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Biomedical subjects

Dan Zhao

Publications and source records attributed to Dan Zhao.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2026

Limited evidence for causal effects of circulating inflammatory cytokines on the risk of selected hematologic malignancies: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: Hematologic malignancies have been linked to inflammatory cytokine levels; however, whether a causal relationship exists between inflammatory cytokines and hematologic malignancies remains uncertain. This study aimed to explore the causal association between inflammatory cytokines and hematologic malignancies using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. METHODS: Summary statistics from genome-wide association studies of 41 inflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein, and selected hematologic malignancies were obtained from the UK Biobank, YFS, FINRISK, and FinnGen consortia. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method with false discovery rate (FDR) adjustment was used as the primary MR method. The weighted median, MR-Egger regression, MR-Robust Adjusted Profile Score, and MR pleiotropy residual sum, and outlier methods were used as supplied analyses. MR-Egger intercept estimates and Cochran's Q test were used to assess pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Leave-one-out analysis and the MR Steiger test were used to assess sensitivity and the direction of causality. RESULTS: Although the primary IVW analysis indicated that some inflammatory cytokines were associated with risk of selected hematologic malignancies, no significant causal relationship between cytokines and selected hematologic malignancies was detected after FDR correction. CONCLUSION: Genetically predicted cytokine levels did not have a significant effect on the risk of the selected hematologic malignancies. Further research is warranted to confirm the potential association between cytokine levels and the risk of selected hematologic malignancies.

C-reactive protein↗
PubMed2026

Current landscape of Cys-OxiPTMs in plants: from hormone signaling to phenotypic control and their potential in sustainable agriculture.

The integration of environmental and developmental cues into coherent physiological responses is fundamental to plant survival. Reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur species (ROS/RNS/RSS) are now recognized as essential signaling molecules, not merely cytotoxic byproducts. Their specificity is largely achieved through reversible, site-specific cysteine oxidative post-translational modifications (Cys-OxiPTMs), which constitute a dynamic and sophisticated "redox code". This review provides a systematic synthesis of the current landscape of Cys-OxiPTMs in plants, bridging chemistry, hormone biology, agronomy, detection, and engineering. The chemical and enzymatic basis of major Cys-OxiPTMs is detailed, along with a discussion of how their spatiotemporal interplay orchestrates signaling specificity. A critical examination is then presented on how these modifications decode and integrate plant hormone signaling networks to regulate key agronomic traits. Cutting-edge proteomic technologies that have revolutionized the identification of redox-sensitive cysteines are also evaluated. Finally, forward-looking strategies to "write" the redox code are explored. By moving the field from descriptive cataloging to predictive "redox breeding", this review establishes a foundational framework for manipulating Cys-OxiPTMs to develop climate-resilient, high-yielding crops for sustainable agriculture.

Agronomic traits↗
PubMed2026

Efficient homologous replacement and deletion of large genomic fragments through template-jumping prime editing in rice.

Homologous replacement of genomic sequences with large DNA fragments (> 100 bp) holds great potential for crop breeding, yet an efficient method to achieve such edits is lacking in plants. Here, in rice, we developed template-jumping prime editing (TJ-PE), a recently reported PE strategy for large targeted insertion, as an efficient tool for homologous replacement with DNA fragments ranging from dozens to hundreds of base pairs, and using TJ-PE, we replaced genomic fragments of up to 340 bp with homologous fragments of the same length. In addition, our TJ-PE tool also enabled precise deletion of 944- to 2024-bp fragments in rice, with efficiencies of up to 34.6% for c. 2000-bp precise deletions. Collectively, this study expands the editing scope of PE in rice and establishes TJ-PE as a generalist tool for precise deletion and replacement of large DNA fragments.

Oryza↗
PubMed2026

[State Changes and Stability Grading of Driver Genes in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Based on Repeated NGS Testing].

