Alu Tandem Sequences Inhibit GFP Gene Expression by Triggering Chromatin Wrapping

Xiu Fang Wang,Xiao Yan Wang,Jing Liu,Jing Jing Feng,Wen Li Mu,Xiao Juan Shi,Qin Qing Yang,Xiao Cui Duan,Ying Xie,Zhan Jun Lu 한국유전학회 2009 Genes & Genomics Vol.31 No.3

Alu elements belonging to the short interspersed nuclear elements (SINE) of repetitive elements are present in more than one million copies which altogether represent 10% of the whole human genome. In this study, the roles of Alu tandem sequences in the process of GFP gene (GFP) expression and packing into chromatin of its DNA were studied. To detect the effect of Alu repeats on gene expression, different copies of Alus were inserted GFP downstream respectively in pEGFP-C1 vector. We found that Alu sequences decreased the amount of GFP transcription, the percentage of GFP positive cells and the accessibility to DNase I in length-dependent manner. Inserting Alu caused the production of higher-molecular-mass RNA, indicating Alu sequence did not induce premature transcriptional termination. Tight packing chromatins keep silent and resist to DNase I digestion, which is a general phenomenon. We suggested that head and tail tandem Alu sequences suppressed GFP expression in length dependent manner by triggering chromatin packing.

Influence of different fatigue loads and coating thicknesses on service performance of RC beam specimens with epoxy-coated reinforcement

Xiao-Hui Wang,Yang Gao,Run-Dong Gao,Jing Wang,Xi-La Liu 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2017 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.19 No.3

Epoxy-coated reinforcing bars are widely used to protect the corrosion of the reinforcing bars in the RC elements under their in-service environments and external loads. In most field surveys, it was reported that the corrosion resistance of the epoxy-coated reinforcing bars is typically better than the uncoated bars. However, from the experimental tests conducted in the labs, it was reported that, under the same loads, the RC elements with epoxy-coated reinforcing bars had wider cracks than the elements reinforced with the ordinary bars. Although this conclusion may be true considering the bond reduction of the reinforcing bar due to the epoxy coating, the maximum service loads used in the experimental research may be a main reason. To answer these two phenomena, service performance of 15 RC beam specimens with uncoated and epoxy-coated reinforcements under different fatigue loads was experimentally studied. Influences of different coating thicknesses of the reinforcing bars, the fatigue load range and load upper limit as well as fatigue load cycles on the mechanical performance of RC test specimens are discussed. It is concluded that, for the test specimens subjected to the comparatively lower load range and load upper limit, adverse effect on the service performance of test specimens with thicker epoxy-coated reinforcing bars is negligible. With the increments of the coating thickness and the in-service loading level, i.e., fatigue load range, load upper limit and fatigue cycles, the adverse factor resulting from the thicker coating becomes noticeable.

BTXA Could Induce Fibroblast Apoptosis and Inhibit the Expression of α-SMA and Myosin II in Scar Tissue of Rabbit Ears

Jing Wang,Dongqing Liu,Xinyi Li,Xiao-Jing Li 한국생물공학회 2020 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.25 No.5

Purpose This study aims to explore the effects of BTXA on the proteins that affect the contraction of fibroblasts. Moreover, the optimal dose of BTXA on hypertrophic scars has not yet been determined. The current study investigated the effect of different doses of BTXA on scar formation. Materials and Methods 18 rabbits’ ears of New Zealand rabbits were used to establish hypertrophic scar model. These wounds were divided into four groups as group B (treated with deferent dosage of BTXA), group T (treated with TAC), group S (not treated), and group C (normal skin). Fibroblast apoptosis was detected by the method of TUNEL. Collagen I, III, and TGF-β1 expression were examined by western blotting method. The immunohistochemical staining and computerized image analysis were used to measure the optical density (OD value) of positive staining of α-SMA and myosin II. Results With increasing BTXA dose, the apoptotic rates increased. Western blot showed that Collagen fibrils and TGF-β1 proteins were expressed lower with the increasing of dose of BTXA (P < 0.05). α-SMA and myosin II in Group B were significantly decreased than those in Group T (P < 0.05), moreover, more myosin II can be reduced with high concentrations of BTXA (2.0 IU). Conclusions It was shown that BTXA could induce fibroblast apoptosis and inhibit the expression of α-SMA and myosin II, which can inhibit FB contraction. It plays a positive role in the treatment of scar.

