1.DNA Methyltransferases 1-Regulated Methylation of Protein Kinase C Zeta Influences Its Expression in Breast Cancer Cells
Xixun ZHANG ; Lianglan BAO ; Mengya SUN ; Jinbin CHEN
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(2):72-85
Purpose:
Breast cancer (BC) is a predominant malignancy globally, surpassing lung cancer in terms of diagnostic frequency, with an escalating incidence rate in recent decades.Recent studies have investigated the role of protein kinase C zeta (PRKCZ) in diverse cellular processes in cancer biology. In this study, we evaluated the association between PRKCZ and deleterious outcomes in BC and elucidated the mechanisms underlying its expression in breast carcinoma.
Methods:
The correlation between PRKCZ and survival rates of patients with BC was investigated using The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The methylation status of the PRKCZ promoter was analyzed using the UALCAN database. Furthermore, we investigated the mechanisms underlying PRKCZ inactivation in BC by treatment with transferase inhibitors, methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, western blotting, and luciferase reporter gene assays. The degree of methylation and expression levels of PRKCZ, as regulated by DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), were quantified using quantitative PCR and western blotting.
Results:
Our analysis revealed that decreased expression of PRKCZ in BC was significantly correlated with poor clinical prognosis. Furthermore, we observed that hypermethylation of the PRKCZ promoter contributed to its reduced expression in BC. Notably, DNMT1 has been identified as a critical regulator of PRKCZ methylation.
Conclusion
Our findings elucidate the tumor-suppressive function of PRKCZ and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying its downregulation in BC.
2.DNA Methyltransferases 1-Regulated Methylation of Protein Kinase C Zeta Influences Its Expression in Breast Cancer Cells
Xixun ZHANG ; Lianglan BAO ; Mengya SUN ; Jinbin CHEN
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(2):72-85
Purpose:
Breast cancer (BC) is a predominant malignancy globally, surpassing lung cancer in terms of diagnostic frequency, with an escalating incidence rate in recent decades.Recent studies have investigated the role of protein kinase C zeta (PRKCZ) in diverse cellular processes in cancer biology. In this study, we evaluated the association between PRKCZ and deleterious outcomes in BC and elucidated the mechanisms underlying its expression in breast carcinoma.
Methods:
The correlation between PRKCZ and survival rates of patients with BC was investigated using The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The methylation status of the PRKCZ promoter was analyzed using the UALCAN database. Furthermore, we investigated the mechanisms underlying PRKCZ inactivation in BC by treatment with transferase inhibitors, methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, western blotting, and luciferase reporter gene assays. The degree of methylation and expression levels of PRKCZ, as regulated by DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), were quantified using quantitative PCR and western blotting.
Results:
Our analysis revealed that decreased expression of PRKCZ in BC was significantly correlated with poor clinical prognosis. Furthermore, we observed that hypermethylation of the PRKCZ promoter contributed to its reduced expression in BC. Notably, DNMT1 has been identified as a critical regulator of PRKCZ methylation.
Conclusion
Our findings elucidate the tumor-suppressive function of PRKCZ and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying its downregulation in BC.
3.DNA Methyltransferases 1-Regulated Methylation of Protein Kinase C Zeta Influences Its Expression in Breast Cancer Cells
Xixun ZHANG ; Lianglan BAO ; Mengya SUN ; Jinbin CHEN
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(2):72-85
Purpose:
Breast cancer (BC) is a predominant malignancy globally, surpassing lung cancer in terms of diagnostic frequency, with an escalating incidence rate in recent decades.Recent studies have investigated the role of protein kinase C zeta (PRKCZ) in diverse cellular processes in cancer biology. In this study, we evaluated the association between PRKCZ and deleterious outcomes in BC and elucidated the mechanisms underlying its expression in breast carcinoma.
