Tsang Po Ting. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 135-152). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / Abstract 摘要 --- p.iv / List of Figures --- p.vi / List of Tables --- p.viii / List of Abbreviations --- p.ix / Table of Contents --- p.xii / Chapter Chapter 1: --- General Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- The Role of Glucose in Biological System --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Glucose Transporter Families --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Na+-Dependent Glucose Transporters --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Facilitative Glucose Transporters --- p.3 / Chapter 1.3 --- Glucose Transporter Type1 --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Primary Structure of the Glutl Protein --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Secondary Structure --- p.8 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Tertiary Structure --- p.8 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Kinetics Properties --- p.11 / Chapter 1.3.5 --- Tissue Distribution --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3.6 --- Multifunctional Property --- p.13 / Chapter 1.3.7 --- Characterization of GLUT1 Gene --- p.13 / Chapter 1.3.8 --- Regulation of GLUT1 Expression --- p.14 / Chapter 1.4 --- Glucose Transporter Type 1 and the Brain --- p.16 / Chapter 1.5 --- Glucose Transporter Type 1 Deficiency Syndrome (GIutlDS) --- p.19 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Backgronnd of GIutlDS --- p.19 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Clinical Features of GIutlDS --- p.23 / Chapter 1.5.3 --- Genotype-Phenotype Correlations --- p.24 / Chapter 1.5.4 --- Diagnosis --- p.26 / Chapter 1.5.5 --- Manage nent --- p.27 / Chapter 1.5.5.1 --- Ketogenic Diet --- p.27 / Chapter 1.6 --- Hypothesis and Objectives --- p.29 / Chapter Chapter 2: --- Biochemical and Molecular Analysis of GLUT1 in a Suspected GlutlDS Case --- p.31 / Chapter 2.1 --- Materials --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Clinical History of Suspected GlutlDS Patient --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Blood Samples --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Reagents and Buffers for Reverse Transcription --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Reagents and Buffers for TA Cloning --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.5 --- Reagents for Genomic DNA Extraction --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.6 --- Reagents and Buffers for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.7 --- Reagents and Buffers for Agarose Gel Electrophoresis --- p.35 / Chapter 2.1.8 --- Reagents for Zero-trans 3-OMG Influx in Erythrocytes --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1.9 --- Reagents for Zero-trans 3-OMG Efflux from Erythrocytes --- p.38 / Chapter 2.1.10 --- Reagents for Erythrocytes Membrane Extraction and Detection --- p.39 / Chapter 2.2 --- Methods --- p.44 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- GLUT1 Gene Analysis --- p.44 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Zero-trans 3-OMG Influx into Erythrocytes --- p.51 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Zero-trans 3-OMG Efflux from Erythrocytes --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Glutl Protein Expression --- p.54 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Statistics --- p.57 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.58 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Molecular Analysis of the GLUT1 Gene of a Suspected GlutlDS Patient --- p.58 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Functional Analysis of the GlutlDS Patient's Glutl Protein --- p.61 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Glutl Protein Expression in the GlutlDS Patient --- p.64 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.66 / Chapter Chapter 3: --- Pathogenicity Studies of GLUT1 Mutations --- p.71 / Chapter 3.1 --- Materials --- p.72 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Construction of Glutl-Encoding Vectors --- p.72 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Cell Lire --- p.73 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- "Cell Culture Media, Buffers and Other Reagents" --- p.73 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Cell Culture Wares --- p.75 / Chapter 3.1.5 --- Reagents for Transfection --- p.75 / Chapter 3.1.6 --- Reagents for Protein Determination and Western Blot Analysis --- p.76 / Chapter 3.1.7 --- Consumables for Confocal Microscopy --- p.77 / Chapter 3.1.8 --- Reagents and Buffers for Flow Cytometry --- p.77 / Chapter 3.1.9 --- Reagents for 2-DOG Uptake in CHO-K1 Cells --- p.77 / Chapter 3.2 --- Methods --- p.79 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Cell Culture Methodology --- p.79 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Construction of GLUT1 Mutants --- p.80 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Establishment of Wild Type and Mutant Glutl Expressing Cell Lines --- p.84 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Protein Expression Study --- p.85 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- 2-DOG Influx Assay in CHO-K1 Cells --- p.87 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Confocal Microscopy Studies on Glutl Cellular Localization --- p.89 / Chapter 3.2.7 --- Statistics --- p.90 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.91 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Molecular Analysis of 1034-1035Insl2 Mutation --- p.91 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Expression of the Wild Type and Mutant GFP-Glutl Fusion Proteins --- p.92 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Functional Analysis of the 1034-1035Insl2 Mutant --- p.95 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.97 / Chapter Chapter 4: --- GLUT1 Promoter Study --- p.100 / Chapter 4.1 --- Materials --- p.101 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Construction of GLUT1 Promoter Vectors --- p.101 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Cell Lines --- p.102 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Cell Culture Media and Other Reagents --- p.103 / Chapter 4.1.4 --- Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay System --- p.103 / Chapter 4.2 --- Methods --- p.105 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Bioinformatics --- p.105 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Cell Culture --- p.105 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Construetion of GLUT1 Promoter Vectors --- p.105 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- 5'-Deletion Analysis of GLUT1 Promoter --- p.108 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Determination of the Activities of GLUT1 Promoter Fragments --- p.110 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Statistics --- p.113 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.114 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Determination of the Promoter Activity of the 5'-deletion Fragments --- p.114 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Prediction of Transcription Factors in the 5'-deletion Fragments --- p.119 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.121 / Chapter Chapter 5: --- General Conclusion and Future Perspectives --- p.133 / References --- p.135

Metal homeostasis in plants is regulated by diverse mechanisms that act together to maintain optimal metal ion concentrations inside the cell. P1B-ATPases are heavy metal transport ATPases that are likely to be related to these processes. The sequencing of the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana revealed the presence of eight putative P1B-ATPases, HMA1-8. The main goal in this work is to characterize of the role of P1B-ATPases in plant metal homeostasis. Toward this goal, the P1B-ATPases HMA1 and HMA6 from Arabidopsis thaliana were cloned from leaves and sequenced. Results from RT-PCR experiments show ubiquitous expression in planta of this two ATPases, except for HMA1 that does not express in roots. Upon Cu2+ exposure during growth, expression of HMA6 increases in seedlings. HMA1 expression increases when seedlings are grown in high Cu2+ and Co2+ media, and decreases when grown in high concentrations of Zn2+ and Ni2+. hma1-1 plants have smaller size and less chlorophyll content than WT plants. Growth is affected in hma1-1 seedlings when grown in Zn2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+ and Cu2+ deficient media, or when these metals are in excess. Moreover, hma1-1 plants show an increase in Zn2+, Mn2+ and Fe2+ content in whole plants compared to WT plants. Mutant plants also show increased levels of HMA3 and HMA4 transcripts (Zn2+/Cd2+/Pb2+ P1B-ATPases), upregulation of metallothioneins 1a and 2b, downregulation of metallothionein 1c, and a decrease in the phytochellatin synthases 1 and 2 transcripts, compared to WT plants. Homozygous for mutation in HMA6 seems to be lethal, given that none was recovered after screening. These results indicate HMA1 and HMA6 as essential components of plant metal homeostasis in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Au Yeung, Wan Kin. / "August 2011." / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 89-103). