CPLX2 is a novel tumor suppressor and improves the prognosis in glioma.

BACKGROUND: Glioma is a type of malignant cancer that affect the central nervous system. New predictive biomarkers have been investigated in recent years, but the clinical prognosis for glioma remains poor. The function of CPLX2 in glioma and the probable molecular mechanism of tumor suppression were the focus of this investigation. METHODS: The glioma transcriptome profile was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) databases for analysis of CPLX2 expression in glioma. RT-qPCR was performed to detect the expression of CPLX2 in 68 glioma subjects who have been followed up. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were conducted to assess the effect of CPLX2 on the prognosis of glioma patients. The knockdown and overexpressed cell lines of CPLX2 were constructed to investigate the impact of CPLX2 on glioma. The cell growth, colony formation, and tumor formation in xenograft were performed. RESULTS: The expression of CPLX2 was downregulated in glioma and was negatively correlated with the grade of glioma. The higher expression of CPLX2 predicted a longer survival, as indicated by the analysis of Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Overexpressed CPLX2 impaired tumorigenesis in glioma progression both in vivo and in vitro. Knocking down CPLX2 promoted the proliferation of glioma cells. The analysis of GSEA and co-expression analysis revealed that CPLX2 may affect the malignancy of glioma by regulating the hypoxia and inflammation pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicated that CPLX2 functions as a tumor suppressor and could be used as a potential prognostic marker in glioma.

Downregulation of CDC25C in NPCs Disturbed Cortical Neurogenesis.

Cell division regulators play a vital role in neural progenitor cell (NPC) proliferation and differentiation. Cell division cycle 25C (CDC25C) is a member of the CDC25 family of phosphatases which positively regulate cell division by activating cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDKs). However, mice with the Cdc25c gene knocked out were shown to be viable and lacked the apparent phenotype due to genetic compensation by Cdc25a and/or Cdc25b. Here, we investigate the function of Cdc25c in developing rat brains by knocking down Cdc25c in NPCs using in utero electroporation. Our results indicate that Cdc25c plays an essential role in maintaining the proliferative state of NPCs during cortical development. The knockdown of Cdc25c causes early cell cycle exit and the premature differentiation of NPCs. Our study uncovers a novel role of CDC25C in NPC division and cell fate determination. In addition, our study presents a functional approach to studying the role of genes, which elicit genetic compensation with knockout, in cortical neurogenesis by knocking down in vivo.

LINC00294 negatively modulates cell proliferation in glioma through a neurofilament medium-mediated pathway via interacting with miR-1278.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recognized to participate in glioma development. Nevertheless, knowledge of the role of linc00294 in glioma remains incomplete. METHODS: Bioinformatics analysis predicted the differential expression of LINC00294 and neurofilament medium (NEFM) in tumors and normal tissues, as well as the binding between LINC00294 and miR-1278, miR-1278 and NEFM. Luciferase and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were used for the verification of interactions. The potential role of LINC00294 in glioma development was investigated using functional assays, singly and in parallel with its interplay with miR-1278 and NEFM. Cell counting kit-8 and EdU assays were applied to measure cellular proliferation, whereas the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method was employed to detect apoptosis. RESULTS: A new lncRNA, LINC00294, was highly expressed in normal brain tissues. However, it was markedly down-regulated in GBM tissues and glioma cell lines. Overexpression of LINC00294 abates glioma cell proliferation but induces apoptosis. Meanwhile, tumor suppressor NEFM was revealed to be distinctly diminished in cancerous conditions and enhanced in glioma cells by LINC00294 up-regulation. Interactions of miR-1278 with LINC00294 or NEFM occur, and the expression of NEFM is up-regulated by LINC00294 through their competition with respect to binding to miR-1278. Finally, the rescue assays further confirmed that LINC00294 inhibits glioma cell proliferation by absorbing miR-1278 to enhance NEFM. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our observations demonstrate the tumor-suppressive function of LINC00294 in glioma development by sponging miR-1278 and promoting NEFM, suggesting a potential use in therapy for glioma.

The Yin and Yang of Autosomal Recessive Primary Microcephaly Genes: Insights from Neurogenesis and Carcinogenesis.

