Background:SMAD family proteins(SMADs)are crucial transcription factors downstream of transforming growth factor beta(TGF-ß)/SMAD signaling pathways that have been reported to play a pivotal role in mammalian rep...Background:SMAD family proteins(SMADs)are crucial transcription factors downstream of transforming growth factor beta(TGF-ß)/SMAD signaling pathways that have been reported to play a pivotal role in mammalian reproduction.However,the role of SMAD family member 8(SMAD8,also known as SMAD9),a member of the SMAD family,in mammalian reproduction remains unclear.Methods:We employed RNA interference techniques to knock down Smad8 expression in mouse granulosa cells(GCs)to investigate the effects of Smad8 on GC growth and steroidogenesis.Results:Our findings revealed a significant decrease in the proliferative capacity and a substantial increase in the apoptosis rate of GCs after transfection with Smad8-siRNA for 48 h.Subsequent hormone assays demonstrated a significant decrease in estradiol(E2)levels,whereas progesterone(P4)remained unchanged.Further mechanistic analysis showed that the mRNA expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(Pcna),Cyclin D2,cell cycle-dependent kinase 4(Cdk4),B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),estrogen receptor(Er),luteinizing hormone receptor(Lhr)and cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1(Cyp19a1)significantly decreased.Conversely,the mRNA of cysteine aspartate proteinase 3(Caspase 3)significantly increased,wheras Bcl2-associated X(Bax),folliclestimulating hormone receptor(Fshr)and cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1(Cyp11a1)remained unchanged compared to the controls.Conclusion:This study indicates that Smad8 knockdown inhibits cell proliferation,promotes apoptosis,reduces Er and Lhr transcription,and decreases E2 production in mouse GCs.These findings suggest that Smad8 may serve as a novel genetic marker for mammalian reproduction.展开更多
BACKGROUND Bladder cancer(BC)is the most common urological tumor.It has a high recur-rence rate,displays tutor heterogeneity,and resists chemotherapy.Furthermore,the long-term survival rate of BC patients has remained...BACKGROUND Bladder cancer(BC)is the most common urological tumor.It has a high recur-rence rate,displays tutor heterogeneity,and resists chemotherapy.Furthermore,the long-term survival rate of BC patients has remained unchanged for decades,which seriously affects the quality of patient survival.To improve the survival rate and prognosis of BC patients,it is necessary to explore the molecular mechanisms of BC development and progression and identify targets for treatment and intervention.Transmembrane 9 superfamily member 1(TM9SF1),also known as MP70 and HMP70,is a member of a family of nine transmembrane superfamily proteins,which was first identified in 1997.TM9SF1 can be expressed in BC,but its biological function and mechanism in BC are not clear.AIM To investigate the biological function and mechanism of TM9SF1 in BC.Overexpression of TM9SF1 increased the in vitro proliferation,migration,and invasion of BC cells by promoting the entry of BC cells into the G2/M phase.Silencing of TM9SF1 inhibited in vitro proliferation,migration,and invasion of BC cells and blocked BC cells in the G1 phase.CONCLUSION TM9SF1 may be an oncogene in BC.展开更多
Gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)is a ubiquitous four-carbon non-protein amino acid that is involved in various physiological processes of plant growth and development,such as root architecture,stem elongation,leaf senesc...Gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)is a ubiquitous four-carbon non-protein amino acid that is involved in various physiological processes of plant growth and development,such as root architecture,stem elongation,leaf senescence,pollen tube growth,fruit ripening,and seed germination.GABA is also related to plant stress responses,such as drought,salt,cold,and heat stresses.Regulation of GABA in plant stress responses is complex and involves multiple signaling pathways,including calcium and hormone signaling.This paper systematically reviews the synthesis,metabolic pathways and regulatory role of GABA in plants,which will provide new insights into the understanding of plant growth and stress responses and offer novel strategies for improving crop productivity and stress.展开更多
AIM:To elucidate the role of dickkopf3(Dkk3)in human pancreatic cancer cell growth.METHODS:Dkk3 mRNA and protein expression in human pancreatic cancer cell lines were detected by realtime reverse transcription polymer...AIM:To elucidate the role of dickkopf3(Dkk3)in human pancreatic cancer cell growth.METHODS:Dkk3 mRNA and protein expression in human pancreatic cancer cell lines were detected by realtime reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(realtime RTPCR),Western blotting and immunofluorescence.Methylation of the Dkk3 promoter sequence was examined by methylationspecific polymerase chain reaction(MSP)and Dkk3 mRNA expression was determined by realtime RTPCR after 5aza2'deoxycytidine(5azadC)treatment.The effects of Dkk3 on cancer cell proliferation and in vitro sensitivity to gemcitabine were investigated by CellTiter 96?AQueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay(MTS)after transfecting the Dkk3 expression plasmid into human pancreatic cancer cells.The expression ofβcatenin,phosphorylated extracellular signalregulated protein kinases(pERK)and extracellular signalregulated protein kinases(ERK)was also examined by realtime RTPCR and Western blotting after upregulating Dkk3 expression in human pancreatic cancer cells.RESULTS:The results show that the expression levels of both Dkk3 mRNA and protein were low in all pancreatic cancer cell lines tested.The Dkk3 promoter sequence was methylated in the MIA PaCa2 and AsPC1 cell lines,which showed reduced Dkk3 expression.These two cell lines,which initially had a methylated Dkk3 promoter,showed increased Dkk3 mRNA expression that was dependent upon the dosage and timing of the DNA demethylating agent,5azadC,treatment(P<0.05 or P<0.01).When Dkk3 expression was upregulated following the transfection of a Dkk3 expression plasmid into MIA PaCa2 cells,the ability of cells to proliferate decreased(P<0.01),and the expression ofβcatenin and pERK was downregulated(P<0.01).Sensitivity to gemcitabine was enhanced in Dkk3 expression plasmidtransfected cells.CONCLUSION:Our findings,for the first time,implicate Dkk3 as a tumor suppressor in human pancreatic cancer,through the downregulation ofβcatenin expression via the ERKmediated pathway.展开更多