BACKGROUND: Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based driver gene testing has become a routine component of molecular subtyping and precision therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Dynamic genomic monitoring facilitates early detection of resistance-related molecular alterations and informs timely therapeutic adjustments. However, standardized criteria for evaluating the stability of serial NGS testing are currently lacking, and the applicability of NGS using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens for dynamic monitoring remains poorly defined. This study aims to establish a stability grading system for driver gene status alterations based on repeated NGS testing, and to provide evidence-based support for clinical repeat biopsy strategies. METHODS: Data from 1232 patients with NSCLC who underwent two or more NGS tests on FFPE tissue specimens at Beijing Chest Hospital between June 2019 and April 2026 were collected retrospectively. Patients with an interval of &#x2265;4 months between the initial and last tests were included to ensure the representativeness of temporal analysis, resulting in a main analysis cohort of 942 patients. The Kappa consistency test was used to evaluate the state stability of nine core driver genes [epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), ROS proto-oncogene 1, receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS1), mesenchymal&#x2011;epithelial transition factor (MET), rearranged during transfection (RET), v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF), erb&#x2011;b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2), and phosphatidylinositol&#x2011;4,5&#x2011;bisphosphate 3&#x2011;kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA)] and to construct a five&#x2011;level grading system. Paired variant allele frequency (VAF) differences were compared using the Wilcoxon signed&#x2011;rank test. Independent influencing factors for mutation accumulation were identified by binary Logistic regression. RESULTS: The state stability of the nine genes was classified into five levels: EGFR showed high stability (Kappa=0.838), ROS1/ALK/KRAS good stability, BRAF/PIK3CA/RET moderate stability, and ERBB2 low stability, and MET showed high instability. MET exhibited the highest rate of state change (9.3%) with a raw observed agreement of 90.7%. Its Kappa value (0.172) was influenced by the low prevalence (3.7%) compression effect and should therefore be interpreted alongside the observed agreement (90.7%) and the prevalence-adjusted and bias-adjusted Kappa (PABAK). The VAF of PIK3CA increased significantly (P=0.005). T790M positivity increased from 5.8% to 10.8%, and 30 new C797S mutations were detected at the last test (13 with T790M, 17 without). The overall rate of new driver gene variants in the main cohort was 18.0%. Binary Logistic regression showed that a lower number of initial mutated genes was the only independent predictor of new variants [odds ratio (OR)=0.399, P<0.001], while sex and detection interval showed no independent association. CONCLUSIONS: A five level stability grading system for state changes of driver genes in NSCLC based on repeated NGS testing has been established. MET showed the most frequent state changes, which should be interpreted in conjunction with the prevalence effect. The VAF increase of PIK3CA is an observational finding, and its clinical significance requires further prospective validation. A lower initial mutation burden may reflect tumor clonal complexity and was associated with a higher likelihood of subsequent acquisition of new variants. FFPE based NGS is applicable for repeated testing at clinical treatment decision nodes.

Humans↗
PubMed2023

The complete mitogenome of Paratanakia chii (Cypriniformes; Cyprinidae).

Paratanakia chii is a bitterling fish of the genus Paratanakia, subfamily Acheilognathinae and family Cyprinidae. The mitochondrial DNA sequence of P. chii is reported in this paper. The complete mitochondrial genome of P. chii is 16,575&#x2009;bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 1 displacement loop (D-loop). The genome sequence is consistent with those of most other carp. The majority of PCGs have AT- (Met) start codons and TA- end codons. The A&#x2009;+&#x2009;T contents of the genome, PCGs, transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) are 56.92%, 58.07%, 56.34%, and 54.21%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. chii is most closely related to Tanankia himantegus. These data will benefit relative ecological and phylogenetic studies.

Acheilognathinae↗
PubMed2007

Synthesis, crystal structure, and optical properties of LiGd5P2O13, a layered lithium gadolinium phosphate containing one-dimensional Li chains.

