This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of Juanbi Qianggu Formula(JBQGF), an empirical formula formulated by the prestigious doctor in traditional Chinese medicine, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis based on network pharmacology and cell function experiments. The main active components and targets of JBQGF were obtained through Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM), and the core targets underwent functional enrichment analysis and signaling pathway analysis. Cytoscape 3.6.0 was used to construct a visualized "active component-target-signaling pathway" network of JBQGF. After screening, nine potential pathways of JBQGF were obtained, mainly including G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway and tyrosine kinase receptor signaling pathway. As previously indicated, the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1(FGFR1) signaling pathway was highly activated in active fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLS) in rheumatoid arthritis, and cell and animal experiments demonstrated that inhibition of the FGFR1 signaling pathway could significantly reduce joint inflammation and joint destruction in collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) rats. In terms of the tyrosine kinase receptor signal transduction pathway, the analysis of its target genes revealed that FGFR1 might be a potential target of JBQGF for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. The biological effect of JBQGF by inhibiting FGFR1 phosphorylation was preliminarily verified by Western blot, Transwell invasion assay, and pannus erosion assay, thereby inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL) and suppressing the invasion of fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis and erosive effect of pannus bone. This study provides ideas for searching potential targets of rheumatoid arthritis treatment and TCM drugs through network pharmacology.
Rats ; Animals ; Synoviocytes ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/metabolism* ; Network Pharmacology ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1/therapeutic use* ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/genetics* ; Signal Transduction ; Fibroblasts ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC; or kidney renal clear cell carcinoma, KIRC), to analyze the relationship between the expression of FGFR2 and the clinical pathological features and prognosis of ccRCC, to study the relationship between the expression of FGFR2 and other molecules, and to explore its role in the development of ccRCC. METHODS: Gene expressional and clinical information of ccRCC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) database. Next, the data were transformed and collated. In the study, 104 clinical ccRCC samples and corresponding paracancerous normal tissue samples were collected from Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed and the staining results were scored, so as to compare the expression of FGFR2 in ccRCC and paracancerous normal tissues. Besides, quantify real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression level of FGFR2 in normal renal epithelial cell lines (293) and ccRCC cell lines (786-O, 769-P, OSRC-2, Caki-1, ACHN, and A498). In addition, the relationship between FGFR2 expression and clinical pathological characteristics (including TNM staging and pathological grading) and survival prognosis in ccRCC patients was further analyzed. Furthermore, the relationship between FGFR2 expression and B cells, T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and neutrophil infiltration in the ccRCC patients was analyzed, and the Biological General Repository for Interactionh Datasets (BioGRID) was used to builds protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks to study molecules that interacted with the FGFR2 protein. RESULTS: In the TCGA database, the expression of FGFR2 was down-regulated in ccRCC tissue samples compared with normal tissue samples, and the expression in the GEO database also showed this differences. Furthermore, FGFR2 expression was downregulated in ccRCC clinical samples and ccRCC cell lines, compared with corresponding paracancerous normal tissue or normal renal epithelial cell lines. In addition, FGFR2 high expression was associated with earlier, lower-level ccRCC and was associated with a better prognosis in the patients with ccRCC. Moreover, FGFR2 expression was not significantly related to B cells, T cells, NK cells and neutrophil infiltration, and the PPI network showed that FGFR2 protein interacted with certain molecules. CONCLUSION Our work sheds light on the potential role of FGFR2 in the development of ccRCC, suggesting that FGFR2 may serve as a prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target for patients with ccRCC.
Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis* ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell/pathology* ; Humans ; Kidney Neoplasms/pathology* ; Prognosis ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antitumor effect of ponatinib on the growth of cholangiocarcinoma xenograft derived from a clinical patient in a mouse model expressing FGFR2-CCDC6 fusion protein. METHODS: Lung metastatic tumor tissue was collected from a patient with advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and implanted subcutaneously a NOD/SCID/ Il2rg-knockout (NSG) mouse. The tumor tissues were harvested and transplanted in nude mice to establish mouse models bearing patient-derived xenograft (PDX) of cholangiocarcinoma expressing FGFR2-CCDC6 fusion protein. The PDX mouse models were divided into 4 groups for treatment with citrate buffer (control group), intragastric administration of 20 mg/kg ponatinib dissolved in citrate buffer (ponatinib group), weekly intraperitoneal injections of 50 mg/kg gemcitabine and 2.5 mg/ kg cisplatin (gemcitabine group), or ponatinib combined with gemcitabine and cisplatin at the same doses (10 mice in each group, and 9 mice were evaluated in ponatinib group). The expressions of p-FGFR, p-FRS2, p-AKT, p-ERK, CD31, and Ki-67 in the xenografts were evaluated with immunohistochemistry, and cell apoptosis was analyzed with cleaved caspase-3 (CC3) staining and TUNEL staining. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of FGFR2, p-FGFR, AKT, p-AKT, ERK, p-ERK, FRS2 and p-FRS2 in the tumor tissues. RESULTS: Compared with those in the control group, the mice in ponatinib group showed a significantly reduced tumor volume ( CONCLUSIONS Ponatinib can regulate FGFR signaling to inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of tumor cells in mice bearing patient-derived cholangiocarcinoma xenograft with FGFR2 fusion. FGFR inhibitor can serve as a treatment option for patients with cholangiocarcinoma with FGFR2 fusion.
Animals ; Bile Duct Neoplasms/genetics* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Cholangiocarcinoma/genetics* ; Cytoskeletal Proteins ; Heterografts ; Humans ; Imidazoles ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred NOD ; Mice, Nude ; Mice, SCID ; Pyridazines ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2 ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Antley-Bixler syndrome (ABS) is a rare childhood disorder affecting skeletal development. Some patients may also have genital anomalies and impaired steroidogenesis. Diagnostic criteria for ABS has not been fully established, though craniosynostosis, midface hypoplasia and elbow synostosis are minimum requirements. The etiology of ABS is complex, which included autosomal dominant form caused by FGFR2 gene mutations, autosomal recessive form caused by POR gene mutations, and high oral dose of fluconazole during pregnancy. Patients may die from dyspnea due to upper respiratory tract obstruction. This review summarizes research progress on the clinical features, etiology, differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ABS.
Animals ; Antley-Bixler Syndrome Phenotype ; diagnosis ; etiology ; genetics ; therapy ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System ; genetics ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Fetus ; drug effects ; Fluconazole ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2 ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo detect potential mutations of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 gene (FGFR2) in two Chinese families with Crouzon syndrome.

METHODSGenomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes of 20 members from two affected families. All of the 18 exons of the FGFR2 gene were amplified with polymerase chain reaction and sequenced after purification.

RESULTSA missense mutation c.868T>C (p.W290R) in exon 8 of the FGFR2 gene was found solely in 2 affected members from family 1. Another missense mutation c.833G>T (p.C278F) in exon 8 was found solely in 5 affected members of family 2.

CONCLUSIONThe missense mutations of the FGFR2 gene are responsible for the Crouzon syndrome in the two families. The c.868T>C missense mutation is reported for the first time in Chinese population.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; China ; Craniofacial Dysostosis ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation, Missense ; Pedigree ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2 ; genetics ; Young Adult

Apert syndrome (AS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterised by craniosynostosis and limb malformations, and is associated with congenital heart disease and other systemic malformations, including intellectual disability. We report two Indonesian patients with AS, in whom molecular analysis detected p.Ser252Trp (c.755C>G) and p.Pro253Arg (c.758C>G) mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene, respectively. Although the syndrome has been frequently described, this is the first clinical report of AS confirmed by molecular analysis in Indonesia. The difference in severity of clinical features in the two patients may be consistent with a genotype-phenotype correlation of the FGFR2mutation. The management of individuals with AS is best achieved within a multidisciplinary setting. However, in most developing countries, early intervention may be delayed due to late diagnosis, a lack of facilities and financial constraints. This report underpins the benefits of early diagnosis for AS management.
Acrocephalosyndactylia ; diagnosis ; ethnology ; genetics ; Arginine ; analysis ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Fatal Outcome ; Genetic Association Studies ; Humans ; Indonesia ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Mutation ; Proline ; analysis ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2 ; genetics ; Serine ; analysis ; Tryptophan ; analysis

BACKGROUNDKeratinocyte growth factor (KGF) significantly influences epithelial wound healing. The aim of this study was to isolate KGF phage model peptides from a phage display 7-mer peptide library to evaluate their effect on promoting epidermal cell proliferation.

METHODSA phage display 7-mer peptide library was screened using monoclonal anti-human KGF antibody as the target. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to select monoclonal phages with good binding activity. DNA sequencing was done to find the similarities of model peptides. Three-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, immunofluorescence assay and quantitative real-time PCR analysis were employed to evaluate the effect of the phage model peptides on epidermal cells.

