苹果MLP家族基因鉴定及非生物胁迫响应分析

在苹果中鉴定了13个Major Latex Protein(MLP)家族基因Md MLP。序列比对及构建蛋白同源模型发现,Md MLP蛋白含有Bet_v_1典型的Gly-rich loop区域结构,且为MLP家族特有的Gxxxxx G结构。经多物种MLP系统发育及共线性比较分析,Md MLP与其他蔷薇科物种MLP具有相似基因结构和蛋白质保守结构域。q RT-PCR分析表明,Md MLP在‘新疆1号’苹果14个器官组织中均有不同程度的表达,对ABA、Na Cl、PEG、低温(4℃)和高温(40℃)有一定响应,且同一亚族基因表达情况呈现相似趋势。String构建蛋白互作网络发现,Md MLP可能通过与PRSP、SNRK1/2、b HLH等应激、ABA相关转录蛋白互作,参与苹果对非生物胁迫的防御。     

苹果黄酮醇合成酶基因MdFLS1的克隆、生物信息学分析及催化活性鉴定

【目的】在‘嘎拉’苹果中克隆黄酮醇合成酶基因Md FLS1全长,对其进行生物信息学分析,研究其表达特点和催化活性。【方法】利用RT-PCR和PCR克隆Md FLS1的全长,测序后运用多种生物信息学手段对其序列进行分析,运用q RT-PCR的方法研究其表达模式,原核诱导获得Md FLS1蛋白,并利用高效液相色谱鉴定其催化活性。【结果】苹果Md FLS1基因包含1 014 bp完整的开放阅读框,编码337个氨基酸,理论等电点为5.48,预测分子质量为38.12 ku。苹果Md FLS1基因定位于基因组8号染色体上,属于α-酮戊二酸依赖性双加酶家族。系统进化树分析表明,FLS在不同物种间具有高度的氨基酸序列保守性;其中,苹果Md FLS1与甜樱桃Pa FLS亲缘关系最近。苹果Md FLS1蛋白整体表现为亲水性,α-螺旋和不规则卷曲是其最大的结构元件。分析苹果Md FLS1氨基酸序列发现其不含信号肽和转运肽,没有跨膜结构域,预测其定位于细胞质中。分析Md FLS1的启动子区域发现含有激素信号、生物和非生物胁迫响应顺式作用元件。Md FLS1在苹果不同组织中都有表达,在叶中表达量最高,在茎中表达量较低。原核诱导并纯化了MdFLS1蛋白,鉴定了Md FLS1的催化活性。【结论】Md FLS1的表达明显受高盐胁迫、低温、干旱和ABA的诱导,并且具有催化活性。     

苹果MdDRB1的表达与功能分析

以‘嘎拉’苹果(Malus×domestica‘Royal Gala’)为试材,扩增Md DRB1基因,分析其序列结构,同时原核诱导Md DRB1蛋白并观察其亚细胞定位。利用q RT-PCR检测Md DRB1在非生物胁迫下的表达量,通过遗传转化苹果苗鉴定Md DRB1在非生物胁迫中的功能。基因结构分析显示,Md DRB1具有2个内含子和3个外显子。亚细胞定位显示,Md DRB1主要定位于细胞核,少数定位在细胞质。原核诱导结果显示,Md DRB1融合蛋白以包涵体的形式存在。同时发现Md DRB1反义转基因愈伤中与抗性相关的mi RNA的表达水平上调。在PEG、ABA、盐和低温处理的材料中Md DRB1的表达水平明显上调。另外,Md DRB1过量表达明显提高了转基因苹果组培苗的抗性。推测Md DRB1在抗逆胁迫响应中有重要作用。     

苹果MdCYP707A家族基因表达分析和MdCYP707A1的功能鉴定

对苹果Md CYP707A家族4个成员的蛋白序列进行比对,并进行保守结构域分析发现,MdCYP707A家族成员都含有细胞色素P450单加氧酶结构域。利用荧光定量PCR检测其在苹果不同组织(根、茎、叶、花、果实、种子)中的表达,4个基因在种子中的表达量最高,并且在果实发育不同时期的表达量有明显差异。在苹果种子吸水膨胀和层积过程中的表达分析表明,MdCYP707A家族成员参与了种子萌发过程中ABA的降解。通过检测MdCYP707A基因对不同非生物胁迫(干旱、盐、渗透胁迫)和对ABA的响应,初步认为其在种子萌发中有重要作用,其中,MdCYP707A1对ABA的响应最为明显。另外,利用农杆菌介导的遗传转化的手段,鉴定了MdCYP707A1基因在苹果愈伤组织和拟南芥中的功能,过表达MdCYP707A1能够降低对非生物胁迫的抗性,说明其可能参与ABA的降解过程,同时在拟南芥中异源表达MdCYP707A1能够提高拟南芥种子的萌发率。     

