OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of a novel human chemokine-like factor 1 (CKLF1) on stem cell/progenitor cells.

METHODSHuman bone marrow mononuclear cells were separated by Ficoll (1.077 g/ml), and cultured in suspension and semisolid colony culture. The effects of CKLF1 on CFU-GM and CFU-Mix were observed.

RESULTSThe number of CFU-GM was significantly increased in 10 groups by addition of CKLF1 plasmid supernatant. The mean value was 234.81 +/- 98.71/1 x 10(5) cells, 2.42 fold of control group (P < 0.05). The mean value of CFU-Mix in groups of negative control, CKLF1, PHA, GM-CSF and G-CSF were 82.00 +/- 20.25, 105.76 +/- 36.70, 146.63 +/- 27.09, 143.33 +/- 60.23 per 1 x 10(5) cells, respectively, no statistical differences were seen between control and CKLF1 groups. The CD(34)(+) cells were detected by FACS. The average percentage in the groups of normal control, CKLF1, PHA and GM-CSF were (0.75 +/- 0.62)%, (1.32 +/- 0.87)%, (0.15 +/- 0.02)%, and (0.29 +/- 0.23)%, respectively. Compared with control, no significant differences were seen between each group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONNovel chemokine-like factor 1 can increase the proliferation of CFU-GM, which indicated that CKLF1 could increase the proliferation of human bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cells and colony formation.

Adult ; Cells, Cultured ; Chemokines ; pharmacology ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Humans ; MARVEL Domain-Containing Proteins

Chemokine-like factor super family member (CMTM) is a novel generic family firstly reported by Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics. CMTM8 is one member of this family and has exhibited tumor-inhibiting activities. It can encode proteins approaching to the transmembrane 4 superfamily. CMTM8 is down-regulated in most carcinoma cell lines and tissues. Over-expression of CMTM8 may inhibit the proliferation,migration,and invasion of carcinoma cells. However,the exact mechanism of its anti-tumor activity remains unclear. CMTM8 may be involved in various signaling pathways governing the occurrence and development of tumors. CMTM8 may be a new target in the gene therapies for tumors,while further studies on CMTM8 and its anti-tumor mechanisms are warranted.
Chemokines ; metabolism ; Down-Regulation ; Humans ; MARVEL Domain-Containing Proteins ; metabolism ; Neoplasms ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction

CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain containing member(CMTM)is a novel generic family firstly reported by Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics. CMTM5 belongs to this family and has exhibited tumor-inhibiting activities. It can encode proteins approaching to the transmembrane 4 superfamily(TM4SF). CMTM5 is broadly expressed in normal adult and fetal human tissues, but is undetectable or down-regulated in most carcinoma cell lines and tissues. Restoration of CMTM5 may inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of carcinoma cells. Although the exact mechanism of its anti-tumor activity remains unclear, CMTM5 may be involved in various signaling pathways governing the occurrence and development of tumors. CMTM5 may be a new target in the gene therapies for tumors, while further studies on CMTM5 and its anti-tumor mechanisms are warranted.
Chemokines ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; MARVEL Domain-Containing Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the correlation between CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain containing member 5 (CMTM5) gene and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), and to detect the effects of CMTM5 gene expression changes on the ability of adhesion and migration of THP-1 cells. METHODS: Using case-control method, a total of 700 hospitalized patients in Shijitan Hospital were enrolled in this study. CAD were diagnosed by coronary angiography, which was defined as at least one blood vessel diameter stenosis ≥50% according to the result of coronary angiography. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was used to detect CMTM5 gene expression; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method to detect the plasma level of CMTM5; and Logistic regression to analyze CMTM5 genes and the risk of CAD. Human vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and THP-1 cells were cultivated, adhesion and Transwells experiments were used to evaluate the chemotactic capabi-lity of CMTM5 gene on THP-1 cells. RESULTS: In this study, 350 CAD patients matched with 350 control patients were included. RT-PCR results revealed CMTM5 mRNA expression in CAD group was 3.45 times compared with control group, which was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.05). The levels of CMTM5 plasma protein in CAD group was (206.1±26.9) μg/L, which was significantly higher than that in control group (125.3±15.2) μg/L (P < 0.05). After adjusted for the risk factors of age, gender, BMI, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia, Logistic regression analysis results indicated that CMTM5 was the susceptibility factors of CAD, which still had significant correlation with CAD (P < 0.05). Adhesion and Transwells experiments results revealed that the numbers of adhesion and migration of THP-1 cells in CMTM5 overexpression ECs group (EO group) were significantly higher than that in lenti-mock infected ECs group (EO-MOCK group), non-infected ECs group (EN group), lenti-mock infected ECs group (ES-MOCK group), and CMTM5 suppression ECs group (ES group). On the contrary, the numbers of adhesion and migration of THP-1 cells in ES group were significantly lower than that in the other four groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION CMTM5 gene was closely related to the development of CAD. CMTM5 overexpression promoted the adhesion and migration of THP-1, which might play a part in the mechanisms of atherosclerosis and CAD.
Chemokines ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Artery Disease/genetics* ; Endothelial Cells ; Humans ; MARVEL Domain-Containing Proteins ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins

