RNAi suppression of nuclear receptor genes results in increased susceptibility to sulfoxaflor in brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens

Lu Xu,Chun-Qing Zhao,De-Jin Xu,Guang-Chun Xu,Xiao-Long Xu,Zhao-Jun Han,Ya-Nan Zhang,Zhong-Yan Gu 한국응용곤충학회 2017 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.20 No.2

Nuclear receptors (NRs), which belong to a superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors, play essential roles in gene regulation to affect numerous physiological pathways. Twenty NR genes were identified in Nilaparvata lugens by using genomic, transcriptomic and GenBank databases, and categorized into NR0-NR6 subfamilies according to standard nomenclature. Among them, three NR geneswere classed into NR0, four into NR1, eight into NR2, one into NR3, one into NR4, two into NR5, and one into NR6, respectively. A phylogenetic tree of NRs from N. lugens and other representative species was constructed, which provided evolutionary insight into genetic distance. In order to investigate the NRs,whichwere induced by sulfoxaflor, time- and tissue-specific expression profiles of NR genes in fourth-instar nymphs were determined following LD50 sulfoxaflor treatment (0.28 ng/insect) and compared with control samples. NlUSP, NlE78, NlTLL, NlHR51, NlHR83, NlPNR and NlFTZ-F1 were highly expressed following 12–48 h of sulfoxaflor treatment. NlHR39 and NlDSF transcripts were detected in the head and the thorax, respectively. High-level and constitutive expression of NlHR3, NlTLL, NlHR83, NlFTZF1 and NlHR4 were found in the abdomen. Feeding of dsRNAs reduced the expression of NlHR3, NlUSP, NlTLL, NlHR83, NlPNR, NlFTZ-F1 and NlHR4 (35.48–49.77%) and caused significant nymph mortality (69.21–81.45%). These NRs, considered as insecticide targets, may play important function in sulfoxaflor detoxification.

Mammalian Mediator 19 Mediates H1299 Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Clone Conformation, Growth, and Metastasis

Xu, Lu-Lu,Guo, Shu-Liang,Ma, Su-Ren,Luo, Yong-Ai Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.8

Mammalian mediator (MED) is a multi-protein coactivator that has been identified by several research goups. The involvement of the MED complex subunit 19 (MED 19) in the metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma cell line (H1299), which expresses the MED 19 subunit, was here investigated. When MED 19 expression was decreased by RNA interference H1299 cells demonstrated reduced clone formation, arrest in the S phase of the cell cycle, and lowered metastatic capacity. Thus, MED 19 appears to play important roles in the biological behavior of non-small cell lung carcinoma cells. These findings may be important for the development of novel lung carcinoma treatments.

Knocking Down Nucleolin Expression Enhances the Radiosensitivity of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Influencing DNA-PKcs Activity

Xu, Jian-Yu,Lu, Shan,Xu, Xiang-Ying,Hu, Song-Liu,Li, Bin,Qi, Rui-Xue,Chen, Lin,Chang, Joe Y. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.8

Nucleolin (C23) is an important anti-apoptotic protein that is ubiquitously expressed in exponentially growing eukaryotic cells. In order to understand the impact of C23 in radiation therapy, we attempted to investigate the relationship of C23 expression with the radiosensitivity of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. We investigated the role of C23 in activating the catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs), which is a critical protein for DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair. As a result, we found that the expression of C23 was negatively correlated with the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cell lines. In vitro clonogenic survival assays revealed that C23 knockdown increased the radiosensitivity of a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line, potentially through the promotion of radiation-induced apoptosis and adjusting the cell cycle to a more radiosensitive stage. Immunofluorescence data revealed an increasing quantity of ${gamma}$-H2AX foci and decreasing radiation-induced DNA damage repair following knockdown of C23. To further clarify the mechanism of C23 in DNA DSBs repair, we detected the expression of DNA-PKcs and C23 proteins in NSCLC cell lines. C23 might participate in DNA DSBs repair for the reason that the expression of DNA-PKcs decreased at 30, 60, 120 and 360 minutes after irradiation in C23 knockdown cells. Especially, the activity of DNA-PKcs phosphorylation sites at the S2056 and T2609 was significantly suppressed. Therefore we concluded that C23 knockdown can inhibit DNA-PKcs phosphorylation activity at the S2056 and T2609 sites, thus reducing the radiation damage repair and increasing the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells. Taken together, the inhibition of C23 expression was shown to increase the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells, as implied by the relevance to the notably decreased DNA-PKcs phosphorylation activity at the S2056 and T2609 clusters. Further research on targeted C23 treatment may promote effectiveness of radiotherapy and provide new targets for NSCLC patients.