苹果全基因组多聚半乳糖醛酸酶基因家族的鉴定及进化分析

从苹果全基因组中鉴定出85个多聚半乳糖醛酸酶(PG)基因,通过聚类分析将其分成了7个组(Group A~Group G),其分子量在176~1 125 aa之间,等电点在4.68~9.58之间。鉴定出来的Md PG基因除在14号染色体没有分布外,其余都有分布。系统分析了Md PG蛋白的保守基序和Md PG基因结构,发现苹果PG蛋白除包含有广泛存在于各种PG蛋白的4个保守基序以外,还含有其他相对特异的保守基序,Md PG75具有最多的外显子数,达到18个。对85个苹果PG蛋白之间的功能联系网络进行了系统研究,分析预测了相关基因的功能和多个基因间功能的联系,并作了初步验证。     

苹果Trihelix转录因子家族生物信息学鉴定与基因表达分析

利用生物信息学方法在苹果全基因组中鉴定了Trihelix转录因子基因,对基因结构、染色体的定位,以及其对应蛋白的理化性质、保守基序和进化关系等进行了分析;同时基于基因芯片表达数据和q RT-PCR分析,明确了苹果Trihelix在不同组织和逆境胁迫下的差异表达情况。通过分析,共鉴定得到了39个苹果Trihelix转录因子,其蛋白质的大小介于227～917 aa,分子量介于25.751～101.294 k D,等电点介于4.78～9.80。根据进化关系将其分为5个亚族,分别为GT-1、GT-2、GTγ、SIP1和SH4,亚族内部分成员的基因结构相似。基于MEME程序分析苹果Trihelix转录因子家族的保守基序与聚类分析结果具有较高的一致性。启动子上游1kb区域顺式作用元件分析表明Md Trihelix1、Md Trihelix19在CGTCA-motif上,Md Trihelix6、Md Trihelix13在ABRE上,Md Trihelix2、Md Trihelix7、Md Trihelix14和Md Trihelix16在GT1-motif上的响应均较高。基因芯片表达发现,Trihelix38、Trihelix14、Trihelix9和Trihelix11在花、果实、叶、茎、根、种子和幼苗中几乎不表达,其余35个基因在多种组织中均存在一定水平的表达,对花和果实表达上调的基因中除Trihelix36属于GT-1亚家族外,其余都属于GT-2亚家族和SIP1亚家族成员。通过q RT-PCR分析,检测到33个Md Trihelix在响应逆境胁迫应答方面表现出多样性。     

过表达苹果多肽激素基因MdCEP1促进花青苷积累

以‘王林’苹果(Malus×domestica‘Orin’)愈伤组织为试材,初步探讨苹果多肽激素Md CEP1(C-TERMINALLY ENCODED PEPTIDE1)在调控花青苷合成方面的作用。分析显示Md CEP1位于苹果第15号染色体,只有1个外显子。蛋白序列比对显示不同物种中CEP结构域非常保守。启动子分析表明,Md CEP1启动子序列包含多个顺式作用元件,包括与分生组织有关的CAT-box元件、赤霉素响应元件(P-box)、光响应元件(MNF1)和与类黄酮合成相关的MYB类蛋白结合位点(MBSI)。通过农杆菌介导的遗传转化获得Md CEP1转基因苹果愈伤组织,进一步分析发现过表达Md CEP1能够明显促进愈伤组织花青苷积累,并且促进花青苷合成相关基因的表达。Md CEP1在拟南芥中异位表达,同样能够促进拟南芥中花青苷的积累,并且促进拟南芥花青苷合成相关基因的表达。研究结果表明,Md CEP1能够正调控苹果花青苷的合成。     