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Thesis committee --- p.i / Statement --- p.ii / Abstract --- p.iii / Acknowledgements --- p.v / General abbreviations --- p.vi / Abbreviations of chemicals --- p.vii / List of figures --- p.ix / List of figures in Appendix VI --- p.xii / List of tables --- p.xiv / Table of Contents --- p.xv / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- The significance of studying rice disease resistance --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Economic importance of rice --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Diseases caused by pathogens virulent to rice --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2.1 --- Bacterial leaf blight diseases --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2.2 --- Fungal blast diseases --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Approach to enhance resistance of crops towards pathogens --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2 --- Literature review on plant immunity system --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMP) and PAMP -triggered immunity (PTI) --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Pathogen effectors and effector-triggered immunity (ETI) --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Roles of phytohormones in plant defense responses --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- G protein signaling and plant defense responses --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3 --- Literature review on FK506 binding proteins (FKBPs) --- p.10 / Chapter 1.4 --- Background information of this study - origin of the clone chosen for study in this project --- p.11 / Chapter 1.5 --- Hypothesis and Objectives --- p.12 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.13 / Chapter 2.1 --- Materials --- p.13 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- "Plants, bacterial strains and vectors" --- p.13 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Chemicals and Regents --- p.18 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Commercial kits --- p.18 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Primers and Adaptors --- p.19 / Chapter 2.1.5 --- Equipments and facilities used --- p.23 / Chapter 2.1.6 --- "Buffer, solution, gel and medium" --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2 --- Methods --- p.24 / Chapter 2.2.1. --- Bacterial and yeast cultures --- p.24 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Plant growth conditions and treatments --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2.2.1 --- Surface sterilization of J. thaliana seeds --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2.2.2 --- Environmental conditions of A. thaliana for germination of seeds and growing of seedlings --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.2.3 --- Environmental conditions of A. thaliana for growing of plants --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.2.4 --- Pathogen inoculation test of A. thaliana with Pst DC3000 --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Cloning and subcloning of OsFKBP 12 and OsUCCl --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.3.1 --- Sub-cloning of OsFKBP12 to pGEX-4T-l and pMAL-c2 --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.3.2 --- Cloning of OsUCCl to pGEX-4T-l --- p.29 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- "DNA, RNA and protein extractions" --- p.29 / Chapter 2.2.4.1 --- Plasmid extraction from bacterial cells --- p.29 / Chapter 2.2.4.2 --- Genomic DNA extraction from plant through CTAB method --- p.29 / Chapter 2.2.4.3 --- RNA extraction from plant tissues --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.4.4 --- Protein extraction from plant tissues --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.4.5 --- Fusion protein extraction from E. coli --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Western blot analyses --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.5.1 --- Western blot analysis of GST tag and MBP tag fusion proteins --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.5.2 --- Western blot analysis native OsYchFl proteins --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Real-time PCR study --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.6.1 --- cDNA synthesis --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.6.2 --- Real-time PCR --- p.34 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Yeast two hybrid --- p.35 / Chapter 2.2.7.1 --- Screening of OsFKBP 12 interaction protein partners by yeast mating --- p.35 / Chapter 2.2.7.2 --- Identification of positive interacting protein partners by extracting DNA plasmid from yeast --- p.35 / Chapter 2.2.7.3 --- Re-transformation of pGBKTl-OsFKBP 12 with their interacting partner clones into yeast (AH 109) by co-transformation --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.8 --- In vitro pull down assay of OsFKBP 12 with their putative protein interacting partner --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.8.1 --- In vitro pull down of native OsYchFl by MBP-His-OsFKBP12 --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.8.2 --- In vitro pull down of GST-AtYchF 1 by MBP-His-OsFKBP12 --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2.8.3 --- In vitro pull down of MBP-His-OsFKBP12 by GST-OsUCCl --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2.8.4 --- In vitro pull down of MBP-His-OsFKBP12 by GST-OsYchFl G domain --- p.38 / Chapter 2.2.9 --- GTPase assay ofOsYchF with OsFKBP12 --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3.0 --- Phylogenetic analysis and sequence alignment --- p.39 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Results --- p.40 / Chapter 3.1 --- Identification of OsFKBP 12 encoding a FKBP (FK506 binding protein)-domain containing protein in Oryza sativa (rice) --- p.40 / Chapter 3.2 --- OsFKBP12 was down-regulated in the pathogen-inoculated Xal4 rice line CBB14 --- p.47 / Chapter 3.3 --- Ecotpic expression of OsFKBP 12 repressed the expression of defense marker genes in transgenic A. thaliana --- p.50 / Chapter 3.4 --- Expressing OsFKBP 12 in transgenic A. thaliana enhanced the susceptibility to the bacterial pathogen Pst DC3000 --- p.54 / Chapter 3.5 --- OsFKBP 12 protein interacted with a putative defense-related G-protein and a copper binding protein --- p.57 / Chapter 3.6 --- "OsFKBP 12 protein interacted with the G domain of defense-related G protein, OsYchFl" --- p.69 / Chapter 3.7 --- OsFKBP 12 protein enhanced the in vitro phosphate release of OsYchFl --- p.72 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Discussion --- p.74 / Chapter 4.1 --- The identification and characterization of OsFKBP 12 --- p.74 / Chapter 4.2 --- Expression pattern of OsFKBP 12 upon biotic stress in bacterial blight resistant near isogenic line (NIL) --- p.75 / Chapter 4.3 --- OsFKBP 12 repressed the expression of SA-regulated defense marker genes when ectopically expressed in A. thaliana --- p.75 / Chapter 4.4 --- Ectopic expression of OsFKBP 12 enhanced susceptibility towards Pst DC3000 in transgenic A. thaliana --- p.76 / Chapter 4.5 --- The interacting partners of OsFKBP 12 in relation to plant defense response --- p.78 / Chapter 4.6 --- The specific biochemical interaction of OsFKBP 12 with OsYchFl --- p.80 / Chapter 4.7 --- Future perspectives --- p.85 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Conclusion --- p.87 / References --- p.89 / Appendix --- p.104

Em bovinos de corte, maiores diâmetros do folículo pré-ovulatório (FPO) e as subsequentes altas concentrações de progesterona [P4] aumentam o crescimento do concepto e a taxa de prenhez. Formulou-se a hipótese que a modulação do tamanho do FPO e [P4] no diestro subsequente à ovulação do FPO estimulam a expressão endometrial de transcritos e proteínas da famílias das Solute Carrier Proteins (SLC) que estão relacionadas ao transporte de glicose. Vacas Nelore (n=60), solteiras e ciclando receberam duas injeções de PGF2&alpha; (PGF; 0,5mg; i.m.) com intervalo de 14 dias. Dez dias após (dia -10; D-10), receberam um dispositivo intravaginal liberador de P4 e benzoato de estradiol (2mg; i.m.). Para modular o crescimento do FPO e alterar a produção de P4 pós-ovulação, no D-10 os animais receberam PGF (grupo alta P4; AP) ou não (grupo baixa P4; BP). Dispositivos foram removidos e PGF injetada 60 a 42 horas antes da indução da ovulação para o grupo AP e 48 a 30 horas antes da indução para o grupo BP e ovulações foram induzidas com GnRH (buserelina; 10&micro;g; i.m.) no D0. Crescimento e ovulação do FPO e formação do CL foram avaliados por ultrassom e [P4] medidas por radioimunoensaio. No D7 os animais que ovularam foram abatidos (AP, N=18 e BP, N=18), o endométrio foi dissecado e submetido à extração de RNA total para análises de qPCR, extração de proteínas totais para análises de western blotting e incluído em parafina para análises de imunohistoquímica. Diferença entre as médias dos grupos foi determinada pelo teste t de student. O diâmetro máximo do FPO (média ± erro padrão da média; 12,8±0,4 vs. 11,1±0,4mm) foi