1.Influences of dihydromyricetin on proliferation and apoptosis of chondrocytes in osteoarthritis induced by H2O2 through ROS/p38-MAPK signal pathway.
Ying CHENG ; Hui-Juan CHEN ; Ting YANG
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(4):396-402
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the influences of dihydromyricetin on the proliferation and apoptosis of chondrocytes in osteoarthritis induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through reactive oxygen species (ROS)/p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK) pathway.
METHODS:
Five C57BL/6J mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation after anesthesia. Chondrocytes were extracted and cultured.After passage, the chondrocytes were divided into control group, H2O2 group (0.8 μmol·L-1 H2O2), dihydromyricetin low concentration group (0.8 μmol·L-1 H2O2+20 μmol·L-1 dihydromyricetin), dihydromyricetin high concentration group (0.8 μmol·L-1 H2O2+80 μmol·L-1 dihydromyricetin), and ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC) group (0.8 μmol·L-1 H2O2+5 mmol·L-1 NAC). The activity of chondrocytes was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The apoptosis rate of chondrocytes was measured by Hoechst 33342 method. The level of ROS in chondrocytes was measured by 2, 7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescence probe.The level of Type II collagen α1 (Col2α1) mRNA was measured by qRT-PCR.And the expression of Col2α1, p-p38-MAPK/p38-MAPK, B cell lymphoma gene-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) proteins was detected by Western blot.
RESULTS:
The chondrocytes showed swirling fibrous mass, and the expression of COL2α was positive. Compared with the control group, the chondrocyte viability, apoptosis rate, ROS fluorescence intensity, p-p38-MAPK/p38-MAPK, and the expression of Bax protein in H2O22 group increased, the level of Col2α1 mRNA, and the expression of Col2α1 and Bcl-2 proteins decreased (P<0.05). Compared with H2O2 group, the chondrocyte viability, apoptosis rate, ROS fluorescence intensity, p-p38-MAPK/p38-MAPK, and the expression of Bax protein in dihydromyricetin low concentration group, dihydromyricetin high concentration group, and NAC group decreased, the level of Col2α1 mRNA, and the expression of Col2α1 and Bcl-2 proteins increased (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Dihydromyricetin may inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis, inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress by inhibiting ROS/p38-MAPK pathway. Dihydromyricetin may be a potential drug for treating osteoarthritis.
Animals
;
Chondrocytes/metabolism*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Hydrogen Peroxide/toxicity*
;
Osteoarthritis/physiopathology*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Flavonols/pharmacology*
;
p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*
;
Cells, Cultured
2.Impacts of curcumin on proliferation, migration and cisplatin resistance of bladder cancer cells by regulating LKB1-AMPK-LC3 signaling pathway.
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(1):9-16
Objective To study the impacts of curcumin on the proliferation, migration and cisplatin (DDP) resistance of bladder cancer cells by regulating the liver kinase B1-AMP activated protein kinase-microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LKB1-AMPK-LC3) signaling pathway. Methods Human bladder cancer cell line T24 was cultured in vitro, and its DDP resistant T24/DDP cells were induced by cisplatin (DDP). After treating T24 and T24/DDP cells with different concentrations of curcumin, the optimal concentration of curcumin was screened by MTT assay. T24 cells were randomly grouped into control group, curcumin group, metformin group, and combination group of curcumin and metformin. After treatment with curcumin and LKB1-AMPK activator metformin, the proliferation, autophagy, migration, and apoptosis of T24 cells in each group were detected by MTT assay, monodansylcadavrine (MDC) fluorescence staining, cell scratch assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the expression of proteins related to LKB1-AMPK-LC3 signaling pathway in T24 cells of each group. T24/DDP cells were randomly assigned into control group, curcumin group, metformin group, and combination group of curcumin and metformin. Cells were treated with curcumin and metformin according to grouping and treated with different concentrations of DDP simultaneously. Then, the