IN-VITRO IMMUNOTOXICITY AND CYTOTOXICITY OF TRICHOSANTHIN AGAINST HUMAN NORMAL IMMUNOCYTES AND LEUKEMIA-LYMPHOMA CELLS

Trichosanthin (TCS) is a ribosome-inactivating protein from root tubers of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. In this paper, the effects of TCS on the viability of human peripheral blood immunocytess, on the proliferation of lymphocytes, and its cytotoxicity to twelve cell lines of lymphoma or leukemia had been observed. TCS at high concentration (>12.5 mu g/ml) affected the viability of human B lymphocytes, but not that of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), T lymphocytes and granulocytes. Human peripheral blood-derived monocytes/macrophages were highly sensitive to TCS (ID50 at 1.70 mu g/ml). TCS suppressed lymphocyte proliferation stimulated by Concanavalin A (Con A) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Human T cell lines and macrophage cell lines were more sensitive (ID50 < 0.9 mu g/ml) to TCS than B cell lines and myeloid lines. These results suggest that selective cytotoxicity of TCS to human macrophages/monocytes may be implicated in anti-HIV activity, and that selectively killing some leukemia-lymphoma cells by TCS merit further evaluation in treatment of some lymphoma and leukemia.

Identification of a C1q family member associated with cortical granules and follicular cell apoptosis in Carassius auratus gibelio

C1q family proteins with C1q domain have been reported in vertebrates, but their biological roles are currently unknown. In this study, a C1q-like factor, designated Carassius auratus gibelio ovary-specific C1q-like factor (CagOC1q-like), was identified as a cortical granules component. Immunofluorescence localization revealed that the C1q family member was specifically expressed in follicular epithelial cells, and associated with cortical granules in fully grown oocytes. Moreover, it was discharged to the perivitelline space and egg envelope upon fertilization. As it is the first identified C1q family member that is expressed in follicular cells that surround oocyte, CagOC1q-like was applied to detection of follicular cell apoptosis and deletion. The entire cytological process of follicular cell apoptosis and deletion was clearly seen from double visualizations of follicular cells with CagOC1q-like immunofluorescence and apoptotic follicular cells labeled by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) during oocyte maturation and ovulation. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

U19/Eaf2 knockout causes lung adenocarcinoma, B-cell lymphoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia

Upregulated gene 19 (U19)/ELL-associated factor 2 (Eaf2) is a potential human tumor suppressor that exhibits frequent allelic loss and downregulation in high-grade prostate cancer. U19/Eaf2, along with its homolog Eaf1, has been reported to regulate transcriptional elongation via interaction with the eleven-nineteen lysine-rich leukemia (ELL) family of proteins. To further explore the tumor-suppressive effects of U19/Eaf2, we constructed and characterized a murine U19/Eaf2-knockout model. Homozygous or heterozygous deletion of U19/Eaf2 resulted in high rates of lung adenocarcinoma, B-cell lymphoma, hepato cellular carcinoma and prostate intraepithelial neoplasia. Within the mouse prostate, U19/Eaf2 defficiency enhanced cell proliferation and increased epithelial cell size. The knockout mice also exhibited cardiac cell hypertrophy. These data indicate a role for U19/Eaf2 in growth suppression and cell size control as well as argue for U19/Eaf2 as a novel tumor suppressor in multiple mouse tissues. The U19/Eaf2 knockout mouse also provides a unique animal model for three important cancers: lung adenocarcinoma, B-cell lymphoma and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Expression of syncytin in leukemia and lymphoma cells

Syncytin is a placenta-specific protein and generally believed to play a pivotal role in syncytiotrophoblast morphogenesis. In this study, transcripts of this gene were quantified by real-time RT-PCR and the translated products were measured by an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Results showed that syncytin was found to be expressed in all nine leukemia and lymphoma cell lines studied albeit at different levels and in 43 peripheral blood samples of 57 leukemia or lymphoma patients. Neither the transcripts nor the translated syncytin was detected in blood samples of normal individuals. In conclusion, peripheral blood syncytin may serve as a marker for leukemia and lymphoma. ©

天花粉蛋白体外抗人白血病和淋巴瘤细胞的作用机制

本研究的目的是探讨天花粉蛋白(TCS)对人白血病和淋巴瘤细胞系的杀伤作用机制.用台盼蓝染色法检测TCS对细胞生长的影响,应用流式细胞术检测TCS诱导细胞凋亡的情况及对细胞生长周期的影响.结果表明:12.5μg/ml浓度的TCS可以显著抑制各种白血病细胞系的增殖,但对T淋巴细胞系和巨噬细胞细胞系表现为诱导细胞凋亡的作用,而对B淋巴瘤细胞系则表现为生长抑制效应.通过细胞周期检测发现,TCS可以将B淋巴瘤细胞系细胞阻滞在S期,从而抑制细胞增殖,但对T淋巴细胞系则无明显影响.结论:TCS以不同的作用机制杀伤白血病细胞,根据不同的细胞类型分别表现为诱导细胞凋亡和阻滞细胞生长周期的作用.

