苹果乙烯响应因子基因MdERF11对脱落酸的敏感性分析

以‘嘎拉’苹果(Malus×domestica Borkh.)为试材,克隆了乙烯响应因子基因MdERF11(序列号MDP0000756341)。测序发现,该基因包含全长为483 bp的完整开放阅读框,编码161个氨基酸。系统进化树分析表明,这一乙烯响应因子与拟南芥AtERF11蛋白同源序列相似性最高。利用PlantCare数据库进行基因启动子顺式作用元件预测,MdERF11启动子序列中含有与脱落酸(ABA)、乙烯及干旱信号相关的顺式作用元件。荧光定量PCR分析表明,MdERF11在苹果的各组织中均有表达,在叶柄和果实中表达量相对较高;并且MdERF11的表达明显受到ABA的诱导。在外源ABA的处理下,MdERF11过量表达的苹果愈伤组织的生长势明显比野生型强,表明MdERF11降低了苹果愈伤组织对ABA的敏感性。     

苹果生长素阻遏蛋白基因MdIAA26的分子克隆与功能鉴定

从‘皇家嘎拉’苹果（Malus × domestica Borkh.）中克隆了一个生长素阻遏蛋白家族基因（基因序列号MDP0000164095）。测序发现,该基因包含长为978 bp完整的开放阅读框,编码325个氨基酸。系统进化树分析表明,这一生长素阻遏蛋白与拟南芥IAA26同源序列相似性最高,因此将该基因命名为MdIAA26。利用PlantCare数据库进行基因启动子顺式作用元件预测分析发现,MdIAA26启动子序列中含有与脱落酸（ABA）、赤霉素（GA）、水杨酸（SA）及干旱信号相关的顺式作用元件。荧光定量PCR分析表明,MdIAA26在苹果的各组织中均有表达,在根和叶片中表达量相对较高;苹果组培苗中MdIAA26的表达明显受到ABA和IAA的诱导。MdIAA26过量表达的苹果愈伤组织在外源ABA处理下和MdIAA26异位表达拟南芥在外源ABA、PEG和IAA处理条件下,生长势均明显比野生型对照强,表明MdIAA26降低了对ABA和IAA的敏感性和对干旱的抗性。     

苹果乙烯响应因子MdERF1B-like的克隆与功能鉴定

以‘泰山早霞’苹果发育期中未着色和着色的果实为试材,利用q RT-PCR分析花青苷和乙烯通路相关基因的表达。分离出1个乙烯响应因子,暂命名为MdERF1B-like(MDP0000167207),其开放阅读框为690bp,编码229个氨基酸。在‘泰山早霞’苹果着色与未着色果实中,MdERF1B-like表达量变化与花青苷合成基因MdDFR、MdANS和调控基因MdMYB9的表达趋势一致。系统进化树分析表明,MdERF1B-like位于第Ⅸ组,与PyERF1B-like亲缘关系最近。在‘王林’苹果愈伤组织中过表达MdERF1B-like,其花青苷含量显著高于对照。分析MdMYB9启动子序列,其长度为746 bp,序列中含有1个ERF潜在结合元件RAA(TGTTG),酵母单杂表明MdERF1B-like与MdMYB9启动子结合。进一步通过荧光素酶报告试验验证MdERF1B-like促进MdMYB9启动子的转录活性。因此,MdERF1B-like可能通过对MdMYB9的调控来促进苹果花青苷积累。     

苹果U-box型E3泛素连接酶MdPUB24的耐盐性和ABA敏感性鉴定

从‘皇家嘎拉’苹果(Malus×domestica Borkh.)中克隆了一个E3泛素连接酶基因(序列号:MDP0000199588)。基因序列测序发现,该基因包含长为1 212 bp完整的开放阅读框,编码404个氨基酸。系统进化树分析表明,这一E3泛素连接酶与拟南芥At PUB24同源序列相似性最高,因此将其命名为MdPUB24。利用Plant Care数据库进行启动子顺式作用元件预测分析表明,MdPUB24启动子序列中含有与脱落酸、光、茉莉酸及干旱信号相关的顺式作用元件。荧光定量PCR分析表明,MdPUB24在‘皇家嘎拉’苹果的不同组织中均有表达,且在叶片中最高;外源ABA、NaCl和低温胁迫处理能够抑制‘皇家嘎拉’苹果组培苗中MdPUB24的表达。MdPUB24过量表达的‘王林’苹果愈伤组织和异位表达的拟南芥幼苗在盐胁迫条件下,生长势与野生型相比明显变弱,表明MdPUB24负调控盐胁迫。相反,在外源ABA处理条件下,MdPUB24过量表达苹果愈伤和异位表达拟南芥与对照相比,生长势明显增强,表明MdPUB24对ABA不敏感。     

