Assessment of Genetic Stability in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes by Using Droplet Digital PCR.

Unintended genetic modifications that occur during the differentiation and proliferation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can lead to tumorigenicity. This is a crucial concern in the development of stem cell-based therapies to ensure the safety and efficacy of the final product. Moreover, conventional genetic stability testing methods are limited by low sensitivity, which is an issue that remains unsolved. In this study, we assessed the genetic stability of hiPSCs and hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes using various testing methods, including karyotyping, CytoScanHD chip analysis, whole-exome sequencing, and targeted sequencing. Two specific genetic mutations in KMT2C and BCOR were selected from the 17 gene variants identified by whole-exome and targeted sequencing methods, which were validated using droplet digital PCR. The applicability of this approach to stem cell-based therapeutic products was further demonstrated with associated validation according to the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines, including specificity, precision, robustness, and limit of detection. Our droplet digital PCR results showed high sensitivity and accuracy for quantitatively detecting gene mutations, whereas conventional qPCR could not avoid false positives. In conclusion, droplet digital PCR is a highly sensitive and precise method for assessing the expression of mutations with tumorigenic potential for the development of stem cell-based therapeutics.

Deficiency of complement component 3 may be linked to the development of constipation in FVB/N-C3em1Hlee /Korl mice.

Alterations in complement component 3 (C3) expression has been reported to be linked to several bowel diseases including Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and ulcerative colitis; however, the association with constipation has never been investigated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between C3 regulation and constipation development using a C3 deficiency model. To achieve these, alterations in stool excretion, transverse colon histological structure, and mucin secretion were analyzed in FVB/N-C3em1Hlee /Korl (C3 knockout, C3 KO) mice with the deletion of 11 nucleotides in exon 2 of the C3 gene. The stool excretion parameters, gastrointestinal transit, and intestine length were remarkably decreased in C3 KO mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice, although there was no specific change in feeding behavior. Furthermore, C3 KO mice showed a decrease in mucosal and muscle layer thickness, alterations in crypt structure, irregular distribution of goblet cells, and an increase of mucin droplets in the transverse colon. Mucin secretion was suppressed, and they accumulated in the crypts of C3 KO mice. In addition, the constipation phenotypes detected during C3 deficiency were confirmed in FVB/N mice treated with C3 convertase inhibitor (rosmarinic acid (RA)). Similar phenotypes were observed with respect to stool excretion parameters, gastrointestinal transit, intestine length, alterations in crypt structure, and mucin secretion in RA-treated FVB/N mice. Therefore, the results of the present study provide the first scientific evidence that C3 deficiency may play an important role in the development of constipation phenotypes in C3 KO mice.

The Functional Association of ACQOS/VICTR with Salt Stress Resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana Was Confirmed by CRISPR-Mediated Mutagenesis.

Clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-mediated mutagenesis has become an important tool in plant research, enabling the characterization of genes via gene knock-out. CRISPR genome editing tools can be applied to generate multi-gene knockout lines. Typically, multiple single-stranded, single guide RNAs (gRNAs) must be expressed in an organism to target multiple genes simultaneously; however, a single gRNA can target multiple genes if the target genes share similar sequences. A gene cluster comprising ACQUIRED OSMOTOLERANCE (ACQOS; AT5G46520) and neighboring nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeats (NLRs; AT5G46510) is associated with osmotic tolerance. To investigate the role of ACQOS and the tandemly arranged NLR in osmotic tolerance, we introduced small insertion/deletion mutations into two target genes using a single gRNA and obtained transformant plant lines with three different combinations of mutant alleles. We then tested our mutant lines for osmotic tolerance after a salt-stress acclimation period by determining the chlorophyll contents of the mutant seedlings. Our results strongly suggest that ACQOS is directly associated with salt resistance, while the neighboring NLR is not. Here, we confirmed previous findings suggesting the involvement of ACQOS in salt tolerance and demonstrated the usefulness of CRISPR-mediated mutagenesis in validating the functions of genes in a single genetic background.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase1 enhances Petunia flower longevity.