Objective:To study the expression of microRNA-130b(miR-l 30b) in children acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL) and its role for regulating PTEN expression.Methods:A total of SO children APL marrow tissues and IS normal m...Objective:To study the expression of microRNA-130b(miR-l 30b) in children acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL) and its role for regulating PTEN expression.Methods:A total of SO children APL marrow tissues and IS normal marrow tissues between January and December in 2012 were collected into our study.The expression of miR-l30 b in APL and normal marrow tissues were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.MiR-l30 b inhibitor was transfected into HL-60 cells.Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry were used to measure cell proliferation and apoptosis.respectively.The expression of PTEN,a potential target of miR-130 b,and its downstream genes,Bcl-2 and Box,in transformed cells were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western-blot Results:The expression of miR-l30 b was significantly higher in children APL marrow tissues than in normal marrow tissues(P<0.05).Down-regulation of miR-1 30 b could significantly suppress cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in HL-60 cells(P<0.05).PTEN expression was upregulated when miR-130 b was knocking-down(P<0.05).As downstream genes of PTEN,the expression of Bcl-2 and Box were regulated as well.Conclusions:MiR-130 b is overexpressed in children APL marrow tissues and associated with cell growth.MiR-130 b may promote children APL progression by inducing cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis.展开更多
Summary: The effects of different concentrations of vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) on the fibrovascular ingrowth into rabbits hydroxyapatite orbital implant were investigated. Twelve New Zealand white ...Summary: The effects of different concentrations of vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) on the fibrovascular ingrowth into rabbits hydroxyapatite orbital implant were investigated. Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 3 groups and received hydroxyapatite orbital implant surgery in their right eyes. Before and after the operation, the implants were treated with 10 ng/ml VEGF, 100 ng/ml VEGF, or normal saline as control group. The animals received technetium bones scan at 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively. The mean radioactivity counts within region of interest (ROI) of the surgery eye (R) and the non-surgery eye (L) in the same animal were tested, and the R/L ratios were calculated. The implants were harvested at 6th weeks and examined histopathologically. The results showed that at second week, there was no significant difference in mean R/L ratios between VEGF group and control group (F=2.83, P=0.111); At 4th week (F=7.728, P=0.011) and 6th week (F=7.831, P=0.011) postoperatively, the mean ratios in VEGF groups were significantly higher than that in control group. At 6th week postoperatively, the fibrovascularization rates in VEGF groups were higher than in control group significantly (F=8.711, P=0.008). It was suggested that VEGF could promote the fibrovascular ingrowth into hydroxyapatite orbital implant, thus might shorten the time required for complete vascularization of the HA orbital implant.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the function of NOD2 in colonic epithelial cells (CEC). METHODS: A combination of in vivo and in vitro analyses of epithelial cell turnover in the presence and absence of a functional NOD2 protein ...AIM: To investigate the function of NOD2 in colonic epithelial cells (CEC). METHODS: A combination of in vivo and in vitro analyses of epithelial cell turnover in the presence and absence of a functional NOD2 protein and, in response to enteric Salmonella typhimurium infection, were used. shRNA interference was also used to investigate the consequences of knocking down NOD2 gene expression on the growth and survival of colorectal carcinoma cell lines. RESULTS:In the colonic mucosa the highest levels of NOD2 expression were in proliferating crypt epithelial cells. Muramyl dipeptide (MDP), that is recognized by NOD2, promoted CEC growth in vitro . By contrast,the growth of NOD2-deficient CECs was impaired. In vivo CEC proliferation was also reduced and apoptosis increased in Nod2-/- mice, which were also evident following enteric Salmonella infection. Furthermore, neutralization of NOD2 mRNA expression in human colonic carcinoma cells by shRNA interference resulted in decreased survival due to increased levels of apoptosis. CONCLUSION: These findings are consistent with the involvement of NOD2 protein in promoting CEC growth and survival. Defects in proliferation by CECs in cases of CD may contribute to the underlying pathology of disrupted intestinal homeostasis and excessive inflammation.展开更多
AIM: To explore the effect of Obtusifolin on retinal pigment epithelial cell growth under hypoxia.METHODS: In vitro chemical hypoxia model of ARPE-19 cells was established using cobalt chloride(CoCl2). Cell viability ...AIM: To explore the effect of Obtusifolin on retinal pigment epithelial cell growth under hypoxia.METHODS: In vitro chemical hypoxia model of ARPE-19 cells was established using cobalt chloride(CoCl2). Cell viability was tested by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay. Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were applied to detect proteins and mRNAs respectively. Flow cytometry was used to examine the cell cycle. Secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) was tested by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).RESULTS: Under the chemical hypoxia model established by CoCl2, hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) mRNA and protein levels was up-regulated. Cell viability was increased and the proportion of S phase was higher. Obtusifolin could reduce cell viability under hypoxic conditions and arrest cells in G1 phase. Obtusifolin reduced the expression of Cyclin D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) in the hypoxic environment and increased the expression of p53 and p21. The levels of VEGF, VEGFR2 and eNOS proteins and mRNA were significantly increased under hypoxia while Obtusifolin inhibited the increasing.CONCLUSION: Obtusifolin can inhibit cell growth under hypoxic conditions and down-regulate HIF-1/VEGF/eNOS secretions in ARPE-19 cells.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the growth inhibition efficacy of atofluding derivative N3-o -toluyl-fluorouracil (TFU) on human gastric carcinoma cell lines SGC-7901 and MKN-45. METHODS: Cell growth inhibition by TFU was measured b...AIM: To evaluate the growth inhibition efficacy of atofluding derivative N3-o -toluyl-fluorouracil (TFU) on human gastric carcinoma cell lines SGC-7901 and MKN-45. METHODS: Cell growth inhibition by TFU was measured by MTT and clonogenic assays without or with liver microsomal enzymes. Xenografts of cancer cells in nude mice were employed to study the anti-proliferative effects of TFU in vivo. RESULTS: TFU inhibited the growth of SGC-7901 and MKN-45 cells. However, the inhibitory effects of TFU on cell growth were not significant. The inhibition rates were enhanced in the presence of liver microsomal enzymes, ranging 4.73%-48.57% in SGC-7901 cells and 9.0%-62.02% in MKN-45 cells. In vivo, TFU delayed the growth of SGC-7901 and MKN-45 cells in nude mice. The inhibition rates were 40.49%, 63.24%, and 75.98% in SGC-7901 cells and 40.76%, 61.41%, and 82.07% in MKN-45 cells when the oral doses were 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively. TFU treatment was generally welltolerated by mice with less than 20% reduction in body weight. CONCLUSION: TFU inhibits the growth of human gastric carcinoma cells. The inhibition rates are increased in the presence of liver microsomal enzymes. The efficacy of TFU may be associated with the sustaining release of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) mediated by the enzymes.展开更多
