regulatory to control mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA); the impact of TFAM and mtDNA in modulating carcinogenesis is controversial. Current study aims to define TFAM mediated regulations in head and neck cancer (HNC). Multifaceted analyses in HNC cells genetically manipulated for TFAM were performed. Clinical associations of TFAM and mtDNA encoded Electron Transport Chain (ETC) genes in regulating HNC tumourigenesis were also examined in HNC specimens. At cellular level, TFAM silencing led to an enhanced cell growth, motility and chemoresistance whereas enforced TFAM expression significantly reversed these phenotypic changes. These TFAM mediated cellular changes resulted from (1) metabolic reprogramming by directing metabolism towards aerobic glycolysis, based on the detection of less respiratory capacity in accompany with greater lactate production; and/or (2) enhanced ERK1/2-Akt-mTORC-S6 signalling activity in response to TFAM induced mtDNA perturbance. Clinical impacts of TFAM and mtDNA were further defined in carcinogen-induced mouse tongue cancer and clinical human HNC tissues; as the results showed that TFAM and mtDNA expression were significantly dropped in tumour compared with their normal counterparts and negatively correlated with disease progression. Collectively, our data uncovered a tumour-suppressing role of TFAM and mtDNA in determining HNC oncogenicity and potentially paved the way for development of TFAM/mtDNA based scheme for HNC diagnosis.

The Tyrosine Kinase-Driven Networks of Novel Long Non-coding RNAs and Their Molecular Targets in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Recent research has focused on the mechanisms by which long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) modulate diverse cellular processes such as tumorigenesis. However, the functional characteristics of these non-coding elements in the genome are poorly understood at present. In this study, we have explored several mechanisms that involve the novel lncRNA and microRNA (miRNA) axis participating in modulation of drug response and the tumor microenvironment of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). We identified novel lncRNAs via mRNA sequencing that was applied to leukemic cell lines derived from BCR-ABL1-positive and JAK2-mutant MPNs under treatment with therapeutic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). The expression and sequence of novel LNC000093 were further validated in both leukemic cells and normal primary and pluripotent cells isolated from human blood, including samples from patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Downregulation of LNC000093 was validated in TKI-resistant CML while a converse expression pattern was observed in blood cells isolated from TKI-sensitive CML cases. In addition to BCR-ABL1-positive CML cells, the driver mutation JAK2-V617F-regulated lncRNA BANCR axis was further identified in BCR-ABL1-negative MPNs. Further genome-wide validation using MPN patient specimens identified 23 unique copy number variants including the 7 differentially expressed lncRNAs from our database. The newly identified LNC000093 served as a competitive endogenous RNA for miR-675-5p and reversed the imatinib resistance in CML cells through regulating RUNX1 expression. The extrinsic function of LNC000093 in exosomal H19/miR-675-induced modulation for the microenvironment was also determined with significant effect on VEGF expression.

Viral MicroRNAs Encoded by Nucleocapsid Gene of SARS-CoV-2 Are Detected during Infection, and Targeting Metabolic Pathways in Host Cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of gene expression that may be used to identify the pathological pathways influenced by disease and cellular interactions. Viral miRNAs (v-miRNAs) encoded by both DNA and RNA viruses induce immune dysregulation, virus production, and disease pathogenesis. Given the absence of effective treatment and the prevalence of highly infective SARS-CoV-2 strains, improved understanding of viral-associated miRNAs could provide novel mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of COVID-19. In this study, SARS-CoV-2 v-miRNAs were identified by deep sequencing in infected Calu-3 and Vero E6 cell lines. Among the ~0.1% small RNA sequences mapped to the SARS-CoV-2 genome, the top ten SARS-CoV-2 v-miRNAs (including three encoded by the N gene; v-miRNA-N) were selected. After initial screening of conserved v-miRNA-N-28612, which was identified in both SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, its expression was shown to be positively associated with viral load in COVID-19 patients. Further in silico analysis and synthetic-mimic transfection of validated SARS-CoV-2 v-miRNAs revealed novel functional targets and associations with mechanisms of cellular metabolism and biosynthesis. Our findings support the development of v-miRNA-based biomarkers and therapeutic strategies based on improved understanding of the pathophysiology of COVID-19.

Inflammasome Activation-Induced Hypercoagulopathy: Impact on Cardiovascular Dysfunction Triggered in COVID-19 Patients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the most devastating infectious disease in the 21st century with more than 2 million lives lost in less than a year. The activation of inflammasome in the host infected by SARS-CoV-2 is highly related to cytokine storm and hypercoagulopathy, which significantly contribute to the poor prognosis of COVID-19 patients. Even though many studies have shown the host defense mechanism induced by inflammasome against various viral infections, mechanistic interactions leading to downstream cellular responses and pathogenesis in COVID-19 remain unclear. The SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with numerous cardiovascular disorders including acute myocardial injury, myocarditis, arrhythmias, and venous thromboembolism. The inflammatory response triggered by the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome under certain cardiovascular conditions resulted in hyperinflammation or the modulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 signaling pathways. Perturbations of several target cells and tissues have been described in inflammasome activation, including pneumocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells, and dendritic cells. The interplay between inflammasome activation and hypercoagulopathy in COVID-19 patients is an emerging area to be further addressed. Targeted therapeutics to suppress inflammasome activation may have a positive effect on the reduction of hyperinflammation-induced hypercoagulopathy and cardiovascular disorders occurring as COVID-19 complications.

[Bivariate heritability estimation of resting heart rate and common chronic disease based on extended pedigrees]

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the univariate heritability of resting heart rate and common chronic disease such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia based on extended pedigrees in Fujian Tulou area and to explore bivariate heritability to test for the genetic correlation between resting heart rate and other relative phenotypes.

