RESPIRATORY RESEARCH
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2025
·Vol. 26
·期 1
·1-17
·
IF 5
Ren Shencheng,Zhu Junkan,Shan Guangyao,Liang Jiaqi,Bian Yunyi,Lin Han,Shi Haochun,Pan Binyang,Zhao Guangyin,Yang Huiqin,Huang Xiaolong,Zhan Cheng,Ge Di,Bi Guoshu
Background Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) being the most prevalent subtype. Despite extensive research efforts, the role of transcription factors in LUAD progression remains largely uncharacterized. In this study, we focused on ZNF266, a transcription factor whose impacts on LUAD have not been investigated. Methods Using high-throughput sequencing data, we observed a significant downregulation of ZNF266 expression in LUAD tissues. To validate this finding, we conducted a retrospective analysis of nearly three thousand LUAD patients’ data from public databases and our institution. Functional studies were performed using cell lines, organoids, and xenograft models to assess the role of ZNF266 in LUAD progression. RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation, DNA pull-down assays, and dual-luciferase reporter assays were employed to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Additionally, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated overexpression of ZNF266 was used to evaluate its therapeutic potential. Results Patients with low ZNF266 expression had poorer prognosis compared to those with high expression. ZNF266 inhibits the malignant phenotypes of LUAD, including proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, ZNF266 binds to the promoter region of CA9, suppressing its transcription. This leads to a reduction in intracellular pH and subsequent inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway, which is crucial for cancer cell growth and survival. Furthermore, AAV-mediated overexpression of ZNF266 significantly inhibited tumor growth in patient-derived xenograft models. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that ZNF266 inhibits LUAD progression in a pH-dependent manner via modulating CA9 expression, uncovering its therapeutic significance for LUAD treatment.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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分子生物学
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医学遗传学
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PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
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2025
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IF 4.7
Xianghong Wang,Rong Lin,Dehai Li,Weiyuan Ye,Zhe Yang,Niujian Wu,Qiong Wen,Jingyi Tan,Chuanchuan Sun,Zhinan Yin,Hongyun Lu,Hengwen Yang
Previous studies have established that γδ T cells play a significant role in liver fibrosis. However, their specific functions and mechanisms in fibrotic liver tissue remain unclear. Using online microarray expression profiles, we observed that USF3 was upregulated in patients with liver fibrosis and was associated with immune cells. Additionally, increases in the expression of USF3 correlated with elevated levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in γδ T cells. However, the regulatory impact of USF3 on T cells, particularly in relation to fibrosis, has not been sufficiently elucidated. In this study, we employed conditional knockout mice (USF3 f/f ; CD2-cre) to investigate the role of USF3 in γδ T cells. The conditional knockout of USF3 resulted in an increase in both the number and proliferation of γδ T cells, which was associated with mTOR signaling pathway activation. The absence of USF3 significantly enhanced the expression of Eomes in γδ T cells, leading to an increase in IFN-γ production. Importantly, liver fibrosis was alleviated in USF3 conditional knockout mice, which was potentially linked to the enhanced proliferation of γδ T cells and the elevated expression of cytotoxic molecules, including IFN-γ. In summary, targeting USF3 in γδ T cells may represent a promising immunotherapeutic approach for liver fibrosis.
研究领域:
免疫学
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肝脏病学
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分子生物学
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PubMed
高影响因子
TOXICOLOGY LETTERS
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2022
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IF 4.271
Rongzhe Zhu,Xiaochen Liu,Qiupeng Xue,Xiaoru Dong,Tianyi Zhang,Yan Jiang
Previous surveys have revealed that mirtazapine (MIR), one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, is associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiac events compared with other newer antidepressants. Chronic ethanol (EtOH) abuse could also lead to myocardial injuries. Concerning the common comorbidity of major depression and alcohol dependence, combined consumption of MIR and EtOH might be prevalent in patients with depression, resulting in an additive or synergistic cardiotoxic effect. To this end, the present study evaluated cardiotoxicity induced by MIR-plus-EtOH in vivo (male C57BL/6J mice) and in vitro (H9c2 cardiomyoblasts), Further research on the role of autophagy and underlying signaling pathway were carried out in H9c2 cells. We found that EtOH exacerbated MIR-induced cardiotoxicity both in vivo and in vitro . Furthermore, EtOH significantly potentiated MIR-induced dysfunctional autophagy as reflected by upregulated protein levels of LC3-II, p62, Beclin1 and LAMP-1. Pharmacological inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine alleviated MIR-plus-EtOH-induced myocardial injury. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a positive regulator of autophagy. In our work, HMGB1 knockdown decreased autophagosome accumulation and boosted viability in H9c2 cells. Additionally, HMGB1 blockage markedly upregulated p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR levels which were suppressed in MIR-plus-EtOH treated cells. In general, the present study demonstrates that EtOH potentiates MIR-induced cardiotoxicity which might be attributed to dysfunctional autophagy via inhibiting Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, while HMGB1 knockdown might contribute to improve autophagy flux.