The stem cells of neurogenesis and carcinogenesis share many properties, including proliferative rate, an extensive replicative potential, the potential to generate different cell types of a given tissue, and an ability to independently migrate to a damaged area. This is also evidenced by the common molecular principles regulating key processes associated with cell division and apoptosis. Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a neurogenic mitotic disorder that is characterized by decreased brain size and mental retardation. Until now, a total of 25 genes have been identified that are known to be associated with MCPH. The inactivation (yin) of most MCPH genes leads to neurogenesis defects, while the upregulation (yang) of some MCPH genes is associated with different kinds of carcinogenesis. Here, we try to summarize the roles of MCPH genes in these two diseases and explore the underlying mechanisms, which will help us to explore new, attractive approaches to targeting tumor cells that are resistant to the current therapies.

[Update on autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH)-associated proteins].

Brain development diseases refer to a group of diseases that affect the development of the brain or the central nervous system. Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a typical neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a decreased brain size, mental retardation and abnormal behaviors. To date, at least 25 genes have been discovered to cause MCPH when mutated. These genes were named MCPH1-25 according to the discovery order. MCPH proteins play important roles in regulating brain developmental signaling pathways. Here, we provide a timely review of the expression patterns, cellular localization, molecular functions, phenotypes, as well as animal models of these 25 MCPH proteins that will expedite our understanding of the pathogenesis of brain disorders at both molecular and cellular levels.

Stress-Activated Protein Kinase JNK Modulates Depression-like Behaviors in Mice.

Stress is considered as a major cause of depression. C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is a member of the stress-induced mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase family which is often activated through phosphorylation. Clinical studies and animal experiments have found that abnormal phosphorylation/activation of JNK exists in the occurrence of various psychiatric diseases. Recently, several studies linked JNK kinase activity to depression. However, whether excessive activation of JNK activity is directly responsible for the occurrence of depression and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we constructed a conditional transgenic mouse which is specifically expressing MKK7-JNK1 (CAJNK1) in the central nervous system. CAJNK1 mice showed activation of JNK and lead to depression-like behavior in mice. Transcriptome analysis indicates reduced expression of synaptic-associated genes in CAJNK1 mice brains. Consistently, we found abnormal dendritic spine development and PSD95 downregulation in CAJNK1 hippocampal neurons. Our studies provide compelling evidence that activation of JNK as an intrinsic factor leading to depression-like behavior in mice provides direct clues for targeting the JNK activity as a potential therapeutic strategy for depression.

Tanshinone IIA sensitizes TRAIL-induced apoptosis in glioblastoma through inducing the expression of death receptors (and suppressing STAT3 activation).

OBJECTIVE: This work was designed to explore whether the combination of Tanshinone IIA (T-IIA) and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has a direct anti-cancer effect in glioblastoma (GBM) and the possible mechanisms. METHODS: GBM cells (U-87 and U-251 MG) were treated with T-IIA or/and TRAIL, or the expression of death receptors (DRs), DR4 and DR5, was suppressed in GBM cells. The activity of GBM cells was determined by MTT, and the apoptosis was assessed by Hoechst33342 staining and flow cytometry. The expression levels of cleaved caspase-3/8/9, phosphorylated (p)-STAT3 as well as DR4 and DR5 in GBM cells were assessed by Western blotting. A nude mouse xenograft model was constructed to evaluate the effects of T-IIA and TRAIL cotreatment on tumor growth and apoptosis in vivo. RESULTS: After T-IIA treatment, GBM cells resumed the sensitivity to TRAIL-induced apoptosis dependent on inhibition of p-STAT3 and activation of DR4, DR5 and caspases. DR4 or/and DR5 knockdown significantly abated the co-effect of T-IIA and TRAIL on GBM cell apoptosis and proliferation. Furthermore, T-IIA and TRAIL cotreatment markedly inhibited the growth of transplanted tumor and activated U87 cell apoptosis in nude mice. CONCLUSION: T-IIA increases TRAIL-induced apoptosis by downregulating STAT3 and upregulating DR4 and DR5, indicating T-IIA therapy as a novel treatment strategy for TRAIL-resistant GBM.

Pathophysiological Significance of WDR62 and JNK Signaling in Human Diseases.