METHODS

The study was conducted in Tulou area of Nanjing County, Fujian Province from August 2015 to December 2017. The participants were residents with Zhang surname and their relatives from Taxia Village, Qujiang Village, and Nanou Village or residents with Chen surname and their relatives from Caoban Village, Tumei Village, and Beiling Village. The baseline survey recruited 1 563 family members from 452 extended pedigrees. The pedigree reconstruction was based on the family information registration and the genealogy booklet. Univariate and bivariate heritability was estimated using variance component models for continuous variables, and susceptibility-threshold model for binary variables.

RESULTS

The pedigree reconstruction identified 1 seven-generation pedigree, 2 five-generation pedigrees, 23 four-generation pedigrees, 186 three-generation pedigrees, and 240 two-generation pedigrees. The mean age of the participants was 57.2 years and the males accounted for 39.4%. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia in this population was 49.2%, 10.0%, and 45.2%, respectively. The univariate heritability estimation of resting heart rate, hypertension, and dyslipidemia was 0.263 (95%CI: 0.120－0.407), 0.404 (95%CI: 0.135－0.673), and 0.799 (95%CI: 0.590－1), respectively. The heritability of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was 0.379, 0.306, 0.393, 0.452, 0.568, 0.852, and 0.387, respectively. In bivariate analysis, there were phenotypic correlations between resting heart rate with hypertension, diabetes, diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, and triglyceride. After taking resting heart rate into account, there were strong genetic correlations between resting heart rate with fasting glucose (genetic correlation 0.485, 95%CI: 0.120－1, P<0.05) and diabetes (genetic correlation 0.795, 95%CI: 0.181－0.788, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Resting heart rate was a heritable trait and correlated with several common chronic diseases and related traits. There was strong genetic correlation between resting heart rate with fasting glucose and diabetes, suggesting that they may share common genetic risk factors.

Regulatory Role of Hexokinase 2 in Modulating Head and Neck Tumorigenesis

To support great demand of cell growth, cancer cells preferentially obtain energy and biomacromolecules by glycolysis over mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). Among all glycolytic enzymes, hexokinase (HK), a rate-limiting enzyme at the first step of glycolysis to catalyze cellular glucose into glucose-6-phosphate, is herein emphasized. Four HK isoforms, HK1-HK4, were discovered in nature. It was shown that HK2 expression is enriched in many tumor cells and correlated with poorer survival rates in most neoplastic cells. HK2-mediated regulations for cell malignancy and mechanistic cues in regulating head and neck tumorigenesis, however, are not fully elucidated. Cellular malignancy index, such as cell growth, cellular motility, and treatment sensitivity, and molecular alterations were determined in HK2-deficient head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells. By using various cancer databases, HK2, but not HK1, positively correlates with HNSCC progression in a stage-dependent manner. A high HK2 expression was detected in head and neck cancerous tissues compared with their normal counterparts, both in mouse and human subjects. Loss of HK2 in HNSCC cells resulted in reduced cell (in vitro) and tumor (in vivo) growth, as well as decreased epithelial-mesenchymal transition–mediated cell movement; in contrast, HK2-deficient HNSCC cells exhibited greater sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil but are more resistant to photodynamic therapy, indicating that HK2 expression could selectively define treatment sensitivity in HNSCC cells. At the molecular level, it was found that HK2 alteration drove metabolic reprogramming toward OxPhos and modulated oncogenic Akt and mutant TP53-mediated signals in HNSCC cells. In summary, the present study showed that HK2 suppression could lessen HNSCC oncogenicity and modulate therapeutic sensitivity, thereby being an ideal therapeutic target for HNSCCs.

Sensory Integration and Perceptual-Motor Profiles in School-Aged Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the sensory integration and perceptual-motor performances in elementary school children (5-12 years) with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in Taiwan. The impacts of comprehensive body functions on activity participations in ASD were also investigated to provide evidence for clinical applications and further study.

METHODS

One hundred and seventeen children with ASD (42 females; aged 5-13 years, average age 8 years 3 months) were recruited. All participants were assessed with standardized measures of body functions and activity participations. The body function measures included Bruininks-Oseretsky of Motor Proficiency - Second Edition, Sensory Profile, Test of Sensory Integration Functions, and Test of Visual Perception Skills - Third Edition. The activity participation measures included the Chinese versions of both Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale and School Function Assessment.

RESULTS

School-aged children with ASD had different levels of impairments on body function measures. Most participant scores fell within the impairment range on 13 to 15 items out of the total 19 sensory and perceptual-motor measure subtests, with worst performance on coordination-related motor task and most sensory integrative dimensions. The results indicated a significant main effect for age and sex on some body functions and activity participations. Correlation analyses indicated strong associations between body function and activity participation across settings in ASD.

CONCLUSION

Our findings characterized the developmental continuum of body functions of school-aged children with ASD and showed their associations with adaptation and participation. While emphasizing the development of functional skills to facilitate age-appropriate activity participation in multiple scenarios, interventions aiming to improve body functions are indispensable.

The myopia susceptibility locus vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 2 (VIPR2) contains variants with opposite effects

Myopia is the commonest eye disorder in the world. High myopes are predisposed to ocular pathologies. The vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 2 (VIPR2) gene was identified as a myopia susceptibility locus by our group and another group. We continued to fine-map this locus. A case-control study was performed in 4 sequential stages with a total of 941 highly myopic subjects and 846 control subjects, all unrelated Chinese. Stage 1 experimentally genotyped 64.4% of the entire cohort for 152 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and Stage 2 the remaining subjects for 21 SNPs. Stage 3 combined the genotypes for 21 SNPs for the entire cohort, and identified one group of high-risk haplotypes and one group of protective haplotypes significantly associated with high myopia. Stage 4 imputed genotypes for variants in the VIPR2 region and identified two independent groups of variants: one group with high-risk minor alleles and another with protective minor alleles. Variants within each group were generally in strong linkage disequilibrium among themselves while high-risk variants were in linkage equilibrium with protective variants. Therefore, the VIPR2 locus seems to contain variants with opposite effects. This is the first study that has examined the genetic architecture of a myopia susceptibility locus in detail.