Methods:
The correlation between PRKCZ and survival rates of patients with BC was investigated using The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The methylation status of the PRKCZ promoter was analyzed using the UALCAN database. Furthermore, we investigated the mechanisms underlying PRKCZ inactivation in BC by treatment with transferase inhibitors, methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, western blotting, and luciferase reporter gene assays. The degree of methylation and expression levels of PRKCZ, as regulated by DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), were quantified using quantitative PCR and western blotting.
Results:
Our analysis revealed that decreased expression of PRKCZ in BC was significantly correlated with poor clinical prognosis. Furthermore, we observed that hypermethylation of the PRKCZ promoter contributed to its reduced expression in BC. Notably, DNMT1 has been identified as a critical regulator of PRKCZ methylation.
Conclusion
Our findings elucidate the tumor-suppressive function of PRKCZ and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying its downregulation in BC.
4. Resveratrol inhibits autophagy and promotes apoptosis in uveal melanoma cells via miR-512-3P/DUSPl axis
Zheng-Yang SUN ; Nan-Nan LIU ; Xue-Fei FAN ; Su-Huan CHEN ; Xiao-Yu CHEN ; Zheng-Yang SUN ; Wu-Qi CHEN ; Guang-Yi CHEN ; Yu-Bao SHAO ; Xiao-Yu CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):292-298
Aim To investigate the regulatory role and mechanism of resveratrol in inhibiting autophagy and promoting apoptosis in choroidal melanoma cells. Methods Choroidal melanoma cells (MUM2B) were divided into control and experimental groups, and treated with different concentrations of resveratrol (0, 10, 20,40,60,80 μmol ·L
5.Antiviral Efficacy and Mechanism of BD-77 Against Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
Lei BAO ; Qinhai MA ; Shanshan GUO ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Wen XIA ; Zihan GENG ; Jing SUN ; Yanyan BAO ; Zhou XU ; Shenglong YAN ; Jinxin XIAO ; Huarong CHEN ; Chenggang HUANG ; Xiaolan CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(13):45-51
ObjectiveThe human angiotensin converting enzyme2 (hACE2) transgenic mouse model was used to clarify the antiviral efficacy of BD-77 against a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and explore the action mechanism of BD-77 against SARS-CoV-2. MethodSARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Delta variant strains-infected VeroE6 cell models were established and administered with BD-77 to observe the antiviral effect of BD-77 in vitro. A kit was used to detect the effect of BD-77 in vitro on the binding of spike S protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus (Delta/Omicron) to angiotensin converting enzyme2 (ACE2). Chromatography was adopted to detect the binding of BD-77 to the S protein and N protein of the novel coronavirus. hACE2 transgenic C57BL/6 mice were divided into a blank control group, SARS-CoV-2 infection group, BD-77 administration groups of 37.5 mg·kg-1 and 75 mg·kg-1, with eight mice in each group. The pneumonia model of SARS-CoV-2-infected hACE2 transgenic mice was built to observe the survival of the mice, detect the virus titer of the lung tissue of the mice, and observe the lesions in the lung tissue. ResultBD-77 had a certain inhibitory effect on Omicron and Delta variant strains in vitro, with median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 526.3 mg·L-1 and 653.0 mg·L-1, respectively. BD-77 had no significant inhibitory effect on the binding of the S protein of WT, Omicron, and Delta variant strains of SARS-CoV-2 to ACE2 and had no binding effect with the S protein and N protein of the novel coronavirus. No mice in the blank group died, while the mortality rate of SARS-CoV-2-infected mice was 75%. There was a large amount of virus replication in the lung tissue of the mice and large areas of inflammatory infiltration in the lung tissue and interstitium. Compared with the model group, BD-77 administration groups of 37.5 mg·kg-1 and 75 mg·kg-1 could reduce the mortality of mice, significantly lower the virus titer in the lung tissue of mice (P<0.05), and improve lung lesions. ConclusionBD-77 demonstrated significant inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV-2 virus in vitro and in vivo. However, its mechanism of action did not involve direct inhibition of the virus itself or intervention in the virus-host binding process. This finding suggests that the mechanism of action of BD-77 needs to be thoroughly investigated and elucidated by further experiments.
