International Journal of Molecular Sciences

2441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Proliferation and Anti-Invasion Effects of Diosgenin on Gastric Cancer BGC-823 Cells with HIF-1α shRNAs

by Zhu-Jun Mao, Qian-Jue Tang, Ci-An Zhang, Zhi-Feng Qin, Bin Pang, Pin-kang Wei, Bo Liu and Yuan-Neng Chou

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6521-6533; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056521 - 24 May 2012

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 7555

Abstract

Drug resistance is a major factor for the limited efficacy of chemotherapy in gastric cancer treatment. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a central transcriptional factor in hypoxia, is suggested to participate in the resistance. Here, we identified a hypoxia-mimic (cobalt chloride) sensitive gastric cell line [...] Read more.

Drug resistance is a major factor for the limited efficacy of chemotherapy in gastric cancer treatment. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a central transcriptional factor in hypoxia, is suggested to participate in the resistance. Here, we identified a hypoxia-mimic (cobalt chloride) sensitive gastric cell line BGC-823 to explore whether diosgenin, an aglycone of steroidal saponins, can inhibit cancer cell invasion and survival of solid tumor in a hypoxic mimic microenvironment. We have shown that diosgenin is a potent candidate for decreasing the ability of invasion and survival in cobalt chloride treated BGC-823 cells. In addition, when combined with HIF-1α specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA), diosgenin can inhibit BGC-823 cells more effectively. The anti-invasion role of diosgenin may be related to E-cadherin, integrinα5 and integrinβ6. These results suggest that diosgenin may be a useful compound in controlling gastric cancer cells in hypoxia condition, especially when combined with down-regulated HIF-1α. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Growth Promotion of Yunnan Pine Early Seedlings in Response to Foliar Application of IAA and IBA

by Yulan Xu, Yuemin Zhang, Yunfei Li, Genqian Li, Daiyi Liu, Minchong Zhao and Nianhui Cai

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6507-6520; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056507 - 24 May 2012

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6517

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted using a 3 × 3 orthogonal regression design to explore the growth promotion of one-year-old Yunnan pine seedlings (Pinus yunnanensis Franch.) in response to foliar application of IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) at rates of 0, 200 and 400 [...] Read more.

A field experiment was conducted using a 3 × 3 orthogonal regression design to explore the growth promotion of one-year-old Yunnan pine seedlings (Pinus yunnanensis Franch.) in response to foliar application of IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) at rates of 0, 200 and 400 mg·L⁻¹ and IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) at rates of 0, 200 and 400 mg·L⁻¹ in order to promote the growth during the seedlings’ early stage. The experiment was conducted at the Lufeng Village Forest Farm of Yiliang County in Kunming, Yunnan, China. The results showed that IAA and IBA were effective in growth promotion of Yunnan pine seedlings. The response of both growth increment and biomass accumulation to the concentration of IAA and IBA can be modeled using a bivariate surface response, and each growth index had a peak value. Growth indexes increased with the increase of the dosage of photohormones before reaching a peak value, and then decreased. The different growth indexes had various responses to the concentrations and ratio of IAA and IBA. The foliar application of IAA in combination with IBA showed the largest improvement on the biomass of the needles, followed by stems and roots. The higher ratio of IAA promoted stem diameter growth, root system development and biomass accumulation in the needles, while a higher ratio of IBA contributed to height growth and biomass accumulation in the stem. Based on the auxin effect equations on the different growth indexes and surface response, the optimum concentrations and the (IAA:IBA) ratios can be obtained. The optimum concentrations of IAA and IBA were 167 and 186, 310 and 217, 193 and 159, 191 and 221, and 206 and 186 mg·L⁻¹, with corresponding ratios of 1:1.11, 1:0.70, 1:0.82, 1:1.15 and 1:0.90, respectively, at the maximum seedling height and collar diameter growth as well as biomass accumulation at the root, stem and needle. The above growth indexes were 22.00%, 79.80%, 48.65%, 82.20% and 107.00% higher than the control treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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466 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Quiescent Cellular State is Arf/p53-Dependent and Associated with H2AX Downregulation and Genome Stability

by Ken-ichi Yoshioka, Yuko Atsumi, Hirokazu Fukuda, Mitsuko Masutani and Hirobumi Teraoka

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6492-6506; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056492 - 24 May 2012

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7082

Abstract

Cancer is a disease associated with genomic instability and mutations. Excluding some tumors with specific chromosomal translocations, most cancers that develop at an advanced age are characterized by either chromosomal or microsatellite instability. However, it is still unclear how genomic instability and mutations [...] Read more.

Cancer is a disease associated with genomic instability and mutations. Excluding some tumors with specific chromosomal translocations, most cancers that develop at an advanced age are characterized by either chromosomal or microsatellite instability. However, it is still unclear how genomic instability and mutations are generated during the process of cellular transformation and how the development of genomic instability contributes to cellular transformation. Recent studies of cellular regulation and tetraploidy development have provided insights into the factors triggering cellular transformation and the regulatory mechanisms that protect chromosomes from genomic instability. Full article

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Graphical abstract

557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Introgression Between Cultivars and Wild Populations of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) in Taiwan

by Pei-Chun Liao, Chi-Chu Tsai, Chang-Hung Chou and Yu-Chung Chiang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6469-6491; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056469 - 24 May 2012

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 8989

Abstract

The landrace strains of Momordica charantia are widely cultivated vegetables throughout the tropics and subtropics, but not in Taiwan, a continental island in Southeast Asia, until a few hundred years ago. In contrast, the related wild populations with smaller fruit sizes are native [...] Read more.