研究领域:
药理学
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心脏病学
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细胞生物学
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毒理学
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PubMed
高影响因子
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
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2024
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IF 4.7
Long Zhang,Weibin Li,Xiaohui Chen,Dongmin Cao,Siyuan You,Fan Shi,Zhengqiong Luo,Hongyu Li,Xiangchen Zeng,Yabin Song,Na Li,Yoshie Akimoto,Gang Rui,Yu Chen,Zuoxing Wu,Ren Xu
Bone metastases caused by breast cancer pose a major challenge to the successful treatment of breast cancer patients. Many researchers have suggested that herbal medicines are extremely effective at preventing and treating cancer-associated osteolysis. Previous studies have revealed that Morusin (MOR) is cytotoxic to many cancer cells ex vivo . Nevertheless, how MOR contributes to osteolysis induced by breast cancer is still unknown, and the potential mechanism of action against osteolysis is worthy of further study. The protective effect and molecular mechanism of MOR in inhibiting breast cancer cell-induced osteolysis were verified by experiments and network pharmacology. Cell function was assessed by cell proliferation, osteoclast (OC) formation, bone resorption, and phalloidin staining. Tumour growth was examined by micro-CT scanning in vivo . To identify potential MOR treatments, the active ingredient–target pathway of breast cancer was screened using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. This study is the first to report that MOR can prevent osteolysis induced by breast cancer cells. Specifically, our results revealed that MOR inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and restrains the proliferation, invasion and migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cells through restraining the PI3K/AKT/MTOR signalling pathway. Notably, MOR prevented bone loss caused by breast cancer cell-induced osteolysis in vivo , indicating that MOR inhibited the development of OCs and the resorption of bone, which are essential for cancer cell-associated bone distraction. This study showed that MOR treatment inhibited osteolysis induced by breast cancer in vivo . MOR inhibited OC differentiation and bone resorption ex vivo and in vivo and might be a potential drug candidate for treating breast cancer-induced osteolysis.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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PubMed
高影响因子
Molecular Medicine Reports
·
2019
·Vol. 19
·期 5
·3658-3666
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IF 1.851
Jin Xu,Yin Ying,Gaoyun Xiong,Liqin Lai,Qingliang Wang,Yue Yang
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of cancer originating in the nasopharynx. There are no NPC‑specific treatments available at present. Serpin peptidase inhibitor clade C member 1 (SERPINC1) serves roles in anticoagulation and anti‑inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of SERPINC1 in the proliferation and apoptosis of NPC cells. Tumor and adjacent healthy tissue samples were collected from patients with NPC. Additionally, the SERPINC1 gene was silenced in the HNE3 cell line using short interfering RNA targeted against SERPINC1 (SERPINC1‑siRNA). Cell viability was determined via a Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay; furthermore, proliferation and apoptosis were investigated via flow cytometry. Western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis were performed to determine the expression levels of protein and mRNA. It was revealed that the expression levels of SERPINC1 mRNA and protein were increased in NPC tumor tissues compared with in adjacent healthy tissues. The expression of SERPINC1 mRNA and protein in HNE3 cells decreased following SERPINC1‑siRNA transfection. Furthermore, knockdown of SERPINC1 promoted apoptosis and inhibited proliferation. It was also demonstrated that silencing SERPINC1 upregulated the expression of B‑cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl‑2)‑associated X protein and p53 mRNA and protein, and downregulated that of Bcl‑2, survivin and cyclin D1. Downregulation of SERPINC1 reduced the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Thus, SERPINC1 knockdown may promote the apoptosis of HNE3 cells and inhibit proliferation via the suppression of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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高影响因子
NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERGS ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY
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2024
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IF 3.1
Wang Guanghui,Cheng Jianxiang,Yao Meizhen,Li Jing,Chen Ting,Zhang Jia,Du Wensheng,Chen Youguo
Ovarian cancer stands as the foremost cause of mortality among gynaecological diseases globally, characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Pinocembrin, a flavonoid from natural plant sources, exhibits diverse pharmacological properties. Despite its known pharmacological activities, its specific role in ovarian cancer treatment remains scarcely reported, and its precise molecular mechanism remains elusive. This study integrates network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques to explore pinocembrin’s potential mechanism in ovarian cancer treatment. The targets of pinocembrin were compiled from the several online databases. Ovarian cancer targets were identified using the GeneCards database, with common target genes determined by data aggregation. Protein–protein interactions were analysed using the STRING platform. Subsequent Gene Ontology functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were performed. Molecular docking assessed the binding affinity between potential targets and active compounds. Finally, target validity was verified through in vitro experiments. We identified 163 potential pinocembrin targets for ovarian cancer treatment. GO and KEGG analyses revealed pinocembrin’s involvement in protein kinase activity, protein phosphorylation, protein kinase complexes and cancer pathways in ovarian cancer treatment. Molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinity between pinocembrin and most potential target active sites. In vitro experiments suggested pinocembrin’s potential to induce apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells through the AKT1-mTOR signalling pathway. This study comprehensively elucidates pinocembrin’s potential targets and mechanisms against ovarian cancer, aiming to provide promising candidates for developing novel and effective alternative and/or complementary nutritional supplements for the clinical treatment of ovarian cancer.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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药理学
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生物信息学
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PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
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2020
·Vol. 25
·期 2
·1140-1150
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IF 4.486
Jie Xu,Dazhi Chen,Lanling Jin,Zhengkang Chen,Yulu Tu,Xiaozhe Huang,Feiben Xue,Jialu Xu,Mingzhuan Chen,Xiaodong Wang,Yongping Chen
Inflammation and fibrosis are major consequences of autoimmune hepatitis, however, the therapeutic mechanism remains to be investigated. USP4 is a deubiquitinating enzyme and plays an important role in tissue fibrosis and immune disease. Vialinin A is an extract from mushroom and is a specific USP4 inhibitor. However, there is lack of evidences that Vialinin A plays a role in autoimmune hepatitis. By employing S100-induced autoimmune hepatitis in mice and AML12 cell line, therapeutic mechanism of Vialinin A was examined. Inflammation was documented by liver histological staining and inflammatory cytokines. Fibrosis was demonstrated by Masson, Sirius red staining and fibrotic cytokines with western blot and real-time RT-PCR. In experimental animal, there were increases in inflammation and fibrosis as well as USP4, and which were reduced after treatment of Vialinin A. Vialinin A also reduced Rheb and phosphorylated mTOR. Moreover, in LPS-treated AML12 cells, LPS-induced USP4, inflammatory and fibrotic cytokines, phosphorylated mTOR and Rheb. Specific inhibitory siRNA of USP4 reduced USP4 level and the parameters mentioned above. In conclusion, USP4 was significantly elevated in autoimmune hepatitis mice and Vialinin A reduced USP4 level and attenuate inflammation and fibrosis in the liver. The mechanism may be related to regulation of Rheb/mTOR signalling.
