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piRNA is a class of small non-coding RNA which specifically binds with PIWI protein. It is mainly expressed in germ cells and involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis. The role of piRNA pathway in the regulation of spermatogenesis mainly includes inhibition of transposons, induction of mRNA translation or degradation, and mediation of degradation of Miwi ubiquitination in late-stage sperm cells. With the detection of piRNA in seminal plasma, more attention has been attracted to whether piRNA can be used as a non-invasive molecular biomarker for the evaluation of spermatogenesis. This paper has reviewed recent studies on the mechanism of piRNA pathways mediating spermatogenesis and potential roles of piRNA disorders in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.

Objective: To clarify the effect and the mechanism of G protein-coupled receptor class C group 5 member A (GPRC5A) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in human gingival fibroblasts (GFs), thus to provide a foundation for delving into the role of G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) in periodontitis. Methods: Gingival tissue samples were collected from 3 individuals periodontally healthy (health group) and 3 patients with periodontitis (periodontitis group) in Shandong Stomatological Hospital from December 2022 to February 2023. The expressions of GPRC5A of the two groups were detected by immunohistochemistry staining. GFs used in this study were isolated from a portion of gingiva for the extraction of impacted teeth in School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University from December 2022 to February 2023. GFs were isolated with enzymic digestion and transfected with 30, 50 and 80 μmol/L small interfering RNA-GPRC5A (siGPRC5A) or small interfering RNA-negative control (siNC), regarded as the experimental group and the negative control one, respectively. The silencing efficiency of siGPRC5A was evaluated by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Experiments were then conducted using these cells which were divided into four groups of negative control (NC), LPS, siGPRC5A+LPS and siGPRC5A. The mRNA and protein levels of GPRC5A in GFs under 1 mg/L LPS-induced GFs inflammatory state were evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western blotting analysis after GPRC5A knockdown. RT-qPCR was used to detect the gene expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines in GFs induced by LPS, namely, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) after GPRC5A knockdown. Western blotting analysis and immunofluorescence staining were used to further investigate the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Results: Immunohistochemistry staining showed that the expression of GPRC5A in gingival tissues of periodontitis group (0.132±0.006) increased compared with that in periodontally healthy group (0.036±0.019) ( t= 8.24, P= 0.001). Meanwhile, RT-qPCR results showed that the gene expression levels of GPRC5A at different time point (2, 6, 12, 24 h) in LPS-induced GFs (0.026±0.002, 0.042±0.005, 0.004±0.000, 0.016±0.000) were upregulated compared with those in the NC group (0.004±0.000, 0.004±0.000, 0.002±0.000, 0.007±0.000) (all P< 0.001), respectively, and peaked at 6 h. The 50 μmol/L group displayed the most significant decrease in siGPRC5A expression (31.16±3.29) compared with that of the siNC group (100.00±4.88) ( F= 297.98, P< 0.001). The results of RT-qPCR and Western blotting analysis showed that siGPRC5A (0.27±0.03, 0.71±0.00) suppressed the expressions of GPRC5A at both gene and protein levels, while LPS (1.30±0.10, 1.43±0.03) was able to promote the expressions of GPRC5A compared with those of the NC group (1.00±0.01, 1.00±0.00)(all P <0.001). The siGPRC5A+LPS group (0.39±0.03, 1.06±0.16) also inhibited the increase of GPRC5A at both gene and protein levels induced by LPS (1.30±0.10, 1.43±0.03) ( F= 208.38, P< 0.001; F= 42.04, P< 0.001). RT-qPCR results showed that the expressions of IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and PTGS2 at the gene level in LPS group were highly increased compared with those in the NC group (all P< 0.001). siGPRC5A significantly suppressed LPS-induced expressions of these inflammatory cytokines in GFs (all P< 0.001). Western blotting analysis showed that the levels of p65 and IκBα protein phosphorylation in the LPS group were highly increased compared with those in the NC group, and siGPRC5A could effectively suppressed LPS-induced protein phosphorylation (all P< 0.01). Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining showed that NF-κB p65 in the control group was mainly concentrated in the cytoplasm, and partially translocated to the nucleus under the stimulation of LPS. siGPRC5A was able to inhibit LPS-induced intranuclear translocation of p65 to a certain extent. Conclusions: GPRC5A expression was upregulated in periodontitis, and GPRC5A knockdown inhibited LPS-induced inflammation. Moreover, GPRC5A played a role in inflammation regulation by interacting with NF-κB signaling pathway.

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of metformin for regulating tumor-stromal cell cross-talk in breast cancer., Methods: Tumor associated fibroblasts (CAFs) co-cultured with breast cancer cells were treated with metformin, and the changes in expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1 α ), p-AMPK, stroma-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in the CAFs were detected using ELISA, RT-qPCR or Western blotting; Transwell assay was used to evaluate the invasiveness of the tumor cells and its changes following treatment with exogenous SDF-1, IL-8 and TGF-β1. The effects of HIF-1 α shRNA or overexpression plasmid, AMPK shRNA, and treatment with OG (a proline hydroxylase inhibitor) or 2-OXO (a proline hydroxylase activator) were examined on p-AMPK, HIF-1 α , SDF-1 and IL-8 expressions and invasiveness of the CAFs., Results: Metformin treatment significantly increased the expression levels of p-AMPK, SDF-1 and IL-8 ( P <0.05) and decreased HIF-1 α expression ( P <0.05) without affecting AMPK expression level ( P >0.05) in the CAFs. The invasion ability of metformintreated breast cancer cells was significantly decreased ( P <0.05). Exogenous SDF-1 and IL-8, HIF-1 α overexpression, and OGinduced upregulation of HIF-1 α all significantly attenuated the inhibitory effects of metformin on breast cancer cell invasion ( P <0.05) and HIF-1 α , SDF-1 and IL-8 expressions in CAFs ( P <0.05). Transfection with HIF-1 α shRNA or treatment with 2-OXO significantly decreased the invasiveness of breast cancer cells ( P <0.05). P-AMPK knockdown significantly suppressed the inhibitory effect of metformin on HIF-1 α expression in CAFs and on invasion of breast cancer cells ( P <0.05). Treatment with TGF-β1 partially decreased the inhibitory effect of metformin on HIF-1 α expression in CAFs and invasiveness of the breast cancer cells ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: Metformin suppresses HIF-1 α expression in CAFs to block tumor-stromal cross talk in breast cancer.

Purpose: To explore the mechanism of SETDB1 inhibiting epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT),migration and invasion in oral cancer via SOX 7 methylation., Methods: SETDB1 and SOX7 mRNA and protein expression levels in KB cells of oral cancer and oral mucosal epithelial ATCC cells were determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot (WB). SETDB1 si-RNA was structured, then transfect into KB cells of oral cancer by liposome-mediated method. siRNA-SETDB1 was the experimental group (si-S), siRNA empty vector was the negative control group (si-N), and untransfected KB cells were the blank control group(NC). SETDB1 mRNA and protein expression levels were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot(WB), to verify the transfection effect. The methylation levels of SOX7 were determined by pyrosequencing. The expression of N-cadherin, Vimentin, β-catenin, and Slug proteins was detected by WB. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay, migration ability was tested by scratch healing assay, and invasion ability was tested by Transwell chamber assay. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 21.0 software package., Results: The results of Rt-qPCR and WB showed that the SETDB1 mRNA and protein expression decreased significantly in si-S group(P＜0.05). Pyrosequencing test results showed that the regulation of SETDB1 could significantly reduce the SOX7 methylation rate and increased the SOX7 protein expression. WB results showed that knockdown of SETDB1 significantly inhibited the expression of EMT-related proteins N-cadherin, Vimentin, β-catenin and Slug in oral cancer KB cells (P＜0.05). The results of cell functology experiments showed that knockdown of SETDB1 could significantly inhibit survival, migration and invasion of KB cells., Conclusions: Downregulation of SETDB1 could suppress EMT, migration and invasion of oral cancer cells by regulating SOX7 methylation level, providing new ideas and targets for the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer.

Objective: To explore the activation of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α ) signaling pathway and the expressions of the associated inflammatory factors in NPHP1 -defective renal tubular epithelial cells., Methods: A human proximal renal tubular cell (HK2) model of lentivirus-mediated NPHP1 knockdown ( NPHP1 KD ) was constructed, and the expressions of TNF- α , p38, and C/EBPβ and the inflammatory factors CXCL5, CCL20, IL-1β, IL-6 and MCP-1 were detected using RT-qPCR, Western blotting or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected in wild-type and NPHP1 KD HK2 cells, and the changes in the expressions of TNF- α , p38, and C/EBPβ and the inflammatory factors were examined., Results: NPHP1 KD HK2 cells showed significantly increased mRNA expressions of TNF- α , C/EBPβ, CXCL5, IL-1β, and IL-6 ( P < 0.05), protein expressions of phospho-p38 and C/EBPβ ( P < 0.05), and IL-6 level in the culture supernatant ( P < 0.05), and these changes were significantly blocked by transfection of cells with siRNA-C/EBPβ ( P < 0.05)., Conclusion: TNF- α signaling pathway is activated and its associated inflammatory factors are upregulated in NPHP1 KD HK2 cells, and C/EBPβ may serve as a key transcription factor to mediate these changes.

Objectives: This study aimed to clarify the effects of Foxp3 silencing on the expression of inflammatory cytokines in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLFs) in an inflammatory environment and on cell proliferation and invasiveness, as well as to explore the role of Foxp3 gene in the development of periodontitis., Methods: An small interfering RNA (siRNA) construct specific for Foxp3 was transfected into hPDLFs. Foxp3 silencing efficiency was verified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting, and the siRNA with the optimum silencing effect of Foxp3 gene was screened. Using lipopolysaccharide to simulate an inflammatory environment in vitro , CCK-8 detected the effect of silencing Foxp3 on hPDLFs proliferation under inflammatory conditions. Wound-healing experiments and transwell assays were conducted to detect the effect of silencing Foxp3 on hPDLF migration under inflammatory conditions. The expression of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting under inflammatory conditions., Results: After siRNA transfection, RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses showed that the expression of Foxp3 mRNA in the Foxp3-si3 group decreased significantly ( t =21.03, P <0.000 1), and the protein expression of Foxp3 also decreased significantly ( t =12.8, P <0.001). In the inflammatory environment, Foxp3 gene silencing had no significant effect on hPDLFs proliferation ( P >0.05), and Foxp3 gene silencing promoted hPDLFs migration ( P <0.05). Moreover, the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 increased ( P <0.05)., Conclusions: In an inflammatory environment, Foxp3 gene silencing promoted hPDLFs migration but had no significant effect on hPDLFs proliferation. The expression of inflammatory factors expressed in hPDLFs increased after Foxp3 gene silencing, indicating that Foxp3 gene inhibited inflammation in periodontitis.

