1
|
Bai S, Hu S, Dai Y, Jin R, Zhang C, Yao F, Weng Q, Zhai P, Zhao B, Wu X, Chen Y. NRAS promotes the proliferation of melanocytes to increase melanin deposition in Rex rabbits. Genome 2023; 66:1-10. [PMID: 36440769 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2021-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Melanocytes play a major role in the formation of mammalian fur color and are regulated by several genes. Despite playing the pivotal role in the study of melanoma, the mechanistic role of NRAS (neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog) in the formation of mammalian epidermal color is still elusive. First of all, the expression levels of NRAS mRNA and protein in the dorsal skin of different colored Rex rabbits were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Then, the subcellular localization of NRAS was identified in melanocytes by indirect immunofluorescence. Next, the expression of NRAS was overexpressed and knocked down in melanocytes, and its efficiency was verified by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Subsequently, NaOH, CCK-8, and Annexin V-FITC were used to verify the changes in melanin content, proliferation, and apoptosis in melanocytes. Finally, we analyzed the regulation of NRAS on other genes (MITF, TYR, DCT, PMEL, and CREB) that affect melanin production. In silico studies showed NRAS as a stable and hydrophilic protein, and it is localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus of melanocytes. The mRNA and protein expression levels of NRAS were significantly different in skin of different colored Rex rabbits, and the highest level was found in black skin (P < 0.01). Moreover, the NRAS demonstrated impact on the proliferation, apoptosis, and melanin production of melanocytes (P < 0.05), and the strong correlation of NRAS with melanin-related genes was evidently observed (P < 0.05). Our results suggested that NRAS can be used as a gene that regulates melanin production and controls melanocyte proliferation and apoptosis, providing a new theoretical basis for studying the mechanism of mammalian fur color formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaocheng Bai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Shuaishuai Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Yingying Dai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Rongshuai Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Fan Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Qiaoqin Weng
- Yuyao Xinnong Rabbit Industry Co., Ltd, Ningbo 315400, China
| | - Pin Zhai
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Bohao Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Xinsheng Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Yang Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Weng Q, Zhou L, Wang H, Hui J, Chen M, Pang P, Zheng L, Xu M, Wang Z, Ji J. A radiomics model for determining the invasiveness of solitary pulmonary nodules that manifest as part-solid nodules. Clin Radiol 2019; 74:933-943. [PMID: 31521324 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2019.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM A nomogram model was developed to predict the histological subtypes of lung invasive adenocarcinomas (IAs) and minimally invasive adenocarcinomas (MIAs) that manifest as part-solid ground-glass nodules (GGNs). MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study enrolled 119 patients with histopathologically confirmed part-solid GGNs assigned to the training (n=83) or testing cohorts (n=36). Radiomic features were extracted based on the unenhanced computed tomography (CT) images. R software was applied to process the qualitative and quantitative data. The CT features model, radiomic signature model, and combined prediction model were constructed and compared. RESULTS A total of 396 radiomic features were extracted from the preoperative CT images, four features including MaxIntensity, RMS, ZonePercentage, and LongRunEmphasis_angle0_offset7 were indicated to be the best discriminators to establish the radiomic signature model. The performance of the model was satisfactory in both the training and testing set with areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.854 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.774 to 0.934) and 0.813 (95% CI: 0.670 to 0.955), respectively. The CT morphology of the lesion shape and diameter of the solid component were confirmed to be a significant feature for building the CT features model, which had an AUC of 0.755 (95% CI: 0.648 to 0.843). A nomogram that integrated lesion shape and radiomic signature was constructed, which contributed an AUC of 0.888 (95% CI: 0.82 to 0.955). CONCLUSIONS The radiomic signature could provide an important reference for differentiating IAs from MIAs, and could be significantly enhanced by the addition of CT morphology. The nomogram may be highly informative for making clinical decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Q Weng
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - L Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Lishui People's Hospital, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - H Wang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - J Hui
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - M Chen
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - P Pang
- GE Healthcare, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - L Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - M Xu
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Z Wang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - J Ji
