OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biological function of miR-203a-5p and the underlying mechanism in multiple myeloma (MM). METHODS: Three miRNA expression profiles (GSE16558, GSE24371 and GSE17498) were downloaded from the GEO database. The three miRNA expression profiles contained 131 MM samples and 17 normal plasmacyte samples. The robust rank aggregation (RRA) method was used to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs between MM and normal plasmacytes. In order to carry out cytological experiments, MM cell line with stable over-expression of miR-203a-5p was constructed with lentivirus. Expression levels of miR-203a-5p in MM cells were quantified by qRT-PCR. The effects of miR-203a-5p on MM cells were investigated using assays of cell viability and cell cycle. Cell proliferation was measured using the Cell Counting kit (CCK)8 assay. The percentage of cells in each cell cycle was measured with a FACSCalibur system. Xenograft tumor models were established to evaluate the role of miR-203a-5p in tumorigenesis in vivo . To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of miR-203a-5p in mediating cell proliferation inhibition and cell cycle arrest in MM, we used TargetScan and miRanda to predict the candidate targets of miR-203a-5p. The potential target of miR-203a-5p in MM cells was explored using the luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. RESULTS: An integrated analysis of three MM miRNA expression datasets showed that the levels of miR-203a-5p in MM were notably downregulated compared with those in normal plasmacytes. Accordingly, the relative expression levels of miR-203a-5p were decreased in MM cell lines. In addition, overexpression of miR-203a-5p inhibited the proliferation and cell cycle progression of RPMI8226 and U266 cells. In vivo experiments demonstrated that upregulation of miR-203a-5p expression could significantly inhibit the tumorigenesis of subcutaneous myeloma xenografts in nude mice. Mechanistic investigation led to the identification of Jagged 1 (JAG1) as a novel and direct downstream target of miR-203a-5p. Interestingly, the reintroduction of JAG1 abrogated miR-203a-5p-induced MM cell growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate that miR-203a-5p inhibits cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in MM cells by targeting JAG1, supporting the utility of miR-203a-5p as a novel and potential therapeutic agent for miRNA-based MM therapy.
Animals ; Mice ; Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/pathology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mice, Nude ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Cell Division ; Cell Proliferation ; Disease Models, Animal ; Carcinogenesis/genetics* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Jagged-1 Protein/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of JAG1 on the malignant phenotype of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and its role in angiogenesis in breast cancer microenvironment. METHODS: The expressions of Notch molecules were detected in human TNBC 231 and 231B cells using RT-qPCR. Five female nude mice were inoculated with 231 cells and another 5 with 231B cells into the mammary fat pads, and 4-6 weeks later, the tumors were collected for immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence tests. 231 cells and 231B cells were treated with recombinant JAG (rJAG) protein and DAPT, respectively, and changes in their malignant phenotypes were assessed using CCK-8 assay, Hoechst 33258 staining, wound healing assay, Transwell chamber assay and endothelial cell adhesion assay. Western blotting was used to detect the changes in the expressions of proteins related with the malignant phenotypes of 231 and 231B cells. The effects of conditioned medium (CM) derived from untreated 231 and 231 B cells, rJAG1-treated 231 cells and DAPT-treated 231B cells on proliferation and tube formation ability of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were evaluated using CCK-8 assay and tube-forming assay. RESULTS: The expression of JAG1 was higher in 231B cells than in 231 cells (P < 0.05). Tumor 231B showed higher expression of VEGFA and CD31. Compared with 231-Blank group, the migration, invasion and adhesion of 231 cells in 231-rJAG1 were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05). Protein levels of Twist1 and Snail increased (P < 0.01), anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 increased (P < 0.05), while DAPT inhibited the related phenomena and indicators of 231B. The 231-rJAG1-CM increased the cell number and tubule number of HUVEC (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION JAG1 may affect the malignant phenotype of TNBC and promote angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment.
Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; Cell Proliferation ; Culture Media, Conditioned ; Female ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Humans ; Jagged-1 Protein/metabolism* ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism* ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors ; Sincalide/metabolism* ; Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Tumor Microenvironment

Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of hesperidin in treating the lung injury in the mouse model of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced bronchiolitis. Methods A mouse model of RSV-induced bronchiolitis was established,and 60 BALB/c mice were assigned into a control group,a model group,a low-dose hesperidin (18 mg/kg) group,a high-dose hesperidin (36 mg/kg) group,and a high-dose hesperidin (36 mg/kg)+Jagged1(1 mg/kg) group by random number table method,with 12 mice in each group. Corresponding doses of drugs were administrated for intervention,and the control group and model group were administrated with the same amount of saline.The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected and alveolar macrophages were isolated.ELISA was employed to detect the levels of interleukin (IL)-4,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),and IL-10 in BALF,and flow cytometry to detect the M1/M2 polarization of macrophages.qRT-PCR and Western blotting were respectively conducted to detect the mRNA and protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS),arginase 1 (Arg-1),Jagged1,and Notch1 in the lung tissue. Results Compared with the control group,the modeling of RSV-induced bronchiolitis elevated the IL-4,IL-6,and TNF-α levels,increased the proportion of M1-type macrophages and the lung inflammation and mucus secretion scores,and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of iNOS,Jagged1,and Notch1 in BALF (all P<0.001).Meanwhile,the modeling lowered the IL-10 level,decreased the proportion of M2-type macrophages,and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Arg-1 (all P<0.001).Compared with the model group,low- and high-dose hesperidin lowered the IL-4,IL-6,TNF-α levels,decreased the proportion of M1-type macrophages and the lung inflammation and mucus secretion scores,and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of iNOS,Jagged1,and Notch1 in BALF (all P<0.05).Moreover,hesperidin elevated the IL-10 level,increased the proportion of M2-type macrophages,and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Arg-1 (all P<0.001).Using recombinant Jagged1 protein to activate Notch1 signaling pathway can significantly attenuate the promotion of high-dose hesperidin on M2 macrophage polarization and amelioration of lung inflammation damage (all P<0.01). Conclusion Hesperidin may alleviate the lung inflammation damage in mice with RSV-induced bronchiolitis by inhibiting the Jagged1/Notch1 signaling pathway and promoting the M2-type polarization of macrophages.
Animals ; Mice ; Bronchiolitis/metabolism* ; Hesperidin/metabolism* ; Interleukin-10/pharmacology* ; Interleukin-4/pharmacology* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Jagged-1 Protein/pharmacology* ; Lung Injury/metabolism* ; Macrophages ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of down-regulating miR-488 targeting Jag1 on the injury of hypoxia-reoxygenation myocardial H9c2 cells. METHODS: A hypoxic-reoxygenated myocardial H9c2 cell injury model was constructed. miR-488 inhibitor was used to transfect the cells. CCK-8 method and flow cytometry were used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis in each group. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonaldehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) levels were detected. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Bcl-2 associated X Protein (Bax) and B cell lymphoma/lewkmia-2 (Bcl-2). Target genes of miR-488 were predicted, and a luciferase reporter system was used to verify the targeting relationship between the two. Myocardial H9c2 cells were co-transfected with miR-488 inhibitor and Jag1 siRNA, and treated with hypoxia and reoxygenation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, LDH, SOD, MDA, CAT levels, and Bax, Bcl-2 protein expression were detected. RESULTS: The expression of miR-488 in the hypoxia-reoxygenated myocardial H9c2 cells was increased, along with reduced cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, increased Bax protein expression, decreased Bcl-2 protein expression, increased MDA, decreased CAT and SOD, and increased LDH level in the supernatant of cell culture. When myocardial H9c2 cells were transfected with miR-488 inhibitor and treated with hypoxia and reoxygenation, the expression of miR-488 was decreased, along with increased cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis, decreased Bax protein expression, increased Bcl-2 protein expression, decreased MDA, increased CAT and SOD, and decreased LDH level in the supernatant of cell culture. Down-regulation of miR-488 could target and down-regulate Jag1 expression. And Jag1 siRNA could reverse the effect of miR-488 inhibitor on the proliferation, apoptosis, LDH, SOD, MDA, CAT levels and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 of hypoxic-reoxygenated myocardial H9c2 cells. CONCLUSION Down-regulating miR-488 targeted Jag1 can attenuate hypoxia-reoxygenation induced myocardial H9c2 cell injury.
Apoptosis/genetics* ; Down-Regulation ; Humans ; Hypoxia/genetics* ; Jagged-1 Protein/genetics* ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; Myocytes, Cardiac

To identify novel genes in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), we downloaded three microarray datasets containing CRPC and primary prostate cancer in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). R packages affy and limma were performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between primary prostate cancer and CRPC. After that, we performed functional enrichment analysis including gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway. In addition, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was used to search for hub genes. Finally, to validate the significance of these genes, we performed survival analysis. As a result, we identified 53 upregulated genes and 58 downregulated genes that changed in at least two datasets. Functional enrichment analysis showed significant changes in the positive regulation of osteoblast differentiation pathway and aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption pathway. PPI network identified hub genes like cortactin-binding protein 2 (CTTNBP2), Rho family guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) 3 (RND3), protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor-type R (PTPRR), Jagged1 (JAG1), and lumican (LUM). Based on PPI network analysis and functional enrichment analysis, we identified two genes (PTPRR and JAG1) as key genes. Further survival analysis indicated a relationship between high expression of the two genes and poor prognosis of prostate cancer. In conclusion, PTPRR and JAG1 are key genes in the CRPC, which may serve as promising biomarkers of diagnosis and prognosis of CRPC.
Computational Biology/methods* ; Gene Ontology ; Humans ; Jagged-1 Protein/genetics* ; Male ; Prognosis ; Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/mortality* ; Protein Interaction Maps ; Receptor-Like Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases, Class 7/genetics*

OBJECTIVETo examine the effects of brucine on the invasion, migration and bone resorption of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis.

