Structural optimizations and bioevaluation of N-H aporphine analogues as Gq-biased and selective serotonin 5-HT2C receptor agonists.

The concept of subtype selectivity and functional bias has recently reshaped current GPCR drug discovery for G protein-coupled receptors. A series of new N-H aporphines with A-ring modifications have been synthesized, and their efficacy on 5-HT2 receptor activation was evaluated. SAR analysis led to the discovery of several more potent and selective 5-HT2C receptor agonists (e.g., 11b and 11f) with low nanomolar activity. Molecular docking analysis of this series of aporphines was in accordance with our SAR results. The functional selectivity of specific compounds was tested via both Gq-mediated calcium flux and ß-arrestin recruitment assays, which revealed that these compounds exhibited no ß-arrestin recruitment activity. Further ADMET study combined with behavioral assessment using a methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity model identified compound 11b and 11f possessing promising drug-like profiles and having antipsychotic potential. These agonists with an exclusive bias toward Gq signaling may serve as valuable pharmacological probes to facilitate the elucidation of therapeutically relevant 5-HT2C signaling pathways and the development of alternative antipsychotic medications.

Early glycolytic reprogramming controls microglial inflammatory activation.

BACKGROUND: Microglial activation-mediated neuroinflammation plays an important role in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Inflammatory activation of microglial cells is often accompanied by a metabolic switch from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis. However, the roles and molecular mechanisms of glycolysis in microglial activation and neuroinflammation are not yet fully understood. METHODS: The anti-inflammatory effects and its underlying mechanisms of glycolytic inhibition in vitro were examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated BV-2 microglial cells or primary microglial cells by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) luciferase reporter assays. The anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of glycolytic inhibitor, 2-deoxoy-D-glucose (2-DG) in vivo were measured in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-or LPS-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) models by immunofluorescence staining, behavior tests, and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: We found that LPS rapidly increased glycolysis in microglial cells, and glycolysis inhibitors (2-DG and 3-bromopyruvic acid (3-BPA)), siRNA glucose transporter type 1 (Glut-1), and siRNA hexokinase (HK) 2 abolished LPS-induced microglial cell activation. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that glycolysis inhibitors significantly inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), an inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B kinase subunit beta (IKKß), and NF-kappa-B inhibitor alpha (IκB-α), degradation of IκBα, nuclear translocation of p65 subunit of NF-κB, and NF-κB transcriptional activity. In addition, 2-DG significantly inhibited LPS-induced acetylation of p65/RelA on lysine 310, which is mediated by NAD-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) and is critical for NF-κB activation. A coculture study revealed that 2-DG reduced the cytotoxicity of activated microglia toward MES23.5 dopaminergic neuron cells with no direct protective effect. In an LPS-induced PD model, 2-DG significantly ameliorated neuroinflammation and subsequent tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cell loss. Furthermore, 2-DG also reduced dopaminergic cell death and microglial activation in the MPTP-induced PD model. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our results suggest that glycolysis is actively involved in microglial activation. Inhibition of glycolysis can ameliorate microglial activation-related neuroinflammatory diseases.

Knockdown of milk-fat globule EGF factor-8 suppresses glioma progression in GL261 glioma cells by repressing microglial M2 polarization.