The landrace strains of Momordica charantia are widely cultivated vegetables throughout the tropics and subtropics, but not in Taiwan, a continental island in Southeast Asia, until a few hundred years ago. In contrast, the related wild populations with smaller fruit sizes are native to Taiwan. Because of the introduction of cultivars for agricultural purposes, these two accessions currently exhibit a sympatric or parapatric distribution in Taiwan. In this study, the cultivars and wild samples from Taiwan, India, and Korea were collected for testing of their hybridization and evolutionary patterns. The cpDNA marker showed a clear distinction between accessions of cultivars and wild populations of Taiwan and a long divergence time. In contrast, an analysis of eight selectively neutral nuclear microsatellite loci did not reveal a difference between the genetic structures of these two accessions. A relatively short divergence time and frequent but asymmetric gene flows were estimated based on the isolation-with-migration model. Historical and current introgression from cultivars to wild populations of Taiwan was also inferred using MIGRATE-n and BayesAss analyses. Our results showed that these two accessions shared abundant common ancestral polymorphisms, and the timing of the divergence and colonization of the Taiwanese wild populations is consistent with the geohistory of the Taiwan Strait land bridge of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Long-term and recurrent introgression between accessions indicated the asymmetric capacity to receive foreign genes from other accessions. The modern introduction of cultivars of M. charantia during the colonization of Taiwan by the Han Chinese ethnic group enhanced the rate of gene replacement in the native populations and resulted in the loss of native genes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Plant Biology)

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633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Preparation Method for 5-Aminosalicylic Acid Loaded Eudragit S100 Nanoparticles

by Daode Hu, Liang Liu, Wenjuan Chen, Sining Li and Yaping Zhao

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6454-6468; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056454 - 24 May 2012

Cited by 61 | Viewed by 9025

Abstract

In this study, solution enhanced dispersion by supercritical fluids (SEDS) technique was applied for the preparation of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) loaded Eudragit S100 (EU S100) nanoparticles. The effects of various process variables including pressure, temperature, 5-ASA concentration and solution flow rate on morphology, [...] Read more.

In this study, solution enhanced dispersion by supercritical fluids (SEDS) technique was applied for the preparation of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) loaded Eudragit S100 (EU S100) nanoparticles. The effects of various process variables including pressure, temperature, 5-ASA concentration and solution flow rate on morphology, particle size, 5-ASA loading and entrapment efficiency of nanoparticles were investigated. Under the appropriate conditions, drug-loaded nanoparticles exhibited a spherical shape and small particle size with narrow particle size distribution. In addition, the nanoparticles prepared were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. The results showed that 5-ASA was imbedded into EU S100 in an amorphous state after SEDS processing and the SEDS process did not induce degradation of 5-ASA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Materials Science)

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88 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Nanostructured Biomaterials for Tissue Engineered Bone Tissue Reconstruction. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13, 737-757

by Chiara Gardin, Letizia Ferroni, Lorenzo Favero, Edoardo Stellini, Dario Stomaci, Stefano Sivolella, Eriberto Bressan and Barbara Zavan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6452-6453; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056452 - 24 May 2012

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5302

Abstract

We would like to change the authors’ names and E-Mail addresses on Page 737 of Article [1] from: [...] Full article

173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical and Biological Studies of Agave attenuata

by Komal Rizwan, Muhammad Zubair, Nasir Rasool, Muhammad Riaz, Muhammad Zia-Ul-Haq and Vincenzo De Feo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6440-6451; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056440 - 24 May 2012

Cited by 85 | Viewed by 9497

Abstract

The present study was conducted to examine various biological activities of a methanol extract of Agave attenuata leaves. GC-MS analysis of the n-hexane fraction from the extract revealed the presence of 31 compounds, with mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (11.37%), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (6.33%), n-docosane [...] Read more.

The present study was conducted to examine various biological activities of a methanol extract of Agave attenuata leaves. GC-MS analysis of the n-hexane fraction from the extract revealed the presence of 31 compounds, with mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (11.37%), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (6.33%), n-docosane (6.30%) and eicosane (6.02%) as the major components. The leaves contained appreciable levels of total phenolic contents (10.541–39.35 GAE, mg/100 g) and total flavonoid contents (43.35–304.8 CE, mg/100 g). The extract and some of its fractions showed moderate antimicrobial effects. Leaves extract and fractions also exhibited a good antioxidant potential when measured by DPPH radical scavenging activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation assays. The hemolytic effect of the plant was found to be in a range of 1.01%–2.64%. From the present study it is concluded that this plant could be used as a source of natural antioxidants and functional food nutraceutical applications. Full article

852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CD133-Positive Cells Might Be Responsible for Efficient Proliferation of Human Meningioma Cells

by Hailiang Tang, Ye Gong, Ying Mao, Qing Xie, Mingzhe Zheng, Daijun Wang, Hongda Zhu, Xuanchun Wang, Hong Chen, Xiancheng Chen and Liangfu Zhou

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6424-6439; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056424 - 23 May 2012

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6714

Abstract

Owing to lack of appropriate model systems, investigations of meningioma biology have come to a stop. In this study, we developed a comprehensive digestion method and defined a culture system. Using this method and system, primary meningioma cells in conditioned suspension medium and [...] Read more.