METHODSThe osteoclastogenesis model was builded by co-culturing human breast tumor MDA-MB-231 and mouse RAW264.7 macrophages cells. RANKL (50 ng/mL) and macrophage-colony stimulating factor (50 ng/mL) were added to this system, followed by treatment with brucine (0.02, 0.04 and 0.08 mmol/L), or 10 μmol/L zoledronic acid as positive control. The migration and bone resorption were measured by transwell assay and in vitro bone resorption assay. The protein expressions of Jagged1 and Notch1 were investigated by Western blot. The expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and Hes1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTSCompared with the model group, brucine led to a dose-dependent decrease on migration of MDA-MB-231 cells, inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption of RAW264.7 cells (P<0.01). Furthermore, brucine decreased the protein levels of Jagged1 and Notch1 in MDA-MB-231 cells and RAW264.7 cells co-cultured system as well as the expressions of TGF-β1, NF-κB and Hes1 (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONBrucine may inhibit osteoclastogenesis by suppressing Jagged1/Notch1 signaling pathways.

Animals ; Bone Neoplasms ; metabolism ; prevention & control ; secondary ; Breast Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Humans ; Jagged-1 Protein ; metabolism ; Macrophages ; drug effects ; physiology ; Mice ; Osteoclasts ; drug effects ; physiology ; Receptor, Notch1 ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Strychnine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use

BACKGROUNDAngiotensin II (Ang II) is a major contributor to the development of heart failure. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie this process remain elusive. Inadequate angiogenesis in the myocardium leads to a transition from cardiac hypertrophy to dysfunction, and our previous study showed that Ang II significantly impaired the angiogenesis response. The current study was designed to examine the role of Jagged1-Notch signaling in the effect of Ang II during impaired angiogenesis and cardiac hypertrophy.

METHODSAng II was subcutaneously infused into 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice at a dose of 200 ng·kg-1·min-1 for 2 weeks using Alzet micro-osmotic pumps. N-[N-(3, 5-difluorophenacetyl)-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine tert-butyl ester (DAPT), a γ-secretase inhibitor, was injected subcutaneously during Ang II infusion at a dose of 10.0 mg·kg-1·d-1. Forty mice were divided into four groups (n = 10 per group): control group; Ang II group, treated with Ang II; DAPT group, treated with DAPT; and Ang II + DAPT group, treated with both Ang II and DAPT. At the end of experiments, myocardial (left ventricle [LV]) tissue from each experimental group was evaluated using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance test followed by the least significant difference method or independent samples t-test.

RESULTSAng II treatment significantly induced cardiac hypertrophy and impaired the angiogenesis response compared to controls, as shown by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry for CD31, a vascular marker (P < 0.05 for both). Meanwhile, Jagged1 protein was significantly increased, but gene expression for both Jag1 and Hey1 was decreased in the LV following Ang II treatment, compared to that in controls (relative ratio for Jag1 gene: 0.45 ± 0.13 vs. 0.84 ± 0.15; relative ratio for Hey1 gene: 0.51 ± 0.08 vs. 0.91 ± 0.09; P < 0.05). All these cellular and molecular effects induced by Ang II in the hearts of mice were reduced by DAPT treatment. Interestingly, Ang II stimulated Hey1, a known Notch target, but did not affect the expression of Hey2, another Notch target gene.

CONCLUSIONSA Jagged1-Hey1 signal might mediate the impairment of angiogenesis induced by Ang II during cardiac hypertrophy.

