Correlation between DNA methylation and Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin expression in asthmatic airway epithelial cells

Yan‑Li Li,Xi‑Qian Xing,Yi Xiao,Yan‑Hong Liu,Yu‑Shan Zhou,Min Zhuang,Chao‑Qian Li 한국유전학회 2020 Genes & Genomics Vol.42 No.12

Background: The overexpression of TSLP and DNA methylation in asthma were both risk factors the relationship was not clear. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between methylation status of TSLP promoter and mRNA/protein expression in asthmatic airway epithelial cells. Methods: Human bronchial epithelial cells were cultured in vitro and divided into: Control group, treated with PBS, model group, sensitized with LPS (10 μg/mL) for 12 h (37 °C, 5% CO2). Other groups were cultured with the pCMV3 plasmid (M + NC/pCMV), pGPH1 plasmid (M + NC/pGPH), DNMT1/pCMV3 plasmid (M + DNMT1/pCMV), and DNMT1/pGPH1 plasmid (M + DNMT1/pGPH) for 48 h. The expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 and TSLP were measured using real-time PCR and western blotting. Results: Compared with the control group, TSLP mRNA (1.00 ± 0.00 vs. 2.82 ± 0.81 vs. 1, P < 0.001) and protein (1.07 ± 0.04 vs. 1.46 ± 0.11, P < 0.01) were significantly greater, and the methylation of promoter was lower (92.75 ± 1.26 vs. 58.57 ± 3.34, P < 0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group, TSLP mRNA (2.82 ± 0.81 vs. 1.17 ± 0.10, P < 0.001) decreased, but TSLP promoter methylation increased (58.57 ± 3.34 vs. 92.58 ± 7.30, P < 0.05) in M + DNMT1/pCMV. TSLP mRNA and protein were higher (2.82 ± 0.81 vs. 5.32 ± 0.21, P < 0.001; 1.46 ± 0.11 vs. 1.94 ± 0.11, respectively, P < 0.01), TSLP promoter methylation was lower (58.57 ± 3.34 vs. 33.57 ± 4.29, P < 0.05) in M + DNMT1/pGPH. Conclusions: Overexpression of TSLP in asthmatic airway epithelial cells may be regulated by DNA demethylation.

Nodule Rich Protein 2 modulates nodule number in Medicago truncatula

Junhui Yan,Xinwei Yang,Yawen Wang,Liangliang Yu,Li Luo 한국식물생명공학회 2021 Plant biotechnology reports Vol.15 No.1

Symbiotic nitrogen fxation is beneft to sustainable agriculture and global nitrogen cycle. Many small peptides were identifed as regulators involving in the interaction between rhizobia and legume. Here we reported Nodule Rich Protein 2 (MtNRP2) encoding a small peptide in Medicago truncatula, belonged to a group of nodule rich protein restricted in legume species. MtNRP2 expressed highly in root nodule and its promoter was active during the initiation and development of root nodule and lateral root. To investigate the function of MtNRP2 in nodulation, we generated MtNRP2-overexpression and MtNRP2- knockdown transgenic Medicago. MtNRP2-overexpression transgenic lines performed normal nodulation phenotype compared with vector control. However, in the MtNRP2-RNAi transgenic plants, the decrease of MtNRP2 expression lead to the increase of infection threads number (7 day post inoculation) and nodules number (3 week post inoculation); meanwhile, the expression of MtRGF3 and MtPUB1 was inhibited. These results suggested that MtNRP2 negatively regulated nodulation in Medicago truncatula.

ZmFKBP20-1 improves the drought and salt tolerance of transformed Arabidopsis

Yanli Yu,Yanjiao Li,Fengjuan Jia,Meng Zhao,Wencai Li,Qi Sun,Nana Li,Wenlan Li,Zhaodong Meng 한국식물학회 2017 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.60 No.6

FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs), which belongto the peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase superfamily, areinvolved in plant response to abiotic stresses. A number ofFKBP family genes have been isolated in plants, but littlehas been reported of FKBP genes in maize. In this study, adrought-induced FKBP gene, ZmFKBP20-1, was isolated frommaize and was characterized for its role in stress responsesusing gene expression, protein subcellular localization,transformation in Arabidopsis, expression patterns of thestress-responsive genes, and physiological parameter analysis. During drought and salt stresses, ZmFKBP20-1 transgenicArabidopsis plants exhibited enhanced tolerance, which wasconcomitant with the altered expression of stress/ABAresponsivegenes, such as COR15a, COR47, ERD10, RD22,KIN1, ABI1, and ABI2. The resistance characteristics ofZmFKBP20-1 overexpression were associated with a significantincrease in survival rate. These results suggested thatZmFKBP20-1 plays a positive role in drought and salt stressresponses in Arabidopsis and provided new insights into themechanisms of FKBP in response to abiotic stresses inplants.

