Phylogeny and molecular evolution of the DMC1 gene within the StH genome species in Triticeae (Poaceae)

Xiao-Li Wang,Xing Fan,Jian Zeng,Li-Na Sha,Hai-Qin Zhang,Hou-Yang Kang,Rui-Wu Yang,Li Zhang,Chun-Bang Ding,Yong-Hong Zhou 한국유전학회 2012 Genes & Genomics Vol.34 No.3

To estimate the phylogeny and molecular evolution of a single-copy nuclear disrupted meiotic cDNA (DMC1) gene within the StH genome species, two DMC1 homoeologous sequences were isolated from nearly all the sampled StH genome species and were analyzed with those from seven diploid taxa representing the St and H genomes in Triticeae. Sequence diversity patterns and genealogical analysis suggested that (1) there is a close relationship among North American StH genome species;(2) the DMC1 gene sequences of the StH genome species from North America and Eurasia are evolutionarily distinct;(3) the StH genome polyploids have higher levels of sequence diversity in the St genome homoeolog than the H genome homoeolog;(4) the DMC1 sequence may evolve faster in the polyploid species than in the diploids; (5) high dN and dN/dS values in the St genome within polyploid species could be caused by low selective constraints or AT-biased mutation pressure. Our result provides some insight on evolutionary dynamics of duplicate DMC1 gene, the polyploidization events and phylogeny of the StH genome species.

The Association of GSDMB and ORMDL3 Gene Polymorphisms With Asthma: A Meta-Analysis

Chun-Ni Zhao,Ye Fan,Jian-Jun Huang,Hai-Xia Zhang,Tao Gao,Cong Wang,Tong Wang,Li-Fang Hou 대한천식알레르기학회 2015 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.7 No.2

Purpose: ORM1-like 3 (ORMDL3) belongs to a highly conserved protein family which is anchored as transmembrane protein in the endoplasmic reticulum. Gasdermin B (GSDMB) is adjacent to ORMDL3 on chromosome 17q21.2 and belongs to the gasdermin-domain containing the protein family(GSDM family). Recent reports suggest that GSDMB and ORMDL3 are associated with asthma in several populations. However, genetic associationstudies that examined the association of GSDMB and ORMDL3 gene variants with asthma showed conflicting results. To assess whether combinedevidence shows the association between GSDMB/ORMDL3 polymorphism and asthma. Methods: A bibliographic search from MEDLINE identified13 original articles using the search keywords ‘GSDMB’, ‘ORMDL3’, and ‘asthma’. An updated literature-based meta-analysis involving 6,691 subjectswith asthma, 9,281 control individuals, and 1,360 families were conducted. Meta-odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) basedon the fixed effects model or the random effects model depended on Cochran’s Q-statistic and I2 values. Data from case-control and TDT studieswere analyzed in an allelic model using the Catmap software. Results: We selected and identified 3 SNPs of ORMDL3 associated with asthma(rs8076131: OR=1.10; 95% CI, 1.02-1.20; P=0.012. rs12603332: OR=1.15; 95% CI, 1.05-1.25; P=0.002. rs3744246: OR=1.10; 95% CI, 1.02-1.17;P=0.008) and 1 SNP of GSDMB associated with asthma (rs7216389: OR=1.37; 95% CI, 1.27-1.47; P<0.01). Publication bias was estimated usingmodified Egger’s linear regression test proposed by Harbordetal and revealed no evidence of biases. Furthermore, cumulative meta-analysis in chronologicalorder showed the inclination toward significant association for rs7216389 and rs12603332 with continually adding studies, and the inclinationtoward null-significant association for rs3744246 and rs8076131. Conclusions: Moderate evidence exists for associations of the ORMDL3rs8076131, rs12603332, and rs3744246 and GSDMB rs7216389 variants with asthma. Large sample size and representative population-based studiesand TDT studies with homogeneous asthmatic patients and well-matched controls are warranted to confirm this finding.