ELECTRIC-FIELD DEPENDENCE OF MOLECULAR CONFORMATIONS OBSERVED BY USING SCANNING TUNNELING MICROSCOPY

XIAO JING MA,RUI ZHANG,YONG TAO SHEN,XIAO HUI QIU,YAN LIAN YANG,CHEN WANG 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2008 NANO Vol.3 No.2

We review the progress in observation of electrically induced conformational changes of a range of single molecules and molecular assemblies using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Recent results using species with optical active functional groups and supramolecular structures confirmed the previously observed effects that the cholesterol molecules with soft linkers have the conformational bistability when switching the bias polarity, while no discernable changes were observed for the mesogen molecules, containing rigid linking units. In addition, it was also observed that the linker units could have appreciable impacts on the assembling characteristics.

Analysis of 12 Chinese Patients with Proline-to-Leucine Mutation at Codon 102-Associated Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker Disease

Jing Wang,Kang Xiao,Wei Zhou,Qi Shi,Xiao-Ping Dong 대한신경과학회 2019 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.15 No.2

Background and Purpose Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease (GSS) with a prolineto- leucine mutation at codon 102 (P102L) in the PRNP gene is the most frequently reported GSS subtype worldwide. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological, clinical, genetic, and laboratory characteristics of 12 Chinese patients with P102L-associated GSS (henceforth P102L GSS). Methods The enrolled P102L GSS cases were analyzed according to the diagnostic criteria for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) issued by the China National Health Commission. Results The median onset age was 50 years (range 34 to 67 years) and sex ratio was 1:2 (males:females). Most patients displayed more than one foremost symptom. Movement symptoms were frequently reported (9 of the 12 cases), followed by rapidly progressing dementia (7 cases), mental problems (5 cases), and slowly progressing dementia (2 cases). Almost all cases displayed more sporadic CJD (sCJD)-associated neurological symptoms and signs as time progressed. Five (45.5%) of 11 cases were cerebrospinal fluid 14-3-3 positive, and 2 (25%) of 8 cases exhibited periodic sharp wave complexes in electroencephalograms. MRI abnormalities were detected in all 11 of the scanned patients. Methionine homozygous genotype at codon 129 (M129M) and glutamic acid homozygous at codon 219 (E219E) homozygosity was present in 11 cases, while 1 case was M129M homozygous and glutamic acid/lysine heterozygous at codon 219 (E219K) heterozygous. Ten of the 12 cases recalled a disease-related family history during the clinical interviews. The median survival from symptom onset of the seven dead cases was 16 months (range 10 to 44 months). Patients showing the sCJD phenotype (rapidly progressing dementia) appeared to be associated with a shorter survival time. Conclusions The indistinguishable clinical features of P102L GSS patients with sCJD, especially in the early stage, support the importance of PRNP testing for diagnosing GSS.

Inhibitory effects of piceatannol on human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) in vitro

Wang San-Ying,Zhang Jing,Xu Xiao-Gang,Su Hui-Li,Xing Wen-Min,Zhang Zhong-Shan,Jin Wei-Hua,Dai Ji-Huan,Wang Ya-Zhen,He Xin-Yue,Sun Chuan,Yan Jing,Mao Gen-Xiang 한국미생물학회 2020 The journal of microbiology Vol.58 No.8

Human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) is a ubiquitous herpesvirus, which results in the establishment of a latent infection that persists throughout the life of the host and can be reactivated when the immunity is low. Currently, there is no vaccine for hCMV infection, and the licensed antiviral drugs mainly target the viral enzymes and have obvious adverse reactions. Thus, it is important to search for compounds with antihCMV properties. The present study aimed to investigate the suppressive effects of piceatannol on hCMV Towne strain infection and the putative underlying mechanisms using human diploid fibroblast WI-38 cells. Piceatannol supplementation prevented the lytic changes induced by hCMV infection in WI-38 cells. Furthermore, piceatannol suppressed the expression of hCMV immediate-early (IE) and early (E) proteins as well as the replication of hCMV DNA in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, hCMV-induced cellular senescence was suppressed by piceatannol, as shown by a decline in the senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity and decreased production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). p16INK4a, a major senescence-associated molecule, was dramatically elevated by current hCMV infection that was attenuated by pre-incubation with piceatannol in a dose-dependent manner. These results demonstrated that piceatannol suppressed the hCMV infection via inhibition of the activation of p16INK4a and cellular senescence induced by hCMV. Together, these findings indicate piceatannol as a novel and potent anti-hCMV agent with the potential to be developed as an effective treatment for chronic hCMV infection.

The antimicrobial activity of as-prepared silver-loaded phosphate glasses and zirconium phosphate

Wang Jing,Ji Zhi Jiang,Shui Zhong He,Yang Yang,Zhao Chun Yan,Wang Xiao Yan 한국화학공학회 2016 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.33 No.3

The antimicrobial activities of silver-loaded zirconium phosphate (JDG) and silver-loaded phosphate glasses (ZZB) against Escherichia coli were studied. Although the silver content in JDG was higher than that in ZZB, ZZB suspensions showed better antimicrobial property than JDG suspensions, especially at low concentrations. The antimicrobial activity was analyzed using minimum inhibitory concentrations, bacterial inhibition ring tests, and detection of silver ions in the suspensions. Furthermore, the amounts of silver ions in suspensions with/without bacterial cells were analyzed. Results revealed that only a portion of released silver ions could be adsorbed by E. coli cells, which are critical to cell death. The damaged microstructures of E. coli cells observed by transmission electron microscopy may further prove that the adsorbed silver ions play an important role in the antimicrobial process.

