Encoding Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein Research Articles

Construction of Rice Site-Specific Chloroplast Transformation Vector and Transient Expression of EGFP Gene in <I>Dunaliella Salina</I>

Chloroplast is a new hotspot in the field of plant transformation system of plant genetic engineering. Plastid transformation has several advantages: high expression, multiple expressed genes in a single transformation event, absence of gene silencing, et al. A series of elements for construction of dicistronic site-specific integration expression vector of rice chloroplast have been cloned, including trnl-trnA (rice chloroplast homologous recombination fragments), Prrn (16S rRNA operon promotor), PpsbA (the 3' untranslated region of the chloroplastpsbA gene), hptll gene (encoding hygromycin phosphotransferase) and EGFP (encoding enhanced green fluorescence protein). All the elements were constructed into a rice chloroplast dicistronic expression vector pCTE04 (-trnl-Prrn-RBS-hptlI-RBS-EGFP-PpsbA- trnA-). Then pCTE04 was introduced into chloroplasts of Dunaliella salina through particle bombardment. Strong green fluorescence was observed in chloroplasts of some bombarded Dunaliella salina cells under a stereo fluorescence microscope, indicating that pCTE04 could be expressed in Dunaliella salina chloroplasts transiently. It provides a solid foundation for further genetic engineering in rice chloroplast transformation.

Structure-dependent Impairment of Intracellular Apolipoprotein E4 Trafficking and Its Detrimental Effects Are Rescued by Small-molecule Structure Correctors

Apolipoprotein (apo) E4 is the major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD) and likely contributes to neuropathology through various pathways. Here we report that the intracellular trafficking of apoE4 is impaired in Neuro-2a cells and primary neurons, as shown by measuring fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. In Neuro-2a cells, more apoE4 than apoE3 molecules remained immobilized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus, and the lateral motility of apoE4 was significantly lower in the Golgi apparatus (but not in the ER) than that of apoE3. Likewise, the immobile fraction was larger, and the lateral motility was lower for apoE4 than apoE3 in mouse primary hippocampal neurons. ApoE4 with the R61T mutation, which abolishes apoE4 domain interaction, was less immobilized, and its lateral motility was comparable with that of apoE3. The trafficking impairment of apoE4 was also rescued by disrupting domain interaction with the small-molecule structure correctors GIND25 and PH002. PH002 also rescued apoE4-induced impairments of neurite outgrowth in Neuro-2a cells and dendritic spine development in primary neurons. ApoE4 did not affect trafficking of amyloid precursor protein, another AD-related protein, through the secretory pathway. Thus, domain interaction renders more newly synthesized apoE4 molecules immobile and slows their trafficking along the secretory pathway. Correcting the pathological structure of apoE4 by disrupting domain interaction is a potential therapeutic approach to treat or prevent AD related to apoE4.

N-Acetylaspartylglutamate Synthetase II Synthesizes N-Acetylaspartylglutamylglutamate

N-Acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is found at high concentrations in the vertebrate nervous system. NAAG is an agonist at group II metabotropic glutamate receptors. In addition to its role as a neuropeptide, a number of functions have been proposed for NAAG, including a role as a non-excitotoxic transport form of glutamate and a molecular water pump. We recently identified a NAAG synthetase (now renamed NAAG synthetase I, NAAGS-I), encoded by the ribosomal modification protein rimK-like family member B (Rimklb) gene, as a member of the ATP-grasp protein family. We show here that a structurally related protein, encoded by the ribosomal modification protein rimK-like family member A (Rimkla) gene, is another NAAG synthetase (NAAGS-II), which in addition, synthesizes the N-acetylated tripeptide N-acetylaspartylglutamylglutamate (NAAG(2)). In contrast, NAAG(2) synthetase activity was undetectable in cells expressing NAAGS-I. Furthermore, we demonstrate by mass spectrometry the presence of NAAG(2) in murine brain tissue and sciatic nerves. The highest concentrations of both, NAAG(2) and NAAG, were found in sciatic nerves, spinal cord, and the brain stem, in accordance with the expression level of NAAGS-II. To our knowledge the presence of NAAG(2) in the vertebrate nervous system has not been described before. The physiological role of NAAG(2), e.g. whether it acts as a neurotransmitter, remains to be determined.

