Quantitative RT-PCR Method Research Articles

High-Throughput Sequencing Reveals Hypothalamic MicroRNAs as Novel Partners Involved in Timing the Rapid Development of Chicken (Gallus gallus) Gonads.

Onset of the rapid gonad growth is a milestone in sexual development that comprises many genes and regulatory factors. The observations in model organisms and mammals including humans have shown a potential link between miRNAs and development timing. To determine whether miRNAs play roles in this process in the chicken (Gallus gallus), the Solexa deep sequencing was performed to analyze the profiles of miRNA expression in the hypothalamus of hens from two different pubertal stages, before onset of the rapid gonad development (BO) and after onset of the rapid gonad development (AO). 374 conserved and 46 novel miRNAs were identified as hypothalamus-expressed miRNAs in the chicken. 144 conserved miRNAs were showed to be differentially expressed (reads > 10, P < 0.05) during the transition from BO to AO. Five differentially expressed miRNAs were validated by real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) method. 2013 putative genes were predicted as the targets of the 15 most differentially expressed miRNAs (fold-change > 4.0, P < 0.01). Of these genes, 7 putative circadian clock genes, Per2, Bmal1/2, Clock, Cry1/2, and Star were found to be targeted multiple times by the miRNAs. qRT-PCR revealed the basic transcription levels of these clock genes were much higher (P < 0.01) in AO than in BO. Further functional analysis suggested that these 15 miRNAs play important roles in transcriptional regulation and signal transduction pathways. The results provide new insights into miRNAs functions in timing the rapid development of chicken gonads. Considering the characteristics of miRNA functional conservation, the results will contribute to the research on puberty onset in humans.

Tectorigenin regulates adipogenic differentiation and adipocytokines secretion via PPARγ and IKK/NF-κB signaling

Context: Obesity is associated with a number of diseases with metabolic abnormalities such as type 2 diabetes (T2D).Objective: We investigate the effects of tectorigenin on 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation and adipocytokines secretion.Materials and methods: The effects of tectorigenin on adipocyte differentiation were studied using Oil Red O staining. Effects of tectorigenin on adipogenesis-related genes expression and adipocytokines secretion were measured by the real-time quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA method, respectively. Reporter gene assays were performed to determine the PPARγ and NF-κB transactivation. We also used [3H]-2-deoxy-d-glucose to study the glucose uptake, and the IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway was assessed by western blot analysis. HFD/STZ rats were used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacies of tectorigenin.Results: Tectorigenin 10, 25, 50, and 75 μM inhibited 3T3-L1 adipogenesis and related genes transcription. TNF-α-induced changes of IL-6, MCP-1, as well as adiponectin in 3T3-L1 were markedly reversed by tectorigenin at 75 μM. Further investigation using reporter gene revealed that tectorigenin was a partial PPARγ agonist with an IC50 value of 13.3 μM. Tectorigenin improved basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Moreover, tectorigenin antagonized TNF-α-induced NF-κB transactivation and p65 nuclear translocation. Although tectorigenin (50 and 100 mg/kg) displayed the ability to promote insulin sensitivity and improve glucose metabolism in HFD/STZ rats, it did not cause significant side effects such as body weight gain, fluid retention, or cardiac hypertrophy.Discussion and conclusion: These results suggest that tectorigenin may ameliorate hyperglycemia by blocking preadipocyte differentiation and adipocytokines secretion in which PPARγ and NF-κB signaling pathways were involved.

The effect of myostatin on proliferation and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.

Myostatin is a critical negative regulator of skeletal muscle development, and has been reported to be involved in the progression of obesity and diabetes. In the present study, we explored the effects of myostatin on the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl] 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide spectrophotometry, intracellular triglyceride (TG) assays, and real-time quantitative RT-PCR methods. The results indicated that recombinant myostatin significantly promoted the proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and the expression of proliferation-related genes, including Cyclin B2, Cyclin D1, Cyclin E1, Pcna, and c-Myc, and IGF1 levels in the medium of 3T3-L1 were notably upregulated by 35.2, 30.5, 20.5, 33.4, 51.2, and 179% respectively (all P<0.01) in myostatin-treated 3T3-L1 cells. Meanwhile, the intracellular lipid content of myostatin-treated cells was notably reduced as compared with the non-treated cells. Additionally, the mRNA levels of Pparγ, Cebpα, Gpdh, Dgat, Acs1, Atgl, and Hsl were significantly downregulated by 22-76% in fully differentiated myostatin-treated adipocytes. Finally, myostatin regulated the mRNA levels and secretion of adipokines, including Adiponectin, Resistin, Visfatin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes (all P<0.001). Above all, myostatin promoted 3T3-L1 proliferation by increasing the expression of cell-proliferation-related genes and by stimulating IGF1 secretion. Myostatin inhibited 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation by suppressing Pparγ and Cebpα expression, which consequently deceased lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells by inhibiting the expression of critical lipogenic enzymes and by promoting the expression of lipolytic enzymes. Finally, myostatin modulated the expression and secretion of adipokines in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV activity is correlated with colorectal cancer prognosis.