Owing to lack of appropriate model systems, investigations of meningioma biology have come to a stop. In this study, we developed a comprehensive digestion method and defined a culture system. Using this method and system, primary meningioma cells in conditioned suspension medium and a hypoxic environment could be amplified in spheres and were passaged for more than ten generations. Meningioma sphere cells were positive for meningioma cell markers and negative for markers of neural cell types. Importantly, we found the cells expressed the stem cell marker, CD133, but not nestin. All of the tumor sphere cell populations showed a slower degree of cell proliferation than that of human glioma cells and fetal neural stem cells (NSCs). Further studies showed that the proliferative rate was positively correlated with CD133 expression. The higher the CD133 expression, the faster the cell proliferation. With the increase in cell generations, the cell proliferation rate gradually slowed down, and CD133 expression also decreased. Single CD133⁺ cells rather than CD133⁻ cells could form spheres. Thus, the results above indicated that those cells expressing CD133 in spheres might be stem-like cells, which may be responsible for efficient amplification of human meningioma cells. Decreased expression of CD133 may lead to the failure of long-term passaging. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dieckol, a Component of Ecklonia cava, on the Promotion of Hair Growth

by Jung-Il Kang, Sang-Cheol Kim, Min-Kyoung Kim, Hye-Jin Boo, You-Jin Jeon, Young-Sang Koh, Eun-Sook Yoo, Sung-Myung Kang and Hee-Kyoung Kang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6407-6423; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056407 - 23 May 2012

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 15840

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Ecklonia cava, a marine alga native to Jeju Island in Korea, on the promotion of hair growth. When vibrissa follicles were cultured in the presence of E. cava enzymatic extract (which contains more [...] Read more.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Ecklonia cava, a marine alga native to Jeju Island in Korea, on the promotion of hair growth. When vibrissa follicles were cultured in the presence of E. cava enzymatic extract (which contains more than 35% of dieckol) for 21 days, E. cava enzymatic extract increased hair-fiber length. In addition, after topical application of the 0.5% E. cava enzymatic extract onto the back of C57BL/6 mice, anagen progression of the hair-shaft was induced. The treatment with E. cava enzymatic extract resulted in the proliferation of immortalized vibrissa dermal papilla cells (DPC). Especially, dieckol, among the isolated compounds from the E. cava enzymatic extract, showed activity that increased the proliferation of DPC. When NIH3T3 fibroblasts were treated with the E. cava enzymatic extract and the isolated compounds from the E. cava enzymatic extract, the E. cava enzymatic extract increased the proliferation of NIH3T3 fibroblasts, but the isolated compounds such as eckol, dieckol, phloroglucinol and triphlorethol-A did not affect the proliferation of NIH3T3 fibroblasts. On the other hand, the E. cava enzymatic extract and dieckol significantly inhibited 5α-reductase activity. These results suggest that dieckol from E. cava can stimulate hair growth by the proliferation of DPC and/or the inhibition of 5α-reductase activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CD146 Expression Correlates with Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Markers and a Poor Prognosis in Gastric Cancer

by Wen-Fang Liu, Shu-Rong Ji, Jian-Jun Sun, Yi Zhang, Zhong-Yan Liu, Ai-Bin Liang and Hua-Zong Zeng

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6399-6406; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056399 - 23 May 2012

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 8459

Abstract

CD146 has been regarded as a novel potential therapeutic target for multiple cancers. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of CD146 in gastric cancer and evaluate its clinical-pathological and prognostic significance. The expression of CD146 and three epithelial-mesenchymal transition [...] Read more.

CD146 has been regarded as a novel potential therapeutic target for multiple cancers. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of CD146 in gastric cancer and evaluate its clinical-pathological and prognostic significance. The expression of CD146 and three epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins (E-cadherin, β-catenin and vimentin) was examined in 144 gastric cancers by immunohistochemistry. Fifty-nine cases (41.0%) were defined as positive for CD146 expression. We found that CD146 expression correlated positively with lymph node involvement and a poor prognosis, and retained an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer patients. Furthermore, positive expression of CD146 was strongly associated with loss of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and acquisition of the expression of the mesenchymal markers nuclear β-catenin and vimentin. These findings suggest that CD146 might promote EMT and progression in gastric cancer, and thus may be a potential therapeutic target for patients with gastric cancers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Oncology (special issue))

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988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enrichment of Polychlorinated Biphenyls from Aqueous Solutions Using Fe₃O₄ Grafted Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes with Poly Dimethyl Diallyl Ammonium Chloride

by Shaolin Zeng, Yuting Cao, Weiguo Sang, Tianhua Li, Ning Gan and Lei Zheng

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6382-6398; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056382 - 23 May 2012

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 8043

Abstract

In this paper, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs) grafted carboxyl groups of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with cationic polyelectrolyte poly (dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) (PDDA) (MWCNTs-COO⁻/PDDA@Fe₃O₄), are successfully synthesized and used for the extraction of [...] Read more.

In this paper, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs) grafted carboxyl groups of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with cationic polyelectrolyte poly (dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) (PDDA) (MWCNTs-COO⁻/PDDA@Fe₃O₄), are successfully synthesized and used for the extraction of six kinds of major toxic polychorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from a large volume of water solution. The hydrophilicity of the PDDA cage can enhance the dispersibility of sorbents in water samples, and the superparamagnetism of the Fe₃O₄ NPs facilitate magnetic separation which directly led to the simplification of the extraction procedure. With the magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) technique based on the MWCNTs-COO⁻/PDDA@Fe₃O₄ sorbents, it requires only 30 min to extract trace levels of PCBs from 500 mL water samples. When the eluate condensed to 1.0 mL, concentration factors for PCBs became over 500. The spiked recoveries of several real water samples for PCBs were in the range of 73.3–98.9% with relative standard deviations varying from 3.8% to 9.4%, reflecting good accuracy of the method. Therefore, preconcentration of trace level of PCBs by using this MWCNTs-COO⁻/PDDA@Fe₃O₄ sorbent, which are stable for multiple reuses, from water solution can be performed. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Gelam Honey Has a Protective Effect against Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Organ Failure

by Mustafa Kassim, Marzida Mansor, Nazeh Al-Abd and Kamaruddin Mohd Yusoff

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6370-6381; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056370 - 23 May 2012

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 9072

Abstract

Gelam honey exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and is thought to have potent effects in reducing infections and healing wounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intravenously-injected Gelam honey in protecting organs from lethal doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). [...] Read more.