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu Q, Xie W, Xiao Y, Gao F, Gao Q, Zhang H, Han Y, Yuan Z, Weng Q. Seasonal expressions of oxytocin and oxytocin receptor in epididymis of the male muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus). Theriogenology 2019; 124:24-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
4
|
Li P, Zhang F, Weng Q, Zhao L, Zhou Y, Li Y, Li Q, Ni C, Yang X. 4:10 PM Abstract No. 50 Intratumoral radiofrequency hyperthermia-enhanced herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) gene therapy of orthotopic lung cancer through the augmentation of apoptosis and heat shock protein (HSP70) expression pathway. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2018.01.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
5
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) started later in China than in European countries. The purpose of the present study was to investigate HRT patterns and reasons for the initiation and discontinuation of HRT among women in South China. METHODS A telephone survey about menopausal status, the use of HRT, reasons for HRT discontinuation and duration of HRT treatment was conducted in 2014. RESULTS A total of 825 telephone surveys were carried out, and 217 previous HRT users and 390 current users were recruited for this study. Among these 607 subjects, 50.7% of the women sought out HRT for hot flushes, 41.6% for fatigue and 41.5% for sleeplessness. Approximately one-third (35.9%) of the patients abandoned HRT during the following year. The reasons for stopping HRT were mainly fear of breast and uterine cancer (28.4%), reduced menopausal symptoms (22.9%) and the inconvenience of taking pills or seeing a doctor (17.9%). The factors related to HRT discontinuation were the age when HRT was initiated (odds ratio 1.59, 95% confidence interval 1.19-2.13) and education level (odds ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.62-0.98). CONCLUSIONS The duration of HRT use in women in south China was short, and a high proportion of the women discontinued HRT. Given the high discontinuation rate and the low medical compliance, Chinese health-care providers still have much to do to let women know about the advantages and disadvantages of HRT and to encourage the use of HRT appropriately.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Chu
- a School of Medicine , Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , PR China
| | - Y Song
- a School of Medicine , Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , PR China
| | - N D Chatooah
- a School of Medicine , Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , PR China
| | - Q Weng
- b Yuhang First Hospital , Hangzhou , PR China
| | - Q Ying
- c Zhejiang Cancer Hospital , Hangzhou , PR China
| | - L Ma
- a School of Medicine , Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , PR China
| | - F Qu
- a School of Medicine , Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , PR China
| | - J Zhou
- a School of Medicine , Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , PR China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Affiliation(s)
- M. Zhu
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Beijing Forestry University Beijing China
| | - Q. Weng
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Beijing Forestry University Beijing China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li B, Luo H, Weng Q, Wang S, Pan Z, Xie Z, Wu W, Liu H, Li Q. Differential DNA methylation of the meiosis-specific geneFKBP6in testes of yak and cattle-yak hybrids. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51:1030-1038. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology; Nanjing Agricultural University; Nanjing China
| | - H Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology; Nanjing Agricultural University; Nanjing China
| | - Q Weng
- College of Animal Science and Technology; Nanjing Agricultural University; Nanjing China
| | - S Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology; Nanjing Agricultural University; Nanjing China
| | - Z Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology; Nanjing Agricultural University; Nanjing China
| | - Z Xie
- College of Animal Science and Technology; Nanjing Agricultural University; Nanjing China
| | - W Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology; Nanjing Agricultural University; Nanjing China
| | - H Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology; Nanjing Agricultural University; Nanjing China
| | - Q Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology; Nanjing Agricultural University; Nanjing China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang F, Wang J, Jiao Y, Zhang L, Zhang H, Sheng X, Han Y, Yuan Z, Weng Q. Seasonal changes of androgen receptor, estrogen receptors and aromatase expression in the medial preoptic area of the wild male ground squirrels (Citellus dauricus Brandt). Eur J Histochem 2016; 60:2621. [PMID: 27349316 PMCID: PMC4933827 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2016.2621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The wild ground squirrel is a typical seasonal breeder. In this study, using RT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry, we investigated the mRNA and protein expressions of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors a and β (ERα and ERβ) and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) of hypothalamus of the wild male ground squirrel during the breeding season (April), the non-breeding season (June) and pre-hibernation (September). AR, ERα, ERβ and P450arom protein/mRNA were present in the MPOA of all seasons detected. The immunostaining of AR and ERα showed no significant changes in different periods, whereas ERβ and P450arom had higher immunoreactivities during the breeding season and pre-hibernation when compared to those of the non-breeding season. Consistently, both the protein and mRNA levels of P450arom and ERβ were higher in the MPOA of pre-hibernation and the breeding season than in the non-breeding season, whereas no significant difference amongst the three periods was observed for AR and ERα levels. These findings suggested that the MPOA of hypothalamus may be a direct target of androgen and estrogen. Androgen may play important regulatory roles through its receptor and/or the aromatized estrogen in the MPOA of hypothalamus of the wild male ground squirrels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Zhang
