Objective: To study the correlation of the gene expressions of Chk1 and Chk2 with sperm concentration and motility. METHODS: According to sperm concentration and motility (percentage of progressively motile sperm), we divided 80 semen samples into four groups of equal number: normal control, oligozoospermia (OS), asthenospermia (AS), and oligoasthenozoospermia (OAS). We detected the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and viability and determined the expressions of Chk1 and Chk2 in the sperm by RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were not found in sperm DFI among the control, OS, AS, and OAS groups (21.24±6.93, 19.67±7.64, 21.52±6.92, and 19.28±11.55, P>0.05), but observed in sperm concentration, progressive motility, and viability between the DFI >30% and DFI ≤30% groups (P<0.01). Compared with the normal control, sperm viability was remarkably decreased in the OS, AS, and OAS groups (［83.48±9.87］% vs ［63.86±9.16］%, ［50.45±16.99］%, and ［39.21±15.74］%, P<0.05). RT-PCR showed remarkable differences among the control, OS, AS, and OAS groups in the relative expression level of Chk1 mRNA (0.73±0.22, 0.62±0.14, 1.03±0.39, and 0.92±0.071, P<0.01), which was correlated positively with sperm concentration (b = 80.661, P<0.01) but negatively with sperm motility (b = －19.275, P < 0.01), as well as in that of Chk2 mRNA (0.66±0.30, 0.27±0.09, 0.59±0.19, and 0.42 ± 0.11, P<0.01), which was correlated negatively with sperm concentration (b = －90.809, P<0.01) but positively with sperm motility (b = 27.507, P <0.01). The relative expression levels of the Chk1 protein were significantly different among the four groups (0.63±0.05, 0.42±0.03, 1.13±0.08, and 0.87±0.07, P<0.01), which was correlated positively with sperm concentration (b = 55.74, P<0.01) but negatively with sperm motility (b =－22.649, P<0.01), and so were those of the Chk2 protein (1.23±0.36, 0.37±0.16, 0.87±0.08, and 0.68±0.12, P<0.01), which was correlated negatively with sperm concentration (b =－53.001, P<0.01) but positively with sperm motility (b = 16.676, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Chk1 and Chk2 are significantly expressed in human sperm. In case of sperm DNA damage, up-regulated Chk1 expression may enhance sperm apoptosis and lead to asthenospermia, while increased Chk2 expression may inhibit spermatogenesis and result in oligospermia.
Apoptosis ; Asthenozoospermia ; genetics ; Checkpoint Kinase 1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Checkpoint Kinase 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; DNA Damage ; DNA Fragmentation ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Male ; Oligospermia ; genetics ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; genetics ; Spermatozoa ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo block signal transduction of cell cycle checkpoints by antisense blocking of chk1/2 gene to increase the radiation sensitivity of HL-60 cell line.

METHODTo transfect the HL-60 cell with chk1/2 antisense and sense chain alone and in combination, expose the cells to irradiation at 24 h after the transfection, the chk1 protein change was assayed by Western blot and the cell cycles and annexin V apoptosis rates by FCM.

RESULTSThe irradiated apoptosis sensitivity was increased by antisense blocking of chk1 gene in HL-60 cell line, the apoptotic rate was 26.31% being significantly higher than that of the sense blocking (10.34%) (P < 0.05), Furthermore, the G(2)/M phase blocking phenomenon decreased and a synergic effect was observed in antisense blocking both the chk1 and chk2 genes.

CONCLUSIONAntisense blocking of chk1/chk2 could increase the apoptotic sensitivity to irradiation.

Apoptosis ; genetics ; radiation effects ; Cell Cycle ; radiation effects ; Checkpoint Kinase 1 ; Checkpoint Kinase 2 ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; genetics ; Protein Kinases ; genetics ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics ; Radiation Tolerance ; Transfection

