Role of ANX A2 in APL-induced expression of tissue factor in THP-1 cells

AIM: To construct a lentiviral vector harboring RNAi sequence targeting human annexin A2 (ANX A2) and to investigate the functions of ANX A2 in antiphospholipid antibody (APL)-induced tissue factor (TF) expression in monocytes. METHODS: Four different short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) targeting ANX A2 gene were constructed and cloned into the pGCSIL-GFP vector. After identification with PCR and sequencing, the effective interference sequence was further determined by Western blotting analysis. The recombinant lentivirus LV-RNAi-ANX A2 harvested from 293T cells was transferred into THP-1 cells and the ANX A2 mRNA and protein expression on THP-1 cells were examined. The transferred-THP-1 cells were stimulated by APL/β2GPI compound, and the TF mRNA and TF activity was assayed. RESULTS: The RNAi sequences targeting the human ANX A2 gene were successfully inserted into the lentiviral vector and the high-performance RNA interference sequence was sieved out. The recombinant lentivirus was harvested from 293T cells with a viral titer of 3×1012 TU/L. THP-1 cells infected with LV-RNAi-ANX A2 showed almost lockout of ANX A2 both at mRNA and protein levels. The TF expression was also significantly decreased in the transferred-THP-1 cells induced by APL/β2GPI compound. CONCLUSION: The lentiviral vector constructed in the present study blocks the ANX A2 expression in THP-1 cells and further inhibits the TF expression induced by APL/β2GPI compound, which indicates that ANX A2 do play an important role in APL-induced TF expression on monocytes.     

The construction of lentivirus-mediated RNAi vector containing cytochrome C oxidase

AIM: To construct a recombinant lentivirus RNAi vector carrying cytochrome C oxidase gene to obtain the titer of the lentiviral stock for investigation of the expression in the eukaryotic cell and the affection of the COX gene silencing in the eukaryotic cells. METHODS: According to the DNA of the cytochrome C oxidase gene, we designed and synthesized complementary single-strand DNA oligos, annealed the single-stranded oligos to generate a ds oligo, cloned the ds oligo into pENTR/U6 to obtain an entry clone; An LR recombination reaction was performed between the pENTR/U6 entry construct and pLenti6/BLOCK-iT-Dest to generate expression construct, the 293FT cell line was cotransfected with pLenti6/BLOCK-iT expression construct, and the viral packaging mix, viral supernatant was harvested to determine the titer. RESULTS: The DNA sequence of interest clone to the vector was constructd to generate an entry clone and an expression clone successfully, which were proved by sequence determination. A vector producing cell line 293FT was established， and the titer for transfection was obtained. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that COX shRNA expression construction could suppress the expression of MTCOX-I. CONCLUSION: A lentivirus RNAi vector containing cytochrome C oxidase gene was successfully constructed.     

Effects of RNA interference of FABP5 on subcutaneous tumor of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG 2 transplanted in nude mice

AIM: To investigate the effect of recombinant lentiviral vector for RNA interference (RNAi) on the expression of fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5) gene in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and tumor formation in nude mice.METHODS: RNAi lentiviral vector was used in the experiment. Human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells were divided into 3 groups:the HepG2 cells in experimental group were transfected with the recombinant lentivirirus vector LV-shRNA-FABP5, the cells in negative control group were transfected with a control lentiviral vector LV-shRNA-NC, and the cells in normal control group were without any treatment. The nude mice were randomly divided into 3 groups. The growth of the transplanted tumor cells in the nude mice was observed. The tumor growth curve, volume and weight were determined 4 weeks after the cell inoculation. The expression of FABP5 was detected by real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS: Transfection of the lentiviral vector FABP5-shRNA obviously reduced FABP5 expression in the HepG2 cells. Tumor formation was all positive in the 3 groups of the nude mice inoculated with the tumor cells. Compared with normal control group and negative control group, the tumor growth slowed significantly in experimental group with smaller volume and weight. FABP5 expression in the transplanted tumor tissues was significantly down-regulated at mRNA and protein levels in experimental group as compared with normal control group and negative control group.CONCLUSION: RNAi-induced down-regulation of FABP5 effectively inhibits the growth of transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma, suggesting that FABP5 gene may be an effective target for gene therapy in treating liver cancer.     

