Liver Carcinoma Cell Line HepG2 Research Articles

Synthesis, spectroscopic studies, antimicrobial activities and antitumor of a new monodentate V-shaped Schiff base and its transition metal complexes

Reaction of 4-aminoacetophenone and 4-bromobenzaldehyde in ethanol resulted in the formation of the monodentate V-shaped Schiff base (E)-1-(4-((4-bromo-benzylidene)amino)phenyl)ethanone (L). Interaction of L with different di- and trivalent metal ions revealed disubstituted derivatives. The ligand and its complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, mass, IR and NMR spectrometry. Biological activities of the ligand and complexes against the Escherchia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacterias, and the two fungus Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans were screened. The cytotoxicity of the compounds were checked as antitumor agents on liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2). They exhibited in vitro broad range of antitumor activities towards the cell line; the [ZnL2(H2O)2](NO3)2 complex was stronger antitumor towards HepG2 cell line as well as two breast cancer cell lines (MCF7 and T47D) relative to cis-platin.

Chemical constituents from a Tibetan medicine Meconopsis horridula

A phytochemical investigation on the aerial parts of a Tibetan medicine Meconopsis horridula, by solvent extraction, repeated chromatographies on silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and preparative TLC techniques, led to the isolation of 9 compounds. By spectroscopic analysis and comparison of its 1H and 13C-NMR data with those in literatures, their structures were identified as oleracein E(1), N-( trans-p-coumaroyl) tyramine (2), chrysoeriol (3), apigenin (4), hydnocarpin (5), p-coumaric acid glucosyl ester (6), stigmast-5-ene-3beta-ylformate (7), 3beta-hydroxy-7alpha-ethoxy-24beta-ethylcholest-5-ene (8), and beta-sitosterol (9), respectively, among which compounds 6-8 were isolated from the genus for the first time,and 1,3 were isolated from the species for the first time. A MTT method was applied to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of compounds 14 against the human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2), and compound 1 showed significant cytotoxicity against HepG2,with its inhibitory rate of 52.2% at 10 micromol x L(-1).

Synthesis and biological evaluation of some new triazolo[1,5-a]quinoline derivatives as anticancer and antimicrobial agents

In the present study, versatile multifunctional unreported triazolo[1,5-a]quinoline derivatives were prepared. Compounds 1–19 were synthesized by adopting appropriate synthetic routes and were pharmacologically evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activity against human cancer cell lines: hepatocellular liver carcinoma (HEPG2) and Caucasian breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), in addition to their antibacterial and antifungal activities. Compound 4 demonstrated strong inhibitory effects against breast cancer (MCF-7), whereas compounds 8 and 19 exhibited moderate activity against breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7. Compounds 16 and 19 gave moderate activity against liver carcinoma cell line HEPG2. The antimicrobial activity of the prepared compounds was tested against bacteria and fungi. Among them, the results of antimicrobial activity indicated that compounds 4, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18 and 19 were the most active compounds. Compound 4 exhibited strong activity against Fusarium sp., whereas compounds 9, 11, 15, 17, 18 and 19 showed high activity against Escherichia coli. More specifically, compound 17 displayed a high inhibitory effect against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Rhizoctonia sp.

Cytotoxic Activity and DNA-Binding Properties of Isoeuxanthone Derivatives

In this study, the interactions of different groups substituted isoeuxanthone derivatives with calf thymus DNA (ct DNA) were investigated by spectrophotometric methods and viscosity measurements. Results indicated that the xanthone derivatives could intercalate into the DNA base pairs by the plane of xanthone ring and the various substituents may influence the binding affinity with DNA according to the calculated quenching constant values. Furthermore, two tumor cell lines including the human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) and human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2) were used to evaluate the cytotoxic activities of xanthone derivatives by acid phosphatase assay. Analyses showed that the oxiranylmethoxy substituted xanthone exhibited more effective cytotoxic activity against the cancer cells than the other substituted xanthones. The effects on the inhibition of tumor cells in vitro agreed with the studies of DNA-binding.