Tumor-associated microglial cells promote glioma growth, invasion, and chemoresistance by releasing inflammatory factors. Milk fat globule EGF factor 8 protein (MFG-E8), a secreted glycoprotein, is closely related to tissue homeostasis and anti-inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the role of MFG-E8 in microglial polarization and glioma progression in vitro and in vivo. We found that glioma cells secrete comparable amounts of MFG-E8 in culture media to astrocytes. Recombinant MFG-E8 triggered microglia to express the M2 polarization markers, such as arginase-1 (ARG-1), macrophage galactose-type C-type lectin-2 (MGL-2), and macrophage mannose receptor (CD206). Forced expression of MFG-E8 in BV-2 microglia cells not only promoted IL-4-induced M2 polarization but also inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced M1 microglial polarization. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that recombinant MFG-E8 markedly induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation, and the STAT3 inhibitor stattic significantly blocked MFG-E8-induced ARG-1 expression. Administration of antibody against MFG-E8 and knockdown of its receptor, integrin ß3, significantly attenuated MFG-E8-induced ARG-1 expression. Similarly, knockdown of MFG-E8 also markedly reduced IL-4-induced M2 marker expression and increased LPS-induced M1 marker expression in microglia cells. Moreover, the knockdown of MFG-E8 in GL261 glioma cells inhibited cell proliferation and enhanced chemosensitivity to 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU), which was likely associated with the downregulation of FAK/AKT activation and STAT3/cyclin D1 signaling. The murine GL261 glioma experimental model demonstrated that knockdown of MFG-E8 significantly reduced tumor size and extended survival times. Additionally, attenuated CD11b+ cell infiltration and reduced CD206+ expression in CD11b+ cells were also observed in an MFG-E8 knockdown GL261 murine glioma model. These results suggested that inhibition of MFG-E8 might hamper the immunosuppressive microenvironment in gliomas and therefore ameliorate tumor progression.

The oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate inhibits microglial activation via the AMPK/mTOR/NF-κB pathway.

Microglia, the brain-resident macrophage, is known as the innate immune cell type in the central nervous system. Microglia is also the major cellular component of tumor mass of gliomas that plays a key role in glioma development. Mutations of isocitrate dehydrogenases 1 and 2 (IDH1/2) frequently occur in gliomas, which leads to accumulation of oncometabolic product 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG). Moreover, IDH1/2 mutations were found to correlate with better prognosis in glioma patients. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the 2HG on microglial inflammatory activation. We showed that the conditioned media (CM) from GL261 glioma cells stimulated the activation of BV-2 microglia cells, evidenced by markedly increased expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), CCL2 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 2) and CXCL10 (C-X-C motif chemokine 10). CM-induced expression of proinflammatory genes was significantly suppressed by pretreatment with a synthetic cell-permeable 2HG (1 mM) or a nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitor BAY11-7082 (10 µM). In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or TNF-α-stimulated BV-2 microglia cells and primary microglia, pretreatment with 2HG (0.25-1 mM) dose-dependently suppressed the expression of proinflammatory genes. We further demonstrated that 2HG significantly suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of IκB kinase α/ß (IKKα/ß), IκBα and p65, IκB degradation, and nuclear translocation of p65 subunit of NF-κB, as well as NF-κB transcriptional activity. Similarly, ectopic expression of mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) (R132H) significantly decreased TNF-α-induced activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. Finally, we revealed that activation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and subsequent inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling contributed to the inhibitory effect of 2HG on NF-κB signaling pathway in BV-2 cells. Taken together, these results, for the first time, show that oncometabolite 2HG inhibits microglial activation through affecting AMPK/mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway and provide evidence that oncometabolite 2HG may regulate glioma development via modulating microglial activation in tumor microenvironment.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) inhibitor, Z-590 suppresses cartilage destruction in adjuvant-induced arthritis via inhibition of macrophage inflammatory activation.

BACKGROUND: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic pro-inflammatory mediator that is involved in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previously, we demonstrated a small molecule compound 3-[(biphenyl-4-ylcarbonyl) carbamothioyl] amino benzoic acid (Z-590) could inhibit MIF activity with docking-based virtual screening and experimental evaluation. METHODS: The LPS activated RAW264.7 macrophage cells were used to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of Z-590 in vitro. A rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model was used to determine the anti-arthritic effects of Z-590 in vivo. RESULTS: MIF inhibitor Z-590 significantly inhibited the production of NO, TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and markedly inhibited LPS-induced expression of TNF-α, IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Z-590 also significantly reduced paw edema, serum level of TNF-α, IL-6 and spleen index in the adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model. Furthermore, Z-590 markedly ameliorated joint inflammation and articular cartilage damage in AIA rat model. CONCLUSION: MIF inhibitor Z-590 possesses potent anti-arthritic activity through suppression of macrophage activation, and could be a potential therapeutic treatment for RA.

