FBJ Murine Osteosarcoma Viral Oncogene Research Articles

Identification of anti-gastric cancer effects and molecular mechanisms of resveratrol: From network pharmacology and bioinformatics to experimental validation.

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies with limited therapeutic options and a poor prognosis. Resveratrol, a non-flavonoid polyphenolic compound found in a variety of Chinese medicinal materials, has shown excellent anti-GC effect. However, its exact mechanisms of action in GC have not been clarified. To identify the effects of resveratrol on GC progression and explore the related molecular mechanisms. Action targets of resveratrol and GC-related targets were screened from public databases. The overlapping targets between the two were confirmed using a Venn diagram, and a "Resveratrol-Target-GC" network was constructed using Cytoscape software version 3.9.1. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING database and core targets were identified by PPI network analysis. The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery database was used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. A "Target-Pathway" network was created by using Cytoscape 3.9.1. The RNA and protein expression levels of core target genes were observed using the Cancer Genome Atlas and the Human Protein Atlas databases. DriverDBv3 and Timer2.0 databases were used for survival and immune infiltration analysis. Subsequently, the findings were further verified by molecular docking technology and in vitro experiments. A total of 378 resveratrol action targets and 2154 GC disease targets were obtained from public databases, and 181 intersection targets between the two were screened by Venn diagram. The top 20 core targets were identified by PPI network analysis of the overlapping targets. GO function analysis mainly involved protein binding, identical protein binding, cytoplasm, nucleus, negative regulation of apoptotic process and response to xenobiotic stimulus. KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that the involved signaling pathways mainly included PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway, etc. FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (FOS) and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) were selected by differential expression analysis, and they were closely associated with immune infiltration. Molecular docking results showed that resveratrol docked well with these two targets. Resveratrol treatment arrested the cell cycle at the S phase, induced apoptosis, and weakened viability, migration and invasion in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, resveratrol could exhibit anti-GC effect by regulating FOS and MMP9 expression. The anti-GC effects of resveratrol are related to the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, invasion and induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by targeting FOS and MMP9.

Identification of the function of FOSB in cholangiocarcinoma using bioinformatics analysis.

Exploring the potential mechanism of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) metabolic reprogramming is significant for guiding clinical treatment. However, related research and exploration are still lacking. Therefore, we aimed to identify a reliable metabolism-related gene or biomarker of CCA using bioinformatics analysis. The GSE26566, GSE45001, and GSE132305 datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differently expressed genes (DEGs) between CCA tissues and adjacent tissues were screened out. The key gene was identified through enrichment and functional analysis, and its immune and clinical correlation was investigated utilizing the Tumor Immune Evaluation Resource (TIMER2.0), the Tumor-Immune System Interactions Database (TISIDB), the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA2), and the Kaplan-Meier Plotter. Finally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to validate the results. By analysis, the expression of FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (FOSB) was significantly downregulated in CCA tissues when compared with adjacent tissues. Moreover, the expression levels of FOSB positively correlated with tumor-infiltrating immune cells in most tumors, and patients with high FOSB expression tended to have a better prognosis. The FOSB and SIRT3/HIF1A axes have similar expression trends and metabolic functions in CCA cells, and the correlation between of them was preliminarily explored by IHC experiments. The expression levels of FOSB are closely related to the prognosis of CCA patients, which may be a predictive indicator for prognosis and immunotherapy.

Identification of key genes for IgA nephropathy based on machine learning algorithm and correlation analysis of immune cells

