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Biomedical subjects

Shuhua Yang

Publications and source records attributed to Shuhua Yang.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

NADK3, a novel cytoplasmic source of NADPH, is required under conditions of oxidative stress and modulates abscisic acid responses in Arabidopsis.

In plants, excess reactive oxygen species are toxic molecules induced under environmental stresses, including pathogen invasions and abiotic stresses. Many anti-oxidant defense systems have been reported to require NADPH as an important reducing energy equivalent. However, the sources of NADPH and the molecular mechanisms of maintaining cytoplasmic redox balance are unclear. Here, we report the biological function of a putative cytoplasmic NADH kinase (NADK3) in several abiotic stress responses in Arabidopsis. We found that cytoplasmic NADPH is provided mostly by the product of the NADK3 gene in Arabidopsis. Expression of he NADK3 gene is responsive to abscisic acid (ABA) and abiotic stress conditions, including methyl violgen (MV), high salinity and osmotic shock. An NADK3 null mutant showed hypersensitivity to oxidative stress in both seed germination and seedling growth. Seed germination of the mutant plants also showed increased sensitivity to ABA, salt and mannitol. Furthermore, stress-related target genes were identified as upregulated in the mutant by mannitol and MV. Our study indicates that this cytoplasmic NADH kinase, a key source of the cellular reductant NADPH, is required for various abiotic stress responses.

Abscisic Acid↗

A method for rapidly confirming protein N-terminal sequences by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

The N-terminal sequence is important for the identification of a protein and the confirmation of its N-terminal processing. Although mass spectrometry (MS) is a sensitive and high-throughput method to sequence and identify peptides and proteins, N-terminal peptides, diluted among most of the peptides that do not originate at the N-termini, are not easy to identify directly with MS. To develop a simple and rapid method to identify and sequence the N-terminal peptide of a protein, a new strategy based on specific sulfonation of terminal amino groups and selective monitoring of the sulfonated peptide was introduced. After a protein had been guanidinated, 2-sulfobenzoylated, and reduced, it was digested with trypsin and analyzed by MS. Because of the strong acidity of sulfonic groups and the specific sulfonation of alpha-amino groups, the sulfonated N-terminal peptide dominated as base peak in the negative mode peptide mass fingerprint (PMF) and was easy to identify. The N-terminal peptide was then selected as precursor ion for tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) analysis. Four proteins were tested with this method and their N-terminal peptides were successfully recognized and sequenced. The results suggest that the addition of a sulfonic acid group facilitates the identification and de novo sequencing of N-terminal peptides.

Animals↗

Up-regulation of niacinamide in intervertebral disc aggrecan in vitro.

The regulatory effects of niacinamide (Nia) on intervertebral disc (IVD) aggrecan in vitro was investigated. Chiba's 10 ng/mL interleukin-1 (IL-1)-induced rabbit IVD degeneration model in vitro was established. 0.5, 0.25 and 0.05 mg/mL Nia was added to normal and degenerated IVDs for intervention. On the first and second week after intervention, safranin O-fast green staining intensity and glycosaminoglycan (GS) content were measured. The expression of aggrecan core protein was detected by RT-PCR. The results showed: (1) After treatment with 0.5 mg/mL Nia for one week, the GS content in nucleus pulposus (NP) was increased by 44.8% as compared with control group (P < 0 01); The GS content in IL-1 induction groups was increased with the increase of Nia concentrations: After treatment with 0.5 mg/mL for one week, the GS content in NP was increased by 68.3% as compared with control group (P < 0.01). After two weeks, GS content in NP and fibrous rings was still higher than in control group at the same period (P < 0.01) and untreated group (P < 0.01). (2) Safranin O-fast green staining revealed that with the increase of Nia concentrations, staining density in NP and fibrous rings was increased and histological structure damage to IVDs by IL-1beta was alleviated. (3) RT-PCR showed that the expression of core protein gene in IL-1beta-induced degenerated IVDS was increased with the increase of Nia concentrations. It was concluded that under conditions in vitro, Nia could up-regulate the expression of aggrecan in IVDs and protect IVDs from IL-1beta-induced degeneration at least partially, which offers a potential choice for IVD degeneration clinical therapy.

