DNA methylation and mRNA expression of COL6A3 in antler mesenchyme of female and male reindeer

Jian‑Cheng Zhai,Ruo‑Bing Han,Sheng‑Nan Wang,Qiang‑Hui Wang,Yan‑Ling Xia,Wei‑Shi Liu,Ya‑Jie Yin,He‑Ping Li 한국유전학회 2019 Genes & Genomics Vol.41 No.9

Backgroud Reindeer is the only deer species that both male and female produce antlers, which provides a particularly interesting case in studying the differences between antlers of the two sexes. Alpha 3(VI) Collagen Gene (COL6A3), forms a microfibrillar network associated with the structural integrity and biomechanical properties, has been found to be one of the differentially expressed genes in antler mesenchyme of female and male reindeer. Objective and Methods The promoter sequence of reindeer COL6A3 gene was obtained using the cloning technology and analyzed by the bioinformatics methods. Bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) was used to detect the methylation status of the COL6A3 promoter in reindeer antler mesenchyme. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect COL6A3 expression in the antler mesenchyme of female and male reindeer. Results Sequence analysis revealed that the reindeer COL6A3 partial promoter sequence was 983 bp including the possible promoter region at + 105 bp to + 155 bp. Homology and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the COL6A3 promoter of reindeer had the closest genetic distance with Bos taurus, Capra hircus and Ovis aries. BSP results indicated that the methylation level of COL6A3 promoter in the female reindeer antler mesenchyme was significantly higher than in the male. Correlating with increased methylation status, we also found that COL6A3 mRNA expression in female reindeer antler mesenchyme was significantly lower than in the male. Conclusion The higher methylation level of the COL6A3 gene in female reindeer antler mesenchyme coincides with decreased COL6A3 mRNA expression, thereby affecting the transposon silencing mechanism and possibly contributing to apparent differences of antlers in female and male reindeer.

TGF-β1 suppresses CCL3/4 expression through the ERK signaling pathway and inhibits intervertebral disc degeneration and inflammation-related pain in a rat model

Jian Zhang,Zemin Li,Fan Chen,Hui Liu,Hua Wang,Xiang Li,Xianguo Liu,Jianru Wang,Zhaomin Zheng 생화학분자생물학회 2017 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.49 No.-

The objective of this study was to investigate the regulatory effects of TGF-β1 on CCL3/4 expression and inflammation-related pain during intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). TGF-β1 and CCL3/4 expression patterns in different degenerative human nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues were measured by qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and the effects of TGF-β1 on CCL3/4 expression were measured by qPCR, ELISA and immunofluorescence. The roles of NF-κB and MAPK in TGF-β1-mediated CCL3/4 promoter activity were studied using siRNAs, western blotting and qPCR. After establishing an IVDD rat model in vivo, we administered intradiscal injections of TGF-β1. The effects of TGF-β1 on IVDD were determined by MRI and histological analyses, and the effects of TGF-β1 on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) inflammation and pain development were determined by IHC staining and pain-behavior testing, respectively. TGF-β1 and CCL3/4 expression was elevated in degenerative NP tissue. CCL4 expression was significantly inhibited by TGF-β1 treatment. Pharmacological inhibition or siRNA knockdown of the ERK1/2 signaling attenuated TGF-β1-mediated suppression of CCL4 expression. In vivo, TGF-β1 injection inhibited the development of degenerative features in the IVDD model. Moreover, TGF-β1 prevented the inflammatory response and pain development. The results of this study show that TGF-β1 downregulates CCL4 expression through ERK1/2 signaling activation in NP cells. Furthermore, TGF-β1 can prevent degenerative processes, inhibit inflammatory responses in the DRG and prevent pain development in the IVDD rat model. The results of this study indicate that TGF-β1 may represent a therapeutic target for the control of inflammation-related pain associated with IVDD.