IntroductionThe pathogenesis and progression mechanism of Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is not fully understood. There is a lack of panoramic analysis of IgAN immune cell infiltration and algorithms that are more efficient and accurate for screening key pathogenic genes. MethodsRNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data sets on IgAN were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, including GSE93798, GSE35489, and GSE115857. The RNA-seq data set of kidney tissue as control samples were downloaded from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database. Three machine learning algorithms—weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and support vector machine—were used to identify the key pathogenic gene sets of the IgAN disease. The ssGSEA method was applied to calculate the immune cell infiltration (ICI) of IgAN samples, whereas the Spearman test was used for correlation analysis. The receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of key genes. The correlation between the key genes and ICI was analyzed using the Spearman test. ResultsA total of 177 genes were screened out as differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for IgAN, including 135 up-regulated genes and 42 down-regulated genes. The DEGs were significantly enriched in the inflammatory- or immune-related pathways (gene sets). Activating transcription factor 3 (AFT3), C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 6 (CXCL6), and v-fos FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (FOSB) were identified using WGCNA, support vector machine, and LASSO algorithms. These three genes revealed good diagnostic efficacy in the training and test cohorts. The CXCL6 expression positively correlated with activated B cells and memory B cells. ConclusionATF3, FOSB, and CXCL6 genes were identified as potential biomarkers of IgAN. These three genes exhibited good diagnostic efficacy for IgAN. We described the landscape of immune cell infiltration for IgAN. Activated B cells and memory B cells were more highly expressed in the IgAN samples than in the control samples. CXCL6 seems crucial to the pathogenesis of IgAN and may induce IgAN by enriching immune cells. Our study may contribute to developing CXCL6 inhibitors that target B cells for IgAN therapy.

Establishment and verification of potential biomarkers for cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignancy arising from multiple locations along the biliary tree, which is still lacking effective diagnostic biomarkers. The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive differential gene expression profile for the disease. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for CCA were explored in-depth using a Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset, an internal cohort of clinical participants as well as in vitro experiments with the HUCCT1 cell line. Based on the GEO dataset, potential biomarker genes were proposed and the enriched biological processes as well as signaling pathways were further investigated. A protein-protein interaction network of target genes was established. In the clinical specimens, the functions of the primary candidate, FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (FOSB), were evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q)PCR and western blot analysis. A Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used for a functional study on FOSB. The results indicated that, compared with non-tumor bile duct tissues, primary CCA samples had 676 differentially expressed genes, including 277 downregulated and 399 upregulated ones. Among these, HBD, FOSB, HBB, ITIH2, FCGBP, MT1JP, PIJR, SLC38A1, COL10A1 and MMP19 were determined to be the most significant DEGs. At the same time, upregulated genes were enriched in ‘vasculature development’ and ‘IL-17 signaling pathways’. Downregulated genes were enriched in ‘extracellular matrix progress’ and ‘glucuronate signaling pathway’. The patients with CCA displayed decreased levels of hemoglobin. Compared with paracancerous tissues, CCA cancerous tissues exhibited increased RNA and protein expression levels of FOSB according to RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Furthermore, FOSB expression influenced the proliferation/viability of the CCA cell line HUCCT1. In conclusion, the present study suggested that the FOSB gene may serve as a primary biomarker candidate for CCA, providing a valuable reference for its clinical implementation.

Expression patterns of chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 2, prostaglandin F2A receptor and immediate early genes at mRNA level in the bovine corpus luteum after intrauterine treatment with a low dose of prostaglandin F2A

The present study evaluated expression patterns of chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 2 gene/Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 gene (CCL2/MCP-1), prostaglandin F2 alpha receptor gene (PTGFR) and immediate early genes including nuclear receptor subfamily 4, group A, member 1 (NR4A1), early growth response 1 (EGR1) and FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (FOS) in cells of the bovine corpus luteum after intrauterine infusion of a low dose of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2A) aimed at enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms of luteolysis. Holstein dairy cows were superovulated (>6 corpora lutea [CL]) and on day 9 of the estrous cycle were infused with a low dose of PGF2A (0.5 mg PGF2A in 0.25 ml phosphate buffered saline) into the greater curvature of the uterine horn ipsilateral to the CL. Ultrasound-guided biopsy samples of different CL were collected at 0 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1h, 2h and 6h after PGF2A infusion. Expression profiles and localization of mRNA for PTGFR, CCL2/MCP-1, and immediate early genes (NR4A1, EGR1 and FOS), were investigated by using qPCR and in situ hybridization. The concentrations of early response genes including FOS, NR4A1, and EGR1 exhibited the greatest increase at 30 min after PGF2A, compared to other time points. Expression profile of CCL2 mRNA increased gradually after intrauterine infusion of PGF2A with maximal up-regulation for CCL2 at 6h. Abundance of PTGFR mRNA only increased at 15 min and significantly decreased at 6h, compared to 0 min. Cellular localizations of all studied genes except CCL2 (primarily localized to apparent immune cells) were predominantly visualized in large luteal cells. Interestingly, early response genes demonstrated a changing profile in cellular localization with initial responses appearing to be in both large luteal cells and endothelial cells, although no staining for PTGFR mRNA was observed in endothelial cells. Later, sustained responses, were only observed in large luteal cells, although PTGFR mRNA was decreasing in large luteal cells over time after PGF2A. The involvement of the immune system was also highlighted by the immediate increases in CCL2 mRNA that became much greater over time as there was an apparent influx of CCL2-positive immune cells. Thus, the temporal and cell-specific localization patterns for the studied mRNA demonstrate the complex pathways that are responsible for initiation of luteolysis in the bovine CL.