Alcohol consumption is a major health issue and associated with human cancers, such as liver and breast cancers. Alcohol was classed as carcinogen to human by IARC. We have performed in vivo and in vitro studies which...Alcohol consumption is a major health issue and associated with human cancers, such as liver and breast cancers. Alcohol was classed as carcinogen to human by IARC. We have performed in vivo and in vitro studies which demonstrate that diluted ethanol promotes cell proliferation and transformation and tumor formation. Consumption of liquor spirits (white wines) is a popular behavior. However, it is unclear whether liquor spirits affect cellular phenotypes of human cancers. At present study, we used diluted ethanol and liquor spirits (Sample #1 and Sample #2) to determine the changes in RNA polymerase III-dependent gene (Pol III gene) transcription, cell growth and colony formation in the different human cancer lines. The results indicate that low concentration of ethanol increases RNA Pol III gene transcription and rate of cell growth. However, both liquor spirits (Sample #1 and Sample #2) inhibit the activity of RNA Pol III genes and repress cell proliferation of the cancer lines, compared to diluted ethanol. The liquor spirits reduce the rate of colony formation of human breast cancer cells and esophageal carcinoma cells. The inhibitions of the liquor spirits to RNA Pol III genes, cell growth and colony formation are in a dose-dependent manner. These new findings suggest that the liquor spirits contain some active components to repress Pol III gene transcription and cell growth caused by ethanol in different human cancer cells.展开更多
AIM: To clarify the biological role of stem cell factor (SCF)-mediated wild-type KIT receptor activation in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) growth. METHODS: The co-expression of wild-type KIT receptor and SCF wa...AIM: To clarify the biological role of stem cell factor (SCF)-mediated wild-type KIT receptor activation in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) growth. METHODS: The co-expression of wild-type KIT receptor and SCF was evaluated in 51 GIST samples using mutation analysis and immunohistochemistry, and the results were correlated with clinicopathological param- eters, including the mitotic count, proliferative index (Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining), mitotic index (phospho-histone H3 immunohistochemical staining) and apoptotic index (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling). Using primary cultured GIST cells, the effect of SCF-mediated wild-type KIT receptor activation was determined by western blotting, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), and apoptosis assays. RESULTS: We found that wild-type KIT receptor and SCF protein were expressed in 100% and 76.5% of the 51 GIST samples, respectively, and the co-expression of wild-type KIT receptor and SCF was associated with known indicators of poor prognosis, including larger tumor size (P = 0.0118), higher mitotic count (P = 0.0058), higher proliferative index (P = 0.0012), higher mitotic index (P = 0.0282), lower apoptosis index (P = 0.0484), and increased National Institutes of Health risk level (P = 0.0012). We also found that the introduction of exogenous SCF potently increased KIT kinase activity, stimulated cell proliferation (P < 0.01) and inhibited apoptosis (P < 0.01) induced by serum starvation, while a KIT immunoblocking antibody suppressed proliferation (P = 0.01) and promoted apoptosis (P < 0.01) in cultured GIST cells. CONCLUSION: SCF-mediated wild-type KIT receptor activation plays an important role in GIST cell growth. The inhibition of SCF-mediated wild-type KIT receptor activation may prove to be particularly important for GIST therapy.展开更多
Objective: To investigate clinical signii cance of microRNA-130b(mi R-130b) in osteosarcoma and its role in cell growth and invasion. Methods: miR-130b expression was detected in 68 samples of surgically resected oste...Objective: To investigate clinical signii cance of microRNA-130b(mi R-130b) in osteosarcoma and its role in cell growth and invasion. Methods: miR-130b expression was detected in 68 samples of surgically resected osteosarcoma and matched normal tumor-adjacent tissues by q RT-PCR. The expression of miR-130b was altered by corresponding vectors in osteosarcoma cells, and then Western blot was used to detect the expression of PPAR毭. Brd U cell proliferation and Transwell assays were performed to determine cell proliferation and invasion. Results: The expression of miR-130b in osteosarcoma tissues was signii cantly higher than that in normal tumor-adjacent tissues. Its expression in patients with metastasis was signii cantly higher than that in those without metastases. miR-130b expression in tumor tissues was signii cantly associated with tumor size, clinical stage and distant metastasis. And its expression was signii cantly correlated with overall survival and disease free survival. miR-130b overexpression obviously repressed the expression of PPAR毭, and resulted in signii cant increase of Saos-2 cell proliferation and invasion. On the contrast, repressing miR-130b expression with its inhibitor signii cantly increased PPAR毭 expression, and inhibited MG-63 cell proliferation and invasion. Conclusions: The high-expression of miR-130b is correlated with the adverse clinicopathological features and poor prognosis in osteosarcoma. miR-130b may regulate proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells by targeting PPAR毭, suggesting miR-130b may play a key role in the progression of osteosarcoma.展开更多
The keratoprosthesis(KPro;artificial cornea)is a special refractive device to replace human cornea by using heterogeneous forming materials for the implantation into the damaged eyes in order to obtain a certain visio...The keratoprosthesis(KPro;artificial cornea)is a special refractive device to replace human cornea by using heterogeneous forming materials for the implantation into the damaged eyes in order to obtain a certain vision.The main problems of artificial cornea are the biocompatibility and stability of the tissue particularly in penetrating keratoplasty.The current studies of tissue-engineered scaffold materials through comprising composites of natural and synthetic biopolymers together have developed a new way to artificial cornea.Although a wide agreement that the long-term stability of these devices would be greatly improved by the presence of cornea cells,modification of keratoprosthesis to support cornea cells remains elusive.Most of the studies on corneal substrate materials and surface modification of composites have tried to improve the growth and biocompatibility of cornea cells which can not only reduce the stimulus of heterogeneous materials,but also more importantly continuous and stable cornea cells can prevent the destruction of collagenase.The necrosis of stroma and spontaneous extrusion of the device,allow for maintenance of a precorneal tear layer,and play the role of ensuring a good optical surface and resisting bacterial infection.As a result,improvement in corneal cells has been the main aim of several recent investigations;some effort has focused on biomaterial for its well biological properties such as promoting the growth of cornea cells.The purpose of this review is to summary the growth status of the corneal cells after the implantation of several artificial corneas.展开更多
