Interferons play critical roles in tumor pathogenesis by controlling apoptosis and through cellular anti-proliferative and differentiation activities. Interferon inducible transmembrane protein (IFITM) family genes have been implicated in several cellular processes such as the homotypic cell adhesion functions of IFN and cellular anti-proliferative activities. Expression levels of IFITM genes have been found to be up-regulated in gastric cancer cells and colorectal tumors. IFITM3 (also known as 1-8U) is a member of the IFITM family, and has been described as a key player in specification of germ cell fate. IFITM3 was first isolated from a genetic screen aimed at identifying genes involved in acquisition of germ cell competence. It has been proposed that epiblast cells have the highest expression of IFITM3 initiated germ cell specification and that homotypic association can discriminate germ cells from their somatic neighbors. In an attempt to better understand the genetic influences of IFITM3 on ulcerative colitis, we have identified possible variation sites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) through two exons and their boundary IFITM3 intron sequences including the ~2.1 kb promoter regions. To determine whether or not these IFITM3 SNPs are associated with susceptibility to ulcerative colitis, frequencies of the genotype and allele of IFITM3 polymorphisms were analyzed on genomic DNAs isolated from patients with ulcerative colitis and from healthy controls. We also investigated the haplotype frequencies constructed by these SNPs in both groups. In this study, we also showed that expression level of IFITM3 mRNA was significantly higher in tissues of the ileum and cecum of the digestive system. We identified a total of seven SNPs and multiple variation regions in the IFITM3 gene. The genotype frequency of the g.-204T>G polymorphism in patients with ulcerative colitis was significantly different from that of the control group. Our results strongly suggest that polymorphisms of the IFITM3 gene may be associated with susceptibility to ulcerative colitis.
Cecum/*metabolism ; Colitis, Ulcerative/epidemiology/*genetics/immunology ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Association Studies ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Haplotypes ; Ileum/*metabolism ; Korea ; Membrane Proteins/*genetics/immunology/metabolism ; Organ Specificity ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; RNA-Binding Proteins/*genetics/immunology/metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the regulatory effects of hTERT and TEP1 on telomerase activity in hematopoiesis.

METHODSThe hTERT and TEP1 mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR and the telomerase activi-ty by TRAP.

RESULTSIn mononuclear cells (MNC) and CD(34)(-) cells, no detectable telomerase activity and hTERT mRNA expression were found. CD(34)(+) cells showed hTERT expression and a low level telomerase activity. TEP1 mRNA was detected in MNC, CD(34)(-) and CD(34)(+) cells with no significant difference in the expression level. In the CD(34)(+) cells cultured in vitro with growth factors for 7 days, the telomerase activity and the expression of hTERT mRNA were upregulated, but were downregulated in the long time culture. No significant changes in TEP1 expression was observed.

CONCLUSIONIn the course of hematopoiesis, hTERT mRNA expression was in accordance with telomerase activity, hTERT gene plays a crucial role in the expression of telomerase activity, while TEP1 gene plays, if any, a much smaller role.

Antigens, CD34 ; immunology ; Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; cytology ; immunology ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Telomerase ; genetics

This study was aimed to construct nucleic acid vaccine containing the coding region of the CML28 gene and to express it in human dendritic cells. The full length of CML28 cDNA was amplified from K562 by RT-PCR and subcloned into pGEM-T vector. The CML28 fragment was digested and subsequently inserted into the EcoRI-Xba I sites of pcDNA3.1HisA to construct the recombinant expression vector pcDNA3.1HisA-CML28, which was identified by restrition analysis and sequencing. Human dendritic cells (DC) were separated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by culture with rhGM-CSF, rhIL-4 and assessed by flow cytometry. The constructed plasmid pcDNA3.1 HisA-CML28 was transfected into DC by electroporation. Western blot was used to detect the expression of fusion protein His-CML28. The results showed that recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1HisA-CML28 contained the correct full CML28 cDNA identified by restriction analysis and sequencing, and can express the fusion protein His-CML28 in DCs. It is concluded that nucleic acid vaccine containing CML28 gene was constructed and expressed in DC successfully.
Antigens, Neoplasm ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; Antigens, Surface ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; Blotting, Western ; Cells, Cultured ; Cloning, Molecular ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; immunology ; metabolism ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Exoribonucleases ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; Exosome Multienzyme Ribonuclease Complex ; Flow Cytometry ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; RNA-Binding Proteins ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology ; Transfection ; methods ; Vaccines, DNA ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology

BACKGROUNDAnterior chamber associated immune deviation (ACAID) is characterized by a Th2 cell response. GATA-3 has been shown to be necessary for the activation of Th2 cells. This study was designed to examine the expression of GATA-3 in the development of ACAID.