Computational Analysis Reveals the Characteristics of Immune Cells in Glomerular and Tubulointerstitial Compartments in IgA Nephropathy Patients.

Objective: The commonalities and differences regarding immune states between glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) remains largely undetermined. We aim to perform bioinformatic analysis for providing a comprehensive insight into the characteristics of immune cells and associated molecular mechanisms in IgAN. Materials and Methods: We performed integrated bioinformatic analyses by using IgAN-related datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. First, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Then, CIBERSORT was employed to determine the landscape of infiltrating immune cells in both glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments of IgAN patients, followed by Pearson’s correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Finally, commonly shared DEGs between glomerular and tubulointerstitial entities were recognized, followed by correlation analyses to identify the dominant commonly shared DEGs associated with immune cell infiltration in IgAN. Results: GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed apparently distinct biological processes in the glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments of IgAN. In addition, CIBERSORT analyses revealed a clear trend of increasing proportions of M1 macrophage and M2 macrophage in the glomerular compartment while noticeably higher proportions of resting CD4+ memory T cells and M2 macrophages in the tubulointerstitial compartments. The PCA analyses showed that the varying composition of immune cells in both glomerular and tubulointerstitial entities was compelling to distinguish IgAN patients from healthy living controls. In addition, 21 commonly shared DEGs between glomerular and tubulointerstitial entities were recognized as key regulators in the pathogenesis of IgAN, among which the enhanced hemoglobin subunit beta (HBB) gene expression was found to be positively associated with M2 macrophage in the glomerular compartment and resting CD4+ memory T cells in the tubulointerstitial compartment. Most importantly, FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (FOSB) gene deficiency was recognized as the dominant alteration in promoting M2 macrophage infiltration in the glomerular compartment of IgAN. Conclusion: The findings from our current study for the first time reveal commonalities and differences regarding immune states between glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments, as well as decode the essential role of M2 macrophages and associated molecular patterns within the microenvironments of IgAN.

Docking protein 1 and free fatty acids are associated with insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

ObjectiveInsulin resistance (IR) is a key defect in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); therefore, effective means of ameliorating IR are sought.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of 154 patients with T2DM and 39 with pre-diabetes (pre-DM). The effects of IR and a high concentration of FFA on gene expression were determined using microarray analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in patients with T2DM or pre-DM.ResultsSerum FFA concentration and homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) were significantly higher in patients with T2DM but no obesity and in those with pre-DM than in controls. HOMA-IR was significantly associated with T2DM. RT-qPCR showed that the expression of FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (FOS) and AE binding protein 1 (AEBP1) was much lower in the circulation of participants with obesity and diabetes. RT-qPCR showed that the expression of docking protein 1 (DOK1) was significantly lower in the blood of participants with diabetes but no obesity and in those with pre-DM than in controls.ConclusionsFFA and DOK1 are associated with IR in patients with T2DM but no obesity or pre-DM. The downregulation of DOK1 might inhibit lipid synthesis and induce lipolysis, inducing or worsening IR.

CCL2 associated with CD38 expression during ex vivo expansion in human cord blood-derived hematopoietic stem cells.