The genes that encode the ethylene biosynthesis enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO) are thought to be involved in flower senescence. Hence, we investigated whether the transcript levels of PhACO genes (PhACO1, PhACO3 and PhACO4) in Petunia cv. Mirage Rose are associated with ethylene production at different flowering stages. High transcript levels were detected in the late flowering stage and linked to high ethylene levels. PhACO1 was subsequently edited using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and its role in ethylene production was investigated. PhACO1-edited T0 mutant lines, regardless of mutant type (homozygous or monoallelic), exhibited significantly reduced ethylene production and enhanced flower longevity compared with wild-type. Flower longevity and the reduction in ethylene production were observed to be stronger in homozygous plants than in their monoallelic counterparts. Additionally, the transmission of the edited gene to the T1 (lines 6 and 36) generation was also confirmed, with the results for flower longevity and ethylene production proving to be identical to those of the T0 mutant lines. Overall, this study increases the understanding of the role of PhACO1 in petunia flower longevity and also points to the CRISPR/Cas9 system being a powerful tool in the improvement of floricultural quality.

Novel Function of α-Cubebenoate Derived from Schisandra chinensis as Lipogenesis Inhibitor, Lipolysis Stimulator and Inflammasome Suppressor.

The efficacy of α-cubebenoate isolated from Schisandra chinensis has been previously studied in three disease areas, namely inflammation, sepsis, and allergy, and its role in other diseases is still being explored. To identify the novel function of α-cubebenoate on lipid metabolism and related inflammatory response, alterations in fat accumulation, lipogenesis, lipolysis, and inflammasome activation were measured in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and primary adipocytes treated with α-cubebenoate. Lipid accumulation significantly decreased in MDI (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin)-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with α-cubebenoate without any significant cytotoxicity. The mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and CCAAT-enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) α for adipogenesis, as well as adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 2 (aP2) and fatty acid synthetase (FAS) for lipogenesis, were reduced after α-cubebenoate treatment, while cell cycle arrest at G2/M stage was restored in the same group. α-cubebenoate treatment induced glycerol release in primary adipocytes and enhanced expression of lipolytic proteins (HSL, perilipin, and ATGL) expression in MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Inflammasome activation and downstream cytokines expression were suppressed with α-cubebenoate treatment, but the expression of insulin receptor signaling factors was remarkably increased by α-cubebenoate treatment in MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These results indicate that α-cubebenoate may play a novel role as lipogenesis inhibitor, lipolysis stimulator, and inflammasome suppressor in MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Our results provide the possibility that α-cubebenoate can be considered as one of the candidates for obesity management.

α-Linolenic Acid-Enriched Cold-Pressed Perilla Oil Suppress High-Fat Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis through Amelioration of the ER Stress-Mediated Autophagy.

Perilla oil has been considered to have excellent potential for treating various diseases due to its contents of beneficial fatty acids, such as α-linolenic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid. The therapeutic effects and molecular mechanism of an α-linolenic acid-enriched cold-pressed perilla oil (LEP) on hepatic steatosis of an obesity model were investigated by analyzing alterations in fat accumulation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated autophagy, in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity C57BL/6N mice treated with LEP for 16 weeks. Although no significant alterations were detected in body weight and most organ weights, the liver weight and accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver section were significantly lower in HFD + LEP treated group as compared to the HFD + Vehicle treated group. Reduced mRNA expression levels of adipogenesis and lipogenesis regulating factors, including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)α, fatty acid synthase (FAS), and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein 2 (aP2) were observed after LEP treatment for 16 weeks, while the levels of lipolysis were remarkably increased in the same group. Moreover, the LEP-treated groups showed suppression of ER stress-regulating factors, such as the C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), inositol-requiring protein 1 (IRE1)α, and Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) during anti-hepatic steatosis effects. The expression level of the microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) protein and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway for the autophagy response showed a significant decrease in the HFD+LEP-treated group. Furthermore, ER stress-mediated autophagy was accompanied with enhanced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), JNK, and p38 protein in the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway. Taken together, the results of the present study indicate that treatment with LEP inhibits hepatic steatosis in the HFD-induced obese model through regulation of adipogenesis and lipolysis. We believe our results are the first to show that the anti-hepatic steatosis activity of α-linolenic acid from cold-pressed perilla oil might be tightly correlated with the amelioration of ER stress-mediated autophagy.

