High-efficient genetic transfection of CD41+,UT7, U937 and MDA-MB-435 cells with a recombined murine stem cell retroviral vector

AIM: Gene transduction with a recombined murine stem cell retroviral vector has been investigated to find an effective way of gene transduction and to offer theory and experimental basis for the recombined murine stem cell retroviral vector used for gene transduction. METHODS: 1. Construction of retrovirus vector: EC1-4 gene (repeats 1-4 of cadher in-5 extracellular domain) and mutant (Ser 222A) MEK1 gene were cloned into retrovirus vector pMSCV after cut by Bgl Ⅱ and EcoR 1 restriction endonuclease. 2. Obtaining CD41⁺ cells and cell culture: Cells expressing CD34⁺ from cord blood were isolated. The inducement of cells expressing CD41 from CD34⁺ cells was performed by using TPO and cells CD41⁺ were selected by FACS. NIH 3T3 cells were cultured in high sugar DMEM medium and U937 in RPMI 1640 medium. UT7 cells which is cytokine-dependent cell line were grown in Iscove's modified Dulbeco's medium supplemented by GM-CSF. 3. Determination of viral titers: Retroviral vectors were transferred to packaging cell line 293. Retroviral containing supenatant was collected after transfection. The viral titers was tested on infection of NIH 3T3 cells by FACS analysis. 4. Western blot: Transduced CD41⁺, UT7, U937 and MDA-MB-435 cells were analyzed by western blot to examine expression of transduced genes. RESULTS: A packaging cell line 293 produces high-titer MEK1 pMSCV retroviruses (3.1×10⁷) and EC1-4 pMSCV retroviruses (1.0×10⁸). With 8-folds dilution retroviruses, 60.73% GFP positive cells have been obtained in MEK1 pMSCV transduced UT7 cells, 72.56% in U937 cells and 30.57% in CD41⁺ cells, respectively. GFP positive cells have reached up 97.54 % in EC1-4 pMSCV transducted MDA-MB-435 cells. Phosphorylated MEK1 has been decreased in experiment group when TPO has stimulated CD41⁺ and UT7 cells or serum has stimulated U973 cells. This indicates that is a dominant negative effect of mutation MEK gene. EC1-4 gene transduced MDA-MB-435 cells have expressed EC1-4. CONCLUSION:The recombined murine stem cell retrovirus can effectively mediate gene transduction of CD41⁺,UT7,U937 and MDA-MB-435 cells,and transduced genes can be stably expressed.     

Effects of exogenous Rb gene on apoB in U937 cells during formation of foam cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of exogenous retinoblastoma (Rb) gene on apolipoprotein B (apoB) during the transformation of U937 cells into foam cells and to explore the function of Rb gene in this process. METHODS: In one group, human myeloid leukemia U937 cells were incubated with 80 mg/L oxidative modifications of low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) for 0, 12 and 24 hours, respectively. In the other group, the U937 cells were treated similarly, except that the cells were also transfected with exogenous Rb gene via a recombinant adenovirus vector. The expression levels of Rb gene and the contents of apoB in both groups were detected by RT-PCR and flow cytometry. The same experiments were repeated three times. RESULTS: The expression levels of Rb in U937 cells within 12 h and 24 h incubations with Ox-LDL were significantly lower than that at 0 h (P<0.05), and the contents of apoB within 12 h and 24 h incubation with Ox-LDL were significantly higher than that at 0 h (P<0.05). The U937 cells transfected with exogenous Rb gene via a recombinant adenovirus vector, however, showed that the expression levels of Rb gene within 12 h and 24 h incubation with Ox-LDL were significantly higher than that at 0 h (P<0.05), and the content of apoB within 12 h and 24 h incubation with Ox-LDL were significantly lower than that at 0 h (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of exogenous Rb gene into human myeloid leukemia U937 cells down-regulates the content of apoB, suggesting that the Rb gene may play certain roles in the transformation of monocytes into foam cells and may be considered as one of the sensitive candidate genes affecting the formation of foam cells.     