To date, different experimental strategies have been developed for the ex vivo expansion of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for clinical applications. However, differences in the genomic function of expanded HSCs under different culture systems remain unclear. In this study, we compared the gene expression profiles of HSCs in ex vivo expanded serum (10% FBS, fetal bovine serum) and serum-free culture systems and analyzed the molecular functions of differentially expressed genes using microarray chips. We identified 839 differentially expressed genes between the two culture systems. These genes were enriched in the TNF -regulated inflammatory pathway in an FBS culture system. In addition, the mRNA expression of CCL2 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 2), TNF (tumor necrosis factor) and FOS (FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog) was validated by RT-qPCR. Our data revealed that ex vivo expansion of HSCs using the FBS culture system induces an inflammatory response and high CD38 expression, indicating that this system might activate an inflammatory pathway and induce expression of the cancer marker CD38 during ex vivo expansion of HSCs. This study provides a transcriptional profile and new insights into the genomic functions of HSCs under different expanded cultures.

The immunosuppressive activity of artemisinin-type drugs towards inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

The sesquiterpene lactone artemisinin from Artemisia annua L. is well established for malaria therapy, but its bioactivity spectrum is much broader. In this review, we give a comprehensive and timely overview of the literature regarding the immunosuppressive activity of artemisinin-type compounds toward inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Numerous receptor-coupled signaling pathways are inhibited by artemisinins, including the receptors for interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), β3-integrin, or RANKL, toll-like receptors and growth factor receptors. Among the receptor-coupled signal transducers are extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK), phospholipase C γ1 (PLCγ), and others. All these receptors and signal transduction molecules are known to contribute to the inhibition of the transcription factor nuclear factor κ B (NF-κB). Artemisinins may inhibit NF-κB by silencing these upstream pathways and/or by direct binding to NF-κB. Numerous NF-κB-regulated downstream genes are downregulated by artemisinin and its derivatives, for example, cytokines, chemokines, and immune receptors, which regulate immune cell differentiation, apoptosis genes, proliferation-regulating genes, signal transducers, and genes involved in antioxidant stress response. In addition to the prominent role of NF-κB, other transcription factors are also inhibited by artemisinins (mammalian target of rapamycin [mTOR], activating protein 1 [AP1]/FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homologue [FOS]/JUN oncogenic transcription factor [JUN]), hypoxia-induced factor 1α (HIF-1α), nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NF-ATC1), Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT), NF E2-related factor-2 (NRF-2), retinoic-acid-receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor γ (ROR-γt), and forkhead box P-3 (FOXP-3). Many in vivo experiments in disease-relevant animal models demonstrate therapeutic efficacy of artemisinin-type drugs against rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus erythematosus, arthrosis, and gout), lung diseases (asthma, acute lung injury,and pulmonary fibrosis), neurological diseases (autoimmune encephalitis, Alzheimer's disease, and myasthenia gravis), skin diseases (dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis), inflammatory bowel disease, and other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Randomized clinical trials should be conducted in the future to translate the plethora of preclinical results into clinical practice.

Circ_0021087 acts as a miR‐184 sponge and represses gastric cancer progression by adsorbing miR‐184 and elevating FOSB expression

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks third among the causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0021087 (circ_0021087) plays a repressive role in GC. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which circ_0021087 constrains GC advancement is unclear. Expression patterns of circ_0021087, microRNA (miR)-184 and FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (FOSB) mRNA were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Gain-of-function experiments were conducted to verify the biological function of circ_0021087 in vitro and in vivo, including cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, transwell and xenograft assays. Protein levels were analysed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The regulatory mechanism of circ_0021087 was analysed by bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Circ_0021087 and FOSB were lowly expressed in GC, whereas miR-184 had an opposite result. Circ_0021087 overexpression repressed GC cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in xenograft models in vivo and induced GC cell apoptosis, repressed GC cell proliferation, EMT, migration and invasion in vitro. Circ_0021087 could elevate FOSB expression by adsorbing miR-184. MiR-184 mimic reversed the inhibitory influence of circ_0021087 overexpression on GC cell malignancy. Also, FOSB knockdown offset the suppressive impact of miR-184 silencing on GC cell malignancy. In conclusion, circ_0021087 played a repressive influence on GC progression by elevating FOSB expression by adsorbing miR-184, offering a new mechanism for circ_0021087 to inhibit the progression of GC.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms from candidate genes associated with nematode resistance and resilience in Corriedale and Pampinta sheep in Argentina.

