Double synonymous mutations in exon 9 of the Cullin3 gene restore exon inclusion by abolishing hnRNPs inhibition.

All mutations in exon 9 of the Cullin3 gene associated with pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHA II) contribute to exon skipping to different degrees, but the specific molecular mechanism of this aberrant splicing is still unclear. The aims of this study were to investigate the regulatory mechanism underlying two synonymous splicing events, c.1221A > G (p. Glu407Glu) and c.1236G > A (p. Leu412Leu), and to discover a therapeutic strategy for correcting this aberrant splicing by targeting potential regulatory sites. Through a series of RNA pulldown, silver staining, western blotting, small interfering RNA knockdown, in vitro overexpression and single or double site-directed mutagenesis experiments, we first explored the pathogenesis of exon 9 skipping caused by mutations in the CUL3 gene and verified that the main splicing regulators associated with the synonymous c.1221A > G and c.1236G > A mutations were heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins. In addition, we verified that introducing another synonymous mutation, c.1224A > G (A18G), significantly rescued the abnormal splicing caused by c.1221A > G and c.1236G > A, highlighting the therapeutic potential for the treatment of PHA II.

Effects of Different pH Levels on the Structural and Functional Properties of Proteins of Phaeodactylum tricornutum.

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is identified by its capacity for rapid growth, reproduction, and in vitro cultivation, as well as the presence of a range of high-value active compounds, including proteins, with potential food applications. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of pH shift treatments (pH of 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11) on the structural and functional properties of the Phaeodactylum tricornutum protein (PTP). The molecular weight of the PTP was predominantly distributed within the following ranges: below 5 kDa, 5-100 kDa, and above 100 kDa. Compared to the acidic environment, the PTP demonstrated higher solubility and greater free sulfhydryl group content in the alkaline environment. Additionally, PTP had a smaller particle size and higher thermal stability in alkaline environments. The PTP exhibited superior foaming ability (135%), emulsification activity index (3.72 m2/g), and emulsion stability index (137.71 min) in alkaline environments. The results of this investigation provide a foundation for the future development and application of the PTP in the food industry.

Structure, functional and physicochemical properties of lotus seed protein under different pH environments.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the structure, functional and physicochemical properties of lotus seed protein (LSP) under different pH environments. The structures of LSP were characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential, particle size distributions, free sulfhydryl and rheological properties. The functional and physicochemical properties of LSP were characterized by color, foaming property, emulsification property, solubility, oil holding capacity, water holding capacity, differential scanning calorimetry analysis and surface hydrophobicity. RESULTS: LSP was mainly composed of eight subunits (18, 25, 31, 47, 51, 56, 65 and 151 kDa), in which the richest band was 25 kDa. FTIR results showed that LSP had high total contents of α-helix and ß-sheet (44.81-46.85%) in acidic environments. Meanwhile, there was more ß-structure and random structure in neutral and alkaline environments (pH 7.0 and 9.0). At pH 5.0, LSP had large particle size (1576.98 nm), high emulsion stability index (91.43 min), foaming stability (75.69%) and water holding capacity (2.21 g g-1), but low solubility (35.98%), free sulfhydryl content (1.95 µmol g-1) and surface hydrophobicity (780). DSC analysis showed the denaturation temperatures (82.23 °C) of LSP at pH 5.0 was higher than those (80.10, 80.52 and 71.82 °C) at pH 3.0, 7.0 and 9.0. The analysis of rheological properties showed that LSP gel had high stability and great strength in an alkaline environment. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study are anticipated to serve as a valuable reference for the implementation of LSP in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of mung bean protein hydrolysate of protamex induced by ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: The limited physicochemical properties (such as low foaming and emulsifying capacity) of mung bean protein hydrolysate restrict its application in the food industry. Ultrasound treatment could change the structures of protein hydrolysate to accordingly affect its physicochemical properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ultrasound treatment on the structural and physicochemical properties of mung bean protein hydrolysate of protamex (MBHP). The structural characteristics of MBHP were evaluated using tricine sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, laser scattering, fluorescence spectrometry, etc. Solubility, fat absorption capacity and foaming, emulsifying and thermal properties were determined to characterize the physicochemical properties of MBHP. RESULTS: MBHP and ultrasonicated-MBHPs (UT-MBHPs) all contained five main bands of 25.8, 12.1, 5.6, 4.8 and 3.9 kDa, illustrating that ultrasound did not change the subunits of MBHP. Ultrasound treatment increased the contents of α-helix, ß-sheet and random coil and enhanced the intrinsic fluorescence intensity of MBHP, but decreased the content of ß-turn, which demonstrated that ultrasound modified the secondary and tertiary structures of MBHP. UT-MBHPs exhibited higher solubility, foaming capacity and emulsifying properties than MBHP, among which MBHP-330 W had the highest solubility (97.32%), foaming capacity (200%), emulsification activity index (306.96 m2 g-1 ) and emulsion stability index (94.80%) at pH 9.0. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound treatment enhanced the physicochemical properties of MBHP, which could broaden its application as a vital ingredient in the food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative analysis of the chloroplast genomes of Rosa species and RNA editing analysis.