Clinicopathological and Prognostic Characteristics of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in Chinese Patients: A Retrospective Study

Li, Chun-Yan,Zhang, Sheng,Zhang, Xiao-Bei,Wang, Pei,Hou, Guo-Fang,Zhang, Jin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.6

Aims: To determine the clinical, pathological and prognostic features associated with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Methods: Clinical and histologic data of 21,749 breast cancer patients who were treated at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital between July 2002 and December 2011 were collected. Patients were divided into two groups: those with TNBC and those with other types of breast cancer. Patients and tumor characteristics were compared between the two groups using the Chi-square test. The prognostic results of 9,823 patients in the study population were also analyzed to determine long-term survival rates in the two groups of breast cancer patients. Results: Among the breast cancer patients treated in our hospital between 2003 and 2011, 10.4%-13.5% of them had triple-negative breast cancers. Data analyses revealed significant differences in disease onset age, family history of breast cancer, tumor size, tumor histologic grade, lymph note positivity and metastatic status between TNBC and non-TNBC patients. There were also significant differences in 5-year, 7-year and 9-year disease-free and 7-year and 9-year overall survival probability between the groups. Conclusions:TNBC are associated with younger disease onset age, larger tumor size, higher rate of axillary lymph node positivity, and higher tumor histologic grade. TNBC is also related to family history of breast cancer, increased metastatic risk and poor prognosis.

Comprehensive profiles and diagnostic value of menopausal-specific gut microbiota in premenopausal breast cancer

Hou Ming-Feng,Ou-Yang Fu,Li Chung-Liang,Chen Fang-Ming,Chuang Chieh-Han,Kan Jung-Yu,Wu Cheng-Che,Shih Shen-Liang,Shiau Jun-Ping,Kao Li-Chun,Kao Chieh-Ni,Lee Yi-Chen,Moi Sin-Hua,Yeh Yao-Tsung,Cheng Chi 생화학분자생물학회 2021 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.53 No.-

In Western countries, breast cancer tends to occur in older postmenopausal women. However, in Asian countries, the proportion of younger premenopausal breast cancer patients is increasing. Increasing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota plays a critical role in breast cancer. However, studies on the gut microbiota in the context of breast cancer have mainly focused on postmenopausal breast cancer. Little is known about the gut microbiota in the context of premenopausal breast cancer. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the gut microbial profiles, diagnostic value, and functional pathways in premenopausal breast cancer patients. Here, we analyzed 267 breast cancer patients with different menopausal statuses and age-matched female controls. The α-diversity was significantly reduced in premenopausal breast cancer patients, and the β-diversity differed significantly between breast cancer patients and controls. By performing multiple analyses and classification, 14 microbial markers were identified in the different menopausal statuses of breast cancer. Bacteroides fragilis was specifically found in young women of premenopausal statuses and Klebsiella pneumoniae in older women of postmenopausal statuses. In addition, menopausal-specific microbial markers could exhibit excellent discriminatory ability in distinguishing breast cancer patients from controls. Finally, the functional pathways differed between breast cancer patients and controls. Our findings provide the first evidence that the gut microbiota in premenopausal breast cancer patients differs from that in postmenopausal breast cancer patients and shed light on menopausal-specific microbial markers for diagnosis and investigation, ultimately providing a noninvasive approach for breast cancer detection and a novel strategy for preventing premenopausal breast cancer.