effect of curcumin on the DDP resistance coefficient of T24/DDP cells was detected by MTT assay. T24/DDP cells were randomly grouped into control group, DDP group, combination groups of DDP and curcumin, DDP and metformin, DDP, curcumin and metformi. After treatment with DDP, curcumin, and metformin, the proliferation, autophagy, migration, apoptosis, drug resistance, and the expression of proteins related to LKB1-AMPK-LC3 signaling pathway in T24/DDP cells of each group were detected with the same methods. Results Compared with the control group, the activity of T24 cells, relative number of autophagosomes, migration rate, Phosphorylated-LKB1 (p-LKB1)/LKB1, Phosphorylated-AMPK (p-AMPK)/AMPK, LC3II/LC3I, and the DDP resistance coefficient of T24/DDP cells in the curcumin group were lower, and the apoptosis rate of T24 cells was higher; the changes in various indicators in the metformin group were opposite to those in the curcumin group. Compared with the curcumin group, the activity of T24 cells, relative number of autophagosomes, migration rate, p-LKB1/LKB1, p-AMPK/AMPK, LC3II/LC3I, and the DDP resistance coefficient of T24/DDP cells in the combination group of curcumin and metformin were higher, and the apoptosis rate of T24 cells was lower. Compared with the control group, there were no obvious changes in various indicators of T24/DDP cells in the DDP group. Compared with the control group and DDP group, the viability of T24/DDP cells, relative number of autophagosomes, migration rate, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) protein expression, p-LKB1/LKB1, p-AMPK/AMPK, and LC3II/LC3I in the combination group of DDP and curcumin were lower, and the apoptosis rate of T24/DDP cells was higher; the changes in the above indicators in the combination group of DDP and metformin were opposite to those in the combination group of DDP and curcumin. Compared with the combination group of DDP and curcumin, the viability of T24/DDP cells, relative number of autophagosomes, migration rate, P-gp protein expression, p-LKB1/LKB1, p-AMPK/AMPK, and LC3II/LC3I in the combination group of DDP, curcumin and metformin were higher, and the apoptosis rate of T24/DDP cells was lower. Conclusion Curcumin can reduce the activity of LKB1-AMPK-LC3 signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting autophagy, proliferation and migration of bladder cancer cells, promoting their apoptosis, and weakening their resistance to DDP.
Humans
;
Cisplatin/pharmacology*
;
Curcumin/pharmacology*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects*
;
Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
;
Microtubule-Associated Proteins/metabolism*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology*
;
Metformin/pharmacology*
;
Autophagy/drug effects*
3.CCDC97 influences the immune microenvironment and biological functions in HCC.
Lingling MO ; Xinyue WU ; Xiaohua PENG ; Chuang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(1):23-30
Objective To explore the clinical and immunological significance of CCDC97 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Clinical data and RNA sequencing results from HCC patients were retrieved from TCGA and ICGC databases. Bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments were performed to investigate the role of CCDC97 in HCC. Results The expression level of CCDC97 was elevated in HCC patients and HCC cells, closely associated with pathological features and prognosis. CCDC97 was identified as a novel prognostic biomarker. It is linked to the spliceosome pathway, which is significantly active in tumors and potentially promotes carcinogenesis. CCDC97 is also highly expressed in various immune cells and is associated with microenvironment. Furthermore, knocking down CCDC97 in vitro suppressed cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Conclusion CCDC97 plays a critical role in HCC progression and the immune microenvironment, making it a potential target for prognosis and therapeutic intervention.
Humans
;
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism*
;
Liver Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Tumor Microenvironment/genetics*
;
Cell Movement/genetics*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Prognosis
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
;
Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics*
;
Male
4.Knockdown of BHLHE40 inhibits the proliferation, migration, invasion and PI3K/AKT signaling activity of osteosarcoma cells.
