OBJECTIVETo investigate the polymorphisms of 15 STR loci of Han population in Yan'an.

METHODSBlood samples were obtained from 100 unrelated Han individuals in Yan'an. DNA templates were screened by AmpF/STR Identifiler kit and ABI3100Avant DNA analyzer.

RESULTSThe allele frequencies of 15 STR loci ranged from 0.005 to 0.550, and the genotype frequencies ranged from 0.010 to 0.310. The combined match probability was 2.5x10(-17) and combined EPP was 0.999999999.

CONCLUSIONSThe 15 STR loci used in this study were highly polymorphic in Han population in Yan'an and suitable for population study and forensic cases in this region.

Alleles ; China ; ethnology ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Markers ; Genetics, Population ; Genotype ; Humans ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Tandem Repeat Sequences ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo establish immortalized cell line from the urothelium of the urinary bladder and identify the characteristics of the cell line.

METHODSHuman papillomavirus 16 (HPV-16) plasmid was used to transfect urothelium of infant urinary bladder in vitro with the help of Fugene-6, and this plasmid contained E6 and E7 genes of HPV-16. We also identified the existence of HPV-16 E6 and E7 genes and the biological characteristics of the cell line by PCR, immunohistochemistry, and the biology identification.

RESULTSBLTR-4 cell line, produced from the transfection of HPV-16K plasmid, was a cell line from urothelium with the expression of HPV-16 E6 and E7 genes. It had been cultured more than 70 passages, and the characteristics of growth was similar to the immortalized cell line as reported.

CONCLUSIONSBLTR-4 cell line is an immortalized cell line from urothelium of the urinary bladder, which contains HPV-16 E6 and E7 genes. BLTR-4 cell line is a good experimental model to investigate the relationship of the infection of high risk HPV and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in vitro.

Cell Line, Transformed ; Humans ; Oncogene Proteins, Viral ; genetics ; Papillomaviridae ; genetics ; Papillomavirus E7 Proteins ; Papillomavirus Infections ; virology ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Repressor Proteins ; genetics ; Transcription, Genetic ; Transfection ; Tumor Virus Infections ; virology ; Urinary Bladder ; cytology ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; virology

OBJECTIVETo study the genetic polymorphism of Y chromosome in different Chinese ethnic group populations.

METHODSGenotypes of 17 biallelic markers located in the nonrecombining portion of the Y chromosome in 76 men from 3 Chinese ethnic group populations (Han in Shandong, Bai in Yunnan, and Tu in Qinghai) were examined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and allelic-specific PCR (ASPCR). Their haplotypes made of these 17 binary markers were constructed. The principle component (PC) analysis was conducted based on the haplotype frequency distribution among these 3 and other 15 published Chinese ethnic group populations.

RESULTSThe diversities of M50, M110, M103, M88, M3, and M7 were not found in these 3 populations. The frequencies of YAP+ were 23.8%, 6.7%, and 4% respectively in Tu, Bai, and Shandong Han. Eleven haplotypes were found in 3 populations--7 haplotypes (H1, H3, H5, H6, H8, H9, and H11) in Shandong Han (Han.SD), 8 haplotypes (H1, H2, H3, H5, H6, H8, H11, and H16) in Tu, and 9 haplotypes (H1, H3, H4, H5, H6, H8, H9, H11, and H13) in Bai. The predominant haplotypes were H1, H3, H5, H6, H8, and H11. According to PC analysis, Bai was close to Northern Han; Shandong Han, Southern Han (Han.S), Bai and Yunnan Tibetan clustered together; and Tu was close to Yi, Hui and Manchurian.

CONCLUSIONSShandong Han may have had genetic exchanges with southern populations in China. It has been confirmed that some gene components of Han had flowed into Bai's gene pool. Gene flowed from Central Asia had impacted Chinese western populations.

Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; China ; ethnology ; Chromosomes, Human, Y ; genetics ; Gene Frequency ; genetics ; Genetic Markers ; Haplotypes ; Humans ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic

OBJECTIVEA CAT reporter plasmid (pBLCAT3alpha1) driven by the promoter of hsp90alpha was in vitro assembled into chromatin to investigate the transcription activity of the reporter gene upon heat shock.

METHODSA competitive RT-PCR-based technique was used to quantify the promoter activity of hsp90alpha gene on chromatin or naked DNA templates in vitro.