Pim-1 kinase inhibitor SMI-4a inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in U937 cells

AIM: To study the growth-inhibiting and proapoptotic effects of Pim-1 kinase inhibitor SMI-4a on human acute myeloid leukemia cell line U937.METHODS: The effect of SMI-4a on U937 cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. The apoptotic rate was assessed by flow cytometry with Annexin V-PI staining and by fluorescence microscopy with Hoechst 33342 staining. Methylcellulose was used to assess colony formation ability of the cells. The expression of β-catenin in the cell cytosol and nucleus was detected by Western blot, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in the U937 cells was also examined. Intracellular distribution of β-catenin was detected by the method of immunofluorescence.RESULTS: SMI-4a inhibited the viability of U937 cells. Annexin V-PI staining showed that SMI-4a induced apoptosis in dose-and time-dependent manners. Hoechst 33342 staining also verified the apoptosis. SMI-4a significantly inhibited the colony formation capacity of the U937 cells. The results of Western blot demonstrated that SMI-4a upregulated the expression of PARP and Bax, downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 and change the distribution of β-catenin in intracellular compartment. Immunofluorescence observation found that SMI-4a decreased the expression level of β-catenin in the U937 cells.CONCLUSION: SMI-4a induces U937 cell apoptosis through regulating the expression of apoptosis-related genes.     

Effect of fractalkine on the expression and secretion of MMP-2 in human monocytes

AIM: To study the effect of fractalkine (CX3CL1, Fkn) on the expression and secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in cultured human monocyte line U937 cells. METHODS: The cultured U937 cells were incubated with recombinant human Fkn, the supernatant of human renal mesangial cells (HRMC) and Fkn neutralizing antibodies for 24 h. The mRNA expression of MMP-2 was analyzed by RT-PCR. The production of MMP-2 in the supernatant was analyzed by gelatin zymography. RESULTS: The level of MMP-2 mRNA and protein in the cells incubated with recombinant human Fkn decreased compared to control group. Similarly, the level of MMP-2 mRNA in the cells incubated with the supernatant of HRMC reduced compared to control group. However, the level of MMP-2 mRNA and protein in the cells incubated with the supernatant of HRMC adding Fkn neutralizing antibodies increased compared to that incubated with the supernatant of HRMC. CONCLUSION: Fkn inhibits the expression and secretion of MMP-2 in cultured U937 cells. HRMC might mediate the expression and secretion of MMP-2 in U937 cells through Fkn.     

Influences of wild-type p53 gene overexpression on the differentiation,apoptosis and expression of scavenger receptor CD36 in U937 cells*

AIM: To study the effect of wild-type p53 gene on the differentiation, apoptosis and expression of scavenger receptor CD36 in U937 cells. METHODS： Recombinant adenovirus vector with wild-type p53 gene was constructed and used to transfect U937 cells. With the expression of wild-type p53 gene following adenoviral infection, transfected U937 cells were largely promoted to differentiate into macrophages. RESUITS： Trypanblue-staining test demonstrated that the percentage of positive cells increased from (14.2±5.5)% to (64.6±9.2)% and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction test reached similar results (6.3±1.8)% vs (49.7±12.6)%. Furthermore, CD36 mRNA was up-regulated as confirmed by RT-PCR. The increased expression level of CD 36 was also detected by flow cytometry analysis. CONCLUSION： These results suggest that wild-type p53 gene can affect U937 cells differentiation and apoptosis, up-regulate expression of scavenger receptor CD36. It may have a potential significance on atherogenesis.     

Effects of up-regulation of c-myc expression on U937 cell line

AIM:To establish a human monocytic　leukemia cell line U937 stably expressing c-myc gene and to investigate the biological characteristics of this cell line. METHODS:The recombinant plasmid MSCV-c-myc-IRES-GFP (MMIG) was constructed. MMIG and MSCV-IRES-GFP (MIG) were used to package the viruses for infecting U937 cells. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) was used for sorting U937/GFP and U937/MYC cells. The GFP-positive cells were detected by fluorescence microscopy and FACS. The protein expression of c-Myc, survivin, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) and Bcl-2 was detected by Western blotting. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay. Propidium iodide (PI) staining was used to determine the cell cycle distribution. Self-renewal ability was observed by colony- forming assay. RESULTS:The GFP expression in the cells infected with MIG or MMIG virus was observed under fluorescence microscope. The green fluorescent rate of the cells infected with MIG was 26.0%, while that of the cells infected with MMIG was 27.7%. The protein expression of c-Myc in MMIG-infected U937 cells was higher than that in MIG-infected cells. After sorting, the green fluorescent rates of U937/GFP and U937/MYC cells reached 98.7% and 93.7%, respectively. The protein expression of c-Myc in U937/MYC cells was higher than that in U937/GFP cells. In addition, survivin, a downstream protein of c-Myc, was up-regulated, while the protein expression of XIAP and Bcl-2 remained unchanged. Cell cycle analysis showed that the percentage of the cells in S phase increased in U937/MYC cells. Moreover, the proliferation and colony-forming ability of U937/MYC cells were also enhanced. CONCLUSION: U937/MYC cell line stably expressing c-myc gene was successfully established. c-Myc may increase cell viability via enhancing the expression of anti-apoptotic protein survivin, the cell cycle transition and the self-renewal ability.     