Objective: To investigate the expression of programmed death protein-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in liver cancer stem-like cells (LCSLC) and its effect on the characteristics of tumor stem cells and tumor biological function, to explore the upstream signaling pathway regulating PD-L1 expression in LCSLC and the downstream molecular mechanism of PD-L1 regulating stem cell characteristics, also tumor biological functions. Methods: HepG2 was cultured by sphere-formating method to obtain LCSLC. The expressions of CD133 and other stemness markers were detected by flow cytometry, western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect the expressions of stemness markers and PD-L1. The biological functions of the LCSLC were tested by cell function assays, to confirm that the LCSLC has the characteristics of tumor stem cells. LCSLC was treated with cell signaling pathway inhibitors to identify relevant upstream signaling pathways mediating PD-L1 expression changes. The expression of PD-L1 in LCSLC was down regulated by small interfering RNA (siRNA), the expression of stem cell markers, tumor biological functions of LCSLC, and the changes of cell signaling pathways were detected. Results: Compared with HepG2 cells, the expression rate of CD133 in LCSLC was upregulated [(92.78±6.91)% and (1.40±1.77)%, P <0.001], the expressions of CD133, Nanog, Oct4A and Snail in LCSLC were also higher than those in HepG2 cells ( P <0.05), the number of sphere-formating cells increased on day 7 [(395.30±54.05) and (124.70±19.30), P =0.001], cell migration rate increased [(35.41±6.78)% and (10.89±4.34)%, P =0.006], the number of transmembrane cells increased [(75.77±10.85) and (20.00±7.94), P =0.002], the number of cloned cells increased [(120.00±29.51) and (62.67±16.77), P =0.043]. Cell cycle experiments showed that LCSLC had significantly more cells in the G(0)/G(1) phase than those in HepG2 [(54.89±3.27) and (32.36±1.50), P <0.001]. The tumor formation experiment of mice showed that the weight of transplanted tumor in LCSLC group was (1.32±0.17)g, the volume is (1 779.0±200.2) mm(3), were higher than those of HepG2 cell [(0.31±0.06)g and (645.6±154.9)mm(3), P <0.001]. The expression level of PD-L1 protein in LCSLC was 1.88±0.52 and mRNA expression level was 2.53±0.62, both of which were higher than those of HepG2 cells ( P <0.05). The expression levels of phosphorylation signal transduction and transcription activation factor 3 (p-STAT3) and p-Akt in LCSLC were higher than those in HepG2 cells ( P <0.05). After the expression of p-STAT3 and p-Akt was down-regulated by inhibitor treatment, the expression of PD-L1 was also down-regulated ( P <0.05). In contrast, the expression level of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in LCSLC was lower than that in HepG2 cells ( P <0.01), there was no significant change in PD-L1 expression after down-regulated by inhibitor treatment ( P >0.05). After the expression of PD-L1 was knockdown by siRNA, the expressions of CD133, Nanog, Oct4A and Snail in LCSLC were decreased compared with those of siRNA-negative control (NC) group ( P <0.05). The number of sphere-formating cells decreased [(45.33±12.01) and (282.00±29.21), P <0.001], the cell migration rate was lower than that in siRNA-NC group [(20.86±2.74)% and (46.73±15.43)%, P =0.046], the number of transmembrane cells decreased [(39.67±1.53) and (102.70±11.59), P =0.001], the number of cloned cells decreased [(57.67±14.57) and (120.70±15.04), P =0.007], the number of cells in G(0)/G(1) phase decreased [(37.68±2.51) and (57.27±0.92), P <0.001], the number of cells in S phase was more than that in siRNA-NC group [(30.78±0.52) and (15.52±0.83), P <0.001]. Tumor formation in mice showed that the tumor weight of shRNA-PD-L1 group was (0.47±0.12)g, the volume is (761.3±221.4)mm(3), were lower than those of shRNA-NC group [(1.57±0.45)g and (1 829.0±218.3)mm(3), P <0.001]. Meanwhile, the expression levels of p-STAT3 and p-Akt in siRNA-PD-L1 group were decreased ( P <0.05), while the expression levels of p-ERK1/2 and β-catenin did not change significantly ( P >0.05). Conclusion: Elevated PD-L1 expression in CD133(+) LCSLC is crucial to maintain stemness and promotes the tumor biological function of LCSLC.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the expression of TGFBI in infantile hemangioma (IH) of proliferative stage or involuting stage and detect the effects of TGFBI overexpression or knockdown on the biological beha-vior of hemangioma endothelial cells (HemECs) from proliferative IH by using plasmid and siRNA., Methods: TGFBI expression levels in proliferative IH and involuting IH were detected by immunofluorescence. TGFBI overexpression plasmid and negative control plasmid were constructed and transfected into HemECs. siRNA for TGFBI and its negative control siRNA were constructed and transfected into HemECs. Western blot was used to detect the expression of TGFBI in the TGFI overexpression group (OE group) and its negative control (NC group), as well as TGFBI knockdown group (si-TGFBI group) and its negative control (si-NC group), to confirm the efficiency of transfection. CCK-8 assays were performed to assess the viability of HemECs. EdU assays were conducted to investigate the proliferation ability of HemECs. Transwell assays were used to detect the migration ability of HemECs. Tube formation assays were carried out to assess the angiogenic capacity of HemECs. Extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) assays were performed to investigate the glycolysis level of HemECs., Results: The results of immunofluorescence showed that TGFBI expression was significantly elevated in proliferative IH compared with that in involuting IH. Western blot showed that TGFBI expression in the OE group was upregulated compared with that in the NC group, and TGFBI expression in si-TGFBI was downregulated compared with that in the si-NC group. The viability, cell proliferation, migration ability, and angiogenic capacity of HemECs were promoted in the OE group compared with those in the NC group, whereas these biological behaviors were inhibited in the si-TGFBI group compared with those in the si-NC group. In ECAR assays, the glycolysis level of HemECs in the OE group was enhanced compared with that in the NC group., Conclusions: TGFBI is upregulated in proliferative IH. TGFBI overexpression enhanced the viability, cell proliferation, migration ability, and angiogenic capacity of HemECs, which indicated that TGFBI might play a key role in IH progression by accelerating glycolysis. Thus, targeting TGFBI might be an effective therapeutic strategy for IH.

Objective To examine the effects of Coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3) on the NLR family, pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLPR3) of mouse macrophages and its mechanisms. Methods RAW264.7 cells, primary mouse macrophages (bone marrow-derived macrophages or peritoneal macrophages), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-NLRP3 lentivirus infected RAW264.7 cells were stimulated by different dosages of CVB3. The transcript levels of NLRP3 and IL-1β were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. IL-1β in the supernatants of cell cultures was determined by ELISA. The protein level of NLRP3 was tested by Western blot analysis and the interacting proteins of NLRP3 were detected by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results The transcript levels of NLRP3 and IL-1β were significantly up-regulated in the CVB3 stimulated RAW264.7 cells and primary mouse macrophages (bone marrow-derived macrophages or peritoneal macrophages). The expression level of NLRP3 presented CVB3-dose dependence and demonstrated the highest expression level at 6 hours after CVB3 treatment. The transcript level of IL-1β significantly increased the most at 6 hours after CVB3 treatment, while the protein level of IL-1β peaked at 24 hours after CVB3 treatment. In the GFP-shRNA-NLRP3 lentivirus infected RAW264.7 cells, NLRP3 was obviously inhibited, and with CVB3 stimulation, IL-1β in the supernatants of cell cultures decreased significantly. Moreover, NLRP3 antibody was used for Co-IP experiment, in which the resultant protein complex was then stained with silver nitrate. The differential protein band between different groups was identified as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide kinase 2 (NADK2) by mass spectrometry. This result demonstrated that CVB3 induced the interaction between NADK2 and NLRP3. Conclusion CVB3 stimulation promotes the activation of NLRP3 in macrophages, thereby enhancing the expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β by activating NADK2.

Objective To investigate the effect of PDS5B on the biological function of A549 human lung cancer cells and possible molecular mechanism. Methods The proliferation of lung cancer cells was detected by MTT assay and colony formation assay after silencing or overexpressing PDS5B of A549 cells. The cell migration was detected by scratch assay and Transwell TM assay. The protein expression of PDS5B and Wnt5a in A549 cells was detected by Western blot analysis. Cell migration was detected by Transwell TM after PDS5B small interference RNA(siRNA) and Wnt5a siRNA were co-transfected. Results Compared with the negative control group, the protein expression of PDS5B decreased significantly after transfected with PDS5B siRNA. The proliferation ability , colony formation rate and migration ability of A549 cells significantly improved, and the expression of Wnt5a was increased. The opposite results were observed after PDS5B over-expression. The co-transfer experiment showed that Wnt5a could resist the inhibition of A549 cells by PDS5B. Conclusion PDS5B inhibits lung cancer cell proliferation by down-regulating Wnt5a expression.

The TRPC family consists of multiple important cationic channels in mammals that participate in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Our previous studies have shown that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) increases the expression of TRPC6 in podocytes, but the roles of other members of the TRPC family in podocytes require further investigation. In this study, we investigated the effect of TGF-β1 on the expression of the TRPC family and the role of the TRPC family in the changes of the intracellular Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) in podocytes induced by TGF-β1. The model of podocyte injury was established by treatment with TGF-β1 in immortalized glomerular podocytes (MPC5) in vitro. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the effect of TGF-β1 on the mRNA and protein expression of each TRPC family member. After the expression of each TRPC family member was knocked down by a siRNA-based approach and blocked by SKF96365, respectively, free cytosolic Ca 2+ was measured using the fluorescent Ca 2+ indicator Fluo-3/AM, and the dynamic change of [Ca 2+ ] i in podocytes was detected by a dynamic high-speed calcium imaging system. The results showed that TGF-β1 increased the protein expression of TRPC1/3/6 in podocytes, but had no effects on the protein expression of TRPC4. The protein expression levels of TRPC5/7 were only affected by 4 ng/mL and 8 ng/mL TGF-β1, respectively. TGF-β1 increased TRPC1/3/6 mRNA levels in podocytes, however had no effects on TRPC4/5/7 mRNA. TGF-β1 significantly increased [Ca 2+ ] i in podocytes. Knockdown of TRPC1/4/5/7 in podocytes had no significant effect on the [Ca 2+ ] i induced by TGF-β1, but TRPC3/6 knockdown significantly decreased the [Ca 2+ ] i . There was no significant difference in the [Ca 2+ ] i between the TRPC6 siRNA-treated group and SKF96365-treated group, but the [Ca 2+ ] i of the TRPC3 siRNA-treated group was significantly higher than that of SKF96365-treated group. These results demonstrate that TGF-β1 increases the expression of the TRPC1/3/6 in podocytes. TGF-β1 increases [Ca 2+ ] i in podocytes, which is dependent on the TRPC3/6 expression. Our results also suggest that the effect of TRPC6 on [Ca 2+ ] i in podocytes may be greater than that of TRPC3.