苹果6–磷酸葡萄糖酸脱氢酶基因Md6PGDH1的克隆和功能分析

以‘嘎拉’苹果为材料,克隆了6–磷酸葡萄糖酸脱氢酶基因Md6PGDH1(序列号:MDP0000279299)全长。序列分析显示,该基因包含一个长为1 047 bp完整的开放阅读框,编码347个氨基酸,分子量为36.430 k D,预测等电点为9.24。同源性分析表明Md6PGDH1还有另外3个同源基因;功能域分析表明Md6PGDH蛋白含有两个保守的绑定域;亚细胞预测表明Md6PGDH定位存在差异。分析Md6PGDH1启动子发现存在多个响应非生物胁迫的顺式作用元件。定量分析显示,Md6PGDH1在苹果的不同组织中都有表达,且受非生物胁迫诱导。原核诱导Md6PGDH1蛋白并进行蛋白酶活的测定,为后续蛋白功能鉴定奠定了基础。Md6PGDH1在苹果愈伤组织中过量表达,提高其抗盐胁迫的能力。     

龙眼SKP1-like家族成员鉴定及体胚发生早期表达分析

为研究S-phase kinase-associated protein 1-like(SKP1-like)在龙眼中的分子特性以及其在体胚发生早期的表达模式,基于模式植物拟南芥SKP1-like的氨基酸序列,在龙眼基因组数据库中进行SKP1-like成员的鉴定。同时,通过生物信息学方法对其蛋白理化性质、系统进化特征、染色体定位、共线性与选择压力、基因结构、保守基序、蛋白结构、蛋白互作网络、启动子顺式元件进行分析,并结合龙眼转录组数据分析其在体胚发生早期的表达模式。研究结果表明:龙眼SKP1-like家族基因共有14个成员,分别将其命名为DlSKP1-1～DlSKP1-14。龙眼SKP1-like(DlSKP1)家族基因编码蛋白质的氨基酸数、分子量以及等电点分别为75～399 aa、8.29～45.34 kD、4.44～5.76,均不含信号肽,可能主要定位于叶绿体中。DlSKP1家族存在1对串联重复基因以及4对片段重复基因。蛋白互作结果提示,Dl SKP1家族成员可能与多种蛋白(尤其F-Box家族蛋白)存在互作关系。启动子顺式作用元件的结果表明,DlSKP1家族成员启动子含有较多脱落酸(Abscisicacid,ABA)与茉莉酸甲酯(Methyljasmonate,MeJA)响应元件。此外,DlSKP1成员在龙眼体胚发生早期存在5种不同的表达模式,其中3个成员(DlSKP1-6、DlSKP1-8、DlSKP1-13)在各阶段的表达量较其他成员较高。研究结果显示,DlSKP1家族成员可能与F-Box蛋白存在互作作用,并且可能参与ABA、MeJA的调控过程,还可能在龙眼体胚的形态建成中发挥重要作用。     

苹果锚蛋白基因ANK家族生物信息学鉴定分析

 利用生物信息学方法对苹果ANK基因家族成员及分类鉴定,同时对其染色体定位、系统进化关系及芯片表达特性进行了分析。苹果MdANK家族包含351个基因,根据蛋白结构域差异分为16个类别,ANK-M类型最为庞大,有143个ANK蛋白;苹果的17条染色体均有ANK家族基因分布,其中第2条染色体上分布最多,有36个ANK基因。MdANK编码的蛋白在72 ~ 2 429个氨基酸范围内,等电点在4.30 ~ 11.13之间。芯片分析发现,在苹果果实成熟时期及砧木接穗互作过程中,多数MdANK基因的表达都有不同程度变化。     

Inhibitory effect of apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide D-4F on scavenger receptor A1 in macrophage-derived foam cells

AIM:To investigate the inhibitory effect of apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide D-4F on the scavenger receptor A1 (SR-A1) in macrophage-derived foam cells induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). METHODS:RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with different concentrations (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/L) of D-4F or 50 mg/L inactive control peptide scrambled D-4F (sD-4F) for 1 h or endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid (5 mmol/L) for 30 min, followed by the treatment with 100 mg/L ox-LDL for 12 h. In addition, the cells were pretreated with 50 mg/L D-4F or sD-4F for 1 h, and then stimulated with 2 mg/L tunicamycin (TM; an ERS inducer), for 4 h. The viability of the cells was measured by MTT assay, and the content of intracellular total cholesterol (TC) was measured by a tissue/cell TC assay. The protein and mRNA levels of SR-A1 and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) were analyzed by Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. The fluorescence intensity of DiI-ox-LDL in the cells was detected by a multifunctional microplate reader. RESULTS:D-4F significantly reduced ox-LDL-induced macrophage injury and intracellular cholesterol accumulation, and attenuated the ox-LDL-induced expression of SRA1 and GRP78 in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, D-4F significantly inhibited the TM-induced protein expression of SR-A1 and GRP78, and attenuated the uptake of ox-LDL by macrophages. CONCLUSION: D-4F reduces ox-LDL-induced macrophage cholesterol accumulation and injury by inhibiting SR-A1 expression. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of ERS signaling pathway mediated by GRP78.     