Apoptosis induction by alantolactone in breast cancer MDA-MB- 231 cells through reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondrion-dependent pathway

Li Cui,Weiquan Bu,Jie Song,Liang Feng,Tingting Xu,Dan Liu,Wenbo Ding,Jianhua Wang,Changyang Li,Binge Ma,Yi Luo,Ziyu Jiang,Chengcheng Wang,Juan Chen,Jian Hou,Hong-mei Yan,Lei Yang,Xiao-bin Jia 대한약학회 2018 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.41 No.3

Alantolactone is a sesquiterpene lactone isolatedfrom Inula helenium L. Although alantolactone possessesanti-inflammation and apoptosis-induction activities, theunderlying mechanism of anti-cancer effect on humanbreast cancer cells remains largely unknown. In this study,we explored the possibility of alantolactone as an apoptosis-inducing cytotoxic agent using MDA-MB-231 cells asin vitro model. Alantolactone significantly induced itsapoptosis, demonstrated by cell cycle analysis, annexinV-APC/7-AAD double staining and dUTP nick end labeling. Additionally, alantolactone triggered the mitochondrial-mediated caspase cascade apoptotic pathway, whichwas confirmed by increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, loss of MMP,release of cytc from mitochondria to cytoplasm, activationof caspase 9/3, and subsequent cleavage of PARP. Z-VADFMKpartially prevented apoptosis induced by alantolactone. Alantolactone provoked the production of ROS, whileNAC (a scavenger of ROS) reversed alantolactone-mediateddepolarization of MMP and apoptosis. Alantolactonemodulated the activities of MAPKs. As expected, cotreatmentwith SB203580, SP600125 or U0126 could reducedthe apoptotic rate. Furthermore, alantolactone decreasedthe protein expressions of p-NF-kB p65 and p-STAT3,increased p-c-Jun level in a dose-dependent manner. Thesefindings suggested that alantolactone possessed anticanceractivity via ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunctioninvolving MAPK pathway, and had an effect on the transcriptionfactors of NF-kB, AP-1 and STAT3.

The genome of the mesopolyploid crop species Brassica rapa

Wang, Xiaowu,Wang, Hanzhong,Wang, Jun,Sun, Rifei,Wu, Jian,Liu, Shengyi,Bai, Yinqi,Mun, Jeong-Hwan,Bancroft, Ian,Cheng, Feng,Huang, Sanwen,Li, Xixiang,Hua, Wei,Wang, Junyi,Wang, Xiyin,Freeling, Michael Nature Publishing Group, a division of Macmillan P 2011 Nature genetics Vol.43 No.10

We report the annotation and analysis of the draft genome sequence of Brassica rapa accession Chiifu-401-42, a Chinese cabbage. We modeled 41,174 protein coding genes in the B. rapa genome, which has undergone genome triplication. We used Arabidopsis thaliana as an outgroup for investigating the consequences of genome triplication, such as structural and functional evolution. The extent of gene loss (fractionation) among triplicated genome segments varies, with one of the three copies consistently retaining a disproportionately large fraction of the genes expected to have been present in its ancestor. Variation in the number of members of gene families present in the genome may contribute to the remarkable morphological plasticity of Brassica species. The B. rapa genome sequence provides an important resource for studying the evolution of polyploid genomes and underpins the genetic improvement of Brassica oil and vegetable crops.

Comparison of Primary Breast Cancer Size by Mammography and Sonography

Wang, Jian-Tao,Chang, Li-Ming,Song, Xin,Zhao, Li-Xin,Li, Jun-Tao,Zhang, Wei-Guo,Ji, Ying-Bin,Cai, Li-Na,Di, Wei,Yang, Xin-Yu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.22

Purpose: To compare tumor size by mammography and sonography and align with pathological results in primary breast cancer cases. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 95 primary breast cancer patients who underwent mammography and sonography from January 2011 to June 2012. The largest tumor diameter was chosen as sizing reference for each imaging modality. The measurements of mammography and sonography were considered concordant if they were within the measurement of pathological results ${\pm}0.5cm$. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated for imaging results. Results: The range of the maximum diameter was 0.6cm-10.5cm and mean value was $3.81{\pm}2.04cm$ by pathological results, 0.7cm-12.4 cm and $3.99{\pm}2.19cm$ by mammography, and 0.9cm-11.0cm and $3.63{\pm}2.01cm$ by sonography, respectively. Sonography (R: 0.754), underestimated tumor size, but had a better correlation with pathological tumor size compared to mammography (R: 0.676), which overestimated tumor size. Conclusions: Sonography is superior to mammography in assessment of primary breast cancer.