Objective: To investigate the effects of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC01133 on the cementogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSC) and the underlying mechanism. Methods: A total of 12 teeth were harvested from 10 patients aged 17-30 years in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University for impacted or orthodontic reasons from September 2021 to January 2022. The hPDLSCs were isolated from the teeth and transfected with small interfering RNA-LINC01133 (si-LINC01133) or small interfering RNA-negative control (si-NC). The si-LINC01133 was regarded as the experimental group, and the si-NC was regarded as the control one. The silencing efficiency of LINC01133 in the hPDLSCs was evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of cementogenic differentiation-related factors including bone sialoprotein (BSP), cementum attachment protein (CAP), and cementum protein-1 (CEMP-1). Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production was assessed using the MitoSox by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was detected by JC-1 fluorescence staining. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes proteins including NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 beta subcomplex subunit 8 (NDUFB8), succinate dehydrogenase complex flavoprotein subunit A (SDHA), ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase core protein 1 (UQCR1), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 isoform 1 (COXⅣ), and ATP synthase F1 subunit alpha (ATP5A) were evaluated by Western blotting. Results: The expression levels of LINC01133 could be suppressed by more than 60% with si-LINC01133 (control group: 1.000±0.000, experimental group: 0.385±0.128) ( t =10.72, P <0.01). Suppression of LINC01133 in hPDLSCs decreased the levels of cementogenic differentiation-related proteins including BSP (control group: 1.000±0.000, experimental group: 0.664±0.179) ( t =4.62, P <0.01) and CAP (control group: 1.000±0.000, experimental group: 0.736±0.229) ( t =2.83, P <0.05). Suppression of LINC01133 in hPDLSCs increased the production of mtROS (control group: 1.000±0.000, experimental group: 1.458±0.185) ( t =4.96, P <0.05) and the expression of NDUFB8 (control group: 1.000±0.000, experimental group: 1.683±0.397) ( t =3.45, P <0.05), as well as decreased MMP levels (control group: 1.000±0.000, experimental group: 0.209±0.029) ( t =53.99, P <0.01) and the expression of SDHA (control group: 1.000±0.000, experimental group: 0.428±0.228) ( t =5.02, P <0.05). No significant changes in the UQCR1, COXⅣ, and ATP5A expression levels were found between the control group and exprimental group ( P >0.05). Conclusions: LINC01133 regulates the cementogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs possibly via modulating the mitochondrial functions.

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of circRNA-0028171 on the apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells induced by arsenic trioxide (As 2 O 3 ). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with 0-15 μmol/L As 2 O 3 for 24 h. Then, cellular viability was measured by MTT assay. The expression levels of circRNA-0028171, Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. Bcl-2/Bax protein ratio was detected by Western blot. Whether circRNA-0028171 was involved in the regulation of HUVECs by As 2 O 3 was investigated by transfection with overexpression plasmid of circRNA-0028171 and siRNA. The results showed that compared with the control group, As 2 O 3 group showed decreased cellular viability, reduced Bcl-2/Bax mRNA and protein ratios, and significantly lower expression of circRNA-0028171. Overexpression of circRNA-0028171 inhibited apoptosis of HUVECs induced by As 2 O 3 . Knockdown of circRNA-0028171 by siRNA promoted As 2 O 3 -induced apoptosis in HUVECs. These results suggest that circRNA-0028171 is involved in the vascular endothelial cell apoptosis induced by As 2 O 3 .

Objective: To investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of ultra-conservative long non-coding RNA uc.77 in lung cancer. Methods: Lung cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues were obtained from 61 patients with lung cancer who were diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery from 2014 to 2016 in the General Hospital of the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the uc.77 relative expressions in normal human bronchial epithelial cells 16HBE, lung cancer cell lines, and 61 pair lung cancer tissues. Uc.77 siRNA was transfected into lung cancer cells to interfere with the expression of uc.77, qRT-PCR was used to verify the interference effect, CCK8 method and clone formation experiment were used to detect cell proliferation ability, flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis and cell cycle changes. H1299 cells transfected with uc.77 siRNA were injected into the subcutaneous right side of BALB/c nude mice to construct a tumor-bearing model for exploring the role of uc.77 on tumor growth. Western blot and qRT-PCR methods were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of p21. Results: The relative expression levels of uc.77 in lung cancer cell lines 95D, H1299, A549, H460, H446 and 16HBE-T were significantly higher than that of 16HBE cells ( P <0.05). The uc.77 RNA expression levels of lung cancer tissues was significantly higher than that of the adjacent normal tissues ( P <0.001). In addition, increased lncRNA uc.77 expression was significantly associated with big tumor size, lymph node metastasis and advanced TNM stage ( P <0.05). After transfection with uc.77 siRNA, the expressions of uc.77 in H1299, 95-D and 16HBE-T cells were reduced ( P <0.05), and the cell proliferation capacities were reduced at 48 hours and 72 hours ( P <0.05). After transfection with uc.77 siRNA-1, the G(0)/G(1) phase cell ratio of H1299 siRNA-1 group [(71.86±3.46)%] was higher than those of H1299-control group [(47.62±5.48)%] and H1299 siRNA-NC group [(61.38±5.62)%, P <0.05], S phase cell ratio of H1299 siRNA-1 group [(14.99±3.61)%] was lower than those of H1299-control group [(34.95±7.05)%] and H1299 siRNA-NC group [(23.75±5.87)%, P <0.05], the apoptosis rate of H1299 siRNA-1 group [(4.90±1.80)%] was higher than those of H1299-control group [(3.30±0.80)%] and H1299 siRNA-NC group [(2.80±1.20)%, P <0.05], the colony formation rate of H1299 siRNA-1 group [(19.20±2.00)%] was lower than those of H1299 control group [(32.60±2.00)%] and H1299 siRNA-NC group [(34.40±1.00)%, P <0.05]. The results of the nude mice tumor formation experiment showed that the tumor volume of the H1299 siRNA-1 group was significantly lower than those of the H1299-control group and the H1299-negative control group ( P <0.05), the average tumor weight of H1299 siRNA-1 group was significantly lower than those of H1299-control group and H1299-negative control group ( P <0.05), tumor cell growth marker Ki-67 in the H1299 siRNA-1 group showed weak positive, and Ki-67 in the H1299-control group and H1299-negative control group showed positive. The result of qRT-PCR analysis showed that the mRNA expression level of p21 in H1299 siRNA-1 group (2.57±0.45) was higher than those in H1299 control group (1.00±0.00, P =0.001) and H1299 siRNA-NC group (1.52±0.37, P =0.009). The result of western blotting analysis also showed that the expression of p21 protein level in H1299 siRNA-1 group increased. Conclusions: The expression of ultraconserved long non-coding RNA uc.77 is elevated in lung cancer cell lines and lung cancer tissues. Silencing the expression of ultraconservative long noncoding RNA uc.77 can inhibit tumor growth, and blocking uc.77 expression may be a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer.

Objective: To investigate the role of Numb in regulating mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway., Methods: Male BALB/C mouse models of acute kidney injury (AKI) were subjected to intravenous injections of Numb-siRNA or NC-siRNA with or without intraperitoneal cisplatin injections. After the treatments, the expressions and distribution of Numb and megalin in the renal tissues of the mice were detected with immunohistochemistry, and the renal expressions of Numb, S6, p-S6, S6K1, p-S6K1, 4EBP1 and p-4EBP1 were examined with Western blotting. The proximal renal tubular epithelial cells were isolated from the mice transfected with Numb-siRNA for in vitro culture. In NRK-52E cells, the effects of amino acid stimulation, Numb knockdown, and V1G1 overexpression, alone or in combination, on expressions of Numb, S6 and p-S6 were detected with Western blotting; the expressions of AMPK and p-AMPK were also detected in transfected NRK-52E cells, mouse kidneys and cultured mouse renal tubular epithelial cells., Results: In BALB/C mice, injection of Numb-siRNA caused significant reductions of Numb and p-S6 expressions without affecting megalin expression in the renal proximal tubules ( P < 0.05). Cisplatin treatment obviously upregulated p-S6K1 and p-4EBP1 expressions in the kidneys of the mice ( P < 0.05), and this effect was significantly inhibited by treatment with Numb-siRNA ( P < 0.05). In NRK-52E cells, amino acid stimulation significantly upregulated the expression of p-S6 ( P < 0.05), which was strongly suppressed by transfection with Numb-siRNA ( P < 0.05). Numb knockdown inhibited AMPK activation in NRK-52E cells, mouse kidneys and primary proximal tubular epithelial cells ( P < 0.05). Numb knockdown significantly downregulated V1G1 expression in NRK-52E cells ( P < 0.05), and V1G1 overexpression obviously reversed the inhibitory effect of Numb-siRNA on S6 phosphorylation (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Numb promotes the activation of mTORC1 signaling in proximal tubular epithelial cells by upregulating V1G1 expression.

Objective To investigate whether long non-coding RNA-HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (lncRNA-HOTAIR) regulates the inflammatory response of sepsis by targeting microRNA miR-1-3p. Methods 0.5 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce cardiomyocytes of H9c2 rats to establish a septic cardiomyocyte injury model. H9c2 cells were divided into control group, LPS group, and LPS combined with HOTAIR small interfering RNA negative control (si-NC) group, LPS combined with HOTAIR small interfering RNA (si-HOTAIR) group, LPS combined with miR-1-3p negative control (miR-NC) group, LPS combined with miR-1-3p group, LPS combined with si-HOTAIR and miR-1-3p inhibitor negative (anti-miR-NC) group, and LPS combined with siHOTAIR and anti-miR-1-3p group. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to determine the expression of HOTAIR and miR-1-3p, CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation, and Western blotting was used to analyze antigen KI-67 (ki67), P21, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), Bcl2-related X protein (BAX) protein expression. Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate cell apoptosis. ELISA was used to determine the inflammatory factor interleukin 6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. The dual luciferase report experiment analyzes the targeting relationship between HOTAIR and miR-1-3p. Results The expression of HOTAIR in H9c2 cells of the LPS group was higher than that of the control group, and the expression of miR-1-3p was lower than that of the control group. Compared with the LPS combined with si-NC group, the LPS combined with si-HOTAIR treated H9c2 cell proliferation activity, presenting increased ki67 and Bcl2 expression, as well as decreased level of P21 expression, apoptosis rate, BAX expression, IL-6 and TNF-α. HOTAIR targets and regulates the expression of miR-1-3p. Compared with the LPS combined miR-1-3p group, the proliferation activity, ki67, Bcl2 expression of H9c2 cells increased in the LPS combined miR-NC group, and the P21 expression, apoptosis rate, BAX expression, IL-6, and TNF-α levels decreased. Compared with the LPS combined with si-HOTAIR and anti-miR-NC group, the H9c2 cell proliferation activity in the LPS combined with siHOTAIR and anti-miR-1-3p group descended, and the expression of ki67 and Bcl2 decreased, while the expression of P21, BAX, apoptosis, IL-6 and TNF-α levels increased. Conclusion HOTAIR negatively regulates the expression of miR-1-3p, inhibits LPS-induced cardiomyocyte H9c2 proliferation, and induces cell apoptosis and inflammation.

Objective: To investigate the effect of exosomal FZD10 derived from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells on angiogenesis of human umbilical venous endothelial cells (HUVECs) and explore the possible mechanism., Methods: We analyzed the expression of FZD10 in two NSCLC cell lines (95D and H1299 cells), normal human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B cells) and their exosomes isolated by ultracentrifugation. Cultured HUVECs were treated with the exosomes derived from NSCLC cells or NSCLC cells transfected with FZD10-siRNA, and the changes in tube formation ability of the cells were analyzed using an in vitro angiogenesis assay. ELISA was performed to determine the concentration of VEGFA and Ang-1 in the conditioned media of HUVECs, and RT-qPCR was used to analyze the mRNA levels of VEGFA and Ang-1 in the HUVECs. The effects of exosomal FZD10 on the activation of PI3K, Erk1/2 and YAP/TAZ signaling pathways were evaluated using Western blotting., Results: Compared with BEAS-2B cells and their exosomes, 95D and H1299 cells and their exosomes all expressed high levels of FZD10 ( P < 0.01). The exosomes derived from 95D and H1299 cells significantly enhanced tube formation ability and increased the expressions of VEGFA and Ang-1 protein and mRNA in HUVECs ( P < 0.01), but FZD10 knockdown in 95D and H1299 cells obviously inhibited these effects of the exosomes. Exosomal FZD10 knockdown suppressed the activation of PI3K and Erk1/2 signaling pathways, but had no obvious effect on the activation of YAP/TAZ signaling pathway., Conclusion: Exosomal FZD10 derived from NSCLC cells promotes HUVEC angiogenesis in vitro , the mechanism of which may involve the activation of PI3K and Erk1/2 signaling pathways.