Clk1-regulated aerobic glycolysis is involved in glioma chemoresistance.

Chemoresistance remains a major challenge for the treatment of glioma. In this study, we investigated the role of Clock 1 (Clk1), which encodes an enzyme that is necessary for ubiquinone biosynthesis in glioma chemoresistance in vitro. The results showed that Clk1 was highly expressed in GL261 mouse glioma cells which were most sensitive to 1,3Bis (2-chloroethyl) 1 nitrosourea (BCNU) while was low expressed in BCNU resistant cells such as glioma cancer stem cells, T98G, U87MG and U251 glioma cells. Knockdown of Clk1 in GL261 glioma cells significantly reduced BCNU- or cisplatin-induced cell apoptosis, whereas the proliferative activity and the expression of multidrug resistance-related genes including MDR1, O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, and GSTP1 were not changed. When Clk1 was re-expressed in Clk1 knockdown GL261 glioma cells, the BCNU sensitivity was restored. The mechanistic study revealed that knockdown of Clk1 in GL261 glioma cells increased aerobic glycolysis including high glucose consumption, lactate production, and up-regulation of glycolysis-associated genes. Inhibition of glycolysis can reverse the chemoresistance elicited by Clk1 knockdown in GL261 cells. Moreover, knockdown of Clk1 induced HIF-1α expression in GL261 glioma cells which was found to be mediated by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Both metformin and rapamycin reversed the chemoresistance of Clk1 knockdown GL261 glioma cells. Over-expression of Clk1 significantly increased the sensitivity of T98G or U251 human glioblastoma cells to BCNU which was accompanied by decreased lactate secretion, decreased expression of HIF-1α, AMPK activation, and inhibition of mTOR pathway. Inhibition of glycolysis or activation of AMPK did not alter Clk1 expression in variant glioma cell lines suggesting that aerobic glycolysis is not an upstream event of Clk1 expression in glioma cells. Taken together, our results revealed, for the first time, that mitochondrial Clk1 regulated chemoresistance in glioma cells through AMPK/mTOR/HIF-1α mediated glycolysis pathway.

Asymmetric total synthesis and identification of tetrahydroprotoberberine derivatives as new antipsychotic agents possessing a dopamine D(1), D(2) and serotonin 5-HT(1A) multi-action profile.

An effective and rapid method for the microwave-assisted preparation of the key intermediate for the total synthesis of tetrahydroprotoberberines (THPBs) including l-stepholidine (l-SPD) was developed. Thirty-one THPB derivatives with diverse substituents on A and D ring were synthesized, and their binding affinity to dopamine D(1), D(2) and serotonin 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors were determined. Compounds 18k and 18m were identified as partial agonists at the D(1) receptor with K(i) values of 50 and 6.3nM, while both compounds act as D(2) receptor antagonists (K(i)=305 and 145nM, respectively) and 5-HT(1A) receptor full agonists (K(i)=149 and 908nM, respectively). These two THPBs compounds exerted antipsychotic actions in animal models. Further electrophysiological studies employing single-unit recording in intact animals demonstrated that 18k-excited dopaminergic (DA) neurons are associated with its 5-HT(1A) receptor agonistic activity. These results suggest that these two compounds targeted to multiple neurotransmitter receptors may present novel lead drugs with new pharmacological profiles for the treatment of schizophrenia.

Sigma-1 receptor-regulated efferocytosis by infiltrating circulating macrophages/microglial cells protects against neuronal impairments and promotes functional recovery in cerebral ischemic stroke.