Evaluation of Fluoromycobacteriophages for Detecting Drug Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

We tested a new method for detecting drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that uses a TM4 mycobacteriophage phAE87::hsp60-EGFP (EGFP-phage) engineered to contain the gene encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). After promising results in preliminary studies, the EGFP-phage was used to detect isoniazid (INH), rifampin (RIF), and streptomycin (STR) resistance in 155 strains of M. tuberculosis, and the results were compared to the resazurin microplate technique, with the proportion method serving as the reference standard. The resazurin technique yielded sensitivities of 94% for INH and RIF and 98% for STR and specificities of 97% for INH, 95% for RIF, and 98% for STR. The sensitivity of EGFP-phage was 94% for all three antibiotics, with specificities of 90% for INH, 93% for RIF, and 95% for STR. The EGFP-phage results were available in 2 days for RIF and STR and in 3 days for INH, with an estimated cost of ∼2$ to test the three antibiotics. Using a more stringent criterion for resistance improved the specificity of the EGFP-phage for INH and RIF without affecting the sensitivity. In preliminary studies, the EGFP-phage could also effectively detect resistance to the fluoroquinolones. The EGFP-phage method has the potential to be a valuable rapid and economic screen for detecting drug-resistant tuberculosis if the procedure can be simplified, if it can be adapted to clinical material, and if its sensitivity can be improved.

Direct gene transfer in the Gottingen minipig CNS using stereotaxic lentiviral microinjections.

We aim to induce direct viral mediated gene transfer in the substantia nigra (SN) of the Gottingen minipig using MRI guided stereotaxic injections of lentiviral vectors encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Nine female Gottingen minipigs were injected unilaterally into the SN with 6 per 2.5 microliters lentivirus capable of transducing cells and mediating expression of recombinant EGFP. The animals were euthanized after four (n=3) or twenty weeks (n=6). Fresh brain tissue from three animals was used for PCR. The remaining six brains were cryo- or paraffin-sectioned for fluorescence, Nissl-, and immunohistochemical EGFP visualization. EGFP was seen in nigral neurons, axons, glial cells, endothelial cells, and in nigral fibers targeting the striatum. PCR-based detection confirmed the presence of the transgene in SN, whereas all other examined brain areas were negative, indicating that the immunohistochemically detected EGFP in the striatum derived from transfected nigral cells.

Transduction of the inner mouse retina using AAVrh8 and AAVrh10 via intravitreal injection

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a proven, safe and effective vector for gene delivery in the retina. There are over 100 serotypes of AAV, and AAV2 through AAV9 have been evaluated in the retina. Each AAV serotype has different cell tropism and transduction efficiency. Intravitreal injections of AAV into the eye tend to transduce cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL), while subretinal injections tend to transduce retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors. Efficient transduction of the inner retina beyond the GCL is not well established with the current methodologies and serotypes used to date. In this study, we compared the cellular tropism of AAVrh8 and AAVrh10 vectors encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) using intravitreal injections. We found that AAVrh8 largely transduced cells in the GCL and also amacrine cells in the inner nuclear layer (INL), as well as Müller and horizontal cells. Inner retinal transduction with AAVrh10 was similar to AAVrh8, but AAVrh10 appeared to also transduce bipolar cells. The transduction efficiency as measured by the intensity of EGFP signal was 3.5 fold higher in horizontal cells transduced with AAVrh10 than AAVrh8. Glial fibrillary accessory protein (GFAP) levels were increased in Müller cells in transduced areas for both serotypes. The results of this study suggest that AAVrh8 and AAVrh10 may be excellent vector candidates to deliver genetic material to the INL, particularly for amacrine and horizontal cells, however they may also cause cellular stress as shown by increased glial GFAP expression.

Selective renal overexpression of human heat shock protein 27 reduces renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice.

