The study aimed to investigate the effect of the CD200R1 gene deletion on microglia activation and nigrostriatal dopamine neuron loss in the Parkinson's disease (PD) process. The CRISPR-Cas9 technology was applied to construct the CD200R1^-/- mice. The primary microglia cells of wild-type and CD200R1^-/- mice were cultured and treated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Microglia phagocytosis level was assessed by a fluorescent microsphere phagocytosis assay. PD mouse model was prepared by nigral stereotaxic injection of recombinant adeno-associated virus vector carrying human α-synuclein (α-syn). The changes in the motor behavior of the mice with both genotypes were evaluated by cylinder test, open field test, and rotarod test. Immunohistochemical staining was used to assess the loss of dopamine neurons in substantia nigra. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression level of CD68 (a key molecule involved in phagocytosis) in microglia. The results showed that CD200R1 deletion markedly enhanced LPS-induced phagocytosis in vitro by the microglial cells. In the mouse model of PD, CD200R1 deletion exacerbated motor behavior impairment and dopamine neuron loss in substantia nigra. Fluorescence intensity analysis results revealed a significant increase in CD68 expression in microglia located in the substantia nigra of CD200R1^-/- mice. The above results suggest that CD200R1 deletion may further activates microglia by promoting microglial phagocytosis, leading to increased loss of the nigrostriatal dopamine neurons in the PD model mice. Therefore, targeting CD200R1 could potentially serve as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of early-stage PD.
Animals ; Microglia/physiology* ; Mice ; Phagocytosis ; Parkinson Disease/genetics* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Receptors, Cell Surface/physiology* ; Dopaminergic Neurons/pathology* ; Antigens, CD/metabolism* ; Gene Deletion ; Substantia Nigra ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Knockout ; Cells, Cultured ; Male ; alpha-Synuclein ; CD68 Molecule ; Orexin Receptors

Objective To investigate the regulatory effect of tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein-8-like factor 2 (TIPE2) on the phenotype of lung cancer tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and its influence on the stemness of lung cancer cells. Methods Mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 was cultured and infected with either LV-TIPE2 lentivirus or negative control LV-NC lentivirus. The TIPE2 expression in infected cells was assessed by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting to verify transfection efficiency. The infected RAW264.7 cells were co-cultured with lung cancer cell line A549, and were divided into four groups: control group (RAW264.7 cells or A549 cells cultured alone), TAM group (RAW264.7 cells co-cultured with A549 cells), LV-NC group (RAW264.7 cells infected with LV-NC and co-cultured with A549 cells), LV-TIPE2 group (RAW264.7 cells infected with LV- TIPE2 and co-cultured with A549 cells). The RAW264.7 cells were collected after co-culture, and the expression of mannose receptor (CD206) protein of M2 macrophages was detected by cellular immunofluorescence staining. The proportions of M1 and M2 macrophages were detected by flow cytometry. After co-culture, A549 cells were collected, and their activity was assessed by CCK-8 assay. Self-renewal ability was evaluated using tumor cell pelleting experiment. The expression of stemness marker proteins-including cluster of differentiation 133 (CD133), transmembrane adhesion molecule (CD44), sex-determining region Y-box protein 2 (SOX2) and octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4)-was detected by Western blot. Results Compared with the control group or LV-NC group, the relative mRNA and protein expression levels of TIPE2 in RAW264.7 cells from the LV-TIPE2 group were significantly upregulated. Compared with the control group, the fluorescence intensity of M2-type macrophage marker CD206 protein in RAW264.7 cells from the TAM group was significantly increased, the proportion of M1-type macrophages was significantly decreased, and the proportion of M2-type macrophages was significantly increased. In contrast, compared with the TAM group, the fluorescence intensity of CD206 protein in RAW264.7 cells from the LV-TIPE2 group was significantly decreased, the proportion of M1-type macrophages was significantly increased, and the proportion of M2-type macrophages was significantly decreased. Compared with the control group, the proliferation activity of A549 cells in TAM group was significantly increased, the number of tumor pellet formation was significantly increased, and the relative expression levels of CD133, CD44, SOX2 and OCT4 were significantly up-regulated. However, compared with the TAM group, the proliferation activity of A549 cells from the LV-TIPE2 group was significantly decreased, the number of tumor pellet formation was significantly decreased, and the relative expression levels of CD133, CD44, SOX2 and OCT4 were significantly decreased. Conclusion TIPE2 can suppress the stemness of lung cancer cells by inhibiting the polarization of macrophages to M2-type, thereby exerting an anticancer effect.
Animals ; Mice ; Humans ; Tumor-Associated Macrophages/metabolism* ; Lung Neoplasms/genetics* ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism* ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; A549 Cells ; Phenotype ; Coculture Techniques ; Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism* ; Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Mannose Receptor ; Mannose-Binding Lectins/metabolism* ; Lectins, C-Type/metabolism* ; Cell Polarity ; Macrophages/metabolism*