Gelam honey exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and is thought to have potent effects in reducing infections and healing wounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intravenously-injected Gelam honey in protecting organs from lethal doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Six groups of rabbits (N = 6) were used in this study. Two groups acted as controls and received only saline and no LPS injections. For the test groups, 1 mL honey (500 mg/kg in saline) was intravenously injected into two groups (treated), while saline (1 mL) was injected into the other two groups (untreated); after 1 h, all four test groups were intravenously-injected with LPS (0.5 mg/kg). Eight hours after the LPS injection, blood and organs were collected from three groups (one from each treatment stream) and blood parameters were measured and biochemical tests, histopathology, and myeloperoxidase assessment were performed. For survival rate tests, rabbits from the remaining three groups were monitored over a 2-week period. Treatment with honey showed protective effects on organs through the improvement of organ blood parameters, reduced infiltration of neutrophils, and decreased myeloperoxidase activity. Honey-treated rabbits also showed reduced mortality after LPS injection compared with untreated rabbits. Honey may have a therapeutic effect in protecting organs during inflammatory diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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Open AccessArticle

Revealing the Anti-Tumor Effect of Artificial miRNA p-27-5p on Human Breast Carcinoma Cell Line T-47D

by Chien-Wei Tseng, Hsuan-Cheng Huang, Arthur Chun-Chieh Shih, Ya-Ya Chang, Chung-Cheng Hsu, Jen-Yun Chang, Wen-Hsiung Li and Hsueh-Fen Juan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6352-6369; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056352 - 23 May 2012

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 9529

Abstract

microRNAs (miRNAs) cause mRNA degradation or translation suppression of their target genes. Previous studies have found direct involvement of miRNAs in cancer initiation and progression. Artificial miRNAs, designed to target single or multiple genes of interest, provide a new therapeutic strategy for cancer. [...] Read more.

microRNAs (miRNAs) cause mRNA degradation or translation suppression of their target genes. Previous studies have found direct involvement of miRNAs in cancer initiation and progression. Artificial miRNAs, designed to target single or multiple genes of interest, provide a new therapeutic strategy for cancer. This study investigates the anti-tumor effect of a novel artificial miRNA, miR P-27-5p, on breast cancer. In this study, we reveal that miR P-27-5p downregulates the differential gene expressions associated with the protein modification process and regulation of cell cycle in T-47D cells. Introduction of this novel artificial miRNA, miR P-27-5p, into breast cell lines inhibits cell proliferation and induces the first “gap” phase (G1) cell cycle arrest in cancer cell lines but does not affect normal breast cells. We further show that miR P-27-5p targets the 3′-untranslated mRNA region (3′-UTR) of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and reduces both the mRNA and protein level of CDK4, which in turn, interferes with phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (RB1). Overall, our data suggest that the effects of miR p-27-5p on cell proliferation and G1 cell cycle arrest are through the downregulation of CDK4 and the suppression of RB1 phosphorylation. This study opens avenues for future therapies targeting breast cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Oncology (special issue))

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Graphical abstract

564 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Antigen-Antibody Interactions of Sulfonamides with a Monoclonal Antibody in a Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay Using 3D-QSAR Models

by Zhanhui Wang, Zhenpeng Kai, Ross C. Beier, Jianzhong Shen and Xinling Yang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6334-6351; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056334 - 23 May 2012

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6926

Abstract

A three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model of sulfonamide analogs binding a monoclonal antibody (MAb_SMR) produced against sulfamerazine was carried out by Distance Comparison (DISCOtech), comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA). The affinities of the [...] Read more.

A three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model of sulfonamide analogs binding a monoclonal antibody (MAb_SMR) produced against sulfamerazine was carried out by Distance Comparison (DISCOtech), comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA). The affinities of the MAb_SMR, expressed as Log₁₀IC₅₀, for 17 sulfonamide analogs were determined by competitive fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). The results demonstrated that the proposed pharmacophore model containing two hydrogen-bond acceptors, two hydrogen-bond donors and two hydrophobic centers characterized the structural features of the sulfonamides necessary for MAb_SMR binding. Removal of two outliers from the initial set of 17 sulfonamide analogs improved the predictability of the models. The 3D-QSAR models of 15 sulfonamides based on CoMFA and CoMSIA resulted in q²_cv values of 0.600 and 0.523, and r² values of 0.995 and 0.994, respectively, which indicates that both methods have significant predictive capability. Connolly surface analysis, which mainly focused on steric force fields, was performed to complement the results from CoMFA and CoMSIA. This novel study combining FPIA with pharmacophore modeling demonstrates that multidisciplinary research is useful for investigating antigen-antibody interactions and also may provide information required for the design of new haptens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Recognition)

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Open AccessArticle

Anti-Hyperglycemic Effect of Chebulagic Acid from the Fruits of Terminalia chebula Retz

by Yi-Na Huang, Dong-Dong Zhao, Bo Gao, Kai Zhong, Rui-Xue Zhu, Yan Zhang, Wang-Jun Xie, Li-Rong Jia and Hong Gao

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6320-6333; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056320 - 22 May 2012

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 10064

Abstract

In the present study, we firstly compared rat intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitory activity by different ethanol-aqueous extractions from the dried fruits of Terminalia chebula Retz. The enzymatic assay showed that the 80% ethanol extract was more potent against maltase activity than both 50% and [...] Read more.