Selective breeding of genetically resistant animals is considered a promising strategy to face the problem of nematode resistance to anthelmintics and mitigate concerns about the presence of chemical residues in animal food products and the environment. Gastrointestinal nematode resistance is a complex, multifactorial trait related to host immunity. However, the mechanisms underlying host resistance and response to infection remain to be fully elucidated. In this context, the objective of this study was to provide insight into the chromosomal regions determining nematode resistance and resilience in Corriedale and resistance in Pampinta sheep breeds. A total of 170 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) from 76 candidate genes for immune response were studied in 624 Corriedale and 304 Pampinta animals. Lambs underwent artificial or natural challenges with infective larvae mainly from Haemonchus contortus. Fecal egg counts, estimated breeding values for fecal egg counts, and rate of packed cell volume change and FAMACHA© score change over the challenge were used, when available, as indicators of host parasite resistance or resilience. Phenotype-genotype association studies were conducted and significance values obtained were adjusted for multiple testing errors. Eight SNPs, located on OARs 3, 6, 12, and 20, reached significance in Corriedale sheep under artificial challenge. Those SNP represent allelic variants from the MHC-Ovine Lymphocyte Antigen-DRA, two C-type lectin domain families, the Interleukin 2 receptor β, the Toll-like receptor 10, the Mannan binding lectin serine peptidase 2, and the NLR family, CARD domain containing 4 genes. On Pampinta lambs under natural challenge, we found three significant SNPs, located in the TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 3, the FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog, and the Interleukin 20 receptor alpha genes, on OARs 3, 7, and 8, respectively. The results obtained herein confirm genomic regions previously reported as associated with nematode resistance in other sheep breeds, reinforcing their role in host response to parasites. These findings contribute to gain knowledge on parasite resistance and resilience in Corriedale sheep and report for the first time SNPs associated with resistance to gastrointestinal parasite infections in Pampinta breed.

FosB recruits KAT5 to potentiate the growth and metastasis of papillary thyroid cancer in a DPP4-dependent manner

ObjectiveDipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP4) has been indicated as a possible prognostic biomarker in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). However, the mechanism of DPP4 during metastasis of PTC remains unclear. In this study, we investigated whether lysine acetyltransferase 5 (KAT5) and FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (FosB) synergistically regulate high DPP4 expression in PTC. MethodsPTC tissues and matched paracancerous tissues were harvested, followed by the establishment of IHH-4 and TPC-1 cells with downregulation of DPP4. The relevance of DPP4 on the metastasis of PTC cells was assessed. Subsequently, the effect of KAT5 on the transcription of DPP4 was verified. The binding relationship between FosB and DPP4 was predicted by a bioinformatics website. Functional rescue experiments were performed to evaluate cell activities after overexpression of KAT5 or FosB in cells with DPP4 knockdown. ResultsDPP4 was overexpressed in PTC tissues and cell lines, which was correlated with higher risks for metastases and poorer survival. DPP4 downregulation curtailed cell growth and metastasis. Moreover, KAT5 acetylated DPP4 promoter histone, which promoted transcription activation of DPP4. Subsequently, FosB recruited KAT5 at the DPP4 promoter, thereby enhancing DPP4 transcriptional activation. Further overexpression of KAT5 or FosB in cells with low expression of DPP4 promoted cell activity. Finally, DPP4 expedited p62 nuclear translocation to elevate Keap1/Nrf2 expression, thus facilitating the growth and metastasis of PTC cells. ConclusionFosB enhanced the growth and metastasis of PTC cells by recruiting histone acetyltransferases KAT5 to increase DPP4 transcription and activate the p62/Keap1/Nrf2 signaling.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) non-structural protein (NSP)1 transcriptionally inhibits CCN1 and CCN2 expression by blocking ERK-AP-1 axis in pig macrophages in vitro