maior no grupo AP (P<0,01). A [P4] no D7 foi maior no grupo AP (4,5±1,0 ng/mL vs. 3,3±1,1 ng/mL; P<0,05). As concentrações relativas dos transcritos que codificam SLCs foram determinadas por qPCR, usando a ciclofilina como controle endógeno. Não houve diferença na expressão de SLC2A1 (0,91±0,04 vs. 1,02±0,07), SLC2A3 (1,14±0,16 vs. 1,05±0,1), SLC2A4 (1,20±0,14 vs. 1,01±0,05), SLC2A5 (0,95±0,12 vs. 1,04±0,12), SLC5A1 (1,35±0,25 vs. 1,49±0,44), ATP1A2 (1,29±0,17 vs. 1,03±0,1), ATP1B2 (1,20±0,11 vs. 1,06±0,1), SLC37A4 (1,16±0,16 vs. 1,1±0,12), entre os grupos AP e BP respectivamente (P>0.05). Também não foi possível identificar diferença na quantidade proteica de SLC2A1 no endométrio dos animais do grupo AP em relação ao grupo BP. SLC2A1 foi identificada na membrana basal no epitélio luminal (EL), epitélio glandular (EG) e no estroma uterino dos animais. SLC2A4 foi identificada na membrana basal e membrana apical no EL, EG e no estroma uterino dos animais. Em conclusão, a modulação do tamanho do FPO e [P4] no diestro não afetaram a expressão gênica ou proteica dos transportadores de glicose. É possível que ao invés da expressão gênica ou proteica, a atividade transportadora das SLCs, ou ainda, a expressão e função de genes relacionados ao metabolismo de carboidratos, sejam regulados pelo ambiente endócrino peri-ovulatório em vacas. / In beef cattle, changes in the peri-ovulatory endocrine milieu are associated with conceptus growth and fertility. A large size of the pre-ovulatory follicle (POF) and resulting elevated progesterone (P4) concentrations during diestrus affect pregnancy rates positively. Our hypothesis is that modulation of POF size and diestrus P4 concentrations regulate nutrient availability in the uterus. Specifically, optimal glucose concentrations in the histotroph are required for adequate embryo growth during early gestation. The objective was to determine if POF size and resulting P4 concentrations during the first week of diestrus influence gene expression of Solute Carrier Protein (SLC) families that are related to glucose transport. Cyclic, non-lactating Nelore cows received two injections of cloprostenol (PGF; 0.5mg; i.m.) 14 days apart. Ten days later (day -10; D-10), cows received a P4-releasing device along with estradiol benzoate (2mg; i.m.). To modulate the growth of the POF and alter post-ovulatory P4 production, on D-10 animals received PGF (high post-ovulatory P4 group; HP) or not (low post-ovulatory P4 group; LP). The P4-releasing devices were removed and PGF injected 60 to 42 hours before the ovulation induction in the HP group and 48 to 30 hours before the ovulation induction in the LP group. Ovulation was induced with buserelin (GnRH; 10&micro;g; i.m.) on D0. Diameter of POF and ovulation were assessed by ultrasonography starting onD- 2. From D1 to D7, plasma was obtained for measurement of P4 concentration. On D7, cows that ovulated were slaughtered (HP, n=18 and LP, n=18) and endometrium was dissected and subjected total RNA extraction for qPCR analyzes, total protein extraction for western blotting analyzes and included in paraffin for imunohistochemical analyzes. Differences between group means were determined by student\'s t test. Maximum diameter of the POF (mean ± SEM; 12.8±0.4 vs. 11.1±0.4mm) was greater in HP vs. LP (P<0.01). Progesterone concentration on D7 was larger on the HP group (4.5±1.0 ng/mL and 3.3±1.1 ng/mL; P<0.05). Relative concentrations of transcripts coding for facilitative sugar transporters (SLC2A1, SLC2A3, SLC2A4 and SLC2A5), a sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter (SLC5A1) and other transporters related to glucose uptake (ATP1A2, ATP1B2, SLC37A4) were determined by qPCR, using cyclophilin as the endogenous control gene. There were no significant differences in expression of SLC2A1 (mean ± SEM;0.91±0.04 vs. 1.02±0.07), SLC2A3 (1.14±0.16 vs. 1.05±0.1), SLC2A4 (1.20±0.14 vs. 1.01±0.05), SLC2A5 (0.95±0.12 vs. 1.04±0.12), SLC5A1 (1.35±0.25 vs. 1.49±0.44), ATP1A2 (1.29±0.17 vs. 1.03±0.1), ATP1B2 (1.20±0.11 VS. 1.06±0.1) ,SLC37A4 (1.16±0.16 vs. 1.1±0.12), between HP and LP, respectively (P>0.05). There was no difference in the abundance of SLC2A1 protein between groups. The SLC2A1 protein was localized in the luminal epithelium (LE), glandular epithelium (GE) and uterine stroma (US) of animals. The SLC2A4 protein was localized on the basal and apical membrane of the LE, GE and US of animals. In conclusion, modulation of POF size and diestrus P4 concentrations did not affect the expression of glucose transporter genes or proteins. It is possible that activity of SLC proteins rather than gene expression, or alternatively, expression and function of genes related to carbohydrate metabolism, are regulated by the peri-ovulatory endocrine milieu in cows.