Homologous feeder cells support undifferentiated growth and pluripotency in monkey embryonic stem cells

In the present study, five homologous feeder cell lines were developed for the culture and maintenance of rhesus monkey embryonic stem cells (rESCs). Monkey ear skin fibroblasts (MESFs), monkey oviductal fibroblasts (MOFs), monkey follicular granulosa fibroblast-like (MFG) cells, monkey follicular granulosa epithelium-like (MFGE) cells, and clonally derived fibroblasts from MESF (CMESFs) were established and compared with the ability of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) to support rESC growth. MESF, MOF, MFG, and CMESF cells, but not MFGE cells, were as good as or better than MEFs in supporting undifferentiated growth while maintaining the differentiation potential of the rESCs. In an effort to understand the unique properties of supportive feeder cells, expression levels for a number of candidate genes were examined. MOF, MESF, and MEF cells highly expressed leukemia inhibitory factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, stem cell factor, transforming growth factor PI, bone morphogenetic protein 4, and WNT3A, whereas WNT2, WNT4, and WNT5A were downregulated, compared with MFGE cells. Additionally, all monkey feeder cell lines expressed Dkk1 and LRP6, antagonists of the WNT signaling pathway, but not WNT1, WNT8B, or Dkk2. rESCs grown on homologous feeders maintained normal karyotypes, displayed the characteristics of ESCs, including morphology, alkaline phosphatase, Oct4, the cell surface markers stage-specific embryonic antigen (SSEA)-3, SSEA-4, tumor-related antigen (TRA)-1-60, and TRA-1-81, and formed cystic embryoid bodies in vitro that included differentiated cells representing the three major germ layers. These results indicate that the four homologous feeder cell lines can be used to support the undifferentiated growth and maintenance of pluripotency in rESCs.

牛卵泡卵母细胞体外成熟的研究

研究了卵泡大小、卵泡液和卵丘细胞对牛卵泡卵母细胞体外成熟的影响。结果表明:直径2～6 mm 卵泡中的卵母细胞成熟 率(7211 %) 最高,与直径小于2 mm(5814 %) 、6～8 mm(5614 %) 及大于8 mm(3510 %) 卵泡中的卵母细胞组差异显著;成熟培养基 中添加10 %的新鲜牛卵泡液(bFF) 对牛卵母细胞的体外成熟有促进作用,但高浓度的bFF(20 %、30 %) 则抑制牛卵母细胞的体外成 熟;卵丘- 卵母细胞复合体的质量影响卵母细胞的体外成熟,A、B、C 三级卵母细胞成熟率分别为8611 %、6613 %、3516 % ,卵裂率分 别为4218 %、3119 %、1015 % ,差异均显著( P < 0105) 。

Expression pattern, cellular localization and promoter activity analysis of ovarian aromatase (Cyp19a1a) in protogynous hermaphrodite red-spotted grouper

Aromatase plays a key role in sex differentiation of gonads. In this study, we cloned the full-length cDNA of ovarian aromatase from protogynous hermaphrodite red-spotted grouper (Epinephelus akaara), and prepared the corresponding anti-EaCyp19a1a antiserum. Western blot and immunofluorescence studies revealed ovary-specific expression pattern of EaCyp19a1a in adults and its dynamic expression change during artificial sex reversal. EaCyp19a1a was expressed by follicular cells of follicular layer around oocytes because strong EaCyp19a1a immunofluorescence was observed in the cells of ovaries. During artificial sex reversal, EaCyp19a1a expression dropped significantly from female to male, and almost no any positive EaCyp19a1a signal was observed in testicular tissues. Then, we cloned and sequenced a total of 1967 bp T-flanking sequence of EaCyp19a1a promoter, and showed a number of potential binding sites for some transcriptional factors, such as SOX5, GATA gene family, CREB, AP1, FOXL1, C/EBP, ARE and SF-1. Moreover, we prepared a series of 5' deletion promoter constructs and performed in vitro luciferase assays of EaCyp19a1a promoter activities. The data indicated that the CREB regulation region from -1010 to -898 might be a major cis-acting element to EaCyp19a1a promoter, whereas the elements GATA and SOX5 in the region from -1216 to -1010 might be suppression elements. Significantly, we found a common conserved sequence region in the fish ovary-type aromatase promoters with identities from 93% to 34%. And, the motifs of TATA box, SF-1, SOX5, and CREB existed in the region and were conserved among the most of fish species. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identification of a novel C2 domain factor in ovaries of orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides)