In order to investigate the change of cell-cycle of K562 cells induced by cisplatin (DDP) and role of antisense oligonucleotide targeting Chk1/2 on apoptosis of K562 cell induced by DDP, the change of cell-cycle was observed by means of flow cytometry after different intervals in which the K562 cell were treated by DDP. Chk1/2 protein expression was investigated by Western blot and confocal microscopy in best condition of transfection of antisense oligonucleotide targeting Chk1/2 by lipofection. Apoptosis of K562 induced by DDP was investigated by flow cytometry after transfection of antisense oligonucleotide targeting Chk1/2. The results showed that K562 cells were arrested at S phase at 10 micromol/L of DDP. Transfection with antisense oligonucleotide targeting Chk1/2 could inhibit expression of Chk1/2 at different levels. The frequency of apoptosis induced by DDP was increased when transfected with antisense oligonucleotide targeting Chk1 and/or Chk2. The effect of antisense oligonucleotide targeting Chk1 and Chk2 synchronously exceeded that of antisense oligonucleotide targeting either Chk1 or Chk2 alone. In conclusion, Chk1 and Chk2 may be regarded as targets of therapy for leukemia.
Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Checkpoint Kinase 1 ; Checkpoint Kinase 2 ; Cisplatin ; pharmacology ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; pharmacology ; Protein Kinases ; physiology ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo explore the increasing effect of blocking Chk1 and /or Chk2 gene by Chk1 or Chk2-specific antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AsODN) on apoptosis in HeLa cell line after irradiation and its mechanism of action.

METHODSAsynchronized HeLa cells were exposed to (60)Co-irradiation at different dosage to activate G(2)/M checkpoint arrest. The cell cycle profiles were observed in HeLa cells after irradiation at a range of various doses and different time points by flow cytometry. In the experimental groups, Chk1/2 sODN and AsODN alone or in combination were transfected into HeLa cells, and the cells were exposed to (60)Co-irradiation at 24 h after transfection. The changes of Chk1/2 protein expression were assayed by Western blot and confocal laser scanning microscopy (Confocal), and the cell cycles, apoptosis rates and cell cycle specific apoptosis were detected by annexin V-PI labeling and flow cytometry.

RESULTSApoptotic response was significantly increased in the Hela cells after G(2)/M arrest and was inversed to activation of G(2)/M checkpoint. Either Chk1 or Chk2-specific AsODN consistently enhanced DNA damage-induced apoptosis by 90% approximately 120%, compared to corresponding sODN control (P < 0.05). Unexpectedly, combined use of Chk1- and Chk2-specific AsODN did not produce synergistic effect as compared to treatment with Chk1- or Chk2-specific AsODN alone (P > 0.05). While irradiated HeLa cells underwent apoptosis preferentially in G(1)-phase, apoptosis occurred in either of G(1)-, S- or G(2)/M -phase in the presence of Chk1 and/or Chk2 AsODN.

CONCLUSIONThe radioresistance is mainly induced by activating the cell cycle checkpoint signal transduction pathway after irradiation, and abrogating of the key effector Chk1 and Chk2 may increase the apoptotic sensitivity to irradiation due to changes of the pattern of cell cycle specific apoptosis.

Apoptosis ; radiation effects ; Cell Cycle ; radiation effects ; Checkpoint Kinase 1 ; Checkpoint Kinase 2 ; Cobalt Radioisotopes ; Down-Regulation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense ; genetics ; Protein Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection

BACKGROUNDCheckpoint kinase 2 (CHK2) is a DNA damage-activated protein kinase which is involved in cell cycle checkpoint control. CHK2 gene could be a candidate gene for colorectal cancer susceptibility. But there are few systematic reports on mutation of CHK2 in colorectal cancer.

METHODSThe mutations of all 14 exons of CHK2 in 56 colorectal cancer cell lines were screened systematically, using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) to screen the mismatches of the CHK2 exons amplified products, and then the suspected mutant cell lines were scanned by nucleotide sequence analysis.

RESULTSVACO400 in CHK2 exon 1a was suspected to have mutation by DHPLC and confirmed by sequence, but this was nonsense mutation. C106, CX-1, HT-29, SK01, SW480, SW620 and VACO400 in CHK2 exon 1b were confirmed to have the same nonsense mutation in 11609 A > G. DLD-1 and HCT-15 in CHK2 exon 2 were confirmed to have missense mutation R145W, which was heterozygous C > T missense mutation at nucleotide 433, leading to an Arg > Trp substitution within the FHA domain.