研究领域:
药理学
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免疫学
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肝病学
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PubMed
高影响因子
OncoTargets and Therapy
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2022
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IF 4.345
Xiaoli Li,Guangbei Zhu,Xintong Yao,Ning Wang,Ronghui Hu,Qingxin Kong,Duanfang Zhou,Liangyuan Long,Jiali Cai,Weiying Zhou
Background Celastrol is a major active component of the thunder god vine (Tripterygium wilfordii) used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Celastrol inhibits PI3K–Akt–mTOR signaling, which is frequently dysregulated in tumors and critical for tumor-cell proliferation and survival, but the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. In the present study, we investigated detailed mechanisms of celastrol inhibition of mTOR signaling in breast cancer cells.Methods First, we evaluated the effect of celastrol on breast cancer-cell growth using MTT assays. Second, we examined the effects of celastrol on mTOR phosphorylation and expression using Western blot. Furthermore, we investigated the cause of mTOR downregulation by celastrol using immunoprecipitation assays. In addition, we evaluated the effect of celastrol on an MDA-MB231 cell-derived xenograft model.Results Celastrol suppressed breast cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Celastrol inhibited mTOR phosphorylation and induced mTOR ubiquitination, resulting in its proteasomal degradation. Mechanistically, we found that mTOR is a client of Hsp90–Cdc37 chaperone complex, and celastrol disrupts mTOR interaction with chaperone Hsp90 while promoting mTOR association with cochaperone Cdc37.Conclusion Our study reveals that celastrol suppresses mTOR signaling, at least in part through regulating its association with chaperones and inducing its ubiquitination.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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传统中药
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PubMed
高影响因子
Stem Cell Research & Therapy
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2024
·Vol. 15
·期 1
·1-15
·
IF 7.1
Wang Ping,Wang Min,Liu Lin,Li Hongyi,Liu Helin,Ren Jiangbo,Liu Tianhui,Cong Min,Zhu Zhijun,Zhao Xinyan,Sun Liying,Jia Jidong
Background Hepatic progenitor cells serve not only as the origin of combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) but are also responsible for malignancy recurrence after surgical resection. Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) has been implicated in cancer metastasis and poor prognosis. This study aimed to determine the expression of NPM1 by hepatic progenitor cells in cHCC-CCA and the effects of targeting NPM1 on hepatic progenitor cells and BEL-7402 cells with characteristics of both progenitor cells and cHCC-CCA. Methods First, NPM1 was detected by RT‒PCR, western blotting, and double-immunofluorescence staining in cHCC-CCA tissues. NPM1 expression was subsequently analysed in rat hepatic progenitor cells cultured in vitro and in interleukin 6 (IL6)-treated cells. The effects and mechanism of NPM1 on hepatic progenitor cells were determined by knocking down NPM1 and performing RNA sequencing analysis. Finally, NSC348884, a small-molecule inhibitor that disrupts NPM1 dimer formation, was used to confirm the function of NPM1 in BEL-7402 cells. Results Both human hepatic progenitor cells in cHCC-CCA tissues and rat in vitro cultured hepatic progenitor cells highly expressed NPM1. IL6, a cytokine involved in the malignant transformation of hepatic progenitor cells, dose-dependently increased NPM1 and PCNA expression. Knocking down NPM1 reduced IL6R transcription ( P < 0.0001) and inhibited the proliferation ( P = 0.0065) of hepatic progenitor cells by suppressing the mTOR signalling pathway and activating the apoptosis pathway. Furthermore, knocking down NPM1 in hepatic progenitor cells resulted in more apoptotic cells (7.33 ± 0.09% vs. 3.76 ± 0.13%, P < 0.0001) but fewer apoptotic cells in the presence of NSC348884 (47.57 ± 0.49% vs. 63.40 ± 0.05%, P = 0.0008) than in the control cells, suggesting that low-NPM1-expressing cells are more resistant to NSC348884. In addition, NSC348884 induced the apoptosis of BEL-7402 cells with an IC50 of 2.77 μmol/L via the downregulation of the IL-6R and mTOR signalling pathways and inhibited the growth of BEL-7402 cells in a subcutaneous xenograft tumour model ( P = 0.0457). Conclusions Targeting NPM1 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in hepatic progenitor cells and BEL-7402 cells, thus serving as a potential therapy for cHCC-CCA.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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PubMed
高影响因子
Biomed Research International
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2021
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IF 3.411
Fengqin Wang,Hanzhong Zhang,Zhigang Cheng