Therapeutic Effects of Cold-Pressed Perilla Oil Mainly Consisting of Linolenic acid, Oleic Acid and Linoleic Acid on UV-Induced Photoaging in NHDF Cells and SKH-1 Hairless Mice.

Positive physiological benefits of several plant oils on the UV-induced photoaging have been reported in some cell lines and model mice, but perilla oil collected from the seeds of Perilla frutescens L. has not been investigated in this context. To study the therapeutic effects of cold-pressed perilla oil (CPO) on UV-induced photoaging in vitro and in vivo, UV-induced cellular damage and cutaneous photoaging were assessed in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) and HR-1 hairless mice. CPO contained five major fatty acids including linolenic acid (64.11%), oleic acid (16.34%), linoleic acid (11.87%), palmitic acid (5.06%), and stearic acid (2.48%). UV-induced reductions in NHDF cell viability, ROS production, SOD activity, and G2/M cell cycle arrest were remarkably improved in UV + CPO treated NHDF cells as compared with UV + Vehicle treated controls. Also, UV-induced increases in MMP-1 protein and galactosidase levels were remarkably suppressed by CPO. In UV-radiated hairless mice, topical application of CPO inhibited an increase in wrinkle formation, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema value, hydration and melanin index on dorsal skin of UVB-irradiated hairless mice. CPO was observed to similarly suppress UV-induced increases in epidermal thickness, mast cell numbers, and galactosidase and MMP-3 mRNA levels. These results suggest CPO has therapeutic potential in terms of protecting against skin photoaging by regulating skin morphology, histopathology and oxidative status.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Capparis ecuadorica extract in phthalic-anhydride-induced atopic dermatitis of IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic mice.

CONTEXT: The natural products derived from Capparis ecuadorica H.H. Iltis (Capparaceae) could have great potential for anti-inflammation since they inhibited the inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. OBJECT: This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and related mechanism of methanol extract of C. ecuadorica leaves (MCE) during atopic dermatitis (AD) responses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Alterations in the phenotypical markers for AD, luciferase signal, iNOS-mediated COX-2 induction pathway, and inflammasome activation were analysed in non-Tg (n = 5) and 15% phthalic anhydride (PA) treated IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic (Tg) HR1 mice (n = 5 per group), subsequent to treatment with acetone-olive oil (AOO), vehicle (DMSO) and two dose MCE (20 and 40 mg/kg) three times a week for 4 weeks. RESULTS: MCE treatment reduced the intracellular ROS level (48.2%), NO concentration (7.1 mmol/L) and inflammatory cytokine expressions (39.1%) in the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. A significant decrease was detected for ear thickness (16.9%), weight of lymph node (0.7 mg), IgE concentration (1.9 µg/mL), and epidermal thickness (31.8%) of the PA + MCE treated Tg mice. MCE treatment induced the decrease of luciferase signal derived from the IL-4 promoter and the recovery of the IL-4 downstream regulator cytokines. PA + MCE treated Tg mice showed decreasing infiltration of mast cells (42.5%), iNOS-mediated COX-2 induction pathway, MAPK signalling pathway and inflammasome activation in the ear tissue. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide the first evidence that MCE may have great potential to suppress chemical-induced skin inflammation through the suppression of IL-4 cytokine and the iNOS-mediated COX-2 induction pathway, and activation of inflammasome.

Anti-Inflammatory Response and Muscarinic Cholinergic Regulation during the Laxative Effect of Asparagus cochinchinensis in Loperamide-Induced Constipation of SD Rats.