苹果磷酸果糖激酶基因MdPFPβ调控果实可溶性糖积累的功能

为阐明苹果（Malus×domestica Borkh.）磷酸果糖激酶基因MdPFPβ(Pyrophosphate-fructose 6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase subunit beta,基因序列号MD09G1112800)的生物学功能,首先分析了基因启动子和全长序列信息,该基因包含全长为483 bp完整的开放阅读框,编码161个氨基酸。利用PlantCare数据库进行基因启动子顺式作用元件分析发现,MdPFPβ启动子序列中含有与脱落酸（abscisicacid,ABA）、低温及干旱信号相关的调控元件。荧光定量PCR分析发现,MdPFPβ在苹果叶片和成熟果实中表达量较高,并且受外源ABA的诱导表达。在外施ABA的条件下,MdPFPβ过量表达的苹果愈伤组织中可溶性糖含量明显上升。此外,MdPFPβ转基因番茄植株的光合性能增强,MdPFPβ可能通过调控糖代谢酶的活性最终影响果实中的可溶性糖含量。     

苹果MdMYB2基因对非生物胁迫的响应

为阐明苹果(Malus×domestica)R2R3-MYB转录因子基因MdMYB2在非生物胁迫条件下的生物学功能,对MdMYB2的启动子序列进行分析,发现其含有非生物胁迫相关顺式作用元件,且MdMYB2的表达量受外源ABA、聚乙二醇(PEG)和4℃低温的诱导。在不同处理对MdMYB2过表达拟南芥植株和MdMYB2过表达苹果愈伤组织的试验中发现,外源ABA处理抑制了MdMYB2转基因拟南芥种子的萌发,且转基因幼苗提高了对ABA的敏感性、耐旱性和抗冷性。同时,过表达MdMYB2的苹果愈伤组织也表现出对ABA敏感、耐旱和抗冷的表型。以上结果说明MdMYB2在植物的逆境胁迫响应中发挥重要作用。     

百子莲脱水素基因ApSK_3对逆境与激素信号的应答模式与调控机制

克隆了百子莲(Agapanthus praecox)脱水素基因ApSK_3上游2 195 bp的启动子序列,对百子莲不同组织和多种非生物胁迫与ABA处理的样品进行基因定量分析,构建多个ApSK_3不同长度缺失的启动子片段与GUS基因融合的表达载体并转化拟南芥,以揭示ApSK_3基因对不同逆境与激素信号的应答模式及顺式作用元件的调控功能。结果表明:ApSK_3启动子序列包含多个与植物逆境、激素应答及生长发育相关的顺式作用元件,且ApSK_3的表达具有组织特异性,果实中表达量最高,叶、根次之,花中最低;ApSK_3对ABA信号与盐胁迫最敏感,其次为干旱、高渗和低温胁迫,对高温胁迫响应不明显。ApSK_3-P::GUS融合表达载体转化拟南芥,ApSK_3启动子在拟南芥的整个生长发育过程中均具有较强的表达活性,幼苗根部的表达活性强于叶片,且随着果实的发育成熟启动子的活性明显增强。ApSK_3不同长度缺失的启动子片段分析结果表明–2 175～–950 bp片段对启动子的活性起到重要的调控作用;多个顺式作用元件响应干旱胁迫;ApSK_3-P通过两个ABRE元件共同响应ABA信号;–526～–533 bp的ERE元件参与响应乙烯信号;–561～–567 bp的P-box元件响应了赤霉素信号,–2 175～–1 167 bp区域可以增强对GA的响应。研究结果证明ApSK_3启动子可积极响应干旱、渗透、盐、低温、ABA、GA和乙烯信号;启动子上存在多个顺式作用元件响应干旱胁迫,ApSK_3-P通过两个ABRE、ERE与P-box元件分别响应ABA、乙烯与赤霉素信号。     