Yang YANG ; Fan YE ; Litao SUN
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(1):38-44
Objective To investigate the effect of basic helix-loop-helix family member E40 (BHLHE40) on the invasion and migration of osteosarcoma (OS) cells, and to explore the role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway in the biological behavior of OS mediated by BHLHE40, providing a scientific basis for targeted therapy of OS. Methods On the basis of clinical OS samples and OS cell lines, the expression differences of BHLHE40 between OS and adjacent tissues, as well as those between OS cells and normal osteoblast cell lines, were analyzed. BHLHE40 knockdown OS cells were obtained through shRNA transfection. The effects of BHLHE40 on OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were examined using CCK-8, EdU staining, wound healing, and Transwell assays. The involvement of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was assessed by Western blotting. Further validation was conducted in vivo experiments. Results The expression of BHLHE40 was significantly higher in OS tissues compared to adjacent tissues. In OS cell lines, BHLHE40 protein expression levels were increased compared to normal osteoblasts, and the cell line with the highest BHLHE40 expression was selected for subsequent knockdown experiments. Compared with the knockdown control group, the BHLHE40 knockdown group exhibited reduced cell viability, EdU-positive cell count, colony number, cell migration, and invasion abilities, along with downregulation of phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K)/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT protein expression. The aforementioned functions of BHLHE40 were also reproduced in in vivo experiments. Conclusion BHLHE40 is highly expressed in OS tissues, and its knockdown can significantly inhibit OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while reducing PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activity. This suggests that BHLHE40 could serve as a novel therapeutic target for OS.
Osteosarcoma/metabolism*
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Humans
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics*
;
Cell Proliferation/genetics*
;
Cell Movement/genetics*
;
Signal Transduction/genetics*
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*
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Cell Line, Tumor
;
Animals
;
Neoplasm Invasiveness
;
Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/metabolism*
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Bone Neoplasms/metabolism*
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Mice
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Gene Knockdown Techniques
;
Male
;
Female
;
Mice, Nude
5.Potential molecular mechanism of lncRNAs HOTAIR in malignant metastasis of esophageal cancer.
Kaijin LU ; Jiangfeng SHEN ; Guang HAN ; Quan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(3):236-244
Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which exosomes (Exo) derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) carrying HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (lncRNA HOTAIR) promote the metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods CAFs were collected from tumor tissues, and non-cancer associated fibroblasts (NFs) were obtained from adjacent normal tissues at least 5 cm away from the tumor. Exosomes (CAFs-Exo and NFs-Exo) were isolated from conditioned media collected from CAFs or NFs. CAFs-Exo and NFs-Exo were incubated with human ESCC cell line TE-1 for 24 hours, and CCK-8 was used to determine the cell proliferation ability. Scratch test and Transwell test were performed to determine the cell migration and invasion ability. TE-1 cells were divided into the following two groups: NC group and KD group. The NC group and KD group were transfected with control siRNAs or siRNAs targeting HOTAIR respectively. The effects of HOTAIR knock-down on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis were determined. Results CAFs-Exo promoted the proliferation of TE-1 cells more significantly than NFs-Exo. Compared with NFs-Exo group, the migration and invasion ability of TE-1 cells treated with CAFs-Exo were improved significantly. In addition, CAFs-Exo treatment inhibited the expression of E-cadherin and enhanced the expression of N-cadherin. The expression of HOTAIR in CAFs was significantly higher than that in NFs. Compared with NFs-Exo, the expression level of HOTAIR in CAFs-Exo increased significantly. Compared with NC group, the proliferation, migration and invasion of TE-1 cells in KD group decreased significantly. Compared with NC group, hexokinase 2 (HK2), extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and ATP/ADP ratio of TE-1 cells in KD group decreased significantly. Conclusion HOTAIR, an exosome derived from CAFs, may be involved in metastasis and EMT by regulating glycolysis in ESCC cells.
Humans
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RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism*
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Esophageal Neoplasms/metabolism*
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Cell Movement/genetics*
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Cell Proliferation/genetics*
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Cell Line, Tumor
;
Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
;
Exosomes/genetics*
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Neoplasm Metastasis
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Neoplasm Invasiveness
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
;
Glycolysis/genetics*
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Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/metabolism*
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism*
;
Cadherins/genetics*
6.Sialyltransferase ST3GAL1 promotes malignant progression in glioma.