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been affecting negatively the shellfish and aquaculture industries around the world. Though a lot of efforts have been made to disclose the changes of environmental factors involved an...Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been affecting negatively the shellfish and aquaculture industries around the world. Though a lot of efforts have been made to disclose the changes of environmental factors involved and their effects on the HABs events, the molecular mechanism of this process remains unclear. To address this problem, proliferating cell nuclear antigen gene (pcna) was isolated and characterized from Alexandrium catenella. It showed high homology to those of other dinoflagellates (89% and 91% homology to Pfiesteria piscicid and Pyrocystis lunula, respectively), and also 42%–43% homology to those of plant and animals. The expression level of pcna revealed by quantitative real time PCR was the lowest at the late lagging cell growth phase, increased to the highest at the late exponential phase, and then decreased at the stationary phase. Though the cell growth rate was also changing, no positive correlation between pcna expression level and cell growth rate was displayed throughout the whole cell growth stages (r 2 =0.024 6). However, the pcna expression level had the similar trend with the change of cell growth rate throughout the whole growing process, e.g., from increasing at the earlier cell growth stage to decreasing at the following stages, though slightly lagging to the latter.展开更多
Gastric cancer is one of the most common human malignancies, and its prevalence has been shown to be well-correlated with cancer-related deaths worldwide. Regrettably, the poor prognosis of this disease is mainly due ...Gastric cancer is one of the most common human malignancies, and its prevalence has been shown to be well-correlated with cancer-related deaths worldwide. Regrettably, the poor prognosis of this disease is mainly due to its late diagnosis at advanced stages after the cancer has already metastasized. Recent research has emphasized the identification of cancer biomarkers in the hope of diagnosing cancer early and designing targeted therapies to reverse cancer progression. One member of a family of growth-related nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NADH or hydroquinone) oxidases is tumor-associated NADH oxidase(t NOX; ENOX2). Unlike its counterpart CNOX(ENOX1), identified in normal rat liver plasma membranes and shown to be stimulated by growth factors and hormones, t NOX activity purified from rat hepatoma cells is constitutively active. Its activity is detectable in the sera of cancer patients but not in those of healthy volunteers, suggesting its clinical relevance. Interestingly, t NOX expression was shown to be present in an array of cancer cell lines. More importantly, inhibition of t NOX was well correlated with reduced cancer cell growth and induction of apoptosis. RNA interference targeting t NOX expression in cancer cells effectively restored non-cancerous phenotypes, further supporting the vital role of t NOX in cancer cells. Here, we review the regulatory role of t NOX in gastric cancer cell growth.展开更多
AIM: To design and investigate the efficacy of a modified nanostructured lipid carrier loaded with genistein(Gen-NLC) to inhibit human lens epithelial cells(HLECs) proliferation.·METHODS: Gen-NLC was made by melt...AIM: To design and investigate the efficacy of a modified nanostructured lipid carrier loaded with genistein(Gen-NLC) to inhibit human lens epithelial cells(HLECs) proliferation.·METHODS: Gen-NLC was made by melt emulsification method. The morphology, particle size(PS), zeta potentials(ZP), encapsulation efficiency(EE) and in vitro release were characterized. The inhibition effect of nanostructured lipid carrier(NLC), genistein(Gen) and Gen-NLC on HLECs proliferation was evaluated by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay, gene and protein expression of the proliferation marker Ki67 were evaluated with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-q PCR) and immunofluorescence analyses.·RESULTS: The mean PS of Gen-NLC was 80.12±1.55 nm with a mean polydispersity index of 0.11±0.02. The mean ZP was-7.14 ±0.38 m V and the EE of Gen in the nanoparticles was 92.3% ±0.73%. Transmission electron microscopy showed that Gen-NLC displayed spherical-shaped particles covered by an outer-layer structure. In vitro release experiments demonstrated a prolonged drug release for 72 h. The CCK-8 assay results showed the NLC had no inhibitory effect on HLECs and Gen-NLC displayed a much more prominent inhibitory effect on cellular growth compared to Gen of the same concentration. The m RNA and protein expression of Ki67 in LECs decreased significantly in Gen-NLC group.·CONCLUSION: Sustained drug release by Gen-NLCs may impede HLEC growth.展开更多
Objective:To explore the effects of cinobufagin (CBF),an active component of toad venom (Bufo bufo gargarizans CANTOR),on the proliferation and apoptosis of PC3 human prostate cancer cells in vitro and preliminarily i...Objective:To explore the effects of cinobufagin (CBF),an active component of toad venom (Bufo bufo gargarizans CANTOR),on the proliferation and apoptosis of PC3 human prostate cancer cells in vitro and preliminarily investigate the mechanism of CBF in suppressing tumor cell growth in vivo.Methods:The effect of CBF on PC3 cells proliferation was detected using MTT assay.The morphological changes of PC3 cells were observed under an optical microscope.Colony formation assays were used to observe the CBF effect on colony formation by PC3 cells.PC3 cell apoptosis after treatment with CBF for 48 hours was monitored using flow cytometry.Furthermore,the effect of CBF on the expression of myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) and related apoptotic proteins was examined using western blotting.A xenograft model was established in BALB/c nude mice to evaluate the effect of CBF on prostate cancer in vivo.Results:The MT-T assay results illustrated that PC3 cell proliferation was inhibited in vitro by CBF in a concentration-and time-dependent manner.Compared with the control group findings,CBF significantly inhibited the formation of PC3 cells (P =.005).Flow cytometry revealed that after treatment with 50 nM CBF for 48 hours,the apoptotic rate of PC3 cells was 41.97 (5.16)%,indicating that CBF could significantly induce its apoptosis (P =.003).In addition,optical and fluorescence microscopy uncovered remarkable inhibition of cell proliferation accompanied by morphologic changes.The western blotting result indicated that CBF obviously downregulated the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1.Most importantly,ClBF reduced the carcinogenicity of PC3 xenografts in nude mice.Conclusion:CBF can inhibit the growth of PC3 cells both in vitro and in vivo and induce apoptosis of tumor cells.The corresponding mechanism may be correlated with the activation of caspase family proteins via MCL-1.展开更多
基金supported by the High-Level Talent Research Start-Up Funds of West Anhui University(No.WGKQ2021031)Key Project of Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province of China(No.2108085QC136)+2 种基金Key Project of Quality Engineering in Higher Education Institutions of Anhui Province(No.2020jyxm2128)National College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program(No.202110370093)Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program for College Students of Anhui Province(No.S202010376114).