Differential gene expression in human hepatocyte cell lines exposed to the antiretroviral agent zidovudine.

Zidovudine (3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine; AZT) is the most widely used nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor for the treatment of AIDS patients and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1. Previously, we demonstrated that AZT had significantly greater growth inhibitory effects upon the human liver carcinoma cell line HepG2 as compared to the immortalized human liver cell line THLE2. We have now used gene expression profiling to determine the molecular pathways associated with toxicity in both cell lines. HepG2 cells were incubated with 0, 2, 20, or 100 μM AZT for 2 weeks; THLE2 cells were treated with 0, 50, 500, or 2,500 μM AZT, concentrations that were equi-toxic to those used in the HepG2 cells. After the treatment, total RNA was isolated and subjected to microarray analysis. Global analysis of gene expression, with a false discovery rate ≤0.01 and a fold change ≥1.5, indicated that 6- to 70-fold more genes were differentially expressed in a significant concentration-dependent manner in HepG2 cells when compared to THLE2 cells. Comparative analysis indicated that 7 % of these genes were common to both cell lines. Among the common differentially expressed genes, 70 % changed in the same direction, most of which were associated with cell death and survival, cell cycle, cell growth and proliferation, and DNA replication, recombination, and repair. As determined by the uptake of [methyl-(3)H]AZT, the intracellular levels of total AZT were approximately twofold higher in THLE2 cells than in HepG2 cells. The expression of thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B7 (UGT2B7) genes that regulate the metabolic activation and deactivation of AZT, respectively, was increased in HepG2 cells but decreased in THLE2 cells after treatment with AZT. This differential response in AZT metabolism was confirmed by real-time PCR, western blotting, and/or enzymatic assays. These data indicate that molecular pathways involved with cell death and survival, cell cycle, cell growth and proliferation, and DNA replication, recombination, and repair are involved in the toxicities associated with AZT in both human cell lines, and that the difference in expression of TK1 and UGT2B7 in response to AZT treatment in HepG2 cells and THLE2 cells might explain why HepG2 cells are more sensitive than THLE2 cells to the toxicity of AZT.

MicroRNA-561 Promotes Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in HepG2 Cells and Primary Human Hepatocytes through Downregulation of the Nuclear Receptor Corepressor Dosage-Sensitive Sex-Reversal Adrenal Hypoplasia Congenital Critical Region on the X Chromosome, Gene 1 (DAX-1)

One of the major mechanisms involved in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity is hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α)-mediated activation of pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). In the present study, we investigated the role of miR-561 and its target gene DAX-1 encoding a corepressor of HNF4α in the process of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. We used both human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2) cells and primary human hepatocytes in this study and monitored the levels of reactive oxygen species, lactate dehydrogenase, and glutathione. Our bioinformatics study suggests an association between miR-561 and DAX-1, but not HNF4α. Treatment of HepG2 cells with APAP significantly reduced the expression of DAX-1 in a concentration-dependent manner. miR-561 was induced by APAP treatment in HepG2 cells. Transfection of HepG2 cells with an miR-561 mimic exacerbated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. HNF4α is physically associated with DAX-1 in HepG2 cells. A decreased protein level of DAX-1 by APAP treatment was also enhanced by miR-561 mimic transfection in HepG2 cells and primary human hepatocytes. The basal and APAP-induced expression of PXR and CAR was enhanced by miR-561 mimic transfection; however, transfection of HepG2 cells or primary human hepatocytes with a miR-561 inhibitor or DAX-1 small interfering RNA reversed these effects. Additionally, the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that recruitment of DAX-1 onto the PXR promoter was inversely correlated with the recruitment of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α coactivator-1α and HNF4α on APAP treatment. These results indicate that miR-561 worsens APAP-induced hepatotoxicity via inhibition of DAX-1 and consequent transactivation of nuclear receptors.