6.Research progress in the role of gut microbiota in acute kidney injury
Tianxiao CHEN ; Chang CHANG ; Bao HOU ; Liying QIU ; Haijian SUN ; Xuexue ZHU
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2024;49(3):385-391
Acute kidney injury(AKI)remains a global public health problem with high incidence,high mortality rates,expensive medical costs,and limited treatment options.AKI can further progress to chronic kidney disease(CKD)and eventually end-stage renal disease(ESRD).Previous studies have shown that trauma,adverse drug reactions,surgery,and other factors are closely associated with AKI.With further in-depth exploration,the role of gut microbiota in AKI is gradually revealed.After AKI occurs,there are changes in the composition of gut microbiota,leading to disruption of the intestinal barrier,intestinal immune response,and bacterial translocation.Meanwhile,metabolites of gut microbiota can exacerbate the progression of AKI.Therefore,elucidating the specific mechanisms by which gut microbiota is involved in the occurrence and development of AKI can provide new insights from the perspective of intestinal microbiota for the prevention and treatment of AKI.
7.Sentinel surveillance data of influenza in Hunan Province from 2014 to 2023
Xiao-Lei WANG ; Chao-Yang HUANG ; Qian-Lai SUN ; Zhi-Hong DENG ; Yi-Wei HUANG ; Shan-Lu ZHAO ; Kai-Wei LUO ; Xiang REN ; Sheng-Bao CHEN ; Zhi-Hui DAI
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(11):1413-1420
Objective To understand the prevalence characteristics of influenza and changes of influenza virus strains,and provide reference for the prevention and control of influenza in the province.Methods Surveillance da-ta about influenza in Hunan Province from 2014 to 2023 were exported from China Influenza Surveillance Informa-tion System.Differences in the percentage of influenza-like illness(ILI)cases(percentage of influenza-like cases[ILI%]in outpatient and emergency department visits)among different years and different populations,as well as the positive rate of influenza virus in ILI specimens were compared.Results From 2014 to 2023,over 2.65 million cases of ILI were reported,with an ILI%of 4.70%.ILI%among different years presented statistically significant differences(P<0.001).People aged 0-14 years old were the main population with ILI,accounting for 82.90%.The positive rate of influenza virus in ILI specimens was 14.14%,the positive rate of influenza virus among diffe-rent years and age groups were both significantly different(both P<0.001).The main prevalent influenza strains from 2014 to 2023 included types A(H1N1),A(H3N2),B(Victoria),and B(Yamagata),alternating among di-fferent years.However,type B(Yamagata)strains were not detected from 2020 to 2023.There were basically two influenza prevalence seasons every year,namely winter-spring and summer.Conclusion People<15 years old are the main population of influenza,and the prevalence peaks are in winter-spring and summer.From 2021 to 2023,the prevalence alternates mainly among 3 types:A(H1N1),A(H3N2),and B(Victoria).
8.Research progress of miRNA in asthma:airway inflammation and en-dotype
Bahu BAO ; Weiying LIU ; Yucai YE ; Guorong CHEN ; Jingzi SUN ; Aoyan HU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2024;29(10):1194-1200
microRNA(miRNA)is a 22nt long sin-gle-stranded non-coding RNA that is involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes.Bronchial asthma is a heterogeneous disease,and airway inflammation is one of the important mecha-nisms of its pathogenesis.Asthma can be classified into different types based on the different immune mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis,and the mechanism of airway inflammation also varies be-tween different types of asthma.This article reviews the research progress of miRNA in asthma airway inflammation and endotype,and explores the pathogenesis and treatment prospects of miRNA in asthma airway inflammation and endotype.