[Fujian Tulou Family Cohort Study: study design and characteristics of participants and pedigrees in baseline investigation]

Objective: To describe the study design, the characteristics of participants as well as the pedigrees included in the baseline survey of Fujian Tulou Family Cohort Study. Methods: Fujian Tulou Family Cohort Study was a prospective open cohort study with a biological sample bank. A baseline survey was conducted in Tulou areas of Nanjing county in Fujian province from 2015 to 2018, including questionnaire survey, physical and biochemical indicators examinations, and blood sample collection in adults aged ≥18 years. In addition, family relationship of the participants was also recorded. The pedigree information of the juveniles under 18 years old were also collected. Results: The baseline survey included 2 727 individuals in two clans, of whom 2 373 (87.0%) were adults, and 2 126 participants completed questionnaires, physical examinations and biochemical tests. The average age of the 2 126 participants was (57.9±13.3) years, with 39.4% being males. The current smoking rates in male and female participants were 41.2% and 2.1%, respectively. The corresponding rates of current alcohol consumption were 19.0% and 2.6%. For common chronic diseases, the prevalence rates were 51.3% for hypertension, 9.7% for diabetes and 26.7% for hyperlipemia according to the self-reported disease diagnoses, health examination results and biochemical examination results in class Ⅱ or Ⅲ hospitals. Based on the family relationship information and genealogical data, 710 pedigrees were finally identified, consisting of 5 087 family members. The numbers of five, four, three, and two generations pedigrees were 3, 88, 238 and 381, respectively. The pairs of the first to the fifth degree relatives were 12 039, 2 662, 1 511, 202 and 31, respectively. Conclusion: The establishment of Fujian Tulou Family Cohort provides valuable resources for exploring the genetic risk factors, environmental risk factors and gene-environment interactions contributing to the risk of common chronic diseases.

Long non-coding RNAs in hematological malignancies: translating basic techniques into diagnostic and therapeutic strategies

Recent studies have revealed that non-coding regions comprise the vast majority of the human genome and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a diverse class of non-coding RNAs that has been implicated in a variety of biological processes. Abnormal expression of lncRNAs has also been linked to different human diseases including cancers, yet the regulatory mechanisms and functional effects of lncRNAs are still ambiguous, and the molecular details also need to be confirmed. Unlike protein-coding gene, it is much more challenging to unravel the roles of lncRNAs owing to their unique and complex features such as functional diversity and low conservation among species, which greatly hamper their experimental characterization. In this review, we summarize and discuss both conventional and advanced approaches for the identification and functional characterization of lncRNAs related to hematological malignancies. In particular, the utility and advancement of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas system as gene-editing tools are envisioned to facilitate the molecular dissection of lncRNAs via different knock-in/out strategies. Besides experimental considerations specific to lncRNAs, the roles of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis and progression of leukemia are also highlighted in the review. We expect that these insights may ultimately lead to clinical applications including development of biomarkers and novel therapeutic approaches targeting lncRNAs.

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Obesity-Induced Cancer

Many mechanisms of obesity-induced cancers have been proposed. However, it remains unclear whether or not long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play any role in obesity-induced cancers. In this article, we briefly discuss the generally accepted hypotheses explaining the mechanisms of obesity-induced cancers, summarize the latest evidence for the expression of a number of well-known cancer-associated lncRNAs in obese subjects, and propose the potential contribution of lncRNAs to obesity-induced cancers. We hope this review can serve as an inspiration to scientists to further explore the regulatory roles of lncRNAs in the development of obesity-induced cancers. Those findings will be fundamental in the development of effective therapeutics or interventions to combat this life-threatening adverse effect of obesity.

Dissipation and residue of clothianidin in granules and pesticide fertilizers used in cabbage and soil under field conditions

The single application of 0.5 % clothianidin granules, a novel formulation, was used to control pests in vegetables under a high dose. In this article, residues of clothianidin in cabbage and soil samples under field conditions from Guangzhou, Nanning, and Qianjiang were determined by HPLC. The terminal residues of clothianidin in cabbage were less than the limit of detection (<LOD) at pre-harvest intervals of 30 days, and these values were lower than the maximum residue limit of 0.2 mg kg^-1 in cabbage set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. To test on the influence of the pesticide fertilizers' effect on clothianidin residual, clothianidin granules and fertilizers of chicken manure, urea, and organic fertilizer were mixed into different pesticide fertilizers through their normal field using dosage and evaluate residual influence of clothianidin in different formula. After analysis of variance of the effect factors, the effect of different pesticide types on half-life was not significant, but the effect of sample types was significant. Clothianidin granules and pesticide fertilizers could be safely applied in cabbage under a single high-dose administration.

