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Biomedical subjects

Ming Yan

Publications and source records attributed to Ming Yan.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Selection and quantitative detection of target genes in oral squamous cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To select and identify the target genes related to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and provide target genes for designing oligo-nucleotide functional microarray of OSCC. METHODS: Genes possibly related to oral squamous cell carcinoma were selected from the 5 years' published data of differently expressed profiles with microarray testing in OSCC. Then mRNA expression of selected genes were evaluated by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 22 cases of OSCC, including tumor tissues and paried normal mucosas and quantified according to an internal control GAPDH. RESULTS: Eight genes were tested. The overexpression of SPARC, PDGF-A, SERPINE1, TGF-beta(1) and VEGF-C genes were measured in 16, 18, 16, 20, 18 cases of tumor specimens, respectively. The expression of CK15 gene was lower than that of its normal tissue. There were overexpression of CCND1, BIRC3 in tumor tissues, but there was no significant difference of CCND1 and BIRC3 expression between tumor tissue and normal tissue (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SPARC, PDGF-A, SERPINE1, TGF-beta(1), VEGF-C and CK15 genes were closely related to tumor progress of OSCC. They can be used as the target genes for designing oligo-nucleotide functional microarray of OSCC.

Adult↗

The underlying cellular mechanism in the effect of tetramethylpyrazine on the anion secretion of colonic mucosa.

The present study investigated the underlying cellular mechanism in the effect of ligustrazine (tetramethylpyrazine, TMP) on the anion secretion of colonic mucosa in rats using a short-circuit current (I(sc)) technique in conjunction with "tool drugs." (i) After a pretreatment of the tissues by bathing the bilateral surface with Cl(-)-free Krebs-Henseleit (K-H) solution for over an hour, a basolateral application of 1 mmol/l TMP produced an increase in I(sc), and the total charges transported for 30 min were about 8.7 +/- 1.4 mC/cm(2); an apical pretreatment of DPC and a basolateral addition of acetazolamide decreased the TMP-induced I(sc) by about 60% (P < 0.01) and 45% (P < 0.05), respectively; a basolateral application of 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), the inhibitor of Na(+)-HCO(3)(-) cotransporter (NBC), did not alter the TMP-induced I(sc). (ii) After the bilateral surface of mucosa was bathed with HCO(3)(-)-free K-H solution for over an hour, a basolateral application of 1 mmol/l TMP produced an increase in I(sc), and the total charges transported in 30 min were about 8.3 +/- 1.9 mC/cm(2); an apical pretreatment of DPC (1 mmol/l), the inhibitor of Cl(-) channels, decreased the TMP-induced Isc by about 84% (P < 0.01). The basolateral presence of bumetanide (0.1 mmol/l), the inhibitor of Na(+)-K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC), significantly reduced the TMP-evoked I(sc) by about 86% (P < 0.01). In conclusion, (i) ligustrazine could promote colonic mucosa secretion Cl(-) via apical Cl(-) channels and basolateral NKCC; (ii) ligustrazine could promote colonic mucosa secretion HCO(3)(-) via apical Cl(-) channels and the basolateral diffusion of CO(2).

4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid↗

Enhanced antibacterial potential in UBP43-deficient mice against Salmonella typhimurium infection by up-regulating type I IFN signaling.

ISG15 is an IFN-inducible ubiquitin-like protein and its expression and conjugation to target proteins are dramatically induced upon viral or bacterial infection. We have generated a UBP43 knockout mouse model that is lacking an ISG15-specific isopeptidase to study the biological role of the protein ISGylation system. We report that UBP43-deficient mice are hypersensitive to LPS-induced lethality and that TIR domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-beta --> IFN regulatory factor 3 --> type I IFN is the major axis to induce protein ISGylation and UBP43 expression in macrophages upon LPS treatment. In ubp43(-/-) macrophages, upon LPS treatment we detected increased expression of IFN-stimulated genes, including genes for several cytokines and chemokines involved in the innate immune response. The ubp43(-/-) mice were able to restrict the growth of Salmonella typhimurium more efficiently than wild-type mice. These results clearly demonstrate two aspects of IFN-signaling, a beneficial effect against pathogens but a detriment to the body without strict control.

Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport↗

Oestrogen replacement in vivo rescues the dysfunction of pituitary somatotropes in ovariectomised aromatase knockout mice.

The mechanism of regulation of growth hormone (GH) secretion by oestrogens and androgens is still controversial. Available data on the action of oestrogens on GH expression and secretion in somatotropes is poorly understood. We previously reported that the aromatase knockout (ArKO) mouse with oestrogen deficiency and excessive androgen levels had dysfunctional somatotropes. In order to clarify the influence of androgen and oestrogen, we investigated the in vivo treatment of ovariectomised (OVX) ArKO mice with exogenous oestradiol (E2) on the mRNA expression of GH, GH-secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), GH-releasing hormone receptor (GHRH-R), pituitary-specific transcription factor (Pit-1), and somatostatin receptors (sst1-5) in pituitary glands. Circulating plasma GH levels were also evaluated. The results showed that ArKO/OVX mice have a low expression of pituitary GH, GHRH-R, GHS-R and Pit-1, and significantly reduced GH levels. Treatment of female ArKO/OVX (E2-deficient without excessive androgen) mice with E2 for 21 days enhanced expression of pituitary GHRH-R and Pit-1 to 151 and 168%, respectively, of that in mice without treatment. E2 treatment increased GH expression and plasma levels in ArKO/OVX mice to levels comparable with those in wild-type female mice. We conclude therefore that long-term E2 replacement rescues the dysfunction of somatotropes in ArKO/OVX mice through increases in expression of GH, GHRH-R, and Pit-1 in the pituitary somatotropes, whereas the level of androgen in this oestrogen-deficient female mouse does not significantly influence the function of somatotropes.

Androgens↗

Coronin-1 function is required for phagosome formation.

Coronin-1 is an actin-associated protein whose function in actin dynamics has remained obscure. All coronin proteins have a variable N-terminal domain, followed by WD repeats and a C-terminal coiled-coil dimerization domain. Transfection of coronin-1-GFP into RAW 264.7 cells revealed that coronin rapidly and transiently associates with the phagosome. To determine if coronin is involved in mammalian phagocytosis we used a dominant-negative approach by expressing only the central WD domains. However, this caused cell rounding and dissociation from the substratum, hampering analysis of their phenotype. We therefore developed TAT-fusion constructs of coronin-1 WD domains to acutely introduce the recombinant protein fragment into live cells. We show that although TAT-WD has no effect on binding of opsonized RBCs to RAW 264.7 cells, receptor clustering or several downstream signaling events, lamellipodial extensions, and actin accumulation at the base of the bound particle were diminished. Furthermore, Arp3 accumulation at the phagosome was impaired after TAT-WD treatment. Interestingly, whereas coronin-1 also accumulates at the sites of actin remodeling associated with Salmonella invasion, TAT-WD had no effect on this process. Together, our data demonstrates that coronin-1 is required for an early step in phagosome formation, consistent with a role in actin polymerization.

Actins↗

Effect of NS-398 on colon cancer cells.

AIM: To study the effect of NS-398, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, on invasion of colon cancer cell line HT-29 in vitro and to explore its mechanisms. METHODS: Invasive behaviors of the malignant colon cancer cell line HT-29 were investigated in this study. Expressions of COX-2 and CD44v6 in HT-29 cells were detected by flow cytometry. Cellular survival rate was determined by MTT assay. The invasive capacity was quantified by a modified Boyden chamber model. Alterations of cytoskeleton component F-actin were observed by confocal laser scanning microscope. RESULTS: Flow cytometry analysis showed that COX-2 was highly expressed in HT-29 cells. The invasive capability of HT-29 cells could be greatly inhibited by NS-398 at the experimental concentrations of 0.1, 1.0 and 10 micormol/L with an inhibitory rate of 22.74%, 42.35% and 58.61% (P<0.01), respectively. MTT assay showed that NS-398 at the experimental concentrations had no significant influence on cellular viability, indicating that such anti-invasive effects had no relationship with cytotoxicity. F-actin was mainly distributed around nuclei forming annular structure in HT-29 cells. After exposure to NS-398 of 10 micromol/L, the annular structure around nuclei disappeared and the fluorescence intensity of F-actin decreased obviously. Treatment with NS-398 could down-regulate the expression of CD44v6 as well. CONCLUSION: NS-398 has anti-invasive effects on colon cancer HT-29 cells in vitro, which may be mediated by a novel mechanism of disruption of cytoskeleton. Down-regulation of CD44v6 expression may be related to alterations of cytoskeleton.