High level expression of recombinated hepatocyte growth factor in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells

AIM: To construct a lentiviral vector encoding human hepatocyte growth factor (hHGF) for transfection,and to observe the expression of hHGF in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.METHODS: pUC-SRα/hHGF was subcloned into the expression vector pWPI to construct recombinant pWPI-hHGF.hHGF was identified by gene sequence.Recombinant lentivirus was produced by pWPI-hHGF,pAX2 and pMD2G altogether transient transfection into 293T cells using calcium phosphate method.The pWPI-hHGF and the contructed pWPI-GFP were transfected into human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells by the Lipofectamin 2000.Through counting by the fluorescent microscope,the efficiency of the transfection was identified.The expressions of hHGF and GFP in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were also detected.The concentration of hHGF in cell culture medium was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).RESULTS: DNA sequence showed that hHGF cDNA was correctly inserted into pWPI vector.The positive rate of hHGF transfecting 293T cells was 100 %.Bright green fluorescence in the transfected cells was observed under the fluorescent microscope after 24 h transfection with lentiviral plasmid pWPI-hHGF-GFP,and the transfection rate reached 80%.The difference was distinct between the pWPI-hHGF group and control group in the secretive level of hHGF by Western blotting and the ELISA (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The recombinant pWPI-hHGF plasmid was successfully constructed and efficient,stable and ectopic expression of hHGF was accomplished in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.     

Effects of p21-activated protein kinase 2 down-regulation on proliferation and apoptosis of human breast cancer cells

AIM：To study the effect of p21-activated protein kinase 2 (PAK2) knockdown by RNA interference on the proliferation and apoptosis of human breast cancer cells. METHODS：The short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting PAK2 gene was designed and used for packing lentivirus in 293T cells.Human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were infected by the virus particles and PAK2 knockdown stable cell line was established by puromycin selection. The knockdown efficiency was assessed by Western blotting. The proliferation ability of MCF-7 cells was evaluated by CellTiter 96 AQueous and anchorage-independent growth assays. The cell apoptosis induced by staurosporine was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS：The protein level of PAK2 was significantly suppressed after silencing of PAK2 gene in MCF-7 cells (P<0.01). Furthermore, knockdown of PAK2 caused remarkable inhibition of the cell proliferation and colony formation (P<0.01). Staurosporine induced more apoptosis in the PAK2 knockdown cells compared with the control cells (P<0.01). CONCLUSION：Knockdown of PAK2 inhibits the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and increases the sensitivity of chemotherapeutic drug-induced cell apoptosis, suggesting that PAK2 might be a new therapeutic target in breast cancer treatment.     

Construction of short hairpin RNA lentiviral vector targeting MAG gene and its silencing effect on MAG gene

AIM：To construct lentiviral vector-based short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) gene and to evaluate its inhibitory effect on the expression of MAG gene. METHODS：Three shRNA fragments targeting MAG gene (shRNA1, shRNA2 and shRNA3) were designed and cloned into lentiviral vector pWPI. The three recombinant plasmids were identified by enzyme digestion and sequencing. Positive plasmids were co-transfected with pCDNA3-MAG-FLAG into 293T cells, and the most effective shRNA for knockdown of MAG gene was screened by Western blotting. Cells transfected with empty pWPI served as a control. Oligodendrocytes were infected with recombinant lentivirus that was produced by 293T packaging cells co-transfected with the most effective shRNA, pAX2 and pMD2G. After 48 h, the expression of MAG protein was measured by Western blotting. RESULTS：The MAG shRNA lentiviral vectors were confirmed by double enzyme digestion and sequencing, and shRNA2 showed the highest inhibitory efficacy among the three shRNA fragments. Recombinant lentivirus carrying shRNA-2 markedly decreased the expression of MAG protein in oligodendrocytes. CONCLUSION：Lentiviral vector-based shRNA targeting MAG gene specifically knocks down the gene expression, which provides a useful tool for investigating the role of MAG-specific shRNA in regulating myelination of central nerve system.     