Background & Aims: By whole genome sequencing, we identified for the first time that solute carrier family 12 member 5 (SLC12A5) gene located on chromosome 20q13.12 was amplified in colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to determine the amplification status of SLC12A5 and its clinical implication in CRC, and characterize the functional mechanisms of SLC12A5 in colorectal carcinogenesis. / Materials and Methods: Protein expression level of SLC12A5 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. SLC12A5 amplification was verified by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The correlations between SLC12A5 expression and clinicopathologic parameters as well as the prognosis impact of SLC12A5 were analyzed in 195 CRC patients. The biological function of SLC12A5 in CRC cell lines were determined by cell viability, colony formation, invasion, migration, flow cytometry and in vivo tumorigenicity assays. Standard tail vein metastatic assay was performed to examine the effect of SLC12A5 in lung metastasis in nude mice. Western blot, luciferase reporter assays and human tumor metastasis PCR array were performed to evaluate SLC12A5 downstream effectors and related pathways. / Results: RT-PCR showed SLC12A5 was readily expressed in 7 of 9 CRC cell lines, but was absent in normal colorectal tissues. The mean protein expression level of SLC12A5 was significantly higher in primary CRCs as compared to their adjacent normal tissues. Amplification of SLC12A5 was detected in 40.8% (78/191) of primary CRCs by FISH, which was positively correlated with its protein overexpression (P < 0.001). Overexpression of SLC12A5 was positively associated with a more advanced TNM stage (P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that SLC12A5 overexpression was an independent predictor of poorer survival of CRC patients (P = 0.018). We further tested the biological function of SLC12A5 in human colon cancer cells. Ectopic expression of SLC12A5 in colon cancer cells SW480 and SW1116 increased proliferation and colony formation. Silencing SLC12A5 expression in HCT116 by siRNA had the opposite effects in vitro, and knockdown of SLC12A5 by shRNA significantly inhibited xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. We further revealed that SLC12A5 inhibited apoptosis of colon cancer cells by mediating apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and endonuclease G (EndoG) -dependent apoptotic signaling pathway. Moreover, gain-and loss-of-function experiments showed that SLC12A5 enhanced cell invasion and migration in vitro. Knockdown of SLC12A5 by shRNA significantly inhibited lung metastasis in nude mice. SLC12A5 promoted tumor metastasis through regulating key elements of the matrix architecture, such as matrix metallopeptidase and fibronectin. / Conclusion: We have identified a novel amplification gene SLC12A5 which is overexpressed in CRC. SLC12A5 may be an independent prognostic marker for CRC and may play a pivotal oncogenic role in colorectal carcinogenesis by inhibiting apoptosis and promoting metastasis. / 背景和目的：通過對結直腸癌進行全基因組測序，我們首次發現位於染色體20q13.12的SLC12A5基因在結直腸中擴增。本研究旨在探索SLC12A5在結直腸癌中的擴增情況和臨床意義，并進一步研究SLC12A5在結直腸癌發生發展中的作用機制。 / 材料和方法：採用免疫组化方法檢測SLC12A5的蛋白表达水平。應用熒光原位雜交方法驗證SLC12A5基因的擴增情況。在195例結直腸癌患者中对SLC12A5表达與临床病理關係及其對預後的影響其进行分析。通过檢測細胞活力、細胞集落形成實驗、侵襲實驗、遷移實驗、流式細胞術和體內成瘤實驗以研究SLC12A5在結直腸癌中的生物学功能。進而通過免疫印跡、熒光素酶報告實驗和人腫瘤轉移的PCR陣列，探索SLC12A5調控的基因和相关途径。 / 结果：我們採用RT-PCR方法檢測SLC12A5在9株結直腸癌細胞株的表達情況，SLC12A5在7株結直腸癌細胞株中穩定表達，但是在正常大腸組織中表達沉默。SLC12A5在結直腸中的平均蛋白表達水平顯著高於其鄰近的正常組織。通過熒光原位雜交方法，在40.8% （78/ 191）的結直腸癌中檢測到SLC12A5的擴增，該基因的擴增與其蛋白高表達水平呈正相關關係。SLC12A5高表達水平跟晚期TNM分期密切相關（P <0.05）。多因素Cox回歸分析表明，SLC12A5高表達是結直腸癌患者較差的生存的獨立預測因子（P = 0.018）。我們進一步在人結腸癌細胞株中檢測SLC12A5的生物功能。在結腸癌細胞SW480和SW1116中過度表達SLC12A5促進細胞增殖和集落形成。siRNA敲低HCT116 細胞SLC12A5的表達在體外實驗中有相反的效果。此外，shRNA敲低SLC12A5的表達顯著抑制裸鼠移植瘤的生長。我們進一步發現，SLC12A5通過介導凋亡誘導因子（AIF）和核酸內切酶G（EndoG）-依賴的細胞凋亡信號轉導通路抑制結腸癌細胞的凋亡。此外，功能獲得性和功能缺失性的體外實驗表明，SLC12A5促進腫瘤細胞的侵襲和遷移。尾靜脈注射實驗表明shRNA敲低SLC12A5的表達顯著抑制裸鼠肺轉移。SLC12A5通過調節基質結構的關鍵因子，如基質金屬蛋白酶和纖維連接蛋白，促進腫瘤轉移。 / 结论：我們發現了一個新的擴增基因SLC12A5，該基因在結直腸癌中高表達。SLC12A5是結直腸癌的一個獨立的預後標誌物。SLC12A5通過抑制細胞凋亡和促進腫瘤轉移，在結直腸癌的發生發展中起了舉足輕重的致癌作用。 / Xu, Lixia. / Thesis Ph.D. Chinese University of Hong Kong 2014. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 107-120). / Abstracts also in Chinese. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on 05, October, 2016). / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only.