Actins↗

Tilted plane Feldkamp type reconstruction algorithm for spiral cone beam CT.

An approximate image reconstruction method for spiral cone beam computed tomography (CT), called tilted plane Feldkamp type reconstruction algorithm (TPFR), is presented in this paper, which extends Feldkamp cone beam reconstruction algorithm to deal with its inaccuracy and artifact problems caused by large cone angle. This is done by tilting the reconstructing planes to minimize the cone angle and optimally fit the spiral segment of the source. The tilted plane image reconstruction requires reforming the three-dimensional projection data set for the tilted plane and application of Feldkamp algorithm to the reformed data set. Analytical and computational results can show that the image reconstruction performance of the proposed TPFR algorithm is superior to that of the Feldkamp reconstruction algorithm in the image quality, volume coverage speed, maximum achievable pitch value, and slice sensitivity profiles. Moreover, it provides more accurate image reconstruction than the existing two-dimensional reconstruction algorithms.

Algorithms↗

[Study of the content of flavonoids of different parts in Saussures involucrata and their HPLC fingerprint chromatogram].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the content of flavonoids and rutin in the different parts of Saussurea involucrata, and to establish their HPLC fingerprint chromatogram for the further development and utilization of the leaf. METHODS: The content of flavonoids was determined with UV. The similarity evaluation system for chromatographic fingerprint of TCM was used to calculate similar degree of the HPLC chromatogram of different parts. RESULTS: The content of flavonoids and rutin is relatively high in the leaf. The similarity between leaf and the whole grass is 0. 812.

Asteraceae↗

Deletion of an AML1-ETO C-terminal NcoR/SMRT-interacting region strongly induces leukemia development.

Normal blood-cell differentiation is controlled by regulated gene expression and signal transduction. Transcription deregulation due to chromosomal translocation is a common theme in hematopoietic neoplasms. AML1-ETO, which is a fusion protein generated by the 8;21 translocation that is commonly associated with the development of acute myeloid leukemia, fuses the AML1 runx family DNA-binding transcription factor to the ETO corepressor that associates with histone deacetylase complexes. Analyses have demonstrated that AML1-ETO blocks AML1 function and requires additional mutagenic events to promote leukemia. Here, we report that the loss of the molecular events of AML1-ETO C-terminal NCoR/SMRT-interacting domain transforms AML1-ETO into a potent leukemogenic protein. Contrary to full-length AML1-ETO, the truncated form promotes in vitro growth and does not obstruct the cell-cycle machinery. These observations suggest a previously uncharacterized mechanism of tumorigenesis, in which secondary mutation(s) in molecular events disrupting the function of a domain of the oncogene promote the development of malignancy.

Animals↗

Role of ISG15 protease UBP43 (USP18) in innate immunity to viral infection.