[The relationship between nutritional status and oxidative stress markers, pulmonary function in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Objective: To investigate the association between the nutritional status of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the levels of serum oxidative stress markers protein carbonyls (PC), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and pulmonary function. Methods: 200 patients with stable COPD (the COPD group) and 100 healthy individuals (the control group) who visited during June 2014 and August 2014 were enrolled in our study. The levels of PC, MDA, 8-OHdG and TAC in serum were detected. Pulmonary function was tested. Nutritional status was assessed by mini nutritional assessment (MNA) that classified the nutrition class. Results: The levels of PC, MDA, and 8-OHdG in serum increased significantly in the COPD group [3.82 (1.79, 6.83) μg/L, 3.89(2.77, 5.40) μmol/L and 359.18(259.25, 587.85) ng/L, respectively], and the levels of TAC in serum decreased significantly in COPD group [11.35(4.81, 20.20)U/ml], as compared with the control group [2.29(1.08, 3.26) μg/L, 3.08(2.32, 4.03) μmol/L, 311.37(265.47, 374.08) ng/L and 18.81(15.21, 23.19) U/ml, respectively, all P<0.05]. All the nutrition assessment parameters were gradually decreased as nutritional status worsen (all P<0.05). In malnourished (risk) COPD subgroup, the levels of PC and TAC in serum increased significantly [6.10(3.02, 8.18) μg/L and 13.33(6.07, 23.96) U/ml, respectively] and the FEV(1)% and FEV(1)/FVC index decreased significantly [42.90(34.68, 71.23) and 46.96(38.96, 60.63), respectively] as compared the well-nourished COPD subgroup [3.25(1.61, 5.37) μg/L, 9.99(4.41, 16.77) U/ml, 69.10(45.95, 89.23) and 53.32(42.13, 63.15), all P<0.05]. Furthermore, we had found that the upper arm muscle circumference, calf circumference and BMI were positively correlated with MNA (r=0.498, 0.587, 0.781, P<0.001), negatively correlated with PC (r=-0.209, -0.195, -0.231, P<0.05) and positively correlated with FEV(1)% (r=0.223, 0.274, 0.350, P<0.05). The upper arm muscle circumference and BMI were positively correlated with FEV(1)/FVC (r=0.166, 0.224, P<0.05). In COPD group, the level of PC in serum and FEV(1)% were important factor in MNA score, and the impacts of FEV(1)% were greater than the level of PC(β=0.367, -0.304, P<0.001). Conclusion: The protein carbonylation and airflow limitation might be closely related to malnutrition.

Optimisation of high-quality total ribonucleic acid isolation from cartilaginous tissues for real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis

Objectives

Studies which consider the molecular mechanisms of degeneration and regeneration of cartilaginous tissues are seriously hampered by problematic ribonucleic acid (RNA) isolations due to low cell density and the dense, proteoglycan-rich extracellular matrix of cartilage. Proteoglycans tend to co-purify with RNA, they can absorb the full spectrum of UV light and they are potent inhibitors of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Therefore, the objective of the present study is to compare and optimise different homogenisation methods and RNA isolation kits for an array of cartilaginous tissues.

Materials and Methods

Tissue samples such as the nucleus pulposus (NP), annulus fibrosus (AF), articular cartilage (AC) and meniscus, were collected from goats and homogenised by either the MagNA Lyser or Freezer Mill. RNA of duplicate samples was subsequently isolated by either TRIzol (benchmark), or the RNeasy Lipid Tissue, RNeasy Fibrous Tissue, or Aurum Total RNA Fatty and Fibrous Tissue kits. RNA yield, purity, and integrity were determined and gene expression levels of type II collagen and aggrecan were measured by real-time PCR.

Results

No differences between the two homogenisation methods were found. RNA isolation using the RNeasy Fibrous and Lipid kits resulted in the purest RNA (A260/A280 ratio), whereas TRIzol isolations resulted in RNA that is not as pure, and show a larger difference in gene expression of duplicate samples compared with both RNeasy kits. The Aurum kit showed low reproducibility.

Conclusion

For the extraction of high-quality RNA from cartilaginous structures, we suggest homogenisation of the samples by the MagNA Lyser. For AC, NP and AF we recommend the RNeasy Fibrous kit, whereas for the meniscus the RNeasy Lipid kit is advised.

Cite this article: M. Peeters, C. L. Huang, L. A. Vonk, Z. F. Lu, R. A. Bank, M. N. Helder, B. Zandieh Doulabi. Optimisation of high-quality total ribonucleic acid isolation from cartilaginous tissues for real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:560–568. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.511.BJR-2016-0033.R3.

[Efficacy and mechanism of local delivery of rapamycin and rapamycin-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles on coronary restenosis of injury-stenosis model of minipigs]

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether intramural administration of rapamycin (RPM)-loaded polylactic-polyglycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) can reduce intimal thickening and affect the mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 and p27(kipl) in a coronary injury-stenosis model of minipigs.

METHODS

Twenty eight minipigs were randomly separated into four groups: saline group (n=7), blank PLGA NPs group (5.0 mg/ml)(n=7), RPM group (1.0 mg/ml)(n=7), and RPM-PLGA NPs(5.0 mg/ml)group (n=7), respectively. Different treatments were intracoronary locally delivered via a Dispatch™ catheter for 10 minutes. Serial angiography was performed pre-and post-modeling 30 days and the percent stenosis degree was assessed. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining, Weigert's resorcin fuchsin staining and picric acid-sirius red staining were used for morphometric analysis. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), MMP-2, and TIMP-2 at early and late time points, respectively. The expression of p27(kip1) mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization staining.

RESULTS

Data from 21 minipigs had been collected at the end of the experiment with 6, 4, 5, and 6 from the former mentioned 4 groups, respectively. For the instant injury index, there was no significant difference among the four groups. The percent stenosis degree of RPM-PLGA NPs group was significantly lower than that of the other three groups respectively (all P< 0.05). The neointima area, net external elastic lamina area to external elastic laminal area ratio, and proliferative index of RPM-PLGA NPs group were significantly less than those of the other three groups, with all the P values less than 0.05. The mean value of integral optical density of p27(kip1)mRNA expression of RPM-PLGA group was 0.35 ± 0.06, higher than that of blank PLGA NPs group (0.12 ± 0.05, P< 0.01), saline group (0.16 ± 0.03, P< 0.05), and RPM group (0.15 ± 0.03, P< 0.05), respectively. The MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio and the positive expression index of PCNA in RPM-PLGA group were lower than that of the other groups (P< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Locally delivered rapamycin-loaded PLGA NPs significantly reduces MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio and PCNA expression, increases p27(kip1) mRNA expression and significantly relieves percent stenosis degree and shows excellent acute procedural results in the minipig interventional coronary artery oversized balloon injury model. The results from minipig model further support that this approach could be a potential clinical procedure for vascular proliferative disease.