Bioactivities of Jc-SCRIP, a Type 1 Ribosome-Inactivating Protein fromJatropha curcasSeed Coat

In this study, a type 1 RIP, designated as Jc-SCRIP, was first isolated from the seed coat of Jatropha curcas Linn. It was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel™ and CM-cellulose columns. Purification fold of Jc-SCRIP increased 113.8 times, and the yield was 1.13% of the total protein in the final step. It was shown to be a monomeric glycoprotein with a molecular mass of 38 938 Da, as determined by MALDI-TOF/MS. It exhibited hemagglutination activity and possessed strong N-glycosidase activity. The antimicrobial activity of Jc-SCRIP was tested against nine human pathogenic bacteria and one fungus; the most potent inhibitory activity was against Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, with minimum inhibitory concentration value of 0.20 μm. Jc-SCRIP demonstrated in vitro cytotoxicity against human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7), a colon adenocarcinoma (SW620), and a liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2), with IC50 values of 0.15, 0.25, and 0.40 mm, respectively. The results suggested that Jc-SCRIP may be a potential natural antimicrobial and anticancer agent in medical applications.

Synthesis, crystal structure, and in vitro antitumor activity of a novel tetranuclear Di-n-butyltin(IV)

A di-n-butyltin(IV) complex with (E)-3-(4-(9H-carbazole-9-yl)phenyl) acrylic acid (HL) of the formula {[n-Bu2SnOL]2O}2 was synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. This complex is a tetranuclear one with ladder framework. Furthermore, this complex was tested in vitro for its cytotoxic activity, using human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (BEL-7402) and human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2); 5-Fluorouracil was used as a positive control substance. This complex showed cytotoxicity greater than that of 5-Fluorouracil.

Hypericin-photodynamic therapy leads to interleukin-6 secretion by HepG2 cells and their apoptosis via recruitment of BH3 interacting-domain death agonist and caspases

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a capable therapeutic modality for the treatment of cancer. PDT is a targeted cancer therapy that reportedly leads to tumor cell apoptosis and/or necrosis by facilitating the secretion of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines and expression of multiple apoptotic mediators in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, PDT also triggers oxidative stress that directs tumor cell killing and activation of inflammatory responses. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the role of PDT in facilitating tumor cell apoptosis remain ambiguous. Here, we investigated the ability of PDT in association with hypericin (HY) to induce tumor cell apoptosis by facilitating the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and secretion of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines in human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2) cells. To discover if any apoptotic mediators were implicated in the enhancement of cell death of HY-PDT-treated tumor cells, selected gene profiling in response to HY-PDT treatment was implemented. Experimental results showed that interleukin (IL)-6 was significantly increased in all HY-PDT-treated cells, especially in 1 μg/ml HY-PDT, resulting in cell death. In addition, quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that the expression of apoptotic genes, such as BH3-interacting-domain death agonist (BID), cytochrome complex (CYT-C) and caspases (CASP3, 6, 7, 8 and 9) was remarkably higher in HY-PDT-treated HepG2 cells than the untreated HepG2 cells, entailing that tumor destruction of immune-mediated cell death occurs only in PDT-treated tumor cells. Hence, we showed that HY-PDT treatment induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells by facilitating cytotoxic ROS, and potentially recruits IL-6 and apoptosis mediators, providing additional hints for the existence of alternative mechanisms of anti-tumor immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma, which contribute to long-term suppression of tumor growth following PDT.