A lithium gadolinium phosphate crystal, LiGd5P2O13, has been synthesized by a high temperature solution reaction and solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The structure is monoclinic, space group C2/m, with unit cell parameters a = 18.645(3), b = 5.6257(5), c = 12.014(2) A, beta = 117.55(6)degrees, V = 1117.3(3) A3, and Z = 4. LiGd5P2O13 presents a new structural type and is built up from [Gd5P2O13]- layers and one-dimensional Li chains with an unusual Li-Li distance. The optical properties were investigated in terms of the absorption and emission spectra. Additionally, the calculations of band structure, density of states, dielectric constants, and refractive indexes were performed with the density functional threory method. The obtained results tend to support the experimental data.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Functional polymorphisms in FAS and FASL contribute to increased apoptosis of tumor infiltration lymphocytes and risk of breast cancer.

The FAS-FASL system plays crucial role in counterattack of cancer cell against immune system. This study examined the effects of FAS (-1377G/A and -670A/G) and FASL (-844T/C and 7896G/C) polymorphisms on breast cancer risk and apoptosis of T lymphocytes. The effect on breast cancer risk was determined by case-control analysis of 840 patients and 840 controls. The effects on T-lymphocyte apoptosis were determined by activation-induced cell death (AICD) of T cells ex vivo and by analyzing apoptotic tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in breast cancer tissue. We found moderately increased risk associated with FAS -1377AG [odds ratio (OR), 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-1.59] and -1377AA (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.01-1.82) genotypes compared with the -1377GG genotype and decreased risk associated with FASL -844CT (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62-0.94) and -844TT (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.43-1.00) genotypes compared with the -844CC genotype. T lymphocytes with the FASL -844CC genotype had heightened FASL expression that is associated with increased AICD of the T cells stimulated by MCF-7 cells or phytohemagglutinin compared with the FASL -844TT genotype (10.38 +/- 4.09% and 24.29 +/- 1.50% versus 6.03 +/- 0.41% and 17.96 +/- 3.66%; P < 0.05 and 0.001). Breast cancer patients with the FASL -844CC genotype had higher apoptotic TILs in their cancer tissues than those with the FASL -844TT genotype (33.7 +/- 1.2% versus 19.1 +/- 2.0%; P = 0.007). These findings indicate that functional polymorphisms in FAS and FASL contribute to increased apoptosis of tumor infiltration lymphocytes and risk of breast cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Associations of functional polymorphisms in cyclooxygenase-2 and platelet 12-lipoxygenase with risk of occurrence and advanced disease status of colorectal cancer.

Aberrant arachidonic acid metabolism by cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and 12-lipoxygenase (LOX) has implicated in carcinogenesis. Genetic polymorphisms in COX-2 and 12-LOX might therefore affect susceptibility to colorectal cancer (CRC). To examine this hypothesis, genotypes of COX-2 -1290A>G, -1195G>A, -765G>C and 12-LOX 261Arg>Gln polymorphisms were determined in 1000 CRC patients and 1300 controls. Increased risk of developing CRC was associated with the COX-2 -1195GA [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00-1.54] and -1195AA (adjusted OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.38-2.25) genotypes compared with the -1195GG genotype. Similarly, the increased risk for CRC was also associated with the COX-2 -765GC genotype (adjusted OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.23-2.43) compared with the -765GG genotype. Consistent with the results of genotype analyses, the ORs for the A_(1195)-C_(765)-containing haplotypes were significantly higher than those for the G_(1195)-G_(765)-containing haplotypes (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the -1195A allele was further associated with advanced CRC, with adjusted ORs of Dukes D CRC against Dukes A CRC being 2.43 (95% CI = 1.15-4.97) and 2.66 (95% CI = 1.23-5.74) for the -1195GA and -1195AA genotypes, respectively. The increased risk of CRC was also associated with the 12-LOX 261Gln/Gln genotype compared with the Arg/Arg genotype (adjusted OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.09-1.74). Together, these observations indicate that inherited polymorphisms in arachidonic acid-metabolizing enzymes may confer susceptibility to CRC.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Haplotypes in matrix metalloproteinase gene cluster on chromosome 11q22 contribute to the risk of lung cancer development and progression.