We have previously shown that exogenous and endogenous A(1) adenosine receptor (A(1)AR) activation protected against renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in mice by induction and phosphorylation of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27). With global overexpression of HSP27 in mice, however, there was a paradoxical increase in systemic inflammation with increased renal injury after an ischemic insult due to increased NK1.1 cytotoxicity. In this study, we hypothesized that selective renal expression of HSP27 in mice would improve renal function and reduce injury after IR. Mice were subjected to renal IR injury 2 days after intrarenal injection of saline or a lentiviral construct encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or human HSP27 coexpressing EGFP (EGFP-huHSP27). Mice with kidney-specific reconstitution of huHSP27 had significantly lower plasma creatinine, renal necrosis, apoptosis, and inflammation as demonstrated by decreased proinflammatory cytokine mRNA induction and neutrophil infiltration. In addition, there was better preservation of the proximal tubule epithelial filamentous (F)-actin cytoskeleton in the huHSP27-reconstituted groups than in the control groups. Furthermore, huHSP27 overexpression led to increased colocalization with F-actin in renal proximal tubules. Taken together, these findings have important clinical implications, as they imply that kidney-specific expression of HSP27 through lentiviral delivery is a viable therapeutic option in attenuating the effects of renal IR.

Recombinant λ-phage nanobioparticles for tumor therapy in mice models

Lambda phages have considerable potential as gene delivery vehicles due to their genetic tractability, low cost, safety and physical characteristics in comparison to other nanocarriers and gene porters. Little is known concerning lambda phage-mediated gene transfer and expression in mammalian hosts. We therefore performed experiments to evaluate lambda-ZAP bacteriophage-mediated gene transfer and expression in vitro. For this purpose, we constructed recombinant λ-phage nanobioparticles containing a mammalian expression cassette encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and E7 gene of human papillomavirus type 16 (λ-HPV-16 E7) using Lambda ZAP- CMV XR vector. Four cell lines (COS-7, CHO, TC-1 and HEK-239) were transduced with the nanobioparticles. We also characterized the therapeutic anti-tumor effects of the recombinant λ-HPV-16 E7 phage in C57BL/6 tumor mice model as a cancer vaccine. Obtained results showed that delivery and expression of these genes in fibroblastic cells (COS-7 and CHO) are more efficient than epithelial cells (TC-1 and HEK-239) using these nanobioparticles. Despite the same phage M.O.I entry, the internalizing titers of COS-7 and CHO cells were more than TC-1 and HEK-293 cells, respectively. Mice vaccinated with λ-HPV-16 E7 are able to generate potent therapeutic antitumor effects against challenge with E7- expressing tumor cell line, TC-1 compared to group treated with the wild phage. The results demonstrated that the recombinant λ-phages, due to their capabilities in transducing mammalian cells, can also be considered in design and construction of novel and safe phage-based nanomedicines.

Stoichiometry of Expressed α4β2δ γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptors Depends on the Ratio of Subunit cDNA Transfected

The gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA(A)R) is the target of many depressants, including benzodiazepines, anesthetics, and alcohol. Although the highly prevalent alphabetagamma GABA(A)R subtype mediates the majority of fast synaptic inhibition in the brain, receptors containing delta subunits also play a key role, mediating tonic inhibition and the actions of endogenous neurosteroids and alcohol. However, the fundamental properties of delta-containing GABA(A)Rs, such as subunit stoichiometry, are not well established. To determine subunit stoichiometry of expressed delta-containing GABA(A)Rs, we inserted the alpha-bungarotoxin binding site tag in the alpha(4), beta(2), and delta subunit N termini. An enhanced green fluorescent protein tag was also inserted into the beta(2) subunit to shift its molecular weight, allowing us to separate subunits using SDS-PAGE. Tagged alpha(4)beta(2)delta GABA(A)Rs were expressed in HEK293T cells using various ratios of subunit cDNA, and receptor subunit stoichiometry was determined by quantitating fluorescent alpha-bungarotoxin bound to each subunit on Western blots of surface immunopurified tagged GABA(A)Rs. The results demonstrate that the subunit stoichiometry of alpha(4)beta(2)delta GABA(A)Rs is regulated by the ratio of subunit cDNAs transfected. Increasing the ratio of delta subunit cDNA transfected increased delta subunit incorporation into surface receptors with a concomitant decrease in beta(2) subunit incorporation. Because receptor subunit stoichiometry can directly influence GABA(A)R pharmacological and functional properties, considering how the transfection protocols used affect subunit stoichiometry is essential when studying heterologously expressed alpha(4)beta(2)delta GABA(A)Rs. Successful bungarotoxin binding site tagging of GABA(A)R subunits is a novel tool with which to accurately quantitate subunit stoichiometry and will be useful for monitoring GABA(A)R trafficking in live cells.