Background: Efferocytosis of apoptotic neurons by macrophages is essential for the resolution of inflammation and for neuronal protection from secondary damage. It is known that alteration of the Sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R) is involved in the pathological development of some neurological diseases, including ischemic stroke. The present study aimed to investigate whether and how Sig-1R regulates the phagocytic activity of macrophages/microglia and its significance in neuroprotection and neurological function in stroke. Methods: The roles of Sig-1R in the efferocytosis activity of microglia/macrophages using bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) or using Sig-1R knockout mice subjected to transient middle artery occlusion (tMCAO)-induced stroke were investigated. The molecular mechanism of Sig-1R in the regulation of efferocytosis was also explored. Adoptive transfer of Sig-1R intact macrophages to recipient Sig-1R knockout mice with tMCAO was developed to observe its effect on apoptotic neuron clearance and stroke outcomes. Results: Depletion of Sig-1R greatly impaired the phagocytic activity of macrophages/microglia, accordingly with worsened brain damage and neurological defects in Sig-1R knockout mice subjected to tMCAO. Adoptive transfer of Sig-1R intact bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) to Sig-1R knockout mice restored the clearance activity of dead/dying neurons, reduced infarct area and neuroinflammation, and improved long-term functional recovery after cerebral ischemia. Mechanistically, Sig-1R-mediated efferocytosis was dependent on Rac1 activation in macrophages, and a few key sites of Rac1 in its binding pocket responsible for the interaction with Sig-1R were identified. Conclusion: Our data provide the first evidence of the pivotal role of Sig-1R in macrophage/microglia-mediated efferocytosis and elucidate a novel mechanism for the neuroprotection of Sig-1R in ischemic stroke.

Hypoxia-inducible factor upregulation by roxadustat attenuates drug reward by altering brain iron homoeostasis.

Substance use disorder remains a major challenge, with an enduring need to identify and evaluate new, translational targets for effective treatment. Here, we report the upregulation of Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression by roxadustat (Rox), a drug developed for renal anemia that inhibits HIF prolyl hydroxylase to prevent degradation of HIF-1α, administered either systemically or locally into selected brain regions, suppressed morphine (Mor)-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). A similar effect was observed with methamphetamine (METH). Moreover, Rox also inhibited the expression of both established and reinstated Mor-CPP and promoted the extinction of Mor-CPP. Additionally, the elevation of HIF-1α enhanced hepcidin/ferroportin 1 (FPN1)-mediated iron efflux and resulted in cellular iron deficiency, which led to the functional accumulation of the dopamine transporter (DAT) in plasma membranes due to iron deficiency-impaired ubiquitin degradation. Notably, iron-deficient mice generated via a low iron diet mimicked the effect of Rox on the prevention of Mor- or METH-CPP formation, without affecting other types of memory. These data reveal a novel mechanism for HIF-1α and iron involvement in substance use disorder, which may represent a potential novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of drug abuse. The findings also repurpose Rox by suggesting a potential new indication for the treatment of substance use disorder.

RPB5-mediating protein is required for the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

RPB5-mediating protein (RMP) is associated with the RNA polymerase II subunit RPB5. RMP functionally counteracts the transcriptional activation of hepatitis B virus X protein that has been shown to play a role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the effect of RMP on the growth of HCC remains unclear. In this study, we characterized the potential role of RMP in the proliferation of human HCC cells using two cell lines, SMMC-7721 and HepG2. We found that RMP expression increased when HCC cells were treated with (60)Co γ-irradiation. Cell growth and colony formation assays suggest that RMP plays an antiapoptotic role in the proliferation and growth of HCC cells. We also show that RMP depletion induced the G(2) arrest of HCC cells characterized by the decreased expression of Cdk1 and Cyclin B. Tumor formation assays further confirmed the in vivo requirement of RMP during HCC growth. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that RMP is a radiation-sensitive factor, and it may play essential roles in HCC growth by affecting the proliferation and apoptosis of HCC cells.