In the present study, we firstly compared rat intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitory activity by different ethanol-aqueous extractions from the dried fruits of Terminalia chebula Retz. The enzymatic assay showed that the 80% ethanol extract was more potent against maltase activity than both 50% and 100% ethanol extracts. By HPLC analysis, it was determined that the 80% ethanol extract had a higher content of chebulagic acid than each of 50% or 100% ethanol extract. Next, we investigated how efficiently chebulagic acid could inhibit sugar digestion by determining the glucose level on the apical side of the Caco-2 cell monolayer. The result showed that the maltose-hydrolysis activity was down-regulated by chebulagic acid, which proved to be a reversible inhibitor of maltase in Caco-2 cells. On the other hand, chebulagic acid showed a weak inhibition of sucrose-hydrolysis activity. Meanwhile, chebulagic acid did not have an obvious influence on intestinal glucose uptake and was not effective on glucose transporters. Further animal studies revealed that the oral administration of chebulagic acid (100 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced postprandial blood glucose levels by 11.1% in maltose-loaded Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats compared with the control group, whereas the oral administration of chebulagic acid did not show a suppressive effect on postprandial hyperglycemia in sucrose- or glucose-loaded SD-rats. The results presented here suggest that chebulagic acid from T. chebula can be used to control blood glucose and manage type 2 diabetes, although clinical trials are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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Open AccessArticle

Deleterious Effects of High Dose Connexin 43 Mimetic Peptide Infusion After Cerebral Ischaemia in Near-Term Fetal Sheep

by Joanne O. Davidson, Colin R. Green, Louise F. B. Nicholson, Laura Bennet and Alistair J. Gunn

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6303-6319; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056303 - 22 May 2012

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 7301

Abstract

Hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury at birth is associated with 1–3/1000 cases of moderate to severe encephalopathy. Previously, we have shown that connexin 43 hemichannel blockade, with a specific mimetic peptide, reduced the occurrence of seizures, improved recovery of EEG power and sleep state cycling, [...] Read more.

Hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury at birth is associated with 1–3/1000 cases of moderate to severe encephalopathy. Previously, we have shown that connexin 43 hemichannel blockade, with a specific mimetic peptide, reduced the occurrence of seizures, improved recovery of EEG power and sleep state cycling, and improved cell survival following global cerebral ischaemia. In the present study, we examined the dose response for intracerebroventricular mimetic peptide infusion (50 µmol/kg/h for 1 h, followed by 50 µmol/kg/24 h (low dose) or 50 µmol/kg/h for 25 h (high dose) or vehicle only (control group), starting 90 min after the end of ischaemia), following global cerebral ischaemia, induced by 30 min bilateral carotid artery occlusion, in near-term fetal sheep (128 ± 1 days gestation). Both peptide infusion groups were associated with a transient significant increase in EEG power between 2–12 h after ischaemia. The ischaemia-low dose group showed a significant recovery of EEG power from day five compared to the ischaemia-vehicle and -high dose groups. In contrast, the high dose infusion was associated with greater secondary increase in impedance (brain cell swelling), as well as a trend towards a greater increase in lactate concentration and mortality. These data suggest that higher doses of connexin mimetic peptide are not beneficial and may be associated with adverse outcomes, most likely attributable to uncoupling of connexin 43 gap junctions leading to dysfunction of the astrocytic syncytium. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuroprotective Strategies 2012)

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Open AccessArticle

Optimization of the Extraction of Anthocyanins from the Fruit Skin of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk and Identification of Anthocyanins in the Extract Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS)

by Guo-Ling Liu, Hong-Hui Guo and Yuan-Ming Sun

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6292-6302; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056292 - 22 May 2012

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 9160

Abstract

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring polyphenols that impart bright color to fruits, vegetables and plants. In this study, the extraction of anthocyanins from freeze-dried fruit skin of downy rose-myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk var. Gangren) was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Using [...] Read more.

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring polyphenols that impart bright color to fruits, vegetables and plants. In this study, the extraction of anthocyanins from freeze-dried fruit skin of downy rose-myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk var. Gangren) was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Using 60% ethanol containing 0.1% (v/v) hydrochloric acid as extraction solvent, the optimal conditions for maximum yields of anthocyanin (4.358 ± 0.045 mg/g) were 15.7:1 (v/w) liquid to solid ratio, 64.38 °C with a 116.88 min extraction time. The results showed good fits with the proposed model for the anthocyanin extraction (R² = 0.9944). Furthermore, the results of high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) analysis of the anthocyanins extracted from the fruit skin of downy rose-myrtle revealed the presence of five anthocyanin components, which were tentatively identified as delphinidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, petunidin-3-glucoside and malvidin-3-glucoside. Full article

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389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Materials Consisting of n-octadecyltriethoxysilane by Using n-Hexadecylamine as Surfactant and Q0 and T0 Cross-Linkers

by Ismail Warad, Omar Abd-Elkader H, Saud Al-Resayes, Ahmad Husein, Mohammed Al-Nuri, Ahmed Boshaala, Nabil Al-Zaqri and Taibi Ben Hadda

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6279-6291; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056279 - 21 May 2012

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 8251

Abstract

Novel hybrid xerogel materials were synthesized by a sol-gel procedure. n-octadecyltriethoxysilane was co-condensed with and without different cross-linkers using Q⁰ and T⁰ mono-functionalized organosilanes in the presence of n-hexadecylamine with different hydroxyl silica functional groups at the surface. [...] Read more.

Novel hybrid xerogel materials were synthesized by a sol-gel procedure. n-octadecyltriethoxysilane was co-condensed with and without different cross-linkers using Q⁰ and T⁰ mono-functionalized organosilanes in the presence of n-hexadecylamine with different hydroxyl silica functional groups at the surface. These polymer networks have shown new properties, for example, a high degree of cross-linking and hydrolysis. Two different synthesis steps were carried out: simple self-assembly followed by sol-gel transition and precipitation of homogenous sols. Due to the lack of solubility of these materials, the compositions of the new materials were determined by infrared spectroscopy, ¹³C and ²⁹Si CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Materials in Skeletal Engineering)

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276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low Diversity Bacterial Community and the Trapping Activity of Metabolites from Cultivable Bacteria Species in the Female Reproductive System of the Oriental Fruit Fly, Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae)

by Zhanghong Shi, Lili Wang and Hongyu Zhang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6266-6278; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056266 - 21 May 2012

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 8751

Abstract

Our goal was to identify the bacteria inhabiting the reproductive system of the female oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), and evaluate the chemotaxis of B. dorsalis to the metabolites produced by the bacteria. Based on 16S rRNA-based polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient [...] Read more.