Effect of RNAi-mediated IGF1R gene silencing on growth,migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) gene silencing on the growth, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. METHODS: The most effective siRNA targeting IGF1R gene was designed and screened. After lentiviral expression vector pLVX-shRNA2-IGF1R carrying the most effective siRNA sequence was constructed, it was transfected into 293T cells and packed into pLVX-shRNA2-IGF1R lentivirus. Huh7 and Hep3B cells were infected with the pLVX-shRNA2-IGF1R lentivirus to screen the positive clone Huh7 cells and Hep3B cells with the lentivirus. These Huh7 cells and Hep3B cells were cultured to analyze the mRNA level of IGF1R, cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell apoptosis, cell migration/invasion, and the protein levels of IGF1R, Ki-67, p-AKT, p-ERK1, Gli1, β-catenin, cyclin D1, p21 and BCL-XL. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of IGF1R in Huh7 cells and Hep3B cells with pLVX-shRNA2-IGF1R lentivirus was significantly reduced. The proliferation of these cells was remarkably inhibited, and the number in G₁ phase was increased significantly. The percentages of apoptotic cells were increased markedly, and the number of cell migration/invasion was decreased markedly. The protein levels of IGF1R, Ki-67, p-AKT, p-ERK1, Gli1, β-catenin, cyclin D1, p21 and BCL-XL were decreased significantly compared with the blank control group and negative control group. CONCLUSION: The RNAi-mediated IGF1R gene silencing significantly suppresses the growth and the malignant biological characteristics of Huh7 cells and Hep3B cells, which may be involved in the reduced protein levels of the above genes induced by down-regulation of IGF1R expression.     

Overexpression of TAP1 up-regulates HLA-Ι in human glioma U251 cells

AIM：To investigate the relationship between the overexpression of transporter associated with antigen processing 1 (TAP1) and the human leukocyte antigen I (HLA-I).METHODS：The full length of TAP1 gene was obtained from the cDNA library. The lentiviral vector pSIN-EF2-IRES-GFP-puro was digested by BamH I and EcoR I, and the full length of TAP1 gene was inserted into the vector by T4 DNA ligase. Subsequently, the recombinant plasmid was transformed into Escherichia coli DH5α cells and the correct transformant was selected. The recombinant plasmid and the Lenti-X HTX packaging mixture were co-transfected into 293T cells, and the virus particle was acquired. Human glioma U251 cells were transfected with the lentivirus. The expression of TAP1 and HLA-I was determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, Western blotting and flow cytometric analysis.RESULTS：TAP1 gene was successfully transfected into the U251 cells and stably expressed in the cell line. The expression of TAP1 in U251 cells at mRNA and protein levels increased by (8.73±1.07) and (11.71±0.83) folds, respectively. As a result, the mRNA expression of HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C (heavy chain) and β2-microglobulin (light chain) was up-regulated by (3.51±0.36), (4.78±0.85), (2.94±0.28) and (3.23±0.24) folds, respectively. The protein expression of HLA-I also increased to (3.14±0.53) fold. The surface expression of HLA-I on the U251 cells transfected with TAP1 gene was largely enhanced as well.CONCLUSION：Overexpression of TAP1 up-regulates the expression of HLA-I. TAP1 plays an important role in HLA-I processing pathway.     

Lentivirus-mediated RNA interference targeting vascular endothelial growth factor gene enhances the sensitivity of K562 cells to STI571