BackgroundDipeptidyl-peptidase IV (EC 3.4.14.5) (DPPIV) is a serine peptidase involved in cell differentiation, adhesion, immune modulation and apoptosis, functions that control neoplastic transformation. Previous studies have demonstrated altered expression and activity of tissue and circulating DPPIV in several cancers and proposed its potential usefulness for early diagnosis in colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods and principal findingsThe activity and mRNA and protein expression of DPPIV was prospectively analyzed in adenocarcinomas, adenomas, uninvolved colorectal mucosa and plasma from 116 CRC patients by fluorimetric, quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical methods. Results were correlated with the most important classic pathological data related to aggressiveness and with 5-year survival rates. Results showed that: 1) mRNA levels and activity of DPPIV increased in colorectal neoplasms (Kruskal-Wallis test, p<0.01); 2) Both adenomas and CRCs displayed positive cytoplasmic immunostaining with luminal membrane reinforcement; 3) Plasmatic DPPIV activity was lower in CRC patients than in healthy subjects (Mann-U test, p<0.01); 4) Plasmatic DPPIV activity was associated with worse overall and disease-free survivals (log-rank p<0.01, Cox analysis p<0.01).Conclusion/significance1) Up-regulation of DPPIV in colorectal tumors suggests a role for this enzyme in the neoplastic transformation of colorectal tissues. This finding opens the possibility for new therapeutic targets in these patients. 2) Plasmatic DPPIV is an independent prognostic factor in survival of CRC patients. The determination of DPPIV activity levels in the plasma may be a safe, minimally invasive and inexpensive way to define the aggressiveness of CRC in daily practice.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HYSA) inhibited the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), a main component of safflor yellow, has been demonstrated to prevent steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head by inhibiting primary bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells adipogenic differentiation induced by steroid. In this study, we investigate the effect of HSYA on the proliferation and adipogenesis of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The effects of HSYA on proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells and its possible mechanism were studied by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide spectrophotometry, Oil Red O staining, intracellular triglyceride assays, real-time quantitative RT-PCR, transient transfection and dual luciferase reporter gene methods. HSYA inhibited the proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and cell viability greatly decreased in a dose and time dependent manner. HSYA (1mg/l) notably reduced the amount of intracellular lipid and triglyceride content in adipocytes by 21.3% (2.13±0.36 vs 2.71±0.40, P<0.01) and 22.6% (1.33±0.07 vs 1.72±0.07, P<0.01) on days 8 following the differentiation, respectively. HSYA (1mg/l) significantly increased hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) mRNA expression and promoter activities by 2.4- and 1.55-fold, respectively (P<0.01), in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. HSYA inhibits the proliferation and adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The inhibitory action of HYSA on adipogenesis may be due to the promotion of lipolytic-specific enzyme HSL expression by increasing HSL promoter activity.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the lipopolysaccharide and β-1,3-glucan binding protein from red claw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus

Abstract A pattern recognition protein (PRP), lipopolysaccharide and β-1,3-glucan binding protein (LGBP), cDNA was cloned from the hemocytes of red claw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus by the techniques of homology cloning and RACE. Analysis of nucleotide sequence revealed that the full-length cDNA of 1456 bp has an open reading frame of 1095 bp encoding a protein of 364 amino acids including a 15 amino acid signal peptide. The calculated molecular mass of the mature protein (349 aa) was 39.92 kDa with an estimated pI of 4.50. Sequence comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of C. quadricarinatus LGBP (named as CqLGBP) showed a high identity of 82%, 77%, 76% and 74% with Procambarus clarkii LGBP, Homarus gammanus BGBP, Penaeus monodon BGBP and Litopenaeus stylirostlis LGBP, respectively. The CqLGBP sequence contains: (1) two putative integrin-binding motifs, (2) a glucanase motif, (3) two putative N-glycosylation sites, (4) one protein kinase C phosphorylation site, and (5) a putative recognition motif for β-1,3-linkage of polysaccharides. The recombinant CqLGBP were expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 with pGEX-6P-2 expression vector. The titer of rabbit anti-CqLGBP serum was above 1:12,800. Microorganism binding assay showed CqLGBP binds two kinds of crustacean pathogens Spiroplasma eriocheiris and Aeromonas hydrophila. Quantitative RT-PCR method was used to quantify the variation of mRNA transcription level during artificial infection with S. eriocheiris and A. hydrophila. A significant enhancement of CqLGBP transcriptions was apparent post-injection in response to bacterial infection compared to the control group. These data should be helpful to better understand the function of CqLGBP in the crayfish immune system.

Kallikrein-related peptidase 13: an independent indicator of favorable prognosis for patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer.

The KLK13 gene is dysregulated in several carcinomas, and its expression levels seem to be associated with disease prognosis. The aim of our study was to investigate the prognostic potential of KLK13 mRNA expression for patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Total RNA was isolated from cancerous and normal tissues from a cohort of 128 NSCLC patients. The KLK13 mRNA transcription levels were measured using a sensitive quantitative RT-PCR method. The results were normalized by dividing the KLK13 mRNA values with the geometric mean of mRNA expression from four reference genes: beta-actin, TATA-binding protein, hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1, and acidic ribosomal phosphoprotein P0. The malignant tissues from the majority of patients (59.3 %) contained significantly more KLK13 mRNA transcripts than did the paired nonmalignant tissues (median difference 11.1-fold, P = 0.008). KLK13 was expressed at higher levels in females than that in males (P = 0.021). No other statistically significant association with clinicopathological data was observed. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses demonstrated that patients with KLK13-positive tumors survived significantly longer than those with KLK13-negative ones (P = 0.009). KLK13 expression was also shown to be able to stratify high-risk individuals among patients with early disease stages (P = 0.030). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that KLK13 expression is a favorable, independent prognostic indicator of overall survival (OS) (P = 0.024). Our results suggest that KLK13 mRNA expression constitutes a novel biomarker for the prediction of overall survival in NSCLC and that its quantitative assessment in tumor tissues can aid in treatment decision making.

HIF-1 alpha expression as a predictor of bevacizumab efficacy in metastatic colorectal cancer.

601 Background: Assome controversies exist regarding the efficacy of bevacizumab (B) for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), novel predictive biomarkers are needed to improve patient selection and optimize the use of this agent. We analyzed the potential usefulness of five circulating biomarkers as predictors of B efficacy and in monitoring the disease. Methods: Peripheral blood samples collected at different times (baseline, first clinical evaluation and disease progression) were available for 62 of the 376 patients enrolled in the prospective multicentric ITACa trial (NCT01878422) and randomized to receive FOLFOX4/FOLFIRI (CT) with or without B. Thirty-one of the 62 patients received CT plus B and31 received CT only (control group). All patients were evaluated for response according to RECIST criteria. mRNA was isolated and used for gene expression analysis of HIF-1α, COX2, VEGF-A, EPHB4 and eNOS by a quantitative RT-PCR method. Baseline expression levels of the markers and their modulation during therapy were correlated with objective response (OR) (median test), progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (Cox proportional hazards model). Potential predictive markers were identified using a treatment-by-marker interaction term in the Cox model. Results: Non-responders (stable and progressive disease) had a median baseline HIF-1α expression significantly higher than responders (complete and partial response) (1.70 vs. 0.94; IQR 1.05-2.32 vs. 0.70-1.12) (p=0.016) in the B-treated group only. In univariate analysis, the high HIF-1α levels of this group were significantly associated with a shorter PFS (HR=1.96, 95% CI 1.17-3.30) (p=0.011) but not with OS. The HIF-1α-treatment interaction was p=0.088. No significant association was found between the other 4 genes and OR, PFS or OS. The results obtained on the modulation of gene expression during treatment are currently being analyzed. Conclusions: Our preliminary datasuggest that high pre-treatment HIF-1α expression levels could represent a predictive biomarker of resistance to bevacizumab. Partially funded by Roche S.p.A. and the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA).