Oxidized eicosapentaenoic acids more potently reduce LXRα-induced cellular triacylglycerol via suppression of SREBP-1c, PGC-1β and GPA than its intact form

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), improve lipid metabolism and contribute to the prevention of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. However, EPA in the diet is easily oxidized at room temperature and several types of oxidized EPA (OEPA) derivatives are generated. To compare the efficiencies of OEPAs on lipid metabolism with EPA, human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2) was treated with EPA or OEPAs and their effects on lipid metabolism related genes were studied. OEPAs more potently suppressed the expression of sterol-responsive element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c, a major transcription factor that activates the expression of lipogenic genes, and its downstream target genes than did EPA under conditions of lipid synthesis enhanced by T0901317, a synthetic liver X receptor (LXR) agonist. Furthermore, PGC-1β, a coactivator of both LXRα and SREBP-1, was markedly down-regulated by OEPAs compared with EPA. The treatment of OEPAs also significantly down-regulated the expression of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPA), the initiating enzyme in triacylglycerol (TG) synthesis, more than EPA. Therefore, the advantageous effects of OEPAs on cardiovascular diseases might be due to their SREBP-1c, PGC-1β and GPA mediated ameliorating effects.

Gene Delivery with Active Targeting to Ovarian Cancer Cells Mediated by Folate Receptor α

Folate receptor alpha (FRalpha) is overexpressed on ovarian cancer cells and is a promising molecular target for ovarian cancer gene therapy, but there was still no related report. In this study, folate modified cationic liposomes (F-PEG-CLPs) for ovarian cancer gene delivery were developed for the first time. Folate-poly(ethylene glycol)-succinate-cholesterol (F-PEG-suc-Chol) was firstly synthesized and then used to prepare folate-targeted cationic liposomes/plasmid DNA complexes (F-targeted lipoplexes). F-targeted lipoplexes were prepared by post-insertion method, and displayed membrane structure by transmission electron microscopy observation with the diameter of 193 nm-200 nm and the zeta potential of 35 mV-38 mV. DNase degradation experiments showed that plasmid DNA could be effectively shielded by F-targeted lipoplexes in vitro. F-targeted lipoplexes could transfer gene into human ovarian carcinoma cell line SKOV-3, and 0.1% F-PEG-CLPs composed by DOTAP/Chol/mPEG-Chol/F-PEG-suc-Chol (50:45:5:0.1, molar ratio) had the highest transfection efficiency. The transfection activity of F-targeted lipoplexes could be competitively inhibited by free folic acid, demonstrating that folate-FRalpha interaction caused high transfection efficiency of F-targeted lipoplexes. The uptake mechanism of F-targeted lipoplexes was further validated on human oral carcinoma cell line KB and human liver carcinoma cell line HepG2. The concentration-dependent and time-dependent cytotoxicity of targeted material F-PEG-suc-Chol was observed by MTT assay on SKOV-3 cell and its application would not increase the cytotoxicity of F-targeted lipoplexes in SKOV-3 cells. All the data indicated that F-PEG-CLPs would be a promising gene vector targeting for ovarian cancer therapy.

Synthesis, Tautomeric Structures, and Antitumor Activity of New Perimidines

New series of perimidine derivatives and fused perimidines were derived from the reaction of ketene aminals 1 and 2 with diazotized anilines or hydrazonoyl chlorides. In addition, 8,10-disubstituted-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]perimidines (20a-m) were prepared through the reaction of perimidine-2-thione (15) with hydrazonoyl chlorides. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were established on the basis of spectral data and elemental analyses. Some products were investigated for their antitumor activities against the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and the liver carcinoma cell line HEPG-2, and the results of some derivatives showed promising activity.

Antitumor Activity and DNA-Binding Investigations of Isoeuxanthone and Its Piperidinyl Derivative

The binding mode and affinity of isoeuxanthone (1,6-dihydroxyxanthone) (1) and its piperidinyl derivative (1-hydroxy-6-(2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy)xanthone) (2) with calf thymus DNA were studied using absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and viscosity measurements. Results indicate that the two xanthones can intercalate into the DNA base pairs by the plane of xanthone ring and the binding affinity of the piperidinylethoxy substituted xanthone 2 is stronger than 1. In addition, the cytotoxic effects of both compounds were evaluated with the human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) and human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2) using acid phosphatase assay. Analyses show that the piperidinylethoxy substituted xanthone exhibits more effective cytotoxic activity than isoeuxanthone against the two cancer cells. The effects on the inhibition of tumor cells in vitro agree with the studies of DNA-binding.

