Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Gene Expression ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; metabolism ; Humans ; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo construct the expression vector of human tissue factor (TF), and investigate the influence of TF/coagulant factor VIIa (FVIIa) complex on the transcriptional expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) and u-PA receptor (u-PAR) in human ovarian cancer.

METHODSThe human TF cDNA was obtained from placenta by RT-PCR and then inserted into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3 to obtain the TF-pcDNA3 combinant. This combinant was transfected into human ovarian cancer cell line A2780 by lipofectamine. Stably-transfected cells A2780/TF were screened. A2780 and A2780/TF cell lines were stimulated by FVIIa respectively, and the transcriptional levels of u-PA and u-PAR were examined by RT-PCR.

RESULTS(1) The constructed product was identified as TF-pcDNA3 combinant by sequencing. (2) TF was highly expressed not only at transcriptional level in the stable-transfected A2780/TF cell (transfected cell 3.91 +/- 0.28, untransfected cell 0.97 +/- 0.23, P < 0.01), but also on the membrane of the cell surface [transfected cell (48.56 +/- 9.53)%, untransfected cell (2.73 +/- 1.15)%, P < 0.01]. (3) The u-PA and u-PAR mRNA levels in A2780 cell line did not change significantly after stimulated by FVIIa; (4) While stimulated by FVIIa, the u-PAR mRNA levels in A2780/TF cells increased significantly in both dose-dependent and time-dependent manner, while the u-PA mRNA levels did not change significantly; (5) In the A2780/TF cell line the enhanced expression of u-PAR mRNA by FVIIa was significantly inhibited by coincubated with anti-TF antibody.

CONCLUSIONTF/FVIIa complex could up-regulate the transcription of u-PAR in human ovarian cancer cells so as to enhance tumor invasion and metastasis.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Factor VIIa ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator ; genetics ; metabolism ; Thromboplastin ; genetics ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation ; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator ; genetics ; metabolism

In this study, we assessed the effects of shear stress on the expression of plasminogen activator(tPA and uPA) mRNA in cultured NRK-52E cells (a kidney proximal tubular epithelial cell line of normal rat origin) and investigated the mechanism of tubulointerstitial extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in the early stage of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The cultured NRK-52E cells were exposed to shear stress of 5 and 10 dyn/cm2 for 1, 3 and 6 hours respectively. Semi-quantity RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of tPA and uPA mRNA. Shear stress down-regulated the expression of tPA and uPA mRNA in cultured NRK-52E cells in a magnitude and time-dependent way. The results suggested that the increased tubular shear stress in the early-stage of DN could decrease the expression of tPA and uPA in renal proximal tubular cells, lead to the reduction of tubulointerstitial fibrinolytic activity and involve in the remodeling of ECM.
Animals ; Cell Line ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; pathology ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Extracellular Matrix ; metabolism ; Humans ; Kidney Tubules, Proximal ; cytology ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Shear Strength ; Tissue Plasminogen Activator ; genetics ; metabolism ; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVEArrested lung development and lung fibrosis are characteristic pathological changes in chronic lung disease (CLD). Therefore, the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in lung fibrosis has been emphasized recently. Plasmin system is also an important factor to modulate ECM degradation and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) system. In this study, the authors established an animal model of CLD induced by inhaling high concentration oxygen (hyperoxia) to investigate the changes and functions of urokinase-plasminogen activator (u-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in CLD.

METHODSFull-term newborn rats were continuously exposed to oxygen (0.90 - 0.95 O(2)) or room air within 12 h after birth. On day 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 in hyperoxia groups and air controls, lung pathology in newborn rats were observed. The changes of u-PA and PAI-1 protein and mRNA expression were measured by Western blotting and RT-PCR.