A Novel Selectable Islet 1 Positive Progenitor Cell Reprogrammed to Expandable and Functional Smooth Muscle Cells

Disorders affecting smooth muscle structure/function may require technologies that can generate large scale, differentiated and contractile smooth muscle cells (SMC) suitable for cell therapy. To date no clonal precursor population that provides large numbers of differentiated SMC in culture has been identified in a rodent. Identification of such cells may also enhance insight into progenitor cell fate decisions and the relationship between smooth muscle precursors and disease states that implicate differentiated SMC.  In this study, we used classic clonal expansion techniques to identify novel self-renewing Islet 1 (Isl-1) positive primitive progenitor cells (PPC) within rat bone marrow that exhibited canonical stem cell markers and preferential differentiation towards a smooth muscle-like fate. We subsequently used molecular tagging to select Isl-1 positive clonal populations from expanded and de novo marrow cell populations. We refer to these previously undescribed cells as the PPC given its stem cell marker profile, and robust self-renewal capacity. PPC could be directly converted into induced smooth muscle cells (iSMC) using single transcription factor (Kruppel-like factor 4) knockdown or transactivator (myocardin) overexpression in contrast to three control cells (HEK 293, endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells) where such induction was not possible. iSMC exhibited immuno- and cytoskeletal-phenotype, calcium signaling profile and contractile responses similar to bona fide SMC. Passaged iSMC could be expanded to a scale sufficient for large scale tissue replacement.  PPC and reprogramed iSMC so derived may offer future opportunities to investigate molecular, structure/function and cell-based replacement therapy approaches to diverse cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary diseases that have as their basis smooth muscle cell functional aberrancy or numerical loss. Stem Cells 2016;34:1354-1368.

Specific alterations in plasma proteins during depressed, manic, and euthymic states of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common psychiatric mood disorder affecting more than 1-2% of the general population of different European countries. Unfortunately, there is no objective laboratory-based test to aid BD diagnosis or monitor its progression, and little is known about the molecular basis of BD. Here, we performed a comparative proteomic study to identify differentially expressed plasma proteins in various BD mood states (depressed BD, manic BD, and euthymic BD) relative to healthy controls. A total of 10 euthymic BD, 20 depressed BD, 15 manic BD, and 20 demographically matched healthy control subjects were recruited. Seven high-abundance proteins were immunodepleted in plasma samples from the 4 experimental groups, which were then subjected to proteome-wide expression profiling by two-dimensional electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight/time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. Proteomic results were validated by immunoblotting and bioinformatically analyzed using MetaCore. From a total of 32 proteins identified with 1.5-fold changes in expression compared with healthy controls, 16 proteins were perturbed in BD independent of mood state, while 16 proteins were specifically associated with particular BD mood states. Two mood-independent differential proteins, apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 and Apo L1, suggest that BD pathophysiology may be associated with early perturbations in lipid metabolism. Moreover, down-regulation of one mood-dependent protein, carbonic anhydrase 1 (CA-1), suggests it may be involved in the pathophysiology of depressive episodes in BD. Thus, BD pathophysiology may be associated with early perturbations in lipid metabolism that are independent of mood state, while CA-1 may be involved in the pathophysiology of depressive episodes.

A novel CX3CR1 antagonist eluting stent reduces stenosis by targeting inflammation

We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of a novel drug eluting stent (DES) inhibiting inflammation and smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. We identified CX3CR1 as a targetable receptor for prevention of monocyte adhesion and inflammation and in-stent neointimal hyperplasia without interfering with stent re-endothelization. Efficacy of AZ12201182 (AZ1220), a CX3CR1 antagonist was evaluated in inhibition of monocyte attachment in vitro. A prototype AZ1220 eluting PLGA-based polymer coated stent developed with an optimal elution profile and dose of 1 μM/stent was tested over 4 weeks in a porcine model of coronary artery stenting. Polymer coated stents without AZ1220 and bare metal stents were used as controls. AZ1220 inhibited monocyte attachment to CX3CL1 in a dose dependent manner. AZ1220 eluted from polymer coated stents in an ex vivo flow system retained bioactivity in inhibiting monocyte attachment to CX3CL1. At 4 weeks following deployment, AZ1220 eluting stents significantly reduced (∼60%) in-stent stenosis compared to both bare metal and polymer only coated stents and markedly reduced peri-stent inflammation and monocyte/macrophage accumulation without affecting re-endothelization. Anti-CX3CR1 drug eluting stents potently inhibited in-stent stenosis and may offer an alternative to mTOR targeting by current DES, specifically inhibiting polymer-induced inflammatory response and SMC proliferation, while retaining an equivalent re-endothelization response to bare metal stents.

Salt stress represses production of extracellular proteases in Bacillus pumilus

Bacillus pumilus is able to secrete subtilisin-like prote-ases, one of which has been purified and characterized biochemically, demonstrating great potential for use in industrial applications. In the current study, the biosynthesis and transcription of extracellular pro-teases in B. pumilus (BA06) under salt stress were investigated using various methods, including a proteolytic assay, zymogram analysis, and real-time PCR. Our results showed that total extracellular proteolytic activity, both in fermentation broth and on milk-containing agar plates, was considerably repressed by salt in a dosage-dependent manner. As Bacillus species usually secret multiple extracellular proteases, a vari-ety of individual extracellular protease encoding genes were selected for real-time PCR analysis. It was shown that proteases encoded by the aprE and aprX genes were the major proteases in the fermentation broth in terms of their transcripts in B. pumilus. Further, transcription of aprE, aprX, and epr genes was indeed repressed by salt stress. In con-trast, transcription of other genes (e.g., vpr and wprA) was not repressed or significantly affected by the salt. Conclusively, salt stress represses total extracellular proteolytic activity in B. pumilus, which can largely be ascribed to suppression of the major protease-encoding genes (aprE, aprX) at the transcriptional level. In contrast, transcription of other pro-tease-encoding genes (e.g., vpr, wprA) was not repressed by salt stress.