Follicle consists of an oocyte and a lot of surrounding follicular cells, and significant interactions exist between the oocyte and the somatic cells. In this study, a novel cDNA has been screened from a subtractive cDNA library between tail bud embryos and blastula embryos in the protogynous hermaphrodite orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides). Its full-length cDNA is 821 bp, and has an ORF of 414 by for encoding a peptide of 137 aa, which shows 38%, 37%, 33%, and 33% homology with 4 putative proteins screened from zebrafish (Danio rerio). Conserved domain search in NCBI reveals a single C2 domain existing in the C2 domain superfamily proteins, and has only 7 beta strands in comparison with 8 beta strands of C2 domains in other C2 domain superfamily proteins. Artificial sex reversal, RT-PCR analysis and Western blot detection demonstrated ovary-specific expression of the C2 domain factor, and therefore the novel gene was designated as E. coioides ovary-specific C2 domain factor, EcOC2 factor. Moreover, predominant expression of EcOC2 factor was further revealed in grouper mature ovary, and its strong immunofluorescence signals were located between granulosa cells and oocyte zona radiata in grouper mature follicles. The data indicate that the novel EcOC2 factor might be a main component that associates between granulosa cells and the oocyte during oocyte maturation, and might play significant roles in regulating oocyte maturation and ovulation. Further studies on its developmental behaviour and physiological functions will elucidate the interactions between oocyte and the surrounding somatic cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. (C) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Expression pattern and developmental behaviour of cellular nucleic acid-binding protein (CNBP) during folliculogenesis and oogenesis in fish

In vertebrates, folliculogeneis establishes an intricate system for somatic cell-oocyte interaction, and ultimately leads to the acquisition of their respective competences. Although the formation process and corresponding interactions are strikingly similar in diverse organisms, knowledge of genes and signaling pathways involved in follicle formation is very incomplete and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain enigmatic. CNBP has been identified for more than ten years, and the highest level of CNBP transcripts has been observed in adult zebrafish ovary, but little is known about its functional significance during folliculogeneis and oogenesis. In this study, we clone CNBP cDNA from gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio), and demonstrate its predominant expression in gibel carp ovary and testis not only by RTPCR but also by Western blot. Its full-length cDNA is 1402 bp, and has an ORF of 489 nt for encoding a peptide of 163 aa. And its complete amino acid sequence shared 68.5%-96.8% identity with CNBPs from other vertebrates. Based on the expression characterization, we further analyze its expression pattern and developmental behaviour during folliculogeneis and oogenesis. Following these studies, we reveal an unexpected discovery that the CagCNBP is associated with follicular cells and oocytes, and significant distribution changes have occurred in degenerating and regenerating follicles. More interestingly, the CagCNBP is more highly expressed in some clusters of interconnected cells within ovarian cysts, no matter whether the cell clusters are formed from the original primordial germ cells or from the newly formed cells from follicular cells that invaded into the atretic oocytes. It is the first time to reveal CNBP relevance to folliculogeneis and oogenesis. Moreover, a similar stage-specific and cell-specific expression pattern has also been observed in the gibel carp testis. Therefore, further studies on CNBP expression pattern and developmental behaviour will be of significance for understanding functional roles of CNBP during gametogenests. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