Genotoxic evaluation of the antimalarial drugs artemisinin and artesunate in human HepG2 cells and effects on CASP3 and SOD1 gene expressions

The malaria treatment recommended by the World Health Organization involves medicines derived from artemisinin, an active compound extracted from the plant Artemisia annua, and some of its derivatives, such as artesunate. Considering the lack of data regarding the genotoxic effects of these compounds in human cells, the objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, and expressions of the CASP3 and SOD1 genes in a cultured human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2 cells) treated with artemisinin and artesunate. We tested concentrations of 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, and 20 μg/mL of both substances with a resazurin cytotoxicity assay, and the concentrations used in the genotoxicity experiments (2.5, 5, and 10 μg/mL) and gene expression analysis (5 μg/mL) were determined. The results of the comet assay in cells treated with artemisinin and artesunate showed a significant dose-dependent increase (P < 0.001) in the number of cells with DNA damage at all concentrations tested. However, the gene expression analysis revealed no significant change in expression of CASP3 or SOD1. Our data showed that although artemisinin and artesunate exhibited genotoxic effects in cultured HepG2 cells, they did not significantly alter expression of the CASP3 and SOD1 genes at the doses tested.

Spectroscopic studies and biological activity of some transition metal complexes of unusual Schiff base

Unusual Schiff base ligand, 4-ethanimidoyl-6-[(1E)-N-(2-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl)ethanimidoyl]benzene-1,3-diol, L, was synthesized via catalytic process involving the interaction of some metal ions with a macrocyclic Schiff base (MSB). The transition metal derivatives [ML(H2O)4](NO3)3, M=Cr(III) and Fe(III), [NiL(H2O)4](NO3)2, [ML(H2O)2](NO3)2, M=Zn(II) and Cd(II), [Cl2Pd(μ-Cl)2PdL], [PtL(Cl)2] and [PtL(Cl)4] were also synthesized from the corresponding metal species with L. The Schiff bases and complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structure of L was determined by X-ray analysis. The spectroscopic studies revealed a variety of structure arrangements for the complexes. The biological activities of L and metal complexes against the Escherchia coli as Gram-negative bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus as Gram-positive bacteria, and the two fungus Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans were screened. The cytotoxicity of [PtL(Cl)2] complex, a cis-platin analogous, was checked as an antitumor agent on two breast cancer cell lines (MCF7 and T47D) and human liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2).

Comparative evaluation of in-vitro cytotoxicity, antiviral and antioxidant activities of different soyasapogenols from soybean saponin

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate comparative and structure–activity relationships of in-vitro cytotoxicity, antiviral and antioxidant activities of soyasapogenols A, B, D and F (SSA, SSB, SSD and SSF) together against the total soyasaponin extract (TSSE) itself. Methods The cytotoxicity of soyasapogenols and TSSE against human colon carcinoma cell line (HCT-116), liver carcinoma cell line (Hep-G2), human breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7) and normal human melanocytes (HFB-4) cell lines was assessed using sulforhodamine B assay. Their antiviral activities were investigated against Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), hepatitis C virus model (vesicular stomatitis virus, VSV), and hepatitis A virus (HAV). The antioxidant activity of soyasapogenols and TSSE was assessed using a stable DPPH free radical. Results and conclusion The results obtained showed that both TSSE and soyasapogenols have a potent cytotoxic effect on Hep-G2, HCT-116, MCF-7 and HBF-4 cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner. SSA and SSF showed the highest cytotoxic activities against tested cell lines. Analysis of the three-dimensional structure of the measured soyasapogenols indicated that if the β-hydroxyl group at C-21 or C-22 was aligned with the plane of the molecule, a marked increase in the cytotoxic activity of the soyasapogenol was produced. Their antiviral activities against RVFV, VSV and HAV showed significant inhibition activities compared with both TSSE and interferon. SSB showed the best activity against RVFV and HAV, whereas SSA was the best inhibitor against VSV. It was concluded that the hydroxylation at C-21 as well as the presence of a double bond in ring D might enhance anti-VSV activity, whereas they may not be essential for anti-RVFV and anti-HAV activities. On the other hand, the tested soyasapogenols and TSSE did not show good antioxidant activities.