Em bovinos de corte, maiores diâmetros do folículo pré-ovulatório (FPO) e as subsequentes altas concentrações de progesterona [P4] aumentam o crescimento do concepto e a taxa de prenhez. Formulou-se a hipótese que a modulação do tamanho do FPO e [P4] no diestro subsequente à ovulação do FPO estimulam a expressão endometrial de transcritos e proteínas da famílias das Solute Carrier Proteins (SLC) que estão relacionadas ao transporte de glicose. Vacas Nelore (n=60), solteiras e ciclando receberam duas injeções de PGF2&alpha; (PGF; 0,5mg; i.m.) com intervalo de 14 dias. Dez dias após (dia -10; D-10), receberam um dispositivo intravaginal liberador de P4 e benzoato de estradiol (2mg; i.m.). Para modular o crescimento do FPO e alterar a produção de P4 pós-ovulação, no D-10 os animais receberam PGF (grupo alta P4; AP) ou não (grupo baixa P4; BP). Dispositivos foram removidos e PGF injetada 60 a 42 horas antes da indução da ovulação para o grupo AP e 48 a 30 horas antes da indução para o grupo BP e ovulações foram induzidas com GnRH (buserelina; 10&micro;g; i.m.) no D0. Crescimento e ovulação do FPO e formação do CL foram avaliados por ultrassom e [P4] medidas por radioimunoensaio. No D7 os animais que ovularam foram abatidos (AP, N=18 e BP, N=18), o endométrio foi dissecado e submetido à extração de RNA total para análises de qPCR, extração de proteínas totais para análises de western blotting e incluído em parafina para análises de imunohistoquímica. Diferença entre as médias dos grupos foi determinada pelo teste t de student. O diâmetro máximo do FPO (média ± erro padrão da média; 12,8±0,4 vs. 11,1±0,4mm) foi maior no grupo AP (P<0,01). A [P4] no D7 foi maior no grupo AP (4,5±1,0 ng/mL vs. 3,3±1,1 ng/mL; P<0,05). As concentrações relativas dos transcritos que codificam SLCs foram determinadas por qPCR, usando a ciclofilina como controle endógeno. Não houve diferença na expressão de SLC2A1 (0,91±0,04 vs. 1,02±0,07), SLC2A3 (1,14±0,16 vs. 1,05±0,1), SLC2A4 (1,20±0,14 vs. 1,01±0,05), SLC2A5 (0,95±0,12 vs. 1,04±0,12), SLC5A1 (1,35±0,25 vs. 1,49±0,44), ATP1A2 (1,29±0,17 vs. 1,03±0,1), ATP1B2 (1,20±0,11 vs. 1,06±0,1), SLC37A4 (1,16±0,16 vs. 1,1±0,12), entre os grupos AP e BP respectivamente (P>0.05). Também não foi possível identificar diferença na quantidade proteica de SLC2A1 no endométrio dos animais do grupo AP em relação ao grupo BP. SLC2A1 foi identificada na membrana basal no epitélio luminal (EL), epitélio glandular (EG) e no estroma uterino dos animais. SLC2A4 foi identificada na membrana basal e membrana apical no EL, EG e no estroma uterino dos animais. Em conclusão, a modulação do tamanho do FPO e [P4] no diestro não afetaram a expressão gênica ou proteica dos transportadores de glicose. É possível que ao invés da expressão gênica ou proteica, a atividade transportadora das SLCs, ou ainda, a expressão e função de genes relacionados ao metabolismo de carboidratos, sejam regulados pelo ambiente endócrino peri-ovulatório em vacas. / In beef cattle, changes in the peri-ovulatory endocrine milieu are associated with conceptus growth and fertility. A large size of the pre-ovulatory follicle (POF) and resulting elevated progesterone (P4) concentrations during diestrus affect pregnancy rates positively. Our hypothesis is that modulation of POF size and diestrus P4 concentrations regulate nutrient availability in the uterus. Specifically, optimal glucose concentrations in the histotroph are required for adequate embryo growth during early gestation. The objective was to determine if POF size and resulting P4 concentrations during the first week of diestrus influence gene expression of Solute Carrier Protein (SLC) families that are related to glucose transport. Cyclic, non-lactating Nelore cows received two injections of cloprostenol (PGF; 0.5mg; i.m.) 14 days apart. Ten days later (day -10; D-10), cows received a P4-releasing device along with estradiol benzoate (2mg; i.m.). To modulate the growth of the POF and alter post-ovulatory P4 production, on D-10 animals received PGF (high post-ovulatory P4 group; HP) or