Long Double-stranded RNA Induces Sequence-specific RNA Interference and Type I Interferon Responses in Rock Bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus)

To determine whether long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) induces RNA interference and type I interferon (IFN) responses in fish, long dsRNAs encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), GFPuv, and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid sequences were co-injected with an EGFP expressing plasmid, into rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus). We investigated the EGFP mRNA and protein levels, and the transcriptional responses of dsRNA-dependent protein kinase and Mx1 genes. Long dsRNAs were strong inducers of a type I IFN response in rock bream, resulting in nonspecific suppression of exogenous gene expression. Furthermore, sequence-specific knockdown of exogenous gene expression at the mRNA level was detected at an early phase (24 h). These results suggested that long dsRNA may inhibit exogenous gene expression through an early mRNA interference response and a later type I IFN response in fish.

Selective intrarenal human A1 adenosine receptor overexpression reduces acute liver and kidney injury after hepatic ischemia reperfusion in mice

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequent after liver ischemia reperfusion (IR) can potentiate liver injury and is often complicated by subsequent multiorgan dysfunction syndrome. AKI because of liver IR is characterized by early renal endothelial cell apoptosis and impaired vascular integrity with subsequent neutrophil infiltration, proximal tubule necrosis/inflammation, and filamentous (F) actin disintegration. We tested whether selective renal overexpression of human A1 adenosine receptors (huA1AR) protects against both liver and kidney injury sustained after liver IR. Mice were subjected to liver IR or to sham surgery 48 h after unilateral intrarenal injection of lentivirus encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or EGFP-huA1AR. Intrarenal lentiviral gene delivery caused a robust transgene expression in the injected kidney without significant expression in the contralateral kidney or in the liver. Mice injected with EGFP-huA1AR lentivirus were protected against hepatic IR-induced liver and kidney injury with reduced necrosis, inflammation, and apoptosis, and better preserved F-actin and vascular permeability compared with mice injected with EGFP lentivirus. Importantly, we show that removing the EGFP-huA1AR lentivirus-injected kidney before hepatic ischemia abolished both renal and hepatic protection after liver IR showing that the overexpression of huA1AR in the injected kidney has a crucial role in protecting the kidney and liver after liver IR. Therefore, our findings show that protecting the kidney reduces liver IR injury and selective overexpression of cytoprotective A1ARs in the kidney leads to protection of both liver and kidney after hepatic IR.

Development of human cell biosensor system for genotoxicity detection based on DNA damage-induced gene expression

BackgroundHuman exposure to genotoxic agents in the environment and everyday life represents a serious health threat. Fast and reliable assessment of genotoxicity of chemicals is of main importance in the fields of new chemicals and drug development as well as in environmental monitoring. The tumor suppressor gene p21, the major downstream target gene of activated p53 which is responsible for cell cycle arrest following DNA damage, has been shown to be specifically up-regulated by genotoxic carcinogens. The aim of our study was to develop a human cell-based biosensor system for simple and fast detection of genotoxic agents.MethodsMetabolically active HepG2 human hepatoma cells were transfected with plasmid encoding Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (EGFP) under the control of the p21 promoter (p21HepG2GFP). DNA damage was induced by genotoxic agents with known mechanisms of action. The increase in fluorescence intensity, due to p21 mediated EGFP expression, was measured with a fluorescence microplate reader. The viability of treated cells was determined by the colorimetric MTS assay.ResultsThe directly acting alkylating agent methylmethane sulphonate (MMS) showed significant increase in EGFP production after 48 h at 20 μg/mL. The indirectly acting carcinogen benzo(a)pyren (BaP) and the cross-linking agent cisplatin (CisPt) induced a dose- dependent increase in EGFP fluorescence, which was already significant at concentrations 0.13 μg/mL and 0.41 μg/mL, respectively. Vinblastine (VLB), a spindle poison that does not induce direct DNA damage, induced only a small increase in EGFP fluorescence intensity after 24 h at the lowest concentration (0.1 μg/mL), while exposure to higher concentrations was associated with significantly reduced cell viability.ConclusionsThe results of our study demonstrated that this novel assay based on the stably transformed cell line p21HepG2GFP can be used as a fast and simple biosensor system for detection of genetic damage caused by chemical agents.