Aggrecans↗

Treatment of floating knee injury in children.

The necessity and superiority of the surgical operation on children with floating knee injury and the fracture union and complications were investigated. Twenty-eight children with floating knee injury were subjected to open reduction and internal fixation or external fixator. The patients were followed up for 18 months to 7 years. The curative effectiveness was scored by Karlstrom criteria. The results showed that no nonunion or deformity was found. The affected limb was 1.2 cm to 1.5 cm longer in 2 cases, 0.8 to 1.2 cm shorter in 3 cases than the contralateral. No severe dysfunction of knee joint occurred. The excellent-good rate was 92.8% and the curative rate 71.4% respectively. So for children whose age is older than 5 years, it's a good way to treat the fractures of femur and tibia with open reduction and internal fixation or external fixator. The method can be advantageous for the nursing care, early function recovery, shortening of the hospital stay and avoidance of severe complications.

Child↗

The BON/CPN gene family represses cell death and promotes cell growth in Arabidopsis.

Copines are calcium-dependent membrane-binding proteins that are highly conserved among protozoa, plants, nematodes and mammals. Although they are implicated in membrane trafficking and signal transduction, the functions of these proteins are not well understood. The Arabidopsis copine gene BON1/CPN1 was previously shown to negatively regulate a disease resistance (R) gene SNC1. Here we report that in Arabidopsis, as in other organisms, there is a family of copine genes, BON1, 2 and 3. Using double and triple mutant combinations we show that these three copine genes have overlapping functions essential for the viability of plants. The loss of function of BON1 combined with that of BON2 or BON3 leads to extensive cell death phenotypes resembling the hypersensitive response (HR) in defense responses. The resulting lethality can be suppressed by mutations in PAD4 or EDS1 which are required for R gene signaling and cell death control. Accession-dependent phenotypes of the mutant combinations suggest that the BON/CPN genes may together repress several R genes other than SNC1. Moreover, the mutant combinations exhibit developmental defects when R-gene-mediated defense responses are largely suppressed in pad4 and eds1 mutants. Thus, the copine family in Arabidopsis may have effects in promoting growth and development in addition to repressing cell death, and these two processes might be intricately intertwined.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Bone destruction caused by osteoclasts].

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and muramyl dipeptide (MDP) are components of bacterial cell walls that cause innate immune responses and inflammation. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a receptor for LPS and transduces signals through myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), which plays essential roles in the TLR/interleukin (IL)-1R signaling and activates MAP/ERK kinase (MEK)/ERK pathway to induce receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) expression in osteoblasts. Osteoblasts express nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)2, an intracellular sensor for MDP, in response to LPS, IL-1 and TNF. NOD2 binds receptor-interacting protein (RIP2), a serine/threonine kinase which transduces NF-kappaB signaling. MDP synergistically enhances osteoclast formation induced by LPS, IL-1 and TNF through RANK ligand up-regulation in osteoblasts. TLR4 and NOD2 recognize bacterial components on cell surfaces and inside cells, respectively, and these signals up-regulate RANKL expression in osteoblasts, which results in enhancing osteoclast formation and function.

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗

[Cloning and constructing of bone morphogenetic protein 2 eukaryotic expression].

OBJECTIVE: To clone human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) gene and construct the gene's eukaryotic expression vector. METHODS: The total RNA was extracted from human osteosarcoma cells, the human BMP-2 cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR and inserted into pGEM-T vector. The positive clones were screened out, and then the recombinant plasmid was confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion, PCR and the analysis of nucleotide sequence. The BMP-2 cDNA in the pGEM-T cloning vector was inserted into the pcDNA3. 1(+) eukaryotic expression vector. RESULTS: The agarose electrophoresis showed that the fragments of BMP-2, pGEM-T and pcDNA3.1(+) were 1.2 kbp, 4.0 kbp and 5.0 kbp, respectively. The result of nucleotide sequence confirmed that the cDNA sequence, which was inserted into pGEM-T and pcDNA3. 1 (+) plasmid was human BMP-2. CONCLUSION: The pcDNA3. 1 (+)-hBMP-2 eukaryotic vector can be successfully constructed.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2↗