Objective: To investigate the effect of indirubin for relieving joint inflammation and injury in a rat model of osteoarthritis., Methods: Articular cartilage chondrocytes were isolated from adult rat knee joint and cultured in the presence of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 μmol/L indirubin. The cells were transfected with NPAS2 siRNA or a non-specific siRNA, and the cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using tetramethylthiazole blue staining and flow cytometry. The protein expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, ACAN, COL2A1, MMP-13 and NPAS2 were detected with Western blotting, and the levels of NO, PGE2 and TNF-α in the culture supernatant were determined with ELISA. The mRNA expression levels of NPAS2, ACAN, COL2A1 and MMP-13 were detected using fluorescence quantitative PCR. In a C57BL/6 mouse model of osteoarthritis, the effect of indirubin on BAX, Bcl-2, ACAN and MMP-13 protein expressions in the bone and joint tissues were evaluated with Western blotting., Results: Treatment with 0.1 μmol/L indirubin produced no significant changes in chondrocyte proliferation, apoptosis, caspase-3 activity, or BAX and Bcl-2 protein expressions. At higher doses (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μmol/L), indirubin significantly promoted cell proliferation, increased Bcl-2 protein expression, and lowered cell apoptosis rate, caspase-3 activity and Bax protein expression ( P < 0.05). Indirubin treatment at 0.5 μmol/L up-regulated the protein and mRNA expressions of NPAS2, ACAN and COL2A1, and down-regulated the expressions of MMP-13, NO, PGE2 and TNF-α ( P < 0.05). Interference of NPAS2 expression significantly attenuated the protective effect of 0.5 μmol/L indirubin against IL-1β-induced chondrocyte injury. The mouse model of osteoarthritis showed obviously increased protein levels of BAX and MMP-13 ( P < 0.01) and decreased levels of Bcl-2 ( P < 0.05) and ACAN ( P < 0.01) in the knee joint, and indirubin treatment of the mouse models significantly inhibited the increase of BAX and MMP-13 protein expressions ( P < 0.01) and up-regulated the protein expressions of Bcl-2 and ACAN ( P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Indirubin has a protective effect on osteoarthritis tissue and alleviates inflammation and damage of osteoarthritis chondrocytes possibly through NPAS2.

Objective: To investigate the effect of interference of CTPS gene on toosendanin-induced apoptosis of gastric cancer MKN-45 cells., Methods: Bioinformatic analysis was used to analyze CTPS gene expression in human gastric cancer tissues and the overall survival of gastric cancer patients with high CTPS gene expression. Human gastric cancer MKN-45 cells were transfected with a short hairpin interfering RNA targeting CTPS gene, and 48 h later, qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect cellular expression CTPS at both the mRNA and protein levels. MKN-45 cells with CTPS knockdown were treated with 80 nmol/L toosendanin for 48 h, and the cell viability was assessed with MTT assay; the cell morphology was observed using laser confocal microscope, and the expression of γH2AX was detected with immunofluorescence assay., Results: Bioinformatic analysis suggested that CTPS was highly expressed in human gastric cancer tissues, and gastric cancer patients with high CTPS gene expression had a shorter overall survival. MKN-45 cells transfected with Sh-CTPS interference vector showed significantly lowered cell survival rate ( P < 0.01) with obvious cell shrinkage, irregular morphology, typical apoptotic changes, and increased cell apoptosis rate ( P < 0.05). Treatment of the transfected cells with 80 nmol/L toosendanin for 48 h resulted in further reduction of the cell survival rate ( P < 0.001), and the cells showed an increased apoptotic rate ( P < 0.05) with appearance of apoptotic bodies., Conclusion: Interference of CTPS gene can promote TSN-induced apoptosis of gastric cancer MKN-45 cells.

Objective: To investigate the expression, biological function and potential mechanism of long intergenic non-coding RNA 01121 (LINC01121) in PCa., Methods: Using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), we detected the expression of LINC01121 in PCa cell lines and the efficiency of small interfering RNA (siRNA) in knocking down LINC01121. We examined the biological function of LIC01121 in the PCa cells by CCK8, cell cloning, and Transwell migration and invasion assays, and determined the expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins in the PCa cells by Western blot., Results: The relative expression of LINC01121 was significantly higher in the PCa than in the WPMY1 human normal prostate matrix immortalized cells (P < 0.05). Knocking down the expression of LINC01121 significantly reduced the proliferation, cloning, migration and invasiveness of the PCa cells (P < 0.05), down-regulated the expressions of the N-cadherin and vimentin proteins and up-regulated that of E-cadherin in the PCa cells (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: LINC01121 is overexpressed in PCa cell lines, which may promote the proliferation, migration and invasiveness of the cells by activating the EMT process.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of microRNA-31-5p (miR-31-5p) on the signal pathway of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa-interacting protein 3(BNIP3) and the expression of osteoblast-related factors of dental pulp stem cells(DPSCs)., Methods: Human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were cultured in vitro and divided into the control group (no transfection), mimic NC group (transfected with negative control-miR-31-5p), miR-31-5p mimic group (transfected with hsa-miR-31-5p mimic), siRNA NC group (transfected with nonsense siRNA) and miR-31-5p siRNA group (transfected with miR-31-5p siRNA).The expressions of miR-31-5p, HIF-1α, BNIP3, alkaline phosphatase(ALP) and Runt-related transcription factor-2(Runx2) mRNA in DPSCs were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR; the proliferation of DPSCs was detected by MTT; ALP activity of DPSCs was detected by ALP activity test kit; and the protein expressions of HIF-1α, BNIP3 and Runx2 in DPSCs were detected by Western blot. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 24.0 software package., Results: Compared with the control group and mimic NC group, the A value, ALP mRNA expression level and activity, Runx2 mRNA and protein expression levels of DPSCs in miR-31-5p mimic group were significantly lower (P＜0.05), ALP staining decreased significantly, and the expression levels of miR-31-5p mRNA, HIF-1α, BNIP3 mRNA and HIF-1α, BNIP3, Beclin1 protein were significantly higher (P＜0.05). Compared with the control group and siRNA NC group, the A value, ALP mRNA expression level and activity, Runx2 mRNA and protein expression levels of DPSCs in miR-31-5p siRNA group were significantly higher (P＜0.05), ALP staining enhanced significantly, and the expression levels of miR-31-5p mRNA, HIF-1α, BNIP3 mRNA and HIF-1α, BNIP3, Beclin1 protein were significantly lower(P＜0.05)., Conclusions: MiR-31-5p may inhibit the expression of osteoblast-related factors of DPSCs, and activating HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling pathway.

Objective: To investigate the influence of the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) on the differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) in mice., Methods: SSCs were isolated from the testis tissue of 1-week-old BALB/c male mice by two-step enzyme digestion. DNMT1-siRNA and negative control siRNA (NC-siRNA) were transfected into the third-generation SSCs after isolation and purification, and the untransfected cells were used as the control. At 24 hours after transfection, the mRNA and protein expressions of DNMT1 were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot, respectively, and the methylation level of DNMT1 was determined. The SSCs were induced to differentiate into spermatocytes using the stem cell growth factor, and the expressions of the germ cell proliferation-related protein (Nanos2), promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) and retinoic acid-stimulated protein 8 (Stra8) were measured by RT-qPCR and Western blot after 48 hours of differentiation., Results: At 24 hours after transfection, the relative mRNA and protein expressions of DNMT1 and the DNA methylation level were significantly decreased in the DNMT1-siRNA group compared with those in the control and DNMT1-NC groups (P < 0.05), but showed no statistically significant difference between the latter two (P > 0.05). The relative mRNA and protein expressions of Nanos2 and PLZF were also decreased while those of Stra8 increased in the DNMT1-siRNA group in comparison with those in the control and DNMT1-NC groups after 48 hours of differentiation (P < 0.05), but none exhibited any statistically significant difference between the control and DNMT1-NC groups (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: Knockdown of DNMT1 promotes the differentiation of SSCs into spermatocytes in mice, which may be related to the reduction of the genome methylation level, inhibition of the expressions of Nanos2 and PLZF, and promotion of the expression of Stra8.

Objective: To investigate the expression of Talin1 in the fallopian tube and chorionic villi in patients with tubal pregnancy and its role in regulating invasion and migration of trophoblasts., Methods: Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect the localization and expression level of Talin1 in the fallopian tube and chorionic villi in patients with tubal pregnancy and in women with normal pregnancy. In the cell experiment, HTR-8/SVneo cells was transfected with Talin1 siRNA and the changes in cell invasion and migration were assessed using scratch assay and Transwell assay. The expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, N-cadherin and Snail in the transfected cells were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting., Results: Positive expression of Talin1 was detected in both normal fallopian tube tissues and tissues from women tubal pregnancy, and its expression was localized mainly in the cytoplasm of cilia cells. The expression level of Talin1 was significantly higher in both the fallopian tube and chorionic villi in women with tubal pregnancy than in normal fallopian tube and chorionic villi samples ( P < 0.01). In HTR-8/SVneo cells, transfection with Talin1 siRNA significantly inhibited cell invasion ( P < 0.01) and migration ( P < 0.05), down-regulated the expression of N-cadherin, MMP-2 and Snail ( P < 0.05), and up-regulated the expression of MMP-9 in the cells ( P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The expression of Talin1 in the fallopian tube and chorionic villi is significantly increased in women with tubal pregnancy, suggesting the association of Talin1-regulated trophoblast cell invasion with the occurrence of tubal pregnancy.

Objective: To explore the effect of inhibiting polyribonucleotide nucleotidyl-transferase 1 (PNPT1) on oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced apoptosis of mouse atrial myocytes., Methods: Cultured mouse atrial myocytes (HL-1 cells) with or without OGD were transfected with PNPT1-siRNA or a negative control siRNA (NC-siRNA group), and the cell survival rate was detected using CCK-8 assay. The expression levels of ACTB and TUBA mRNA were detected with qPCR, and the protein expression of PNPT1 was detected with Western blotting. The apoptosis rate of the treated cells was determined with flow cytometry, the mitochondrial membrane potential was detected using JC-1 kit, and the mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscope., Results: With the extension of OGD time, the protein expression levels of PNPT1 increased progressively in the cytoplasm of HL-1 cells ( P < 0.05). Transfection with PNPT1-siRNA significantly reduced PNPT1 expression in HL-1 cells ( P < 0.05). Exposure to OGD significantly enhanced degradation of ACTB and TUBA mRNA ( P < 0.05) and markedly increased the apoptosis rate of HL-1 cells ( P < 0.05), and these changes were significantly inhibited by transfection with PNPT1-siRNA ( P < 0.05), which obviously increased mitochondrial membrane potential and improved mitochondrial morphology of HL-1 cells exposed to OGD., Conclusion: Inhibition of PNPT1 improves mitochondrial damage and reduces degradation of apoptotic-associated mRNAs to alleviate OGD-induced apoptosis of mouse atrial myocyte.