Genetic modification of the marine‐derived yeast Yarrowia lipolytica with high‐protein content using a GPI‐anchor‐fusion expression system

Yarrowia lipolytica SWJ-1b isolated from the marine fish gut was found to contain 47.6 g of crude protein per 100 g of cell dry weight and had potential use as single cell protein. When the gene encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was inserted into the surface display plasmid pINA1317-YlCWP110 and expressed in uracil mutant of Y. lipolytica SWJ-1b, the corresponding protein was successfully displayed on the cell surface, and 100% of the yeast cells exhibited the anchored target proteins. We found that yeast cells displaying EGFP were similar to those of Y. lipolytica SWJ-1b. Furthermore, C(18:1) and C(18:3) fatty acids biosynthesis in the marine yeast cells displaying the heterologous EGFP was weakly enhanced compared with that in its wild-type. The results suggest that the marine-derived Y. lipolytica SWJ-1b can be armed with the heterologous protein by the genetic modification and further used as single cell protein.

Recombinant S-Layer Proteins of Lactobacillus brevis Mediating Antibody Adhesion to Calf Intestine Alleviated Neonatal Diarrhea Syndrome

A chimeric gene encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and a S-layer protein from Lactobacillus brevis KCTC3102, and/or two copies of the Fc-binding Z-domain, a synthetic analog of the B-domain of protein A, was constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The S-layer fusion proteins produced in a 500-l fermentor were likely to be stable in the range of pH 5 to 8 and 0 degree to 40 degrees . Their adhesive property enabled an easy and rapid immobilization of enzymes or antibodies on solid materials such as plastics, glass, sol-gel films, and intestinal epithelial cells. Owing to their affinity towards intestinal cells and immunoglobulin G, the Slayer fusion proteins enabled the adhesion of antibodies to human epithelial cells. In addition, feeding a mixture of the S-layer fusion proteins and antibodies against neonatal calf diarrhea (coronavirus, rotavirus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium) to Hanwoo calves resulted in 100% prevention of neonatal calf diarrhea syndrome (p<0.01),whereas feeding antibodies only resulted in 56% prevention.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Suppresses RNA-Induced Gene Silencing in Mammalian Cells

RNA-induced silencing is a potent innate antiviral defense strategy in plants, and suppression of silencing is a hallmark of pathogenic plant viruses. However, the impact of silencing as a mammalian antiviral defense mechanism and the ability of mammalian viruses to suppress silencing in natural host cells have remained controversial. The ability of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) to suppress silencing was examined in a transient expression system that employed an imperfect hairpin to target degradation of transcripts encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). HSV-1 infection suppressed EGFP-specific silencing as demonstrated by increased EGFP mRNA levels and an increase in the EGFP mRNA half-life. The increase in EGFP mRNA stability occurred despite the well-characterized host macromolecular shutoff functions of HSV-1 that globally destabilize mRNAs. Moreover, mutant viruses defective in these functions increased the stability of EGFP mRNA even more than did the wild-type virus in silenced cells compared to results in control cells. The importance of RNA silencing to HSV-1 replication was confirmed by a significantly enhanced virus burst size in cells in which silencing was knocked down with small inhibitory RNAs directed to Argonaute 2, an integral component of the silencing complex. Given that HSV-1 encodes several microRNAs, it is possible that a dynamic equilibrium exists between silencing and silencing suppression that is capable of modulating viral gene expression to promote replication, to evade host defenses, and/or to promote latency.