BACKGROUND: The genus Rosa (Rosaceae) contains approximately 200 species, most of which have high ecological and economic values. Chloroplast genome sequences are important for studying species differentiation, phylogeny, and RNA editing. RESULTS: In this study, the chloroplast genomes of three Rosa species, Rosa hybrida, Rosa acicularis, and Rosa rubiginosa, were assembled and compared with other reported Rosa chloroplast genomes. To investigate the RNA editing sites in R. hybrida (commercial rose cultivar), we mapped RNA-sequencing data to the chloroplast genome and analyzed their post-transcriptional features. Rosa chloroplast genomes presented a quadripartite structure and had highly conserved gene order and gene content. We identified four mutation hotspots (ycf3-trnS, trnT-trnL, psbE-petL, and ycf1) as candidate molecular markers for differentiation in the Rosa species. Additionally, 22 chloroplast genomic fragments with a total length of 6,192 bp and > 90% sequence similarity with their counterparts were identified in the mitochondrial genome, representing 3.96% of the chloroplast genome. Phylogenetic analysis including all sections and all subgenera revealed that the earliest divergence in the chloroplast phylogeny roughly distinguished species of sections Pimpinellifoliae and Rosa and subgenera Hulthemia. Moreover, DNA- and RNA-sequencing data revealed 19 RNA editing sites, including three synonymous and 16 nonsynonymous, in the chloroplast genome of R. hybrida that were distributed among 13 genes. CONCLUSIONS: The genome structure and gene content of Rosa chloroplast genomes are similar across various species. Phylogenetic analysis based on the Rosa chloroplast genomes has high resolution. Additionally, a total of 19 RNA editing sites were validated by RNA-Seq mapping in R. hybrida. The results provide valuable information for RNA editing and evolutionary studies of Rosa and a basis for further studies on genomic breeding of Rosa species.

Whole-exome sequencing of a patient with primary central nervous system T-cell lymphoma: Clinicopathological features and genomic profiling.

Primary central nervous system T-cell lymphoma (T-PCNSL) is a rare neoplasm, and its underlying genetic features are poorly understood. Herein, we present the case of a 64-year-old man with T-PCNSL who presented with left-side limb weakness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a right parietal space-occupying lesion. Immunohistochemically, the tumor was positive for CD3, CD4, CD5, CD8, and CD56, and the Ki-67 labeling index was approximately 20%. These pathological features are consistent with those of T-cell lymphoma. Whole exome sequencing was performed, and we found a variant in the ACSS3 gene that could be related to disease pathogenesis. Our findings may help advance our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of T-PCNSL. Further molecular analysis of such cases could help to improve adjuvant molecular diagnostic methods and targeted therapies for T-PCNSL.