Zihao ZHAO ; Wenjing ZHENG ; Lingling ZHANG ; Wenjie SONG ; Tao WANG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(4):308-317
Objective To investigate the clinical relevance and diagnostic or prognostic value of ST3β-galactoside α-2, 3-sialyltransferase 1 (ST3GAL1) in glioma and to confirm its role in promoting malignant phenotypes. Methods Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we analyzed the correlation between ST3GAL1 expression levels in glioma and clinical parameters to evaluate its diagnostic and prognostic value. The impact of ST3GAL1 on malignant phenotypes of glioma cells-including proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and invasion was further validated through ST3GAL1 knockdown experiments. Results The expression level of ST3GAL1 was significantly higher in glioma tissues compared to healthy brain tissues and showed a strong correlation with clinical characteristics of glioma patients. Survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated that ST3GAL1 could serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for glioma. Knockdown of ST3GAL1 suppressed proliferation, invasion, and migration capabilities of glioma cell lines, and induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest. Conclusion ST3GAL1 promotes malignant phenotypes in glioma and plays a critical role in its malignant progression, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for glioma diagnosis and prognosis.
Humans
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Sialyltransferases/metabolism*
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Glioma/diagnosis*
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Cell Proliferation/genetics*
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Brain Neoplasms/enzymology*
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beta-Galactoside alpha-2,3-Sialyltransferase
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Disease Progression
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Prognosis
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Cell Movement/genetics*
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Apoptosis/genetics*
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Male
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Female
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Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
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Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism*
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Middle Aged
7.miR-582-5p regulates DUSP1 to modulate Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in macrophages.
Yanming SUN ; Fengxia LIU ; Tingting CHANG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(5):406-412
Objective To explore the effect of miR-582-5p on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-infected macrophages by regulating dual specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1). Methods THP-1 macrophages were divided into six groups: control group, Mtb group, inhibitor-NC group, miR-582-5p inhibitor group, miR-582-5p inhibitor+si-NC group, and miR-582-5p inhibitor+si-DUSP1 group. QRT-PCR was applied to detect the gene expression of miR-582-5p and DUSP1 in cells. ELISA kit was used to detect the levels of interferon γ (IFN-γ), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 1β (IL-1β). CCK-8 method was applied to detect cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was applied to detect cell apoptosis rate. Western blot analysis was used to measure the protein expression levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), Bcl2-associated X (BAX), and cleaved-caspase 3 (c-caspase-3) in cells. In addition, the target relationship between miR-582-5p and DUSP1 was verified. Results Compared with the control group, the expression of miR-582-5p, levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, bacterial load and OD450 values (24 h, 48 h), and the protein expression of Bcl2 in macrophages were higher in the Mtb group, while the mRNA expression of DUSP1, apoptosis rate, and the protein expression levels of c-caspase-3, BAX and DUSP1 were lower. Compared with the Mtb group and the inhibitor-NC group, the above-mentioned indicators in the miR-582-5p inhibitor group were partially reversed. Down-regulation of DUSP1 expression partially reversed the inhibitory effect of down-regulation of miR-582-5p expression on Mtb-infected macrophages. Conclusion Inhibiting the expression of miR-582-5p can up-regulate DUSP1, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and inflammatory response of Mtb-infected macrophages and promoting cell apoptosis.
Humans
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Macrophages/metabolism*
;
Dual Specificity Phosphatase 1/metabolism*
;
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
;
Mycobacterium tuberculosis/physiology*
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Tuberculosis/microbiology*
;
Apoptosis/genetics*
;
THP-1 Cells
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Cell Proliferation/genetics*
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Interferon-gamma/genetics*
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*
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Interleukin-1beta/genetics*
8.The effects of resveratrol on osteosarcoma cells: Regulation of the interaction between JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and tumor immune microenvironment.