Allicin attenuates macrophage-derived foam cell apoptosis by inhibiting caspase-12

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of allicin on apoptosis and caspase-12 activation of macrophage-derived foam cells, and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: RAW264.7 macrophages were pretreated with allicin (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/L) or 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA, 4 mmol/L) for 1 h and then treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL, 100 mg/L) or tunicamycin (TM, 4 mg/L) for 24 h. The cell viability and apoptosis were examined by MTT assay and flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, respectively. The activities of caspase-3 in the cells and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in the medium were measured. The protein levels of caspase-12 were determined by Western blot. The intracellular lipid accumulation was measured with oil red O staining and the content of intracellular total cholesterol was determined by enzymatic colorimetry. RESULTS: Similar to the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) inhibitor PBA, allicin inhibited ox-LDL-induced injury of RAW264.7 macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner, as determined by the increased cell viability and the decreased LDH leakage, apoptosis and caspase-3 activity. The decrease in cell viability and increases in LDH leakage and apoptosis induced by TM (an ERS inducer) were also suppressed by allicin. Moreover, similar to PBA, allicin remarkably inhibited ox-LDL- or TM-induced activation of caspase-12. Furthermore, allicin remarkably attenuated ox-LDL-induced lipid accumulation in the RAW264.7 cells and foam cells formation in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Allicin may inhibit macrophage-derived foam cell apoptosis induced by ox-LDL, and the mechanism is partially related to suppressing the activation of caspase-12.     

IL-1β induces human mesangial cell injury via exacerbating lipid-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress

AIM：To investigate the molecular mechanism that interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) exacerbates lipid-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and the injury of human mesangial cells (HMCs). METHODS：HMCs were cultured and divided into control group, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) group, IL-1β+LDL group and 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA)+IL-1β+LDL group. Oil red O staining was used to evaluate the accumulation of lipid droplet in the cells. The mRNA levels of glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78), protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were examined by real-time PCR. Immunocytochemistry was used to observe GRP78 expression. The protein level of NF-κB p65 was measured by Western blotting. The releases of IL-6 and TGF-β1 in the culture supernatants of HMCs were detected by ELISA. RESULTS：Compared with LDL group, the intracellular lipid accumulation, the mRNA levels of GRP78 and PERK, the protein expression of GRP78 and NF-κB p65, and the release of IL-6 were significantly increased in IL-1β+LDL group. Dramatically reduced intracellular lipid accumulation, down-regulated GRP78 and PERK mRNA expression, decreased protein levels of GRP78 and NF-κB p65, and suppressed IL-6 release were observed in 4-PBA+IL-1β+LDL group as compared with IL-1β+LDL group. The mRNA level of α-SMA was higher in IL-1β+LDL group than that in LDL group, and that in 4-PBA+IL-1β+LDL group was significantly depressed. CONCLUSION：IL-1β exacerbates lipid-induced ERS, thus promoting the injury of HMCs.     

Effect of quercetin on ox-LDL-induced lipid accumulation and peroxidation in mouse macrophages

AIM：To investigate the effect of quercetin (QUE) preconditioning on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced lipid accumulation and peroxidation in mouse RAW264.7 macrophages and the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS：RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with different concentrations (20, 40 and 80 μmol/L) of QUE for 30 min and then treated with ox-LDL (100 mg/L) for 24 h. Intracellular lipid droplets were assayed by oil red O staining. Extracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined to characterize the membrane integrity and the lipid peroxidation, respectively. The mRNA and protein levels of CD36, an important scavenger receptor which mediates ox-LDL uptake, were examined by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS：Pretreatment with QUE (20, 40 and 80 mmol/L) significantly attenuated ox-LDL-induced lipid accumulation in RAW264.7 cells and foam cell formation in a dose-dependent manner. Ox-LDL induced LDH release in RAW264.7 cells. This cytotoxic effect was significantly inhibited by QUE pretreatment. Compared with ox-LDL group, the intracellular ROS content and MDA level in culture medium decreased markedly in QUE group. In addition, pretreatment with QUE attenuated ox-LDL-induced up-regulation of CD36 at mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSION: QUE inhibits ox-LDL-induced lipid accumulation and peroxidation in mouse macrophages and the mechanism may partially involve its ability to down-regulate CD36 expression.     

