Regulation of angiotensinⅡon Gαq/11 protein of vascular smooth muscle cell and its underlying mechanism

To study the regulation of angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ) on Gαq/11 protein of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and its underlying mechanism, the protein synthesis was detected by [³H]-leucine incorporation. Gαq/11 expression was measured by Western blot in cultured VSMC of rat aorta. The results showed that the level of Gαq/11 was downregulated after stimulated by AngⅡ for 1—6 h, while it was upregulated significantly by 12—24 h stimulation (P < 0.01) in VSMC. The [³H]-leucine incorporation of VSMC was increased after 24 h Ang Ⅱ stimulation. The biphase regulation of Ang Ⅱ on Gαq/11 protein was blocked by the Ang Ⅱ type Ⅰ receptor (AT1) specific antagnist losartan or PLC inhibitor U73122, while PD98059 did not have this effect. These data indicated that Ang Ⅱ contributed to VSMC hypertrophy by regulating the level of Gαq/11, and this effect was mediated mainly through AT1 receptor-PLC signal transduction pathway.     

Effect of nerve regeneration factor on differentiation of PC12 cells and its signaling pathway

The effects of nerve regeneration factor (NRF) on neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells and its signaling pathway are investigated by morphological observation and immunofluorescent cytochemical method, and the activity of ERK1/2 in NRF-treated PC12 cells in absence of serum is also studied by immuno-coprecipitation and Western blot analysis. The MEK1/2-specific inhibitor U0126, the broad-spectrum protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor G?6983 and tyrosine protein kinase (TPK) inhibitor genistein were used to determine the roles of the activation of ERK1/2 by NRF and the involvement of certain kinds of PKC or TPK receptor in this activation process. The results show that U0126 and G?6983 inhibit the activation of ERK1/2 by NRF to different extents, while genistein has no effect on it, demonstrating that NRF remarkably induces neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells through activating ERK1/2 in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner.     

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β in myocyte was upregulated by angiotensin Ⅱ

To observe the regulation of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor-βin myocyte stimulated by angiotensin II (AngII) at both integrated and cellular levels and reveal the signal transduction mechanism in cell, two kidneys, one clip (2K1C) renal hypertension were performed by placing a sliver clip around the left renal artery. Blood pressure and the ratio of left ventricular weight to body weight were measured at 4 and 8 weeks after operation. The content of AngII in heart was detected by radioimmunology assay; the protein level of PDGF receptor-βin heart was measured by Western blot analysis. The alteration of PDGF receptor-βstimulated by AngII and several inhibitors was observed on cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocyte (NRVM). The content of AngII in heart of 2K1C renal hypertensive rat at 4 and 8 weeks after operation was increased. Compared with sham group, 4 and 8 weeks after operation, PDGF receptor-βin heart of 2K1C group was upregulated by 100.3% and 127.1% (P < 0.05), respectively. This upregulation could be inhibited by captopril. For cultured myocyte, PDGF receptor-βwas increased by 47.1% after being stimulated by AngII and this upregulation could be inhibited by losartan which was an inhibitor of AT1 receptor. PLC inhibitor (U73122) and MEK inhibitor (PD98059) could partly inhibit PDGF receptor-βupregulation induced by AngII. These results suggested that AngII could upregulate PDGF receptor-βin myocyte by its AT1 receptor and this effect was at least partly dependent on PLC and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK).     

Urotensin Ⅱ increases endothelin production by vascular smooth muscle cells in rats