AIM: To investigate the effects of RNA interference (RNAi) inhibiting the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene mediated by lentiviral vector on the proliferation and apoptosis of K562 leukemic cell line. METHODS: A lentiviral vector containing short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting VEGF was constructed and cotransfected with the packaging plasmids mixture into 293T cells by Lipofectamine 2000. K562 cells were infected with the packaged lentivirus. The levels of VEGF mRNA and protein were detected by real-time quantitative RT- PCR, Western blotting and ELISA. Cellular proliferation was determined by trypan blue dye exclusion and MTT assay. STI571 (imatinib mesylate)-induced apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The lentiviral shRNA vector targeting VEGF was successfully constructed and transfected into K562 cells. The expressions of VEGF mRNA and protein in K562-shVEGF cells transfected with pRNAT-shRNA were significantly inhibited when compared with those of K562 and K562-con cells (mock transduction). The proliferation rate of K562-shVEGF cells slowed down. After STI571 treatment, the percentages of apoptotic cells in K562-shVEGF cells increased more significantly than those of K562 and K562-con cells (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Inhibition of VEGF by lentivirus-mediated RNAi effectively inhibits proliferation and increases the sensitivity of K562 cells to STI571.     

Construction of lentiviral vector-mediated siRNA knockdown of ER-α36and its action on gastric cancer cell growth

AIM: To construct a lentiviral vector for stable delivery of the ER-α36gene and to detect its effect on SGC7901 cell growth. METHODS: The efficient RNAi targeting sequences identified for the ER-α36gene were screened. The Oligo DNA was synthesized with target sequences and annealed to form double-stranded DNA. Then it was digested by XhoI and EcoR I and connected with GV307 vector to produce LV-ER-α36-RNAi lentiviral vector. PCR was used to screen the positive clones and sequence. The LV-ER-α36-RNAi, pHelper 1.0 and pHelper 2.0 plasmids were co-transfected into 293T cells for producing lentiviral vector and infecting SGC7901 cell line. Fluorescence microscopy, real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the transfection efficiency and gene silencing effect. 17β-estrodial at concentration of 1×10-10 mol/L was used to stimulate the recombinant cell line, and the action on the growth of gastric cancer cells and the expression of Src, ERK1/2 and cyclin D1 were determined. RESULTS: DNA sequencing analysis confirmed the identity of recombinant shRNA expression vectors. Immunofluorescence assay demonstrated that transfection efficiency was above 80%. Transfection of LV-ER-α36-RNAi significantly knocked down the expression of ER-α36 at mRNA and protein levels with tetracycline (TeT) simulating as revealed by real-time PCR and Western blotting. Compared with control group, the growth of the recombinant cell line declined and the expression of Src, ERK1/2 and cyclin D1 and the activation of Src decreased (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Lentiviral vectors that silenceER-α36expression are constructed successfully and can be used to study the role of ER-α36 in gastric cancer. The ER-α36is related with many kinds of cancer cell growth, including gastric cancer cells.     

Construction of FAK-shRNA retroviral vector and screening of stable HCC-LM3 cell line with persistent knockdown of FAK

AIM: To construct a recombinant retroviral vector of short interfering RNA targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) gene and to establish a cell line with stable knockdown of FAK.METHODS: The oligonucleotides that transcribed to short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting FAK gene were synthesized in vitro, cloned into retroviral vector pSuper.retro and transfected into Phoenix cell line. The stable clones were screened and high-titer virus was produced. The human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HCC-LM3 was infected with the virus-rich supernatant. The stable LM3 cell line, which showed significantly to silence FAK and associated proteins, was selected by puromycin.RESULTS: The recombinant retroviral vector was successfully constructed. Persistent knockdown of FAK in the LM3 cell line infected with the supernatant containing the retrovirus was confirmed by Western blotting. Down-regulation of FAK resulted in the inhibition of p-Akt and p-MAPK1/2 expression and led to decreased migration and invasion of the cells. The cell cycle was blocked at G₀/G₁ phase, and apoptosis was increased. The proliferation rate also decreased significantly.CONCLUSION: FAK-shRNA virus generated by recombinant retroviral vector pSuper-FAK can inhibit the protein expression of FAK and phosphorylation of Akt and MAPK1/2 in HCC-LM3 cells. Down-regulation of FAK shows a significant impact on biological behaviors of tumor cells.     