Objective To investigate the mechanism by which miR-148a affects M2 macrophage polarization and inhibits liver cancer cell proliferation through Wnt3a/β-catenin. Methods The mRNA expression levels of miR-148a, CD206 and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in tumor tissues and adjacent non-tumor liver tissues of 84 patients with liver cancer were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. THP-1 cells were separated into blank group (conventional culture), M2 group (200 nmol/L phorbol ester, 20 ng/mL IL-4, 20 ng/mL IL-13), M2 combined with negative control (miR-NC) group (transfected with miR-NC on the basis of M2 group), M2 combined with miR-148a mimics (transfected with miR-148a mimics on the basis of M2 group) group, M2 combined with miR-148a mimics combined with Wnt3a (treated with 100 μg/L Wnt3a on top of M2 combined with miR-148a mimics group) group. The proliferation of HuH7 cells was detected by CCK-8 and EdU methods. Apoptosis and M2 macrophage marker CD206 was detected by flow cytometry. The level of IL-10 in cell supernatant was detected by chemiluminescence method; The mRNA levels of miR-148a, CD206 and IL-10 were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The protein levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin were detected by Western blot. Results The expressions of CD206, IL-10 mRNA, Wnt3a and β-catenin in tumor tissue were higher than those in non-tumor liver tissues, and the miR-148a level was decreased. The mRNA expression of M2 macrophage markers CD206 and IL-10 were significantly increased. Compared with the blank group, the OD450 value, EdU positive rate, the mRNA expressions of CD206 and IL-10, the level of IL-10 in the supernatant, and the expressions of Wnt3a and β-catenin were increased in M2 group, while the apoptotic rate and miR-148a level were decreased. Compared with M2 group and M2 combined with miR-NC group, the OD₄₅₀ value, EdU positive rate, the mRNA expressions of CD206 and IL-10, the level of IL-10 in the supernatant, and the expressions of Wnt3a and β-catenin were decreased in M2 combined with miR-148a mimics group, while the apoptotic rate and miR-148a level were increased. Wnt3a reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-148a overexpression on the proliferation of liver cancer cells. Conclusion Overexpression of miR-148a inhibits M2 polarization of macrophages and prevents the proliferation of liver cancer cells, which may be related to the inhibition of the Wnt3a/β-catenin pathway.
Humans ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Wnt3A Protein/metabolism* ; Liver Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation/genetics* ; beta Catenin/genetics* ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; Interleukin-10/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/genetics* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Female ; Male ; Mannose Receptor ; Lectins, C-Type/metabolism* ; Mannose-Binding Lectins/metabolism* ; Middle Aged ; Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of CLEC5A expression level on cell proliferation, migration and invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and explore the role of CLEC5A in the tumorigenesis and progression of HCC. METHODS: The expression level of CLEC5A was detected in 50 pairs of HCC and adjacent tissues using immunohistochemical staining, and its association with clinicopathological parameters of HCC patients was analyzed. Cultured HCC cell line SK-HEP-1 was transfected with a lentiviral vector overexpressing CLEC5A, and the transfection efficiency was verified using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blotting. The changes in proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of the transfected cells were analyzed using CCK-8, 5-ethynyl-29-deoxyuridine (EdU) and Transwell assays, and EMT of the cells was determined using Western blotting. RESULTS: The protein expression level of CLEC5A was significantly lower in HCC tissues than in the adjacent tissues (P < 0.001). The expression level of CLEC5A was significantly correlated with tumor size (P=0.008), tumor number (P=0.010), histological differentiation (P=0.016), microvascular invasion (P=0.024) and BCLC stage (P=0.040). In SK-HEP-1 cells, overexpression of CLEC5A obviously inhibited the cell proliferation, migration and invasion and reversed EMT phenotype of the cells. CONCLUSION CLEC5A is a potential HCC suppressor gene and may serve as a promising therapeutic target for HCC.
Humans ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics* ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Liver Neoplasms/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Differentiation ; Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics* ; Lectins, C-Type/genetics*