The aim of this study was to observe the effects of urotensin Ⅱ (UII) on production of endothelin (ET) in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Cultured VSMCs incubated with various concentrations of UII were used to measure the VSMC ³H-TdR incorporation, the amount of ET mRNA and ET production in VSMCs. In this work we found that UII (10^-10—10^-8 mol/L) promoted VSMC ³H-TdR incorporation (47%—83%, P < 0.01) and increased the amount of ET mRNA by 17.1% (P < 0.05) to 112.8% (P < 0.01), respectively, in a concentration dependent manner compared with control. After 4 and 8 h incubation, 10^-10—10^-8 mol/L of UII elevated the ET synthesis and release in a concentration dependent manner. After 4 h incubation, the content of ET in medium was 4.9, 5.36 and 7.12 pg/mL (P < 0.01). After 8 h incubation, the ET content released from VSMCs was 12.6, 12.07 and 17.17 pg/mL (P < 0.01). In addition, it was found that BQ₁₂₃, a specific ET_A receptor antagonist, obviously decreased the VSMC DNA synthesis induced by UII. The results of this study showed that UII could stimulate the ET mRNA expression and ET production in VSMC. The effects of UII on VSMC DNA synthesis were partly mediated by ET autocrine pathway. It suggests that the interaction between UII and ET plays an important biological regulating role as endogenous active peptides.     

Corrosion behavior of Ni–P/nano-TiC composite coating prepared in electroless baths containing different types of surfactant

In current research, in order to enhance the incorporation of nano-sized TiC particles into electroless Ni–P (EN) coating, different types of surfactant (cationic, anionic, and polymeric) were added to the plating bath. The effects of addition of the surfactants on surface morphology, deposition rate, TiC and P contents of the prepared coatings were investigated. The surface morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was demonstrated that in the presence of the anionic, polymeric and somehow cationic surfactants, TiC nano-particles were embedded in the matrix which influenced the surface morphology. The effect of surfactant types on the corrosion properties of Ni–P/TiC coated steel was also studied. Corrosion behavior of the coated steel was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) which affected by the incorporation of TiC particles into the Ni–P matrix. The level of corrosion resistance improvement depended largely on the phosphorous and TiC concentration of the applied coating.     

Nerve growth factor activity of several immunal related serine proteases

Rabbit was immuned by the previously purified protein with high nerve growth factor (NGF) bioactivity (NGF_like protease) from \%Agkistrodon halys Pallas\% and the antisera were collected. The polyclonal antibodies were tentatively purified and then used as ligands of an affinity column. The \%A.h.Pallas\% crude venom was fractionated by this affinity column and then by Mono Q on fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). As a result, fraction Ⅱ and fraction Ⅲ were purified respectively, whose N_terminal amino acid sequences show high homology with the serine proteases in snake venoms, as well as the previous NGF_like protease. However, they possessed different levels of NGF bioactivity. The NGF activity of the previous NGF_like protease is equivalent to that of NGF, while the activity of fraction Ⅱ seems relatively low in contrast to fraction Ⅲ which had no NGF activity.     

Microstructures and mechanical properties of nanocrystalline NiTi intermetallics formed by mechanosynthesis

The formulation of nanocrystalline NiTi shape memory alloys has potential effects in mechanical stimulation and medical implantology. The present work elucidates the effect of milling time on the product's structural characteristics, chemical composition, and microhardness for NiTi synthesized by mechanical alloying for different milling durations. Increasing the milling duration led to the formation of a nanocrystalline NiTi intermetallic at a higher level. The formation of nanocrystalline materials was directed through cold fusion, fracturing, and the development of a steady state, which were influenced by the accumulation of strain energy. In the morphological study, uninterrupted cold diffusion and fracturing were visualized using transmission electron microscopy. Particle size analysis revealed that the mean particle size was reduced to~93 μm after 20 h of milling. The mechanical strength was enhanced by the formation of a nanocrystalline intermetallic phase at longer milling time, which was confirmed by the results of Vickers hardness analyses.     

Soluble Jagged 1/Fc chimera protein induces the differentiation and maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells

A soluble Jagged 1/Fc chimera protein （Jagged 1/Fc） was directly used to induce differentiation and maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells （DCs） in mice in vitro. A model of inducing and amplifying DCs in vitrowas established. The effect of Jagged 1/Fc on morphology of DCs induced by both rmGM-CSF and rmlL-4 was observed under a confocal microscope. A fluorescein-labeled monoclonal antibody staining combined with flow cytometry was applied to detect the effect of Jagged 1/Fc on the expression of CD11c, MHC-Ⅱ, CD86, CD80 and CD40 molecules on the surface of DCs. The results showed that Jagged 1/Fc did not affect the morphological properties of DC differentiation induced by both rmGM-CSF and rmlL-4. But it could promote the differentiation and maturation of DCs induced by both. The effect of it was strikingly different in the expression profile of co-stimulating molecules and the morphologic properties of DCs from lipopolysaccharide （LPS）. The levels of MHC-Ⅱ and CD40 molecule expression on the surface of DCs stimulated by Jagged 1/Fc were significantly lower than those stimulated by LPS, and the level of CD80 expression on the surface of DCs induced by Jagged 1/Fc was near to that induced by LPS. Jagged 1/Fc had no influence on the expression of CD86 molecule on the surface of DCs. Jagged 1/Fc when used alone could not maintain the growth, differentiation and maturation of DCs. All the findings indicate that Jagged 1/Fc influences the differentiation and maturation of DCs, which is not markedly similar to LPS, providing important evidence for its development and application as a novel immunosuppressant.     

Effect of P15INK4b expression on the cell cycle and G1 phase related regulatory genes in human melanoma cells

Using the transfeetion teehnique. P15INK4b was introduced into P15INk4b gene deleted human melanoma A375 cells,and a cell model MLED6 overexpressing P15INK4b WAS CONSTRUCTED.Comparing with the control cells MLC2,MLEK6cells in G1phase increased by 11%,but those in Sphase decreased by 15%by FCM.By the method of thymidine(TdR)and N2O arresting,the proportions of synchronized Mphase cells of MLEK6 ana MLC23 were measured and found to be 89.1% and 76.8%respectively ,and the cells in G1phase were 74.3% for MLID6 AND 76. 4% forMLC2.The result of3 H-TdR incorporation indicated that the transition of G1/Sof MLEK6 cell was delayed 2h as compared with that of MLC2 cells,and incorporation rate also decreased.The observation on exprissions of some G1/ S-resates relatory rigusating genes showed that in MLIK6 cells the protein leves of P27KIPI increased with the decreasing expressions of cyclinD1,cyclinE and c-myc,especially cyclinD1 in late G1phade.The expression of cyclinE obviously decreased at G1/S transition ,and c-myc wad inhibited throughout all the process of G1 S phase.All the risults suggest that P15INK4b can delayG1/S transition of MLEK6 cells by inhibiting the cell cycle engine ,and by increasing the expression of Cdk ingibitor P27KIPI in different stages of G1 phase.     

Formation of the Inclusion Complex of Orange II with β-Cyclodextrin and Its Photostability

Inclusion complex of Orange II with β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) and the anti-photolysis effect under UV-light were investigated. The molar ratio of inclusion complex of β-Cyclodextrin and Orange Ⅱ is 1∶1. The formation constant K=1.236×103 L/mol was determined by the UV and Fluorescence spectra respectively, which was quite in accordance with the calculation with a modified Benesi-Hildbrand equation. The inclusion complex was characterized by the IR spectra and the molar ratio of inclusion complex is 1∶1 too. The formation constant K=1.266×103 L/mol was determined by 1 H NMR analysis and was nearly the same by UV and fluorescence spectra. The photocatalytic decolorization rate of Orange Ⅱ solutions containing β-CD and TiO2 was smaller by 51.9% than that of the Orange Ⅱ solutions only containing TiO2, while in the case of direct photolysis of Orange Ⅱ solutions, β-CD can lower the photolysis rate by 48.1% under UV-light. This result indicates β-CD can inhibit the photolysis and photocatalytic decolorization of Orange Ⅱ under UV-light. The β-CD inclusion complex was found to be persistent to UV-light photolysis.     