文摘Background:SMAD family proteins(SMADs)are crucial transcription factors downstream of transforming growth factor beta(TGF-ß)/SMAD signaling pathways that have been reported to play a pivotal role in mammalian reproduction.However,the role of SMAD family member 8(SMAD8,also known as SMAD9),a member of the SMAD family,in mammalian reproduction remains unclear.Methods:We employed RNA interference techniques to knock down Smad8 expression in mouse granulosa cells(GCs)to investigate the effects of Smad8 on GC growth and steroidogenesis.Results:Our findings revealed a significant decrease in the proliferative capacity and a substantial increase in the apoptosis rate of GCs after transfection with Smad8-siRNA for 48 h.Subsequent hormone assays demonstrated a significant decrease in estradiol(E2)levels,whereas progesterone(P4)remained unchanged.Further mechanistic analysis showed that the mRNA expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(Pcna),Cyclin D2,cell cycle-dependent kinase 4(Cdk4),B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),estrogen receptor(Er),luteinizing hormone receptor(Lhr)and cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1(Cyp19a1)significantly decreased.Conversely,the mRNA of cysteine aspartate proteinase 3(Caspase 3)significantly increased,wheras Bcl2-associated X(Bax),folliclestimulating hormone receptor(Fshr)and cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1(Cyp11a1)remained unchanged compared to the controls.Conclusion:This study indicates that Smad8 knockdown inhibits cell proliferation,promotes apoptosis,reduces Er and Lhr transcription,and decreases E2 production in mouse GCs.These findings suggest that Smad8 may serve as a novel genetic marker for mammalian reproduction.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82260785.
文摘BACKGROUND Bladder cancer(BC)is the most common urological tumor.It has a high recur-rence rate,displays tutor heterogeneity,and resists chemotherapy.Furthermore,the long-term survival rate of BC patients has remained unchanged for decades,which seriously affects the quality of patient survival.To improve the survival rate and prognosis of BC patients,it is necessary to explore the molecular mechanisms of BC development and progression and identify targets for treatment and intervention.Transmembrane 9 superfamily member 1(TM9SF1),also known as MP70 and HMP70,is a member of a family of nine transmembrane superfamily proteins,which was first identified in 1997.TM9SF1 can be expressed in BC,but its biological function and mechanism in BC are not clear.AIM To investigate the biological function and mechanism of TM9SF1 in BC.Overexpression of TM9SF1 increased the in vitro proliferation,migration,and invasion of BC cells by promoting the entry of BC cells into the G2/M phase.Silencing of TM9SF1 inhibited in vitro proliferation,migration,and invasion of BC cells and blocked BC cells in the G1 phase.CONCLUSION TM9SF1 may be an oncogene in BC.
基金supported by Start-Up Funding from Shanghai University and the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.31970289).
文摘Gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)is a ubiquitous four-carbon non-protein amino acid that is involved in various physiological processes of plant growth and development,such as root architecture,stem elongation,leaf senescence,pollen tube growth,fruit ripening,and seed germination.GABA is also related to plant stress responses,such as drought,salt,cold,and heat stresses.Regulation of GABA in plant stress responses is complex and involves multiple signaling pathways,including calcium and hormone signaling.This paper systematically reviews the synthesis,metabolic pathways and regulatory role of GABA in plants,which will provide new insights into the understanding of plant growth and stress responses and offer novel strategies for improving crop productivity and stress.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30471970National Science and Technology Support Project(the 11th FiveYear Plan)of China,No.2006BAI02A14+1 种基金Scientific Research Special Projects of Health Ministry of China,No.200802011National Data Sharing Project in Human Health,No.2005DKA32403
文摘AIM:To elucidate the role of dickkopf3(Dkk3)in human pancreatic cancer cell growth.METHODS:Dkk3 mRNA and protein expression in human pancreatic cancer cell lines were detected by realtime reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(realtime RTPCR),Western blotting and immunofluorescence.Methylation of the Dkk3 promoter sequence was examined by methylationspecific polymerase chain reaction(MSP)and Dkk3 mRNA expression was determined by realtime RTPCR after 5aza2'deoxycytidine(5azadC)treatment.The effects of Dkk3 on cancer cell proliferation and in vitro sensitivity to gemcitabine were investigated by CellTiter 96?AQueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay(MTS)after transfecting the Dkk3 expression plasmid into human pancreatic cancer cells.The expression ofβcatenin,phosphorylated extracellular signalregulated protein kinases(pERK)and extracellular signalregulated protein kinases(ERK)was also examined by realtime RTPCR and Western blotting after upregulating Dkk3 expression in human pancreatic cancer cells.RESULTS:The results show that the expression levels of both Dkk3 mRNA and protein were low in all pancreatic cancer cell lines tested.The Dkk3 promoter sequence was methylated in the MIA PaCa2 and AsPC1 cell lines,which showed reduced Dkk3 expression.These two cell lines,which initially had a methylated Dkk3 promoter,showed increased Dkk3 mRNA expression that was dependent upon the dosage and timing of the DNA demethylating agent,5azadC,treatment(P<0.05 or P<0.01).When Dkk3 expression was upregulated following the transfection of a Dkk3 expression plasmid into MIA PaCa2 cells,the ability of cells to proliferate decreased(P<0.01),and the expression ofβcatenin and pERK was downregulated(P<0.01).Sensitivity to gemcitabine was enhanced in Dkk3 expression plasmidtransfected cells.CONCLUSION:Our findings,for the first time,implicate Dkk3 as a tumor suppressor in human pancreatic cancer,through the downregulation ofβcatenin expression via the ERKmediated pathway.