Silencing of TKTL1 gene by siRNA down-regulates HIF-1α expression and activity of glycolytic key enzymes in human cervical cancer cells

AIM：To explore the relationship between the expression of transketolase-like gene 1 (TKTL1) and glycolysis metabolism in human cervical cells. METHODS：The changes of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) expression and the activity of glycolytic key enzymes, hexokinase Ⅱ (HK-Ⅱ) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), under hypoxia in human cervical cell line HeLa were observed after TKTL1 was knockdown by siRNA. The specific siRNA expression vector targeting TKTL1 gene was constructed, and the recombinant plasmid was transfected into HeLa cells. The effects of TKTL1 silencing were evaluated by detecting transketolase (TKT) activity and TKTL1 mRNA expression using RT-PCR. The changes of HIF-1α expression and HK-Ⅱ expression, and HK-Ⅱ and LDH activity were also observed in transfected HeLa cells. RESULTS：The mRNA expression of TKTL1 and the activity of TKT decreased significantly (P<0.01) after TKTL1 silencing. Meanwhile, all HIF-1α expression, HK-Ⅱexpression, and HK-Ⅱ and LDH activity decreased significantly compared with the untransfected cells (P<0.01). CONCLUSION：Silencing of TKTL1 gene in human cervical cancer cells by siRNA down-regulates HIF-1α expression and the activity of glycolytic key enzymes, thus changing the malignant phenotype of carcinoma cells.     

Effects of lentivirus-mediated c-met RNAi on biological behaviors of human papillary thyroid cancer K1 cells

AIM: To evaluate the expression of c-Met in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) by constructing lentiviral vectors for RNA interference (RNAi) of c-met gene and detecting its silencing effect on the biological behaviors of human papillary thyroid cancer cell line K1 cells. METHODS: Immunohistochemical assay was performed to detect the expression of c-Met protein in 35 cases of PTC and 25 cases of benign thyroid disease. Lentiviral vector for RNA of c-met gene was constructed and the silencing effect was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The colony-forming ability, cell cycle, migration and invasion of K1 cells were measured by colony-forming assay, flow cytometry, wound-healing observation and Transwell experiment, respectively. In vivo tumorigenicity assay was performed to analyze in vivo proliferation of K1 cells in a xenograft model. RESULTS: The expression of c-Met in PTC was significantly higher than that in benign thyroid tissues. Lentiviral RNAi vectors targeting c-met gene were successfully constructed, and they efficiently inhibited the expression of c-met at mRNA and protein levels. Transfection of c-met lentiviral RNAi vectors inhibited the colony formation, cell cycle progression, migration, invasion and tumorigenicity of K1 cells. CONCLUSION: Lentivirus-mediated c-met RNAi efficiently inhibits colony formation, cell cycle progression, migration, invasion and tumorigenicity of K1 cells.     

Effects of BCL-3 gene silencing on the proliferation and drug sensitivity of human colorectal cancer cell line RKO with high expression of BCL-3

AIM：To construct lentiviral vectors for RNA interference (RNAi) of BCL-3 gene, and to detect the changes of biological behaviors and drug sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells after BCL-3 gene silencing. METHODS：The expression of BCL-3 in five human colorectal cancer cell lines was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Lentiviral vectors for RNAi of BCL-3 gene were constructed and transfected into the human colorectal cancer cell line with high expression of BCL-3, and then the silencing effect was detected by Western blotting. After BCL-3 gene silencing, the change of cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay and soft agar colony formation assay, and the change of drug sensitivity was detected by MTT assay. RESULTS：BCL-3 was highly expressed in human colorectal cancer cell line RKO. Lentiviral vectors for RNAi of BCL-3 gene were successfully constructed, and Western blotting showed that BCL-3-shRNA2 could efficiently inhibit the expression of BCL-3 protein in RKO cells. After BCL-3 gene silencing, the proliferation ability and colony formation rate of RKO cells were decreased, and the median inhibitory concentration of oxaliplatin for RKO cells also decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of BCL-3 gene expression decreases the proliferation ability of human colorectal cell line RKO with high expression of BCL-3, and enhances the sensitivity of RKO cells to oxaliplatin.     