As main recipient cells for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine alveolar macrophage (PAM) are involved in the progress of several highly pathogenic virus infections. However, due to the fact that the PAM cells can only be obtained from primary tissues, research on PAM-based virus-host interactions remains challenging. The improvement of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) technology provides a new strategy to develop IPSCs-derived PAM cells. Since the CD163 is a macrophage-specific marker and a validated receptor essential for PRRSV infection, generation of stable porcine induced pluripotent stem cells lines containing CD163 reporter system play important roles in the investigation of IPSCs-PAM transition and PAM-based virus-host interaction. Based on the CRISPR/Cas9- mediated gene editing system, we designed a sgRNA targeting CD163 locus and constructed the corresponding donor vectors. To test whether this reporter system has the expected function, the reporter system was introduced into primary PAM cells to detect the expression of RFP. To validate the low effect on stem cell pluripotency, we generated porcine iPSC lines containing CD163 reporter and assessed the pluripotency through multiple assays such as alkaline phosphatase staining, immunofluorescent staining, and EdU staining. The red-fluorescent protein (RFP) expression was detected in CD163-edited PAM cells, suggesting that our reporter system indeed has the ability to reflect the expression of gene CD163. Compared with wild-type (WT) iPSCs, the CD163 reporter-iPSCs display similar pluripotency-associated transcription factors expression. Besides, cells with the reporter system showed consistent cell morphology and proliferation ability as compared to WT iPSCs, indicating that the edited-cells have no effect on stem cell pluripotency. In conclusion, we generated porcine iPSCs that contain a CD163 reporter system. Our results demonstrated that this reporter system was functional and safe. This study provides a platform to investigate the iPS-PAM development and virus-host interaction in PAM cells.
Swine ; Animals ; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics* ; Antigens, CD/metabolism* ; Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus/genetics*

The aim of this study was to clone the chicken zp1 gene encoding zona pellucida 1 (Zp1) and investigate its tissues expression profile and its effect on osteoblast mineralization. The expression level of zp1 was quantified in various tissues of laying hens and in the tibia of the pre- and post-sexual maturity by RT-qPCR. Zp1 overexpressed vector was transfected into chicken calvarial osteoblasts which were induced differentiation for 8 days, and the extracellular mineral and the expression of mineralization-related genes were detected. The full-length chicken zp1 gene is 3 045 bp, encoding 958 amino acids residuals, and has two N-glycosylation sites. The highest expression level of the zp1 gene was found in the liver, followed by the tibia and yolk membrane, while no expression was detected in the heart and eggshell gland. Compared with the pre-sexual maturity hens, the concentration of estrogen (E2) in plasma, the content of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and the expression level of the zp1 gene in the tibia with post-sexual maturity were higher. The extracellular matrix and the level of osteoblast mineralization-related genes showed a significantly upregulated expression in chicken calvarial osteoblasts with Zp1 overexpressed and addition of estrogen. The expression of the zp1 gene is tissue-specific and positively regulated osteoblast mineralization under the action of estrogen, laying the foundation for elucidating the functional properties of Zp1 in chicken bones during the egg production period.
Female ; Animals ; Zona Pellucida Glycoproteins ; Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism* ; Chickens/genetics* ; Egg Proteins/metabolism* ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; Estrogens

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical characteristics and molecular pathogenesis of a child with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). METHODS: Prenatal ultrasound, clinical feature and family history of the child were analyzed. Whole exome sequencing was carried out for the child. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: The child has featured premature birth with very low weight, neonatal respiratory distress, metabolic acidosis, and congenital nephrotic syndrome. Gene sequencing revealed that he has harbored compound heterozygous variants of the PKHD1 gene (NM_138694), including c.3885T>A (p.Tyr1295*) in exon 32 and c.7812_7816dupTGATA (p.Thr2606Metfs*63) in exon 49, which were respectively inherited from his mother and father. CONCLUSION The compound heterozygous variants of the PKHD1 gene probably underlay the disease in this child.
Child ; Exons ; Female ; Genetic Testing ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Mutation ; Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Recessive/genetics* ; Pregnancy ; Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of ROBO3 in pediatric AML patients and explore its function on cell proliferation and apoptosis. METHODS: The expression of ROBO3 in pediatric AML patients at different treatment stage was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The relationship between the expression of ROBO3 and clinic pathological characteristics in newly diagnosed pediatric AML patients was analyzed. Moreover, the effects of ROBO3 on the proliferation and apoptosis of AML cell lines HL-60 and THP-1 were estimated by using CCK-8 and flow cytometry after transfection with ROBO3 siRNA. RESULTS: It was found that ROBO3 expression was significantly increased in most of newly diagnosed pediatric AML patients, especially in non-M3 subtype, younger patients (<10 years old), and high risk group, compared to corresponding controls. Furthermore, the expression level of ROBO3 was sharply decreased in patients who achieved complete remission. Targeting ROBO3 significantly inhibited AML cell proliferation, as well as increased apoptosis by ROBO3 siRNA transfection in vitro. CONCLUSION ROBO3 is differentially expressed within distinct subtypes of the pediatric AML patients, which suggested that ROBO3 may be a potential biomarker and a new therapeutic target for pediatric AML.
Apoptosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Child ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics* ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; Sincalide