Reconstruction of structured models using incomplete measured data

Yan Yu,Bo Dong,Bo Yu 국제구조공학회 2017 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.62 No.3

The model updating problems, which are to find the optimal approximation to the discrete quadratic model obtained by the finite element method, are critically important to the vibration analysis. In this paper, the structured model updating problem is considered, where the coefficient matrices are required to be symmetric and positive semidefinite, represent the interconnectivity of elements in the physical configuration and minimize the dynamics equations, and furthermore, due to the physical feasibility, the physical parameters should be positive. To the best of our knowledge, the model updating problem involving all these constraints has not been proposed in the existed literature. In this paper, based on the semidefinite programming technique, we design a general-purpose numerical algorithm for solving the structured model updating problems with incomplete measured data and present some numerical results to demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome mir-342-3p inhibits metastasis and chemo-resistance of breast cancer through regulating ID4

Yu Shuyao,Zhou Yuhui,Niu Ligang,Qiao Yan,Yan Yu 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.5

Background: The mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome (MSCs-exo) carrying microRNAs have been proved to regulate tumor biological activities. Clarifying molecular mechanism and identifying predictive microRNAs will be of great value in anti-tumor therapy improvement. Objective: We aimed to investigate the regulatory role of microRNA-342-3p (miR-342-3p) in MSCs-exo on breast cancer. Methods: Breast cancer tissues and cell lines were used to evaluate miR-342-3p expression in patients with or without lymph node/distal organ metastasis. The impact of MSCs-exo expression on tumor cell chemo-resistance and invasion/migration was measured. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was applied to identify binding site. Inhibitor of differentiation 4 (ID4) siRNA and miR-342-3p inhibitor transfection was conducted to further explore the miR-342-3p/ID4 axis on chemo-resistance and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Results: Breast cancer cells revealed significantly lower level of miR-342-3p in patients with metastatic diseases. miR-342-3p suppressed invasive and chemo-resistant behavior of breast cancer tumor cells. Binding site between miR-342-3p and ID4 was proved. ID4 could reverse the influence of miR-342-3p on chemo-resistance. The tumor inhibition effect of IDA siRNA in vivo was also identified. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that miR-342-3p acted as potential tumor suppressor by inhibiting metastasis and chemo-resistance of breast cancer cells through targeting ID4. This study might provide potential therapy targets for the treatment of breast cancer.

Transcriptional activation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 6 by 17β-estradiol in SaOS-2 cells

Yu-yan Zhao,Lei Guo,Xiao-juan Zhao,Hong Liu,Tian Lei,Dong-jie Ma,Xiao-yu Gao 생화학분자생물학회 2009 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.41 No.7