合胞素在白血病和淋巴瘤细胞中的表达及意义研究

人类内源性病毒(HERVs)是远古具有感染能力的逆转录病毒整合于人类基因组的遗迹, 大约占人类基因组的3%~8%，至少包括31个家族。它们通过不同的途径参与人类各种生理和病理活动的调节过程。大多数人类内源性病毒的基因, 由于基因的突变或部分缺失而失去了转录的能力。但有些基因依然保持完整的开放读码框, 能翻译成有功能的蛋白, 如HERV-W家族的囊膜蛋白合胞素基因, 可以被转录并翻译成有功能的蛋白质。目前合胞素的生理功能以及在各种病理过程中的作用机制仍然不清楚。国内对于合胞素的功能研究处于起步阶段，尚无商品化试剂，而且也没有合胞素抗体制备的报道。我们通过PCR扩增人合胞素基因编码区的DNA片段，将其克隆入原核表达质粒pET30a (+)，转化大肠杆菌 BL21，诱导产生了合胞素-His融合蛋白。采用割胶回收的方法纯化目的蛋白, 免疫新西兰白兔, 制备了多克隆抗体。最后通过ELISA、Western-Blot和免疫组织化学等方法检测抗体的效价和特异性。我们成功表达并纯化了合胞素-His融合蛋白, SDS-PAGE分析表明融合蛋白主要以包涵体形式存在；ELISA法测定抗体效价为 1:10 000；Western-Blot和免疫组织化学结果显示所制备的抗体能特异性识别合胞素蛋白，为下一步研究合胞素的生物学功能奠定了基础。我们首次发现，合胞素能够在白血病和淋巴瘤细胞系中表达。利用我们制备的抗合胞素多克隆抗体，我们进一步检测该基因是否在白血病和淋巴瘤患者的外周血中表达，所有患者的外周血标本，均来自云南省有关医院。作为对照，我们还检测了20 名健康志愿者的外周血细胞。实验证明，合胞素基因(包括 mRNA 和蛋白)也在白血病患者的外周血细胞表达，而不表达于健康志愿者的血细胞。在30 名不同的白血病和淋巴瘤患者中，有22 名有合胞素的表达。荧光实时定量RT-PCR 的方法比较了合胞素在细胞系和白血病患者外周血中表达的相对定量，发现合胞素基因在所检测的5 种淋巴细胞系、3 种粒细胞系和1 种淋巴瘤细胞系中都有相对稳定的表达，表达水平与C8166 细胞系相比，介于0.5-2 倍之间。而在白血病患者中的表达则介于1.8-33.4 倍不等。我们的结果提示，合胞素可能与白血病的形成有关，因为该基因表达的囊膜蛋白具有很强的促细胞融合活性，含有具有免疫抑制活性的肽段，而且已发现某些与其类似的蛋白有致瘤能力。

Study on bioactivity of extracts from marine sponges in Chinese Sea

The bioactivity screening of fractions from two inter-tidal sponges collected from the north of China Yellow Sea and one sponge collected from the South Chinese Sea was reported in this study. In sponge Hymeniacidon perleve there were 9 fractions out of 15 from CHCl3 extract with anti Staphylococcus aureus activity, 9 fractions out of 19 from BuOH extract with anti Escherichia coli activity, and three fractions from CHCl3 extract which had moderate to strong activity in inhibiting Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, and Aspergilus niger. The fractions of Reniochalina sp. showed bioactivity against bacteria and fungi. The fractions of Acanthella acuta Schmidt showed bioactivity against S. aureus and fungi. One compound from H. perleve obtained by the bioactively directing isolation was tested for bioactivity against the human hepatoma cell line Qgy7701 (IC50 10.1 mug/ml), Burkitt's lymphoma cell line Raji (IC50 9.76 mug/ml) and chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 (IC50 1.90 mug/ml). (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparative expression analysis of transcription factor genes in the endostyle of invertebrate chordates

The endostyle of invertebrate chordates is a pharyngeal organ that is thought to be homologous with the follicular thyroid of vertebrates. Although thyroid-like features such as iodine-concentrating and peroxidase activities are located in the dorsolateral part of both ascidian and amphioxus endostyles, the structural organization and numbers of functional units are different. To estimate phylogenetic relationships of each functional zone with special reference to the evolution of the thyroid, we have investigated, in ascidian and amphioxus, the expression patterns of thyroid-related transcription factors such as TTF-2/MoxE4 and Pax2/5/8, as well as the forkhead transcription factors FoxQ1 and FoxA. Comparative gene expression analyses depicted an overall similarity between ascidians and amphioxus endostyles, while differences in expression patterns of these genes might be specifically related to the addition or elimination of a pair of glandular zones. Expressions of Ci-FoxE and BbFoxE4 suggest that the ancestral FoxE class might have been recruited for the formation of thyroid-like region in a possible common ancestor of chordates. Furthermore, coexpression of FoxE4, Pax2/5/8, and TPO in the dorsolateral part of both ascidian and amphioxus endostyles suggests that genetic basis of the thyroid function was already in place before the vertebrate lineage. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.