Disabled-2 is required for efficient hemostasis and platelet activation by thrombin in mice

OBJECTIVE

The essential role of platelet activation in hemostasis and thrombotic diseases focuses attention on unveiling the underlying intracellular signals of platelet activation. Disabled-2 (Dab2) has been implicated in platelet aggregation and in the control of clotting responses. However, there is not yet any in vivo study to provide direct evidence for the role of Dab2 in hemostasis and platelet activation.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Megakaryocyte lineage-restricted Dab2 knockout (Dab2(-/-)) mice were generated to delineate in vivo functions of Dab2 in platelets. Dab2(-/-) mice appeared normal in size with prolonged bleeding time and impaired thrombus formation. Although normal in platelet production and granule biogenesis, Dab2(-/-) platelets elicited a selective defect in platelet aggregation and spreading on fibrinogen in response to low concentrations of thrombin, but not other soluble agonists. Investigation of the role of Dab2 in thrombin signaling revealed that Dab2 has no effect on the expression of thrombin receptors and the outside-in signaling. Dab2(-/-) platelets stimulated by low concentrations of thrombin were normal in Gαq-mediated calcium mobilization and protein kinase C activation, but were defective in Gα₁₂/₁₃-mediated RhoA-ROCKII activation. The attenuated Gα₁₂/₁₃ signaling led to impaired ADP release, Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin and integrin αIIbβ3 activation, fibrinogen binding, and clot retraction. The defective responses of Dab2(-/-) platelets to low concentrations of thrombin stimulation may contribute to the impaired hemostasis and thrombosis of Dab2(-/-) mice.

CONCLUSIONS

This study sheds new insight in platelet biology and represents the first report demonstrating that Dab2 is a key regulator of hemostasis and thrombosis by functional interplay with Gα₁₂/₁₃-mediated thrombin signaling.

Intravascular cell delivery device for therapeutic VEGF-induced angiogenesis in chronic vascular occlusion

Site specific targeting remains elusive for gene and stem cell therapies in the cardiovascular field. One promising option involves use of devices that deliver larger and more sustained cell/gene payloads to specific disease sites using the versatility of percutaneous vascular access technology. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) engineered to deliver high local concentrations of an angiogenic molecule (VEGF) were placed in an intravascular cell delivery device (ICDD) in a porcine model of chronic total occlusion (CTO) involving ameroid placement on the proximal left circumflex (LCx) artery. Implanted SMC were retained within the ICDD and were competent for VEGF production in vitro and in vivo. Following implantation, micro-CT analyses revealed that ICDD-VEGF significantly enhanced vasa vasora microvessel density with a concomitant increase in tissue VEGF protein levels and formation of endothelial cell colonies suggesting increased angiogenic potential. ICDD-VEGF markedly enhanced regional blood flow determined by microsphere and contrast CT analysis translating to a functional improvement in regional wall motion and global left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function. Our data indicate robust, clinically relevant angiogenesis can be achieved in a human scale porcine chronic vascular occlusion model following ICDD-VEGF-based delivery of angiogenic cells. This may have implications for percutaneous delivery of numerous therapeutic factors promoting creation of microvascular bypass networks in chronic vaso-occlusive diseases.

Identification of a Klf4-dependent upstream repressor region mediating transcriptional regulation of the myocardin gene in human smooth muscle cells

Phenotypic switching of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) plays a central role in the development of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. However, the factors regulating expression of the human myocardin (Myocd) gene, the master gene regulator of SMC differentiation, have yet to be identified. In this study, we sought to identify the critical factors regulating Myocd expression in human SMCs. Using deletion/genetic reporter analyses, an upstream repressor region (URR) was localised within the Myocd promoter, herein termed PrmM. Bioinformatic analysis revealed three evolutionary conserved Klf4 sites within the URR and disruption of those elements led to substantial increases in PrmM-directed gene expression. Furthermore, ectopic expression established that Klf4 significantly decreased Myocd mRNA levels and PrmM-directed gene expression while electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays confirmed specific binding of endogenous Klf4, and not Klf5 or Klf2, to the URR of PrmM. Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), a potent inhibitor of SMC differentiation, reduced Myocd mRNA levels and PrmM-directed gene expression in SMCs. A PDGF-BB-responsive region (PRR) was also identified within PrmM, overlapping with the previously identified URR, where either siRNA knockdown of Klf4 or the combined disruption of the Klf4 elements completely abolished PDGF-BB-mediated repression of PrmM-directed gene expression in SMCs. Moreover, ChIP analysis established that PDGF-BB-induced repression of Myocd gene expression is most likely regulated by enhanced binding of Klf4 and Klf5 to a lesser extent, to the PRR of PrmM. Taken together, these data provide critical insights into the transcriptional regulation of the Myocd gene in vascular SMCs, including during SMC differentiation.

Atomic-scale mechanisms of the glass-forming ability in metallic glasses

The issue, composition dependence of glass-forming ability (GFA) in metallic glasses (MG), has been investigated by systematic experimental measurements coupled with theoretical calculations in Cu-Zr and Ni-Nb alloy systems. It is found that the atomic-level packing efficiency strongly relates to their GFA. The best GFA is located at the largest difference in the packing efficiency of the solute-centered clusters between the glassy and crystal alloys in both MG systems. This work provides an understanding of GFA from atomic level and will shed light on the development of new MGs with larger critical sizes.