The Major Cytochrome P450 Subtype Activities in Diet-Induced Non- Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Mouse Model

Objective: Non-Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis (NASH) is now recognized as a global liver disease. Medication combined with diet and exercise regimen is used to treat NASH, because NASH is associated with metabolic syndrome, such as insulin resistance or dyslipidemia. However, it currently remains unclear whether NASH affects the metabolic power and activity in the liver especially for hypo-cholesterolemic drugs. To address this issue, we measured major Cytochrome P450 (CYP) subtype activities in mice with diet-induced NASH. Methods: C57BL/6J mice (male, 8 weeks of age) were fed a High-Fat and High-Cholesterol (HFHC) diet or normal chow diet (control) ad libitum for 12 weeks. Plasma lipid levels and hepatic lipid contents were then measured. The mRNA expression levels of the CYP subtypes and inflammatory cytokines in the liver were assessed using quantitative RT-PCR methods. Liver microsomal CYP activities were evaluated by luminogenic CYP assays. Results: Body weight was significantly lower and the liver weight was higher in HFHC-fed mice than in control mice. Plasma levels of AST, ALT, and ALP were higher in HFHC-fed mice. Oil red O staining and the evaluation of hepatic lipid contents revealed the accumulation of lipids in the liver of HFHC-fed mice. Furthermore, increased inflammatory cytokine (ex. IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) mRNA expression in the liver and a pathological analysis confirmed the characteristics of NASH in HFHC-fed mice. CYP1A1, 1A2, and 3A activities were higher in HFHC-fed mice than in control, which were coincident with mRNA expression levels in the liver. However, CYP2C activity was significantly lower, even though CYP2C29 mRNA expression was higher in HFHC-fed mice than in control mice. Conclusion: These results indicated that major CYP subtypes activities in the liver were influenced in NASH mice model. It could be occurred in human, and physicians need to consider the administration of appropriate medication to patients with NASH.

Altered Activity and Expression of Cytosolic Peptidases in Colorectal Cancer

Background and Objective: The role of peptidases in carcinogenic processes and their potential usefulness as tumor markers in colorectal cancer (CRC) have been classically attributed to cell-surface enzymes. The objective of the present study was to analyze the activity and mRNA expression of three cytosolic peptidases in the CRC and to correlate the obtained results with classic histopathological parameters for tumor prognosis and survival.Methods: The activity and mRNA levels of puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase (PSA), aminopeptidase B (APB) and pyroglutamyl-peptidase I (PGI) were measured by fluorimetric and quantitative RT-PCR methods in colorectal mucosa and tumor tissues and plasma samples from CRC patients (n=81).Results: 1) PSA and APB activity was higher in adenomas and carcinomas than in the uninvolved mucosa. 2) mRNA levels of PSA and PGI was lower in tumors. 3) PGI activity in CRC tissue correlated negatively with histological grade, tumor size and 5-year overall suvival of CRC patients. 4) Higher plasmatic APB activity was independently associated with better 5-year overall survival.Conclusions: Data suggest that cytosolic peptidases may be involved in colorectal carcinogenesis and point to the determination of this enzymes as a valuable method in the determination of CRC prognosis.

Decreased expression and aberrant methylation of RASSF5A correlates with malignant progression of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma.

Due to alternative splicing and differential promoter usage, RASSF5 exists in at least three isoforms, RASSF5A, RASSF5B, and RASSF5C. Expression and epigenetic inactivation of different transcripts of RASSF5 in gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA) progression have not been evaluated. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods were used respectively to detect the role of RASSF5A, RASSF5B, and RASSF5C in 132 GCA cases and BS-MSP method was used to clarify the critical CpG sites of RASSF5A. Expression of RASSF5A and RASSF5C transcripts were easily detectable in all normal gastric cardia epithelial tissues; however, expression of RASSF5B was rare detected in normal gastric cardia epithelial tissues and tumor tissues. Both RASSF5A and RASSF5C expression were frequently downregulated in GCA tumor tissues and RASSF5A was more commonly down-regulated compared to RASSF5C. Abnormal reduction of RASSF5A was more commonly observed in advanced stage and poor differentiated tumors. The methylation frequency of CpG island 1 region of RASSF5A in GCA tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in corresponding normal tissues and was inversely correlated with RASSF5A expression. Aberrant promoter methylation of RASSF5C was not found in GCA. RASSF5A methylation and protein expression were independently associated with GCA patients' survival. These results indicate that down-regulation of RASSF5A and RASSF5C expression is a tumor-specific phenomenon and RASSF5A may be a more common target for inactivation in GCA. Inactivation of RASSF5A through CpG island 1 methylation may play an important role in GCA carcinogenesis and may serve as a prognostic biomarker for GCA.