RESULTSThirty-three out of fifty-eight (56.9%) of the isolated monoclonal phages exhibited high binding activity by ELISA. Ten of fifteen obtained phage model peptides were similar to KGF or epidermal growth factor (EGF). MTT assay data showed that four (No. 1 - 4) of the ten phage model peptides could promote epidermal cell proliferation. The expression of keratinocyte growth factor receptor (KGFR) mRNA in the KGF control group and the two phage model peptide groups (No. 1 and No. 2) increased. Expression of c-Fos mRNA and c-Jun mRNA in the KGF control group increased, but did not increase in the four phage model peptide groups (No.1 - 4).

CONCLUSIONFour phage model peptides isolated from the phage display 7-mer peptide library can safely promote epidermal cell proliferation without tumorigenic effect.

Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Epidermis ; cytology ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 7 ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Peptide Library ; Peptides ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2 ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo determine the disease-causing mutation in a Chinese patient with Apert syndrome (AS).

METHODSGenomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the AS patient and his parents. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the exons 7 and 9 of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene. Then PCR products were sequenced bi-directionally.

RESULTSA heterozygous 934C to G transversion in exon 7 of the FGFR2 gene was detected in the patient, which resulted in the substitution of tryptophan residue for serine at position 252 of FGFR2 protein (S252W). This mutation has been reported in AS patients previously.

CONCLUSIONThis Chinese AS results from the 934 C to G mutation in exon 7 of FGFR2 gene.

Acrocephalosyndactylia ; genetics ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Child ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Mutation ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2 ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 gene (FGFR2) rs2981582 polymorphism with breast cancer in Chinese women.

METHODSA case-control study was performed in 936 breast cancer patients and 471 patients with benign breast diseases by using a novel fluorescent quantitative PCR method.

RESULTSThe numbers and frequencies of genotypes CC, CT, and TT in the control group were 234(49.68%), 181(38.43%) and 56(11.89%) respectively. The numbers and frequencies of genotypes CC, CT, and TT in the breast cancer group were 426(44.56%), 400(41.84%) and 130(13.60%) respectively. And no significant difference was found between the two groups (P=0.183). However, stratified analysis found that the numbers and frequencies of genotypes CC, CT, TT in the estrogen receptor(ER) positive subgroup of breast cancer patients were 189(41.27%), 202(46.12%) and 67(14.63%) respectively, and significant difference was observed compared with control group (P=0.035).

CONCLUSIONAssociation was found in the single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) of the rs2981582 locus of intron 2 in FGFR2 gene between the ER positive breast cancer patients and control patients with benign breast diseases. The fluorescent quantitative PCR is a specific, easy-to-operate, low-expense method and is suitable for SNP detection in large scale samples.

Breast Neoplasms ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; genetics ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2 ; genetics ; Receptors, Estrogen ; genetics

The study investigated the effects of adenovirus-mediated gene transfection of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), bFGF combined with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-Ra) and/or insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) both in human osteoarthritis (OA) chondrocytes and rabbits OA model. Human OA chondrocytes were delivered by adenovirus-mediated bFGF, IL-Ra and IGF-1 vectors, respectively. Chondrocyte proliferation, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, expression of type II collagen, ADAMTS-5, MMP-13, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 were determined. Rabbit OA model was induced by anterior cruciate ligament transaction (ACLT) in knees. Adenoviral vectors encoding human bFGF, IL-Ra and IGF-1 were injected intraarticularly into the knee joints after ACLT. The effects of adenovirus- mediated gene transfection on rabbit OA were evaluated. In vitro, the transfected genes were expressed in cell supernatant of human OA chondrocytes. AdbFGF group significantly promoted chondrocyte proliferation, and increased GAG and type II collagen synthesis than in the OA group. As two or three genes were transfected in different combinations, there was significant enhancement on the GAG content, type II collagen synthesis, and TIMP-1 levels, while ADAMTS-5, MMP-13, and MMP-3 levels were reduced. In vivo, the transfected genes were expressed in synovial fluid of rabbits. Intraarticular delivery of bFGF enhanced the expression of type II collagen in cartilage and decreased cartilage Mankin score compared with the OA control group (P = 0.047; P < 0.01, respectively). Multiple-gene transfection in different combinations showed better results than bFGF transfection alone. This study suggests that bFGF gene transfection is effective in treating experimental OA. Multiple gene transfection has better biologic effects on OA.
Adenoviridae/*genetics ; Animals ; Chondrocytes/drug effects/*metabolism ; Collagen Type II/genetics/metabolism ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/*genetics ; Gene Therapy/methods ; Genetic Vectors/administration & dosage/*genetics ; Humans ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/*genetics/metabolism ; Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein/*genetics/metabolism ; Interleukin-1/genetics/metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 13/genetics/metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 3/genetics/metabolism ; Osteoarthritis/*therapy ; Rabbits ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1/genetics ; Transfection