PURPOSE: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play important roles in cancer development and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in some MMP genes were shown to confer susceptibility to certain cancers. This study examined the association between genotypes and haplotypes in the MMP1-MMP3-MMP12 gene cluster and risk of lung cancer development and metastasis. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A two-stage investigation was conducted. First, 35 SNPs covering these genes were selected and validated in 190 patients and 190 controls. Twenty-two validated SNPs were then analyzed in an entire case-control panel consisting of 711 patients and 716 controls. Associations with the risk of lung cancer were estimated by logistic regression. RESULTS: The investigated MMP gene region could be partitioned into two major haplotype blocks. One common haplotype in the block composed of major part of MMP1 transcription region was significantly associated with increased risk for the development [odds ratio (OR), 1.35; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.11-1.63; P = 0.01; permutated P = 0.134] and distant metastasis of lung cancer (ORs for stage IV versus stages I-III, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.12-2.50; P = 0.009; permutated P = 0.048) and the other showed a protective effect against metastasis (ORs for stage IV versus stages I-III, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.07-0.62; P = 0.001; permutated P = 0.011). Another common haplotype in the block across MMP3 was significantly associated with decreased risk for developing lung cancer (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.59-0.86; P = 0.003; permutated P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: The observed multiple cancer-associated genetic variants suggested that the MMP1-MMP3-MMP12 gene cluster plays important roles in lung cancer development and progression.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Expressions of stromal cell-derived factor-1 and CXCR4 in endometrial carcinoma tissues and cell lines].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expressions of SDF-1 and CXCR4 in human endometrial carcinoma tissues. METHODS: SDF-1 and CXCR4 protein expression levels were detected by immunohistochemical staining in 26 cases of atypic hyperplasia endometrium,simple hyperplasia endometrium and normal endometrium and 44 cases of endometrial carcinoma tissues. RESULTS: Both SDF-1 mRNA and CXCR4 mRNA were expressed in Ishikawa, while no expression of SDF-1 mRNA was detected in HEC-1A. The rates of CXCR4 and SDF-1 protein expressions were 100% in glandular cells of human normal endometrial tissues, while 90.9% and 93.2% in glandular cells of endometrial carcinoma tissues. These immunoreactivities of SDF-1 and CXCR4 were significantly low in endometrial carcinoma tissues as compared with those in normal endometrium; and the intensities of immunohistochemical staining significantly decreasesd in immunoreactivity of SDF-1 and CXCR4 in low grade as compared with that in hight grade. CONCLUSION: SDF-1 and CXCR4 were expressed differently in endometrial cell lines, human normal endometrial tissues,and endometrial carcinoma tissues. As compared with normal endometrium ,these were significantly low levels expression of SDF-1 and CXCR4 in endometrial carcinoma tissues.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2006

[Expression of estrogen receptor-related receptor alpha and estrogen receptor alpha in endometrial carcinoma and the primary investigation of their clinical significance].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the roles of estrogen receptor-related receptor (ERR) alpha and estrogen receptor alpha in endometrial carcinoma and their clinical values. METHODS: Thirty-five cases of endometrial carcinoma were examined by immunohistochemistry. Clinicopathologic features including FIGO stage, histological grade, myometrial invasion and nodal metastasis were reviewed. RESULTS: The expression rate of ERalpha in patients with FIGO stage I endometrial carcinoma was more than that in stage II-IV(P = 0.005). The expression rate of ERRalpha in endometrial carcinoma patients at FIGO stage I was lower than that at stages II-IV(P = 0.007). The percentage of patients at FIGO stageI or with G1-2 or myometrial invasion < 1/2 in ERalpha (+) and ERRalpha (-) groups was higher than that in ERalpha (-) and ERRalpha (+) groups(P = 0.000, P = 0.031 and P = 0.022). CONCLUSION: ERalpha may be a biomarker of good prognosis while ERRalpha may serve as a biomarker of poor prognosis in endometrial carcinoma. The combinative measure of ERalpha and ERRalpha may improve the prognostic value.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2006