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a causative pathogen of PRRS that has generated a serious adverse impact on current global pork production. PRRSV primarily infects pig alveolar macrophages, but poor induction of innate immunity after infection often leads to more severe complications. Defining the functional role of each PRRSV non structural protein (NSP) within host cells might be helpful in understanding how PRRSV induces poor innate immunity in host cells. NSP1 of PRRSV exhibits papain like cysteine protease activity and may therefore modulate host cell signaling by degrading a target protein in host cells during infection. In this study, we demonstrated that NSP1 of PRRSV-2 indirectly blocked extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling in polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid (Poly I:C) stimulated pig macrophages (3D4/31 cells). ERK which belongs to the mitogen-activated protein kinase family mediates many biological processes including inflammatory responses during viral infection. The blocking of ERK signaling by NSP1 of PRRSV-2 further leads to the transcriptional inhibition of inflammatory enhancers, cellular communication network factor 1 and 2 (ccn1 and ccn2) through down-regulation of v-fos FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (fos) and fosb, the component of activating protein-1 (AP-1) which is an ERK downstream transcription factor. Therefore, NSP1 of PRRSV-2 inhibited the mRNA transcription of ccn1 and ccn2 by blocking the ERK-AP-1 axis in Poly I:C stimulated pig macrophages. These results provide additional evidence supporting that NSP1 has anti-inflammatory function during PRRSV-2 infection.

MicroRNA miR-29c-3p modulates FOS expression to repress EMT and cell proliferation while induces apoptosis in TGF-β2-treated lens epithelial cells regulated by lncRNA KCNQ1OT1

Age-related cataract (ARC) is a main cause of blindness for elderly people. MicroRNA hsa_miR-29c-3p (miR-29c-3p) was implicated in many biological processes in complicated diseases. However, the biological mechanism of miR-29c-3p in ARC is still undefined. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) showed that miR-29c-3p was lowly expressed, while FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (FOS) and KCNQ1 overlapping transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) were highly expressed in cataract tissues and in TGF-β2-treated SRA01/04 cells. Western blot assay indicated that TGF-β2 could promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, our data suggested that miR-29c-3p overexpression suppressed EMT, cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in TGF-β2-treated SRA01/04 cells. The dual-luciferase reporter assay verified that FOS was a target of miR-29c-3p and miR-29c-3p was directly targeted by KCNQ1OT1. Furthermore, KCNQ1OT1 could regulate FOS expression by sponging miR-29c-3p. Functional assays revealed that miR-29c-3p regulated FOS to repress EMT, cell proliferation and facilitate apoptosis in TGF-β2-treated SRA01/04 cells mediated by KCNQ1OT1. In conclusion, KCNQ1OT1/miR-29c-3p/FOS axis played a vital role in the progression of ARC.

Association of FOSB exon 4 unmethylation with poor prognosis in patients with late‑stage non‑small cell lung cancer.

Alterations in DNA methylation have a central role in the development and outcome of most human malignancies. Non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common lung cancer, leads to the largest number of cancer‑related deaths worldwide. FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homologB (FOSB) is a key component of the activator protein‑1 transcription factor and regulates gene networks associated within oncogenic transformation. The role of FOSB in the development of NSCLC is still elusive. Therefore, the methylation status of the FOSB gene was investigated in NSCLC and its clinical significance in NSCLC progression was evaluated. The methylation status of the promoter and exon4regions of the FOSB gene were analyzed in 176 NSCLC specimens by bisulfite pyrosequencing and the association between FOSB methylation status and patient survival was investigated. Compared to adjacent non‑malignant tissues, FOSB promoter exhibited exclusive unmethylation in all malignant tissues and the exon4region was found unmethylated in 18(10.2%of the total) tumor samples. Exon 4unmethylation was associated with downregulation of its mRNA and tended to occur in patients with lymph node metastasis. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that exon4 unmethylation was significantly associated with unfavorable overall survival in patients with stageII‑IIIA NSCLC (log‑rank P=0.05, adjusted hazard ratio=2.43, 95% confidence interval=1.04‑5.68, P=0.04). FOSB was identified as a novel gene with tumor‑specific gene body unmethylation in NSCLC and a novel predictive biomarker for NSCLC prognosis. Moreover, the present results indicated that FOSB may have a tumor suppressor function in the progression of NSCLC.