Xiaoli WANG ; Guoliang MA ; Ruidong LIU ; Ruixia QI ; Jiudei QI ; Yuguo REN
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(5):420-427
Objective To investigate the effect of resveratrol on the tumor microenvironment in osteosarcoma. Methods A C57BL/6 xenograft mouse model was established and treated with resveratrol. Single-cell sequencing was performed to analyze changes in the tumor microenvironment. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess immune cell infiltration, while Western blotting was conducted to examine alterations in cellular signaling pathways. Results Resveratrol significantly inhibited the proliferation of LM8 osteosarcoma cells in C57BL/6 mice compared to the control group. Additionally, CD8+ T cell recruitment was enhanced. The Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway was notably downregulated in LM8 osteosarcoma cells following resveratrol treatment. Conclusion Resveratrol promotes CD8+ T cell infiltration by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent in osteosarcoma treatment.
Osteosarcoma/genetics*
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STAT3 Transcription Factor/genetics*
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Resveratrol/pharmacology*
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Animals
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Janus Kinase 2/genetics*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Tumor Microenvironment/immunology*
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Mice
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Humans
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Bone Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects*
;
Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
9.Molecular mechanisms of TPT1-AS1 in regulating epithelial ovarian cancer cell invasion, migration, and angiogenesis by targeting the miR-324/TWIST1 axis.
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(6):536-543
Objective To explore the mechanism of TPT1-AS1 targeting miR-324/TWIST1 axis to regulate the proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells, thereby affecting ovarian cancer (OC) progression. Methods RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of TPT1-AS1 and miR-324 in 29 OC lesions and adjacent tissue samples. The two OC cell models of TPT1-AS1 overexpression and miRNA324 knockdown were constructed, and the cell proliferation, invasion and migration abilities were detected by CCK-8, TranswellTM and scratch test. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression levels of TWIST1, epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin), Vimentin, and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in OC cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and RNA pull-down experiments were used to verify the interaction between TPT1-AS1 and miR-324. Immunohistochemistry and Targetscan bioinformatics analysis were used to verify the negative regulatory role of miR-324 in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Results The TPT1-AS1 expression was significantly higher in OC tissues than that in para-cancerous tissues, while the miR-324 expression was significantly lower. In SKOV3 cells with TPT1-AS1 overexpression, the miR-324 expression decreased significantly, and TPT1-AS1 was negatively correlated with miR-324. It was also found that TPT1-AS1 and miR-324 were co-expressed in OC cells, and there was a direct binding relationship between them. Down-regulation of miR-324 significantly promoted the proliferation, invasion and migration of SKOV3 cells. Further studies revealed that miR-324 had a binding site at the 3'-UTR end of the TWIST1, a key transcription factor for EMT. Inhibiting miR-324 expression increased the transcription level of TWIST1, leading to a decrease in E-cadherin protein expression and an increase in Vimentin protein expression. Additionally, the downregulation of miR-324 resulted in an increased expression level of VEGF-A protein, which in turn enhanced angiogenesis of OC. Conclusion TPT1-AS1 promotes EOC cell proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis by negatively regulating the miR-324/TWIST1 axis, thus promoting the development of OC. These findings provide new potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of OC.
Humans
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MicroRNAs/metabolism*
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Female
;
Cell Movement/genetics*
;
Ovarian Neoplasms/blood supply*
;
Twist-Related Protein 1/metabolism*
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Cell Line, Tumor
;
Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics*
;
Neoplasm Invasiveness
;
Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/metabolism*
;
Nuclear Proteins/metabolism*
;
Cell Proliferation/genetics*
;
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/genetics*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
;
RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism*
;
Cadherins/genetics*
;
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/genetics*
;
Vimentin/genetics*
;
Angiogenesis
10.Research on the mechanism of gentiopicroside preventing macrophage-mediated liver fibrosis by regulating the MIF-SPP1 signaling pathway in hepatic stellate cells.