Imbalance of Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Esophageal Achalasia

Lu Yao,Zuqiang Liu,Weifeng Chen,Jiaqi Xu,Xiaoyue Xu,Jiaxin Xu,Liyun Ma,Xiaoqing Li,Quanlin Li,Pinghong Zhou 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2023 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.29 No.4

Background/AimsPrevious studies reveal that immune-mediated neuroinflammation plays a key role in the etiology of esophageal achalasia. However, the understanding of leucocyte phenotype and proportion is limited. This study aim to evaluate the phenotypes of leukocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells transcriptomes in esophageal achalasia. MethodsWe performed high-dimensional flow cytometry to identified subsets of peripheral leukocytes, and further validated in lower esophageal sphincter histologically. RNA sequencing was applied to investigate the transcriptional changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with achalasia. Cell-type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT) was used for estimating the immune cell types. A differential gene expression analysis was performed and the differential expressed genes were subjected to gene ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes network, protein-protein interaction network construction. ResultsAn imbalance between innate and adaptive immune cells occurred in achalasia. Specifically, neutrophils and CD8+ T cells increased both in peripheral blood and lower esophageal sphincter in achalasia. Eosinophils decreased in peripheral blood but massively infiltrated in lower esophageal sphincter. CIBERSORT analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells RNA sequencing displayed an increased prevalence of CD8+ T cells. 170 dysregulated genes were identified in achalasia, which were enriched in immune cells migration, immune response, etc. Proton pump inhibitor analysis revealed the intersections and gained 7 hub genes in achalasia, which were IL-6, Toll-like receptor 2, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor, complement C3, and complement C1q A chain. ConclusionPatients with achalasia exhibited an imbalance of systematic innate and adaptive immunity, which may play an important role in the development of achalasia.

Enhanced Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Lignin/Polypropylene Wood-Plastic Composite by Using Flexible Segment-Containing Reactive Compatibilizer

Xu Xu,Jinhong Yu,Zihai He,Shaorong Lu,Dong Guo 한국고분자학회 2014 Macromolecular Research Vol.22 No.10

A reactive compatibilizer containing flexible segment (RCFS) was synthesized and characterized by Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The RCFS was used as acompatibilizer for the preparation of lignin/polypropylene (PP) wood plastic composites, and the effect of the RCFSon the properties of composites (e.g., mechanical properties, thermal properties, crystal structure, and morphology)were investigated in detail. Experimental results indicated that the lignin/PP composite displayed the best performancewith the addition of 2 wt% RCFS. Its impact strength, flexural strength, and modulus were 56.8%, 37.3%,and 20.6%, respectively, which are higher than those of the untreated composites. Moreover, RCFS treatment couldalso increase the thermal stability, crystallization rate, and degree of crystallinity of lignin/PP composites.

miR-424-5p regulates apoptosis and cell proliferation via targeting Bcl2 in nucleus pulposus cells

Lu Hua-tuo,Xu Yong-qing,Wang Hai,Zhang Xu-lin 한국통합생물학회 2020 Animal cells and systems Vol.24 No.3

Background: miRNAs play an important role in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). The role and the underlying mechanism of miR-424-5p in human nucleus pulposus (NP) are still unknown. We aimed to explore the role of miR-424-5p in IDD. Methods: Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-424-5p and Bcl2 in IDD tissues and idiopathic scoliosis tissues. Human NP cells were used in our study. MTT and Hoechst apoptosis assays were used to detect the proliferation and apoptosis of NP cells, respectively. Western blotting assays were used to detect the expression levels of Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, caspase-3 and caspase-9 in degenerative NP cells. A luciferase reporter assay was applied to confirm the relationship between miR-424-5p and Bcl2. Results: Our results showed that the expression of miR-424-5p was increased and Bcl2 was decreased in degenerative NP cells. miR-425-5p expression was negatively correlated with Bcl2 expression in IDD tissues. Suppression of miR-424-5p using an inhibitor increased Bcl2 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, and it promoted cell viability and inhibited apoptosis. Furthermore, the levels of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 were downregulated in miR-424-5p-silenced NP cells. Interestingly, we found that silencing miR-424- 5p increased p62 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. Finally, a luciferase reporter assay verified the binding of the miR-424-5p and the 3’UTR of Bcl2. Conclusion: These results suggested that silencing miR-424-5p suppressed NP cell apoptosis by upregulating Bcl2. Therefore, miR-424-5p might be a novel target for IDD therapies.

Expression and Significance of Microsomal Prostaglandin Synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and Beclin-1 in the Development of Prostate Cancer

Xu, Lu-Wei,Qian, Ming,Jia, Rui-Peng,Xu, Zheng,Wu, Jian-Ping,Li, Wen-Cheng,Huang, Wen-Bin,Chen, Xing-Guo Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.4

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and significance of microsomal prostaglandin synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and Beclin-1 in the development of prostate cancer (PCa). Immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin-embedded sections with rabbit polyclonal against mPGES-1 and Beclin-1 in 40 PCa, 40 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 10 normal prostate specimens for this purpose. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied for mRNA expression of mPGES-1 and Beclin-1, while MTT assays were used to ascertain the best working concentration of the mPGES-1 inhibitor (CAY10526). The effect of CAY10526 treatment on expression of Beclin-1 in DU-145 cells was studied using Western blot analysis. Localization of Beclin-1 and mPGES-1 was in endochylema. Significant differences in expression was noted among PCa, BPH and normal issues (P<0.05). Beclin-1 expression inversely correlated with mPGES-1 expression in PCa tissue (P<0.05). CAY10526 could significantly block mPGES-1 expression and the proliferation of DU-145 cells (P<0.05), while increasing Beclin-1 levels (P<0.05). Overexpression of mPGES-1 could decrease the autophagic PCa cell death. Inhibiting the expression of mPGES-1 may lead to DU-145 cell death and up-regulation of Beclin-1. The results suggest that inhibition of mPGES-1 may have therapeutic potential for PCa in the future.