Cas9 Protein Triggers Differential Expression of Inherent Genes Especially NGFR Expression in 293T Cells.

CRISPR/CAS9 systems, which can be utilized in vitro biological experiments, have recently captured much attention for their important roles and benefits. However, full realization of the potential of CRISPR/CAS9 approaches requires addressing many challenges and side effects. The expression of genes and potential side effects of CRISPR/CAS9 in human cells remains to be elucidated. The aim of our study was to explore the effect of CRISPR/CAS9 on gene expression in 293T cells. A Cas9-expressing PX458 plasmid and Cas9-deactivated PX458-T2A plasmid were used to study the role of CRISPR/CAS9 on regulating gene expression in 293T cells. Gene expression in 293T cells after transfection of the PX458 plasmid or PX458-T2A plasmid was detected by RNA sequencing and correlative statistical analysis. Differential gene expression in both PX458 transfected 293T cells and PX458-T2A transfected 293T cells compared with normal 293T cells was detected using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT qPCR). The mRNA and protein levels were measured using reverse transcription PCR and Western blot. Co-IP assay combined with shotgun LC-MS/MS were used to investigate the differences of NGFR-interaction proteins between PX458 transfected 293T cells and PX458-T2A transfected 293T cells. In this study, we observed that PX458 plasmid transfection and Cas9 expression can affect the expression of different genes, including FOSB (FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B), IL-11 (Interleukin-11), MMP1 (matrix metalloproteinase), CYP2D6 (CytochromeP4502D6), and NGFR (matrix metalloproteinase 1). Downregulation of NGFR after PX458 transfection was confirmed by RT qPCR and western blot analysis. NGFR expression was significantly lower in PX458 transfected 293T cells than in normal 293T cells and PX458-T2A transfected 293T cells. The co-IP dilutions analyzed by shotgun LC-MS/MS showed a total of 183 proteins interact with NGFR in PX458 transfected 293T cells while 221 proteins interact with NGFR were identified in PX458-T2A transfected 293T cells using the MASCOT engine. Cas9 expression by transfection of the PX458 plasmid was negatively correlated with the NGFR mRNA level and NGFR protein expression in 293T cells, while PX458-T2A, in which Cas9 is deactivated, did not affect NGFR expression. The decrease in NGFR expression also affects the amount of proteins that interact with NGFR. These results suggest that the effect of Cas9 on NGFR expression and the expression of other genes should be noticed when developing cell-based studies and therapies utilizing CRISPR/CAS9 systems.

5-HT2A receptor loss does not alter acute fluoxetine-induced anxiety and exhibit sex-dependent regulation of cortical immediate early gene expression.

Background: Acute treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine (Flx), induces anxiety-like behavioral effects. The serotonin2A receptor (5-HT2A) is implicated in the modulation of anxiety-like behavior, however its contribution to the anxiogenic effects of acute Flx remains unclear. Here, we examined the role of the 5-HT2A receptor in the effects of acute Flx on anxiety-like behavior, serum corticosterone levels, neural activation and immediate early gene (IEG) expression in stress-responsive brain regions, using 5-HT2A receptor knockout (5-HT2A−/−) mice of both sexes. Methods: 5-HT2A−/− and wild-type (WT) male and female mice received a single administration of Flx or vehicle, and were examined for anxiety-like behavior, serum corticosterone levels, FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog peptide (c-Fos) positive cell numbers in stress-responsive brain regions of the hypothalamus and prefrontal cortex (PFC), and PFC IEG expression. Results: The increased anxiety-like behavior and enhanced corticosterone levels evoked by acute Flx were unaltered in 5-HT2A−/− mice of both sexes. 5-HT2A−/− female mice exhibited a diminished neural activation in the hypothalamus in response to acute Flx. Further, 5-HT2A−/− male, but not female, mice displayed altered baseline expression of several IEGs (brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), Egr2, Egr4, FBJ osteosarcoma gene (Fos), FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (Fosb), Fos-like antigen 2 (Fosl2), Homer scaffolding protein (Homer) 1-3 (Homer1-3), Jun proto-oncogene (Jun)) in the PFC. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the increased anxiety and serum corticosterone levels evoked by acute Flx are not influenced by 5-HT2A receptor deficiency. However, the loss of function of the 5-HT2A receptor alters the degree of neural activation of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus in response to acute Flx, and baseline expression of several IEGs in the PFC in a sexually dimorphic manner.