not (low post-ovulatory P4 group; LP). The P4-releasing devices were removed and PGF injected 60 to 42 hours before the ovulation induction in the HP group and 48 to 30 hours before the ovulation induction in the LP group. Ovulation was induced with buserelin (GnRH; 10&micro;g; i.m.) on D0. Diameter of POF and ovulation were assessed by ultrasonography starting onD- 2. From D1 to D7, plasma was obtained for measurement of P4 concentration. On D7, cows that ovulated were slaughtered (HP, n=18 and LP, n=18) and endometrium was dissected and subjected total RNA extraction for qPCR analyzes, total protein extraction for western blotting analyzes and included in paraffin for imunohistochemical analyzes. Differences between group means were determined by student\'s t test. Maximum diameter of the POF (mean ± SEM; 12.8±0.4 vs. 11.1±0.4mm) was greater in HP vs. LP (P<0.01). Progesterone concentration on D7 was larger on the HP group (4.5±1.0 ng/mL and 3.3±1.1 ng/mL; P<0.05). Relative concentrations of transcripts coding for facilitative sugar transporters (SLC2A1, SLC2A3, SLC2A4 and SLC2A5), a sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter (SLC5A1) and other transporters related to glucose uptake (ATP1A2, ATP1B2, SLC37A4) were determined by qPCR, using cyclophilin as the endogenous control gene. There were no significant differences in expression of SLC2A1 (mean ± SEM;0.91±0.04 vs. 1.02±0.07), SLC2A3 (1.14±0.16 vs. 1.05±0.1), SLC2A4 (1.20±0.14 vs. 1.01±0.05), SLC2A5 (0.95±0.12 vs. 1.04±0.12), SLC5A1 (1.35±0.25 vs. 1.49±0.44), ATP1A2 (1.29±0.17 vs. 1.03±0.1), ATP1B2 (1.20±0.11 VS. 1.06±0.1) ,SLC37A4 (1.16±0.16 vs. 1.1±0.12), between HP and LP, respectively (P>0.05). There was no difference in the abundance of SLC2A1 protein between groups. The SLC2A1 protein was localized in the luminal epithelium (LE), glandular epithelium (GE) and uterine stroma (US) of animals. The SLC2A4 protein was localized on the basal and apical membrane of the LE, GE and US of animals. In conclusion, modulation of POF size and diestrus P4 concentrations did not affect the expression of glucose transporter genes or proteins. It is possible that activity of SLC proteins rather than gene expression, or alternatively, expression and function of genes related to carbohydrate metabolism, are regulated by the peri-ovulatory endocrine milieu in cows.

No description available.

No description available.

Abstract not available

The bacterial RNA binding protein Hfq is a key component for bacterial sRNA mediated riboregulation of mRNA expression. A kinetic and thermodynamic analysis of Hfq binding to its sRNA targets DsrA, RprA, and OxyS, and to its mRNA target rpoS was carried out. The ability of Hfq to significantly enhance the stability of the DsrA-rpoS and RprA-rpoS complex was demonstrated, and the entire untranslated leader region of rpoS was shown to be important for Hfq binding and in Hfq facilitated sRNA-mRNA duplex formation. Hfq was not shown to enhance OxyS binding to rpoS. DsrA and OxyS were shown to bind mostly to the proximal surface region of Hfq, while RprA bound to both proximal and distal surface regions. The rpoS leader region was shown to possess at least two distinct Hfq binding sites, with one site binding the proximal region and the other to the distal region of Hfq. These sites were shown to be important for Hfq to stimulate DsrA-rpoS binding. The outer-circumference region and the C-terminal tail of Hfq does not play a major role in binding DsrA, RprA, OxyS and rpoS, and in stimulating DsrA-rpoS binding. Evidence was obtained implicating Hfq to bind DsrA, RprA, OxyS, and oligo rA18 in a 1:1 protein to RNA stoichiometry. Binding properties of Hfq to E. coli genomic DNA were examined. Double stranded DNA was shown to bind mostly on the distal surface region and the C-terminal tail of Hfq with an affinity 10 fold less than Hfq targeted RNA. Single stranded DNA binds Hfq more tightly than double stranded DNA and binding seems to be sequence specific. Evidence indicates Hfq binds certain sequences of the E. coli genome.