Innate immune responses provide the host with an early protection barrier against infectious agents, including viruses, and help shape the nature and quality of the subsequent adaptive immune responses of the host. Expression of ISG15 (UCRP), a ubiquitin-like protein, and protein ISGylation are highly increased upon viral infection. We have identified UBP43 (USP18) as an ISG15 deconjugating protease. Protein ISGylation is enhanced in cells deficient in UBP43 (ref. 6). Here we have examined the role of UBP43, encoded by the gene Usp18, in innate immunity to virus infection. Usp18(-/-) mice were resistant to the fatal lymphocytic choriomeningitis and myeloencephalitis that developed in wild-type mice after intracerebral inoculation with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) or vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), respectively. Survival of Usp18(-/-) mice after intracerebral LCMV infection correlated with a severe inhibition of LCMV RNA replication and antigen expression in the brain and increased levels of protein ISGylation. Consistent with these findings, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) and bone marrow-derived macrophages from Usp18(-/-) mice showed restricted LCMV replication. Moreover, MEF from Usp18(-/-) mice showed enhanced interferon-mediated resistance to the cytopathic effect caused by VSV and Sindbis virus (SNV). This report provides the first direct evidence that the ISG15 protease UBP43 and possibly protein ISGylation have a role in innate immunity against viral infection.

Animals↗

ERR-10: a new repressor in transcriptional signaling activation of estrogen receptor-alpha.

Estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) is a nuclear transcriptional factor that is part of the nuclear receptor superfamily. In this study, we isolated and identified a new LXXLL-containing protein that interacts with the ER-alpha via a yeast two-hybrid assay. We have termed this protein estrogen receptor repressor-10 (ERR-10). The ERR-10 cDNA is predicted to encode a polypeptide of 94 amino acids, with a molecular mass of about 10 kDa. Although the ERR-10 mRNA transcript is expressed in a wide range of normal human tissues, higher expression levels are found in endocrinal tissues relative to other tissues. We have demonstrated, through immunoprecipitation, Western blot and GST pull-down assays, that ERR-10 associates with ER-alpha. Moreover, ERR-10 decreased 17beta-estrodial-induced activation of ER-alpha transcriptional activity in transient transfection assays of mammalian cells. The ERR-10 N-terminus, which resembles two LXXLL motifs, is essential for ER-alpha binding and repression activity. Estrogen modulation of estrogen-responsive gene expression was markedly blocked by ERR-10. These results suggest that ERR-10 is a novel mediator in ER transcriptional activation.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

[Posterior occipitocervical fixation using C2 pedicle screws and occipitocervical plate systems].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of a occipitocervical fixation systems using C(2) pedicle screws and plates. METHODS: An occipitocervical fixation system was designed. Since June 2001 to March 2003, 38 patients with instability of atlantoaxial joint underwent reconstructive surgery using this systems. Twenty-four patients were associated with congenital occipitalization. The pedicle screws were inserted into C(2) pedicles in the direction as its axis. The occipitocervical plate was slightly bent to fit the occipital contour and fixed onto the occiput. Hyperflexion alignment of the occipitoatlantoaxial complex was corrected by application of extensional force created by tightening of the nut on the pedicle screws. The autogenous cancellous bones were grafted between the occiput and the axis. RESULTS: In this series, neither vertebral artery nor spinal cord was injured. 36 of 38 cases were followed up for an average of 18 months, all cases achieved solid bony fusion. No implant failure was found. CONCLUSIONS: Occipitocervical reconstruction by the combination of C(2) pedicle screws and occipitocervical plate systems can provide sufficient correction of malalignment in the occipitoatlantoaxial region and achieve high fusion rate.

Adolescent↗

Cosegregation of C-insertion at position 961 with the A1555G mutation of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene in a large Chinese family with maternally inherited hearing loss.

Mutations in the mitochondrial DNA have been shown to be one of the most important causes of sensorineural hearing loss. Here, we report the characterization of a large Chinese family (507 members in six generations) with maternally inherited non-syndromic hearing loss. Members of this family showed variable severity and age-of-onset of hearing impairment. In particular, the average age at onset of hearing loss in this family changed from 49 years (generation III) to 3 years (generation VI). Sequence analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome in this pedigree revealed the presence of a homoplasmic A1555G mutation in the 12S rRNA gene and other nucleotide changes. Of these changes, a C insertion at position 961 in the 12S rRNA gene is of special interest as mutations at this position have been found to be associated with aminoglycoside induced deafness in several genetically unrelated families. These data imply that the C insertion at position 961 in the 12S rRNA gene, acting as a secondary factor, could play a role in the phenotypic expression of the deafness associated A1555G mutation.