Kidney-specific reconstitution of the A1 adenosine receptor in A1 adenosine receptor knockout mice reduces renal ischemia–reperfusion injury

Genetic deletion of the adenosine A1 receptor (A1AR) increased renal injury following ischemia-reperfusion injury suggesting that receptor activation is protective in vivo. Here we tested this hypothesis by expressing the human-A(1)AR in A(1)AR knockout mice. Renal ischemia-reperfusion was induced in knockout mice 2 days after intrarenal injection of saline or a lentivirus encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or EGFP-human-A(1)AR. We found that the latter procedure induced a robust expression of the reporter protein in the kidneys of knockout mice. Mice with kidney-specific human-A(1)AR reconstitution had significantly lower plasma creatinine, tubular necrosis, apoptosis, and tubular inflammation as evidenced by decreased leukocyte infiltration, pro-inflammatory cytokine, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in the kidney following injury compared to mice injected with saline or the control lentivirus. Additionally, there were marked disruptions of the proximal tubule epithelial filamentous (F)-actin cytoskeleton in both sets of control mice upon renal injury, whereas the reconstituted mice had better preservation of the renal tubule actin cytoskeleton, which co-localized with the human-A(1)ARs. Consistent with reduced renal injury, there was a significant increase in heat shock protein-27 expression, also co-localizing with the preserved F-actin cytoskeleton. Our findings suggest that selective expression of cytoprotective A(1)ARs in the kidney can attenuate renal injury.

In vitro gene imaging by luciferase to detect the expression and effect of human tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand in lung cancer A549 cells

Objective To detect the expression and effect of human tumor necrosis facctor related apoptosis-inducing ligand(hTRAIL)in vitro by using a novel double expressing adenoviral vector encoding hTRAIL and firefly lueiferase (luc) gene (Ad-hTRAIL-luc),in which luc wag used, as reporter gene.Methods A549 cells were transduced with the adenoviral vector encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene(Ad-EGFP)at variable multiplicity of infection(MOI).Adenoviral transducfion efficiency wag determined 48 h later.A549 cells were transduced with Ad-hTRAIL-luc at variable MOI.and the following tests were performed 48h later,respectively:the expressive ratio of hTRAIL and the apeptotic ratio of A549 cells were meagnred by flow eytometer;counts per minute(cpm)of luminescence were measurde by scintiUation counters. A549 cells were transduced with Ad-luc at variable MOI, and cpm of luminescence was measured by scintillation counters 48 h later. After A549 cells were transduced with AdhTRAIL-luc,the expressive ratio of hTRAIL,the apoptotic ratio of A549 cells and cpm of luminescence were analyzed by one-way ANOVA.The positive ratio of EGFP and cpm of luminescence (Ad-luc) were analyzed bv nonparametric ANOVA.Results After A549 cells were transfected with Ad-hTRAIL-luc,the expressive ratio of hTRAIL on the cell membrane of the groups were(2.37±0.04)/,(3.16±0.03)/,(3.64±0.03)/,(3.96±0.02)/,(4.24±0.02)/,(4.34±0.02)/ respectively,which showed significant difference between each other (P＜0.01);and the apoptotic ratio of A549 cells were (1.52±0.04)/,(2.93±0.02)/,(3.39±0.02)/,(3.64±0.02)/,(3.86±0.02)/,(4.08±0.02)/,(4.20±0.02)/,respectirely,and it showed significant difference between each other (P＜0.01);cpm of luminescence were 465 561±26 801,1 038 576±29 417,937 655±23 197,786 432±20 028,524 288±16 338,401 566±15 961,respectively,and it also showed significant difference between each other(P＜0.01).There was a positive relationship between the expressive ratio of hTRAIL and cell apoptotic ratio of A549 cells (r=0.984,P＜0.01).Conclusion The double expressing adenoviral vector Ad-hTRAIL-luc can transfer luc and hTRAIL gene to A549 cells efficiently,and the activity of luc may reflect the effect of hTRAIL as well as the expression of hTRAIL. Key words: Gene expression regulation; Receptors,yulnor necrosis factor; Gene therapy; Diagnostic imaging

Transplantation of neural stem cells overexpressing glia-derived neurotrophic factor promotes facial nerve regeneration