[Regulation of 17beta-E2 on the membrane estrogen receptor alpha].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulation of 17beta-estradiol on the membrane estrogen receptor alpha. METHODS: The Ishikawa cells were treated with 10(-6) mol/L 17beta-estradiol for 0, 3, 10, 30 minutes and 2, 12, 48 hours, respectively. Another group of Ishikawa cells was treated with 10(-12) mol/L, 10(-10) mol/L, 10(-8) mol/L and 10(-6) mol/L 17beta-estradiol for 30 minutes, respectively. The cells were marked with anti-ERalpha and measured with FACS. RESULTS: The fluorescence intensity of mERalpha increased gradually with the application of estradiol. It reached the peak at the end of 30 minutes. Then it began to decrease gradually. When the cells were treated at low concentration of estradiol the fluorescence intensity of mERalpha was high, especially at 10(-10) mol/L estradiol. Then with the rise of the concentration, the fluorescence intensity decreased. CONCLUSION: The quantity of mERalpha reached the peak at the end of 30 minutes when treated with estradiol. Then it decreased gradually. When treated with estradiol at different concentrations, its quantity could reach the peak at physiological concentration.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2006

[Effects of ICI182780 (Faslodex) on proliferation and apoptosis induced by 17beta-estradiol in endometrial carcinoma cells].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of estrogen receptor, ICI182780, on proleferation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and ER-poor endometrial carcinoma cells and to explore the possible preliminary value of ICI182780 treating endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: The effects of ICI182780 on proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution of endometrial cancer cells costimulated with 10(-6) mol/L E2 was detected by monotetrazolium (MTT) assay and fluorescence-activated cell sorting technique. RESULTS: With increased concentrations of E2, values of OD 570 nm for endometrial cancers increased gradually especially in Ishikawa. Cell cycle distribution analysis revealed that percentage of Ishikawa cells at G0-G1 phase decreased and percentage at S phase increased significantly, whereas that of HEC-1A cells did not show significant alteration. In cotreatment of endometrial cancer cells with ICI182780, values of OD 570 nm and numbers of apoptotic cells of Ishikawa cells decreased to basal levels, G0-G1 phase proportion increased, percentage of S phase increased in a time or time-dependent manner. But there was no such alteration in HEC-1A cells. CONCLUSION: The specific ER antagonist, ICI182780, can inhibit Ishikawa cell propagation induced by E2, make cells apoptosis and block Ishikawa cells at the G1/S transition. Therefore, ICI182780 may be a valid approach to treat ER-positive endometrial carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2006

Platinum covering of gold nanoparticles for utilization enhancement of Pt in electrocatalysts.

This work attempts to enhance platinum utilization in a Pt-based electrocatalyst by the tuned covering of gold nanoparticles with small Pt entities. Reductive deposition of Pt on Au nanoparticles of two size ranges (Au-I: 10 +/- 1.2 nm, Au-II: 3 +/- 0.6 nm) up to different atomic Pt : Au ratios (m) was used to prepare two series of samples named Pt(m)insertion markAu-I and Pt(m)insertion markAu-II particles, respectively. The obtained Pt(m)insertion markAu particles were characterized with TEM, XPS, UV-Vis and XRD techniques, and then loaded on conventional Vulcan XC-72 carbon to make Pt(m)insertion markAu/C electrocatalysts. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements showed that the electrochemical active surface area (EAS) and Pt utilization (U(Pt)) in Pt(m)insertion markAu/C were enhanced remarkably at m< or = 0.2 for Pt(m)insertion markAu-I/C or m< or = 0.5 for Pt(m)insertion markAu-II/C, in comparison to conventional Pt/C electrocatalyst. In particular, U(Pt) was enhanced to nearly 100% in Pt(m)insertion markAu-I/C catalysts at m< or = 0.05 and in Pt(m)insertion markAu-II/C at m< or = 0.1. In the CV measurement of methanol electro-oxidation, the specific mass activity of Pt in Pt(m)insertion markAu/C catalysts was found in proportional to U(Pt), confirming that the enhancement of Pt utilization is essential for the development of highly active Pt-based electrocatalysts. The highly dispersed Pt entities on Au nanoparticles proved to be stable during the electro-oxidation of methanol. Our study also showed that the use of smaller Au nanoparticles is advantageous for the generation of more active Pt catalyst at higher atomic Pt : Au ratios.