ARHI gene inhibits cell growth,induces G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis of acute myeloid leukemia cell line U937

AIM: To investigate the expression of aplasia rashomolog member I (ARHI) gene in acute myeloid leukemia cells (AML) and to study the effects of ARHI on the growth of AML cell line U937.METHODS: The mRNA expression of ARHI in AML cells, 293FT cells, AML primary cells and healthy volunteer blood cells were detected by RT-PCR. After transfection with the MSCV-IRES-GFP-ARHI plasmid to the U937 cells, the growth curve was analyzed by MTT assay. U937 cells were re-suspended by fresh medium and cultured for 24 h, then the cell cycle distribution and apoptotic rate were determined. RESULTS: The mRNA of ARHI was positively detectable in 293FT cells and healthy volunteer blood cells instead of AML cell line and AML primary cells. The growth curve showed that cell viability in U937 cells with high expression of ARHI (U937-ARHI) was lower than that in the control cells (U937-GFP) on 6th~8th day. The ratio of G₂/M phase and apoptotic rate in the U937-ARHI cells were increased compare with control group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The mRNA level of ARHI is low in AML cells. High expression of ARHI gene in U937 cells inhibits cell growth, arrests the cells at G₂/M phase and induces apoptosis.     

Effects of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene transfection on cytokines and cAMP production in human phagocytic cells

AIM and METHOD: Human endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene was transfected into human phagocytic cell U937 and the effects of gene transfer on cytokines and cAMP production were observed. RESULTS: A functional eNOS was stably expressed in transfected U937 cells, but NO release was undetectable in intact transfectants. However, eNOS gene expression upregulated tumor necrosis factor-α release and downregulated interleukin-10 and cAMP production in either presence or absence of NOS inhibitor N^ω-monomethyl-L-arginine. CONCLUSION: The function of tranfected eNOS gene product showed cellular speciality. The effector molecule that changed the produced pattern of cytokines and cAMP in phagocytic cells seems not likely the nitric oxide.     

Gene transfer and expression of recombined human proinsulin in hepatoma cells of rats

AIM:To explore the recombined human proinsulin gene containing glucose reaction element (GLRE) expression in transfected CBRH7919 cells. METHODS:The packaged retrovirus encoding genetically modified human proinsulin PLXSN-(GLRE)3-BP-1MpINS3 and PLXSN-(GLRE)3-BP-1MpINS2 were transfected into CBRH7919 cells. Insulin values in cells after transient and steady expression screened by G418 at different glucose levels were detected. Chromosome DNA was isolated from transfected and untransfected cells and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed. PCR products were analyzed by electrophoresis. RESULTS:38 h after transfection, at the glucose levels of 0-25 mmol/L, the levels of insulin produced by cells including PLXSN-(GLRE)3-BP-1MpINS3 were (3.57±0.21)U/L, (5.30±0.20)U/L, (16.27±0.87)U/L, (23.23±1.12)U/L, respectively (P<0.05). One month after transfection, under above glucose levels, insulin values were (3.57±0.21)U/L, (5.30±0.20)U/L, (16.27±0.87)U/L, (23.23±1.12)U/L (P<0.05). CBRH7919 cells including PLXSN-(GLRE)3-BP-1MpINS2 secreted detectable insulin value at the level of 25 mmol/L, they were (2.10±0.23)U/L and (2.05±0.17)U/L, respectively. PCR products of transfected cells showed target band, but control cells did not. CONCLUSIONS:Recombined proinsulin gene was transfected successfully in CBRH7919 cells. The cells combined human proinsulin gene has the ability of producing insulin with increase in glucose concentration in vitro.     