[Experimental research of allogeneic bone sheet in preventing epidural adhesion].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of the allogeneic bone sheet that has been treated by the freeze-drying and radiation sterilization in preventing the epidural adhesion after laminectomy in sheep. METHODS: Laminectomy was performed on L(3,4) and L(1,5) of 12 adult male sheep. After operation, one site of L(3,4) or was covered by the allogeneic bone sheet in "H" shape after the freeze-drying and radiation sterilization treatment; and the other site was used as a control. The sheep were killed and the specimens were retrieved at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks after operation to observe the scar formation process. X-ray and CT scan were performed in the segments of L(3,4) and L(4,5) at 4 and 24 weeks. RESULTS: Four weeks after operation, the position and the shape of the allogeneic bone sheet were good in condition, and no lumbar spinal stenosis or compression of the dura was found in the experimental sections. Twenty-four weeks after operation the examination on the experimental sections revealed that the vertebral canal reconstruction was completed, the allograft was absorbed almost completely, and inoculation with the lamina of the vertebra and the shape of the lumbar spine were good, with no fibroid tissues found in the epidural area. Compared with the control segment, the dura adhesion degree in the laminoplasty segment was significantly decreased (P < 0.01), and the dura sac remained in a good shape. There was no obvious compression on the dura. CONCLUSION: The allogeneic bone sheet after the treatment of freeze-drying and radiation sterilization can effectively reduce the scar formation after laminectomy and prevent postoperative recurrence of the spinal stenosis.

Animals↗

Muramyl dipeptide enhances osteoclast formation induced by lipopolysaccharide, IL-1 alpha, and TNF-alpha through nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2-mediated signaling in osteoblasts.

Muramyl dipeptide (MDP) is the minimal essential structural unit responsible for the immunoadjuvant activity of peptidoglycan. As well as bone-resorbing factors such as 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha,25(OH)2D3) and PGE2, LPS and IL-1alpha stimulate osteoclast formation in mouse cocultures of primary osteoblasts and hemopoietic cells. MDP alone could not induce osteoclast formation in the coculture, but enhanced osteoclast formation induced by LPS, IL-1alpha, or TNF-alpha but not 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 or PGE2. MDP failed to enhance osteoclast formation from osteoclast progenitors induced by receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) or TNF-alpha. MDP up-regulated RANKL expression in osteoblasts treated with LPS or TNF-alpha but not 1alpha,25(OH)2D3. Osteoblasts expressed mRNA of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (Nod2), an intracellular sensor of MDP, in response to LPS, IL-1alpha, or TNF-alpha but not 1alpha,25(OH)2D3. Induction of Nod2 mRNA expression by LPS but not by TNF-alpha in osteoblasts was dependent on TLR4 and MyD88. MDP also enhanced TNF-alpha-induced osteoclast formation in cocultures prepared from Toll/IL-1R domain-containing adapter protein (TIRAP)-deficient mice through the up-regulation of RANKL mRNA expression in osteoblasts, suggesting that TLR2 is not involved in the MDP-induced osteoclast formation. The depletion of intracellular Nod2 by small interfering RNA blocked MDP-induced up-regulation of RANKL mRNA in osteoblasts. LPS and RANKL stimulated the survival of osteoclasts, and this effect was not enhanced by MDP. These results suggest that MDP synergistically enhances osteoclast formation induced by LPS, IL-1alpha, and TNF-alpha through RANKL expression in osteoblasts, and that Nod2-mediated signals are involved in the MDP-induced RANKL expression in osteoblasts.

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗

Effect of exogenous p16ink4a and hRb1 genes on cell cycle regulation of osteosarcoma cell.