The endocytic adaptor protein Disabled-2 is required for cellular uptake of fibrinogen

Endocytosis is pivotal for uptake of fibrinogen from plasma into megakaryocytes and platelet α-granules. Due to the complex adaptor and cargo contents in endocytic vehicles, the underlying mechanism of fibrinogen uptake is not yet completely elucidated. In this study, we investigated whether the endocytic adaptor protein Disabled-2 (DAB2) mediates fibrinogen uptake in an adaptor-specific manner. By employing primary megakaryocytes and megakaryocytic differentiating human leukemic K562 cells as the study models, we found that fibrinogen uptake is associated with the expression of integrin αIIbβ3 and DAB2 and is mediated through clathrin-dependent manner. Accordingly, constitutive and inducible knockdown of DAB2 by small interfering RNA reduced fibrinogen uptake for 53.2 ± 9.8% and 59.0 ± 10.7%, respectively. Culturing the cells in hypertonic solution or in the presence of clathrin inhibitor chlorpromazine abrogated clathrin-dependent endocytosis and diminished the uptake of fibrinogen. Consistent with these findings, 72.2 ± 0.2% of cellular DAB2 was colocalized with clathrin, whereas 56.4±4.1% and 54.6 ± 2.0% of the internalized fibrinogen were colocalized with clathrin and DAB2, respectively. To delineate whether DAB2 mediates fibrinogen uptake in an adaptor-specific manner, K562 stable cell lines with knockdown of the adaptor protein-2 (AP-2) or double knockdown of AP-2/DAB2 were established. The AP-2 knockdown cells elicited normal fibrinogen uptake activity but the uptake of collagen was diminished. In addition, collagen uptake was further reduced in DAB2/AP-2 knockdown cells. These findings thereby define an adaptor-specific mechanism in the control of fibrinogen uptake and implicate that DAB2 is the key adaptor in the clathrin-associated endocytic complexes to mediate fibrinogen internalization.

Identification of potential hosts and vectors of scrub typhus and tick-borne spotted fever group rickettsiae in eastern Taiwan

Scrub typhus and tick-borne spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses are transmitted by chiggers (larval trombiculid mites) and hard ticks, respectively. We assessed exposure to these disease vectors by extensively sampling both chiggers and ticks and their small mammal hosts in eastern Taiwan during 2007 and 2008. The striped field mouse Apodemus agrarius Pallas (Rodentia: Muridae) was the most common of the small mammals (36.1% of 1393 captures) and presented the highest rate of infestation with both chiggers (47.8% of 110 760) and ticks (78.1% of 1431). Leptotrombidium imphalum Vercammen-Grandjean & Langston (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) and immature Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides Supino (Ixodida: Ixodidae) were the most abundant chiggers (84.5%) and ticks (>99%) identified, respectively. Immunofluorescent antibody assay revealed high seropositive rates of rodents against Orientia tsutsugamushi Hyashi (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), the aetiological agent of scrub typhus (70.0% of 437 rodents), and tick-borne SFG rickettsiae (91.9% of 418 rodents). The current study represents a first step towards elucidating the potential hosts and vectors in the enzootic transmission of O. tsutsugamushi and tick-borne SFG rickettsiae in Taiwan. Further studies should focus on characterizing pathogens in L. imphalum and R. haemaphysaloides, as well as the proclivity of both vectors to humans. Uncovering the main hosts of adult ticks is also critical for the prevention of SFG rickettsial infections.

Lack of association between AKT1 variances versus clinical manifestations and social function in patients with schizophrenia

The elucidation of genotype-phenotype relationships in psychiatric research is at an early stage. V-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (AKT1) is a serine/threonine kinase known as protein kinase B. Emerging studies have implicated the role of AKT1 in pathogenesis of schizophrenia; however, the findings have not been consistent. This study aims to examine the association of AKT1 polymorphisms with drug-free and post-treatment symptomatology and social function in patients with schizophrenia. One hundred and twenty newly hospitalised patients with acutely exacerbated schizophrenia who had never been treated by atypical antipsychotics were recruited. They received optimal treatment of risperidone for up to 42 days in the inpatient research unit. Clinical manifestations were monitored by Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and social function by Nurses' Observation Scale for Inpatients Evaluation (NOSIE). Patients were genotyped for eight AKT1 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs), which have been previously investigated for association with schizophrenia. At drug-free status and after best possible treatment of risperidone, genotypes of each SNP did not influence performances in NOSIE, PANSS-total, -positive, -negative and -general psychopathology profiles. These results suggest that AKT1 does not play a significant role in clinical and functional manifestations in patients with schizophrenia who receive risperidone treatment. Future research should also focus on the relationships between genotypes of other susceptibility genes and phenotypes or functional outcomes of schizophrenia.

Disabled-2 is a novel αIIb-integrin-binding protein that negatively regulates platelet-fibrinogen interactions and platelet aggregation

Platelet aggregation plays a pivotal role in the haemostatic process and is involved in the pathological counterpart of arterial thrombosis. We have shown that the adapter protein disabled-2 (DAB2) is expressed abundantly in platelets. In this study, DAB2 was found to distribute in the platelet α-granules and was released from the granular compartment upon platelet activation. The secreted DAB2 binds to the extracellular region of αIIbβ3 integrin on the platelet surface through the phosphotyrosine-binding domain. The DAB2-platelet interactions result in the inhibition of agonist-induced platelet aggregation with the exception of thrombin, a DAB2 protease that renders DAB2 inactive. Biochemical and mutational analysis revealed that the DAB2 cell-adhesion Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif (amino acid residues 64-66) and the αIIb-integrin–fibrinogen-binding region (amino acid residues 171-464) are important for the DAB2-platelet interactions. Such interactions compete for the binding of αIIb integrin with fibrinogen and provide a mechanism for DAB2 to inhibit platelet aggregation. Accordingly, the synthetic RGD-motif-containing DAB2 peptide PDARGDKM also elicited anti-platelet aggregation activity. These findings demonstrate for the first time that DAB2 is an αIIb-integrin-binding protein that plays a novel role in the control of platelet-fibrinogen interactions and platelet aggregation.