Our goal was to identify the bacteria inhabiting the reproductive system of the female oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), and evaluate the chemotaxis of B. dorsalis to the metabolites produced by the bacteria. Based on 16S rRNA-based polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE), 18 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were assigned to the five bacterial classes Betaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Bacilli and Actinobacteria. Nine OTUs were assigned to Gammaproteobacteria, which was the most highly represented class. Enterobacteriaceae constituted the dominant family, and within this family, three genera and five species were identified, including Enterobacter sakazakii, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Raoultella terrigena and Enterobacter amnigenus. In this set, the first two species were the dominant components, and the latter three species were the minor ones. Finally, we found that the metabolites produced by R. terrigena, K. oxytoca and K. pneumoniae were attractive to the B. dorsalis adults, and in field studies, B. dorsalis adults were most attracted to K. oxytoca. Collectively, our results suggest that the female reproductive system plays an important role in the transfer of enterobacteria from the gut to fruit. Our data may prompt the development of a female-targeted population control strategy for this fly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)

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1091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Apoptosis Correlated Molecule: Expression and Characterization of Protein Latcripin-1 from Lentinula edodes C_91–3

by Ben Liu, Mintao Zhong, Yongzhi Lun, Xiaoli Wang, Wenchang Sun, Xingyun Li, Anhong Ning, Jing Cao, Wei Zhang, Lei Liu and Min Huang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6246-6265; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056246 - 21 May 2012

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 8368

Abstract

An apoptosis correlated molecule—protein Latcripin-1 of Lentinula edodes C₉₁_-₃—was expressed and characterized in Pichia pastoris GS115. The total RNA was obtained from Lentinula edodes C_91–3. According to the transcriptome, the full-length gene of Latcripin-1 was isolated with [...] Read more.

An apoptosis correlated molecule—protein Latcripin-1 of Lentinula edodes C₉₁_-₃—was expressed and characterized in Pichia pastoris GS115. The total RNA was obtained from Lentinula edodes C_91–3. According to the transcriptome, the full-length gene of Latcripin-1 was isolated with 3'-Full Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) and 5'-Full RACE methods. The full-length gene was inserted into the secretory expression vector pPIC9K. The protein Latcripin-1 was expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115 and analyzed by Sodium Dodecylsulfonate Polyacrylate Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot. The Western blot showed that the protein was expressed successfully. The biological function of protein Latcripin-1 on A549 cells was studied with flow cytometry and the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyl-tetrazolium Bromide (MTT) method. The toxic effect of protein Latcripin-1 was detected with the MTT method by co-culturing the characterized protein with chick embryo fibroblasts. The MTT assay results showed that there was a great difference between protein Latcripin-1 groups and the control group (p < 0.05). There was no toxic effect of the characterized protein on chick embryo fibroblasts. The flow cytometry showed that there was a significant difference between the protein groups of interest and the control group according to apoptosis function (p < 0.05). At the same time, cell ultrastructure observed by transmission electron microscopy supported the results of flow cytometry. The work demonstrates that protein Latcripin-1 can induce apoptosis of human lung cancer cells A549 and brings new insights into and advantages to finding anti-tumor proteins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Programmed Cell Death and Apoptosis)

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653 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effect of Caffeic Acid on Paclitaxel Induced Anti-Proliferation and Apoptosis of Lung Cancer Cells Involves NF-κB Pathway

by Chien-Liang Lin, Ruei-Feng Chen, Jeff Yi-Fu Chen, Ying-Chieh Chu, Hui-Min Wang, Han-Lin Chou, Wei-Chiao Chang, Yao Fong, Wen-Tsan Chang, Chang-Yi Wu and Chien-Chih Chiu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6236-6245; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056236 - 21 May 2012

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 8857

Abstract

Caffeic acid (CA), a natural phenolic compound, is abundant in medicinal plants. CA possesses multiple biological effects such as anti-bacterial and anti-cancer growth. CA was also reported to induce fore stomach and kidney tumors in a mouse model. Here we used two human [...] Read more.

Caffeic acid (CA), a natural phenolic compound, is abundant in medicinal plants. CA possesses multiple biological effects such as anti-bacterial and anti-cancer growth. CA was also reported to induce fore stomach and kidney tumors in a mouse model. Here we used two human lung cancer cell lines, A549 and H1299, to clarify the role of CA in cancer cell proliferation. The growth assay showed that CA moderately promoted the proliferation of the lung cancer cells. Furthermore, pre-treatment of CA rescues the proliferation inhibition induced by a sub-IC₅₀ dose of paclitaxel (PTX), an anticancer drug. Western blot showed that CA up-regulated the pro-survival proteins survivin and Bcl-2, the down-stream targets of NF-κB. This is consistent with the observation that CA induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Our study suggested that the pro-survival effect of CA on PTX-treated lung cancer cells is mediated through a NF-κB signaling pathway. This may provide mechanistic insights into the chemoresistance of cancer calls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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Open AccessArticle

Antioxidative Characteristics of Anisomeles indica Extract and Inhibitory Effect of Ovatodiolide on Melanogenesis

by Huey-Chun Huang, Hsiu-Man Lien, Hui-Ju Ke, Li-Ling Chang, Chia-Chang Chen and Tsong-Min Chang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6220-6235; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056220 - 21 May 2012