RESULTS(1) The pathological findings of the lung tissue: on day 3, there was a few inflammatory cells exuded out, bleeding, edema, and interstitial cells increased in hyperoxia group. On day 7 and thereafter, the terminal air space size of the oxygen-exposed rat became large, there was inflammatory response and more interstitial cells, interstitium was thicker, and collagen deposited. (2) u-PA expression: On day 3, the u-PA protein expression increased in hyperoxia group compared with controls (115.52 +/- 7.10 vs. 96.51 +/- 6.33), P < 0.01. On day 7 to day 21, u-PA protein expression (97.66 +/- 7.98, 99.91 +/- 7.60, 103.23 +/- 6.24) was lower than in the control groups (112.43 +/- 6.01, 123.25 +/- 8.35, 103.23 +/- 6.24), P < 0.05, < 0.01 and < 0.01, respectively. u-PA mRNA increased on d 3 in hyperoxia group compared with controls (1.18 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.99 +/- 0.05), P < 0.01. On d 7 to 21, mRNA expression (1.01 +/- 0.06, 1.10 +/- 0.12, 1.27 +/- 0.06) was lower than that in the controls (1.15 +/- 0.08, 1.51 +/- 0.32, 1.60 +/- 0.24) too, P < 0.01. (3) PAI-1 expression: From d 7 to 21 of oxygen exposure, PAI-1 protein expression (147.83 +/- 12.27, 149.07 +/- 11.17, 161.42 +/- 13.08) increased compared with the controls (116.18 +/- 10.67, 113.73 +/- 15.58, 126.60 +/- 8.59), P < 0.01, < 0.05 and < 0.01, respectively. mRNA expression (1.49 +/- 0.28, 1.46 +/- 0.31, 1.51 +/- 0.33) increased compared with the control group (0.94 +/- 0.01, 0.94 +/- 0.03, 0.98 +/- 0.03), P < 0.05, < 0.01 and < 0.05, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSIn the early stage of hyperoxic exposure, the balance of u-PA/PAI-1 mRNA and protein increased, plasmin and degradation activity increased, which may increase the degradation of ECM in lung base membrane. During the middle and late stage, the expression of u-PA/PAI-1 mRNA and protein decreased, plasmin and degradation activity were lower, in parallel to thicker interstitium, suggesting that the imbalance of u-PA/PAI-1 may also play a role in lung fibrosis in CLD induced by hyperoxia.

Animals ; Female ; Hyperoxia ; complications ; Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lung Diseases, Interstitial ; etiology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator ; genetics ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDThe urokinase plasminogen activator system is believed to play an important role in degradation of the extracellular matrix associated with cartilage and bone destruction; however its precise roles in temporomandibular disorders have not yet been clarified. The aims of this study were to investigate the gene expression of fibrinolytic factors urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in the articular cartilage of rabbit temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with disc displacement (DD) and to probe the relationship between fibrinolytic activity and cartilage remodeling.

METHODSDisc displacement of right joints was performed in 36 of 78 rabbits under investigation. The animals were sacrificed at 4 days and 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery, respectively. The right joints of these animals were harvested and processed for the examination of mRNA expression of uPA and PAI-1 in articular cartilage using in situ hybridization techniques.

RESULTSThe expression of uPA and PAI-1 was co-expressed weakly in the chondrocytes from transitive zone to hypertrophic zone and mineralized zone, while no hybridizing signals were shown in proliferative zone and superficial zone in control rabbits. The most striking was the up-regulation of uPA and PAI-1 mRNA in 4-day rabbits postoperatively at the onset of cartilage degeneration. The strongest hybridizing signals for uPA and PAI-1 were seen in 2-week rabbits postoperatively. After 2 weeks, the expression of uPA and PAI-1 began to decrease and reached nearly normal level at 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONSThe expression of the uPA/PAI-1 system coincides with the pathological changes in condylar cartilage after DD. The uPA/PAI-1 system may be one of the essential mediators in articular cartilage remodeling.

Animals ; Cartilage, Articular ; metabolism ; Female ; Joint Dislocations ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Mandibular Condyle ; metabolism ; pathology ; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rabbits ; Temporomandibular Joint ; metabolism ; Temporomandibular Joint Disc ; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator ; genetics

The fusion protein of Humanized mouse anti-human fibrin ScFv and the low molecular weight urokinase (IIn-UK) contained seven disulfide bonds and formed inclusion body while expressing in normal E. coli strain. By coexpressing DsbC and using the special E. coli strain Origami(DE3) which was trxB/gor double mutant, the fusion protein IIn-UK was functionally expressed in the cytoplasm of E. coli. The expressed fusion protein in the soluble fraction was purified by using affinity chromatography specific against urokinase. The purified fusion protein could combine the thrombus in vitro, and the specific activity of urokinase reached 80,000 IU/mg fusion protein. The result showed that the fusion protein retained the activity of two moieties, and this study laid a foundation for further research of targeting thrombolytic agent.
Animals ; Chromatography, Affinity ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Fragments ; genetics ; Mice ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator ; genetics

Taking a suspension adapted recombinant CHO cell line, 11G-S expressing human Pro-urokinase (Pro-UK) as the object of study, the impacts of different feeding nutrients, the start time of feeding and cell inoculation density on the growth and Pro-UK production of 11G-S cells in serum-free fed-batch culture were evaluated in 100 mL shacking flasks. The results indicated that amino acids, serum-free supplements and inorganic salts played important role in cell growth, cell viability and protein expression. And the effects of cells fed-batch culture was much better with the initial cell inoculation density at 3 x 10(5)-4 x 10(5) cells/mL and the start time of feeding set at 72 h, a maximum viable cells density of 7.8 x 10(6) cells/mL with a peak Pro-UK activity at 8570 IU/mL was achieved during 12 d fed-batch culture. Further, the mu of the 11G-S cells at the middle phase of the fed-batch culture, and both the q(glu) and q(gln) of the 11G-S cells at the middle and later phases of the fed-batch culture was higher than that of the 11G-S cells at the same phase of the batch culture, respectively.
Animals ; CHO Cells ; Cell Culture Techniques ; methods ; Cricetinae ; Cricetulus ; Culture Media, Serum-Free ; Humans ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; metabolism ; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; metabolism