Rapid detection and identification of clinically important bacteria by high-resolution melting analysis after broad-range ribosomal RNA real-time PCR

BACKGROUND

Broad-range PCR provides valuable information for detecting bacterial infections. This study assesses the combined use of broad-range real-time PCR and high-resolution melting analysis for rapid detection and identification of clinically important bacteria.

METHODS

We subjected 46 bacterial culture colonies representing 25 clinically important bacterial species to LightCycler real-time PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene in the presence of LCGreen I fluorescent dye. We performed high-resolution melting analysis of the PCR products with the HR-1 instrument and used melting profiles as molecular fingerprints for bacterial species identification. We validated this method via assessment of 54 consecutive bacteria culture colonies obtained from a clinical microbiology laboratory.

RESULTS

The 16S rRNA gene of all 25 bacterial species was amplifiable by this method, with PCR product lengths of 216 or 217 bp. Of the 25 bacterial species, we identified 11 via a 1-step post-PCR high-resolution melting analysis. The remaining bacterial species were identified via the high-resolution melting plots obtained by heteroduplex formation between the PCR products of the tested and reference bacterial species or by a 2nd real-time PCR targeting a different region of the 16S rRNA gene. A high-resolution melting database and a working protocol were established for identifying these 25 bacterial species. In the validation assay, a 94% accuracy rate was achieved when the bacterial species were in the high-resolution melting database.

CONCLUSIONS

This assay requires no multiplexing or hybridization probes and provides a new approach for bacterial species identification in a molecular diagnostic laboratory.

The role of DOC-2/DAB2 in modulating androgen receptor-mediated cell growth via the nongenomic c-Src-mediated pathway in normal prostatic epithelium and cancer

Prostate cancer is initially responsive to androgen ablation, but prostate cancer tumors invariably progress to an androgen-independent state that is ultimately lethal. The onset of the androgen-independent prostate cancer is often associated with up-regulation of the androgen receptor that can cause antagonists to exhibit agonistic activity, which could lead to the failure of androgen ablation therapy. We describe a unique protein-DOC-2/DAB2 (differentially expressed in ovarian cancer-2/disabled 2)-that antagonizes androgen receptor-mediated cell growth in prostate cancer cells via interaction with c-Src protein. This interaction causes inactivation of Erk and Akt proteins critical for proliferation and survival of prostate cancer cells. However, DOC-2/DAB2 does not change the capacity of androgen receptor to regulate the transcription of androgen-responsive reporter genes, indicating that DOC-2/DAB2 selectively inhibits androgen receptor-mediated cell growth in androgen-independent prostate cancer by disrupting the androgen receptor/c-Src complex. In normal prostatic epithelia, DOC-2/DAB2 protein levels are more abundant than androgen receptor protein levels and reduced endogenous DOC-2/DAB2 protein levels in these cells by DOC-2/DAB2 RNA interference result in enhancing androgen receptor-mediated cell growth. We conclude that DOC-2/DAB2 can modulate androgen receptor-mediated cell growth in both normal and malignant prostatic epithelial cells and the outcome of this study could evolve into a new therapeutic strategy of prostate cancer.

Rapid detection of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase gene mutations by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography

OBJECTIVES

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common inherited disorder worldwide. Different kinds of G6PD mutations may result in variable severity of clinical onset in G6PD-deficient individuals. In this study, a reliable molecular diagnostic method was developed for rapid detection of G6PD gene mutation.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Primers were designed to amplify G6PD gene fragments that were subjected to mutation screening using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) analysis. Mutations were identified by their distinct elution peak patterns and were confirmed by DNA sequencing. The assay was further validated against 29 samples from individuals with G6PD deficiency.

RESULTS

A DHPLC-based assay for G6PD mutation detection was established. The 9 common G6PD mutations in the Taiwanese and Chinese population could be distinguished through the analysis of DNA elution patterns. During the validation test with the 29 G6PD deficiency specimens, two additional rare mutations, T517C and C519G, were unveiled. Overall, the DHPLC-based mutation detection was 100% concordant with the DNA sequencing results.

CONCLUSION

Compared to other genotyping techniques, this method requires significantly less technical time to perform and has a greatly increased throughput capacity. Hence, the DHPLC method represents a major technical advance for G6PD genotyping and should benefit G6PD-deficient individuals for proper clinical care.

Autocrine signaling of platelet-derived growth factor regulates disabled-2 expression during megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is involved in megakaryocytopoiesis and is secreted into the culture medium during megakaryocytic differentiation of human leukemic cells. We investigate whether PDGF plays a role in the regulation of the adapter protein Disabled-2 (DAB2) that expresses abundantly in platelets and megakaryocytes. Western blot analysis revealed that conditioned medium from 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-treated, megakaryocytic differentiating K562 cells upregulated DAB2 expression. DAB2 induction and megakaryocytic differentiation was abrogated when cells were co-treated with the PDGF receptor inhibitor STI571 or when the conditioned medium was derived from TPA-plus STI571-treated cells. Although the level of PDGF mRNA was not altered by STI571, an approximate 44% decrease in PDGF in the conditioned medium was observed. Consistent with these findings, interfering PDGF signaling by PDGF neutralization antibody or dominant negative PDGF receptors attenuated DAB2 expression. Accordingly, transfection of an expression plasmid encoding secreted PDGF upregulated DAB2. This study shows for the first time that PDGF autocrine signaling regulates DAB2 expression during megakaryocytic differentiation.