Osteoblasts can synthesize the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and the IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), which may either enhance or attenuate IGF-stimulated bone cell proliferation. Since estrogen induced osteoblastic differentiation and proliferation through an estrogen- responsive gene in target cells, we investigated the effects of estrogen on IGFBP-6 expression in the human osteoblastic-like cell line SaOS-2. Expressions of IGFBP-6 protein and mRNA increased 2.8 and 2-fold, respectively, in the presence of 17-β-estradiol (E2) (0.01 to 1 μM) and estrogen receptor (ER) in SaOS-2 cells. On the other hand, E2 induced a 2-fold increase in SaOS-2 cell proliferation. To identify genomic sequences associated with estrogen responsiveness, the 5'-promoter region (-44 to +118) of the IGFBP-6 gene was cloned into a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter vector. E2 induced a 3-fold increase in CAT activity in SaOS-2 cells transiently transfected with this construct. Identification of the estrogen- responsive element (ERE) [5'-CCTTCA CCTG-3'] (-9 to +1) in this IGFBP-6 gene promoter region was confirmed using electromobility shift assays and deletion analysis. This functional ERE was important for E2-induced trans-activation of the IGFBP-6 gene. These results demonstrate that E2 exhibits a positive effect on IGFBP-6 gene transcription through estrogen- liganded ER binding to the functional ERE in the IGFBP-6 gene promoter in SaOS-2 cells. Osteoblasts can synthesize the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and the IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), which may either enhance or attenuate IGF-stimulated bone cell proliferation. Since estrogen induced osteoblastic differentiation and proliferation through an estrogen- responsive gene in target cells, we investigated the effects of estrogen on IGFBP-6 expression in the human osteoblastic-like cell line SaOS-2. Expressions of IGFBP-6 protein and mRNA increased 2.8 and 2-fold, respectively, in the presence of 17-β-estradiol (E2) (0.01 to 1 μM) and estrogen receptor (ER) in SaOS-2 cells. On the other hand, E2 induced a 2-fold increase in SaOS-2 cell proliferation. To identify genomic sequences associated with estrogen responsiveness, the 5'-promoter region (-44 to +118) of the IGFBP-6 gene was cloned into a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter vector. E2 induced a 3-fold increase in CAT activity in SaOS-2 cells transiently transfected with this construct. Identification of the estrogen- responsive element (ERE) [5'-CCTTCA CCTG-3'] (-9 to +1) in this IGFBP-6 gene promoter region was confirmed using electromobility shift assays and deletion analysis. This functional ERE was important for E2-induced trans-activation of the IGFBP-6 gene. These results demonstrate that E2 exhibits a positive effect on IGFBP-6 gene transcription through estrogen- liganded ER binding to the functional ERE in the IGFBP-6 gene promoter in SaOS-2 cells.

Association between the DICER rs1057035 Polymorphism and Cancer Risk: Evidence from a Meta-analysis of 1,2675 Individuals

Yu, Yan-Yan,Kuang, Dan,Yin, Xiao-Xv Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.1

Background: DICER, one of the microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis proteins, is involved in the maturation of miRNAs and is implicated in cancer development and progression. The results from previous epidemiological studies on associations between DICER rs1057035 polymorphism and cancer risk were inconsistent. Thereforewe performed this meta-analysis to summarize possible associations. Materials and Methods: We searched all relevant articles on associations between DICER rs1057035 polymorphism and cancer risk from PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese Biomedical Literature and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure until August 2014. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess any associations. Heterogeneity tests, sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessments were also performed in this meta-analysis. All analyses were conducted using STATA software. Results: Seven case-control studies, including 4,875 cancer cases and 7,800 controls were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, the results indicated that the C allele of DICER rs1057035 polymorphism was significantly associated with decreased cancer risk in allelic comparison, heterozygote and dominant genetic models (C vs T: OR=0.88, 95%CI 0.81-0.95, p=0.002; TC vs TT: OR=0.85, 95%CI 0.77-0.93, p=0.001; CC/TC vs TT: OR=0.86, 95%CI 0.78-0.94, p=0.001). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, a significantly decreased cancer risk was found in Asian but not Caucasian populations. Conclusions: The present meta-analysis suggests that the C allele of the DICER rs1057035 polymorphism probably decreases cancer risk. However, this association may be Asian-specific and the results should be treated with caution. Further well-designed studies based on larger sample sizes and group of populations are needed to validate these findings.

Comparison of Liver Transplantation and Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus Type I and Type II

Jia-Yu Lv,Ning-Ning Zhang,Ya-Wei Du,Ying Wu,Tian-Qiang Song,Ya-Min Zhang,Yan Qu,Yu-Xin Liu,Jie Gu,Ze-Yu Wang,Yi-Bo Qiu,Bing Yang,Da-Zhi Tian,Qing-Jun Guo,Li Zhang,Ji-San Sun,Yan Xie,Zheng-Lu Wang,Xin 연세대학교의과대학 2021 Yonsei medical journal Vol.62 No.1

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of liver transplantation (LT) and liver resection (LR) for hepatocellularcarcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) and to investigate risk factors affecting prognosis. Materials and Methods: A total of 94 HCC patients with PVTT type I (segmental PVTT) and PVTT type II (lobar PVTT) were involvedand divided into LR (n=47) and LT groups (n=47). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were comparedbefore and after inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Prognostic factors for RFS and OS were explored. Results: Two treatment groups were well-balanced using IPTW. In the entire cohort, LT provided a better prognosis than LR. Among patients with PVTT type I, RFS was better with LT (p=0.039); OS was not different significantly between LT and LR(p=0.093). In subgroup analysis of PVTT type I patients with α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels >200 ng/mL, LT elicited significantly longermedian RFS (18.0 months vs. 2.1 months, p=0.022) and relatively longer median OS time (23.6 months vs. 9.8 months, p=0.065). Among patients with PVTT type II, no significant differences in RFS and OS were found between LT and LR (p=0.115 and 0.335,respectively). Multivariate analyses showed treatment allocation (LR), tumor size (>5 cm), AFP and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) levels to be risk factors of RFS and treatment allocation (LR), AFP and AST as risk factors for OS. Conclusion: LT appeared to afford a better prognosis for HCC with PVTT type I than LR, especially in patients with AFP levels>200 ng/mL.