By using the cell density, cell viability, Pro-UK activity, specific consumption rate of glucose (q(glc)), specific production rate of lactate (q(lac)), yield of lactate to glucose (Y(lac/glc)) and as the evaluation indexes, the growth and metabolism characteristics of pro-urokinase (Pro-UK) expressing CHO cells in serum-free suspension batch culture were examined and compared to those in serum-containing suspension batch culture. We observed hardly differences in growth and metabolism characteristics between the CHO cell populations grown in serum-free suspension batch culture and serum-containing suspension batch culture. The optimal mathematical model parameters for the CHO cells grown in suspension batch culture were obtained by non-linear programming of data representing the growth, substrate consumption and product formation of the CHO cells during logarithmic growth phase using MATLAB software, and the kinetic model of the cell growth and metabolism in serum-free culture were established.
Animals ; Bioreactors ; CHO Cells ; Cricetinae ; Cricetulus ; Culture Media, Serum-Free ; Culture Techniques ; methods ; Kinetics ; Models, Theoretical ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; metabolism ; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of osteopontin (OPN) on the phenotypes of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721.

METHODSHuman hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells were transfected with plasmid pcDNA 3.1(-)/OPN and cells transfected with a mock plasmid served as controls. OPN expression was verified by RT-PCR and Western blot, and concentrations of OPN, MMP-2, MMP-9 and uPA were measured by ELISA. A series of functional assays in vitro were used to monitor the changes of SMMC-7721 malignant phenotypes.

RESULTSOPN expression of SMMC-7721 cells was elevated after transfection. Concentrations of OPN, MMP-2 and uPA in the medium of SMMC-7721 cells after transfection were higher than those of the controls [(3.02+/-0.12) ng/ml vs (1.43+/-0.07) ng/ml, (43.04+/-3.06) ng/ml vs (22.15+/-4.34) ng/ml, and (4.78+/-0.70) ng/ml vs (1.61+/-0.34) ng/ml respectively, P less than 0.01], but MMP-9 concentration did not increase [(7.82+/-2.25) ng/ml vs (7.70+/-1.92) ng/ml]. Functional assays in vitro indicated that SMMC-7721 cells after transfection showed higher adhesive, migrant and invasive capabilities than those of the controls (cell adhesion rates were 75.33%+/-10.59% vs 57.34%+/-2.52%; number of outer surface cells in migrant assay was 14.33+/-2.51 vs 6.34+/-1.53; cell number in the invasive assay was 8.23+/-1.53 vs 4.12+/-1.29 respectively, P less than 0.05).

CONCLUSIONOPN might enhance the expression of MMP-2 and uPA to promote malignant phenotypes of SMMC-7721 cells.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; secretion ; Osteopontin ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator ; secretion

The lentivirus-mediated uPA interference in the proliferation, apoptosis, and secretion of osteoarthritic chondrocytes was examined in this study. Cells were obtained from the cartilage tissues of New Zealand white rabbits. They were cultured with interleukin (IL)-1β (10 ng/mL) for 24 h and then divided into three groups: uPA-siRNA group (cells transfected with uPA-siRNA lentiviruses), blank control group (untreated cells), and negative control group (cells transfected with empty vectors). Western blotting and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-QPCR) were performed to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of uPA, MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-10, MMP-13 and MMP-14 in osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry, and colony formation assay were used to examine the proliferation and apoptosis of chondrocytes. The results showed that after uPA-siRNA transfection, the protein and mRNA expression levels of uPA, MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-10, MMP-13, and MMP-14 were significantly decreased (P<0.05 for MMP-1, MMP-9, MMP-10 and MMP-14, P<0.01 for uPA, MMP-3 and MMP-13). Cell proliferation and colony formation rate were significantly higher and the cell apoptosis rate was significantly lower in uPA-siRNA group than in control groups (P<0.01). The proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase was markedly increased and that in the S phase decreased, and the cell cycle was arrested at the G1/S phase in the control group. In the uPA-siRNA group, the proportion of cells in the S phase was significantly increased, resulting in a different proportion of cells in cell cycle phase (P<0.01). It was suggested that the down-regulation of uPA gene could inhibit the expression of MMPs protein and cell apoptosis, increase the proliferation and colony formation of osteoarthritic chondrocytes.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Chondrocytes ; cytology ; enzymology ; Gene Silencing ; Lentivirus ; genetics ; Matrix Metalloproteinases ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator ; genetics