Role of G-protein-coupled Receptor-related Genes in Insecticide Resistance of the Mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus

G-protein-coupled receptors regulate signal transduction pathways and play diverse and pivotal roles in the physiology of insects, however, the precise function of GPCRs in insecticide resistance remains unclear. Using quantitative RT-PCR and functional genomic methods, we, for the first time, explored the function of GPCRs and GPCR-related genes in insecticide resistance of mosquitoes, Culex quinquefasciatus. A comparison of the expression of 115 GPCR-related genes at a whole genome level between resistant and susceptible Culex mosquitoes identified one and three GPCR-related genes that were up-regulated in highly resistant Culex mosquito strains, HAmCqG8 and MAmCqG6, respectively. To characterize the function of these up-regulated GPCR-related genes in resistance, the up-regulated GPCR-related genes were knockdown in HAmCqG8 and MAmCqG6 using RNAi technique. Knockdown of these four GPCR-related genes not only decreased resistance of the mosquitoes to permethrin but also repressed the expression of four insecticide resistance-related P450 genes, suggesting the role of GPCR-related genes in resistance is involved in the regulation of resistance P450 gene expression. This results help in understanding of molecular regulation of resistance development in Cx. quinquefasciatus.

Activation of BmGSTd1 promoter and regulation by transcription factor Krüppel (Kr) in silkworm, Bombyx mori

The Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a large family of multifunctional enzymes, many of which play an important role in the detoxification of endogenous and exogenous toxic substances. In this research, firstly, we measured the rutin-induced transcriptional level of BmGSTd1 gene by using real-time quantitative RT-PCR method and dual spike-in strategy. The activities of the BmGSTd1 promoter in various tissues of silkworm were measured by firefly luciferase activity and normalized by the Renilla luciferase activity. Results showed that the activity of the BmGSTd1 promoter were highest in Malpighian tubule, followed by fat body, silk gland, hemocyte, epidermis, and midgut. The essential region for basal and rutin-induced transcriptional activity was −1573 to −931bp in Malpighian tubule and fat body of silkworm. Promoter truncation analysis using a dual-luciferase reporter assay in BmN cells showed that the region −1288 to −1202bp for BmGSTd1 gene was essential for basal and rutin-induced transcriptional activity. Sequence analysis of this region revealed several potential transcriptional regulatory elements such as Bcd and Kr. The mutation of core base of Kr site demonstrated that Kr functioned positively in rutin-mediated BmGSTd1 transcription.

Up-regulation of urinary-type plasminogen activator correlates with high-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma with BRAFV600E mutation and its possible molecular mechanism

The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between urinary-type plasminogen activator (uPA) expression and clinicopathological features in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and to determine the signal transduction of PTC cells in vitro.PTC tissues from 42 patients were analyzed for the expression of uPA and the BRAFV600E mutation. BCPAP, a PTC cell line harboring the BRAFV600E mutation, was used to study MAPK signaling. PCR and direct sequencing were applied to analyze BRAFV600E mutation status. uPA mRNA expression was measured using a quantitative RT-PCR method, and uPA protein was localized using an immunohistochemical method. The ERK protein status was detected by Western blot analysis.uPA gene expression was significantly increased in PTC tissues as compared to the corresponding non-tumor tissues. Furthermore, the up-regulation of uPA mRNAs was correlated with high-risk clinicopathological features, including extrathyroid invasion, loss of cellular polarity/cohesiveness, and the BRAFV600E mutation. Marked dephosphorylation of ERK1/2 and down-regulation of uPA expression were detected when BCPAP was treated with a MEK inhibitor, U0126.MEK inhibitors might be a potential treatment strategy for aggressive PTC with BRAFV600E through inhibition of uPA expression.