Zoledronic acid inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in U937 cells

AIM: To study the antiproliferation and proapoptotic effects of zoledronic acid(ZOL) on human acute myeloid leukemia cell line U937. METHODS: The viability of U937 cells was detected by CCK-8 assay. The cell cycle of the U937 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry with PI staining. Apoptotic rate was assessed by flow cytometry with Annexin V-PI and Hoechst 33342 staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1 assay. Methylcellulose was used to assess colony formation. The protein levels of p21, Bcl-2 and Bax were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: ZOL inhibited the viability of U937 cells. ZOL induced S-phase cell cycle arrest in the U937 cells. The results of flow cytometry analysis with Annexin V-PI and Hoechst 33342 staining showed that ZOL also induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Mitochondrial membrane potential assay was also used to verify the apoptosis. The apoptotic rate was consistent with the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential. Colony formation assay showed that ZOL significantly inhibited the colony formation capacity of the U937 cells. This was achieved by the induction of S-phase cell cycle arrest, and up-regulation of Bax and p21, and down-regulation of Bcl-2. CONCLUSION: ZOL inhibits cell proliferation by regulating the expression of cell cycle-related protein, and induces apoptosis via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.     

Oridonin enhances phagocytosis of apoptotic U937 cells by macrophage-like cells

AIM: To study the effect of oridonin on the phagocytosis of apoptotic U937 cells by macrophage-like cells. METHODS: DNA agarose gel electrophoresis, Giemsa staining, Hoechst 33258 staining and photomicroscopical observation were used. RESULTS: UV irradiation (2.4 J/cm2, 4 min) induced U937 cell apoptosis. Marked DNA fragmentation in agarose gel electrophoresis was observed. Oridonin augmented phagocytosis of apoptotic U937 cells by U937 cell-derived macrophages in a time- and dose-dependent manner. However, less effect on synthetic fluoresbrite micropheres was observed. The oridonin-augmented phagocytosis was attenuated by anti-human TNFα or anti-human IL-1β antiserum. In addition, the similar effect of phagocytosis was observed in oridonin-treated human monocyte-derived macrophages at 4 day maturation. CONCLUSION: Oridonin enhances phagocytosis of apoptotic U937 cells by macrophage-like cells. The releases of TNFα and IL-1β are involved in this mechanism.     

Combination of sorafenib and daunorubicin has antileukemic activity on K562 cells

AIM: To investigate the synergetic inhibitory effect of sorafenib and daunorubicin (DNR) on K562 and U937 cells. METHODS: The inhibitory rate of sorafenib or daunorubicin alone, and the combined inhibitory rate of sorafenib and IC10 daunorubicin were measured by MTT assay. Apoptotic rate of single drug or combination was assessed by flow cytometry (Annexin Ⅴ/PI staining) and Hoechst 33258 staining assay. p-ERK1/2 level was detected by Western blotting after the cells were treated with sorafenib, daunorubicin and U0126 or combinations. Synergistic or antagonistic effect of proliferation and apoptosis on K562 and U937 was estimated according to the Jins Method. RESULTS: Combination of sorafenib and DNR showed synergistic growth inhibition (q>1.15, P<0.01) and synergistic promotion of apoptosis (q>1.15, P<0.05) in K562 and U937 cells. The level of p-ERK1/2 in K562 cells was obviously higher than that in U937 cells (P<0.01). p-ERK1/2 expression was completely inhibited in sorafenib or U0126 treated K562 cells for 24 h. Combination of U0126 with DNR inhibited the proliferation of K562 cells synergistically. CONCLUSION: Combination of sorafenib with DNR showed synergistic cell growth inhibition and promotion of apoptosis in K562 and U937 cells. U937 cells were more sensitive to DNR than K562 cells while K562 cells were more sensitive to sorafenib. Sorafenib enhances the anti-leukemic activity of DNR in K562 and U937 cells via down-regulation of p-ERK1/2 expression.     