Alternative splicing and expression of the insulin-like growth factor （IGF-1） gene in osteoblasts under mechanical stretch

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) promotes osteoblasts differentiation and bone formation, and its expression is induced by mechanical stretch, thus IGF-1 has been considered an effector molecule that links mechanical stimulation and local tissue responses. In this study, a mechanical stretching device was designed to apply physiological level static or cyclic stretching stimulation to osteoblasts. Different isoforms of IGF-1 mRNA were amplified by RT-PCR from the cells using respective primers and these amplified products were sequenced. An iso-form of IGF-1 splicing product was found to be selectively produced by osteoblasts under stretching stimulation. This IGF-1 isoform had identical sequence with the mechano growth factor (MGF) which was originally identified in muscle cells. Regulations of the expression of the liver-type IGF (L.IGF-1) and MGF in osteoblasts under stretch stimulation were further studied using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Stretch stimulation was found to promot the expression of IGF-1 (L.IGF-1 and MGF), and for both isoforms expression was more effectively stimulated by cyclic stretch than static stretch. MGF was detected only in osteoblasts subjected to mechanical stretch, suggesting MGF was a stretch sensitive growth factor. Expression of MGF peaked earlier than that of L.IGF-1, which was similar to their regulation in muscle and suggested similar roles of MGF and L.IGF-1 in bone as in muscle cells. The functions of MGF and LIGF-1 in osteoblasts shall be established by further experimental studies.     

Influence of Fiber Properties and Processing Parameters on Properties of Highloft Nonwoven Bonded by Bicomponent Polyester Fibers

Highloft nonwoven was produced by heat bonding of bicomponent polyester fibers. The effect of fiber properties and processing parameters on the mechanical properties of the nonwoven was investigated. The heat bonding processing parameters for the nonwoven were optimized. The results show that the range of processing temperature is wider while the shell melting point of the bicomponent fibers (Tml) is lower. The best processing temperature is about 15℃ higher than Tml while the shell melting point (Tml) is higher.     

Characterization of an endo-1,4-β-glucanase from Lilium longiflorum that functioned in pollen germination and pollen tube growth

Endo-β-glucanases play vital roles in the regulation of pollen tube growth. Here, a previously identified endo-1,4-β-glucanase from Lilium longiflorum (lily), named LlpCel1, was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and further investigated for its physiological function. The recombinant LlpCel1 protein hydrolyzed carboxy-methylcellulose (CMC) and exhibited activity towards laminarin from Eisenia. arborea and 1,3:1,4-β-glucan of barley. The pH for the optimum activity was 6.0 and the value of Km calculated from CMC was 5.0 mg/mL. Adding EDTA resulted in the total loss of the enzymatic activity, and this effect could be restored by the addition of Ca2 . Western blotting analysis showed that LlpCel1 protein was present in pollen grains and rehydrated pollen grains, and the amount of the protein was increased during pollen germinating, but not in the pollen tube. Consistently, the immunofluorescence labeling study with the antibody against LlpCel1 also indicated the presence of LlpCel1 at the begin-ning of germination, but not in the elongating pollen tube. Furthermore, incubation of LlpCel1 with pollen at the beginning of pollen germination increased the germination percentage and the length of pollen tube. All of these results suggested that LlpCel1 could play an important role in the regulation of lily pollen germination and the initiation of pollen tube growth.     

Study on flow characteristics of solid/liquid system in lysozyme crystal growth

During the process of lysozyme protein crystallization with batch method,the macroscopic flow field of solid/liquid system was observed by particle image velocimetry(PIV). Furthermore,a normal growth rate of(110) face and local flow field around a single protein crystal were obtained by a long work dis-tance microscope. The experimental results showed that the average velocity,the maximal velocity of macroscopic solid/liquid system and the velocity of local flow field around single protein crystal were fluctuant. The effective boundary layer thickness δeff,the concentration at the interface Ci and the characteristic velocity V were calculated using a convection-diffusion model. The results showed that the growth of lysozyme crystal in this experiment was dominated by interfacial kinetics rather than bulk transport,and the function of buoyancy-driven flow in bulk transport was small,however,the effect of bulk transport in crystal growth had a tendency to increase with the increase of lysozyme concentra-tion. The calculated results also showed that the order of magnitude of shear force was about 10-21 N,which was much less than the bond force between the lysozyme molecules. Therefore the shear force induced by buoyancy-driven flows cannot remove the protein molecules from the interface of crystal.     