Structure-based functional site recognition for p21-activated kinase 4

Jian Wang,Gang Wang,Yu Sha,Dong-Mei Zhao,Feng Li,Mao-Sheng Cheng 대한약학회 2013 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.36 No.12

Recently, many molecular modeling methodsare being developed to better understand the principlesunderlying protein folding. In the present study, fullyflexible dinucleotides d(pApA), d(pApC), d(pApG),d(pApT), d(pCpA), d(pCpC), d(pCpG), d(pCpT), d(pGpA),d(pGpC), d(pGpG), d(pGpT), d(pTpA), d(pTpC), d(pTpG)and d(pTpT) were docked onto the surface of p21-activatedkinase 4 (PAK4) kinase domain. The results showedthat automated docking was a useful tool to identify thefunctional sites of PAK4 and it may provide a theoreticalbasis for the interaction data obtained from previousexperiments. Therefore, structure-based docking with fullyflexible dinucleotide probes might be a good tool to predictand annotate the functional sites of enzymes.

Correlation between fat accumulation and fecal microbiota in crossbred pigs

Li Xin,Li Mengyu,Han Jinyi,Liu Chuang,Han Xuelei,Wang Kejun,Qiao Ruimin,Li Xiu-Ling,Li Xin-Jian 한국미생물학회 2022 The journal of microbiology Vol.60 No.11

Backfat thickness (BF) is an important indicator of fat deposition capacity and lean meat rate in pigs and is very important in porcine genetics and breeding. Intestinal microbiota plays a key role in nutrient digestion and utilization with a profound impact on fat deposition of livestock animals. To investigate the relationship between the pig gut microbiome and BF, 20 low-BF (L-BF) and 20 high-BF (H-BF) pigs were selected as two groups from Yunong Black pigs in the present study. Fecal samples from pigs were analyzed for microbial diversity, composition, and predicted functionality using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed that there were significant differences in microbial β diversity between the two groups. LEfSe analysis revealed a number of bacterial features being differentially enriched in either L-BF or H-BF pigs. Spearman correlation analysis identified the abundance of Oscillospira, Peptococcus, and Bulleidia were significantly positive correlations with BF (P < 0.05), while Sutterella and Bifidobacterium were significantly negatively correlated with BF (P < 0.05). Importantly, the bacteria significantly positively correlated with BF mainly belong to Clostridium, which can ferment host-indigestible plant polysaccharides into shortchain fatty acid (SCFA) and promote fat synthesis and deposition. Predictive functional analysis indicated that the pathway abundance of cell motility and glycan biosynthesis were significantly widespread in the microbiota of the H-BF group. The results of this study will be useful for the development of microbial biomarkers for predicting and improving porcine BF, as well as for the investigation of targets for dietary strategies.

Prognostic Value of MGMT Promoter Methylation and TP53 Mutation in Glioblastomas Depends on IDH1 Mutation

Wang, Kai,Wang, Yin-Yan,Ma, Jun,Wang, Jiang-Fei,Li, Shao-Wu,Jiang, Tao,Dai, Jian-Ping Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.24