Objective To determine whether tumor cell membrane-encapsulated nanoparticles carrying programmed death 1 small interfering RNA (PD-1 siRNA) can target tumor tissues to inhibit the growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma, and whether it can trigger the anti-tumor immune response at the tumor site. Methods Membrane-siRNA nanoparticles(M-SNPs) was prepared by double emulsification solvent evaporation method and mechanical extrusion method. The morphology of M-SNPs was observed by transmission electron microscope. The particle size of M-SNPs was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The uptake of M-SNPs by lymphocytes was observed by confocal microscope. The expression of PD-1after lymphocyte uptake of M-SNP was detected by qPCR. The tumor targeting capacity of M-SNPs was observed by in vivo imaging, and the tumor inhibitory activity of M-SNPs was evaluated in subcutaneous transplanted tumor model of SCC7 mouse squamous-cell carcinoma cells. The phenotype of tumor infiltrating T cells were detected by flow cytometry. Results Transmission electron microscope and differential scanning calorimetry showed that M-SNPs was successfully constructed. Confocal microscopy showed that lymphocytes could successfully ingest PD-1. Real-time quantitative PCR results showed that PD-1 expression was significantly down-regulated after M-SNPs uptake by lymphocytes. In vivo imaging results showed that M-SNPs could effectively target tumor tissue. SCC7 cell subcutaneously transplanted tumor model showed that M-SNPs could significantly inhibit tumor growth. The results of flow cytometry showed that the expression of antigen KI-67 (ki67) and IFN-γ in tumor infiltrating T cells significantly increased, while the expression of PD-1 and TIM-3 in immune checkpoints decreased significantly. Conclusion M-SNPs can mediate the specific targeted delivery of PD-1 siRNA to homologous tumor tissues, activate anti-tumor immune response and inhibit tumor growth, which may be a potential therapeutic strategy for oral cancer.

Purpose: To investigate the correlation between the level of heat shock protein 90(Hsp90) and the amount of small extracellular vesicles(sEVs) in keratinocytes., Methods: Human keratinocytes(HaCaT) were cultured in vivo and divided into wild-type group, short hairpin RNA interference group (shRNA group, low expression of Hsp90), and 17-Allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin group (17-AAG group, Hsp90 protein inhibitor). sEVs were isolated from culture system by ultracentrifugation, and their morphological characteristics were observed under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Western blotting was applied to identify the biological characteristics of sEVs. The number of sEVs particles was detected by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). GraphPad Prism8.0 software was used to analyze the difference in the number of sEVs among the groups by t test (non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test)., Results: HaCaT-derived sEVs, obtained by ultracentrifugation, were consistent with the criteria of morphological and biological identification. No expression of Hsp90 protein was detected in HaCaT-derived sEVs. When interfered with Hsp90-shRNA, the number of sEVs were significantly increased. On day 5, the sEVs number of shRNA-interfering group was (177.4±4.18)×10 8 (n=3), while that of vector group was (82.34±4.83)×10 8 (n=3), and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.0001). After 5 days of inhibition with 17-AAG, the sEVs number of 17-AAG group was （652.5±26.73）×10 8 (n=3) and that of control group was (262.22±5.44)×10 8 (n=3), the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.000 1)., Conclusions: Low expression of Hsp90 protein can promote the secretion of sEVs in HaCaT cells. sEVs may be involved in the transfer of molecules between epithelial cells and immune cells.

Objective: To investigate the effects of metastasis associated gene 1 (MTA1) expression on the proliferation and apoptosis of human esophageal cancer Eca109 cells. Methods: MTA1 siRNA was transfected into human esophageal cancer Eca109 cells, and the control group and blank group were set up. The expression of MTA1 in Eca109 cells with different treatment was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) and western blot. The proliferation of Eca109 cells was detected by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The cloning formation ability of Eca109 cells was detected by plate cloning assay. The apoptosis of Eca109 cells were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and apoptosis-related proteins, including cleaved caspase-3 and total caspase-3 protein in Eca109 cells were detected by western blot. Results: After 48 hours of transfection, RT-PCR result showed that the relative expression levels of MTA1 mRNA in Eca109 cells in the blank group, control group, and siRNA group were 1.00±0.10, 0.98±0.09 and 0.21±0.03, respectively. The expression of MTA1 mRNA in siRNA group was significantly inhibited ( P <0.05), while no significant difference of MTA1 mRNA expression between the blank group and the control group has been found ( P >0.05). Western blot results were consistent with those of RT-PCR. MTT array results showed that, compared with the blank group and transfection group, the absorbance values of Eca109 cells in siRNA group were dramatically reduced at 48, 72, and 96 h (all P <0.05). There were no significant differences of absorbance values between the blank group and the control group at 48, 72, and 96 h (all P >0.05). The results of the plate colony formation test showed that the number of colony formation in the blank group and control group were 58.64±6.86 and 60.02±7.04, respectively, significantly higher than 18.10±3.16 in siRNA group ( P <0.05), while there was no significant difference between the blank group and control group ( P >0.05). Flow cytometry results showed that the apoptosis rates in the blank group and control group were (2.13±0.54)% and (2.27±0.61)%, respectively, significantly lower than (32.61±5.28)% in siRNA group ( P <0.05), while there was no significant difference between blank group and control group ( P >0.05). Western blot results showed that the expression of PCNA protein was down-regulated while cleaved caspase-3 protein expression was upregulated in siRNA group, compared to the control group and blank group ( P <0.05). Conclusions: Inhibition of MTA1 expression can inhibit the proliferation of Eca109 cells and induce apoptosis. This process may be related to the down-regulation of PCNA protein expression and activation of caspase-3 protein expression.

Objective: To study the effects of miR-497 and CDK6 on the growth of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Methods: The expressions of CDK6 mRNA in fresh LSCC specimens, the adjacent normal mucosa of LSCC, and cell lines of LSCC were detected with quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, pcDNA3.1(+) CDK6 plasmids were respectively transfected into the LSCC cells, and MTT assay and clone formation assay were performed to evaluate the growth of LSCC cells. Flow cytometry was employed for cell cycle analysis. SPSS17.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results: CDK6 was highly expressed in LSCC (t =14.01, P =0.009) and the overall survival rate of the patients with high CDK6 expression was less than that with low CDK6 expression, with a significant difference ( HR =3.236, P <0.001). Double luciferase reporter gene analysis showed that fluorescence activity in wild type CDK6 group was significantly different from that in control group ( P <0.01), while there was no significant difference in the fluorescence activity between mutant CDK6 group and control group ( P >0.05). A (490) values were respectively 0.42±0.14 (Mean±SD) in siRNA Hep-2 group, 0.51±0.13 in siRNA TU-212 group; 0.98±0.16 in control Hep-2 group and 1.17±0.20 in control TU-212 group. Colonies were 55±4 in siRNA Hep-2 group, 51±3 in siRNA TU-212 group, 108±6 in control Hep-2 group and 105±7 in control TU-212 group, namely, cell growth and clone formation ability in CDK6 siRNA group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Cells cycle was blocked in G0/G1 phase (G0/G1: 65.20%±10.12% in siRNA Hep-2 group; 63.42%±8.97% in siRNA TU-212 group; 45.31%±7.55% in control Hep-2 group; and 42.37%±7.28% in control TU-212 group), and cells decreased obviously in S phase (S: 25.39%±5.51% in siRNA Hep-2 group; 27.21%±5.43% in siRNA TU-212 group; 42.87%±6.85% in control Hep-2 group; and 44.76%±7.02% in control TU-212 group). Compared with miR-497 group, cell growth and clone formation ability in miR-497/CDK6 group were partly restored (all P <0.05). Conclusions: CDK6 expression in LSCC is upregulated, functioning as an oncogene. High expression of CDK6 is a predictor for poor prognosis. miR-497, functioning as a tumor suppressor gene, inhibits the growth of LSCC by targeting CDK6.

Objective: To explore the role of SIRT1 in the occurrence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in EC-9706 and Eca-109 cells and the possible mechanism., Methods: Three chemically synthesized siRNA targeting SIRT1 were transfected into EC-9706 and Eca-109 cells with the non-transfected cells and cells transfected with the negative siRNAs as controls. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expressions of SIRT1, E-cadherin, vimentin, Snail, Twist1 and ZEB in the cells. Transwell invasion assay and wounding healing assay were used to examine the changes in the invasion and metastasis abilities of the cells after transfection., Results: EC-9706 and Eca-109 cells transfected with SIRT1 siRNA1 and SIRT1 siRNA3 showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expressions of SIRT1 ( P &lt; 0.05). Transwell invasion assay and wounding healing assay showed that transfection with SIRT1 siRNA1 and SIRT1 siRNA3 caused significantly lowered invasion and metastasis abilities in EC-9706 and Eca-109 cells ( P &lt; 0.05). In EC-9706 and Eca-109 cells transfected with SIRT1 siRNA1 and SIRT1 siRNA3, the expression level of E-cadherin was significantly increased while the expressions of vimentin, Snail and Twist were significantly lowered ( P &lt; 0.05)., Conclusions: SIRT1 participates in the invasion and metastasis of EC-9706 and Eca- 109 cells probably by inducing EMT via regulating the expression of Snail.

The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a type of RNAs with more than 200nt in length and without any long open reading frame, but often have mRNA structural features. They can regulate the expression of target genes in different manners at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. In recent years, various studies demonstrated that lncRNAs play crucial roles in adipogenesis. The long non-coding RNA, lnc-RAP3, located on the mouse chromosome 17, possesses a significantly differential expression pattern during mouse adipocyte differentiation; but its specific biological function (s) remains unclear. To investigate the effect of lnc-RAP3 on adipogenesis in the mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, we first constructed a eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1-RAP3. pcDNA3.1-RAP3 and synthetic RAP3-siRNAs were transfected individually into 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by Lipofectamine TM 2000, thereby over-expressing and knocking-down lnc-RAP3 expression, respectively. The transfected preadipocytes were induced to undergo adipogenic differentiation. Oil Red O staining and qRT-PCR were used to detect the effects of lnc-RAP3 overexpression/knockdown on 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. The results showed that overexpression of lnc-RAP3 led to a notable decrease in lipid accumulation (P<0.05) and remarkably reduced the mRNA expression levels of C/EBPα, Glut4, PPARγ, LPL and FAS on day 0, day 2, and day 4 post differentiation (P<0.05, P<0.01). In contrast, quantitative analysis of Oil Red O on day 4 of differentiation revealed that inhibition of lnc-RAP3 increased the formation of neutral lipid droplets (P<0.05). In addition, silencing lnc-RAP3 also significantly increased the mRNA expression of PPARγ, LPL, C/EBPα, FAS and Glut4 on day 0 and day 2 post differentiation (P<0.05, P<0.01). Our study suggests that lnc-RAP3 might suppress 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation by affecting the expression of the genes involved in adipogenic differentiation.