Chitosan oligosaccharide attenuates acute kidney injury and renal interstitial fibrosis induced by ischemia-reperfusion.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and renal interstitial fibrosis are global clinical syndromes associated with high morbidity and mortality. Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, which commonly occurs during surgery, is one of the major causes of AKI. Nevertheless, an efficient therapeutic approach for AKI and the development of renal interstitial fibrosis is still lacking due to its elusive pathogenetic mechanism. Here, we showed that chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), a natural oligomer polysaccharide degraded from chitosan, significantly attenuates I/R-induced AKI and maintains glomerular filtration function by inhibiting oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and excessive endoplasmic reticulum stress both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, long-term administration of COS can also attenuate the proliferation of myofibroblasts, mitigate extra cellular matrix deposition, and thus inhibit the transition of AKI to chronic kidney disease through participating in metabolic and redox biological processes. Our findings provide novel insights into the protective role of COS against acute kidney injury.

Changes in quality components and antioxidant activity of peony seed soy sauce during low-salt solid-state fermentation.

BACKGROUND: In this study, the fermentation conditions of peony seed soy sauce (PSSS) koji were optimized by response surface method, and the quality components and antioxidant activity of PSSS were investigated at different low-salt solid-state fermentation stages. RESULTS: Results of response surface method showed that the optimal fermentation conditions were 460.6 g kg-1 water content, 48.6 h culture time, 31.5 °C culture temperature and ratio 2.1:1 (w/w) of peony seed meal:wheat bran, with the highest neutral protease activity (2193.78 U g-1 ) of PSSS koji. PSSS had the highest amino acid nitrogen (7.69 g L-1 ), salt-free soluble solids (185.26 g L-1 ), total free amino acids (49.03 g L-1 ), essential free amino acids (19.58 g L-1 ) and umami free amino acids (16.64 g L-1 ) at 20 days of fermentation. The highest total phenolics were 5.414 g gallic acid equivalent L-1 and total flavonoids 0.617 g rutin equivalent L-1 , as well as the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (86.19%) and reducing power (0.8802, A700 ) of PSSS fermented at 30 days. Sensory evaluation showed that fermentation of 20 days and 25 days could produce a better taste and aroma of PSSS than 15 days and 30 days. CONCLUSION: PSSS had the highest quality components in the middle of fermentation (20 days) and the highest antioxidant activity in the late fermentation period (30 days). These results demonstrated that peony seed meal could be used to produce high-quality soy sauce with high antioxidant activity. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Serum free fatty acid elevation is related to acute kidney injury in primary nephrotic syndrome.

The aim of this research was to examine the clinical characteristics of acute kidney injury (AKI) in primary nephrotic syndrome (NS) and discuss the relationship between serum lipids and AKI. A total of 1028 patients diagnosed with primary NS with renal biopsy results were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into AKI (n = 81) and non-AKI (n = 947) groups, and their characteristics were compared using a propensity score analysis for the best matching. Serum free fatty acid (FFA) was an independent predictor for AKI in the postmatch samples (p = 0.011). No significant difference in FFA levels was observed among AKI stages or different pathological types in the AKI and non-AKI groups. The AUC (area under the ROC curve) was 0.63 for FFA levels to distinguish AKI. In primary NS, elevated FFA levels tend to be related to a high risk of AKI. FFAs have diagnostic value and may serve as biomarkers for AKI in NS.

Rapid Purification of Fucoxanthin from Phaeodactylum tricornutum.

Fucoxanthin is a natural marine xanthophyll and exhibits a broad range of biological activities. In the present study, a simple and efficient two-step method was used to purify fucoxanthin from the diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum. The crude pigment extract of fucoxanthin was separated by silica gel column chromatography (SGCC). Then, the fucoxanthin-rich fraction was purified using a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) solid-phase extraction column. The identification and quantification of fucoxanthin were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). This two-step method can obtain 92.03% pure fucoxanthin and a 76.67% recovery rate. In addition, 1H and 13C NMR spectrums were adopted to confirm the identity of fucoxanthin. Finally, the purified fucoxanthin exhibited strong antioxidant properties in vitro with the effective concentration for 50% of maximal scavenging (EC50) of 1,1-Dihpenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) free radicals being 0.14 mg·mL-1 and 0.05 mg·mL-1, respectively.