FOSB⁻PCDHB13 Axis Disrupts the Microtubule Network in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is among the leading causes of human mortality. One reason for high rates of NSCLC mortality is that drug resistance is a major problem for both conventional chemotherapies and less-toxic targeted therapies. Thus, novel mechanistic insights into disease pathogenesis may benefit the development of urgently needed therapies. Here we show that FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (FOSB) was induced by an antimicrobial peptide, tilapia piscidin-4 (TP4), through the dysregulation of mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis in NSCLC cells. Transcriptomic, chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR, and immunocytochemical studies reveal that protocadherin-β13 (PCDHB13) as a target of FOSB that was functionally associated with microtubule. Overexpression of either PCDHB13 or FOSB attenuated NSCLC growth and survival in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, downregulation of both FOSB and PCDHB13 was observed in NSCLC patients and was negatively correlated with pathological grade. These findings introduce the FOSB–PCDHB13 axis as a novel tumor suppressive pathway in NSCLC.

MicroRNA181c inhibits prostate cancer cell growth and invasion by targeting multiple ERK signaling pathway components.

The ERK signaling pathway is frequently deregulated in tumorigenesis, mostly by classical mechanisms such as gene mutation of its components (eg, RAS and RAF). However, whether and how multiple key components of ERK pathway are regulated by microRNAs are not clear. We firstly predicted post-transcriptional regulation of multiple key components of the ERK signaling pathway by miR181c through bioinformatics analysis, and then confirmed the post-transcriptional regulation by dual luciferase reporter gene assays and Western blot analysis. The biological effects of miR181c on prostate cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were measured by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, wound scratch assay, transwell cell migration, and invasion assays. miR181c post-transcriptionally regulated multiple key members of the ERK signaling pathway, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2), ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2), serum response factor (SRF), and FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (c-Fos). Ectopic expression of miR181c mimics effectively suppressed prostate cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promoted cell apoptosis. Furthermore, miR181c treatment combined with the multi-kinase inhibitor sorafenib significantly enhanced these anti-tumor effects. Downregulation of miR181c results in deregulated ERK signaling and promotes prostate cancer cell growth and metastasis.

Analysis of expression profile data identifies key genes and pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma.

The aims of the present study were to identify key genes and pathways associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and predict compounds potentially associated with this type of carcinogenesis. The gene expression profile data of the GSE49515 dataset was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The limma software package was used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the Biological Networks Gene Ontology tool and the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery, respectively. The Michigan Molecular Interactions database plugin within the Cytoscape software platform was used to perform protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Chemical-gene interaction data for HCC were obtained from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database to evaluate the associations between drugs and specific genes. A total of 302 DEGs, including 231 downregulated and 71 upregulated, were identified. Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and chemokine signaling were the significantly enriched pathways. Additionally, PPI network analysis indicated a total of 13 highest degree hub nodes, including FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (FOS) and DNA damage-inducible transcript 3 protein (DDIT3). Chemical-gene interaction analysis revealed that FUN and FOS were targeted by >500 compounds, while >200 genes were targeted by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin and benzo(α)pyrene. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that FOS, DDIT3, the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway and the chemokine signaling pathway may be key genes and pathways associated with the development of HCC. Furthermore, exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin or benzo(α)pyrene may lead to hepatocarcinogenesis.