Objective: To dynamically observe the clinical efficacy of entecavir and the changes of PD-1⁺CXCR5⁺CD4⁺T lymphocytes and sPD-1 levels in peripheral blood of HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B virus carriers treated with entecavir, and further explore its clinical significance. Methods: There were 31 cases of chronic hepatitis B virus carriers in the treatment group (A), 32 cases of chronic hepatitis B virus carriers in the treatment group (B), and 15 cases of chronic hepatitis B virus carriers in the non-treatment group (C).Three groups peripheral blood samples and clinical data at 0, 24 and 48 weeks were collected and compared. PD-1⁺CXCR5⁺CD4⁺T lymphocytes were detected by flow cytometry, and the level of sPD-1 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ANOVA and Spearman correlation analysis were performed on the measurement data among the three groups. Results: At week 0, the serum levels of HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA were significantly higher in groups A and C than group B. PD-1⁺CXCR5⁺CD4⁺T lymphocytes in peripheral blood were significantly higher in group B (4.70%±1.58%) than group A (3.25%±1.01%) and group C (2.77%±0.67%) (F=16.65, P<0.05). There was no significant difference between group A and group C (P>0.05). Peripheral blood sPD-1 in group B [(1 866.62±1 472.70) pg/ml] was significantly higher than group A [(824.86±538.66) pg/ml] and group C [(618.19±602.62) pg/ml] (F=10.95, P<0.05). There was no significant difference between group A and group C (P>0.05). At 48 weeks, the serum HBsAg did not decrease significantly in groups A and C than baseline (P>0.05), but were significantly higher than group B (P<0.05). Serum HBeAg levels were decreased significantly in groups A and B than baseline (P<0.05). <0.05), but group A was significantly higher than group B (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between group A and group C (P>0.05). Serum HBV DNA level was significantly lower in groups A and B than group C (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between group A and group B (P>0.05). Peripheral blood PD-1⁺CXCR5⁺CD4⁺T lymphocytes were significantly lower in Group A (1.56%±0.73%) and group B (1.32%±0.43%) than group C (2.64%±0.85%) (P<0.05). Peripheral blood sPD-1 were significantly lower in group A [(289.05±215.86) pg/ml] and group B [(236.01±173.92) pg/ml] than group C [(650.34±598.46) pg/ml] (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between group A and group B. Correlation analysis results: In group A at 48 weeks, the decreased level of PD-1⁺CXCR5⁺CD4⁺T lymphocyte ratio had no correlation with the decreased level of HBsAg and HBV DNA, but was positively correlated with the decreased level of HBeAg (r=0.376, P<0.05). The decreased level of sPD-1 had no correlation with the changes of HBsAg, but was positively correlated with the decreased levels of HBeAg and HBV DNA (r=0.598 and 0.384, P<0.05). In group B at 48 weeks, the decreased levels of PD-1⁺CXCR5⁺CD4⁺T lymphocytes and sPD-1 were positively correlated with the decreased levels of HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBV DNA (P<0.05). Conclusion: Hepatitis B virus replication and expressions in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B virus carriers were significantly inhibited after 48 weeks of antiviral treatment, which is related not only to entecavir treatment, but also to the immunological mechanism involved in sPD-1. Moreover, the inhibition of HBeAg expression is associated with a decrease in the number and/or activity of PD-1⁺CXCR5⁺CD4⁺T lymphocytes.
Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use* ; DNA, Viral ; Guanine/analogs & derivatives* ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; Hepatitis B virus/genetics* ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; Humans ; Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor ; Receptors, CXCR5/analysis* ; T-Lymphocytes

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for a fetus with renal abnormalities through whole exome sequencing and imaging examination. METHODS: Clinical data and result of medical imaging of the fetus was collected. Amniotic fluid sample was collected for the extraction of fetal DNA. Whole exome sequencing was carried out. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Prenatal ultrasonography showed that the fetus had bilateral enlargement of the kidneys with hyperechogenicity and diffuse renal cysts. Whole exome sequencing revealed that the fetus carried compound heterozygous variants of the PKHD1 gene, namely c.5137G>T and c.2335_2336delCA, which were derived from its mother and father, respectively. CONCLUSION The fetus was diagnosed with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease through combined prenatal ultrasonography and whole exome sequencing. The compound heterozygous variants of the PKHD1 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis in the fetus. The results have enabled prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling for its parents.
Female ; Genetic Testing ; Humans ; Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Recessive/genetics* ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics* ; Whole Exome Sequencing