Jixu WANG ; Yingbin ZHU ; Maoli CHEN ; Yongfeng HAN
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(7):593-602
Objective To explore the mechanism by which gentiopicroside (GPS) prevents macrophage-mediated hepatic fibrosis by regulating the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) signaling pathway in hepatic stellate cells. Methods LX-2 cells were divided into control group, transforming growth factor β(TGF-β) group, and TGF-β combined with GPS (25, 50, 100, 150 μmol/mL) groups. Cell proliferation was detected by EDU assay, cell invasion was assessed by TranswellTM assay, and the protein expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen (COL1A1) were measured by Western blot. M1-type macrophage-conditioned medium (M1-CM) was used to treat LX-2 cells in the TGF-β group and TGF-β combined with GPS group. The concentrations of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and arginase 1 (Arg1) in the cell supernatant, as well as cell proliferation, invasion ability, and the expressions of α-SMA and COL1A1 were detected. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify the target intersections of GPS, hepatic fibrosis, and macrophage-related genes. Drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) experiments and Western blot were used to verify the regulatory effect of GPS on MIF. Furthermore, LX-2 cells were divided into control group, TGF-β group, TGF-β combined with M2-CM group, TGF-β and oe-NC combined with M2-CM group, and TGF-β and oe-MIF combined with M2-CM group to analyze the concentrations of iNOS and Arg1 in the cell supernatant, as well as changes in cell proliferation, invasion, and the expressions of α-SMA and COL1A1. LX-2 cells were also divided into control group, TGF-β group, TGF-β combined with oe-NC group, TGF-β combined with oe-MIF group, and TGF-β and oe-MIF combined with GPS group to determine the protein expressions of MIF and SPP1 by Western blot. A rat model of hepatic fibrosis was constructed to explore the potential therapeutic effects of GPS on hepatic fibrosis in vivo. Results Compared with the control group, the proliferation and invasion abilities of LX-2 cells in the TGF-β group were increased, and the protein expressions of α-SMA and COL1A1 were enhanced. GPS intervention inhibited the proliferation and invasion of LX-2 cells under TGF-β conditions and reduced the expressions of α-SMA and COL1A1. Compared with the control group, the concentration of iNOS in the cell supernatant of the TGF-β group was upregulated, while the concentration of Arg1 was decreased. M1-CM treatment further increased the concentration of iNOS, decreased the concentration of Arg1, and promoted cell proliferation and invasion, as well as upregulated the expressions of α-SMA and COL1A1 on the basis of TGF-β intervention. However, GPS could reverse the effects of M1-CM intervention. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that MIF was one of the target intersections of GPS, hepatic fibrosis, and macrophage-related genes, and GPS could target and inhibit its expression. Compared with the TGF-β group, after M2-CM intervention, the concentration of iNOS in the cell supernatant decreased, the concentration of Arg1 increased, the proliferation and invasion abilities of LX-2 cells were reduced, and the expressions of α-SMA and COL1A1 were weakened. However, overexpression of MIF reversed the effects of M2-CM intervention. Western blot results showed that compared with the control group, the protein expressions of MIF and SPP1 were enhanced in the TGF-β group. Overexpression of MIF further enhanced the expressions of MIF and SPP1, while GPS intervention inhibited the expressions of MIF and SPP1. In the animal experiment, GPS intervention treatment alleviated liver injury in rats with hepatic fibrosis and inhibited the expressions of MIF and SPP1, as well as α-SMA and COL1A1 in liver tissue. Conclusion GPS may prevent macrophage-mediated hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the MIF-SPP1 signaling pathway in hepatic stellate cells.
Hepatic Stellate Cells/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors/genetics*
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Liver Cirrhosis/prevention & control*
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Macrophages/drug effects*
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Iridoid Glucosides/pharmacology*
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Humans
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Animals
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Cell Line
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Collagen Type I/metabolism*
;
Collagen Type I, alpha 1 Chain
;
Intramolecular Oxidoreductases/genetics*
;
Rats
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Transforming Growth Factor beta/pharmacology*
;
Actins/metabolism*

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