Identification of seven exonic variants in the SLC4A1, ATP6V1B1, and ATP6V0A4 genes that alter RNA splicing by minigene assay.

Primary distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) is a rare tubular disease associated with variants in SLC4A1, ATP6V0A4, ATP6V1B1, FOXⅠ1, or WDR72 genes. Currently, there is growing evidence that all types of exonic variants can alter splicing regulatory elements, affecting the precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) splicing process. This study was to determine the consequences of variants associated with dRTA on pre-mRNA splicing combined with predictive bioinformatics tools and minigene assay. As a result, among the 15 candidate variants, 7 variants distributed in SLC4A1 (c.1765C>T, p.Arg589Cys), ATP6V1B1 (c.368G>T, p.Gly123Val; c.370C>T, p.Arg124Trp; c.484G>T, p.Glu162* and c.1102G>A, p.Glu368Lys) and ATP6V0A4 genes (c.322C>T, p.Gln108* and c.1572G>A, p.Pro524Pro) were identified to result in complete or incomplete exon skipping by either disruption of exonic splicing enhancers (ESEs) and generation of exonic splicing silencers, or interference with the recognition of the classic splicing site, or both. To our knowledge, this is the first study on pre-mRNA splicing of exonic variants in the dRTA-related genes. These results highlight the importance of assessing the effects of exonic variants at the mRNA level and suggest that minigene analysis is an effective tool for evaluating the effects of splicing on variants in vitro.

Genotypic and phenotypic analysis in 51 Chinese patients with primary distal renal tubular acidosis.

The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic variants of 51 Chinese patients with distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) and explore the correlation between their genotype and phenotype. Eight variants of SLC4A1, 19 variants of ATP6V0A4, and 16 variants of ATP6V1B1 have been identified, and of which 14 were novel ones. Eleven patients with autosomal dominant dRTA, and four patients with autosomal recessive dRTA were caused by genetic defects in SLC4A1; 18 and nine patients with recessive dRTA were resulted by defects in ATP6V0A4 and ATP6V1B1 respectively; no causal gene was identified in seven patients. Mutation frequency of SLC4A1 in Chinese populations was more common than Europeans. The incidence of deafness in ATP6V0A4 and ATP6V1B1 groups was 16.7% and 54.5%, respectively. The frequency of CKD in adults, children and infants was 100%, 51%, and 3%, separately. Our study will further expand the mutation spectrum of primary dRTA and provide valuable references to genetic counseling of Chinese populations.

Machine learning enables discovery of Gentianine targeting TLR4/NF-κB pathway to repair ischemic stroke injury.

Inflammatory response is believed to accelerate the development of stroke injury. Gentianine, an alkaloid isolated from Gentiana Scabra Bunge, shows effectiveness in anti-inflammation. In this study, the effect of Gentianine on transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) induced mouse model in vivo and further related mechanism in LPS-injuried microglia BV-2 cells in vitro were explored. Effect of Gentianine on tMCAO mouse demonstrated that Gentianine significantly ameliorated tMCAO induced ischemic injury by decreasing brain infarct volume and increasing the neurological score and upper limb muscle strength. Meanwhile, Gentianine significantly decreased the release of serum inflammatory cytokines. Machine learning enables that Gentianine might had anti-ischemic stroke effect through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. This was verified in vivo and in vitro. Gentianine significantly decrease the TLR4 and Iba-1 expression in vivo. These results also verified in BV-2 cells. Gentianine significantly decreased TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB expression, as well as NO production and inflammatory cytokines release. Gentianine co-treatment with TLR4 inhibitor, further decreased TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB expression, NO production, as well as the inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, Gentianine could be used as a potential anti-ischemic stroke agent by suppressing inflammatory responses via TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. This study is expected to provide an integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine solution to find potential anti-ischemic stroke compounds based on machine learning.