Several types of saponins and herbal plants containing saponins have been reported to have anti-inflammatory or laxative activities. To verify the therapeutic effects of saponin-enriched extracts of Asparagus cochinchinensis (SPA) on the anti-inflammatory response and on the cholinergic regulation in the gastrointestinal system, an alteration on the constipation phenotypes, on the inflammatory responses, and on the muscarinic cholinergic regulation were investigated in the transverse colons of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation after the treatment of SPA. Significant increases were observed on the total number of stools, the gastrointestinal transit, the thickness of the mucosal layer, the flat luminal surface, the number of paneth cells, and the lipid droplets in the Lop + SPA-treated group as compared to the Lop + Vehicle-treated group. SPA treatment induced the recovery of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß) and IL-6), inflammatory mediators (NF-κB and iNOS), the total number of infiltered mast cells, and mucin secretion. Also, some similar improvements were observed on the levels of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity and on the phosphorylation of myosin light chains (MLC) as well as the expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors M2/M3 (mAChR M2/M3) and their mediators. The results presented herein provide the first strong evidence that SPA stimulates anti-inflammatory responses and the muscarinic cholinergic regulation when exerting its laxative effects in the chronic constipation of Lop-induced models.

Laxative Effect of Spicatoside A by Cholinergic Regulation of Enteric Nerve in Loperamide-Induced Constipation: ICR Mice Model.

Researches on spicatoside A (SpiA)-containing natural products suggest the possibility of SpiA as a potential laxative to alleviate chronic constipation. However, no studies have been conducted with single compound administration of SpiA. To verify the laxative effects and mechanism of action of SpiA on chronic constipation, we investigated alterations in the excretion parameters, histological structure, and cholinergic regulation of the enteric nerve in the colons of Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice with loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation after exposure to 20 mg/kg of SpiA. Decrease in the number, weight and water contents of stools in the Lop+Vehicle treated group significantly recovered after SpiA treatment, and alterations in the histological structure and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images were improved in the Lop+SpiA treated group. Similar recovery effects were observed in the ability for mucin secretion and expression of the membrane water channel gene (aquaporin 8, AQP8). Furthermore, significant improvements were observed in the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and acetylcholine receptors' (AChRs) downstream signaling pathway after treatment of SpiA. The levels of gastrointestinal (GI) hormones including cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin were also remarkably enhanced in the Lop+SpiA treated group as compared to the Lop+Vehicle treated group. The expression of receptor tyrosine kinase (C-kit) and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) in Cajal and neural cells, as well as the phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) in smooth muscle cells, were recovered after SpiA exposure. Taken together, the results of the present study provide the first strong evidence that SpiA improves chronic constipation through muscarinic cholinergic regulation of the enteric nerve in a Lop-induced constipation ICR mice model.

A streamlined guide RNA screening system for genome editing in Sorghum bicolor.

BACKGROUND: Genome editing tools derived from clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) systems have been developed for generating targeted mutations in plants. Although these tools hold promise for rapid crop improvement, target-specific guide RNAs exhibit variable activity. To improve genome editing, a rapid and precise method for evaluating their efficiency is necessary. RESULTS: Here we report an efficient system for screening single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) for genome editing in sorghum using a transient protoplast transfection assay. Protoplasts were isolated from leaves from sorghum plants cultivated under three different conditions. Cultivation for three days of continuous darkness following seven days with a 16-h light and 8-h dark photoperiod resulted in the highest yield of viable protoplasts and the highest protoplast transfection efficiency. We tested both plasmid-mediated and ribonucleoprotein-based delivery to protoplasts, via polyethylene glycol-mediated transfection, of CRISPR components targeting the sorghum genome. The frequencies of small insertions and deletions induced by a set of sgRNAs targeting four endogenous sorghum genes were analyzed via targeted deep sequencing. Our screening system induced indels in sorghum protoplasts at frequencies of up to 77.8% (plasmid) and 18.5% (RNP). The entire screening system was completed within 16 days. CONCLUSIONS: The screening system optimized in this study for predicting sgRNA activity for genome editing in sorghum is efficient and straightforward. This system will reduce the time and effort needed for sorghum genome editing.