3-Amino-8-hydroxy-4-imino-6-methyl-5-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-3H-chromeno [2,3-d ]pyrimidine: An Effecient Key Precursor for Novel Synthesis of Some Interesting Triazines and Triazepines as Potential Anti-Tumor Agents

A number of interesting heterocycles were prepared through interaction of the intermediate 3-amino-8-hydroxy-4-imino-6-methyl-5-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-3H-chromeno-[2,3-d]pyrimidine (1) and reagents such as hydrazonyl halides 2 to furnish triazine derivatives 4a–l. Reaction of 1 with phenacyl bromide afforded compound 5. Moreover, the title compound 1 was subjected to condensation with active methylene compounds (ethyl acetoacetate and ethyl benzoylacetate) to give triazipinones 8a,b. The condensation with aromatic aldehydes afforded either the triazole derivatives 10a–d or Schiff base 11. In addition, the behaviour of compound 1 towards activated unsaturated compounds namely dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate and ethoxymethylenemalonitrile was studied and it was found to furnish the triazine 13 and triazepine derivative 15, respectively. Combination of title compound 1 with chlorinated active methylene compounds delivered the triazine derivatives 18a–c. Reaction of 1 with chloroacetonitrile furnished compound 20. The structures of the products were elucidated based on their microanalyses and spectroscopic data. Finally, the antitumor activity of the new compounds 4a and 8a against human breast cell MCF-7 line and liver carcinoma cell line HepG2 were recorded.

Synthesis, crystal structure and in vitro antitumor activity of a novel organotin(IV) complex with 9-hexyl-9H-carbazole-3-carboxylic acid

9-Hexyl-9H-carbazole-3-carboxylic acid (LCOOH) and its complex with Ph3Sn(OH), [Ph3SnO2CL] (I), were synthesized. The structure of complex I was solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction determination, indicating that I shows the discrete framework. Furthermore, this complex was tested in vitro for its cytotoxic activity, using human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (BEL-7402) and human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2); 5-fluorouracil was used as a positive control substance. This complex showed cytotoxicity greater than that of 5-fluorouracil.

Quinazoline–tyrphostin as a new class of antitumor agents, molecular properties prediction, synthesis and biological testing

A new series of substituted quinazolin-4-(3H)-one-tyrphostin derivatives was prepared and screened for their cytotoxic activity against three tumor cell lines, namely human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) and human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2) using the colorimetric MTT assay. Among the current series, 10 compounds exhibited remarkable in vitro antiproliferative activity against the three tested cell lines with the IC50 values ranging from 0.009 to 0.015 mM. All the compounds showed suitable drug like characteristics according to Lipinski's rule.

Investigation on the transcription factors of porcine 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase genes

The enzymes 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17βHSD) regulate the steroid metabolism in mammals. In this study, we aimed to characterize the steroid related transcription factors at the 5′ flanking region of these two genes. A series of 5′ deletions of approximately 1kb of 5′-flanking region on both genes were fused to a pGL3 basic vector containing firefly luciferase cDNA, and then transfected to human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2). Luciferase activity assay indicated the region from −574 to −617bp of the 3βHSD1 promoter, and from −850 to −868bp of 17βHSD7 promoter induced the highest luciferase activity. A putative transcription factor, i.e. the proline and acidic amino acid-rich basic leucine zipper (PAR/bZIP) family of 3βHSD1 gene, and three-amino acid loop extension (TALE) homeodomain class of 17βHSD7 were identified respectively by sequence homology. Gel shift assay further confirmed the binding capacity of the putative elements to nuclear extract. Our study gives new insights to the transcriptional regulation of 3βHSD1 and 17βHSD7 and further hints to their involvement in steroid metabolism.