Several molecular markers have been proposed as predictors of outcome in patients with glioblastomas. We investigated the prognostic significance of $O^6$-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation and TP53 mutation status dependent on isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation in glioblastoma patients. A cohort of 78 patients with histologically confirmed glioblastomas treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy were reviewed retrospectively. We evaluated the prognostic value of MGMT promoter methylation and TP53 mutation status with regard to progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). It was revealed that mutations in IDH1, promoter methylation of MGMT, TP53 mutation, age, Karnofsky performance status (KFS), and extension of resection were independent prognostic factors. In patients with an IDH1 mutation, those with an MGMT methylation were associated with longer PFS (p=0.016) and OS (p=0.013). Nevertheless, the presence of TP53 mutation could stratify the PFS and OS of patients with IDH1 wild type (p=0.003 and 0.029 respectively, log-rank). The MGMT promoter methylation and TP53 mutation were associated with a favorable outcome of patients with and without mutant IDH1, respectively. The results indicate that glioblastomas with MGMT methylation or TP53 mutations have improved survival that may be influenced by IDH1 mutation status.

High-accuracy electrohydraulic control system for the position and orientation of the primary mirror for a large telescope

Li Yu-Xia,Wang Jian-Li,Guo Peng-Fei,Li Hong-Wen,Cao Yu-Yan 한국물리학회 2021 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.79 No.7

Due to variations in gravity, temperature, and external disturbances, the optical axes of a telescope’s primary mirrors can shift and, consequently, become misaligned with the light path. Such misalignment significantly reduces image quality; thus, the position and orientation of primary mirror (POPM) control systems must maintain the optical axis in an ideal position. Therefore, in this paper, we proposes a novel high-accuracy electrohydraulic control system for the position and orientation of the primary mirror (POPM) of a large telescope. To this end, a POPM control system with five electrohydraulic partitions is adopted, and a mathematical model of the POPM is derived. In addition, a mathematical model of each partition of the electrohydraulic system is derived for the telescope controller design. A linear active disturbance rejection controller (LADRC) and a sliding mode controller (SMC) are adopted in each electro-hydraulic partition to ensure positioning accuracy. Experiments are carried out on 4 and 1.2 m large telescopes. The corresponding results show that by both keeping constant and varying the elevation of the large telescopes, the position error of the primary mirror can be limited to less than 1 μm, and the orientation of the primary mirror can be maintained with an error of less than 0.05 arcsec, even in the presence of external disturbances. This control accuracy can guarantee both the inalterability of the optical axis of the primary mirror and the possibility to adjust the light according to the requirement in order to obtain high-resolution images.

Study on mechanism of macro failure and micro fracture of local nearly horizontal stratum in super-large section and deep buried tunnel

Li, Shu-cai,Wang, Jian-hua,Chen, Wei-zhong,Li, Li-ping,Zhang, Qian-qing,He, Peng Techno-Press 2016 Geomechanics & engineering Vol.11 No.2

The stability of surrounding rock will be poor when the tunnel is excavated through nearly horizontal stratum. In this paper, the instability mechanism of local nearly horizontal stratum in super-large section and deep buried tunnel is revealed by the analysis of the macro failure and micro fracture. A structural model is proposed to explain the mechanics of surrounding rock collapse under the action of stress redistribution and shed light on the macroscopic analytical approach of the stability of surrounding rock. Then, some highly effective formulas applied in the tunnel engineering are developed according to the theory of mixed-mode micro fracture. And well-documented field case is made to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed analytical methods of mixed-mode fracture. Meanwhile, in order to make the more accurate judgment about yield failure of rock mass, a series of comprehensive failure criteria are formed. In addition, the relationship between the nonlinear failure criterion and $K_I$ and $K_{II}$ of micro fracture is established to make the surrounding rock failure criterion more comprehensive and accurate. Further, the influence of the parameters related to the tension-shear mixed-mode fracture and compression-shear mixed-mode fracture on the propagation of rock crack is analyzed. Results show that ${\sigma}_3$ changes linearly with the change of ${\sigma}_1$. And the change rate is related to ${\beta}$, angle between the cracks and ${\sigma}_1$. The proposed simple analytical approach is economical and efficient, and suitable for the analysis of local nearly horizontal stratum in super-large section and deep buried tunnel.