- Beijing Forestry University.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang H, Wang Y, Zhang J, Wang L, Li Q, Sheng X, Han Y, Yuan Z, Weng Q. Testicular expression of NGF, TrkA and p75 during seasonal spermatogenesis of the wild ground squirrel (Citellus dauricus Brandt). Eur J Histochem 2015; 59:2522. [PMID: 26428886 PMCID: PMC4598598 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2015.2522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The nerve growth factor (NGF) not only has an essential effect on the nervous system, but also plays an important role in a variety of non-neuronal systems, such as the reproductive system. The aim of this study was to compare the quality and quantity in expression of NGF and its receptors (TrkA and p75) in testes of the wild ground squirrel during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Immunolocalization for NGF was detected mainly in Leydig cells and Sertoli cells in testes of the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. The immunoreactivity of TrkA was highest in the elongated spermatids, whereas p75 in spermatogonia and spermatocytes in testes of the breeding season. In the nonbreeding season testes, TrkA showed positive immunostainings in Leydig cells, spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes, while p75 showed positive signals in spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes. Consistent with the immunohistochemical results, the mean mRNA and protein level of NGF and TrkA were higher in the testes of the breeding season than in non-breeding season, and then decreased to a relatively low level in the nonbreeding season. In addition, the concentration of plasma gonadotropins and testosterone were assayed by radioimmunoassay (RIA), and the results showed a significant difference between the breeding and nonbreeding seasons with higher concentrations in breeding season. In conclusion, these results of this study provide the first evidence on the potential involvement of NGF and its receptor, TrkA and p75 in the seasonal spermatogenesis and testicular function change of the wild ground squirrel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Zhang
- Beijing Forestry University.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
|
11
|
Li Q, Zhang F, Zhang S, Sheng X, Han X, Weng Q, Yuan Z. Seasonal expression of androgen receptor, aromatase, and estrogen receptor alpha and beta in the testis of the wild ground squirrel (Citellus dauricus Brandt). Eur J Histochem 2015; 59:2456. [PMID: 25820559 PMCID: PMC4378213 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2015.2456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2014] [Revised: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal expression of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors α and β (ERα and ERβ) and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) mRNA and protein by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry in the wild ground squirrel (WGS) testes. Histologically, all types of spermatogenic cells including mature spermatozoa were identified in the breeding season (April), while spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes were observed in the nonbreeding season (June), and spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and secondary spermatocytes were found in pre-hibernation (September). AR was present in Leydig cells, peritubular myoid cells and Sertoli cells in the breeding season and pre-hibernation with more intense staining in the breeding season, whereas AR was only found in Leydig cells in the nonbreeding season; P450arom was expressed in Leydig cells, Sertoli cells and germ cells during the breeding season, whereas P450arom was found in Leydig cells and Sertoli cells during pre-hibernation, but P450arom was not present in the nonbreeding season; stronger immunohistochemical signal for ERα was present in Sertoli cells and Leydig cells during the breeding season; ERβ was only expressed in Leydig cells of the breeding season. Consistent with the immunohistochemical results, the mean mRNA level of AR, P450arom, ERα and ERβ were higher in the testes of the breeding season when compared to pre-hibernation and the nonbreeding season. These results suggested that the seasonal changes in spermatogenesis and testicular recrudescence and regression process in WGSs might be correlated with expression levels of AR, P450arom and ERs, and that estrogen and androgen may play an important autocrine/paracrine role to regulate seasonal testicular function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Q Li