To study the effect on regulation of cell cycle of osteosarcoma cell line MG63 tranceduced with exogenous p16ink4a and hRb1 genes, pIRES-p16ink4a-hRb1, pIRES-p16ink4a and pIRES-hRb1 plasmids were constructed by gene recombination technology. The recombinant plasmid was transferred into osteosarcoma cell line MG63 by metafectene, and the resistant clones were selected by G418 selective medium. mRNA and protein expression of osteosarcoma cell line were assayed by RT-PCR and Western-Blot respectively. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by subG1 flow cytometric. Cell proliferation was tested by MTT. In the genome of these transfected target cells, the expression of p16ink4a and hRb1 mRNA and protein were detected respectively in vitro. It was demonstrated with subG1 flow cytometric analysis and MTT method that p16ink4a and hRb1 genes cooperation more significantly inhibited cell growth and induced a more marked G1 arrest and apoptosis than p16ink4a/hRb1 alone (P < 0.01). Coexpression of exogenous p16ink4a with hRb1 broke the regulatory feedback loop of p16ink4a-cyclinD1 /CDK-hRb1 and played a more significant role in inhibiting cell growth as well as inducing cell apoptosis than p16ink4a or hRb1 did alone in vitro.

Apoptosis↗

[Osteoclastogenesis through TLR/NOD signaling].

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and muramyl dipeptide (MDP) are components of microbial cell walls that cause innate immune responses and inflammation. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a receptor for LPS and transduces signals through myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), which plays essential roles in the TLR/IL-1R signaling and activates NF-kappaB and MAP kinase pathways to induce RANKL expression in osteoblasts. Osteoblasts express NOD2, an intracellular sensor for MDP, in response to LPS, IL-1 and TNF. NOD2 binds RIP2, a serine/threonine kinase which transduces NF-kappaB signaling. Thus MDP synergistically enhances osteoclast formation induced by LPS, IL-1 and TNF through RANK ligand up-regulation in osteoblasts. In summary, innate immune receptors, TLR4 and NOD2, recognize bacterial components on cell surfaces and inside cells, respectively, and these signals cross-talk to induce RANKL expression in osteoblasts, which results in enhancing osteoclast formation and function.

Animals↗

A haplotype-specific Resistance gene regulated by BONZAI1 mediates temperature-dependent growth control in Arabidopsis.

Plant growth homeostasis and defense responses are regulated by BONZAI1 (BON1), an evolutionarily conserved gene. Here, we show that growth regulation by BON1 is mediated through defense responses. BON1 is a negative regulator of a haplotype-specific Resistance (R) gene SNC1. The bon1-1 loss-of-function mutation activates SNC1, leading to constitutive defense responses and, consequently, reduced cell growth. In addition, a feedback amplification of the SNC1 gene involving salicylic acid is subject to temperature control, accounting for the regulation of growth and defense by temperature in bon1-1 and many other mutants. Thus, plant growth homeostasis involves the regulation of an R gene by BON1 and the intricate interplay between defense responses and temperature responses.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Experimental study on allogenic decalcified bone matrix as carrier for bone tissue engineering.

The biocompatibility and osteogenic activity of allogenic decalcified bone matrix (DBM) used as a carrier for bone tissue engineering were studied. Following the method described by Urist, allogenic DBM was made. In vitro, DBM and bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) from rabbits were co-cultured for 3-7 days and subjected to HE staining, and a series of histomorphological observations were performed under phase-contrast microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vivo the mixture of DBM/BMSC co-cultured for 3 days was planted into one side of muscules sacrospinalis of rabbits, and the DBM without BMSC was planted into other side as control. Specimens were collected at postoperative week 1, 2 and 4, and subjected to HE staining, and observed under SEM. The results showed during culture in vitro, the BMSCs adherent to the wall of DBM grew, proliferated and had secretive activity. The in vivo experiment revealed that BMSCs and undifferentiated mesenchymal cells in the perivascular region invaded gradually and proliferated together in DBM/BMSC group, and colony-forming units of chondrocytes were found. Osteoblasts, trabecular bone and medullary cavity appeared. The inflammatory reaction around muscles almost disappeared at the second weeks. In pure DBM group, the similar changes appeared from the surface of the DBM to center, and the volume of total regenerate bones was less than the DBM/BMSC group at the same time. The results indicated that the mixture of DBM and BMSC had good biocompatibility and ectopic induced osteogenic activity.