RESULTSThe in vitro transcription efficiency was first optimized by using different amounts of whole cell extracts from heat shock-treated HeLa cells. In vitro chromatin assembly was carried out with purified components of chromatin assembly associated factors, core histones and CAT reporter gene driven by the promoter of hsp90alpha gene. Results showed that chromatin formation repressed the in vitro transcription of the gene.

CONCLUSIONThe heat shock induced transcription of hsp90alpha gene on chromatin template is more efficient than that on naked DNA in vitro.

Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly ; genetics ; Genes, Reporter ; genetics ; HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins ; genetics ; Heat-Shock Response ; genetics ; Humans ; Transcription, Genetic

OBJECTIVETo identify novel binding proteins of hSNF5, a subunit of chromatin remodeling complex in human fetal brain.

METHODSThe yeast two-hybrid system was used for this study. Positive cDNA clones were sequenced. Sequence homology and putative functional domains were analyzed and compared with databank.

RESULTSNine positive clones obtained were analyzed, among which the sequence of one clone was 97% homologous to the 3' mRNA of a hypothetical protein FLJ20643, while other four clones were related to protein coding sequences existed in the GenBank. The rest four clones were not in frame with any known protein coding sequence.

CONCLUSIONSClones encoding for hSNF5 binding protein exists in cDNA library of human brain. These proteins may recruit chromatin remodeling complex via hSNF5 to modulate the transcription of their target gene and the related cell functions.

Brain ; cytology ; metabolism ; Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone ; Cloning, Molecular ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; analysis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Embryo, Mammalian ; Humans ; SMARCB1 Protein ; Trans-Activators ; Transcription Factors ; analysis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Transcription, Genetic ; Two-Hybrid System Techniques

OBJECTIVETo explore the role and mechanisms of chemotherapeutic drugs in TRAIL induced cell death.

METHODSTumoricidal activities of the chemotherapeutic drugs and/or rsTRAIL in 13 strains of tumor cell lines were evaluated by MTS-PMS assay and flow cytometry. DR5 expression in the cells was observed by Western blot.

RESULTSThe apoptosis of human promyelocytic leukemia cells HL-60, liver cancer cells BEL-7402, T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells Jurkat, and myeloid leukemia cells K562 treated with rsTRAIL at 0.5 microg/ml were 53.20%, 52.20%, 51.54%, 52.70%, and 41.00%, respectively, while that of the embryonal spleen cells 293 was 24.00%. However, the apoptosis percentages of lung cancer cells anti 973, breast cancer cells MCF-7, Chinese hamster ovarian cancer cells COS-7, neuroglialoma cells U251, neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y, glioma cells BT-325, rat pheochromocytoma cells PC12, and mouse adrenal epithelial cells NIH3T3 were all less than 10% under the same conditions. The sensitivity of central neuron cells of SH-SY5Y, PC-12, U251, BT3251, and human embryonal spleen cells 293, which were not sensitive to rsTRAIL challenges, increased remarkably after treatment with CHX, CP, and 8-CA at sub-toxic doses plus rsTRAIL at 0.5 microg/ml. The expressions of DR5 were up-regulated and kept pace with the onset of apoptosis in the BEL-7402 liver cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONThe chemotherapeutic drugs including CHX, CP, and 8-CA at sub-toxic doses can enhance antitumor activity of rsTRAIL.

Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Drug Synergism ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Lung Neoplasms ; pathology ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; pharmacology ; Recombinant Proteins ; pharmacology ; TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of nitric oxide on mitochondrial permeability and cytochrome C (cyt C) of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines.

METHODSNO-mediated apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines SMMC-7721 and HepG2 was investigated by flow cytometry. The growth and proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines SMMC-7721 and HepG2 were evaluted by MTT assay. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential was analyzed by flow cytometry with double staining of Rh123 and PI, and cytoplasmid cyt C was measured by Western blot. The cells were preincubate with cyclosporin A or GSH synthesis blocker BSO to explore their effect on the results of the above experiments.

RESULTSNO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) induced apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines SMMC-7721 and HepG2 and resulted in the decrease of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential and the increase of the amount of cytoplasmid cyt C in time-dependent manner. Cyclosporin A (CsA) specific inhibitor of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore could partially prevent the decrease of delta psi m and the release of cyt C. In contrast, GSH synthesis blocker BSO promoted the decrease of delta psi m and the release of cyt C.