PIG7 and valproic acid promote differentiation and apoptosis of human leukemia SKNO-1 cells

AIM: To investigate the synergistic effect of p53-inducible gene 7 (PIG7) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) on the differentiation and apoptosis of human leukemia SKNO-1 cells.METHODS: The DNA fragments containing PIG7 open reading frame or antisense oligonucleotides were subcloned into lentiviral vector. SKNO-1 cells were transduced with prepared lentivirus. Transgene expression was detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting. The expression of myeloid cell differentiation antigen CD11b and the apoptotic cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. DNA fragmentation analysis was also used to observe the apoptosis of SKNO-1 cells.RESULTS: VPA inhibited the proliferation of SKNO-1 cells in a dose-　and time-dependent manner. Compared with control group, the differentiation and apoptosis of SKNO-1 cells were significantly induced by ectopically expressed PIG7 (P<0.05). The apoptosis induced by ectopically expressed PIG7 was further enhanced by VPA treatment (P<0.05), and the typical DNA ladders were also observed. The proportion of CD11b+ SKNO-1 cells notably increased after infection with lentivirus containing PIG7 as compared with empty vector group (P<0.05). Up-regulation of PIG7 also enhanced the susceptibility of the cells to the induction of differentiation by VPA.CONCLUSION: VPA inhibits the proliferation and induces the differentiation and apoptosis of SKNO-1 cells. Enforced expression of PIG7 enhances the differentiation and apoptosis of SKNO-1 cells and promotes the sensitivity of SKNO-1 cells to VPA. Over-expression of PIG7 combined with VPA may provide a new strategy for treatment of leukemia.     

Effects of lentivirus-mediated transfection of shRNA targeting Adra1d gene on calcium and calmodulin in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM:To investigate the effects of lentivirus-mediated transfection of shRNA targeting α_1D-adrenergic receptor (Adra1d) gene on calcium ion (Ca²⁺) and calmodulin (CaM) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of rat aorta. METHODS:Single oligonucleotide sequences of shRNA targeting rat Adra1d gene were design and synthesized, and then the shRNA was constructed and cloned into GV248 vector. The U6-shRNA carrier and expression vector were transfected into 293T cells together and packed with lentivirus, and the supernatant was collected and concentrated by overspeed centrifugation. The VSMCs of rat aorta were transfected with recombinant lentivirus vector. The interference effects were identified by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The concentration of Ca²⁺ in VSMCs was detected by laser confocal inspection, and the expression of CaM at mRNA and protein levels in the VSMCs was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot. RESULTS:The lentiviral shRNA expression vector was successfully constructed. The titer of the concentrated virus was 3×10¹¹ TU/L. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Adra1d in the rat aortic VSMCs were significantly reduced after transfection. The interference efficiency of Lv-shRNA4-Adr to Adrald gene was greater than 85%. After target silencing of Adra1d gene, compared with scrambled group, the Ca²⁺ fluorescence intensity of rat aortic VSMCs was significantly increased. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression levels of CaM were also increased significantly. CONCLUSION:A lentiviral shRNA expression vector targeting rat Adra1d gene was successfully constructed, which significantly increased Ca²⁺ concentration and CaM expression in rat aortic VSMCs.     

Construction of a lentiviral RNA interference vector targeting rat myocardin and its effect on vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation

AIM: To construct a lentiviral RNA interference(RNAi)vector targeting rat myocardin mRNA and to investigate its effect on the differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs).METHODS: Three pairs of dsDNA targeting rat myocardin mRNA were designed, synthesized and cloned into lentiviral vector pGCSIL-GFP to generate pGCSIL-GFP-shMyocd lentvirus. A Flag-tagged myocardin-overexpression vector pEGFP-N1-Myocd was constructed with pEGFP-N1/X124G. After these two vectors were cotransfected into 293T cells, the flag protein was assessed by Western blotting to analyze the knockdown effect of pGCSIL-GFP-shMyocd. The expression of myocardin and SM22α was also detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting after the pGCSIL-GFP-shMyocd viruses were transfected into primary cultured rat aortal VSMCs.RESULTS: The rat myocardin lentviral RNAi vector pGCSIL-GFP-shMyocd and myocardin-overexpression vector pEGFP-N1-Myocd were successfully constructed. After these two kinds of vectors were cotransfected into 293T cells,the No.1 interfering vector displayed the highest inhibitory effect on flag expression.After the No.1 lentvirus at the titer of 1×10¹² TU/L was transfected into VSMCs, the myocardin and SM22α expression was significantly attenuated. CONCLUSION: The lentiviral pGCSIL-GFP-shMyocd RNAi vector is successfully constructed, which is useful for further study regarding the molecular mechanism of the phenotypic switching in VSMCs under special pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis. Inhibition of myocardin expression in VSMCs leads to the decrease in the expression of differentiation marker, and implies a crucial role of myocardin in VSMCs differentiation.     

