Use of Fluorescent Microsphere-Based Assay for Detection of Three Cucurbit-Infecting Viruses.

In this study, we describe multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with the LiquiChip assay for the identification of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus, Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus, and Cucumber mosaic virus by coamplification with plant mRNA as an internal control. Multiplex reverse-transcription (RT)-PCR products were subjected to allele-specific primer extension, then hybridized to carboxylated microspheres with unique fluorescent identifiers followed by detection using the LiquiChip 200 workstation. This assay is highly specific for distinguishing individual viruses from a mixed viral population and is 10 times more sensitive than multiplex RT-PCR. In addition, the establishment of this method enabled the detection of cucurbit viruses in field samples.

Tanshinone IIA Facilitates TRAIL Sensitization by Up-regulating DR5 through the ROS-JNK-CHOP Signaling Axis in Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Lines.

Tanshinone IIA (TIIA) extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza has been shown to possess antitumor and TRAIL-sensitizing activity. The involvement of DR5 in the mechanism whereby TIIA exerts its effects is unknown. This study aimed to explore the mechanism underlying TIIA augmentation of TRAIL-induced cell death in ovarian carcinoma cells. Cell viability was determined by MTS assay. Real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to assess the mRNA and protein expression of relating signaling proteins. Transcriptional activation was explored by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. We found that TIIA sensitized human ovarian carcinoma cells to TRAIL-induced extrinsic apoptosis. Combined treatment with subtoxic concentrations of TIIA and TRAIL was more effective than single treatments with respect to cytotoxicity, clonogenic inhibition, and the induction of caspase-8 and PARP activity in ovarian carcinoma cell lines TOV-21G and SKOV3. TIIA induced DR5 protein and mRNA expression in a concentration-dependent manner. DR5/Fc treatment markedly suppressed the TRAIL cytotoxicity enhanced by TIIA. These results indicate that DR5 plays an essential role in TIIA-induced TRAIL sensitization and that induction of DR5 by TIIA is mediated through the up-regulation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP). Knockdown of CHOP gene expression by shRNA attenuated DR5 up-regulation and rescued cell viability under the treatment of TIIA-TRAIL combination. TIIA promoted JNK-mediated signaling to up-regulated CHOP and thereby inducing DR5 expression as shown by the ability of a JNK inhibitor to potently suppress the TIIA-mediated activation of CHOP and DR5. In addition, the quenching of ROS using NAC prevented the induction of JNK phosphorylation and CHOP induction. Furthermore, inhibition of ROS by NAC significantly attenuated TRAIL sensitization by TIIA. Taken together, these data suggest that TIIA enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis by upregulating DR5 receptors through the ROS-JNK-CHOP signaling axis in human ovarian carcinoma cells.

Development of a bead-based assay for detection of three banana-infecting viruses.

Background: Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and banana streak virus (BSV) are important banana viruses, there are possible infections frequently with several viruses in field. Since the viruses are readily trasmitted in vegetative propagules, which pose a threat to banana production in banana-growing areas. Methods: A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol combined with LiquiChip analysis to identify BSV, BBTV, and CMV, with consistent amplification of plant ubiquitin (UBQ), the banana plant messenger RNA used as a procedural control. Multiplex reverse transcription (RT)-PCR amplicons were extended by allele-specific primers, followed by hybridization with carboxylated microspheres containing unique fluorescent oligonucleotides, which were detected using the LiquiChip 200 workstation. Results: In this study, we aimed to develop a rapid, sensitive, and simultaneous detection method for BSV, BBTV, and CMV using a bead-based multiplex assay that can be applied in routine diagnosis. We demonstrated that this detection system was extremely efficient and highly specialized for differentiating individual in a mixture of viruses while being ten times more sensitive than traditional RT-PCR. The development of this method makes it feasible to detect banana viruses in field collected leaf samples.

TaqMan real-time PCR for detection and quantitation of squash leaf curl virus in cucurbits.

A real-time PCR assay based on the TaqMan chemistry was developed for reliable detection and quantitation of the squash leaf curl virus (SLCV) in melon and squash plants. This method was highly specific to SLCV and it was about one thousand times more sensitive than the conventional PCR method. The protocol of the real-time PCR established in this study enabled detection of as little as 10(2) copies of SLCV DNA with CP gene as the target. This TaqMan real-time PCR assay for detection and quantitation of SLCV would be a useful tool for application in quarantine and certification of SLCV in cucurbits as well as in the research of disease resistance and epidemiology.

Rapid detection of squash leaf curl virus by loop-mediated isothermal amplification.

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was employed to develop a simple and efficient system for the detection of squash leaf curl virus (SLCV) in diseased plants of squash (Cucurbita pepo) and melon (Cucumis melo). Completion of LAMP assay required 30-60 min under isothermal conditions at 65 degrees C by employing a set of four primers targeting SLCV. Although the sensitivity of the LAMP assay and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was comparable at high virus concentrations, the LAMP assay was by a 10-fold dilution factor more sensitive than the PCR assay for the detection of SLCV in diseased plants. No reaction was detected in the tissues of healthy plants by either the LAMP or the PCR. The LAMP products can be visualized by staining directly in the tube with SYBR Safe DNA gel stain dye. The sensitivity of the SYBR Safe DNA gel stain is similar to analysis by gel electrophoresis. Although both the LAMP and the PCR methods were capable of detecting SLCV in infected tissues of squash and melon, the LAMP method would be more useful than the PCR method for detection of SLCV infection in cucurbitaceous plants because it is more rapid, simple, accurate and sensitive.

Oxethazaine as the source of mephentermine and phentermine in athlete's urine.

The urine specimens of numerous athletes were found to be positive for mephentermine both in-competition and out-of-competition in Taiwan. The donor of one specimen claimed she had only taken Mucaine (contains oxethazaine) for relieving symptomatic peptic ulcer and gastritis. Oxethazaine is not included in the prohibited list of the World Anti-Doping Agency; however, its metabolized compounds, mephentermine and phentermine, are included in that list. This study applied LC-MS-MS to analyze the excretions of three volunteers who ingested oxethazaine and presented positive results for mephentermine and/or phentermine. Thus, oxethazaine is the source of mephentermine and phentermine. Moreover, the results showed that 48 brands of gastric medicines containing oxethazaine were legally imported or locally manufactured in Taiwan, information which could be useful for limiting the misuse of oxethazaine by athletes. The data suggested that the sports associations should warn athletes about the risks of taking oxethazaine.