Dopamine D1 receptors mediate methamphetamine-induced dopaminergic damage: involvement of autophagy regulation via the AMPK/FOXO3A pathway.

RATIONALE: Clinical studies have revealed that methamphetamine abuse increases risk for developing Parkinson's diseases. It is thus important to elucidate the mechanisms by which methamphetamine damages dopaminergic neurons. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to elucidate the role of the dopamine D1 receptor in methamphetamine-mediated dopaminergic neuronal damage and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Mice were treated for 4 days with vehicle, methamphetamine, or the D1 agonist SKF38393 and then assessed for locomotion and performance in the pole and rotarod tests. Cellular indices of autophagy, LC3, P62, and Beclin-1, tyrosine hydroxylase, and the AMPK/FOXO3A pathway were analyzed in striatal tissue from treated mice, in PC12 cells, and in D1 receptor mutant mice. RESULTS: Repeated treatment with a relatively high dose of methamphetamine for 4 days induced both loss of dopaminergic neurons and activation of autophagy in the striatum as evidenced by increased expression of LC3 and P62. However, such treatment did not induce either loss of dopaminergic neurons or activation of autophagy in D1 receptor knockout mice. D1 receptor-mediated activation of autophagy was also confirmed in vitro using dopaminergic neuronal PC12 cells. Further studies demonstrated that the AMPK/FOXO3A signaling pathway is responsible for D1 receptor-mediated activation of autophagy. CONCLUSIONS: The present data indicate a novel mechanism for methamphetamine-induced dopaminergic neuronal damage and reveal an important role for D1 receptors in the neurotoxicity of this drug.

[Growth inhibition and mechanisms of human bladder cancer T24 cells by adenovirus-mediated ING4 gene in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the inhibitory effect and anti-cancer mechanisms of adenovirus-mediated ING4 gene on the human bladder cancer T24 cells in vitro. METHODS: The methods of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the expression of ING4 in human bladder urothelial carcinoma T24 line. The influence of Ad-ING4 transfection on cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay and cell apoptosis by Hochest33258 staining and flow cytometry. RT-PCR and Western blot were performed to detect the transcriptional level of such apoptosis-related genes as Bcl-2, Bax, p53, HIF-1α and caspase-3. RESULTS: Human ING4 was successfully transcribed in T24 cell. Apoptosis rate of T24 cell in Ad-ING4 group was significant higher than that in control groups (17.2% ± 4.1% vs 4.7% ± 1.2% and 4.8% ± 1.2%, P < 0.05). Ad-ING4 not only up-regulated the expression of p53 and Bax(1.40 ± 0.11 vs 0.27 ± 0.04, 1.50 ± 0.12 vs 0.60 ± 0.05) and down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and HIF-1α (0.19 ± 0.02 vs 1.20 ± 0.08, 0.33 ± 0.03 vs 0.98 ± 0.06, all P < 0.05), but also enhanced the caspase-3 activation and eventually led to apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Adenovirus-mediated ING4 gene exhibits anti-tumor capacity in T24 human bladder cancer cell and induces in vitro apoptosis. It may be related to the up-regulation of P53 and Bax/Bcl-2, and the down-regulation of HIF-1α. Thus the caspase-3 activation is enhanced so as to lead to apoptosis.

Human Elongator complex is involved in cell cycle and suppresses cell growth in 293T human embryonic kidney cells.