Novel gain-of-function mutation of TRPC6 Q134P contributes to late onset focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in a Chinese pedigree.

BACKGROUND: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS, OMIM®#603 965) is an overriding cause that leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). As a member of TRP superfamily, mutations of TRPC6 gene are closely linked to FSGS. By now, 20 missense mutations have been reported, among them, nine gain-of-function (GOF), and five loss-of-function (LOF) mutations have been recognized according to the effect on TRPC6 channel activity. Systematic investigations of functional mutations will provide valuable evidences for understanding the pathophysiology of TRPC6 involved in FSGS. The aim of this study is to investigate the pathogenicity of a novel TRPC6 mutation p.Q134P in FSGS. METHODS: High-throughput sequencing was performed to analyse 436 genes which are associated with hereditary kidney diseases in a Chinese pedigree. Then we constructed TRPC6 expression plasmids of wide type and variant. Immunofluorescence, cell-surface biotinylation assays and electrophysiology were used to analyse the localization, cell surface expression, and calcium transport activity of TRPC6. RESULTS: A novel variant c.401A>C (p.Q134P) in exon 2 of TRPC6 gene was found. There was no significant difference between the expression levels of p.Q134P mutant and WT TRPC6 protein in the whole cell lysate and cell-surface fraction. Q134P mutant-bearing TRPC6 elicited much higher Ca+ current amplitude than WT. CONCLUSION: We identified a novel GOF mutation p.Q134P of TRPC6 which contributed to late-onset FSGS. Our study expands the mutational spectrum of TRPC6 associated with FSGS and furtherly supports the hypothesis of calcium dose-response dependency that a moderate increased calcium influx elicited a mild FSGS phenotype.

Met-enkephalin improves metabolic syndrome in high fat diet challenged mice through promotion of adipose tissue browning.

Obesity and its related metabolic disorders including insulin resistance and fatty liver become major public health concerns in both developed and developing countries. Brown adipose tissue (BAT), a critical organ of energy expenditure due to thermogenesis, has been considered as an attractive target for prevention or treatment of obesity and obesity related diseases. Previous studies indicate Met-enkephalin (MetEnk) has the potential on adipocyte browning, however, whether MetEnk displays the impact on adipocyte browning in vivo to improve obesity associated morbidities is still unclear. In the present study, we showed that MetEnk effectively prevented high fat diet (HFD) induced C57BL/6J mice weight gain, clearly enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and dramatically reduced hepatic steatosis in HFD fed mice. Mechanically, MetEnk restored protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway in HFD challenged mice and promoted subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) browning. Our study suggests that MetEnk can be considered as a potential therapeutic peptide for diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders.