- Beijing Forestry University.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu Y, Weng J, Huang S, Shen Y, Sheng X, Han Y, Xu M, Weng Q. Immunoreactivities of PPARγ2, leptin and leptin receptor in oviduct of Chinese brown frog during breeding period and pre-hibernation. Eur J Histochem 2014; 58:2422. [PMID: 25308849 PMCID: PMC4194397 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2014.2422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Chinese brown frog (Rana dybowskii) is a special amphibian with one unique physiological phenomenon, which is that its oviduct expands prior to hibernation, instead of during the breeding period. In this study, we investigate the localization and expression level of PPARγ2, leptin and leptin receptor proteins in oviduct of Rana dybowskii during breeding period and pre-hibernation. There were significant variations in oviductal weight and size, with values much lower in the breeding period than in pre-hibernation. PPARγ2 was observed in stromal and epithelial cells in both periods. Leptin was immunolocalized in epithelial cells in both periods, whereas leptin receptor was detected only in stromal cells. Consistently, the protein levels of PPARγ2, leptin and leptin receptor were higher in pre-hibernation as compared to the breeding period. These results suggested that oviduct was the target organ of leptin, which may play an important paracrine role in regulating the oviductal hypertrophy during prehibernation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Liu
- Beijing Forestry University.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Weng Q, Zhou H, Wang L, He S. Orthographic and lexical sensitivity to words in the ventral occipitotemporal cortex. J Vis 2014. [DOI: 10.1167/14.10.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
14
|
Bao L, Li Q, Liu Y, Li B, Sheng X, Han Y, Weng Q. Immunolocalization of NGF and its receptors in ovarian surface epithelium of the wild ground squirrel during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Eur J Histochem 2014; 58:2363. [PMID: 24998925 PMCID: PMC4083325 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2014.2363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2013] [Revised: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) plays an important role in normal ovarian physiology. During each reproductive cycle, the OSE takes part in the cyclical ovulatory ruptures and repair. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunolocalization of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptors, tyrosine kinase A (TrkA) and p75, in the OSE cells of the wild ground squirrels during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. There were marked variations in ovarian weight and size between the breeding and the nonbreeding seasons. Histologically, cuboidal cells and squamous cells were identified in the OSE of both seasons. Yet, stronger immunostaining of NGF, TrkA and p75 were observed in cuboidal cells and squamous cells in the breeding season as compared to the nonbreeding season. In addition, plasma gonadotropin concentrations were higher in the breeding season than in the nonbreeding season, suggesting that the expression patterns of NGF, TrkA and p75 in the OSE were correlated with changes in plasma gonadotropins. These findings suggested that NGF and its receptor TrkA and p75 may be involved in the regulation of seasonal changes in the OSE of wild ground squirrel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Bao
- Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhang H, Nagaoka K, Imakawa K, Nambo Y, Watanabe G, Taya K, Weng Q. Expression of inhibin/activin subunits in the equine uteri during the early pregnancy. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 48:423-8. [PMID: 23043254 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The establishment of equine pregnancy is a unique and long process during which a series of physical and possibly biochemical interactions are required between the conceptus and uterus. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern of inhibin/activin subunits in the uterus during early pregnancy. The uteri from four adult mares on cyclic day 13 or pregnancy day 25 were obtained. Immunohistochemical experiments suggested that inhibin/activin subunits were immunolocalized in the luminal and glandular epithelium on pregnancy day 25. In addition, the inhibin α and inhibin/activin βB subunits were not detected, and inhibin/activin βA subunit was detected, in the luminal and glandular epithelium on cyclic day 13. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting results for the inhibin/activin subunits suggested a significant increase in the expression of inhibin/activin subunit βB and a significant decrease in the expression of inhibin/activin subunit βA on pregnancy day 25 compared with those on cyclic day 13. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays suggested a significant decrease in the concentration of activin A in endometrium extracts from cyclic day 13 to pregnancy day 25. These results suggest that inhibins or activins synthesized in the uterus, as endocrine factors and necessary nutriments, have different expression patterns and may play different, important roles during early embryonic development of the equine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Zhang
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Li Q, Weng J, Zhang H, Lu L, Ma X, Wang Q, Cao H, Liu S, Xu M, Weng Q, Watanabe G, Taya K. Immunohistochemical evidence: testicular and scented glandular androgen synthesis in muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) during the breeding season. Eur J Histochem 2011; 55:e32. [PMID: 22297438 PMCID: PMC3284234 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2011.e32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Revised: 05/27/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to elucidate the relationship between androgens and the function of the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) scented glands during the breeding season, we investigated immunolocalization of steroidogenic enzymes P450scc, 3βHSD and P450c17 in the muskrat testes and scented glands. Nine adult muskrats were obtained