Elongator complex has been associated with hyperphosphorylated RNA polymerase II and is known to play critical roles in transcriptional elongation, as well as in tRNA modification and exocytosis. However, the specific mechanism of how human Elongator complex regulates cell growth and cell cycle remains unclear. To investigate the composition of human Elongator complex and its effects on cell growth, 293T cells were established that stably overexpressed Flag-Elp3 and Flag-Elp4. By using anti-Flag M2 antibody-bound resin, a core Elongator complex was purified from cells that stably overexpressed Flag-Elp3. No Elongator complex was purified from cells stably transfected with pFlagCMV4-Elp4. Interestingly, the cell growth was inhibited in 293T cells transfected with pFlagCMV4- Elp3. Flow cytometry analysis showed that most of the cells stably overexpressing Flag-Elp3 were found in G1 stage, indicating a role of the core Elongator in the G1 checkpoint for the regulation of cell cycle. We observed increased basal transcription and remarkably enhanced transcription stimulated by VP16 in 293T cells overexpressing Flag-Elp3. The transcription could also be synergistically activated by overexpressing both Elp3 and Elp4. Taken together, our results suggested that the core Elongator complex formed by Elp1, Elp2, and Elp3 was rather stable, whereas Elp4, Elp5, and Elp6 might loosely contact and work together with the core Elongator to regulate cell functions.

Dihydromyricetin exerts a rapid antidepressant-like effect in association with enhancement of BDNF expression and inhibition of neuroinflammation.

RATIONALE: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent illness that affects large populations across the world, and increasing evidence suggests that neuroinflammation and levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are closely related to depression. Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a kind of flavonoid natural product that has been reported to display multiple pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, and these may contribute to ameliorate MDD. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of DHM on depression-related phenotypes in various experimental animal models. METHODS: The antidepressant-like effect of DHM was validated via depression-related behavioral tests in naïve male C57BL/6 mice, as well as in the acute lipopolysaccharide-induced mouse model of depression. The chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS) mouse model of depression was also used to assess the rapid antidepressant-like effect of DHM by tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST), locomotor activity, and sucrose preference test (SPT). The expression of BDNF and inflammatory factors were determined through Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. RESULTS: DHM reduced immobility time in the TST and FST both in mice and the acute LPS-induced mouse model of depression. Seven days of DHM treatment ameliorated depression-related behaviors induced by CUMS, whereas similar treatment with the typical antidepressant venlafaxine did not. DHM activated the ERK1/2-CREB pathway and increased glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3ß) phosphorylation at ser-9, with upregulation of BDNF expression, in both hippocampal tissues and cultured hippocampal cells. CONCLUSION: The present data indicate that DHM exerts a more rapid antidepressant-like effect than does a typical antidepressant, in association with enhancement of BDNF expression and inhibition of neuroinflammation.

Elevated N2O emission by the rice roots: based on the abundances of narG and bacterial amoA genes.

Rice fields are an important source of nitrous oxide (N2O), where rice plants could act as a key factor controlling N2O fluxes during the flooding-drying process; however, the microbial driving mechanisms are unclear. In this study, specially designed equipment was used to grow rice plants and collect emitted N2O from the root-growing zone (zone A), root-free zones (zones B, C, and D) independently, at tillering and booting stages under flooding and drying conditions. Soil samples from the four zones were also taken separately. Nitrifying and denitrifying community abundances were detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The N2O emission increased significantly along with drying, but the N2O emission capabilities varied among the four zones under drying, while zone B possessed the highest N2O fluxes that were 2.7~4.5 times higher than those from zones C and D. However, zone A showed N2O consumption potential. Notably, zone B also harbored the highest numbers of narG-containing denitrifiers and amoA-containing nitrifiers under drying at both tillering and booting stages. This study demonstrates that drying caused significant increase in N2O emission from rhizosphere soil, in which the higher abundance of AOB would help to produce more nitrate and significantly higher narG-containing microbes would drive more N2O production and emission.

Sensitive and selective detection of Ag+ in aqueous solutions using Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles as smart electrochemical nanosensors.