High Feasibility of Liquid-Based Cytological Samples for Detection of EGFR Mutations in Chinese Patients with NSCLC

Wu, Chun-Yan,Hou, Li-Kun,Ren, Sheng-Xiang,Su, Bo,Chen, Gang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.18

Background: Activating mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) could predict response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the detection of EGFR mutation is frequently challenging in clinical practice for the lack of tumor tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of performing EGFR mutation testing on various types of liquid-based cytology (LBC) samples. Materials and Methods: A total of 434 liquid-based cytology samples were collected from March 2010 and November 2013. Among them, 101 with diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma had paired surgically resected specimens. The ADx Amplification Refractory Mutation System (ADx-ARMS) was used to determine EGFR mutation status both in LBC and resected samples. Results: All liquid-based cytology samples were adequate for EGFR mutation analysis. The mutation rate was 50.5% in the 434 NSCLC patients with LBC samples and the incidence rates of EGFR mutation were consistent among different specimens. We also detected EGFR positives in 52.5% (53/101) patients with paired histologic specimens. The concordance rate of EGFR mutation between LBC samples and paired histologic specimens was 92.1%. Conclusions: Our results suggest that liquid-based cytology samples are highly reliable for EGFR mutation testing in patients with NSCLC.

Quadrature Oscillators with Grounded Capacitors and Resistors Using FDCCIIs

Jiun-Wei Horng,Chun-Li Hou,Chun-Ming Chang,Hung-Pin Chou,Chun-Ta Lin,Yao-Hsin Wen 한국전자통신연구원 2006 ETRI Journal Vol.28 No.4

Two current-mode and/or voltage-mode quadrature oscillator circuits each using one fully-differential secondgeneration current conveyor (FDCCII), two grounded capacitors, and two (or three) grounded resistors are presented. In the proposed circuits, the current-mode quadrature signals have the advantage of high-output impedance. The oscillation conditions and oscillation frequencies are orthogonally (or independently) controllable. The current-mode and voltage-mode quadrature signals can be simultaneously obtained from the second proposed circuit. The use of only grounded capacitors and resistors makes the proposed circuits ideal for integrated circuit implementation. Simulation results are also included.

Control Strategy and Characteristic Analysis of Hybrid Active Power Filters with the Resonant Impedance Principle

Fang, Lu,Xu, Xian-Yong,Luo, An,Li, Yan,Tu, Chun-Ming,Fang, Hou-Hui The Korean Institute of Power Electronics 2012 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.12 No.6

A new kind of resonant impedance type hybrid active filter (RITHAF) is proposed for dynamic harmonic current suppression and high capacity reactive compensation in medium and high voltage systems. This paper analyzed the different performance of the RITHAF when the active part of the RITHAF is controlled as a current source and as a voltage source, respectively. The harmonic suppression function is defined in this paper. The influences of the changes caused by the grid impedance and the detuning of the passive power filter on the compensating characteristics of the RITHAF are studied by analyzing the suppression function. Simulation and industrial application results show that the RITHAF has excellent performances in harmonic suppression and reactive compensation, which is suitable for medium and high voltage systems.

Exosome-derived microRNA-29c Induces Apoptosis of BIU-87 Cells by Down Regulating BCL-2 and MCL-1

Xu, Xiang-Dong,Wu, Xiao-Hou,Fan, Yan-Ru,Tan, Bing,Quan, Zhen,Luo, Chun-Li Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.8

Background: Aberrant expression of the microRNA-29 family is associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression. As transport carriers, tumor-derived exosomes are released into the extracellular space and regulate multiple functions of target cells. Thus, we assessed the possibility that exosomes could transport microRNA-29c as a carrier and correlations between microRNA-29c and apoptosis of bladder cancer cells. Materials and Methods: A total of 28 cancer and adjacent tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry to detect BCL-2 and MCL-1 expression. Disease was Ta-T1 in 12 patients, T2-T4 in 16, grade 1 in 8, 2 in 8 and 3 in 12. The expression of microRNA-29c in cancer tissues was detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (QRT-PCR). An adenovirus containing microRNA-29c was used to infect the BIU-87 human bladder cancer cell line. MicroRNA-29c in exosomes was measured by QRT-PCR. After BIU-87 cells were induced by exosomes-derived microRNA-29c, QRT-PCR was used to detect the level of microRNA-29c. Apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry and BCL-2 and MCL-1 mRNA expressions were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression of BCL-2 and MCL-1. Results: The expressions of BCL-2 and MCL-1 protein were remarkably increased in bladder carcinoma (p<0.05), but was found mainly in the basal and suprabasal layers in adjacent tissues. The expression of microRNA-29c in cancer tissues was negatively correlated with the BCL-2 and MCL-1. The expression level of microRNA-29c in exosomes and BIU-87 cells from the experiment group was higher than that in control groups (p<0.05). Exosome-derived microRNA-29c induced apoptosis (p<0.01). Although only BCL-2 was reduced at the mRNA level, both BCL-2 and MCL-1 were reduced at the protein level. Conclusions: Human bladder cancer cells infected by microRNA-29c adenovirus can transport microRNA-29c via exosomes. Moreover, exosome-derived microRNA29c induces apoptosis in bladder cancer cells by down-regulating BCL-2 and MCL-1.