OBJECTIVETo establish a transgenic mouse model systemically expressing the CMTM2 gene and study the effect of the CMTM2 expression on the reproductive system of mice in vivo.

METHODSTransgenic mice were generated by microinjection of pRevTRE-CMTM2 and the genotype was detected by PCR. The expression of CMTM2 was determined by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry, and the serum testosterone level was measured by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTSThe CMTM2 gene was highly expressed in the testis of the transgenic mouse models and in their offspring as well. The level of serum testosterone was significantly increased in the transgenic models as compared with the wild-type mice ([46.04 +/- 3.72] vs [42.43 +/- 3.80] nmol/L, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe transgenic mouse model was established successfully, which could highly express the CMTM2 gene. It is indicated that CMTM2 may influence steroidogenesis and testosterone secretion in transgenic mice.

Animals ; Genotype ; MARVEL Domain-Containing Proteins ; genetics ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Mice, Transgenic ; Testosterone ; blood

CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain containing member/chemokine-like factor super family member (CKLFSF/CMTM) is a novel tumor suppressor gene. CMTM3 is broadly expressed in normal human tissues and evolutionary conserved,especially in testis,spleen,and some cells of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However,its expression is undetectable or down-regulated in most carcinoma cell lines and tissues. Restoration of CMTM3 may inhibit the proliferation,migration,and invasion of carcinoma cells. Although the exact mechanism of its anti-tumor activity remains unclear,CKLFSF3/CMTM3 is closely connected with immune system and associated with sex during tumorigenesis. The study advances of CKLFSF3/CMTM3 are elaborated in this review as CMTM3 may be a new target in the gene therapies for tumors,especially genitourinary tumors,while further studies on CMTM3 and its anti-tumor mechanisms are warranted.
Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ; Chemokines ; genetics ; physiology ; Down-Regulation ; Humans ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; MARVEL Domain-Containing Proteins ; genetics ; physiology ; Male ; Neoplasms ; pathology

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of chemokine like factor-1(CKLF-1) on the genesis and development of lupus nephritis. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry stain was employed on the 34 lupus nephridial tissues and 10 nephridial tissues of control group. And light microscopy was applied to observe the percentage of CKLF-1 positive cells of renal gromerulus and tubule. RESULTS: The percentages of CKLF-1 positive cells of renal gromerulus and tubule were 10.4%+/-1.5% and 48.9%+/-4.3% in the lupus nephritis group, and the percentages of control group were 4.6%+/-1.1% and 4.3%+/-0.9%. There was significant difference between 2 groups (P<0.01). And there was positive correlation between the percentage of CKLF-1 positive cells of renal gromerulus and tubule and lupus active index (r=0.74 and r=0.53, respectively, P<0.05). CONCLUSION CKLF-1 plays a role in the genesis and development of lupus nephritis.
Adult ; Chemokines ; biosynthesis ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Kidney ; chemistry ; pathology ; Lupus Nephritis ; metabolism ; pathology ; MARVEL Domain-Containing Proteins ; Male

Chemokine-like factor-like MARVEL transmembrane domain containing member/chemokine-like factor superfamily member (CMTM/CKLFSF) including CKLF and CMTM1-CMTM8 are a new family of proteins linking chemokines and transmembrane superfamilies. CMTM not only have broad chemotactic activities, but also associate with hematopoietic system, immune system, and tumor development and metastasis closely. CMTM proteins are involved in key biological processes of cancer development, which include activation and recycling of growth factor receptors, cell proliferation and metastasis, and regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment. This is a new focus of research on the relationship between CMTM and tumors, because CMTM4/CMTM6 can be considered as a regulator for programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). This paper reviews the role of CMTM family members on cancer, especially in tumor growth, metastasis and immune escape, summarize the latest findings on the relationship between CMTM and non-small cell lung cancer, and explores the potential clinical value of CMTM as a novel drug target or biomarker.
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Humans ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology* ; Lung Neoplasms ; MARVEL Domain-Containing Proteins/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation ; Chemokines/metabolism* ; Tumor Microenvironment