Animals↗

Ad/CMV- hTGF-beta1 treats rabbit intervertebral discs degeneration in vivo.

To investigate therapeutic efficiency of Ad/CMV- hTGF-beta1 gene for rabbit intervertebral disc degeneration model. 60 Japanese white rabbits were selected to form the 1.5-L6 Anterior-Lateral-Anulus-Fibrosus-Incision-Induced model in order to simulate human intervertebral disc degeneration. 36 rabbits, whose corresponding intervertebral discs were injected with 20 microl (10 x 10(6) pfu) of Ad/CMV- hTGF-beta1 gene, constituted the therapy group, 12 were injected with 20 microl (10 x 10(6) pfu)of Ad/CMV-LacZ gene as comparison group, while 12 were only injected with equivalent capacity of saline for empty comparison group, 3 weeks after injection, examples were taken for investigation of HE staining, MRI, Western Blotting and immunohistochemical research TGF-beta1. Wide distribution of TGF-beta1 was detected by immunohistochemical research in the degenerated annulus fibrosus after injection. Western Blotting research showed significant increase of TGF-beta1 content in intervertebral discs treated with TGF-beta1 gene than comparison groups. MRI signal transformed from low to comparatively high and that intervertebral disc pathological degree improved. Ad/CMV- hTGF-beta1 gene transfection is a potential method to increase TGF-beta1 content and reverse intervertebral disc degeneration.

Adenoviridae↗

Investigation of cytokinin-deficient phenotypes in Arabidopsis by ectopic expression of orchid DSCKX1.

The plant hormone cytokinin plays a major role in regulating plant growth and development. Here we generated cytokinin-reduction Arabidopsis plants by overexpressing a heterologous cytokinin oxidase gene DSCKX1 from Dendrobium orchid. These transgenic plants exhibited reduced biomass, rapid root growth, decreased ability to form roots in vitro, and reduced response to cytokinin in growing calli and roots. Furthermore, the expression of KNAT1, STM, and CycD3 genes was significantly reduced in the transgenic plants, suggesting that cytokinin may function to control the cell cycles and shoot/root development via regulation of these genes.

Arabidopsis↗

Expression of mouse telomerase catalytic subunit mTERT gene in testis of SD rats and its significance.

To study the expression of mTERT gene in the testis of SD rats and its significance, in situ hybridization (ISH) techniques were used to detect the expression of telomerase gene mTERT mRNA in the testis of SD rats. The expression of mTERT was detectable in different-age male SD rats testis. There was a positive correlation between the expression of mTERT and the location of germ cells (spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatid). In Sertoli cells, leydig cell and spermatozoa, telomerase mTERT was not detected. Type A spermatogonia expressed the highest level of telomerase mTERT mRNA. Our results suggest that the expression of mTERT gene in the testis of SD rats is of lifetime and coincide with the telomerase activity.

Animals↗

Experimental study of vascular endothelial growth factor gene therapy for avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

To explore a new method for the therapy of the avascular necrosis of the femoral head, the recombinant plasmid pCD-hVEGF165 was mixed with collagen and was implanted in the necrotic femoral head. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was detected by RNA dot hybridization and immunohistochemical method. The repair of the femoral head was observed by histological method. The results showed that the expression of VEGF was detectable in the femoral head treated with VEGF gene. Angiogenesis in these femoral heads was more abundant than the control. Bone repairing was augmented in the femoral head treated with VEGF gene. The results suggest that angiogenesis in bone tissue could be augmented by gene transfection of VEGF and bone repairing would be accelerated accordingly.

Animals↗