Catalysis↗
PubMed2006

Stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha stimulates human endometrial carcinoma cell growth through the activation of both extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and Akt.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of study was to investigate the proliferative effects of stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha) on endometrial carcinomas cell lines with different estrogen receptors (ER) and PTEN protein profiles. METHODS: MTT assays was used to detect the proliferation of HEC-1A and Ishikawa cells, and Western blotted analysis was used to detect activation of Akt and ERK1/2 in both cell lines after exposure to various concentrations of SDF-1alpha, MAPK-specific inhibitor PD98059 or PI3K-specific inhibitor LY294002. RESULTS: Low concentrations of SDF-1alpha ( 50 ng/ml) induced proliferation in both cell lines. ERK1/2 was significantly activated for more than 2 h by SDF-1alpha at 20 ng/ml in HEC-1A cells, but not in Ishikawa cells. In contrast, Akt was significantly activated for over 2 h in Ishikawa cells but remained unchanged in HEC-1A cells. High concentrations of SDF-1alpha activated Akt and ERK1/2 pathways in both cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, which was primarily inhibited by LY294002 for pAkt and by PD98059 for pERK 1/2. CONCLUSIONS: SDF-1alpha could stimulate the cell proliferation of endometrial carcinoma with different expression status of ER and PTEN in vitro, likely through the activation of both Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.

Cell Line, Tumor↗
PubMed2006

Fluorescence quenching of water-soluble conjugated polymer by metal cations and its application in sensor.

The effects of different metal cations on the fluorescence of water-soluble conjugated polymer (CP) and their quenching mechanism have been explored. Most transition metal cations, especially noble metal cations, such as Pd2+, Ru3+, and Pt2+ possessed higher quenching efficiency to CP fluorescence than that of the main group metal cations and other transition metal cations, which have filled or half-full outmost electron layer configurations. Base on this, rapid, sensitive detection of noble metal cations can be realized and a novel quencher-tether-ligand (QTL) probe was developed to detect avidin and streptavidin.

Avidin↗
PubMed2006

Evidence against functionally significant aquaporin expression in mitochondria.

Recent reports suggest the expression of aquaporin (AQP)-type water channels in mitochondria from liver (AQP8) (Calamita, G., Ferri, D., Gena, P., Liquori, G. E., Cavalier, A., Thomas, D., and Svelto, M. (2005) J. Biol. Chem. 280, 17149-17153) and brain (AQP9) (Amiry-Moghaddam, M., Lindland, H., Zelenin, S., Roberg, B. A., Gundersen, B. B., Petersen, P., Rinvik, E., Torgner, I. A., and Ottersen, O. P. (2005) FASEB J. 19, 1459-1467), where they were speculated to be involved in metabolism, apoptosis, and Parkinson disease. Here, we systematically examined the functional consequence of AQP expression in mitochondria by measurement of water and glycerol permeabilities in mitochondrial membrane preparations from rat brain, liver, and kidney and from wild-type versus knock-out mice deficient in AQPs -1, -4, or -8. Osmotic water permeability, measured by stopped-flow light scattering, was similar in all mitochondrial preparations, with a permeability coefficient P(f) approximately 0.009 cm/s. Glycerol permeability was also similar ( approximately 5 x 10(-6) cm/s) in the various preparations. HgCl(2) slowed osmotic equilibration comparably in mitochondria from wild-type and AQP-deficient mice, although the slowing was explained by altered mitochondrial size rather than reduced P(f). Immunoblot analysis of mouse liver mitochondria failed to detect AQP8 expression, with liver homogenates from wild-type/AQP8 null mice as positive/negative controls. Our results provide evidence against functionally significant AQP expression in mitochondria, which is consistent with the high mitochondrial surface-to-volume ratio producing millisecond osmotic equilibration, even when intrinsic membrane water permeability is not high.

Animals↗