Identification of Novel Subregions of LOH in Gastric Cancer and Analysis of the HIC1 and TOB1 Tumor Suppressor Genes in These Subregions

Jingcui Yu,Songbin Fu,Peng Liu,Xiaobo Cui,Yu Sui,Guohua Ji,Rongwei Guan,Donglin Sun,Wei Ji,Fangli Liu,An Liu,Yuzhen Zhao,Yang Yu,Yan Jin,Jing Bai,Jingshu Geng,Yingwei Xue,Jiping Qi,Ki-Young Lee 한국분자세포생물학회 2011 Molecules and cells Vol.32 No.1

Previously, we identified 3 overlapping regions showing loss of heterozygosity (LOH, R_1-R_3 from 11 to 30 cM) on chromosome 17 in 45 primary gastric cancers (GCs). The data indicated the presence of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) on chromosome 17 involved in GC. Among the putative TSGs in these regions, HIC1 (in SR_1) and TOB1 (in SR_3) remain to be examined in GC. By immunohistochemistry (IHC), methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and western blot, we evaluated the expression and regulation status for HIC1 and TOB1 protein in GC. We narrowed down the deletion intervals on chromosome 17 and defined five smaller LOH subregions, SR_1-SR_5 (0.54 to 3.42 cM), in GC. We found that HIC1 had downregulated expression in 86% (91/106) and was methylated in 87% (26/30) of primary GCs. Of the primary GCs showing downregulation of HIC1 protein, 75% (18/24) had methylated HIC1 gene. TOB1 was either absent or expressed at reduced levels in 75% (73/97) of the GC samples. In addition, a general reduction was found in total and the ratio of unphosphorylated to phosphorylated TOB1 protein levels in the differentiated GC cell lines. Further analysis revealed significant simultaneous downregulation of both HIC1 and TOB1 protein in GC tissue microarray samples (67%, 52/78) and in primary GCs (65%, 11/17). These results indicate that silencing of HIC1 and TOB1 expression is a common occurrence in GC and may contribute to the development and progression of the disease.

Shear-Enhanced Stretchable Polymer Semiconducting Blends for Polymer-based Field-Effect Transistors

Qian-Yu Yan,Yu-Wei Shia,Dong-Yue Guo,Wen-Ya Lee 한국고분자학회 2020 Macromolecular Research Vol.28 No.7

Solution-sheared field-effect transistors based on the blend of the highmobility donor–acceptor conjugated copolymer poly(diketopyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrroleco- thieno[3,2-b]thiophene) (PDBT-co-TT) and the elastic polymer poly(styrene-butadienestyrene) (SBS) are demonstrated for stretchable electronics. In this study, PDBT-co- TT serves as a charge transport layer, and the insulating polymer SBS with double bonds is used for improving elasticity. Through combination with solution shearing, the phase separation and charge transport properties of the PDBT-co-TT/SBS blends can be manipulated. Compared with the spin-coated PDBT-co-TT/SBS blends showing lower charge mobilities (~10-3 cm2 V-1 s-1), the solution-sheared polymer-blend films with the PDBT-co-TT content of 20% maintain high mobility (>0.1cm2 V-1 s-1). The films with 60% PDBT-co-TT can even achieve mobility as high as 2 cm2 V-1 s-1, which is higher than the pristine conjugated polymer. Furthermore, as the SBS content increases, the dichroic ratios of the solution-sheared blends increase, indicating improved alignment of the conjugated polymer chains. The PDBT-co- TT/SBS blends exhibit great stretchability and high charge mobilities even under 100% strain due to their mesh-like morphology. Moreover, solution shearing not only improves polymer alignment but also controls surface morphology to enhance stretchability. This work reveals the importance of solution shearing in high-mobility stretchable polymer semiconductor blends.