Relationship Between the SER Treatment Period and Prognosis of Patients with Small Cell Lung Cancer

Xiao, Xiao-Guang,Wang, Shu-Jing,Hu, Li-Ya,Chu, Qian,Wei, Yao,Li, Yang,Mei, Qi,Chen, Yuan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.15

Purpose: To explore the relationship between SER (time between the start of any treatment and the end of radiation therapy) and the survival of patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer. Materials and Methods: Between 2008 and 2013, 135 cases of limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) treated with consecutively curative chemoradiotherapy were included in this retrospective analysis. In terms of SER, patients were divided into early radiotherapy group (SER<30 days, n=76) and late radiotherapy group ($SER{\geq}30$ days, n=59) with a cut-off of SER 30 days. Outcomes of the two groups were compared for overall survival. Results: For all analyzable patients, median follow-up time was 23.8 months and median overall survival time was 16.8 months. Although there was no significant differences in distant metastasis free survival between the two groups, patients in early radiotherapy group had a significantly better PFS (p=0.003) and OS (p=0.000). Conclusions: A short SER may be a good prognostic factor for LD-SCLC patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy is Associated with in Situ Breast Cancer Risk

Ni, Xiao-Jian,Xia, Tian-Song,Zhao, Ying-Chun,Ma, Jing-Jing,Zhao, Jie,Liu, Xiao-An,Ding, Qiang,Zha, Xiao-Ming,Wang, Shui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.8

Background: The relationship between postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) and invasive breast cancer has been extensively investigated, but that with breast carcinoma in situ (BCIS) has received relatively little attention. The aim of our present study was to review and summarize the evidence provided by longitudinal studies on the association between postmenopausal HT use and BCIS risk. Methods: A comprehensive literature search for articles published up to May 2012 was performed. Prior to performing a meta-analysis, the studies were evaluated for publication bias and heterogeneity. Relative risk (RR) or odds ratio (OR) values were calculated using 14 reports (8 case-control studies and 6 cohort studies), published between 1986 and 2012. Results: There was evidence of an association between ever postmenopausal estrogen use and BCIS based on a random-effects model (RR = 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01, 1.55). However, we found no strong evidence of an association between ever postmenopausal estrogen combined with progesterone use and BCIS using a randomeffects model (RR = 1.55, 95% CI = 0.95, 2.51). Furthermore, our analysis showed a strong association between "> 5 years duration" of estrogen or estrogen combined with progesterone use and BCIS. Furthermore, current use of any HT is associated with increased risk of BCIS in cohort studies. Additional well-designed large studies are now required to validate this association in different populations.

Naturally Occurring Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Tomato Pomace Silage

Wu, Jing-Jing,Du, Rui-Ping,Gao, Min,Sui, Yao-Qiang,Xiu, Lei,Wang, Xiao Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2014 Animal Bioscience Vol.27 No.5

Silage making has become a significant method of forage conservation worldwide. To determine how tomato pomace (TP) may be used effectively as animal feed, it was ensilaged for 90 days and microbiology counts, fermentation characteristics and chemical composition of tomato pomace silage (TPS) were evaluated at the 30th, 60th, and 90th days, respectively. In addition, 103 lactic acid bacteria were isolated from TPS. Based on the phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, 16S rDNA sequence and carbohydrate fermentation tests, the isolates were identified as 17 species namely: Lactobacillus coryniformis subsp. torquens (0.97%), Lactobacillus pontis (0.97%), Lactobacillus hilgardii (0.97%), Lactobacillus pantheris (0.97%), Lactobacillus amylovorus (1.9%), Lactobacillus panis (1.9%), Lactobacillus vaginalis (1.9%), Lactobacillus rapi (1.9%), Lactobacillus buchneri (2.9%), Lactobacillus parafarraginis (2.9%), Lactobacillus helveticus (3.9%), Lactobacillus camelliae (3.9%), Lactobacillus fermentum (5.8%), Lactobacillus manihotivorans (6.8%), Lactobacillus plantarum (10.7%), Lactobacillus harbinensis (16.5%) and Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei (35.0%). This study has shown that TP can be well preserved for 90 days by ensilaging and that TPS is not only rich in essential nutrients, but that physiological and biochemical properties of the isolates could provide a platform for future design of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants aimed at improving the fermentation quality of silage.