Animals ; Cardiomegaly ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; Cell Cycle Proteins ; metabolism ; Immunohistochemistry ; Jagged-1 Protein ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; drug effects ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects

Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is an autosomal dominant disease affecting multiple systems including the liver, heart, skeleton, eyes, kidneys and face. This paper reports the clinical and genetic features of an infant with this disease. A 3-month-and-10-day-old female infant was referred to the hospital with jaundiced skin and sclera for 3 months. Physical examination revealed wide forehead and micromandible. A systolic murmur of grade 3-4/6 was heard between the 2th and 3th intercostal spaces on the left side of the sternum. The abdomen was distended, and the liver palpable 3 cm under the right subcostal margin with a medium texture. Serum biochemistry analysis revealed abnormal liver function indices, with markedly elevated bilirubin (predominantly direct bilirubin), total bile acids (TBA) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). Atrial septal defect and pulmonary stenosis were detected on echocardiography. Next generation sequencing detected entire deletion of the JAG1 gene, and then chromosomal microarray analysis revealed a novel interstitial deletion of 3.0 Mb in size on chr20p12.3p12.2, involving JAG1 gene. The child had special facial features, heart malformations, and cholestasis, and based on the genetic findings, ALGS was definitively diagnosed. Thereafter, symptomatic and supportive treatment was introduced. Thus far, the infant had been followed up till his age of 11 months. The hyperbilirubinemia got improved, but GGT and TBA were persistently elevated, and the long-term outcome needs to be observed. This study extended the JAG1 mutation spectrum, and provided laboratory evidences for the diagnosis and treatment of the patient, and for the genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in the family.
Alagille Syndrome ; genetics ; Bile Acids and Salts ; blood ; Child, Preschool ; Chromosome Deletion ; Humans ; Jagged-1 Protein ; genetics ; Male ; gamma-Glutamyltransferase ; blood

Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is an autosomal dominant disorder which is mainly caused by JAG1 gene mutation and can affect multiple systems including the liver, heart, eyes, skeleton and face. This paper reports the clinical and genetic features of an ALGS patient. A 2-year-and-9-month-old boy was referred to the hospital with the complaint of abnormal liver function and heart murmur discovered over two years. Jaundice of the skin and sclera was not observed. The child had a prominent forehead, left esotropia, depressed nasal bridge and micromandible. The two lungs were clear on auscultation, but a systolic cardiac murmur of grade 2/6 could be heard between the 2nd and 3rd intercostal space at the left sternal border. Neither abdominal distension nor enlarged liver or spleen was discovered. X-ray radiography uncovered butterfly malformation of the 6th and 8th thoracic vertebrae. Serum biochemistry analysis revealed elevation of total bile acids, bilirubin and transaminases. Based on the clinical characteristics and the consultation opinion of the ophthalmologist, the child was diagnosed to have ALGS with Duane retraction syndrome. DNA direct sequencing detected a novel JAG1 mutation c.2419delG(p.Glu807AsnfsX819) in the child. Symptomatic and supportive therapy was performed thereafter and clinical follow-up was conducted until he was 4 years and 2 months. In the follow-up visits, his general condition remained stable, but the facial malformations, left esotropia, cardiac murmur and abnormal liver function persistend. The long-term outcome needed to be observed.
Alagille Syndrome ; genetics ; therapy ; Child, Preschool ; Humans ; Jagged-1 Protein ; genetics ; Male ; Mutation

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of triptolide on Notch receptor and ligand expressions in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA).

METHODSForty rats were randomly divided into normal control (NC) group, model (MC) group, methotrexate group and triptolide groups. Rat models of AA were established by an intradermal injection of 0.1 mL Freund's complete adjuvant into the right paw. Twelve days after the injection, the rats were treated with corresponding drugs for 30 days; the rats in NC group and MC group were given saline only. Paw edema volume (E), arthritis index (AI), pulmonary function, histomorphologies, and Notch receptor/ ligand expression in the lung tissue were analyzed after the treatments.

RESULTSCompared with the NC group, E, AI, Notch3, Notch4, and Delta1 expressions in the lung tissues significantly increased while pulmonary function and pulmonary expressions of Notch1, Jagged1, and Jagged2 significantly decreased the model rats (P<0.01). Compared with the MC group, triptolide-treated rats showed significantly improved pulmonary functions, increased expressions of Notch1, Jagged1, and Jagged2 and decreased expressions of Notch3, Notch4, and Delta1 in the lungs (P<0.05, P<0.01); the therapeutic effect of triptolide was better than that of methotrexate.

CONCLUSIONTriptolide can reduce inflammatory reaction and immune complex deposition to improve joint and pulmonary symptoms in rats with AA possibly by up-regulating the expressions of Notch3, Notch4, and Delta1 and down-regulating the expressions of Jagged1, Jagged2, and Notch1.

Animals ; Arthritis, Experimental ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Calcium-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Diterpenes ; pharmacology ; Down-Regulation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Epoxy Compounds ; pharmacology ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; metabolism ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; metabolism ; Jagged-1 Protein ; Jagged-2 Protein ; Ligands ; Lung ; drug effects ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Membrane Proteins ; metabolism ; Methotrexate ; pharmacology ; Phenanthrenes ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Receptor, Notch3 ; Receptor, Notch4 ; Receptors, Notch ; metabolism ; Respiratory Insufficiency ; drug therapy ; Serrate-Jagged Proteins