Conclusion. Combining neurotrophic factor support and neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation may improve regeneration of the peripheral nervous system. Objectives. We constructed a biodegradable nerve conduit (NC) filled with NSCs overexpressing glia-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which is known to protect facial motoneurons, and tested the effect of this NC on facial nerve regeneration. Materials and methods. Primary cultured NSCs were transduced with a lentiviral vector encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and GDNF. GDNF expression was confirmed by Western blotting and ELISA. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to right facial nerve transection, and polyglycolic/polyglycolic acid (PLGA) NCs filled with NSCs-GDNF were used to bridge the nerve gap (n=24). In vivo GDNF expression was confirmed by real-time PCR. NCs containing NSCs, transgenic Schwann cells (SCs-GDNF), or empty NCs served as controls (n=24 per group). Facial nerve regeneration was assessed 2–12 weeks after surgery, by electrophysiological testing, immunohistochemical staining, and morphometric analysis of axons. Results. NSCs exhibited sustained and robust GDNF expression in culture and following implantation. Nerve action potential amplitude, axonal area, and axonal number were significantly greater in the NSCs-GDNF group than in the NSCs or empty NC groups. Axonal area and number were also greater in the NSCs-GDNF group than the SCs-GDNF group, although this was not statistically significant. The enhanced regeneration observed in the NSCs-GDNF group was accompanied by increased labeling for S100, NF, and βIII tubulin.

The alcelaphine herpesvirus-1 ORF 57 encodes a nuclear shuttling protein

Alcelaphine herpesvirus-1 (AlHV-1) is a gamma(2) rhadinovirus associated with Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) in cattle. ORF 57 is well conserved among gammaherpesviruses and it has been shown that the ORF 57 gene products of Herpesvirus Saimiri (HVS), Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) play an important role in regulating viral gene expression. The AlHV-1 ORF 57 gene product has not been characterized. In the accompanying paper we have demonstrated that AlHV-1 ORF 57 encodes an immediate early protein that acts as a regulator of gene expression. The ORF 57 gene product has an up-regulatory effect only on another immediate early gene product encoded by ORF 50. Here we show that the ORF 57 gene product is a nuclear protein. When ORF 57 was fused to the gene encoding Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (EGFP), the fusion protein exhibited a punctate nuclear distribution that co-localized with the nucleolar phosphoprotein C23. The nuclear localisation signal of ORF 57 gene product was located at the N-terminus. The ORF 57 gene product travels from nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it accumulates during Actinomycin D treatment. The domain involved in nuclear shuttling was also localised at the N-terminal region of the protein. Thus in common with homologues in other herpesviruses the AlHV-1 ORF 57 gene product is a nuclear cytoplasmic shuttling protein which may play a role in export of viral mRNAs from the nucleus of infected cells.

HnRNPs Relocalize to the Cytoplasm following Infection with Vesicular Stomatitis Virus

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) matrix protein inhibits nuclear-cytoplasmic mRNA transport. The goal of this work is to determine whether VSV inhibits the nuclear-cytoplasmic transport of heterogeneous ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs), which are thought to serve as mRNA export factors. Confocal microscopy experiments showed that hnRNPA1, hnRNPK, and hnRNPC1/C2, but not hnRNPB1 or lamin A/C, are relocalized to the cytoplasm during VSV infection. We determined whether protein import is inhibited by VSV by transfecting cells with a plasmid encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) tagged with either the M9 nuclear localization sequence (NLS) or the classical NLS. These experiments revealed that both the M9 NLS and the classical NLS are functional during VSV infection. These data suggest that the inhibition of protein import is not responsible for hnRNP relocalization during VSV infection but that hnRNP export is enhanced. We found that hnRNPA1 relocalization was significantly reduced following the silencing of the mRNA export factor Rae1, indicating that Rae1 is necessary for hnRNP export. In order to determine the role of hnRNPA1 in VSV infection, we silenced hnRNPA1 in HeLa cells and assayed three aspects of the viral life cycle: host protein synthesis shutoff concurrent with the onset of viral protein synthesis, replication by plaque assay, and cell killing. We observed that host shutoff and replication are unaffected by the reduction in hnRNPA1 but that the rate of VSV-induced apoptosis is slower in cells that have reduced hnRNPA1. These data suggest that VSV promotes hnRNPA1 relocalization in a Rae1-dependent manner for apoptotic signaling.