基金supported by the Project of Shandong Province Higher Educational Science and Technology Program(J14LL06)
文摘Objective:To study the expression of microRNA-130b(miR-l 30b) in children acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL) and its role for regulating PTEN expression.Methods:A total of SO children APL marrow tissues and IS normal marrow tissues between January and December in 2012 were collected into our study.The expression of miR-l30 b in APL and normal marrow tissues were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.MiR-l30 b inhibitor was transfected into HL-60 cells.Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry were used to measure cell proliferation and apoptosis.respectively.The expression of PTEN,a potential target of miR-130 b,and its downstream genes,Bcl-2 and Box,in transformed cells were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western-blot Results:The expression of miR-l30 b was significantly higher in children APL marrow tissues than in normal marrow tissues(P<0.05).Down-regulation of miR-1 30 b could significantly suppress cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in HL-60 cells(P<0.05).PTEN expression was upregulated when miR-130 b was knocking-down(P<0.05).As downstream genes of PTEN,the expression of Bcl-2 and Box were regulated as well.Conclusions:MiR-130 b is overexpressed in children APL marrow tissues and associated with cell growth.MiR-130 b may promote children APL progression by inducing cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis.
基金This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30801354 and No. 3097079J), Jilin Provincial Science and Technology Department (No. 20080154 and No.20110146) and the PhD Programs Foundation of Ministry of Education of China (No. 200801831077) (Ling Zhang)
文摘Summary: The effects of different concentrations of vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) on the fibrovascular ingrowth into rabbits hydroxyapatite orbital implant were investigated. Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 3 groups and received hydroxyapatite orbital implant surgery in their right eyes. Before and after the operation, the implants were treated with 10 ng/ml VEGF, 100 ng/ml VEGF, or normal saline as control group. The animals received technetium bones scan at 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively. The mean radioactivity counts within region of interest (ROI) of the surgery eye (R) and the non-surgery eye (L) in the same animal were tested, and the R/L ratios were calculated. The implants were harvested at 6th weeks and examined histopathologically. The results showed that at second week, there was no significant difference in mean R/L ratios between VEGF group and control group (F=2.83, P=0.111); At 4th week (F=7.728, P=0.011) and 6th week (F=7.831, P=0.011) postoperatively, the mean ratios in VEGF groups were significantly higher than that in control group. At 6th week postoperatively, the fibrovascularization rates in VEGF groups were higher than in control group significantly (F=8.711, P=0.008). It was suggested that VEGF could promote the fibrovascular ingrowth into hydroxyapatite orbital implant, thus might shorten the time required for complete vascularization of the HA orbital implant.
基金(in part) Grants from Action Medical Research (SRC, SMC)The Leeds Teaching Hospitals Charitable Foundation (SRC and PH), NIH (PJM)+2 种基金The European Union "Leonardo da Vinci" Scholarship Program (JC)BBSRC sponsored postgraduate studentship (LW)The American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (PJM)
文摘AIM: To investigate the function of NOD2 in colonic epithelial cells (CEC). METHODS: A combination of in vivo and in vitro analyses of epithelial cell turnover in the presence and absence of a functional NOD2 protein and, in response to enteric Salmonella typhimurium infection, were used. shRNA interference was also used to investigate the consequences of knocking down NOD2 gene expression on the growth and survival of colorectal carcinoma cell lines. RESULTS:In the colonic mucosa the highest levels of NOD2 expression were in proliferating crypt epithelial cells. Muramyl dipeptide (MDP), that is recognized by NOD2, promoted CEC growth in vitro . By contrast,the growth of NOD2-deficient CECs was impaired. In vivo CEC proliferation was also reduced and apoptosis increased in Nod2-/- mice, which were also evident following enteric Salmonella infection. Furthermore, neutralization of NOD2 mRNA expression in human colonic carcinoma cells by shRNA interference resulted in decreased survival due to increased levels of apoptosis. CONCLUSION: These findings are consistent with the involvement of NOD2 protein in promoting CEC growth and survival. Defects in proliferation by CECs in cases of CD may contribute to the underlying pathology of disrupted intestinal homeostasis and excessive inflammation.
文摘AIM: To explore the effect of Obtusifolin on retinal pigment epithelial cell growth under hypoxia.METHODS: In vitro chemical hypoxia model of ARPE-19 cells was established using cobalt chloride(CoCl2). Cell viability was tested by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay. Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were applied to detect proteins and mRNAs respectively. Flow cytometry was used to examine the cell cycle. Secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) was tested by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).RESULTS: Under the chemical hypoxia model established by CoCl2, hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) mRNA and protein levels was up-regulated. Cell viability was increased and the proportion of S phase was higher. Obtusifolin could reduce cell viability under hypoxic conditions and arrest cells in G1 phase. Obtusifolin reduced the expression of Cyclin D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) in the hypoxic environment and increased the expression of p53 and p21. The levels of VEGF, VEGFR2 and eNOS proteins and mRNA were significantly increased under hypoxia while Obtusifolin inhibited the increasing.CONCLUSION: Obtusifolin can inhibit cell growth under hypoxic conditions and down-regulate HIF-1/VEGF/eNOS secretions in ARPE-19 cells.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.30472038 Department of Science and Technology of Shandong Province, China and Japan-China Medical Association
文摘AIM: To evaluate the growth inhibition efficacy of atofluding derivative N3-o -toluyl-fluorouracil (TFU) on human gastric carcinoma cell lines SGC-7901 and MKN-45. METHODS: Cell growth inhibition by TFU was measured by MTT and clonogenic assays without or with liver microsomal enzymes. Xenografts of cancer cells in nude mice were employed to study the anti-proliferative effects of TFU in vivo. RESULTS: TFU inhibited the growth of SGC-7901 and MKN-45 cells. However, the inhibitory effects of TFU on cell growth were not significant. The inhibition rates were enhanced in the presence of liver microsomal enzymes, ranging 4.73%-48.57% in SGC-7901 cells and 9.0%-62.02% in MKN-45 cells. In vivo, TFU delayed the growth of SGC-7901 and MKN-45 cells in nude mice. The inhibition rates were 40.49%, 63.24%, and 75.98% in SGC-7901 cells and 40.76%, 61.41%, and 82.07% in MKN-45 cells when the oral doses were 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively. TFU treatment was generally welltolerated by mice with less than 20% reduction in body weight. CONCLUSION: TFU inhibits the growth of human gastric carcinoma cells. The inhibition rates are increased in the presence of liver microsomal enzymes. The efficacy of TFU may be associated with the sustaining release of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) mediated by the enzymes.
