Zhang, Siwei. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 87-98). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Chapter 1. --- General introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1. --- "Types, structure and function of human hemoglobin" --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1. --- Structure and functions of human hemoglobin --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2. --- Types of human hemoglobin --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2. --- Regulatory mechanism of human hemoglobin expression --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.1. --- The human a and β locus --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.2. --- Development of globin genes switching concept --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.3. --- Factors that regulate globin gene expression --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.3.1. --- The locus control region (LCR) --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.3.2. --- The cis-regulatory elements --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.3.3. --- The trans-acting factors --- p.6 / Chapter 1.3. --- The human hemoglobinopathies --- p.8 / Chapter 1.3.1. --- α-thalassemia --- p.8 / Chapter 1.3.2. --- β-thalassemia --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3.3. --- Sickle cell anemia --- p.10 / Chapter 1.4. --- Current approaches towards β-thalassemia treatment --- p.11 / Chapter 1.4.1. --- Blood transfusion --- p.11 / Chapter 1.4.2. --- Bone marrow transplantation --- p.12 / Chapter 1.4.3. --- Drug-induced activation of fetal hemoglobin production --- p.12 / Chapter 1.4.3.1. --- Hydroxyurea --- p.12 / Chapter 1.4.3.2. --- Butyrate and short-chain fatty acids --- p.13 / Chapter 1.4.3.3. --- "Mutagens, DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and other HbF inducible agents" --- p.13 / Chapter 1.4.3.4. --- Cucurbitacin D --- p.14 / Chapter 1.4.4. --- Gene therapy --- p.14 / Chapter 1.5. --- Research Objectives --- p.15 / Chapter 2. --- "Analysis of CuD, Hydroxyurea and other inducers on the induction of α, β, γ, δ， ε，ζ BP-1 genes and fetal hemoglobin induction" --- p.16 / Chapter 2.1. --- Introduction --- p.16 / Chapter 2.1.1. --- Properties of human K562 cell line --- p.16 / Chapter 2.1.2. --- Induction and measurement of fetal hemoglobin --- p.16 / Chapter 2.1.3. --- "Induction of α, β, γ, δ, ε , ζ and BP-1 gene and Real-time RT-PCR analysis" --- p.17 / Chapter 2.2. --- Materials --- p.18 / Chapter 2.2.1. --- Chemicals and reagents --- p.18 / Chapter 2.2.2. --- Kits --- p.19 / Chapter 2.2.3. --- Buffers and solutions --- p.19 / Chapter 2.2.4. --- Cell lines --- p.20 / Chapter 2.3. --- Experimental procedures --- p.20 / Chapter 2.3.1. --- Hemoglobin quantity measurement by HbF ELISA --- p.20 / Chapter 2.3.1.1. --- MTT assay --- p.21 / Chapter 2.3.1.2. --- Preparation of capture-antibody coated ELISA plates --- p.21 / Chapter 2.3.1.3. --- Plate blocking --- p.22 / Chapter 2.3.1.4. --- Sample and standard preparation --- p.22 / Chapter 2.3.1.5. --- HRP antibody and colorimetric detection --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3.1.6. --- Statistical analysis --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3.2. --- Preparation of mRNA extract from K562 cells --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3.3. --- Reverse transcription and Real-time PCR analysis --- p.24 / Chapter 2.4. --- Results --- p.25 / Chapter 2.4.1. --- CuD significantly upregulates HbF expression in K562 cells --- p.25 / Chapter 2.4.2. --- "CuD augments α, β, γ, δ, ε , ζ and BP-1 genes at different level in K562 cells" --- p.28 / Chapter 2.4.3. --- Cucurbitacin D-induced γ-globin gene activation requires12-24 hours in K562 cells --- p.31 / Chapter 2.5. --- Discussion --- p.33 / Chapter 2.5.1. --- Enhancement of fetal hemoglobin production using different chemical compounds --- p.33 / Chapter 2.5.2. --- CuD increased HbF synthesis by increasing γ-globin mRNA amount --- p.35 / Chapter 2.5.3. --- CuD and HU down-regulated the BP-1 gene expression --- p.36 / Chapter 3. --- Determination of potential signal transduction pathways during CuD and HU-mediated fetal hemoglobin production --- p.36 / Chapter 3.1. --- Introductions --- p.36 / Chapter 3.1.1. --- The p38 MAPK family --- p.37 / Chapter 3.1.2. --- The JAK2-STAT3 pathway --- p.38 / Chapter 3.1.3. --- Fundamentals on inhibition assay of p38 MAPK and JAK2-STAT3 pathway --- p.39 / Chapter 3.1.4. --- Fundamentals on nuclear translocation of STAT3 --- p.41 / Chapter 3.2. --- Materials --- p.41 / Chapter 3.2.1. --- Chemicals and reagents --- p.41 / Chapter 3.2.2. --- Kits --- p.44 / Chapter 3.2.3. --- Buffers and solutions --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3. --- Experimental procedures --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3.1. --- Detection of p3 8 MAPK phosphorylation status --- p.46 / Chapter 3.3.1.1. --- Preparation of cytosolic protein extracts --- p.46 / Chapter 3.3.1.2. --- Quantitative measurement of phospho-p38 and pan-p38 by ELIS A method --- p.46 / Chapter 3.3.1.2.1. --- Antigen adsorption and establishment of standard curves --- p.46 / Chapter 3.3.1.2.2. --- Plate washing and application of detection antibody --- p.47 / Chapter 3.3.1.2.3. --- Plate washing and application of secondary antibody --- p.47 / Chapter 3.3.1.2.4. --- Plate washing and chromogen detection --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.2. --- Detection of signal cascade on JAK2-STAT3 pathway --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.2.1. --- Preparation of cytosolic protein extracts for Western Blot detection --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.2.2. --- Gel running and Western Blot detection --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.3. --- Quantitative measurement of phospho-STAT3-Tyr705 using ELISA method --- p.50 / Chapter 3.3.3.1. --- Preparation of cytosolic protein extracts --- p.50 / Chapter 3.3.3.2. --- Reconstitution and Dilution of STAT3 [pY705] Standard --- p.50 / Chapter 3.3.3.3. --- Measurement of STAT3 [pY705] concentration in cell lysates --- p.51 / Chapter 3.3.4. --- Inhibitor assay of JAK2-STAT3 and p38 MAPK pathway --- p.52 / Chapter 3.3.4.1. --- Establishment of inhibitor assay --- p.52 / Chapter 3.3.4.2. --- HbF ELISA detection --- p.53 / Chapter 3.3.5. --- Detection of STAT3 nuclear translocation and DNA binding affinity --- p.53 / Chapter 3.3.5.1. --- Preparation of nuclear extract from K562 cells --- p.53 / Chapter 3.3.5.2. --- EMS A detection of transcriptional factors binding to γ-promoter region --- p.54 / Chapter 3.3.5.2.1. --- 3´ة end-labeling of EMS A probes --- p.54 / Chapter 3.3.5.2.2. --- Dot blotting for labeling efficiency estimation --- p.56 / Chapter 3.3.5.2.3. --- EMSA binding reaction and non-denaturing gel electrophoresis --- p.57 / Chapter 3.3.5.2.4. --- Membrane development and chemiluminescence detection --- p.58 / Chapter 3.3.5.3. --- Preparation of K562 samples for immunofluorescence detection --- p.60 / Chapter 3.3.5.3.1. --- Slide coating for cell capture --- p.60 / Chapter 3.3.5.3.2. --- Preparation of cell slide --- p.60 / Chapter 3.3.5.3.3. --- Sample fixation and antibody probing treatment --- p.60 / Chapter 3.3.5.3.4. --- Sample imaging and immunofluorescence detection --- p.61 / Chapter 3.4 --- Results --- p.62 / Chapter 3.4.1. --- Activation of p38 MAPK pathway and STAT3 phosphorylation by hydroxyurea --- p.62 / Chapter 3.4.1.1. --- "The p38 MAPK pathway is activated by hydroxyurea, but not activated by Cucurbitacin D" --- p.62 / Chapter 3.4.1.2. --- Increased p38 phosphorylation level elicits STAT3 phosphorylation at Ser727 site --- p.64 / Chapter 3.4.2. --- Activation of JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation by Cucurbitacin D --- p.66 / Chapter 3.4.2.1. --- Cucurbitacin D promotes JAK2 activation --- p.66 / Chapter 3.4.2.2. --- Cucurbitacin D and hydroxyurea promote STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr705 site --- p.66 / Chapter 3.4.3. --- Basal activity of signal transduction pathways is essential for HbF induction --- p.69 / Chapter 3.4.3.1. --- Activation of γ-globin gene requires presence of basal phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK --- p.69 / Chapter 3.4.3.2. --- Inhibition on JAK2-STAT3 pathway results in reduced fetal hemoglobin production --- p.71 / Chapter 3.4.4. --- Translocation and DNA binding of STAT under Cucurbitacin D induction --- p.72 / Chapter 3.4.4.1. --- Cucurbitacin D and hydroxyurea both enhance binding affinity of transcriptional factors to the Gγ/Aγ promoter --- p.72 / Chapter 3.4.4.2. --- Cucurbitacin D and hydroxyurea induces nuclear translocation of STAT3 --- p.75 / Chapter 3.5. --- Discussion --- p.77 / Chapter 3.5.1. --- The role of p38 MAPK activation during γ-globin gene activation --- p.77 / Chapter 3.5.2. --- STAT3 phosphorylation at Ser727 site promotes transcription factor activity and γ-globin gene expression --- p.77 / Chapter 3.5.3. --- The role of JAK2-STAT3 activation during γ-globin gene activation --- p.78 / Chapter 3.5.4. --- Inhibitor assay --- p.79 / Chapter 3.5.5. --- Relations between STAT3 nuclear translocation and enhanced fetal hemoglobin production --- p.82 / Chapter 4. --- Summery and Prospect --- p.83 / Chapter 5. --- References --- p.87

M.S.