Familial hypomagnesaemia, Hypercalciuria and Nephrocalcinosis associated with a novel mutation of the highly conserved leucine residue 116 of Claudin 16 in a Chinese patient with a delayed diagnosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Sixty mutations of claudin 16 coding gene have been reported in familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis (FHHNC) patients. Recent investigations revealed that a highly conserved glycine-leucine-tryptophan (115G-L-W117) motif in the first extracellular segment (ESC1) of claudin 16 might be essential for stabilization of the appropriately folded ECS1 structure and conservation of normal claudin 16 function. However, neither missense nor nonsense mutation has ever been described in this motif. Our study aimed at identifying mutations in a Chinese patient with FHHNC and exploring the association between genotype and phenotype. CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old female presented with 4 years history of recurrent acute pyelonephritis without other notable past medical history. Her healthy parents, who aged 56 and 53 respectively, were second cousins, and her only sibling died from renal failure without definite cause at age 25. Renal ultrasound imaging demonstrated atrophic kidneys and bilateral nephrocalcinosis. The laboratory workup revealed impaired renal function (Stage CKD IV), hypocalcemia and mild hypomagnesemia, accompanied with marked renal loss of magnesium and hypercalciuria. During the follow-up, treatment with calcitriol and calcium but not with magnesium was difficult to achieve normal serum calcium levels, whereas her serum magnesium concentration fluctuated within normal ranges. In the end, the patient unavoidably reached ESRD at 36 years old. The clinical features and family history suggested the diagnosis of FHHNC. To make a definite diagnosis, we use whole-exome sequencing to identify the disease-causing mutations and Sanger sequencing to confirm the mutation co-segregation in the family. As a result, a novel homozygous mutation (c.346C > G, p.Leu116Val) in 115G-L-W117 motif of claudin 16 was identified. Her parents, grandmother and one of her cousins carried heterozygous p.Leu116Val, whereas 200 unrelated controls did not carry this mutation. CONCLUSIONS: We described a delayed diagnosis patient with FHHNC in the Chinese population and identified a novel missense mutation in the highly conserved 115G-L-W117 motif of claudin 16 for the first time. According to the reported data and the information deduced from 3D modeling, we speculate that this mutation probably reserve partial residual function which might be related to the slight phenotype of the patient.

Novel compound heterozygous ATP6V1B1 mutations in a Chinese child patient with primary distal renal tubular acidosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by normal anion gap metabolic acidosis. Autosomal recessive dRTA is usually caused by mutations occurring in ATP6V1B1 and ATP6V0A4 genes,encoding subunits B1 and a4 of apical H+-ATPase, respectively. The heterogeneous clinical manifestations of dRTA have been described in different ethnic groups harboring distinct mutations. Most of the reported cases are from Europe and Africa. At present, the prevalence of primary dRTA is still poorly elucidated in Chinese population. CASE PRESENTATION: A 2-year and six-month-old female patient was hospitalized because of recurrent hypokalemia, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis and growth retardation. Laboratory investigations presented a normal anion gap hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, and inappropriate alkaline urine. Renal ultrasound indicated bilateral nephrocalcinosis. Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was confirmed with moderately severe (45 dB) on the left ear and severe (80 dB) on the right ear, which was accompanied with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) on both sides. According to these findings, a diagnosis of dRTA was made. To identify the pathogenic gene mutation, all coding regions of ATP6V1B1 and ATP6V0A4 gene, including intron-exon boundaries, were analyzed using PCR followed by direct sequence analysis. The splicing variants were verified in peripheral blood leucocytes of the patient by RT-PCR. As a result, two novel heterozygous mutations in ATP6V1B1 were identified in the child. One mutation was a successive 2-nucleotide deletion in exon 2(c.133-134delTG), which caused a marked nonsense mediated mRNA decay. The other was a guanine to adenine substitution of the first nucleotide of intron 8(c.785 + 1 G > A), which led to the exclusion of exon 8. After treatment with sodium citrate, potassium citrateand citric acid, metabolic acidosis and hypokalemia were corrected, but her hearing decreased gradually during the 2 years and had to accept the use of bilateral hearing aids. CONCLUSIONS: We described two novel dRTA associated mutations in ATP6V1B1 identified in a Chinese child patient accompanying with SNHL and EVA. Our study will help to expand the understanding of this rare disease in Chinese population.