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。     

苹果乙烯响应因子MdERF3促进花青苷和原花青苷积累

以'嘎拉'苹果(Malus×domestica'Royal Gala')为材料,克隆乙烯响应因子(Ethylene Response Factor 3)基因MdERF3。构建酵母载体pGBKT7-MdERF3和原核表达载体PET32a-MdERF3,酵母转化试验表明,MdERF3转录因子具有转录激活活性。电泳迁移率试验分析显示,MdERF3-HIS原核诱导蛋白能够直接结合GCC和DRE序列。构建pCAMBIA1300-MdERF3超表达载体,转化苹果愈伤组织和拟南芥植株,并瞬时转化苹果叶片,转基因材料花青苷和原花青苷积累显著高于野生型。以上结果表明MdERF3转录因子具有转录激活活性以及对GCC和DRE序列的结合能力;MdERF3在调控花青苷和原花青苷积累过程中发挥重要作用。     

苹果MdCBL3基因的克隆与功能鉴定

从‘嘎拉’苹果(Malus×domestica Borkh.)中克隆MdCBL3(序列号:MDP0000155124),长852 bp。系统进化树分析表明,苹果MdCBL3与白梨亲缘关系最近。利用PlantCare数据库进行启动子顺式作用元件预测分析,MdCBL3启动子序列中存在干旱、低温、光、生长素、防御等响应元件。构建MdCBL3表达载体并利用农杆菌介导法侵染苹果愈伤组织和拟南芥。半定量RT-PCR证明MdCBL3在转基因愈伤组织中过量表达,在拟南芥中得到异源表达。表型分析发现,在盐胁迫中,与野生型相比,转基因愈伤组织和拟南芥成龄苗生长更好,盐胁迫的抗性更强。在拟南芥中异源表达MdCBL3,能提高拟南芥对干旱和低温的抗性。     

Effect of circRNA_000203 on fibrotic phenotypes in mouse cardiac fibroblasts

AIM: To determine circular RNA (circRNA) profiles in the diabetic mouse myocardium, and to investigate the effect of circRNA_000203 on fibrotic phenotypes in cardiac fibroblasts.METHODS: Masson trichrome staining was performed on the myocardium of the diabetic db/db mice and the non diabetic db/m control mice. circRNA expression profile in the diabetic myocardium was detected by circRNAs microarray. The expression of circRNA_000203 was determined by real time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Recombinant circRNA_000203 adenovirus was prepared for enforced the expression of circRNA_000203 in mouse cardiac fibroblasts. The expression of Col1a2, Col3a1and α-SMA was determined in circRNA_000203-modified cardiac fibroblasts, respectively. RESULTS: Masson trichrome staining showed that fibrosis was increased in the diabetic mouse myocardium. The results of circRNA array detection revealed that circRNAs were dysregulated in the diabetic myocardium. circRNA_000203 was up-regulated in the diabetic myocardium. Significant over-expression of circRNA_000203 was achieved in the cardiac fibroblasts after infection with the recombinant circRNA_000203 adenovirus. The mRNA and protein expression of Col1a2, Col3a1 and α-SMA was significantly increased in the cardiac fibroblasts with over-expression of circRNA_000203.CONCLUSION: circRNA_000203 is up-regulated in the diabetic mouse myocardium. It has pro-fibrotic effect on the cardiac fibroblasts.     

Effect of miR-29b-mediated TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway on progression of hepatic fibrosis in rats

AIM: To investigate the role of microRNA-29b (miR-29b)-mediated TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and its effect on the progression of hepatic fibrosis in rats.METHODS: Hepatic liver fibrosis rat model was established, and its HSC were isolated. Normal rat HSC were also obtained and identified in vitro. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the alterations of miR-29b, TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins and liver fibrosis marker proteins in the acquired cells. Finally, the direct targeting binding of miR-29b to TGF-β1 was identified by dual-luciferase reporter assay system.RESULTS: With the activation of HSC, the expression of miR-29b gradually decreased (P<0.01), while the expression of collagen type I and α-smooth muscle actin gradually increased (P<0.01). At the same time, the expression of Smad2/3/4 was significantly increased, and the expression of Smad7 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-29b bound directly to "UCUCUCCGU" in the 3'UTR of TGF-β1, indicating that TGF-β1 was a downstream target gene of miR-29b.CONCLUSION: miR-29b may be involved in the inhibition of HSC activation and migration, thereby inhibiting the process of liver fibrosis. The biological function of miR-29b may be through the direct targeting of TGF-β1, thus regulating and inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.     