METHODSACAID was induced by injection of 50 microg interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP) into the anterior chamber (AC) of Wistar rats. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) was evaluated on day 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 after IRBP inoculation. GATA-3 expression was detected using immunohistochemical staining. The expression of GATA-3 mRNA at different time points after AC injection of IRBP was assayed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTSA significant DTH reaction was observed in Wistar rats on day 3 and 5 after IRBP inoculation. The DTH reaction was decreased 7 days after IRBP inoculation. GATA-3 expression was weak at both mRNA and protein levels in the normal spleen, but was significantly increased on day 5, 7, 14, and 21 after AC injection of IRBP.

CONCLUSIONThe expression of GATA-3 is increased during ACAID, suggesting that GATA-3 may be involved in the development of ACAID.

Animals ; Anterior Chamber ; immunology ; Eye Proteins ; immunology ; Female ; GATA3 Transcription Factor ; analysis ; genetics ; physiology ; Hypersensitivity, Delayed ; immunology ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Retinol-Binding Proteins ; immunology ; Spleen ; metabolism ; Th2 Cells ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo prokaryoticly express and purify HuD protein and its RNA recognition motifs.

METHODSHuD protein was prokaryoticly expressed and purified by molecular cloning technology. Its biologic activity was testified by Western Blot.

RESULTSPurified HuD protein and its RNA recognized motifs were observed.

CONCLUSIONSThe result might aid for basic research and clinical application.

Antibodies, Antinuclear ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Carcinoma, Small Cell ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; Cloning, Molecular ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; ELAV Proteins ; ELAV-Like Protein 4 ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Neurons ; immunology ; Paraneoplastic Syndromes, Nervous System ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; RNA-Binding Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification

Nucleoprotein (NP) of influenza virus is highly conserved and type-specific. NP can trigger strong cell-mediated immune responses in host and is involved in the protection against the challenges with different subtype influenza viruses. Here, NP of an avian H5N1 (A/Hubei/1/2010, HB) was expressed by baculovirus surface-display technology and its immunogenicity as well as protective mechanism was investigated in mice infection model. Western blot and immunolabeled electron microscopy assay showed NP was displayed on baculovirus surface. ELISA results showed NP could induce high level of anti-NP IgG in the sera from NP-Bac-inoculated mice. Two cellular immune peptides (NP57-74 IQNSITIERMVLSAFDER and NP441-458 RTEIIKMMESARPEDLSF) were identified by IFN-gamma ELISPOT assay. NP57-66 and NP441-450 and NP protein could be able to trigger the activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and the response of CD8+ T was more predominant. The challenge study of mice-adapted virus A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) showed that NP-Bac could reduce viral load and attenuate the damage to lung tissue. 50% protection ratio against the virus could be detected.
Animals ; Antibodies, Viral ; immunology ; Baculoviridae ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cross Protection ; Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Immunity, Cellular ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; genetics ; immunology ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; genetics ; immunology ; Influenza, Human ; immunology ; virology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; RNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; T-Lymphocytes ; immunology ; Viral Core Proteins ; genetics ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo study the correlation between the expression of Egr-1 and NF-kappaB and the up-regulation of TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1 in macrophages after stimulation by silica in-vitro.

METHODSMacrophages were treated with antibodies against Egr-1 and NF-kappaB and antisense oligonucleotides. The level of TNF-alpha protein in the cell supernatant was then measured using enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of TGF-beta1 protein was detected by immunocytochemistry. The expression of TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1 mRNAs was also monitored by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTSCompared with silica-stimulated macrophages untreated with antibodies, the cells treated with 10 micro g/ml of Egr-1 or NF-kappaB antibodies were associated with reduced expression of TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1 proteins and mRNAs (P < 0.05). Compared with silica-stimulated untransfected group, the antisense group was associated with obvious reduction in the expression of TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1 proteins and mRNAs (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe expression of TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1 mRNAs and proteins are associated with activation of Egr-1 and NF-kappaB in macrophages, after stimulation by silica. It is possible that the corresponding antibodies and antisense oligonucleotides may become a potential therapeutic tool in the management of silicosis in the future.