Objective: To explore the expression and clinical significance of circular RNA circHIPK3 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), analyze the effect of circHIPK3 on the proliferation of OSCC cells. Methods: The expression of circHIPK3 in OSCC tissues, adjacent non-cancerous tissues and OSCC cell lines were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The correlations between the expression of circHIPK3 in OSCC tissues and the clinicopathological features were analyzed as well. circHIPK3-specific siRNA si-circHIPK3 and negative control siRNA si-NC were designed and synthesised and used to transfect CAL27 and SCC15 cells respectively. The proliferation capacity of CAL27 and SCC15 cells after transfection with si-circHIPK3 was detected by CCK-8 assay. The expression of miR-124 in OSCC was detected by qPCR, and the correlation between expression of circHIPK3 and the expression of miR-124 was analyzed. Using qPCR to detect the expression of miR-124 in CAL27 and SCC15 cells after transfection with si-circHIPK3 and si-NC respectively. Furthermore, using CCK-8 assay to detect the proliferation capacity of CAL27 and SCC15 cells after transfection with si-NC, si-circHIPK3, miR-124 mimic, si-circHIPK3+miR-124 inhibitor. Results: The expression of circHIPK3 in OSCC tissues [2.23 (1.86, 3.00)] was significantly higher than that of the adjacent non-cancerous tissues [1.05 (0.85, 1.26)] ( U =1 094, P= 0.000). The expression of circHIPK3 in CAL27 (3.02±0.51) and SCC15 cells (3.16±0.75) was higher than those of human normal oral keratinocytes (hNOK) (1.26±0.30) ( P= 0.000). The expression of circHIPK3 was found to be closely associated with TNM stage ( P< 0.05) and tumor grades ( P< 0.05). Knockdown of circHIPK3 can inhibit proliferation of CAL27 and SCC15 cells ( P< 0.05). The expression of miR-124 in OSCC tissues (0.61±0.35) was significantly lower than that in adjacent non-cancerous tissues (1.13+0.39) ( t= -5.36, P< 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the expression of circHIPK3 in OSCC was negatively correlated with the expression of miR-124 ( r= -0.767, P< 0.001). Moreover, down-regulation of miR-124 rescued the phenotype induced by knockdown of circHIPK3. Conclusions: The expression of circHIPK3 in OSCC was increased, and silencing of circHIPK3 expression can inhibit the proliferation of OSCC cells. Our results suggest that circHIPK3 may play a key role in the occurrence and development process of OSCC through the regulation of miR-124 expression.

Objective: To investigate the effect of Qilan Capsules (QLC) on the expressions of the related proteins HIF-1α, VEGF-α, EphA2 and MMP-1 in the formation of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in prostate cancer., Methods: Prostate cancer PC-3 cells were cultured, transfected with siRNA, and divided into eight groups, blank control, HIF-1α siRNA, VEGF-α siRNA, EphA2 siRNA, QLC intervention, QLC + HIF-1α siRNA, QLC + VEGF-α siRNA, and QLC + EphA2 siRNA. The expressions of the HIF-1α, VEGF-α and EphA2 proteins in the pathway of VEGF were determined by Western blot., Results: Compared with the blank control group, the expression of HIF-1α was evidently decreased in the HIF-lα siRNA and QLC + HIF-lα siRNA groups (0.624 7 ± 0.042 8 vs 0.032 8 ± 0.002 5 and 0.036 8 ± 0.018 1, P < 0.05), so were that of VEGF-α in the VEGF-α siRNA and QLC + VEGF-α siRNA groups (0.068 9 ± 0.005 1 vs 0.016 9 ± 0.000 7 and 0.010 9 ± 0.000 8, P < 0.05), that of EphA2 in the EphA2 siRNA and QLC + EphA2 siRNA groups though with no statistically significant difference (0.1684 ± 0.0126 vs 0.134 5 ± 0.028 6 and 0.165 4 ± 0.039 8, P > 0.05), and that of MMP-1 in the HIF-lα siRNA, VEGF-α siRNA and EphA2 siRNA groups (1.696 1 ± 0.152 7 vs 0.435 9 ± 0.036 9, 0.198 7 ± 0.009 0 and 0.0218 ± 0.000 7, P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Qilan Capsules can suppress VM formation in prostate cancer by inhibiting the expressions of HIF-1α, VEGF-α and MMP-1, which plays a role in the clinical treatment of prostate cancer by checking the growth and development of the blood supply system in the tumor tissue.

Objective: To explore the role of fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) in regulating lung cancer cell metastasis and identify miRNAs that target FABP4., Methods: The expression of FABP4 in lung cancer cells with different metastatic potentials was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting. The effects of FABP4 knockdown or overexpression by shRNA or a recombinant lentivirus, respectively, on lung cancer cells metastasis were assessed. The miRNAs that targeted FABP4 were screened using target prediction algorithms and the results were verified with Q-PCR., Results: FABP4 expression was significantly higher in lung cancer cell lines with high metastatic potentials (NL9980, H661, and 95C) than in those with low metastatic potentials (L9981, A549, and PC13) (P<0.05). FABP4 knockdown in NL9980 cells resulted in significantly inhibited metastasis of the cells (P<0.05), while FABP4 overexpression obviously promoted the metastasis of A549 cells (P<0.05). The expressions of miR-203, miR-361 and miR-539 were significantly higher in highly metastatic lung cancer cells than in the cells with low metastatic potentials (P<0.05). In NL9980 cells, FABP4 expression was most obviously suppressed by miR-203 (P<0.05), and target site mutational FABP4 overexpression significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of miR-203 on NL9980 metastasis (P<0.05)., Conclusion: FABP4 can promote lung cancer metastasis, and by targeting FABP4 to inhibit its expression, miR-203 can suppress the metastasis of lung cancer cells.

Objective: To investigate the expression of BRD4 in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) tissues and cells, and the effects of its expression on cell proliferation and invasion ability. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect BRD4 protein expression in SCC tissues and paired normal esophageal squamous epithelial tissues. The expression of BRD4 protein was detected in different SCC cell lines and normal esophageal squamous epithelial cells by Western blot. BRD4 siRNA and control siRNA were used to transfect SCC Eca109 cells, and experiments were divided into three groups: untreated group, control siRNA group and BRD4 siRNA group. Western blot was employed to investigate the expression of BRD4 protein in the three groups of SCC Eca109 cells. CCK-8 kit was utilized to detect cell proliferation ability, and Transwell chamber was used to examine cell invasion ability. Finally, Western blot was used to detect the expression of MMP2 and MMP9 proteins. Results: The positive rate of BRD4 protein expression in SCC tissues was significantly higher than that of normal squamous epithelial tissues. The expression of BRD4 protein in 4 SCC cell lines was higher than that in normal esophageal cell Het-1A. BRD4 siRNA obviously downregulated the expression of BRD4 protein in Eca109 cells, and its downregulation contributed to the suppression of cell proliferation and invasion ability in Eca109 cells (all P <0.05), coupled with the decreases of MMP2 and MMP9 proteins. Conclusion: BRD4 may be closely associated with the proliferation and invasion of SCC, and it thus may be a potential therapeutic target for SCC.

Objective: To explore the effect of c-fos on multidrug resistance of laryngeal cancer TU177 cells. Method: Increasing drug concentration gradient is adopted to establish the stability of the laryngeal cancer drug resistance in cell line; RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect difference of the c-fos between TU177 and TU177/VCR cells; plasmids with human c-fos knockdown or over expression were transfected into TU177/VCR and TU177 cells respectively, and the effects of different treatment on cell proliferation were investigated with MTT. Results: The drug resistance of TU177/VCR cells was 26.25-fold in vincristine (VCR), 7.33-fold in Paclitaxel (TAX), 2.41 in cisplatin (DDP), and 5.50 in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), comparing with TU177( P <0.05). The TU177/VCR cells had significantly higher c-fos expression compared to TU177 cells( P <0.05). The results showed that the IC(50) values of 5-FU for the NC group and c-fos shRNA group were (306.2±6.3)μmol/L and (81.3±3.9)μmol/L, respectively, which was decreased by 73% in the c-fos shRNA group compared to that in the NC group ( P <0.05). Similarly, the results showed that the IC(50) values for 5-FU were (55.3±9.4) μmol/L in NC group and (288.1±7.3)μmol/L in c-fos WT group, which was increased 5.21-fold in c-fos WT cells. Conclusion: C-fos plays important role in multidrug resistance of larynx cancer cell TU177/VCR, and might become a new molecular target for laryngeal cancer treatment.

Objective To study the effect of muscle segment homeodomain homeobox 2 (MSX2) on the expression of enamel matrix protein and the formation of enamel. Methods Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of MSX2 in mouse tooth embryos and its localization in ameloblasts. The short hairpin RNA (shRNA) of the MSX2 gene was designed and synthesized, and then the annealed double stranded DNA was constructed into the pGMLV-SC5 RNAi lentivirus vector, and finally it was packaged with lentivirus. The lentivirus was used to infect ameloblasts. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was performed to screen the best interference fragment, and detect the mRNAs of amelogenin (Amelx), ameloblastin (Ambn), enamelin (Enam), amelotin (Amtn) and kallikrein 4 (Klk4). The embryos were isolated for 18.5 days and then infected with RNAi recombinant lentivirus targeting MSX2. The tooth germ was implanted under the renal capsule of the mouse. Ten weeks later, the tissue was harvested to separate and observe the tooth form and contour. Results MSX2 was expressed in the secretory phase and maturation phase of mouse ameloblasts, but the expression signal was weaker in the secretory phase and was stronger in the mature stage. The lentivirus of MSX2-shRNA targeting MSX2 gene we constructed inhibited the expression of Amelx and Klk4 mRNAs. The RNAi lentivirus targeting MSX2 gene infected the tooth enamel and led to a decrease in the degree of enamel mineralization. Conclusion The MSX2 gene is expressed in ameloblasts. The knockdown of MSX2 can inhibit the expression of enamel matrix proteins and the enamel mineralization.

Objective To prepare lentiviruses expressing shRNA sequences targeting human signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and detect the effect of STAT3 knockdown on type I interferon (IFN1)-induced proliferation and migration in HepG2 cells. Methods Four STAT3-targeting shRNA sequences (shRNA1-shRNA4) and one control sequence (Ctrl shRNA) were selected and cloned respectively into pLKO.1-sp6-pgk-GFP to construct shRNA-expressing vectors. Along with backbone psPAX2 and pMD2.G vectors, they were separately transfected into HEK293T cells to prepare lentiviruses. HepG2 cells were infected with the lentiviruses. Cytoplastic STAT3 level was detected by Western blotting to screen effective shRNA sequence(s) targeting STAT3. Proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells were analyzed by CCK-8 assay and Transwell TM migration and scratching assay, respectively. To detect the effect of IFN1 on cell proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells, the cells were treated with 2000 U/mL IFNα2b for indicated time and the activation of IFN-triggered STAT1 signal transduction was assayed by Western blotting. Results Two most effective STAT3-targeting shRNA sequences shRNA1 and shRNA2 were selected, and the expression of both STAT3 shRNA significantly decreased proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells. When treated with IFNα2b, 2000 U/mL of IFN1 showed more competent in attenuating growth and migration of HepG2 cells. Our data further proved that knockdown of STAT3 increased the phosphorylation of STAT1, and IFNα2b further enhanced the activation of STAT1 signaling in HepG2 cells. Conclusion Knockdown of STAT3 inhibits cell migration and growth, and rescues IFN response through up-regulating STAT1 signal transduction in HepG2 hepatoma cells.