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 8009

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the antioxidant characteristics of Anisomeles indica methanol extract and the inhibitory effect of ovatodiolide on melanogenesis. In the study, the antioxidant capacities of A. indica methanol extract such as DPPH assay, ABTS radical scavenging assay, [...] Read more.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the antioxidant characteristics of Anisomeles indica methanol extract and the inhibitory effect of ovatodiolide on melanogenesis. In the study, the antioxidant capacities of A. indica methanol extract such as DPPH assay, ABTS radical scavenging assay, reducing capacity and metal ion chelating capacity as well as total phenolic content of the extract were investigated. In addition, the inhibitory effects of ovatodiolide on mushroom tyrosinase, B16F10 intracellular tyrosinase and melanin content were determined spectrophotometrically. Our results revealed that the antioxidant capacities of A. indica methanol extract increased in a dose-dependent pattern. The purified ovatodiolide inhibited mushroom tyrosinase activity (IC₅₀ = 0.253 mM), the compound also effectively suppressed intracellular tyrosinase activity (IC₅₀ = 0.469 mM) and decreased the amount of melanin (IC₅₀ = 0.435 mM) in a dose-dependent manner in B16F10 cells. Our results concluded that A. indica methanol extract displays antioxidant capacities and ovatodiolide purified from the extract inhibited melanogenesis in B16F10 cells. Hence, A. indica methanol extract and ovatodiolide could be applied as a type of dermatological whitening agent in skin care products. Full article

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394 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of ARF-BP1/HUWE1 Interactions with CTCF, MYC, ARF and p53 in MYC-Driven B Cell Neoplasms

by Chen-Feng Qi, Yong-Soo Kim, Shao Xiang, Ziedulla Abdullaev, Ted A. Torrey, Siegfried Janz, Alexander L. Kovalchuk, Jiafang Sun, Delin Chen, William C. Cho, Wei Gu and Herbert C. Morse III

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6204-6219; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056204 - 21 May 2012

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 9669

Abstract

Transcriptional activation of MYC is a hallmark of many B cell lineage neoplasms. MYC provides a constitutive proliferative signal but can also initiate ARF-dependent activation of p53 and apoptosis. The E3 ubiquitin ligase, ARF-BP1, encoded by HUWE1, modulates the activity of both [...] Read more.

Transcriptional activation of MYC is a hallmark of many B cell lineage neoplasms. MYC provides a constitutive proliferative signal but can also initiate ARF-dependent activation of p53 and apoptosis. The E3 ubiquitin ligase, ARF-BP1, encoded by HUWE1, modulates the activity of both the MYC and the ARF-p53 signaling pathways, prompting us to determine if it is involved in the pathogenesis of MYC-driven B cell lymphomas. ARF-BP1 was expressed at high levels in cell lines from lymphomas with either wild type or mutated p53 but not in ARF-deficient cells. Downregulation of ARF-BP1 resulted in elevated steady state levels of p53, growth arrest and apoptosis. Co-immunoprecipitation studies identified a multiprotein complex comprised of ARF-BP1, ARF, p53, MYC and the multifunctional DNA-binding factor, CTCF, which is involved in the transcriptional regulation of MYC, p53 and ARF. ARF-BP1 bound and ubiquitylated CTCF leading to its proteasomal degradation. ARF-BP1 and CTCF thus appear to be key cofactors linking the MYC proliferative and p53-ARF apoptotic pathways. In addition, ARF-BP1 could be a therapeutic target for MYC-driven B lineage neoplasms, even if p53 is inactive, with inhibition reducing the transcriptional activity of MYC for its target genes and stabilizing the apoptosis-promoting activities of p53. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Oncology (special issue))

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Open AccessArticle

Phytochemicals Analysis and Medicinal Potentials of Hydroalcoholic Extract from Curtisia dentata (Burm.f) C.A. Sm Stem Bark

by Sunday Oyewole Oyedemi, Blessing Ogochukwuamaka Oyedemi, Sunday Arowosegbe and Anthony Jide Afolayan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6189-6203; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056189 - 21 May 2012

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 7723

Abstract

Curtisia dentata (CD) is a vulnerable medicinal plant used for the treatment of stomach ailments in South Africa. However, there is a lack of sufficient data on its phytochemical components and medicinal properties. The phytochemical analysis of the extract was estimated using [...] Read more.

Curtisia dentata (CD) is a vulnerable medicinal plant used for the treatment of stomach ailments in South Africa. However, there is a lack of sufficient data on its phytochemical components and medicinal properties. The phytochemical analysis of the extract was estimated using standard assay methods while its antibacterial activity was determined by the agar dilution method against selected bacteria. The antioxidant activity of the extract was done using ferric reducing power, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic-acid (ABTS), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). The cytotoxicity assay of the extract was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality test with LC₅₀ value of 0.302 mg/mL. The antibacterial activity of the extract demonstrated an appreciable broad spectrum activity against the tested bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranges between 5000 and 0.5 mg/L. Both phenol and flavonoid concentrations were 14.86 mg tannic acid equivalent/g and 13.64 mg quercetin equivalent/g, respectively. The percentage composition of saponins (13.26) was highest, followed by steroids (1.42), while alkaloids and tannins had the same value of 0.51. Similarly, IC₅₀ values of the extract against DPPH, ABTS, H₂O₂, LPO and NO were 0.017, 0.018, 0.159, 0.06 and 0.052 mg/mL, respectively. The reducing power of the extract was found to be concentration dependent. Our data suggest that the 70% ethanol extract from the CD extract has antibacterial and antioxidant properties due to the presence of bio-active compounds and thus support its folkloric use in the treatment of diseases. Full article

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372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic and Association Mapping Study of Wheat Agronomic Traits Under Contrasting Water Regimes

by Dejan Dodig, Miroslav Zoric, Borislav Kobiljski, Jasna Savic, Vesna Kandic, Steve Quarrie and Jeremy Barnes

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6167-6188; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056167 - 18 May 2012

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 9861

Abstract

Genetic analyses and association mapping were performed on a winter wheat core collection of 96 accessions sampled from a variety of geographic origins. Twenty-four agronomic traits were evaluated over 3 years under fully irrigated, rainfed and drought treatments. Grain yield was the most [...] Read more.