文摘Alcohol consumption is a major health issue and associated with human cancers, such as liver and breast cancers. Alcohol was classed as carcinogen to human by IARC. We have performed in vivo and in vitro studies which demonstrate that diluted ethanol promotes cell proliferation and transformation and tumor formation. Consumption of liquor spirits (white wines) is a popular behavior. However, it is unclear whether liquor spirits affect cellular phenotypes of human cancers. At present study, we used diluted ethanol and liquor spirits (Sample #1 and Sample #2) to determine the changes in RNA polymerase III-dependent gene (Pol III gene) transcription, cell growth and colony formation in the different human cancer lines. The results indicate that low concentration of ethanol increases RNA Pol III gene transcription and rate of cell growth. However, both liquor spirits (Sample #1 and Sample #2) inhibit the activity of RNA Pol III genes and repress cell proliferation of the cancer lines, compared to diluted ethanol. The liquor spirits reduce the rate of colony formation of human breast cancer cells and esophageal carcinoma cells. The inhibitions of the liquor spirits to RNA Pol III genes, cell growth and colony formation are in a dose-dependent manner. These new findings suggest that the liquor spirits contain some active components to repress Pol III gene transcription and cell growth caused by ethanol in different human cancer cells.
基金Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.30700809 and No.30972876
文摘AIM: To clarify the biological role of stem cell factor (SCF)-mediated wild-type KIT receptor activation in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) growth. METHODS: The co-expression of wild-type KIT receptor and SCF was evaluated in 51 GIST samples using mutation analysis and immunohistochemistry, and the results were correlated with clinicopathological param- eters, including the mitotic count, proliferative index (Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining), mitotic index (phospho-histone H3 immunohistochemical staining) and apoptotic index (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling). Using primary cultured GIST cells, the effect of SCF-mediated wild-type KIT receptor activation was determined by western blotting, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), and apoptosis assays. RESULTS: We found that wild-type KIT receptor and SCF protein were expressed in 100% and 76.5% of the 51 GIST samples, respectively, and the co-expression of wild-type KIT receptor and SCF was associated with known indicators of poor prognosis, including larger tumor size (P = 0.0118), higher mitotic count (P = 0.0058), higher proliferative index (P = 0.0012), higher mitotic index (P = 0.0282), lower apoptosis index (P = 0.0484), and increased National Institutes of Health risk level (P = 0.0012). We also found that the introduction of exogenous SCF potently increased KIT kinase activity, stimulated cell proliferation (P < 0.01) and inhibited apoptosis (P < 0.01) induced by serum starvation, while a KIT immunoblocking antibody suppressed proliferation (P = 0.01) and promoted apoptosis (P < 0.01) in cultured GIST cells. CONCLUSION: SCF-mediated wild-type KIT receptor activation plays an important role in GIST cell growth. The inhibition of SCF-mediated wild-type KIT receptor activation may prove to be particularly important for GIST therapy.
文摘Objective: To investigate clinical signii cance of microRNA-130b(mi R-130b) in osteosarcoma and its role in cell growth and invasion. Methods: miR-130b expression was detected in 68 samples of surgically resected osteosarcoma and matched normal tumor-adjacent tissues by q RT-PCR. The expression of miR-130b was altered by corresponding vectors in osteosarcoma cells, and then Western blot was used to detect the expression of PPAR毭. Brd U cell proliferation and Transwell assays were performed to determine cell proliferation and invasion. Results: The expression of miR-130b in osteosarcoma tissues was signii cantly higher than that in normal tumor-adjacent tissues. Its expression in patients with metastasis was signii cantly higher than that in those without metastases. miR-130b expression in tumor tissues was signii cantly associated with tumor size, clinical stage and distant metastasis. And its expression was signii cantly correlated with overall survival and disease free survival. miR-130b overexpression obviously repressed the expression of PPAR毭, and resulted in signii cant increase of Saos-2 cell proliferation and invasion. On the contrast, repressing miR-130b expression with its inhibitor signii cantly increased PPAR毭 expression, and inhibited MG-63 cell proliferation and invasion. Conclusions: The high-expression of miR-130b is correlated with the adverse clinicopathological features and poor prognosis in osteosarcoma. miR-130b may regulate proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells by targeting PPAR毭, suggesting miR-130b may play a key role in the progression of osteosarcoma.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.50973082)
文摘The keratoprosthesis(KPro;artificial cornea)is a special refractive device to replace human cornea by using heterogeneous forming materials for the implantation into the damaged eyes in order to obtain a certain vision.The main problems of artificial cornea are the biocompatibility and stability of the tissue particularly in penetrating keratoplasty.The current studies of tissue-engineered scaffold materials through comprising composites of natural and synthetic biopolymers together have developed a new way to artificial cornea.Although a wide agreement that the long-term stability of these devices would be greatly improved by the presence of cornea cells,modification of keratoprosthesis to support cornea cells remains elusive.Most of the studies on corneal substrate materials and surface modification of composites have tried to improve the growth and biocompatibility of cornea cells which can not only reduce the stimulus of heterogeneous materials,but also more importantly continuous and stable cornea cells can prevent the destruction of collagenase.The necrosis of stroma and spontaneous extrusion of the device,allow for maintenance of a precorneal tear layer,and play the role of ensuring a good optical surface and resisting bacterial infection.As a result,improvement in corneal cells has been the main aim of several recent investigations;some effort has focused on biomaterial for its well biological properties such as promoting the growth of cornea cells.The purpose of this review is to summary the growth status of the corneal cells after the implantation of several artificial corneas.