in March (n=3), May (n=3) and July (n=3) 2010. Steroidogenic enzymes were immunolocalized using polyclonal antisera raised against bovine adrenal P450scc, human placental 3βHSD and porcine testicular P450c17. Histologically, all types of spermatogenic cells including mature-phase spermatozoa in seminiferous tubules were observed in all testes. Glandular cells, interstitial cells, epithelial cells and excretory tubules were identified in scented glands during the breeding season. P450scc, 3βHSD and P450c17 were only identified in Leydig cells during the breeding season; P450scc and P450c17 were observed in glandular cells of scented glands, however, 3βHSD was not found in scented glands during the breeding season. These novel findings provide the first evidence showing that scented glands of the muskrats are capable of locally synthesizing androgens and androgens acting via an endocrine, autocrine or paracrine manner may play an important role in scented gland function during the breeding season.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Q Li
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Weng Q, Engel S, Kersten D, He S. Reduced adaptation from complex grating on component grating is due to automatic interaction between components independent of attention. J Vis 2011. [DOI: 10.1167/11.11.1187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
18
|
Chen N, Bi T, Weng Q, He D, Fang F. Learning to discriminate face view. J Vis 2010. [DOI: 10.1167/10.7.1146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
19
|
Avruch J, Belham C, Weng Q, Hara K, Yonezawa K. The p70 S6 kinase integrates nutrient and growth signals to control translational capacity. Prog Mol Subcell Biol 2002; 26:115-54. [PMID: 11575164 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-56688-2_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Avruch
- Diabetes Unit and Medical Services, Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
A methodology is developed to relate urban growth studies to distributed hydrological modeling using an integrated approach of remote sensing and GIS. This linkage is possible because both studies share land-use and land-cover data. Landsat Thematic Mapper data are utilized to detect urban land-cover changes. GIS analyses are then conducted to examine the changing spatial patterns of urban growth. The integration of remote sensing and GIS is applied to automate the estimation of surface runoff based on the Soil Conservation Service model. Impacts of urban growth on surface runoff and the rainfall-runoff relationship are examined by linking the two modeling results with spatial analysis techniques. This methodology is applied to the Zhujiang Delta of southern China, where dramatic urban growth has occurred over the past two decades, and the rampant urban growth has created severe problems in water resources management. The results revealed a notably uneven spatial pattern of urban growth and an increase of 8.10 mm in annual runoff depth during the 1989-1997 period. An area that experienced more urban growth had a greater potential for increasing annual surface runoff. Highly urbanized areas were more prone to flooding. Urbanization lowered potential maximum storage, and thus increased runoff coefficient values.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Q Weng
- Department of Geography, Geology, and Anthropology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute 47809, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Weng Q, Jin W. Determination of free intracellular amino acids in single mouse peritoneal macrophages after naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde derivatization by capillary zone electrophoresis with electrochemical detection. Electrophoresis 2001; 22:2797-803. [PMID: 11545411 DOI: 10.1002/1522-2683(200108)22:13<2797::aid-elps2797>3.0.co;2-n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A method is described for the direct identification and quantification of amino acids in individual mouse peritoneal macrophages by capillary zone electrophoresis with electrochemical detection after on-column derivatization with naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde (NDA) and CN-. In this method, individual macrophages and then the lysing/ derivatizing buffer are injected into the front end of the separation capillary by electromigration with the aid of an inverted microscope. The front end of the separation capillary is used as a chamber to lyse the macrophage and derivatize its contents, which minimizes dilution of amino acids of a single macrophage during derivatization. Six amino acids (serine, alanine, taurine, glycine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid) in single mouse peritoneal macrophages have been identified. Quantitation has been accomplished through the use of calibration curves, where the concentration ratios of these standard amino acids are similar to the concentration ratios of amino acids in macrophages. Cellular levels of the amino acids in these cells range from 0.27 +/- 0.20 fmol/ cell for alanine to 6.4 +/- 4.6 fmol/cell for taurine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Q Weng