Characterization of anti-inflammatory responses of norepinephrine in hepatitis induced by LPS: Effects on expression of IL-6, TNF-α and iNOS in liver of mice

Under septic conditions, Kupffer cells produce pro-inflammatory mediators which contribute to hepatic dysfunction, and whose levels can be modulated by endogenous factors including neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine (NE). We investigated the ability of NE to suppress Kupffer cell activation, in particular its effects on induction and activity of the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (NOSII), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). In the present study used twenty one male NMRI mice (25 ± 5 g) that they divided into tree groups (n = 7). Negative control (normal saline), positive control (LPS), NE (∼100 nM) is injected through the mouse tail vein 30 minutes before inducts inflammation by LPS (5 mg/kg for intraperitoneal). Changes in the levels of expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and iNOS genes in the liver induced by LPS injection for two hours studied by a semi quantitative RT-PCR method. The results showed that administration of LPS increased hepatic TNF-α, IL-6 and iNOS mRNAs. NE (∼100 nM) reduces TNF-α, IL-6 and iNOS mRNA levels two hours after the injection. The most important have remarked effect norepinephrine in reducing iNOS; on the other hand, NE has a better influence on iNOS in liver tissue. These results indicate that high concentration of NE effectively suppress LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-6 and iNOS expression from liver tissue, suggesting that the down regulatory effect of NE on pro-inflammatory cytokine may represent a mechanism responsible for their beneficial effects in preventing inflammatory responses and tissue damage in sepsis.

Detection of Almond Allergen Coding Sequences in Processed Foods by Real Time PCR

The aim of this work was to develop and analytically validate a quantitative RT-PCR method, using novel primer sets designed on Pru du 1, Pru du 3, Pru du 4, and Pru du 6 allergen-coding sequences, and contrast the sensitivity and specificity of these probes. The temperature and/or pressure processing influence on the ability to detect these almond allergen targets was also analyzed. All primers allowed a specific and accurate amplification of these sequences. The specificity was assessed by amplifying DNA from almond, different Prunus species and other common plant food ingredients. The detection limit was 1 ppm in unprocessed almond kernels. The method's robustness and sensitivity were confirmed using spiked samples. Thermal treatment under pressure (autoclave) reduced yield and amplificability of almond DNA; however, high-hydrostatic pressure treatments did not produced such effects. Compared with ELISA assay outcomes, this RT-PCR showed higher sensitivity to detect almond traces in commercial foodstuffs.

Hapln1a Is Required for Connexin43-Dependent Growth and Patterning in the Regenerating Fin Skeleton

Cell–cell communication, facilitating the exchange of small metabolites, ions and second messengers, takes place via aqueous proteinaceous channels called gap junctions. Connexins (cx) are the subunits of a gap junction channel. Mutations in zebrafish cx43 produces the short fin (sof b123) phenotype and is characterized by short fins due to reduced segment length of the bony fin rays and reduced cell proliferation. Previously established results from our lab demonstrate that Cx43 plays a dual role regulating both cell proliferation (growth) and joint formation (patterning) during the process of skeletal morphogenesis. In this study, we show that Hapln1a (Hyaluronan and Proteoglycan Link Protein 1a) functions downstream of cx43. Hapln1a belongs to the family of link proteins that play an important role in stabilizing the ECM by linking the aggregates of hyaluronan and proteoglycans. We validated that hapln1a is expressed downstream of cx43 by in situ hybridization and quantitative RT-PCR methods. Moreover, in situ hybridization at different time points revealed that hapln1a expression peaks at 3 days post amputation. Expression of hapln1a is located in the medial mesenchyme and the in the lateral skeletal precursor cells. Furthermore, morpholino mediated knock-down of hapln1a resulted in reduced fin regenerate length, reduced bony segment length and reduced cell proliferation, recapitulating all the phenotypes of cx43 knock-down. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) levels are dramatically reduced in hapln1a knock-down fins, attesting the importance of Hapln1a in stabilizing the ECM. Attempts to place hapln1a in our previously defined cx43–sema3d pathway suggest that hapln1a functions in a parallel genetic pathway. Collectively, our data suggest that Cx43 mediates independent Sema3d and Hapln1a pathways in order to coordinate skeletal growth and patterning.