Targeted A-to-G base editing of chloroplast DNA in plants.

Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) encodes up to 315 (typically, 120-130) genes1, including those for essential components in photosystems I and II and the large subunit of RuBisCo, which catalyses CO2 fixation in plants. Targeted mutagenesis in cpDNA will be broadly useful for studying the functions of these genes in molecular detail and for developing crops and other plants with desired traits. Unfortunately, CRISPR-Cas9 and CRISPR-derived base editors, which enable targeted genetic modifications in nuclear DNA, are not suitable for organellar DNA editing2, owing to the difficulty of delivering guide RNA into organelles. CRISPR-free, protein-only base editors (including DddA-derived cytosine base editors3-8 and zinc finger deaminases9), originally developed for mitochondrial DNA editing in mammalian cells, can be used for C-to-T, rather than A-to-G, editing in cpDNA10-12. Here we show that heritable homoplasmic A-to-G edits can be induced in cpDNA, leading to phenotypic changes, using transcription activator-like effector-linked deaminases13.

Chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA editing in plants.

Plant organelles including mitochondria and chloroplasts contain their own genomes, which encode many genes essential for respiration and photosynthesis, respectively. Gene editing in plant organelles, an unmet need for plant genetics and biotechnology, has been hampered by the lack of appropriate tools for targeting DNA in these organelles. In this study, we developed a Golden Gate cloning system1, composed of 16 expression plasmids (8 for the delivery of the resulting protein to mitochondria and the other 8 for delivery to chloroplasts) and 424 transcription activator-like effector subarray plasmids, to assemble DddA-derived cytosine base editor (DdCBE)2 plasmids and used the resulting DdCBEs to efficiently promote point mutagenesis in mitochondria and chloroplasts. Our DdCBEs induced base editing in lettuce or rapeseed calli at frequencies of up to 25% (mitochondria) and 38% (chloroplasts). We also showed DNA-free base editing in chloroplasts by delivering DdCBE mRNA to lettuce protoplasts to avoid off-target mutations caused by DdCBE-encoding plasmids. Furthermore, we generated lettuce calli and plantlets with edit frequencies of up to 99%, which were resistant to streptomycin or spectinomycin, by introducing a point mutation in the chloroplast 16S rRNA gene.

Effects of Gallotannin-Enriched Extract of Galla Rhois on the Activation of Apoptosis, Cell Cycle Arrest, and Inhibition of Migration Ability in LLC1 Cells and LLC1 Tumors.

Gallotannin (GT) and GT-enriched extracts derived from various sources are reported to have anti-tumor activity in esophageal, colon and prostate tumors, although their anti-tumor effects have not been determined in lung carcinomas. To investigate the anti-tumor activity of GT-enriched extract of galla rhois (GEGR) against lung carcinomas, alterations in the cytotoxicity, apoptosis activation, cell cycle progression, migration ability, tumor growth, histopathological structure, and the regulation of signaling pathways were analyzed in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) cells and LLC1 tumor bearing C57BL/6NKorl mice, after exposure to GEGR. A high concentration of GT (69%) and DPPH scavenging activity (IC50=7.922 µg/ml) was obtained in GEGR. GEGR treatment exerted strong cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and subsequent activation of apoptosis, as well as inhibitory effects on the MAPK pathway and PI3K/AKT mediated cell migration in LLC1 cells. In the in vivo syngeneic model, exposure to GEGR resulted in suppressed growth of the LLC1 tumors, as well as inhibition of NF-κB signaling and their inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, our results provide novel evidence that exposure to GEGR induces activation of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of cell migration via suppression of the MAPK, NF-κB and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in LLC1 cells and the LLC1 syngeneic model.

Comparison of response to LPS-induced sepsis in three DBA/2 stocks derived from different sources.