Autophagy protects macrophages from oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced apoptosis by inhibiting C/EBP homologous protein expression

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of autophagy on oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced macrophage apoptosis and the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: The RAW264.7 macrophages were pretreated with 3 mmol/L 3-methyladenine (3-MA), 1 μmol/L rapamycin (Rap) or 4 mmol/L 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA) respectively for 1 h and then treated with ox-LDL (100 mg/L) for 12 h. The cell viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, respectively. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the medium and caspase-3 in the cells were determined by detection kits. The protein levels of beclin-1 (a molecular marker of autophagy), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78, an endoplasmic reticulum stress marker) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP, a key-signaling component of endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis) were examined by Western blot. Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3, another molecular marker of autophagy) was observed under laser scanning confocal microscope.RESULTS: Treatment of the RAW264.7 macrophages with ox-LDL at 100 mg/L for 12 h resulted in significant decrease in cell viability, and dramatic elevation in LDH leakage, cell apoptosis and caspase-3 activity, which were promoted by 3-MA (an autophagy inhibitor) and inhibited by Rap (an autophagy inducer). ox-LDL induced autophagy in the macrophages as assessed by beclin-1 upregulation and frequent granulation of LC3, which were inhibited by 3-MA and promoted by Rap. Interestingly, 3-MA enhanced, while Rap blocked, the CHOP upregulation induced by ox-LDL. Moreover, PBA (endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor) significantly inhibited ox-LDL-induced GRP78 upregulation and autophagy as determined by the attenuation of beclin-1 upregulation and frequent granulation of LC3. CONCLUSION: Endoplasmic reticulum stress mediates ox-LDL-induced autophagy in macrophages, and moderates activation of autophagy may protect macrophages from ox-LDL-induced apoptosis by inhibiting CHOP expression.     

Ethanol extract of propolis protects macrophages from oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced apoptosis by inhibiting caspase-12

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced macrophage apoptosis and the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: RAW264.7 macrophages were pretreated with EEP (7.5, 15 and 30 mg/L), 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA, 5 mmol/L) or diphenyleneiodonium (DPI, 5 μmol/L) for 1 h and then treated with ox-LDL (100 mg/L) or tunicamycin (TM, 4 mg/L) for 24 h. The cell viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT assay and Annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection kit, respectively. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the cells were measured. The protein levels of caspase-12, a proapoptotic molecule under endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), were examined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Like PBA (an ERS inhibitor), EEP protected RAW264.7 macrophages from ox-LDL-induced injury in a dose-dependent manner, as assessed by the increased cell viability and the decreased apoptotic rate. The decrease in cell viability and increase in apoptotic rate induced by TM, an ERS inducer, were also attenuated by EEP. Moreover, EEP suppressed ox-LDL-induced oxidative stress as revealed by the decreased generation of ROS and MDA as well as elevated SOD activity, which were similar to DPI, an oxidative stress inhibitor. Furthermore, EEP significantly suppressed ox-LDL- or TM-induced activation of caspase-12. Similar results were observed in the cells pretreated with PBA or DPI and then treated with ox-LDL. CONCLUSION: EEP may protect RAW264.7 macrophages from ox-LDL-induced apoptosis and the mechanism is at least partially involved in the ability of EEP to suppress oxidative stress and subsequent activation of caspase-12.     

Protective effect of quercetin on ER stress-related apoptosis induced by thapsigargin in macrophages

AIM: To investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of quercetin (Que) on endoplasmic reti-culum stress (ERS)-related apoptosis induced by thapsigargin (TG) in RAW264.7 cells. METHODS: ER stress of RAW264.7 cells were induced by TG at concentration of 1 μmol/L for 24 h. After treated with different concentrations of Que (80, 120 and 160 μmol/L), the cell viability was determined by MTT assay.The apoptotic rate and the changes of intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) were determined by flow cytometry, and the cell apoptotic morphology was observed under laser scanning confocal microscope.The protein levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were detected by Western blotting. The effect of Que on GRP78 and CHOP induced by TG with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inihibitor LY294002 at concentration of 15 nmol/L was measured by Western blotting. RESULTS: Que suppressed ER stress-related injury induced by TG in RAW264.7 cells. Compared with TG group, the cell viability increased (P<0.05), apoptotic rate and [Ca²⁺]_i decreased (P<0.05) and the changes of apoptotic morphology were alleviated. The increase in GRP78 and CHOP induced by TG as an ER stress marker was suppressed by Que (P<0.05). The suppressive effect of Que on GRP78 and CHOP was reproduced by LY294002 (P<0.05), but they failed to exhibit additive suppression. CONCLUSION: Que suppresses the ER stress induced by TG in RAW264.7 cells. The protective effect may be related to its suppression on PI3K signaling pathway.     