CONCLUSIONSThe CHK2 mutation in colorectal cancer is a low frequency event. There are just 10 cell lines to have sequence variations in all the 14 exons in 56 colorectal cancer cell lines and only DLD-1/HCT-15 had heterozygous missense mutation. These findings may give useful information of susceptibility of colorectal cancer as single nucleotide polymorphysim.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Checkpoint Kinase 2 ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; DNA Damage ; Humans ; Mutation ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics

To explore the role of the Chk2 protein expression and DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) repair in low dose hyper-radiosensitivity (HRS)/increased radioresistance (IRR) of non-small cell lung cancer, A549 cells were subjected to irradiation at the dosage ranging from 0.05-2 Gy. Clonogenic survival was measured by using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) plating technique. Percentage of cells in M-phase after low doses of X-irradiation was evaluated by phospho-histone H3-FITC/PI and Western blotting was used to detect protein expression of Chk2 and phospo-Chk2. DNA DSBs repair efficiency was also measured by induction and persistence of γ-H2AX. The results showed that the killing ability of irradiation with A549 cells increased at low conditioning dose below 0.3 Gy. Within the dose of 0.3 to 0.5 Gy, A549 cells showed a certain extent of radiation resistance. And when the dose was more than 0.5 Gy, survival fraction exhibited a negative correlation with the dosage. There was no difference between the 0.1 or 0.2 Gy dosage groups and the un-irradiated group in terms of the percentage of cells in M phase. But in the high dosage group (0.3-1.0 Gy), the percentage of cells in M phase was decreased markedly. In addition, the percentage of cells in M phase began to decrease two hours after irradiation. One hour after irradiation, there was no conspicuous activation of Chk2 kinase in 0.1 or 0.2 Gy group, but when the irradiation dose reached 0.3 Gy or higher, Chk2 kinase started to be activated and the activation level showed no significant difference among high dosage groups (0.4, 0.5, 1.0 Gy). Within 1 to 6 h, the DNA DSBs repair efficiency was decreased at 0.2 Gy but increased at 0.5 Gy and 1.0 Gy, which was in line with Chk2 activation. We are led to conclude that the mechanism of HRS/IRR in A549 cell line was probably due to early G(2)/M checkpoint arrest and enhanced DNA DSBs repair. In this regard, Chk2 activation plays a key role in G(2)/M checkpoint activation.
Adenocarcinoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Checkpoint Kinase 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; DNA Damage ; genetics ; DNA Repair ; genetics ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; Radiation Tolerance ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of RNA interference on CHK1 and CHK2 expression and change of G2/M phase arrest in esophageal carcinoma cells after irradiation.

METHODSFour sequences short hairhip RNA (shRNA) of each CHK1 and CHK2 genes were constructed and connected with vector of pENTR/U6 plasmid, respectively, and then transfected into Eca109 cells with lipofectamine 2000 reagent. Protein and mRNA expression of CHK1 and CHK2 genes were detected with Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. Cell cycling was measured by flow cytometry after 5 Gy irradiation. Cell survival rate after 5 Gy irradiation was evaluated by clonegenetic assay.

RESULTSFour shRNA vector each of CHK1 and CHK2 genes were successfully constructed and transfected into Ecal09 cells, respectively. Protein expression of CHK1 and CHK2 were obviously decreased. Their mRNA expressions were also decreased after transfected with shRNA of CHK1 and CHK2. Arrest of G2/M stage in Eca109 cells were obviously decreased only in cells transfected with CHK1 shRNA but not with CHK2 shRNA at 12 h after 5 Gy irradiation. In first progeny Eca109 cells transfected with CHK1 and CHK2 shRNA, expression of CHK1 and CHK2 protein was also decreased. The level of phosphorylated CHK2-T68 expression was decreased at 1 h after 5 Gy irradiation, and at 72 h only transfected with CHK2 shRNA but not with CHK1 shRNA. Phosphorylation level of CHK1-S345 was not increased after transfected with CHK1 or CHK2 shRNA, but arrest of G2/M stage still remained at 12 h after 5 Gy irradiation and at 72 h accordingly. The cell survival rate was decreased in Eca109 cells transfected with CHK1 or CHK2 shRNA after 5 Gy irradiation.

CONCLUSIONAfter transfected with shRNA of CHK1 or CHK2, their expressions of mRNA and protein in Ecal09 cells are markedly inhibited and this inhibition effect can be observed in their first progeny cells and at least hold for 3 days. Arrest of G2/M phase can be reduced after irradiation when teansfected with shRNA of CHK1 and the radiosensitivity of Ec109 cells can be increased.