Sepsis, one of the most fatal diseases in the world, is known to culminate in multiple organ failure due to an uncontrolled inflammatory response. Hence, the use of animal models in sepsis research is very important to study complex immune responses. The current study was undertaken to compare commercial stocks with KFDA stocks of DBA/2 mice as an animal model for sepsis study. To compare responses of DBA/2 mice to lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced sepsis, we measured altered characteristics of various factors associated with sepsis, including survival curves, organ failure and inflammatory response, in DBA/2Korl stock and two commercial stocks (DBA/2A and DBA/2B). Survival rates after LPS exposure were similar for DBA/2Korl and DBA/2B; however, for times over 20 h, survival rates were reduced and concentration dependent in DBA/2A. In order to evaluate multiple organ failure caused by sepsis, H&E stains were evaluated for liver and spleen tissues obtained in the early (2 h) and later (20 h) stages after exposure to LPS; no significant differences were observed between the three stocks. mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines were assessed for evaluating inflammatory reactions, and were found to increase in a dose-dependent manner in most DBA/2 mice after LPS treatment. However, no changes were observed in the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines at 20 h after LPS exposure in the DBA/2A stock. The induction of inflammation-mediated factors by LPS exposure did not induce alterations in the mRNA levels of COX-2 and iNOS in all three DBA/2 stocks. Our results indicate that response of DBA/2Korl to LPS-induced sepsis is similar to the two commercial DBA/2 stocks, thus representing its potential as a useful biological resource established in Korea.

Compensatory role of C3 convertase on the strain difference for C3 protein expression in FVB/N, C3H/HeN and C57BL/6N mice.

To investigate the role of complement C3 (C3) convertase on the strain difference for C3 protein expression in three inbred mice strains, we compared the levels of C2, C3 and C4 mRNA, as well as C3 protein and C3 convertase activity in the serum and liver tissue of FVB/N, C3H/HeN and C57BL/6N mice. The level of mRNA, inactive form (InACF) and active form (ACF) for C3 showed a regular pattern, which they were higher in the FVB/N and C57BL/6N mice than C3H/HeN mice. However, the level of C3b fragments (C3bα and ß) derived from C3 protein were constantly maintained in the liver of FVB/N, C3H/HeN and C57BL/6N mice in spite of the strain difference on the transcriptional and translation level of C3. Especially, a reverse pattern of the level of mRNA, InACF and ACF for C3 was observed on the activity level of C3 convertase activity. The highest level of C3 convertase activity was measured in C3H/HeN mice, followed by C57BL/6N and FVB/N mice. In case of C3 convertase components, the level of C2 mRNA was higher in C3H/HeN mice than FVB/N and C57BL/6 N mice, while levels of C4 mRNA were higher in FVB/N and C57BL/6N mice than C3H/HeN mice. The current study results provide the first scientific evidence that C3 convertase may play complementary role to overcome the strain difference on the C3 protein expression in FVB/N, C3H/HeN and C57BL/6N mice.

Fermented mulberry (Morus alba) leaves suppress high fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis through amelioration of the inflammatory response and autophagy pathway.

BACKGROUND: A novel extract of mulberry leaves fermented with Cordyceps militaris (EMfC) is reported to exert anti-obesity activity, although their molecular mechanism during hepatic steatosis has not verified. METHODS: To investigate the role of inflammation and autophagy during the anti-hepatic steatosis effects of EMfC, we measured alterations in the key parameters for inflammatory response and autophagy pathway in liver tissues of the high fat diet (HFD) treated C57BL/6N mice after exposure to EMfC for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Significant anti-hepatic steatosis effects, including decreased number of lipid droplets and expression of Klf2 mRNA, were detected in the liver of the HFD + EMfC treated group. The levels of mast cell infiltration, expression of two inflammatory mediators (iNOS and COX-2), and the MAPK signaling pathway were remarkably decreased in the liver of HFD + EMfC treated group as compared to the HFD + Vehicle treated group. Furthermore, a similar inhibitory effect was measured for the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB. The expression level of members in the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway (a central regulator in autophagy) was recovered after treatment with EMfC, and autophagy-related proteins (Beclin and LC3-II) were remarkably decreased in the HFD + EMfC treated group compared to the HFD + Vehicle treated group. Moreover, the HFD + EMfC treated group showed decreased transcript levels of autophagy-regulated genes including Atg4b, Atg5, Atg7 and Atg12. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, findings of the present study provide novel evidences that the anti-hepatic steatosis of EMfC is tightly linked to the regulation of the inflammatory response and autophagy pathway in the liver tissue of HFD-induced obesity mice.