Protective effect of morinda officinalis oligosaccharides monomer HexB on hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury in HUVECs

AIM:To explore the protective effect of morinda officinalis oligosaccharides monomer HexB on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelia cells (HUVECs). METHODS:HUVECs were treated with HexB, 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) and thapsigargin (TG), respectively. The cells were divided into control group, HexB group, H/R group, HexB+H/R group, 4-PBA+H/R group, TG group and HexB+TG group. The cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. The apoptotic rate was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) related molecules chaperone protein glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), apoptosis-related protein caspase-12 and phosphorylated c-Jun NH₂-terminal kinase (p-JNK). RESULTS:The viability of HUVECs was reduced in H/R group and TG group (P<0.05), increased in HexB+H/R, 4-PBA+H/R and HexB+TG group (P<0.05). The apoptotic rate, the protein levels of GRP78, CHOP, caspase-12 and p-JNK were increased in H/R group and TG group (P<0.05), weakened in the HexB+H/R group (P<0.05), 4-PBA+H/R group and HexB+TG group (P<0.05). No significant change in the apoptotic rate, cell viability, protein levels of GRP78, CHOP, caspase-12, p-JNK between HexB+H/R group and 4-PBA+H/R group was observed. CONCLUSION:HexB attenuates HUVECs injury caused by H/R through suppressing ERS and apoptosis. The possible mechanism may be involved in the apoptotic pathways related to GRP78, CHOP, caspase-12 and p-JNK.     

Expression of PLIN3 in lung adenocarcinoma and its correlation with prognosis

AIM To explore the expression of perilipin 3（PLIN3） in lung adenocarcinoma and the relationship between the prognosis of patients and the invasiveness of lung adenocarcinoma cells. METHODS HPA database was used to predict the genes related to poor prognosis of lung cancer and PLIN3 was selected as the research object.HPA database was used to analyze the correlation between PLIN3 and survival rate of lung cancer and lung adenocarcinoma.GEPIA database was used to further verify the correlation between the expression difference of PLIN3 and the survival rate of lung adenocarcinoma patients. The expression of PLIN3 in lung adenocarcinoma was further analyzed by using Ualcan database.Western blot was used to detect the expression of PLIN3 in lung adenocarcinoma cells.siPLIN3 plasmid was constructured and Transwell assay was used to detect the invasion ability of A549 cells after transfection. RESULTS PLIN3 was significantly related to the survival rate of the patients with lung adenocarcinoma and it was over-expressed in lung adenocarcinoma tissues.The expression of PLIN3 was closely related to the stages of cancer and the grades of lymph node metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma.PLIN3 was over-expressed in lung adenocarcinoma cells. The number of the A549 cells passing through Transwell in knock-down group was significantly lower than that in control group. CONCLUSION PLIN3 is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma. The expression level of PLIN3 is related to the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma patients.Knock-down of PLIN3 inhibits the invasion ability of lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro.     

Effect of puerarin on cholesterol influx and efflux in RAW264.7-treated foam cells

AIM: To study the protective effect of puerarin on the atherosclerosis of RAW264.7-derived foam cells. METHODS: The model of foam cells was established by incubating the RAW264.7 cells with ox-LDL. The cholesterol uptake was evaluated by a DiI-ox-LDL binding assay. The ability of cholesterol efflux of the RAW264.7-derived foam cells was detected by cholesterol efflux assay. The protein levels of LC3Ⅱ, P62, CD36, ABCA1, LAL and p-AMPK were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Puerarin treatment reduced the cholesterol uptake capacity and enhanced the cholesterol efflux rate. The protein levels of LC3Ⅱ, ABCA1 and LAL in puerarin group were higher than that in ox-LDL group, while the protein levels of P62 and CD36 were obviously decreased, and those in rapamycin treatment group had the same change as puerarin group. The protein levels of LC3Ⅱ, ABCA1 and LAL were obviously decreased and the protein level of p-AMPK was increased after co-treated with 3-MA. CONCLUSION: Puerarin promotes LAL and ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux in ox-LDL-treated RAW264.7 macrophages, which might enhance autophagy through AMPK-dependent pathway for cholesterol efflux regulation, and reduce the uptake of lipids by CD36 negative regulation.