Blotting, Western ; Cell Division ; genetics ; physiology ; radiation effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Survival ; genetics ; physiology ; radiation effects ; Checkpoint Kinase 1 ; Checkpoint Kinase 2 ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; physiopathology ; G2 Phase ; genetics ; physiology ; radiation effects ; Gamma Rays ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Protein Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes in cell cycle induced by cisplatin (DDP) and the effect of antisense oligonucleotide (AsODN) targeting Chk1/2 on DDP-induced apoptosis in lung cancer cell line A549 cells.

METHODSThe characteristics of cell cycle and apoptosis induced by DDP were detected by flow cytometry using SubG1 method. Chk1/2 mRNA and protein expression were assayed by RT-PCR and Western blot under best condition of transfection of AsODN targeting Chk1/2 by lipofection. Apoptosis of A549 cells induced by DDP was determined by flow cytometry using AnnexinV-FITC staining after transfection of Chk1/2 AsODN.

RESULTSAsynchronized A549 cells were treated with 10 micromol/L DDP, and significant S-phase arrest was observed at 12 h later. Transfection with antisense oligonucleotide targeting Chk1/2 inhibited the Chk1/2 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Either Chk1 or Chk2-specific AsODN consistently enhanced DNA damage-induced apoptosis by 100% - 200%, compared with that in the sODN control (P < 0.05), but combined use of Chk1- and Chk2-specific AsODN did not show synergistic effects as compared with that induced by treatment with Chk1- or Chk2-specific AsODN alone (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONChk1 and Chk2 may be regarded as effective targets of chemotherapy for lung cancer. Silencing the key effector Chk1 and Chk2 genes may significantly increase the chemosensitivity of lung cancer cells.

Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Checkpoint Kinase 1 ; Checkpoint Kinase 2 ; Cisplatin ; pharmacology ; Gene Silencing ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; genetics ; Protein Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Transfection

PURPOSE: The characteristic expression of DNA damage response proteins in familial breast cancers with BRCA1, BRCA2, or non-BRCA1/2 mutations has not been analyzed in Chinese patients. Our study aimed to assess the differential expression of microcephalin 1 (BRIT1), ATM serine/threonine kinase (ATM), checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2), BRCA1, RAD51 recombinase (RAD51), and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) and establish the profile of Chinese familial breast cancers with different mutation status. METHODS: We constructed five tissue microarrays from 183 familial breast cancer patients (31 with BRCA1 mutations; 14 with BRCA2 mutations, and 138 with non-BRCA1/2 mutations). The DNA response and repair markers used for immunohistochemistry analysis included BRIT1, ATM, CHEK2, BRCA1, RAD51, and PARP-1. The expressions of these proteins were analyzed in BRCA1/2 mutated tumors. The association between pathologic characteristics with BRCA1/2 mutation status was also analyzed. RESULTS: In familial breast cancer patients, BRCA1 mutated tumors were more frequent with high nuclear grade, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative, low Ki-67, and positive CK5/6. BRCA1 mutated tumors had lower CHEK2 and higher cytoplasmic BRIT1 expression than BRCA2 and non-BRCA1/2 mutation tumors. BRCA2-associated tumors showed higher CHEK2 and cytoplasmic RAD51 expression than those in other groups. Nuclear PARP-1 expression in BRCA1/2-associated tumors was significantly higher than in non-BRCA1/2 mutation tumors. Moreover, we found quite a few of negative PARP-1 expression cases in BRCA1/2 mutated groups. CONCLUSION: The clinicopathologic findings of BRCA1-associated Chinese familial breast cancers were similar to the results of other studies. Chinese familial breast cancer patients with BRCA1/2 mutations might have distinctive expression of different DNA damage response proteins. The reduced expression of PARP-1 in Chinese BRCA1/2 mutated breast cancer patients could influence the therapeutic outcome of PARP-1 inhibitors.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Checkpoint Kinase 2 ; Cytoplasm ; DNA Damage* ; DNA Repair ; DNA* ; Estrogens ; Genes, BRCA1 ; Genes, BRCA2 ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Phosphotransferases ; Rad51 Recombinase ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor

Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins ; Breast ; metabolism ; pathology ; Breast Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; metabolism ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Cycle Proteins ; metabolism ; Checkpoint Kinase 2 ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Neoplasm Grading ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; metabolism ; Tumor Burden ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; metabolism ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; metabolism