钙素对SA诱导番茄幼苗抗灰霉病的调控作用

 为探索钙对水杨酸（SA）诱导番茄（Solanum lycopersicum）幼苗抗灰霉病的作用,采用‘L402’番茄品种,通过分别喷施8 mmol • L^-1 CaCl₂和5 mmol • L^-1 EGTA后再喷施2 mmol • L^-1 SA,3 d后接种灰霉病菌孢子的方法,研究了不同处理对番茄幼苗灰霉病病情指数、活性氧积累、主要防御酶活性及其基因表达的影响。结果表明：接种灰霉病菌孢子5 d后,SA处理的番茄幼苗病情指数比对照降低37.27%,Ca + SA处理较SA处理进一步降低18%;接种1 d和2 d后,叶片中产生速率和H₂O₂含量分别出现应激高峰,且处理间存在差异,与对照相比Ca + SA处理分别提高33.05%和29.31%,EGTA + SA处理分别降低32.62%和46.34%;叶片中抗病相关酶活性和基因表达在接种病菌后也出现应激高峰,其中Ca + SA处理显著提高了PAL、几丁质酶、β–1,3–葡聚糖酶活性,EGTA处理及EGTA + SA处理显著降低了PAL、几丁质酶、β–1,3–葡聚糖酶活性。上述结果表明,Ca²⁺在SA诱导番茄抗灰霉病中具有正调控作用,而且这种作用与PAL、几丁质酶、β–1,3–葡聚糖酶活性及其基因表达密切相关。     

HCMV-infected human THP-1 cells induce expression of HLA-G and its receptors

AIM: To investigate the differential expression of human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) isoforms and its receptors in human monocyte line THP-1 after human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection for exploring the role of HLA-G in HCMV escaping the immune response of the organism.METHODS: THP-1 cells were infected with HCMV Towne strain. The expression of HLA-G isoforms at mRNA and protein levels was determined by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The surface expression of HLA-G and its receptors ILT2/ILT4 and the cell viability were analyzed by flow cytometry. The levels of soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) and IL-10 were measured by ELISA.RESULTS: After infection of the THP-1 cells with HCMV, no obvious apoptosis in the cells was observed, and the viability of the cells was high. A significant up-regulation of HLA-G1, -G3, -G4 and -G5 at mRNA expression level 1 d after infection was found, while the protein expression of HLA-G1 and HLA-G5 isoforms was mainly detected. The expression of HLA-G/ILT2/ILT4 was evidently up-regulated 1 d after infection. The level of sHLA-G was significantly increased 1 d after infection as compared with control group (P<0.01). The expression of IL-10 was obviously up-regulated 1 d post-infection as compared with control group.CONCLUSION: The differential expression of HLA-G isoforms and secretion of the receptors ILT2/ILT4 and IL-10 in the THP-1 cells are induced after HCMV infection. This study provides experimental evidence for evaluating the immune mechanism of HCMV infection.     

Effect of sodium valproate on expression and epigenetic modification of CEBPA in AML1-ETO transfected cells

AIM:To investigate the effect of sodium valproate (VPA) on the expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (CEBPA) in AML1-ETO transfected cells and to explore the possible mechanism for inducing re-expression of the silent gene. METHODS:The cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay, and the living cell counting was performed by the method of trypan blue exclusion. The expression of myeloid cell differentiation antigen was simultaneously detected by flow cytometry.RT-qPCR was used to assess the mRNA expression of CEBPA. The acetylation levels of histones H3 and H4 were detected by ChIP-qPCR. RESULTS:VPA significantly inhibited the growth of U937 and AML1-ETO transfected cells in a concentration-and time-dependent manner. VPA enhanced the expression of cell differentiation antigens CD11b and CD14. VPA increased the mRNA expression of CEBPA. The acetylation levels of H3 and H4 were increased by the treatment with VPA. CONCLUSION:VPA inhibits the proliferation and induces differentiation of U937 and AML1-ETO transfected cells.VPA causes the changes of epigenetic modification and induces the re-expression of CEBPA gene which is silenced probably through specifically regulating the acetylation levels of H3 and H4.     

Effect of mininally modified low density lipoprotein on the adhesive function of vascular endothelial cell and its mechanism

AIM: To observe the effect of MM-LDL (minimally modified LDL) on the interaction between human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) and U937 monocyte-like cell line and the exporession of vascular cell adhesion-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1), P-selectin.METHODS:The adhesive percentage between HUVEC treated with MM-LDL and U937 was determined by counting and the expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, P-selectin were examined by ELISA. RESULTS: Treatment of HUVEC with MM-LDL (75 mg/L) for 4 hours significantly increased adhesion of U937 to HUVEC ( P <0.01) and did not induce the surface expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, P-selectin . Recombination tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rTNF_α) 5.0 μg/L, as a positive control, induced the expression of these adhesion molecules ( P <0.05). Prolonged (18 h) exposure to MM-LDL resulted in the expression of P-selectin, but not VCAM-1.CONCLUSION: the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells induced by MM-LDL is not mediated by VCAM-1, ICAM-1. P-selectin induction may be partly involved in the process.