9.A Novel Trifluoromethyl Quinazoline Compound Inhibits Drug-resistant Glioblastoma Cells Proliferation
Xiao-Zhong CHEN ; Shi-Nan WEI ; Heng LUO ; Peng ZHANG ; Ping SUN ; Bao-Fei SUN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2024;40(9):1250-1261
The current treatment of glioma is facing drug resistance,which limits the efficacy of traditional chemotherapy drugs.This study aims to explore the potential mechanisms of the trifluoromethylquinazoline compound(KZL204)against glioma.Through the Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)assay,we found that KZL204 significantly inhibits the growth of drug-resistant cancer cells,with a 48-hour half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)of 3.63±0.38 μmol/L,which is significantly better than the positive control drug temozolomide(TMZ)(IC50 value of 81.67±5.49 μmol/L).Additionally,flow cytometry analysis showed that KZL204 treatment significantly increased the apoptosis rate of drug-resistant tumor cells and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase.At the same time,the Transwell assay confirmed the inhibitory effect of KZL204 on the migration and invasion of drug-resistant cancer cells.Transcriptome analysis revealed 2 435 differentially expressed genes in drug-resistant cancer cells treated with KZL204,of which 1 320 were upregulated,and 1 115 were downregulated.KEGG and GO enrichment analysis showed that these differential genes were significantly enriched in apoptosis-related signaling pathways.Further bioinformatics prediction and Venn diagram analysis identified 35 potential core targets,with the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway being the most significant among the differentially expressed genes.Quantitative real-time PCR(RT-qPCR)experiments confirmed the downregulating effects of KZL204 on genes such as CREB3L1,CSF1,CXCL5,BCL3,and the upregulating effects on genes like FOS,LT A,PTGS2,MAP2K3.Immunoblotting experiments at the protein level also confirmed the impact of KZL204 on the expression of apoptotic proteins,including the upregulation of Bax,cleaved Caspase-3 protein,and the downregulation ofAKT,Bcl-2,Caspase-3,and Caspase-8 protein expression.In summary,KZL204 significantly inhibits the growth and metastasis of drug-resistant glioblastoma and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by regulating the PI3K-AKT and apoptosis-related signaling pathways,demonstrating its potential as a candidate drug against drug-resistant glioma.
10.Prognostic Value of Soluble ST2 Combined With NT-proBNP in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Jiuyue YANG ; Shumin CHANG ; Yihan SUN ; Qian YU ; Guiming CHEN ; Wenqi BAO ; Aijie HOU
Chinese Circulation Journal 2024;39(6):568-573
Objectives:To investigate the prognostic value of soluble growth stimulation expressed gene 2 protein(sST2)combined with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). Methods:A total of 206 patients who were diagnosed with STEMI for the first time and underwent emergency PCI from August 2020 to February 2021 in the People's Hospital of Liaoning Province were enrolled.Patients were followed up for 3 years and divided into major adverse cardiac event(MACE,a composite endpoint event including cardiac death,stroke,heart failure,and ischemia-driven revascularization)group and MACE-free group.Multivariate cox analysis was performed to determine the independent risk factors for the prognosis of primary PCI in STEMI patients;the predictive value of sST2 and NT-proBNP for the occurrence of MACE in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI was assessed by ROC analysis and the prediction of MACE by each factor by itself and the combined variables was analyzed with the Delong test. Results:There were 62 cases of MACE during the 3-year follow-up.Compared with the MACE-free group,patients in the MACE group had higher levels of sST2 and NT-proBNP,higher proportion of patients with left anterior descending branch lesions,anterior wall myocardial infarction,lower LVEF,and higher proportion of coronary artery slow flow(all P<0.05).Multivariate Cox analysis showed that sST2(HR=1.018,95%CI:1.012-1.024,P<0.001)and NT-proBNP(HR=1.001,95%CI:1.000-1.010,P<0.001)were independent predictors of MACE.According to the statistical analysis of ROC and Delong test,the AUC of combined sST2 and NT-proBNP in predicting MACE was 0.854,the sensitivity was 64.5%,the specificity was 93.1%,and the combined prediction of prognosis was better than that of individual prediction,with statistically significant difference(Z=2.119,P=0.034;Z=2.178,P=0.029). Conclusions:Serum sST2 and NT-proBNP are valuable predictors of MACE after emergency PCI in patients with STEMI,and the predictive efficacy increases with combined assessment of both sST2 and NT-proBNP.

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