Objective: To investigate the interaction between nuclear transcriptional factor E26 transformation specific 1 (Ets1) and peroxiredoxin 1 (Prx1) in nicotine-induced oral precancerous lesion cells. Methods: Human oral precancerous lesion dysplastic oral keratinocyte (DOK) cells were cultured and divided into nicotine group, control group, knockdown group and knockdown control group. The nicotine group, knockdown group and knockdown control group were treated with 1 μmol/L nicotine for 7 days while the control group was untreated. Western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were performed to detect Prx1 and Ets1 protein expression, Prx1 and Ets1 protein interaction, combined activity of Ets1 with PRDX1 gene promoter region in nicotine group and control group DOK cells. In nicotine group, DOK cells were transfected with siRNA or lentivirus to knockdown Ets1 and Prx1 expression. Prx1 and Ets1 protein expression was examined by Western blotting. Results: Nicotine increased the expression of Prx1 and Ets1 protein in DOK cells. The relative expression of Prx1 and Ets1 was 0.71±0.02, 0.12±0.01 in nicotine group and 0.53±0.06, 0.01±0.01 in control group ( P= 0.009, P= 0.000). Co-IP showed that Prx1 could form protein complex with Ets1. The expression of Prx1 and Ets1 complex protein was increased in nicotine group. ChIP revealed that nicotine upregulated the combination of transcriptional factor Ets1 with PRDX1 gene promoter region, and the enrichment fold was 80.9±19.7 in nicotine group and 13.8±1.2 in control group ( P= 0.004). Ets1 and Prx1 protein expression was knocked down. The relative expression of Ets1 and Prx1 was 0.60±0.06, 0.48±0.03 in knockdown group and 0.83±0.08, 0.80±0.06 in knockdown control group ( P= 0.016, P= 0.002). Ets1 knockdown suppressed the expression of Prx1 ( P= 0.002). Conversely, Prx1 knockdown also inhibited the expression of Ets1 significantly ( P= 0.000). Conclusions: In oral precancerous lesion cells, Ets1 directly regulates Prx1 expression and nicotine might promote the development of oral precancerous lesion by magnifying the positive feedback signal pathway between Ets1 and Prx1.

Objective: To investigate the effects of small RNA interference targeting mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) expression on paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats., Methods: Human embryonic kidney cells HEK-293 were cultured in vitro. The mTOR small interfering RNA (mTOR-siRNA) expression plasmid transfection lentivirus was constructed, and non-specific sequence plasmid with no homology to mTOR gene was set as the control. Seventy-two healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal saline (NS) control group, paraquat model group, mTOR unrelated sequence group, and mTOR-siRNA group, with 18 rats in each group. Paraquat poisoning animal model was reproduced by intraperitoneally injecting 20% paraquat solution 15 mg/kg, while the NS control group was intraperitoneally injected the same volumes of NS. Rats in the mTOR unrelated sequence group and mTOR-siRNA group were injected 1×10 9 TU/mL lentivirus solution 50 μL into the airway, respectively, while in the NS control group and paraquat model group were injected the same volumes of NS. At 7, 14 and 28 days after treatment, 6 rats in each group were sacrificed respectively for lung tissue, the pathological changes and fibrosis of lung tissues were observed under light microscope. The levels of hydroxyproline (HYP) in lung tissues were determined by alkaline hydrolysis. The mRNA and protein expressions of mTOR in lung tissues were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western Blot., Results: Under light microscope, there was no obvious pathological changes in the lung tissues in the NS control group, while in the paraquat model group and mTOR unrelated sequence group, lung tissue in rats were damaged, there were a lot of inflammatory cell infiltration, a large number of matrix collagen and fibrous tissues hyperplasia, and gradually increased with time, and it was consistent with paraquat-induced lung tissue fibrosis process. The pathological and fibrotic changes in lung tissue of mTOR-siRNA group were obviously reduced after silencing mTOR gene. The levels of HYP and the expression levels of mTOR mRNA and mTOR protein of lung tissues in the paraquat model group and mTOR unrelated sequence group were continuously increased in time-dependent manner, and they were significantly higher than those in the NS control group at all of the time points, but no significant difference was found between mTOR unrelated sequence group and paraquat model group. In mTOR-siRNA group, silencing mTOR gene could inhibit paraquat poisoning induced HYP increase in lung tissue, and the expressions increase in mTOR mRNA and mTOR protein, the values were close to the levels of NS control group, and the significant difference was found as compared with paraquat model group at 7 days or 14 days, and the change was maintained to 28 days [7 days: HYP (μg/mg) was 1.13±0.06 vs. 1.25±0.07; 14 days: HYP (μg/mg) was 1.19±0.09 vs. 1.29±0.12, mTOR mRNA (2 -Δ ΔCt ) was 0.99±0.11 vs. 1.94±0.12, mTOR protein (gray value) was 0.39±0.08 vs. 0.75±0.09; 28 days: HYP (μg/mg) was 1.28±0.06 vs. 1.40±0.05, mTOR mRNA (2 -Δ ΔCt ) was 1.15±0.13 vs. 2.85±0.15, mTOR protein (gray value) was 0.45±0.10 vs. 0.86±0.12, all P < 0.05]., Conclusions: Lentivirus-mediated mTOR-siRNA could effectively inhibit the expressions of mTOR in lung tissues of paraquat-poisoned rats, and reduce the damage and fibrosis of lung tissues caused by paraquat.

Objective: To investigate the effects of down-regulation of PTTG1 expression on the proliferation, invasiveness and apoptosis of androgen-independent human prostate cancer LNCaP-AI cells and their sensitivity to androgen antagonists., Methods: Human prostate cancer LNCaP-AI cells were transfected with siRNA targeting the PTTG1 gene using the Lipofectamine 2000 transfection reagent. The proliferation, invasiveness and apoptosis of the cells were detected by MTT, Transwell assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The protein expressions of PTTG1, p-Akt, and p-ERK were determined by Western blot and the mRNA expression of PTTG1 measured by agarose gel electrophoresis., Results: The siRNA expression vector markedly down-regulated the expression of PTTG1, which effectively suppressed the proliferation of the LNCaP-AI cells, with the inhibition rates of (19.47 ± 2.12), (24.01 ± 2.13) and (48.02 ± 2.22)% at 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively, after transfection, with statistically significant differences among the three groups (P <0.05). The number of the cells passing through the polycarbonate film was remarkably decreased at 24, 48 and 72 hours (74.67 ± 9.85, 56.44 ± 8.66 and 37.33 ± 6.14) as compared with the baseline (111.11 ± 13.47) (P <0.01), while the apoptosis rate of the cells was significantly increased at 24, 48 and 72 hours (18.32 ± 0.94), (19.94 ± 1.30) and (21.73 ± 1.88)% in comparison with the baseline (［2.17 ± 0.49］%)， (P <0.05). PTTG1 siRNA combined with androgen antagonist flumatide exhibited even more significant effects in inhibiting the proliferation and promoting the apoptosis of the LNCaP-AI cells than either used alone, and in a flumatide dose-dependent manner. The inhibition and apoptosis rates of the LNCaP-AI cells treated with 50 nmol/L flumatide were (27.13 ± 3.52) and (3.94 ± 0.48)%, and those treated with siRNA + 50 nmol/L flumatide were (67.51 ± 5.13) and (19.93 ± 1.72)%, respectively, both with statistically significant differences between the two groups (P <0.05). The inhibition and apoptosis rates of the cells treated with 100 nmol/L flumatide were (43.72 ± 3.90) and (5.33 ± 0.66)%, and those treated with siRNA + 100 nmol/L flumatide were (73.19 ± 4.78) and (23.43 ± 1.76)%, respectively, both with statistically significant differences between the two groups (P <0.05)., Conclusions: The siRNA expression vector can down-regulate the expression of PTTG1, which can inhibit the proliferation and invasiveness of LNCaP-AI cells, promote their apoptosis, and increase their sensibility to androgen antagonists. Suppressing the expression of PTTG1 may enhance the effect of androgen-deprivation therapy on advanced prostate cancer.

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of long non-coding RNA-metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1, (LncRNA-MALAT1) on invasion and metastasis of esophageal cancer cell EC-109. Methods: EC-109 cells were transfected with lentiviral vector carrying short hairpin RNA of MALAT1( shRNA-MALAT1) or a nonspecific shRNA control (shRNA-control). The expressions of MALAT1, microRNA-200a, ZEB1 and ZEB2 were detected by qRT-PCR. The effect of shRNA-MALAT1 on invasion of EC-109 cells was determined by transwell assay. The expressions of components of epithelial-msenchymal transition pathway in EC-109 cells were determined by immunofluorescence array and western blotting. The expression relationship between MALAT1 and miR-200a in EC-109 cells was detected by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results: The result of qRT-PCR showed that the expressions levels of MALAT1, ZEB1 and ZEB2 in shRNA-MALAT1 group were 0.43±0.06, 0.64±0.04 and 0.51±0.04, respectively, significantly lower than 0.97±0.08, 1.06±0.07 and 0.98±0.05 in shRNA-control group and 1 in control group, respectively(all P <0.05). Transwell assay showed that the number of invaded cells in shRNA MALAT1 group was (96.81±10.43) per low-power field, markedly lower than that of (278.44±13.28) per low-power field in shRNA-control group ( P <0.01). Immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting showed that MALAT1 downregulation significantly reduced the expressions of proteins related to EMT signal pathway in EC-109 cells.Dual luciferase reporter assay showed that compared to negative control, the activities of luciferase reporter in EC-109 cells co-transfected with pmirGLO-MALAT1-wt and miR-200a were significantly down-regulated. While co-transfected pmirGLO-MALAT1-mut with miR-200a mimics had no effect on the luciferase reporter activities of MALAT1. Conclusion: LncRNA MALAT1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate the expressions of ZEB1 and ZEB2 by sponging miR-200a and promotes invasion and migration of esophageal cancer cells through inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Objective: To study the effects of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) RNA interference on cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration ability in vitro in human laryngeal cancer cells Hep-2. Method: Lentivirus transfection was used to realize the STIM1 RNA interference in human laryngeal cancer cells Hep-2. STIM1 RNA interference was verified by real-time PCR and western blotting. The cell proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8 method, Transwell chamber and wound scratch assay were used to detect cell invasion and migration ability, respectively. The cell apoptosis rate was evaluated by flow cytometry. The apoptotic proteins expression levels of caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, VEGF and MMP9 were detected by western blotting. Result: The gene expression levels of STIM1 mRNA and protein in human laryngeal cancer cells Hep-2 were significantly decreased after interference lentivirus transfection. After the interference of STIM1, the cell proliferation, invasion and migratory ability of Hep-2 cells in vitro declined ( P <0.05). The cell apoptosis rate significantly increased after STIM1 RNA interference, along with the caspase-3 and Bax protein expression levels up-regulation, and the Bcl-2 expression levels down-regulation. The decrease of cell invasion and migratory ability was related with the down-regulation of VEGF and MMP9 protein expression. Conclusion: RNA interference of STIM1 in human laryngeal cancer cells Hep-2 inhibits the cell proliferation, invasion and migration ability in vitro, and enhances the cell apoptosis rate of Hep-2 cells., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.)

This study was designed to investigate the effect of digoxin on migration and invasion of human gastric carcinoma MKN45 cells and its possible mechanism. MKN45 cells were treated with different concentrations of digoxin for 24 h. The shRNA-AEG-1 plasmid was transfected into MKN45 cells via lipofectamine to block the expression of astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1). Western blot was used to analyze the protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), E-cadherin and AEG-1. The result showed that digoxin reduced the abilities of migration and invasion (P < 0.05), up-regulated the protein level of E-cadherin (P < 0.05), and down-regulated the protein levels of MMP-9 and AEG-1 (P < 0.05) in MKN45 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with shControl group, shAGE-1 group showed inhibited cellular migration and invasion, higher expression level of E-cadherin, and lower expression levels of MMP-9 and AEG-1. These results suggest that digoxin suppresses the migration and invasion of human gastric carcinoma MKN45 cells in a dose-dependent manner through inhibiting the expression of AEG-1, and then resulting in the up-regulation of the protein expression of E-cadherin and the down-regulation of the protein expression of MMP-9.