Activation of macrophage peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α inhibits macrophage inflammation-induced cardiac fibroblast activation and migration

AIM: To investigate the effect of macrophage peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) activation on macrophage inflammation-induced activation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts. METHODS: Mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages were treated with vehicle, PPARα agonist WY14643 (10 μmol/L), angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang II; 1 μmol/L) or Ang II+WY14643 for 24 h, and the supernatants were collected as conditioned medium (CM) to stimulate cardiac fibroblasts for additional 24 h. The mRNA levels of PPARα, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the macrophages as well as fibrotic markers collagen type Ⅰ alpha 2 chain (Col1a2), collagen alpha 1 chain (Col3a1) and actin alpha 2 (Acta2) in the cardiac fibroblasts were detected by RT-qPCR. The protein levels of IL-6 and IL-1β in the macrophages as well as collagen I, collagen III and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA; encoded by Acta2 gene) in the cardiac fibroblasts were determined by Western blot. Wound-healing assay was applied to eva-luate the migration ability of cardiac fibroblasts. RESULTS: Ang II significantly increased the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory factors, such as IL-6, IL-1α and TNF-α, but decreased the mRNA level of PPARα in the macrophages. Administration of PPARα agonist WY14643 dramatically decreased Ang II-induced mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in the macrophages, and significantly decreased Ang II-induced protein expression of IL-6 and pro-IL-1β in the macrophages. The CM from Ang II-treated macrophages significantly up-regulated the mRNA levels of Col1a2, Col3a1 and Acta2 in the cardiac fibroblasts, which were inhibited by the CM from WY14643-treated macrophages. The same results were observed in the protein levels of collagen I, collagen III and α-SMA in the cardiac fibroblasts. Moreover, the CM from Ang II-treated macrophages significantly promoted cardiac fibroblast migration, whereas the CM from WY14643-treated macrophages markedly inhibited macrophage inflammation-induced cardiac fibroblast migration. CONCLUSION: WY14643-activated PPARα inhibits activation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts by attenuating Ang II-induced macrophage inflammatory response.     

Placental growth factor is involved in angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibroblast activation

AIM：To explore the role of placental growth factor (PLGF) in the process of angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). METHODS：Primary culture and identification of CFs from neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats were performed. The method of fluorescence immunocytochemistry was employed to observe the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to determine mRNA and protein levels. The cell proliferation was observed by WST-1 assay. RESULTS：Compared with control group, the PLGF expression at mRNA and protein levels in Ang II-treated CFs was significantly increased, whereas the mRNA expression of PLGF was decreased in the CFs treated with telmisartan and Ang II. Treatment with PLGF induced the proliferation of CFs and increased the protein expression of α-SMA. Treatment with PLGF for 60 min significantly increased the protein levels of p-ERK1/2 in the CFs. Compared with Ang II group, the proliferation of CFs was depressed and the protein expression of α-SMA was attenuated in Ang II+anti-PLGF group.The mRNA expression levels of type I and type III collagens were also down-regulated. CONCLUSION：PLGF might be involved in the process of Ang II-induced proliferation of CFs and fibrosis.     

Effects of Xinkang recipe on myocardial miR-25-3p expression and SERCA2a activity in heart failure rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of Xinkang recipe on myocardial miR-25-3p expression and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) activity in heart failure rats. METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, sham group, model group, Xinkang recipe group (Xinkang group), and captopril group. The heart failure rat model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin. Distilled water, Xinkang recipe and captopril were administrated by gastric gavage for 35 d, respectively. The indexes of cardiac function and plasma level of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured. The SERCA2a activity was determined by the inorganic phosphorus method. The myocardial protein expression of SERCA2a and phospholamban (PLB) was detected by Western blot. The myocardial expression of miR-25-3p was detected by stem-loop RT-qPCR. RESULTS: Cardiac output (CO), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in Xinkang group and captopril group were significantly higher while the plasma levels of BNP were significantly lower than those in model group (P<0.01). The myocardial expression levels of miR-25-3p in Xinkang group and captopril group were significantly lower while the myocardial protein le-vels of SERCA2a and PLB were significantly higher than those in model group (P<0.01). The SERCA2a/PLB ratio and SERCA2a activity in Xinkang group were significantly higher than those in model group (P<0.05), and no significant change was observed between captopril group and model group. CONCLUSION: Xinkang recipe therapy may improve cardiac function in heart failure rats, which may be related to inhibiting the expression of miR-25-3p, increasing the SERCA2a/PLB ratio and enhancing SERCA2a activity in the myocardium.     