The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is highly evolutionarily conserved and plays important roles in a broad range of physiological and pathological processes. The WD40-repeat protein 62 (WDR62) is a scaffold protein that recruits different components of the JNK signaling pathway to regulate several human diseases including neurological disorders, infertility, and tumorigenesis. Recent studies revealed that WDR62 regulates the process of neural stem cell mitosis and germ cell meiosis through JNK signaling. In this review we summarize the roles of WDR62 and JNK signaling in neuronal and non-neuronal contexts and discuss how JNK-dependent signaling regulates both processes. WDR62 is involved in various human disorders via JNK signaling regulation, and may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of related diseases.

Regulatory action of charred Gossamer urocteae on the functions of mouse oral fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of charred Gossamer urocteae (CGU) on the functions of primary cultured mouse oral fibroblasts and reveal its mechanism in wound healing. METHODS: CGU was extracted with different solvents and ethanol extract (EE), ethyl acetate fraction (EF), n-butanol fraction (BF) and aqueous fraction (AF) were obtained. The effects of different fractions on the proliferation, matrix metalloproteinase-2,9 (MMP-2,9) activities, synthesis of collagen and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) in the mouse oral fibroblasts were determined by MTT, gelatin zymography, chloramine-T method, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respectively. RESULTS: EE, EF and BF at high concentrations could significantly inhibit proliferation of fibroblasts (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and at low concentrations EF and BF could promote proliferation of fibroblasts, and BF and AF could significantly inhibit collagen synthesis (P<0.05 or P<0.01). EE, EF and AF at high concentrations could significantly increase the MMP-9 activity, and BF and AF could significantly inhibit synthesis of TIMP-1. CONCLUSION: CGU at high concentrations can inhibit the proliferations of fibroblasts and synthesis of collagen, and in healing of wound, CGU at high concentrations possibly has the functions of anti-fibrosis and anti-scar, and the mechanism to promote degradation of collagen is possibly related to the increase in MMP-9 activity and the inhibition of TIMP-1 synthesis.

[Molluscicidal effect of endophyte LL3026 from Buddleia lindleyana against Oncomelania hupensis].

OBJECTIVE: To research the molluscicidal effect, active components, thermal stability and light stability of endophyte LL3026 (Colletotrichum sp.) from Buddleia lindleyana METHODS: The molluscicidal effect of LL3026 against Oncomelania hupensis was determined as referring to the WHO guidelines for laboratory molluscicidal test, and the control experiments were performed with 1 mg/L niclosamide or dechlorinated tap water. The active components from LL3026 were extracted by different polar solvents. The thermal stability and light stability of its extracellular moiety was examined at different temperature (30-100 degrees C), different time (30-150 min) and different illumination time (1-9 d). RESULTS: Immersion test showed that the LC50 values for the LL3026 broth were 50.11, 3.43, and 1.55 mg/L for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. The ether extract of LL3026 broth showed the best molluscicidal activity compared with other fractions. Treated with 25 mg/L ether extract for 24, 48, and 72 h, the mortality of O. hupensis was 100%. The molluscicidal activity of LL3026 broth had no change at 80 degrees C for 120 min, and the snail mortality was 100%. A 48-h exposure to LL3026 broth which placed in an artificial climate box with 3 600 1x illumination for 9 d resulted in 86.7% snail mortality. CONCLUSION: The fractions extracted from endophyte LL3026 isolated from B. lindleyana shows molluscicidal effect to O. hupensis.

[Regulation of calculus bovis on the function of mice oral fibroblasts].

To explore the influence of calculus bovis on the function of primary cultured mice oral fibroblasts, we determined the effects of calculus bovis on the fibroblast proliferation, collagen production, matrix metalloproteinases-2, -9 activities and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 production by MTT assay, chloramine T method, gelatin zymography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays respectively. The results showed that calculus bovis could significantly inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen synthesis in a concentration dependent manner, could significantly (P<0.05) suppress matrix metalloproteinases-2 activity and very significantly (P<0.01) inhibit the production of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1. In conclusion, the major function of calculus bovis in the process of ulcer healing is not to promote tissue regeneration, the mechanism that calculus bovis inhibits collagen synthesis may be partly due to its ability to very significantly (P<0.01) suppress the production of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1.