Targeting Renal Cell Carcinoma with Gambogic Acid in Combination with Sunitinib in Vitro and in Vivo

Jiang, Xiao-Liang,Zhang, Yao,Luo, Chun-Li,Wu, Xiao-Hou Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.12

Purpose: To evaluated the effect of the gambogic acid (GA), one of the effective components of Garcinia, in combination with a new multi-targeted oral medication, sunitinib (SU) on renal cancer cell proliferation in vitro and on tumor growth in vivo. Methods: After treatment with GA or SU, either alone or in combination, MTT and FACS analysis were used to examine cell viability and cycle distribution of the renal carcinoma cell lines 786-0 and Caki-1. Western blotting was employed to examine the expression of proteins related to the cell cycle and vascular formation. Furthermore, a xenograft model was applied to study the antitumor efficacy of SU or GA alone or in combination, with immunohistochemistry to detect expression of proteins related to xenograft growth and angiogenesis. Western blotting was used to examine NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathway elements in xenografts. Results: Treatment of 786-0 and Caki-1 cells with GA or SU resulted in decreased tumor cell proliferation, especially with joint use. Cells accumulated more strongly in the sub-G1 phase after joint treatment with GA and SU than treatment of GA and SU alone. Western blotting arrays showed 1 protein significantly upregulated, 2 proteins downregulated, and 2 proteins unchanged. Moreover, combined use of GA and SU inhibited the growth and angiogenesis of xenografts generated from Caki-1 significantly. Immunohistochemistry arrays showed downregulation of the expression of proteins promoting xenograft growth and angiogenesis, and Western blotting showed inhibition of the NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathway after treatment by GA alone and in combination with SU in xenografts. Conclusions: Our results show that the joint use of GA and SU can provide greater antitumor efficacy compared to either drug alone and thus may offer a new treatment strategy for renal cell carcinoma.

Comparative Study of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis for Identifying Benign and Malignant Breast Tumor Lumps

Liu, Jian,Gao, Yun-Hua,Li, Ding-Dong,Gao, Yan-Chun,Hou, Ling-Mi,Xie, Ting Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.19

Background: To compare the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) qualitative and quantitative analysis in the identification of breast tumor lumps. Materials and Methods: Qualitative and quantitative indicators of CEUS for 73 cases of breast tumor lumps were retrospectively analyzed by univariate and multivariate approaches. Logistic regression was applied and ROC curves were drawn for evaluation and comparison. Results: The CEUS qualitative indicator-generated regression equation contained three indicators, namely enhanced homogeneity, diameter line expansion and peak intensity grading, which demonstrated prediction accuracy for benign and malignant breast tumor lumps of 91.8%; the quantitative indicator-generated regression equation only contained one indicator, namely the relative peak intensity, and its prediction accuracy was 61.5%. The corresponding areas under the ROC curve for qualitative and quantitative analyses were 91.3% and 75.7%, respectively, which exhibited a statistically significant difference by the Z test (P<0.05). Conclusions: The ability of CEUS qualitative analysis to identify breast tumor lumps is better than with quantitative analysis.