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing protein 2 (CMTM2) is involved in spermatogenesis in mice. CMTM2 is highly expressed in testis, and could possibly be a potential spermagogenesis specific gene. METHODS: CMTM2-deficient mouse model was generated. Northern, RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis were performed on total RNA derived from wild-type (WT, CMTM2+/+) and CMTM2+/- (heterozygote) and CMTM2-/-(homozygote) mice to examine the CMTM2 level. The number of litters and the number of pups were counted and pregnancy rates calculated. The motility and morphology of the sperm and the histology of testes were analyzed. Serum testosterone and FSH concentrations were also measured. Standard t-tests were used and standard error of means were calculated. RESULTS: CMTM2 was highly expressed in a finely regulated pattern in the mouse testis during spermatogenesis. The body weight of adult mice with CMTM2 deficiency was not significantly different from that of wild type mice. No obvious anatomical or behavioral abnormalities were observed. The testis of CMTM2-/- was smaller than that of CMTM2+/+ mice. The testis diameter in wild mice and CMTM2 null mice were (11.32±1.21) mm vs. (8.29±1.92) mm (P<0.05), and the weights were (101.63±2.33) mg vs. (85.22±2.84) mg (P<0.05), respectively. Female CMTM2 null mice were fertile, indicating that CMTM2 was not required for female gametogenesis. The CMTM2-/- mice produced virtually no sperm, and CMTM2+/- mice sperm count showed a significant decline. In terms of sperm morphorlogy study, more round spermatids could be observed in the heterozygote group, compared with the wild type group; while in the homozygote group, a large amount of round spermatids could be observed because of complete arrest of spermiogenesis. The hormone levels were not significantly different. The CMTM2-/- male mice were sterile due to a late, complete arrest of spermiogenesis. The organized architecture of the seminiferous epithelium of the seminiferous tubules seen in CMTM2+/+ mice was lost in CMTM2-/- mice. CONCLUSION This study suggests CMTM2 is not required for embryonic development in the mouse but is essential for spermiogenesis, however, further studies are required for more detailed mechanism study.
Animals ; Chemokines/metabolism* ; Female ; Heterozygote ; MARVEL Domain-Containing Proteins/metabolism* ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Knockout ; Pregnancy ; Spermatogenesis ; Spermatozoa ; Testis

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of CMTM2 on cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced reproductive toxicity and the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein in the transgenic mouse model.

METHODSTwenty CMTM2 transgenic mice were equally divided into a CMTM2 + CP and a CMTM2 + NS group, the former intraperitoneally injected with CP at 50 mg per kg per d, while the latter with the equivalent dose of normal saline, both for 7 days. Another 20 wild C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to a WT + CP and a WT + NS group, treated the same way above. After 30 days, all the mice were sacrificed and their epididymides and testes removed for measurement of the serum testosterone level by radioimmunoassay, determination of sperm concentration and motility by light microscopy and detection of the expression of StAR by Western blot.

RESULTSThe levels of serum testosterone, sperm concentration and sperm motility were significantly decreased in the CMTM2 + CP group as compared with the CMTM2 + NS group ([42.98 +/- 3.25] nmol/L vs [46.74 +/- 3.38] nmol/L, [16.89 +/- 1.17 ] x 10(6)/ml vs [24.68 +/- 0.95 ] x 10(6)/ml, [72.75 +/- 1.25]% vs [85.14 +/- 1.12]%, P < 0.05), but remarkably less than in the WT + CP group ([37.97 +/- 4.17] nmol/L, [12.75 +/- 1.02] x 10(6)/ml, [50.52 +/- 1.37] %) (P < 0.05). However, the expression of StAR was significantly higher in the CMTM2 + CP than in the WT + CP group (1.16 +/- 0.07 vs 0.69 +/- 0.08, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCMTM2 antagonizes cyclophosphamide-induced reproductive toxicity via regulating the expression of StAR, and hence plays a protective role in the reproductive system.

Animals ; Cyclophosphamide ; toxicity ; MARVEL Domain-Containing Proteins ; genetics ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Transgenic ; Repressor Proteins ; genetics ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Testis ; drug effects ; metabolism