Hormone-sensitive lipase is involved in the action of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HYSA) inhibiting adipogenesis of 3T3-L1cells

BackgroundSafflor yellow A (SY) has been demonstrated to be beneficial to cardiovascular system. Our previous study showed that hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), a main component of SY, could increase peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ mRNA expression. In this study, we investigate the effect of HSYA on the proliferation and adipogenesis of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. MethodsThe proliferation and adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells treated with HSYA was studied by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) spectrophotometry, Oil Red O staining and intracellular triglyceride assay methods. HSL mRNA expression and promoter activity were studied by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, transient transfection and dual luciferase reporter gene methods. ResultsHSYA (0.1mg/L) significantly inhibited the proliferation of 3T3-L1 cells when compared with control cells in 8h. This effect was further enhanced with the extension time (24 to 96h) and an increase of concentration of HSYA (1–10mg/L). The maximal inhibitory action was observed at 0.1mg/L HSYA in 72h (86±11.8% vs. 100±4.1%, p<0.01). HSYA notably reduced the amount of intracellular lipid and triglyceride content in adipocytes to 85% (1mg/L) and 75% (100mg/L) on Day 4 following the differentiation, respectively, while increased HSL mRNA expression and promoter activities to 2.7 fold and 1.55 fold, respectively (p<0.01), in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. ConclusionsHSYA inhibits the proliferation and adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The inhibitory action of HYSA on adipogenesis may be due to the promotion of lipolytic-specific enzyme HSL expression by increasing HSL promoter activity.

Expression analysis and RNA interference of BmCarE-10 gene from Bombyx mori

Carboxylesterase (CarE) is a multifunctional superfamily, and it plays important roles in xenobiotic detoxification, pheromone degradation, neurogenesis and regulating development. In this research, firstly, we measured the rutin-induced transcriptional level of BmCarE-10 gene by using real-time quantitative RT-PCR method, and dual spike-in strategy. Several possible physiological functions were certified preliminarily by RNAi experiments in silkworm. Promoter truncation analysis using a dual-luciferase reporter assay in Bombyx mori ovary cells (BmN) showed that the region -705 to -625 for BmCarE-10 gene was essential for basal and rutin-induced transcriptional activity. Sequence analysis of this region revealed several potential transcriptional regulatory elements such as Croc and Dfd. The activities of the BmCarE-10 promoter in various tissues of silkworm were also measured by firefly luciferase activity and normalized by the Renilla luciferase activity. Results showed that the activity of the BmCarE-10 promoter were highest in the Malpighian tubule, followed by fat body, silk gland, midgut, epidermis, and hemocyte. The essential region for basal and rutin-induced transcriptional activity was also -894 to -502 in Malpighian tubule and fat body of silkworm. The potential core promoters of BmCarE-10 gene in B. mori are reported for the first time in this research. Further identification of cis- and trans-elements and their role in upregulation of BmCarE-10 gene may be useful for elucidating the contribution of CarE protein to the response mechanism to rutin.

Chlamydia trachomatis promotes 3T3 cell differentiation into adipocytes.

There is experimental and clinical evidence showing that some viral and bacterial pathogens are linked to the accumulation of excessive body fat and obesity. The aim of the study was to investigate the ability of C. trachomatis to propagate in the pre-adipocyte cell line and induce its differentiation into fat cells. 3T3 L1 pre-adipocytes or McCoy cells were plated and infected with C. trachomatis. The cell monolayers were further studied by immunofluorescent and quantitative RT-PCR methods. C. trachomatis can efficiently propagate in 3T3 L1 cells, a mouse pre-adipocyte cell line. The morphological characteristics of chlamydial growth revealed in 3T3 L1 cells with the monoclonal chlamydial MOMP-specific antibody resembled those seen in McCoy cells, a classic cell line used for chlamydial research. The number of chlamydial 16S rRNA copies detectable in the lysates of McCoy and 3T3 cells infected with C. trachomatis was almost identical, suggesting similar efficiency of pathogen propagation in both cell lines. Moreover, there was a significant increase in aP2 mRNA transcript levels as well as moderate induction of SCD-1 mRNA in the total RNA extracted from the infected 3T3 L1 cells 48 h following the pathogen inoculation. The increased expression of the adipogenic markers was also accompanied by lipid droplet accumulation in the C. trachomatis infected 3T3 L1 cells, suggesting their transformation into differentiated adipocytes. The direct effect of the pathogen on fat cell progenitors observed in this work may explain abnormal fat deposition at the sites of chronic inflammation caused by C. trachomatis.