CONCLUSIONSNO may induce apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines SMMC-7721 and HepG2 by decreasing delta psi m, opening the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, and releasing the cyt C.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cytochromes c ; metabolism ; Humans ; Intracellular Membranes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; physiology ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Membrane Potentials ; drug effects ; Mitochondria ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide ; pharmacology ; Nitric Oxide Donors ; pharmacology ; Permeability ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo clone and express a homologue of human macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) from P. falciparum 3D7--PfMIF.

METHODSThe nucleotide sequence of PfMIF was found through blast P. falciparum genomic sequence databases with the amino acid sequence of human MIF (HuMIF). RT-PCR, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis were used for the cloning of Pfmif gene. The recombinant protein was expressed in E. coli and purified through the affinity column.

RESULTSThe full length of Pfmif gene was cloned and sequenced. It was composed of 351 nucleotides and encoded 116 amino acids with the typical characteristic of MIF family. The recombinant protein was successfully expressed and purified.

CONCLUSIONSThe Pfmif gene and recombinant protein were successfully isolated and PfMIF was preliminarily identified as a novel member of MIF family.

Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; Cloning, Molecular ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; Humans ; Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Plasmodium falciparum ; genetics ; metabolism ; Protozoan Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Sequence Homology, Amino Acid

OBJECTIVETo study the regulation of Fc receptor expression by immune complexes (ICs) on neutrophils and U937 cells.

METHODSIgA ICs, IgG1 ICs, IgG2 ICs, IgG3 ICs, IgG4 ICs, and IgM ICs were incubated with neutrophils or U937 cells for 1 h. Then their surface Fc receptors were stained by anti-Fc gammaR I, anti-Fc gammaR II , anti-Fc gammaR III, and anti-Fc alphaR I monoclonal antibodies and analyzed by fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS).

RESULTSIgG1 ICs and IgG3 ICs up-regulated Fc gammaR II and Fc gammaR III on U937 cells, Fc gammaR I and Fc alphaR I on neutrophils. Almost all ICs down-regulated Fc gammaR II on neutrophils.

CONCLUSIONSICs can regulate Fc receptor expression on neutrophils and U937 cells, among which IgG1 ICs and IgG3 ICs are most effective.

Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic ; immunology ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; pharmacology ; Antigen-Antibody Complex ; immunology ; metabolism ; Antigens, CD ; immunology ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin A ; classification ; immunology ; Immunoglobulin G ; chemistry ; classification ; immunology ; metabolism ; Neutrophils ; metabolism ; Receptors, Fc ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Receptors, IgG ; immunology ; U937 Cells ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo determine the relationship between polymorphisms in the genes encoding IL-1, IL-6, and IL-10 with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) in Chinese population.

METHODSWhole-blood samples were taken from 77 patients with PBC and 160 healthy controls. DNA was extracted and the polymorphisms at positions IL-1 +3953, IL-1RN intron 2, IL-6 -174, and IL-10 -1082, -819, and -592 were determined by using sequence-specific polymerase chain reaction (SSP) or polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTSThe frequency of IL-1RN1,1 allele in PBC group was significantly higher than in control group (90.9% vs 79.4%, P=0.026), and the frequency of IL-1RN1,2 in PBC group was significantly lower than in control group (6.5% vs 18.8%, P=0.013). There was no significant difference in the frequence of IL-1RN*2 allele between PBC group and control group (P=0.06). Of the 77 patients with PBC, 4 patients were IL-6 -174GC, 73 were IL-6 174GG. All the 160 health controls are IL-6 -174GG (P=0.0036). The frequence of IL-6 -174C allele in PBC group was significantly higher than that in control group (P=0.0038). No significant differences of polymorphisms for IL-1 +3953 and IL-10 (-1082, -819 and -592) were found between PBC group and control group.

CONCLUSIONThe polymorphisms of IL-1RN and IL-6 -174G/C appear to be associated with PBC, and the polymorphisms of IL-1 +3953 and IL-10 promoter gene are not associated with PBC in a Chinese population.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-1 ; genetics ; Interleukin-10 ; genetics ; Interleukin-6 ; genetics ; Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length