Age of Onset↗

Study on intracellular trafficking of Mac-1 by direct visualization.

Previously, we constructed DNA vectors containing cDNA of Mac-1 subunits (CD11b or CD18b) fused with fluorescence protein (FP). cDNA fragments and the DNA constructs were then transfected into CHO cells (as CHO-Mac-1-FP). The structure and function of Mac-1-FP obtained from the CHO-Mac-1-FP cells are nearly identical to that expressed in wild type leukocytes. In the present study, the intracellular trafficking of Mac-1 was visualized directly by monitoring the fluorescent intensities of YFP-CD18 and PE-conjugated monoclonal antibody against CD11b under a confocal microscope in CHO-Mac-1-FP cells. The results indicate that: (i) although Mac-1 was not detected in the cell membrane at resting state, it had been translocated and clustered into the cell membrane by 1 h and internalized 2 h after PMA stimulation, at which point the fluorescence intensity began to diminish gradually, probably due to partial degradation of Mac-1. The fluorescence of CD18 and CD11b reappeared on the cell membrane 1 h after re-treatment with PMA, suggesting the recycling of non-degraded Mac-1. (ii) The adhesion rate of CHO-Mac-1-FP to magnetic beads coupled ICAM-1 increased within 4 h after their initial interaction, accompanied by the clustering of Mac-1-FP. After 8 h, the adhesion rate declined and fluorescence also decreased simultaneously. The pattern of change in fluorescence in CHO-Mac-1-FP cells elicited by ICAM-1 beads was similar to that elicited by PMA, suggesting that endocytosis and degradation of Mac-1 occurred after the interaction with ICAM-1. Thus, we conclude that the intracellular trafficking of Mac-1 after activation is associated with membrane translocation, endocytosis, degradation and recycling. These changes are in parallel with the adhesion of CHO-Mac-1-FP cells with ICAM-1, and may be involved in the adhesion and detachment of leukocytes. The detachment of leukocytes may be caused by endocytosis of Mac-1.

Animals↗

Effect of GHRH and GHRP-2 treatment in vitro on GH secretion and levels of GH, pituitary transcription factor-1, GHRH-receptor, GH-secretagogue-receptor and somatostatin receptor mRNAs in ovine pituitary cells.

OBJECTIVE: Growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GHRH) and GH-releasing peptides (GHRPs) stimulate the release of GH through their specific receptors on somatotropes. Combined GHRH and GHRP administration causes a synergistic GH release in vivo by an unknown mechanism. The current study focuses on the direct action of GHRH and GHRP on several molecular targets in somatotropes. DESIGN AND METHODS: To clarify the mechanism of action, ovine somatotropes were used to measure the expression of mRNAs encoding for GH, pituitary transcription factor-1 (Pit-1), GH-secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), GHRH-R, somatostatin receptor subtypes (sst-1 and sst-2) and GH release after GHRH and GHRP-2 treatment for 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 h. RESULTS: GHRH (10 nM), GHRP-2 (100 nM) and combined GHRH-GHRP-2 increased the levels of GH mRNA and GH release from 0.5 to 2 h in a time-dependent manner. The levels of Pit-1, GHRH-R and GHS-R mRNA were increased after 0.5 h treatment of cells with GHRH and GHRP-2. The levels of sst-1 but not sst-2 mRNA were significantly increased after 0.5 and 1 h of GHRH treatment. In contrast, both sst-1 and sst-2 mRNA expression was inhibited after 0.5-2 h of GHRP treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate a direct in vitro modification of ovine somatotropes by GHRH and GHRP-2 resulting in altered GHRH-R, GHS-R, Pit-1, sst-1, sst-2 and GH gene expression; this may underlie the regulatory action of GHRH and GHRP-2 on GH secretion.

Animals↗