Animals ; Antibodies ; immunology ; Cells, Cultured ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; Early Growth Response Protein 1 ; Immediate-Early Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; Macrophages ; cytology ; metabolism ; Mice ; NF-kappa B ; genetics ; immunology ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Silicon Dioxide ; pharmacology ; Silicosis ; etiology ; Transcription Factors ; genetics ; immunology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; biosynthesis ; genetics

BACKGROUNDSam68 plays an important role as a multiple functional RNA binding nuclear protein in cell cycle progress, RNA usage, signal transduction, and tyrosine phosphorylation by Src during mitosis. However, its precise impact on these essential cellular functions remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to further elucidate Sam68 functions in RNA metabolism, signal transduction regulation of cell growth and cell proliferation in DT40 cell line.

METHODSBy using gene targeting method, we isolated a mutation form of Sam68 in DT40 cells and described its effect on cell growth process and signal transduction. Southern, Northern, and Western blot, phosphorylation and flow-cytometric analyses were performed to investigate the Sam68 functions.

RESULTSA slower growth rate (2.1 hours growth elongation) and longer S phase (1.7 hours elongation) was observed in the Sam68 mutant cells. Serum depletion resulted in increased amounts of dead cells, and expansion of S phase in mutant cells. Upon B cell cross-linking, the maximal level of tyrosine phosphorylation on BLNK was observed to be significantly lower in mutant cells.

CONCLUSIONSThe proline rich domain of Sam68 is involved in cell growth control by modulating the function of mRNAs in S phase or earlier and the functions as an adaptor molecule in B cell signal transduction pathways.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; Animals ; B-Lymphocytes ; cytology ; immunology ; physiology ; Binding Sites ; genetics ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Cycle ; physiology ; Cell Death ; physiology ; Cell Growth Processes ; drug effects ; physiology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Culture Media, Serum-Free ; pharmacology ; Mutation ; genetics ; Phosphorylation ; Proline ; genetics ; RNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell ; immunology ; physiology ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; physiology ; Tyrosine ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo better understand the molecular mechanism of tumorigenesis and progression, the monoclonal antibody against G3BP (Ras-GAP SH3 binding protein), which serves as an important downstream effector of Ras signaling, was prepared, characterized and utilized in analysis of various human tumors.

METHODSBy using the prokaryotic expression vector pGEX-5X1, GST-G3BP fusion protein was expressed in E. coli BL21 under induction of IPTG. Purified GST-G3BP fusion protein was used to immunize BALB/c mice. The monoclonal antibody against G3BP was produced through conventional hybridoma method and characterized by ELISA, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTSA hybridoma cell line secreting anti-G3BP IgG1 subtype antibody was obtained. Western blot and competitive inhibition assay showed that the antibody was G3BP-specific. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that G3BP was over-expressed in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues of some human tumors, such as lung cancer, colon cancer, gastric cancer and breast cancer. In breast cancer specimens, the degree of G3BP expression correlated positively with the presence of lymph node metastasis and c-erbB2 expression.

CONCLUSIONSThe G3BP-specific monoclonal antibody derived from recombination protein can be used in ELISA, Western blot and immunohistochemical assay. It may provide an important tool in analysis of G3BP in in vitro and in vivo experiments. Besides, G3BP may serve as another prognostic marker for breast cancer.

Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; biosynthesis ; immunology ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; Breast Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; DNA Helicases ; Female ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Hybridomas ; secretion ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Poly-ADP-Ribose Binding Proteins ; RNA Helicases ; RNA Recognition Motif Proteins ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; metabolism ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Chemokines and chemokine receptors play a role in migration of circulating leukocytes to the region of inflammation. Human LZIP is an uncharacterized transcription factor and is known to participate in leukotactin (Lkn)-1/CCL15-induced cell migration. We investigated the role of human LZIP in expression of CC chemokine receptors (CCRs) and its involvement in monocyte migration. RNase protection analysis showed that LZIP increased mRNA expression of CCR2 and CCR1 in THP-1 cells. Surface expressions of both CCR2 and CCR1 were also increased by LZIP. Results from an electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that LZIP binds to the C/EBP element in the CCR2 promoter. LZIP also enhanced the chemotactic activities of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/CCL2 and Lkn-1. These results suggest that LZIP regulates expression of chemokine receptors that are involved in monocyte migration.
Atherosclerosis/drug therapy/etiology ; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins/genetics/immunology/*metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement/drug effects/*physiology ; Chemokine CCL2/*pharmacology ; Chemokines, CC/pharmacology ; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding ; Humans ; Macrophage Inflammatory Proteins/pharmacology ; Monocytes/drug effects/metabolism ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Protein Binding ; RNA, Messenger/analysis ; Receptors, CCR1/biosynthesis/genetics ; Receptors, CCR2/*biosynthesis/genetics ; Transcriptional Activation/drug effects ; Transfection ; Transgenes