- Laboratory of Analytical Science, School of Chemistry, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wu S, Xiang K, Zheng T, Sun D, Weng Q, Zhao H, Li J. Relationship between the renin-angiotensin system genes and diabetic nephropathy in the Chinese. Chin Med J (Engl) 2000; 113:437-41. [PMID: 11776100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To clarify whether genetic variants of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in the Chinese. METHODS Totally 173 Chinese subjects of Han nationality from Shanghai were classified into! control, DN (-) and DN (+) groups. The latter was subdivided according to diabetic duration at the onset of DN and the stage of DN. Genotyping of five polymorphic sites in four key genes of the RAS: the AGT-T174M, AGT-M235T and AGTR1 genotypes were determined by PCR/restriction enzyme digestion. The insertion/deletion (I/D) and [ACAC] n-STR microsatellite polymorphic markers were used for ACE and REN genotyping, respectively. Statistical analysis showed comparisons of gene frequencies between any two groups were made with Fisher's exact test or Chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of DN. RESULTS The frequencies of ACE-DD genotype and ACE-D allele were much higher in DN(+) group than in DN (-) group (0.25 vs 0.05, 0.47 vs 0.29, respectively), so were the frequencies of TT genotype and T allele in AGT-M235T (0.73 vs 0.54, 0.85 vs 0.68, respectively). DN (+) DUR < 5 years group had greatly increased frequencies of AGT-M235T allele and ACE-DD genotype in comparison with DN(-) group (0.92 vs 0.68 and 0.28 vs 0.05, respectively). Logistic regression analysis further identified these two genes as contributing factors to DN. Although AGTR1 and AGT-T174M genotyping analysis revealed differences in frequency distribution between DN (+) and DN (-) or control groups, logistic regression analysis failed to implicate them in the development of DN. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed RAS genes, ACE and AGT-M235T but not AGT-T174M, AGTR1 or REN genotypes, as contributing factors for DN in type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Diabetes Research Laboratory and Medical Genetics Research Laboratory, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Weng Q, Ni X, Gopala A, Xu J, Heiden P. Use of low molecular weight oligomers as non-volatile reaction media. POLYMER 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0032-3861(98)00147-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
24
|
Wu S, Xiang K, Weng Q, Lin X, Li Q, Dai Y, Zhao H, Shen W, Pu L, Li J. Relationship between angiotensin I converting enzyme gene polymorphism and diabetic nephropathy. Chin Med J (Engl) 1998; 111:478-9. [PMID: 10374364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Xiang K, Wang Y, Wu S, Lu H, Zheng T, Sun D, Weng Q, Jia W, Shen W, Pu L, He J. Mitochondrial tRNA(Leu(UUR)) gene mutation diabetes mellitus in Chinese. Chin Med J (Engl) 1997; 110:372-8. [PMID: 9594306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To ascertain the prevalence and clinical features of mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR) gene nucleotide (nt) 3243 A-->G mutation diabetes mellitus in Chinese and to establish the approaches for genetic diagnosis of this subtype of diabetes during routine daily clinical practice. METHODS Mitochondrial nt 3243 A-->G mutation was screened among 207 unrelated non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/Apa I restriction endonuclease digestion. Samples with positive result were confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. Genetic and clinical analysis were carried out in family members of the proband with positive genetic diagnosis. RESULTS Positive results were found in two subjects during screening of unrelated NIDDM patients, which account for 2.4%-11.1% of NIDDM subjects with uncommon clinical features (with early age-of-onset, with low body-mass-index and on insulin therapy) or with positive family history of diabetes consistent with or unable to exclude from maternal inheritance. Genetic diagnosis was positive in 10 out of 25 family members in the pedigrees of these two probands. CONCLUSIONS Mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR) gene nt 3242 A-->G mutation should be considered in diabetic patients with the above-mentioned clinical features. The genetic diagnosis in daily clinical practice can be performed with allele specific priming amplification, or PCR/Hae III or Apa I digestion which are technically simple to perform and diagnostically easy to define.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Xiang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People Hospital, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wu S, Xiang K, Weng Q. [Relationship between angiotensin 1 converting enzyme gene polymorphism and diabetic nephropathy]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 1997; 77:183-6. [PMID: 9596955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To clarify if ACE gene I/D polymorphism attributes to the development of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and renal complication. METHODS A fragment of 287 bp Alu sequence in inron 16 of ACE gene was used as I/D polymorphic marker. After PCR amplification of DNA fragment, 12% non-denatured polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was undertaken to analyze the PCR products. RESULTS Allele D was the prominent one (frequency 0.75) in the subgroup of DN which was complicated in the earliest stage of NIDDM without HTN, CHD and diabetic retinopathy. However, the frequency of allele D was low (0.39) in the subgroup of NIDDM without DN, HTN, CHD and diabetic retinopathy, in which the duration of each subject was over 5 years. It was significant to compare these two mentioned subgroups (P < 0.02, continuity-adjusted X2test, P < 0.05). The distribution of genotype in the whole NIDDM group without HTN and CHD (69 cases) was very similar to the normal control (110 subjects) (I 0.60 to 0.59, D 0.40 to 0.41). CONCLUSION The I/D polymorphism of ACE gene may be the factor of genetic predisposition of early-onset diabetic nephropathy in Chinese NIDDM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai, Sixth People's Hospital
| | | | | |
Collapse
|