Construction of recombinant retroviral vector of short interfering RNAs specific for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and establishment of stable HeLa cell line with a persistent knockdown of MIF

AIM: To construct recombinant retroviral vector of short interfering RNAs (siRNA) specific for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and to establish the stable knockdown of MIF cell line of mammalian cells by transfecting the recombinant retroviral vectors. METHODS: We synthesized oligo-nucleotides for MIF in vitro, and cloned them into retroviral vector pSuper.retro. Subsequently the plasmids were sequenced and digested to identify the construction of the recombinant retroviral vectors. The vectors RNAi were transfected into packing cell line PHOENIX, which was selected by puromycin later. HeLa cell line was infected by the virus supernatant of stable PHOENIX cell lines, and the stable HeLa cell line showed significantly to silence MIF was established by selecting with puromycin. We also compare the characters of HeLa-pSuper-mock to HeLa-pSuper-MIF cells by using migration assay, adhesion assay, soft agar assay and FACS analysis of the cell-cycle progression. RESULTS: The recombinant retroviral vectors were constructed successfully. The HeLa cell line infected by the supernatant containing the retrovirus of package PHOENIX cells was persistent knockdown of MIF confirmed by Western blotting. Knockdown of MIF in HeLa cells inhibited the migration and adhesion, and decreased the clone formation. FACS analysis revealed that knockdown of MIF arrested HeLa cells in G0/G1 phase. CONCLUSION: We establish the stable HeLa cell line with a persistent knockdown of MIF. Our current studies reveal that MIF is necessary for HeLa cell migration and anchorage-independent growth.     

Effects of estrogen and estrogen receptor α on neuronal injury induced by glutamate

AIM：To observe the effects of estrogen and estrogen receptor α (ERα) on the neuronal damage induced by glutamate (Glu). METHODS：Primarily cultured mouse neurons were used in the study. The model of neuronal injury was established by Glu induction. The neuron-specific enolase (NSE) was identified by the immunohistochemical method to determine the purity of the neurons. The recombinant lentiviral vector containing ERα (V-ERα-RFP-flag) was constructed. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of ERα in the neurons. The neurons were divided into 3 groups: (1)control group: empty lentivirus (V-RFP-flag) was used to infect the injured cells; (2)estrogen group: estrogen intervention was applied to the injured cells;(3) lentivirus group: V-ERα-RFP-flag was used to infect the injured cells. The apoptosis of the neurons was detected by flow cytometry. The changes of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR1) and vesicular glutamate transporter protein 1 (VGLUT1) were determined by the methods of real-time quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence. RESULTS：The neurons were primary cultured with the purity of over 90%. The injury model of the neuron was successfully induced by Glu. V-RFP-flag and V-ERα-RFP-flag (carrying red fluorescence) at MOI=7 were used to infect the neurons. After 72 h, the red fluorescence was observed significantly under a fluorescence microscope. Compared with the control lentivirus, V-ERα-RFP-flag significantly enhanced the mRNA and protein levels of ERα. Compared with control group, the apoptotic rates of the neurons in estrogen group and lentivirus group were decreased, and the mRNA expression of NMDAR1 and VGLUT1 in estrogen group and lentivirus group was reduced. The numbers of NMDAR1 and VGLUT1 positive cells were also decreased. CONCLUSION：Estrogen and ERα reduce Glu-induced damage in the neurons by inhibiting the expression of NMDAR1 and VGLUT1.