Genetic analyses and association mapping were performed on a winter wheat core collection of 96 accessions sampled from a variety of geographic origins. Twenty-four agronomic traits were evaluated over 3 years under fully irrigated, rainfed and drought treatments. Grain yield was the most sensitive trait to water deficit and was highly correlated with above-ground biomass per plant and number of kernels per m². The germplasm was structured into four subpopulations. The association of 46 SSR loci distributed throughout the wheat genome with yield and agronomic traits was analyzed using a general linear model, where subpopulation information was used to control false-positive or spurious marker-trait associations (MTAs). A total of 26, 21 and 29 significant (P < 0.001) MTAs were identified in irrigated, rainfed and drought treatments, respectively. The marker effects ranged from 14.0 to 50.8%. Combined across all treatments, 34 significant (P < 0.001) MTAs were identified with nine markers, and R² ranged from 14.5 to 50.2%. Marker psp3200 (6DS) and particularly gwm484 (2DS) were associated with many significant MTAs in each treatment and explained the greatest proportion of phenotypic variation. Although we were not able to recognize any marker related to grain yield under drought stress, a number of MTAs associated with developmental and agronomic traits highly correlated with grain yield under drought were identified. Full article

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284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simple and Rapid Molecular Techniques for Identification of Amylose Levels in Rice Varieties

by Acga Cheng, Ismanizan Ismail, Mohamad Osman and Habibuddin Hashim

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6156-6166; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056156 - 18 May 2012

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 9316

Abstract

The polymorphisms of Waxy (Wx) microsatellite and G-T single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the Wx gene region were analyzed using simplified techniques in fifteen rice varieties. A rapid and reliable electrophoresis method, MetaPhor agarose gel electrophoresis (MAGE), was effectively employed as an [...] Read more.

The polymorphisms of Waxy (Wx) microsatellite and G-T single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the Wx gene region were analyzed using simplified techniques in fifteen rice varieties. A rapid and reliable electrophoresis method, MetaPhor agarose gel electrophoresis (MAGE), was effectively employed as an alternative to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) for separating Wx microsatellite alleles. The amplified products containing the Wx microsatellite ranged from 100 to 130 bp in length. Five Wx microsatellite alleles, namely (CT)₁₀, (CT)₁₁, (CT)₁₆, (CT)₁₇, and (CT)₁₈ were identified. Of these, (CT)₁₁ and (CT)₁₇ were the predominant classes among the tested varieties. All varieties with an apparent amylose content higher than 24% were associated with the shorter repeat alleles; (CT)₁₀ and (CT)₁₁, while varieties with 24% or less amylose were associated with the longer repeat alleles. All varieties with intermediate and high amylose content had the sequence AGGTATA at the 5'-leader intron splice site, while varieties with low amylose content had the sequence AGTTATA. The G-T polymorphism was further verified by the PCR-AccI cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) method, in which only genotypes containing the AGGTATA sequence were cleaved by AccI. Hence, varieties with desirable amylose levels can be developed rapidly using the Wx microsatellite and G-T SNP, along with MAGE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Plant Biology)

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854 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Three Dimensional Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships (3D-QSAR) and Docking Studies of Curcumin Derivatives as Androgen Receptor Antagonists

by Guanhong Xu, Yanyan Chu, Nan Jiang, Jing Yang and Fei Li

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6138-6155; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056138 - 18 May 2012

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 8080

Abstract

Androgen receptor antagonists have been proved to be effective anti-prostate cancer agents. 3D-QSAR and Molecular docking methods were performed on curcumin derivatives as androgen receptor antagonists. The bioactive conformation was explored by docking the potent compound 29 into the binding site of AR. [...] Read more.

Androgen receptor antagonists have been proved to be effective anti-prostate cancer agents. 3D-QSAR and Molecular docking methods were performed on curcumin derivatives as androgen receptor antagonists. The bioactive conformation was explored by docking the potent compound 29 into the binding site of AR. The constructed Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) and Comparative Similarity Indices Analysis (CoMSIA) models produced statistically significant results with the cross-validated correlation coefficients q² of 0.658 and 0.567, non-cross-validated correlation coefficients r² of 0.988 and 0.978, and predicted correction coefficients r²_pred of 0.715 and 0.793, respectively. These results ensure the CoMFA and CoMSIA models as a tool to guide the design of novel potent AR antagonists. A set of 30 new analogs were proposed by utilizing the results revealed in the present study, and were predicted with potential activities in the developed models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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209 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of FTY720 on Some Physiological Indexes of Non-Obese Diabetic (NOD) Mice

by Xiaoqiang Chen, Sudan Ye, Shikang Zhang, Jianrong Li, Hongying Zhu, Gaoli Zheng, Yin Lu and Haitong Wan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13(5), 6129-6137; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13056129 - 18 May 2012

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5636

Abstract

The studies were performed to investigate the physiological characteristics of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice treated with FTY720. At the age of 12 weeks, each mouse was fed with FTY720 or physiological saline once a day for 10 weeks running, and their blood glucose, [...] Read more.

The studies were performed to investigate the physiological characteristics of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice treated with FTY720. At the age of 12 weeks, each mouse was fed with FTY720 or physiological saline once a day for 10 weeks running, and their blood glucose, weight, anti-GAD antibody and organ indexes were determined. No mouse in group FTY720 (NOD mice treated with FTY720) showed diabetic symptoms. The average content of serum anti-GAD antibody in group FTY720 decreased 48.75% (P < 0.01). It was concluded that the spleen, kidney and liver of NOD mice treated with FTY720 shriveled significantly in the progression of diabetes (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The body weight of group FTY720 mice was slightly lower than that of the model control (MC) group and these two groups both had less body weight than the normal control (NC) group (P Full article

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Int. J. Mol. Sci., Volume 13, Issue 5 (May 2012) – 85 articles , Pages 5290-6533

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