Owing to the selective deposition reaction on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles, we reported a simple and selective magnetic electrochemical method for the detection of Ag(+) ions in aqueous solutions. The analyte deposited on the nanoparticles was brought to the surface of a homemade magnetic electrode and detected electrochemically in 0.1 mol/L KCl solution based on the reaction of Ag0 transferred to AgCl. Under the optimal conditions, the linear response range of Ag(+) ions was 0.117-17.7 µmol/L (R(2)=0.9909) with a detection limit of 59 nmol/L (S/N=3). A series of repeatability measurements 1.0 µmol/L Ag(+) gave reproducible results with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.5% (n=11). The interference from other metal cations can be eliminated by adding EDTA as a co-additive to mask the metal cations. The recoveries ranging from 98.6% to 103.99% after standard additions demonstrate that this sensor has great potential in practical applications. The advantages of this developed method include remarkable simplicity, low cost, and no requirement for probe preparation, among others.

Magnetic beads-based enzymatic spectrofluorometric assay for rapid and sensitive detection of antibody against ApxIVA of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae.

In this paper, a simple, easily-operated and enzyme-amplified fluorescence immunoassay method using magnetic particles for the detection of antibody against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) has been presented. The A protein of APP Repeats-in-Toxin IV (ApxIVA) with high specificity to the APP species was immobilized onto the magnetic bead surfaces. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP), which can catalyze the substrate 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (p-HPA), generating fluorescent bi-p, p'-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (DBDA), was selected as an enzymatic-amplified tracer. The ApxIVA antibody was detected for the presence of APP infection by measuring the fluorescence intensity of DBDA. Under optimal conditions, the calibration plot obtained for standard positive serum was approximately linear within the dilution range 1:160-1:5120. The limit of detection (LOD) for the assay was 1:10240, considerably lower than that of ApxIVA-ELISA (1:320) (S/N=3). A series of repeatability measurements of using 1:320-fold diluted standard positive serum gave reproducible results with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.8% (n=11). The ability of the immunosensor to analyze clinical samples was tested on porcine sera. The immunosensor yielded an efficiency of 89.7%, sensitivity of 90.9% and specificity of 89.3% compared with ApxIVA-ELISA.

[In vitro and in vivo inhibitory effect of Ad-ING4 gene on proliferation of human prostate cancer PC-3 cells].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Adenovirus vector has been widely used in tumor gene therapy. ING4 is a member of growth inhibiting factors and a potent anti-tumor gene which could induce apoptosis of many tumor cells. This study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of adenovirus-mediated ING4 (Ad-ING4) gene on the proliferation of human prostate cancer PC-3 cells in vitro and in vivo, and to explore its mechanisms. METHODS: Ad-ING4 was obtained by virus-amplification technique. After transfection of purified Ad-ING4 into PC-3 cells, the expression of ING4 was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR); the influence of Ad-ING4 transfection on cell proliferation was evaluated using MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was assessed using Hoechst33258 staining and flow cytometry. RT-PCR was performed to detect the mRNA levels of the transcription of apoptosis-related genes such as bcl-2, bax, p53, and caspase-3. Athymic nude mice bearing PC-3 tumors were intratumorally injected with Ad-ING4 (100 microL, 1x10(9) pfu/mL). Tumor growth was recorded. All nude mice were killed at the end of the experiment to observe the growth of xenografts. The expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, and CD34 proteins in tumor tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Human ING4 gene was successfully transcribed in PC-3 cells and induced apoptosis by up-regulating p53, bax, caspase-3 expression and down-regulating bcl-2 expression. Inhibition of cell proliferation was significant in PC-3 cells. Tumor growth was significantly inhibited in the Ad-ING4 group as compared with that in the Ad-GFP group and the PBS group (P<0.05). The weight inhibitory rate was 37.0% in the Ad-ING4 group. The expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 were up-regulated, and the expressions of Bcl-2 and CD34 were down-regulated in the Ad-GFP group. CONCLUSIONS: Adenovirus-mediated ING4 gene exhibits anti-tumor ability in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells in vitro and in vivo, and induces apoptosis. This may be related to the up-regulations of p53, bax, Caspase-3 and down-regulation of bcl-2.