Genotype/Phenotype Analysis in 67 Chinese Patients with Gitelman's Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Gitelman's syndrome (GS) is an autosomal recessive renal tubular disorder, which is caused by the mutations in SLC12A3. This study was designed to analyze the characteristics of the genotype and phenotype, and follow-up in the largest group of Chinese patients with GS. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with GS underwent SLCl2A3 analysis, and their clinical characteristics and biochemical findings as well as follow-up were reviewed, aiming to achieve a better description of GS. Additionally, the association of genotype and phenotype was explored. RESULTS: Forty-one different mutations were identified within these 67 GS patients, including 11 novel mutations and 5 recurrent ones. Typical hypocalciuria and hypomagnesemia were not found in 6 (9%) and 8 (11.9%) patients, respectively. Male patients and those harboring severe mutations in both alleles had significant higher urinary fractional excretion (FE) of potassium, magnesium and chlorine. In addition, there were 2 patients who had chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2) and 32 patients with abnormal glucose metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: We identified 41 mutations related to GS, containing 11 novel variants and 5 high-frequency ones, which should facilitate earlier and more accurate diagnosis of GS. FE of electrolytes in urine may be more sensitive in the phenotype evaluation and differential diagnosis than corresponding serum electrolytes. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia in GS were difficult to correct; however, spironolactone might be helpful for hypokalemia to some degree. Compared with normal people, patients with GS were at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Cardamonin induces apoptosis by suppressing STAT3 signaling pathway in glioblastoma stem cells.

Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) are the initiating cells in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and contribute to the resistance of GBM to chemotherapy and radiation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of cardamonin (3,4,2,4-tetrahydroxychalcone) on the self-renewal and apoptosis of GSCs, and if its action is associated with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. CD133(+) GSCs, a kind of GSCs line, was established from human glioblastoma tissues. Cardamonin inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis in CD133+ GSCs. The proapoptotic effects of temozolomide (TMZ) were further enhanced by cardamonin in CD133+ GSCs and U87 cells in vitro. For in vivo study, injection of 5 × 10(5) cells of CD133+ GSCs subcutaneously (s.c.) into nude mice, 100 % of large tumors were developed within 8 weeks in all mice; in contrast, only one out of five mice developed a small tumor when 5 × 10(5) cells of CD133(-) GMBs cells were injected. Cardamonin also inhibited STAT3 activation by luciferase assay and suppressed the expression of the downstream genes of STAT3, such as Bcl-XL, Bcl-2, Mcl-1, survivin, and VEGF. Furthermore, cardamonin locked nuclear translocation and dimerization of STAT3 in CD133(+) GSCs. Docking analysis confirmed that cardamonin molecule was successfully docked into the active sites of STAT3 with a highly favorable binding energy of -10.78 kcal/mol. The study provides evidence that cardamonin is a novel inhibitor of STAT3 and has the potential to be developed as a new anticancer agent targeting GSCs. This study also reveals that targeting STAT3 signal pathway is an important strategy for the treatment of human GBM.

Two Novel HOGA1 Splicing Mutations Identified in a Chinese Patient with Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 3.

BACKGROUND: Twenty-six HOGA1 mutations have been reported in primary hyperoxaluria (PH) type 3 (PH3) patients with c.700 + 5G>T accounting for about 50% of the total alleles. However, PH3 has never been described in Asians. METHODS: A Chinese child with early-onset nephrolithiasis was suspected of having PH. We searched for AGXT, GRHPR and HOGA1 gene mutations in this patient and his parents. All coding regions, including intron-exon boundaries, were analyzed using PCR followed by direct sequence analysis. RESULTS: Two heterozygous mutations not previously described in the literature about HOGA1 were identified (compound heterozygous). One mutation was a successive 2 bp substitution at the last nucleotide of exon 6 and at the first nucleotide of intron 6, respectively (c.834_834 + 1GG>TT), while the other one was a guanine to adenine substitution of the last nucleotide of exon 6 (c.834G>A). Direct sequencing analysis failed to find these mutations in 100 unrelated healthy subjects and the functional role on splicing of both variants found in this study was confirmed by a minigene assay based on the pSPL3 exon trapping vector. In addition, we found a SNP in this family (c.715G>A, p.V239I). There were no mutations detected in AGXT and GRHPR. CONCLUSION: Two novel HOGA1 mutations were identified in association with PH3. This is the first description and investigation on mutant gene analysis of PH3 in an Asian.