Deletion of NKX3.1 via CRISPR/Cas9 Induces Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia in C57BL/6 Mice.

Several techniques have been employed for deletion of the NKX3.1 gene, resulting in developmental defects of the prostate, including alterations in ductal branching morphogenesis and prostatic secretions as well as epithelial hyperplasia and dysplasia. To investigate whether the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated technique can be applied to study prostate carcinogenesis through exon I deletion of NKX3.1 gene, alterations in the prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and their regulatory mechanism were observed in the prostate of NKX3.1 knockout (KO) mice produced by the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated NKX3.1 mutant gene, at the ages of 16 and 24 weeks. The weight of dorsal-lateral prostate (DLP) and anterior prostate (AP) were observed to be increased in only the 24 weeks KO mice, although morphogenesis was constant in all groups. Obvious PIN 1 and 2 lesions were frequently detected in prostate of the 24 weeks KO mice, as compared with the same age wild type (WT) mice. Ki67, a key indicator for PIN, was densely stained in the epithelium of prostate in the 24 weeks KO mice, while the expression of p53 protein was suppressed in the same group. Also, both the 16 and 24 weeks KO mice reveal inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in the prostate. However, prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and Bax/Bcl-2 expressions were decreased in the prostate of 16 weeks KO mice, and were increased in only the 24 weeks KO mice. Taken together, the results of the present study provide additional evidence that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated exon 1 deletion of the NKX3.1 gene successfully induces PIN lesions, along with significant alterations of Ki67 expression, EGFR signaling pathway, and cancer-regulated proteins.

Correction to: Influence of three BALB/c substrain backgrounds on the skin tumor induction efficacy to DMBA and TPA cotreatment.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s42826-020-00063-z.].

Influence of three BALB/c substrain backgrounds on the skin tumor induction efficacy to DMBA and TPA cotreatment.

Differences in responsiveness of BALB/c substrains have been investigated in various fields, including diabetes induction, corpus callosum deficiency, virus-induced demyelinating disease, aggressive behavior and osteonecrosis. However, induction efficacy of skin tumor remains untried. We therefore investigated the influence of BALB/c substrain backgrounds on the skin tumor induction efficacy in response to DMBA (7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene) and TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate) cotreatment. Alterations in the levels of tumor growth related factors, histopathological structure, and the expression to tumor related proteins were measured in three BALB/c substrains (BALB/cKorl, BALB/cA and BALB/cB) after exposure to DMBA (25 µg/kg) and three different doses of TPA (2, 4 and 8 µg/kg). The average number and induction efficacy of tumors in response to DMBA+TPA treatment were significantly greater in the BALB/cKorl substrain than in BALB/cA and BALB/cB. However, cotreatment with DMBA+TPA induced similar responses for body and organ weights of all three substrains. Few differences were detected in the serum analyzing factors, while similar responsiveness was observed for blood analyzing factors after DMBA+TPA treatment. Furthermore, the three BALB/c substrains exhibited similar patterns in their histopathological structure in DMBA+TPA-induced tumors. The expression levels of apoptotic proteins and tumor related proteins were constantly maintained in all three BALB/c substrains treated with DMBA+TPA. In addition, the responsiveness to cisplatin treatment was overall very similar in the three BALB/c substrains with DMBA+TPA-induced tumors. Taken together, these results indicate that genetic background of the three BALB/c substrains does not have a major effect on the DMBA+TPA-induced skin carcinogenesis and therapeutic responsiveness of cisplatin, except induction efficacy.