基金The Nature Science Foundation of Qingdao, China under contract No. 05-1-JC-87International Foundation for Science under contract No.AA/16180 awarded to Sui Zhenghong
文摘Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been affecting negatively the shellfish and aquaculture industries around the world. Though a lot of efforts have been made to disclose the changes of environmental factors involved and their effects on the HABs events, the molecular mechanism of this process remains unclear. To address this problem, proliferating cell nuclear antigen gene (pcna) was isolated and characterized from Alexandrium catenella. It showed high homology to those of other dinoflagellates (89% and 91% homology to Pfiesteria piscicid and Pyrocystis lunula, respectively), and also 42%–43% homology to those of plant and animals. The expression level of pcna revealed by quantitative real time PCR was the lowest at the late lagging cell growth phase, increased to the highest at the late exponential phase, and then decreased at the stationary phase. Though the cell growth rate was also changing, no positive correlation between pcna expression level and cell growth rate was displayed throughout the whole cell growth stages (r 2 =0.024 6). However, the pcna expression level had the similar trend with the change of cell growth rate throughout the whole growing process, e.g., from increasing at the earlier cell growth stage to decreasing at the following stages, though slightly lagging to the latter.
基金Supported by the Ministry of Health and WelfareFeng Yuan Hospital Research Project 103-004+1 种基金the National Science CouncilNo.NSC 100-2320-B-005-005 and No.NSC 101-2320-B-005-003
文摘Gastric cancer is one of the most common human malignancies, and its prevalence has been shown to be well-correlated with cancer-related deaths worldwide. Regrettably, the poor prognosis of this disease is mainly due to its late diagnosis at advanced stages after the cancer has already metastasized. Recent research has emphasized the identification of cancer biomarkers in the hope of diagnosing cancer early and designing targeted therapies to reverse cancer progression. One member of a family of growth-related nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NADH or hydroquinone) oxidases is tumor-associated NADH oxidase(t NOX; ENOX2). Unlike its counterpart CNOX(ENOX1), identified in normal rat liver plasma membranes and shown to be stimulated by growth factors and hormones, t NOX activity purified from rat hepatoma cells is constitutively active. Its activity is detectable in the sera of cancer patients but not in those of healthy volunteers, suggesting its clinical relevance. Interestingly, t NOX expression was shown to be present in an array of cancer cell lines. More importantly, inhibition of t NOX was well correlated with reduced cancer cell growth and induction of apoptosis. RNA interference targeting t NOX expression in cancer cells effectively restored non-cancerous phenotypes, further supporting the vital role of t NOX in cancer cells. Here, we review the regulatory role of t NOX in gastric cancer cell growth.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of China (No. 81100654)
文摘AIM: To design and investigate the efficacy of a modified nanostructured lipid carrier loaded with genistein(Gen-NLC) to inhibit human lens epithelial cells(HLECs) proliferation.·METHODS: Gen-NLC was made by melt emulsification method. The morphology, particle size(PS), zeta potentials(ZP), encapsulation efficiency(EE) and in vitro release were characterized. The inhibition effect of nanostructured lipid carrier(NLC), genistein(Gen) and Gen-NLC on HLECs proliferation was evaluated by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay, gene and protein expression of the proliferation marker Ki67 were evaluated with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-q PCR) and immunofluorescence analyses.·RESULTS: The mean PS of Gen-NLC was 80.12±1.55 nm with a mean polydispersity index of 0.11±0.02. The mean ZP was-7.14 ±0.38 m V and the EE of Gen in the nanoparticles was 92.3% ±0.73%. Transmission electron microscopy showed that Gen-NLC displayed spherical-shaped particles covered by an outer-layer structure. In vitro release experiments demonstrated a prolonged drug release for 72 h. The CCK-8 assay results showed the NLC had no inhibitory effect on HLECs and Gen-NLC displayed a much more prominent inhibitory effect on cellular growth compared to Gen of the same concentration. The m RNA and protein expression of Ki67 in LECs decreased significantly in Gen-NLC group.·CONCLUSION: Sustained drug release by Gen-NLCs may impede HLEC growth.
基金This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81260540).
文摘Objective:To explore the effects of cinobufagin (CBF),an active component of toad venom (Bufo bufo gargarizans CANTOR),on the proliferation and apoptosis of PC3 human prostate cancer cells in vitro and preliminarily investigate the mechanism of CBF in suppressing tumor cell growth in vivo.Methods:The effect of CBF on PC3 cells proliferation was detected using MTT assay.The morphological changes of PC3 cells were observed under an optical microscope.Colony formation assays were used to observe the CBF effect on colony formation by PC3 cells.PC3 cell apoptosis after treatment with CBF for 48 hours was monitored using flow cytometry.Furthermore,the effect of CBF on the expression of myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) and related apoptotic proteins was examined using western blotting.A xenograft model was established in BALB/c nude mice to evaluate the effect of CBF on prostate cancer in vivo.Results:The MT-T assay results illustrated that PC3 cell proliferation was inhibited in vitro by CBF in a concentration-and time-dependent manner.Compared with the control group findings,CBF significantly inhibited the formation of PC3 cells (P =.005).Flow cytometry revealed that after treatment with 50 nM CBF for 48 hours,the apoptotic rate of PC3 cells was 41.97 (5.16)%,indicating that CBF could significantly induce its apoptosis (P =.003).In addition,optical and fluorescence microscopy uncovered remarkable inhibition of cell proliferation accompanied by morphologic changes.The western blotting result indicated that CBF obviously downregulated the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1.Most importantly,ClBF reduced the carcinogenicity of PC3 xenografts in nude mice.Conclusion:CBF can inhibit the growth of PC3 cells both in vitro and in vivo and induce apoptosis of tumor cells.The corresponding mechanism may be correlated with the activation of caspase family proteins via MCL-1.