Objective: To investigate the expression of LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP1) in renal cell carcinoma and its significance in the invasion and migration of renal clear cell carcinoma 786-O cell line. Methods: The expression level of LASP1 in 41 cases of renal cell carcinoma tissues and normal renal tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between the expression level of LASP1 and clinical characteristics was further analyzed. Expression of LASP1 in 10 cases of tumor tissues with or without lymph node metastasis was analyzed by Western blot. Furthermore, small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting LASP1 was constructed and transfected into 786-O cells to downregulate LASP1 expression. The interference effect of LASP1 siRNA on LASP1 protein and the expression of related proteins in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway were detected by Western blot. The effects of LASP1 knockdown on cell proliferation, migration and invasion and gene expression were then assessed using CCK8 assay, transwell cell migration system and western blot analysis, respectively. Results: The positive rate of LASP1 expression in renal clear cell carcinoma tissues was 90.2% (37/41), which was significantly higher than that in the adjacent tissues (29.3%, P =0.002). The expression of LASP1 in renal cell carcinoma was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage of renal cell carcinoma ( P <0.05). The results of Western blot showed that LASP1 (0.696±0.053) was highly expressed in renal cell carcinoma (1.459±0.628), especially in cases with lymph node metastasis (2.692±0.186, P <0.05). The LASP1 siRNA remarkably down-regulated the expression of LASP1 protein in 786-O cells. The abilities of proliferation, invasion and migration of 786-O cells were decreased significantly in the LASP1 siRNA groups.The relative expression of E-cadherin protein in the siRNA group (0.848±0.020) was significantly higher than those in the siRNA-NC group (0.671±0.018) and control group (0.691±0.037, P <0.05). The relative expression of N-cadherin protein in the siRNA group (0.449±0.047) was significantly lower than those in the siRNA-NC group (0.613±0.018) and control group (0.633±0.045, P <0.05). The relative expression of vimentin protein in the siRNA group (0.477±0.029) was significantly lower than those in the siRNA-NC group (0.598±0.069) and control group (0.633±0.045, P <0.05 for both). Conclusions: LASP1 is highly expressed in renal clear cell carcinoma, which is closely related to the development of the cancer. The effects of LASP1 on the invasion and migration of 786-O cells and lymph node metastasis may be related to the EMT.

Objective: To investigate the expression differences of interferon regulatory factor 5( IRF5) between M1 and M2 macrophages derived from mouse bone marrow and the effects of small interfering RNA targeting IRF5 gene( IRF5siRNA) on macrophage differentiation., Methods: With the treatment of IFN-γ and lipopolysaccharide( LPS),mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages were differentiated into M1 macrophages; while with the treatment of IL-4,mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages were differentiated into M2 macrophages. Differentiation efficiency was measured by flow cytometry. The expressions of IRF5,IL-12,tumor necrosis factor-α( TNF-α),inducible nitric oxide synthase( i NOS),arginase 1( Arg1),macrophage mannose receptor( MMR) mRNAs in M1 and M2 macrophages were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR( RT-PCR). Furthermore,macrophages were infected with IRF5 siRNA,and then the mRNA expressions of the above proteins in M1 and M2 were tested by RT-PCR,and the protein expressions were detected by Western blotting.The results were analyzed to evaluate the polarization state of macrophages., Results: The differentiation proportion of macrophages measured by flow cytometry was 81. 7%. RT-PCR showed that the expressions of IRF5,IL-12,i NOS mRNAs were obviously higher in M1 macrophages than in M2,and TNF-α mRNA was also higher in M1 macrophages. The expressions of Arg1,MMR mRNAs were obviously higher in M2 macrophages than in M1 macrophages. After silencing the IRF5 by IRF5 siRNA,the expressions of IRF5, IL-12, TNF-α and i NOS mRNAs decreased remarkably in macrophages, while the expressions of Arg-1,MMR mRNAs increased. Western blotting revealed that the expressions of IRF5,IL-12,TNF-α and i NOS proteins were significantly reduced,while the expressions of Arg1 and MMR protein were raised. The polarization of macrophages shifted to M2 state., Conclusion: IRF5 can be used as an important marker to identify M1 and M2 macrophages,and it has an important role in the regulation of macrophage differentiation.

Objective: To screen lentiviral vectors carrying siRNA which can specifically down-regulate the gene expression of the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3) in the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) cells of rats with spontaneous hypertension (SHT) and investigate the influence of the vectors on the signaling pathways of ROCK1, ROCK2 and eNOS in the CCSM cells of SHT rats., Methods: Using the S1PR3 mRNA sequence of the rat as an interfering target, we designed and synthesized three pairs of siRNA sequences (siRNA1, 2 and 3) targeting S1PR3 and one pair of negative control, and then constructed and packaged them into lentiviral vectors. We cultured the CCSM cells of SHT and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats in vitro and randomly divided them into groups A (SHT untransfected control), B (SHT transfected and carrying negative control virus), C (SHT transfected and carrying siRNA1 targeting S1PR3), D (SHT transfected and carrying siRNA2 targeting S1PR3), E (SHT transfected and carrying siRNA3 targeting S1PR3), and F (WKY untransfected control). With the multiplicity of infection (MOI) = 60, we transfected the CCSM cells of the SHT rats with the lentiviral vector and then determined the expression of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) as well as the mRNA and protein expressions of S1PR3, ROCK1, ROCK2 and eNOS in the CCSM cells of the SHT and WKY rats by RT-PCR and Western blot., Results: Gene sequencing proved the successful construction of the lentiviral vector. The transfection efficiency of the CCSM cells of the rats was >80% in groups B, C, D and E. Compared with group A, the mRNA and protein expressions of S1PR3, ROCK1 and ROCK2 exhibited no significant difference in group B but were remarkably decreased in groups C, D, E and F (P< 0.05), most significantly in group E, with the inhibition rates of the mRNA and protein expressions of S1PR3 of (34.2±2.9) and (77.7±4.7)%, those of ROCK1 of (33.3±1.4) and (51.1±7.3)%, and those of ROCK2 of (30.8±3.6) and (58.32±5.5)%, respectively. The mRNA and protein expressions of eNOS in group A showed no significant difference from those in groups B, C, D and E (P>0.05) but remarkably lower than those in group F (P< 0.05). Compared with group F, the mRNA and protein expressions of S1PR3, ROCK1 and ROCK2 were not significantly different from those in group E (P>0.05) but markedly increased in groups A, B, C and D (P< 0.05), while those of eNOS remarkably decreased in groups A, B, C, D and E (P< 0.05)., Conclusions: The three constructed lentiviral vectors carrying siRNA targeting different loci of the S1PR3 gene could significantly inhibit the expression of S1P3 as well as RhoA/Rho kinase signaling pathways in the CCSM cells of SHT rats, and the vector carrying siRNA3 exhibited the highest inhibitory effect.

Objective: Gene lef-11 is one of the high conservative late expression factors in Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), and contributes to virus replication and proliferation. The effective RNA interference will increase the resistance of host cells to BmNPV., Methods: Choosing two classical skeleton sh-RNA-loop and miRNA skeleton based on silkworm endogenous, we constructed targeted-lef-11 interference vectors: pIZ-shRNA1, pIZ-shRNA2 and pIZ-DsRed-amiR279 and optimized these vectors via different promoters., Results: First, comparing the interference efficiency of shRNA-based and miRNA-based RNAi vectors on the same site, we found the interference efficiency of pIZ-DsRed-amiR279 on target gene was more than 90%, better than that of RNAi shRNA-based and could be applied for follow-up experiments. Second, we evaluated the antiviral effect of different interference vectors driven by A4, IE1, IE1-295, IE2, IE2-339, hr3A4 and hsp70 promoters and found that the most active promoter had less interference effect on the target gene and IE1 was the optimal screening seven promoters, which demonstrated that the accumulation of pre-miRNA was not contribute to interference., Conclusion: The results showed that the interference effect on the target gene depended on kinds of factors, such as the interference skeleton, the activity of promoter and the function of target gene.

Objective To study the role of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in hypoxia/reoxygenation injury and its regulatory effect on autophagy in HK-2 renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods Three sets of designed NGAL short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) sequences were synthesized and transfected into HK-2 cells. The expression levels of NGAL mRNA and protein were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Then, the HK-2 cells with the best NGAL mRNA interference were selected to establish the hypoxia/reoxygenation model. The levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3II (LC-3II) and beclin-1 were detected by Western blotting. Besides, the viability of cells was tested by Cell Titer-Blue and CCK-8 assay. Results Three sets of shRNA plasmids carrying silenced NGAL gene were successfully constructed and transfected into HK-2 cells. The expressions of NGAL mRNA and protein in these cells were significantly lower than those in the controls with blank vector. After NGAL-silenced HK-2 cells were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation, the levels of LC-3 II and beclin-1 were lower than those in the controls with blank vector, whereas the levels of LC-3 II and beclin-1 in were higher than those in the ones in which 400 ng/mL recombinant NGAL was added. Cell Titer-Blue and CCK-8 assays showed that the viability of NGAL-knockdown HK-2 cells was significantly lower than the controls. Conclusion NGAL may plays protective role towards HK-2 cells in the process of hypoxia/reoxygenation by enhancing autophagy.

Objective To establish a gastric cancer cell line with stable Drosha silenced and explore the effect of Drosha on the chemosensitivity of gastric cancer cells to epirubicin. Methods Interfering sequences targeting Drosha were designed and inserted into the lentiviral vectors, which were used to transfect MGC-803 cells. The level of Drosha mRNA was detected by quantitative real-time PCR; Drosha protein was detected by Western blotting; MTT assay was performed to test the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of epirubicin agaisnt wide-type MGC-803 cells. After the treatment with IC50 epirubicin, the apoptosis rate of each cell group was determined by flow cytometry; the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax, Bcl-2 were assessed by Western blotting. Results The gastric cancer MGC-803 cells with stable Drosha silenced were successfully established, and the levels of Drosha mRNA and protein were reduced. After the cells were treated with 0.5 mg/L(IC50) epirubicin, the apoptosis rate of MGC-803 cells was raised, the protein expressions of caspase-3 , caspase-9 and Bax were significantly upregulated and Bcl-2 was downregulated. Conclusion The silence of Drosha expression can promote the sensitivity of gastric cancer to epirubicin.

Objective To investigate the impact of the decreased expression of dachshund homolog 1 (DACH1) on cell cycle, apoptosis, invasion and migration of Capan-1 pancreatic cancer cells. Methods After four pairs of DACH1 siRNA were designed and synthesized, double-stranded short hairpin RNA (shRNA) were annealed and inserted into pGenesil-1 vector. The product was then confirmed by enzyme digestion and sequencing analysis. The recombinant plasmids were transfected into Capan-1 cells via Lipofectamine(TM) 2000. Fluorescence microscopy, reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to detect the transfection efficiency. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were tested by flow cytometry. Transwell(TM) assay was used to monitor the invasion and migration abilities of Capan-1 cells. Results Recombinant plasmid pshRNA-DACH1 was successfully constructed and transfected into Capan-1 cells. After transfection, the expression of DACH1 was reduced to some extent. Flow cytometry revealed that cell apoptosis was promoted in the pshRNA-DACH1 transfected group compared with control groups, whereas cell cycle had no significant differences among the groups. Transwell(TM) assay validated that the abilities of migration and invasion were inhibited in the pshRNA-DACH1 transfected group. Conclusion Knockdown of DACH1 expression can remarkably enhance the cell apoptosis, restrain the proliferation, migration and invasion of Capan-1 cells.