Effect of hypoxia on the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts

AIM:To investigate effect of hypoxia on the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) and phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts(CFs). METHODS:The purified cardiac fibroblasts were cultured and divided randomly into there groups :control group, moderate hypoxia(MH) group and severe hypoxia(SH) group. After 72 h, MTT method was used to investigate the proliferation of CFs, and the ultrastructure of fibroblasts were observed with transmission electron microscopy. The expression of PCNA and α-actin in cardiac fibroblasts were measured by the means of immunohistochemistry and laser scanning confocal microscopy, respectively. RESULTS: MTT A_{490 nm}value of MH group was significantly higher than that of control group by (18.4±25.0)% (P＜0.05), whereas MTT A_{490 nm} value of MH group was significantly lower than that of control group by (15.8±25.0)% (P＜0.05).The immunohistochemistry experiment showed that there was basal PCNA expression in control CFs, and it was increased in MH CFs(P＜0.05 vs control group), but there was no significant difference between SH and control CFs. Observed with transmission electron microscopy, the control CFs had typical phenotype of fibroblasts: shuttle-shaped, abundant rough endoplasmic reticulums (RER) and golgi complexes, but few mitochondria or micromyofilaments in cytoplasm. After MH for 72 h, there appeared lots of micromyofilaments in cytoplasm, but there were little micromyofilaments in SH CFs. Observed with laser confocal scanning microscopy, there was lower expression of α-actin in CFs of control group, while many regular bundles of micromyofilaments and the expression of α-actin were signifiantly increased (P＜0.05 vs control group) in CFs treated with MH. The α-actin expression in severe hypoxia CFs was not significantly different from control group. CONCLUSION:MH made CFs have the characteristics of myofibroblasts phenotype and enhanced PCNA expression.     

Role of miR-219 and TGFBR2 in pathogenesis of renal fibrosis

AIM:To study the role of microRNA-219 (miR-219) in regulation of transforming growth factor-β receptor type 2 (TGFBR2) in renal fibrosis. METHODS:The renal fibrosis patients (n=70) were selected in this stu-dy, and 20 cases of healthy people were selected as control group. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-219 in the serum of the patients with renal fibrosis and control group, and the expression of miR-219 in NRK49F cells after stimulation with angiotensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ) was detected. The protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the NRK49F cells transfected with miR-219 mimics after stimulation with AngⅡ was determined by Western blot. The potential target gene TGFBR2 of miR-219 was screened and verified by the method of luciferase reporter gene. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detected the effect of miR-219 mimics on the expression of TGFBR2 at mRNA and protein levels, and the mRNA expression of α-SMA, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), type I collagen α1 (COL1A1) and COL3A1 in the NRK49F cells was also detected, respectively. The unilateral ureteral occlusion (UUO) mouse model was established and the expression of miR-219 in the renal tissue was monitored. The morphological change of renal fibrosis was observed in the UUO mice after injection of miR-219, and the mRNA expression levels of COL1A1 and COL3A1 were detected. RESULTS:The expression level of miR-219 in the patients with renal fibrosis was significantly lower than that in control group, and the expression of miR-219 in the UUO mice was decreased significantly (P<0.01). The expression level of miR-219 was significantly decreased in the NRK49F cells after AngⅡ stimulation, and miR-219 mimics inhibited the protein expression of α-SMA(P<0.01). miR-219 mimics had a targeted regulatory effect on TGFBR2 gene, which inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of TGFBR2. miR-219 mimics inhibited the mRNA expression of α-SMA, CTGF, COL1A1 and COL3A1. miR-219 also down-regulated the mRNA expression of COL1A1 and COL3A1 in the UUO mice and inhibited the process of renal fibrosis. CONCLUSION:miR-219 inhibits the development of renal fibrosis by inhibiting the expression of TGFBR2, which may become a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of renal fibrosis.