Characterization of an endo-1,4-β-glucanase from Lilium longiflorum that functioned in pollen germination and pollen tube growth

Endo-β-glucanases play vital roles in the regulation of pollen tube growth. Here, a previously identified endo-l,4-β-glucanase from Lilium Iongiflorum （lily）, named LlpCell, was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and further investigated for its physiological function. The recombinant LlpCell protein hydrolyzed carboxy-methylcellulose （CMC） and exhibited activity towards laminarin from Eisenia. arborea and 1,3：l,4-β-glucan of barley. The pH for the optimum activity was 6.0 and the value of Km calculated from CMC was 5.0 mg/mL. Adding EDTA resulted in the total loss of the enzymatic activity, and this effect could be restored by the addition of Ca^2＋. Western blotting analysis showed that LlpCell protein was present in pollen grains and rehydrated pollen grains, and the amount of the protein was increased during pollen germinating, but not in the pollen tube. Consistently, the immunofluorescence labeling study with the antibody against LIpCell also indicated the presence of LIpCell at the begin-ning of germination, but not in the elongating pollen tube. Furthermore, incubation of LlpCell with pollen at the beginning of pollen germination increased the germination percentage and the length of pollen tube. All of these results suggested that LlpCell could play an important role in the regulation of lily pollen germination and the initiation of pollen tube growth.     

Roles of MAP kinase signaling pathway in oocyte meiosis

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a family of Ser/Thr protein kinases expressed widely in eukaryotic cells. MAPK is activated by a cascade of protein kinase phosphorylation and plays pivotal roles in regulating meiosis process in oocytes. As an important physical substrate of MAPK, p90^rsk mediates numerous MAPK functions. MAPK was activated at G2/M transition during meiosis. Its activity reached the peak at MⅠ stage and maintained at this level until the time before the pronuclear formation after fertilization. There is complex interplay between MAPK and MPF in the meiosis regulation. Furthermore, other intracellular signal transducers, such as cAMP, protein kinase C and protein phosphotase, ect., also regulated the activity of MAPK at different stages during meiosis in oocytes. In the present article, the roles of MAPK signaling pathway in oocyte meiosis are reviewed and discussed.     

Adrenomedullin inhibits the endothelin production in-duced by urotensin Ⅱ in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

The aim of this study was to observe the effects of adrenomedullin (ADM) on endothelin (ET) production induced by urotensin Ⅱ (UⅡ) in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Cultured VSMCs which were incubated with UⅡ (10-8 mol/L) and with various concentrations of ADM were used to measure the VSMCs 3H-TdR incorpora-tion, the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK), the amount of ET mRNA and ET production inVSMCs. In this work we found that incubation with UⅡ(10-8 mol/L) increased obviously the amount of ET mRNA inVSMCs and ET production in medium, however,co-incubation with ADM (10-10-10-8 mol/L) and UⅡ(10-8mol/L) reduced the amount of ET mRNA by 15%, 24% and45% (P< 0.01) respectively, compared with UⅡ alone. Thecontent of ET in medium was 14.13, 11.38 and 11.00 pg/mL. ADM alone (10-8 mol/L) had no effect on ET production inVSMCs. UⅡ (10-8 mol/L) promoted the 3H-TdR incorpo-ration and activity of ERK in VSMCs. ADM inhibited VSMCs 3H-TdR incorporation and activation of ERK in aconcentration-dependent manner. Compared with UⅡgroup, after co-incubation with ADM (10-10-10-8 mol/L)and UⅡ (10-8 mol/L) the VSMCs 3H-TdR incorporation wasdecreased by 7% (P > 0.05), 32% (P < 0.05) and 41% (P <0.01), respectively, and the activity of ERK was decreasedby 24% (P > 0.05), 32% (P < 0.05) and 36% (P < 0.05), re-spectively, in a concentration-dependent manner. The resultsshow that in cultured VSMCs ADM inhibits ET mRNA ex-pression, ET production and proliferation stimulated by UⅡ, and that inhibitory effect of ADM on UⅡ bioaction could be mediated through inhibiting MAPK pathway.