Antioxidant and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of the Extract from Sparganium stoloniferum Buch.-Ham. Root and Its Constituent Compounds

Xu, Ming Lu,Wang, Lan,Hu, Jian He,Wang, Myeong-Hyeon The Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition 2009 Preventive Nutrition and Food Science Vol.14 No.4

Three compounds, vanillic acid, p-hydroxylcinnamic acid, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde have been isolated from the ethylacetate extract of Sparganium stoloniferum Buch.-Ham roots using silica gel open column chromatography, preparative thin-layer chromatography (pTLC) and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The structures of the compounds were established on the basis of IR, extensive 1D NMR, and MS analyses. The ethylacetate (EtOAc) extract, vanillic acid, and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde showed $\alpha$-glucosidase inhibition activity of 72.71%, 20.13%, and 30.42%, at the concentration of 10 ${\mu}g/mL$, respectively. The EtOAc extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity with an $IC_50$ value of 24.37 ${\mu}g/mL$ against DPPH radical scavenging activity, the vanillic acid, p-hydroxylcinnamic acid, and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde with an $IC_50$ value of 2.10 ${\mu}M$, 1.59 ${\mu}M$, and 2.72 ${\mu}M$ against DPPH, respectively.

Cytotoxic Constituents Isolated from the Fruit Bodies of Hypsizigus marmoreus

Xu, Ming-Lu,Choi, Jae-Young,Jeong, Byeong-Seon,Li, Gao,Lee, Kap-Rang,Lee, Chong-Soon,Woo, Mi-Hee,Lee, Eung-Seok,Jahng, Yurng-Dong,Chang, Hyeun-Wook,Lee, Seung-Ho,Son, Jong-Keun 대한약학회 2007 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.30 No.1

The bioactivity-guided fractionation of chloroform extracts of the fruit bodies of Hypsizigus marmoreus led to our isolation of $(22E,24R)-ergosta-7,22-diene-3{\beta},5{\alpha},6{\beta}-triol$ (1), $ergosterol-3-O-{\beta}-D-glucopyranoside$ (2), $5{\alpha},8{\alpha}-epidioxyergosta-6,22-dien-3{\beta}-ol$ (3), hypsiziprenol $A_9$ (4), hypsiziprenol $AA_8$ (5), hypsiziprenol $AA_9$ (6) and hypsiziprenol $BA_{10}$ (7). Among these seven isolates, compound 2 was identified for the first time from this plant. All compounds (1-7) exhibited moderate cytotoxicity towards cultured human colon carcinoma (HT-29), human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) and human hepatoblastoma (HepG-2) cell lines.

<i>Plasmodium ovale curtisi</i> and <i>Plasmodium ovale wallikeri</i> in Chinese travelers: Prevalence of novel genotypes of circumsporozoite protein in the African continent

Lu, Feng,Ahmed, Md Atique,Xu, Simin,Xu, Sui,Han, Jin-Hee,Liu, Qianyan,Chen, Jing,Zhu, Guoding,Zhou, Huayun,Cao, Jun,Han, Eun-Taek ELSEVIER 2019 INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION Vol.70 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Imported malaria due to <I>Plasmodium ovale curtisi</I> and <I>P</I>. <I>ovale wallikeri</I> infections from African countries has increased recently (2011–2014) in Chinese travelers. We report novel genotypes, their prevalence and the predominant haplotypes of <I>P</I>. <I>ovale curtisi</I> and <I>P</I>. <I>ovale wallikeri</I> circumsporozoite protein (CSP) from 20 African countries in Chinese travelers. These genotypes should be considered while designing a CSP-based vaccine against <I>P</I>. <I>ovale</I> malaria.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> This is the first to report the <I>csp</I> genotypes and their heterogeneity for <I>P. ovale curtisi</I> and <I>P. ovale wallikeri</I> parasites from African countries. </LI> <LI> Ten <I>csp</I> genotypes of <I>P</I>. <I>ovale curtisi</I> and 13 <I>csp</I> genotypes of <I>P</I>. <I>ovale wallikeri</I> based on the arrangement of central repeat motifs were found. </LI> <LI> Fifteen <I>csp</I> haplotypes of <I>P</I>. <I>ovale curtisi</I> and 10 <I>csp</I> haplotypes of <I>P</I>. <I>ovale wallikeri</I> on central repeat motifs were identified. </LI> <LI> These genotypes should be considered while designing a CSP-based vaccine against <I>P</I>. <I>ovale</I> malaria. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>