EPHA2 is a member of the ephrin receptor tyrosine kinase family and is closely related to the malignant tumor progression. The effect of EPHA2 on OSCC is not clear. This study explored the role of EPHA2 and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways in Cal-27 cell invasion and migration. The expression of EPHA2 and EPHA4 in human OSCC and normal oral tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. EPHA2-overexpressing and EPHA2-knockdown Cal-27 cells were established, and the cells were treated with an AKT inhibitor (MK2206) and mTOR inhibitor (RAD001). The expression of EPHA2 was detected by qRT-PCR, cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay, cell migration and invasion were examined by scratch and Transwell assay, and cell morphology and apoptosis were assessed by Hoechst 33258 staining. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of proteins related to AKT/mTOR signaling, cell cycle, and pseudopod invasion. EPHA2 and EPHA4 were highly expressed in clinical human OSCC. Overexpression of EPHA2 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of Cal-27 cells, inhibited cell cycle blockage and apoptosis, and enhanced the activity of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. MK2206 (AKT inhibitor) and RAD001 (mTOR inhibitor) reversed the effect of EPHA2 overexpression on the biological behavior of Cal-27 cells. EPHA2 promotes the invasion and migration of Cal-27 human OSCC cells by enhancing the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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PubMed
高影响因子
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
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2015
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IF 1.062
Chong Shi,Guo-Bin Zhang,Shu-Wang Yin
Objective To explore the effect of bortezomib on migration and invasion of cervical carcinoma HeLa cell and specific molecular mechanism. Methods The effect of bortezomib on the viability of HeLa cell was measured by MTT assay. The effect of bortezomib on cell migration and invasion was measured by Transwell assay and invasion experiment respectively. The activation of Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and expression level of MMP2, MMP9 were assayed by western blot. Results MTT assay indicated bortezomib (2.5 μM, 5 μM, 10 μM) could inhibit HeLa cell viability, and the inhibitory rate was highest at 48 h. Transwell assay and invasion experiment results showed that bortezomib inhibited HeLa cell migration and invasion. Western blotting assays presented bortezomib could suppress the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR, and down-regulate the expression of MMP2 and MMP9. Conclusions These results suggested bortezomib could inhibit migration and invasion in cervical carcinoma HeLa cell, which might be related to Akt/mTOR signal pathway.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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细胞生物学
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药理学
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PubMed
高影响因子
Agriculture-Basel
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2022
·Vol. 12
·期 7
·988
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IF 3.408
Yaojun Liu,Wenqiang Shen,Tao Liu,Rainer Mosenthin,Yinghui Bao,Peng Chen,Wenbo Hao,Lihong Zhao,Jianyun Zhang,Cheng Ji,Qiugang Ma
(1) Background: L-carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine), a natural dipeptide, exists at relatively high concentrations in skeletal muscles, and has been shown to protect cells from adverse conditions due to its antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-glycation, and buffering properties. Satellite cells (SCs), residing on the myofiber surface, are crucial for muscle post-growth and regeneration. However, the effects of L-carnosine on muscle development of pigs in vivo, on proliferation and growth of SCs in vitro, and the relationship between SCs and muscle development have not yet been investigated. (2) Methods: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of dietary L-carnosine on growth performance andlongissimus dorsimuscle development of pigs in vivo, and to elaborate its molecular mechanisms in vitro using L-carnosine-treated SCs. (3) Results: It was shown that L-carnosine supplementation (0.2 and 2 mM) increased (p< 0.05) SC proliferation and cell percentage in the synthesis (S) phase and decreased cell percentage in the resting (G0)/first gap (G1)/phase. Moreover, average daily gain (ADG) of pigs fed diets containing 0.1% of L-carnosine was higher (p< 0.05) than that of pigs fed diets without L-carnosine, and thelongissimus dorsimuscle weight of pigs assigned to the L-carnosine treatments was 7.95% higher compared to control pigs. Both in thelongissimus dorsimuscle and cultured SCs of pigs, the Akt/mTOR/S6K signaling pathway was activated (p< 0.05), suggesting that L-carnosine improved muscle growth and SC proliferation of pigs. (4) Conclusions: Considering the important role of SCs in post-natal muscle growth, there is evidence that L-carnosine may improve muscle growth of pigs through promoting SC proliferation via activating the Akt/mTOR/S6K signaling pathway.Keywords:L-carnosine;satellite cells;proliferation;mTOR signaling pathway;muscle growth
研究领域:
动物科学
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分子生物学
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营养学
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高影响因子
危险品化学品经营许可证（带存储）