Choi Wai-wah. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 120-138). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Statement --- p.i / Acknowledgements --- p.ii / Abstract --- p.iii / Abstract (Chinese Version) --- p.v / Table of Contents --- p.vii / List of Tables --- p.xii / List of Figures --- p.xiii / List of Abbreviations --- p.xv / Chapter Chapter 1 --- General Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- "Hemoglobin ´ؤ Structures, Types and Functions" --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Structures of Hemoglobin --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Types of Hemoglobin --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Functions of Hemoglobin --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2 --- Human Globin Genes and Their Regulation --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Organization of the Human Globin Genes --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Regulation of Globin Gene Expression --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.2.1 --- The Locus Control Region (LCR) --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.2.2 --- Cis-Regulatory Elements --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.2.2.1 --- Promoters --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.2.2.2 --- Enhancers --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.2.2.3 --- Silencers --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.2.3 --- Trans-Acting Factors --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.2.3.1 --- GATA Family --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.2.3.2 --- Kruppel-like Factors --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.2.3.3 --- Nuclear Factor-Erythroid (NF-E) --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.2.4 --- Chromatin Remodelling --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2.2.5 --- Intergenic Sequences --- p.11 / Chapter 1.3 --- Mechanisms of Hemoglobin Switching --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Autonomous Silencing --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- LCR and Globin Gene Interaction --- p.12 / Chapter 1.4 --- Hemoglobinopathies --- p.14 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- α -thalassemia --- p.14 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- β -thalassemia --- p.14 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Sickle Cell Anemia --- p.16 / Chapter 1.5 --- Therapies for β-thalassemia --- p.16 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Blood Transfusion --- p.16 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Bone Marrow Transplantation --- p.17 / Chapter 1.5.3. --- Gene Therapy --- p.17 / Chapter 1.6 --- Gene Switch Therapy --- p.18 / Chapter "1.6,1" --- Pharmacological Induction of HbF --- p.18 / Chapter 1.6.1.1 --- Hydroxyurea --- p.19 / Chapter 1.6.1.2 --- Butyrate --- p.20 / Chapter 1.6.1.3 --- Summary --- p.21 / Chapter 1.7 --- Objectives --- p.22 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Induction of HbF by LC978 in K562 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Chemicals and Reagents --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Kits --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Buffers and Solutions --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Primers --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Equipment and Other Consumables --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Maintenance of K562 --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Handling and Treatment of utilities for RNA isolation --- p.31 / Chapter 2.3 --- Methods --- p.32 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Dose-response and time-response study of LC978 in K562 by TMB assay --- p.32 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Detection of γ -Globin Gene Expression in LC978-induced K562 by RT-PCR --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Fetal Hemoglobin Analysis by Human Fetal Hemoglobin (HbF) ELISA Quantitation Kit --- p.36 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.38 / Chapter 2.4 --- Results --- p.39 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Dose-response and time-response study of LC978 in K562 by TMB assay --- p.39 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Detection of γ -Globin Gene Expression in LC978-induced K562 by RT-PCR --- p.45 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Fetal Hemoglobin Analysis by Human Fetal Hemoglobin (HbF) ELISA Quantitation Kit --- p.48 / Chapter 2.5 --- Discussions --- p.51 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Signal Transduction Pathways Modulated by LC978 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.54 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials --- p.57 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Chemicals and Reagents --- p.57 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Kits --- p.57 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Buffers and Solutions --- p.58 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Primers --- p.59 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Equipment and Other Consumables --- p.60 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Maintenance of K562 --- p.60 / Chapter 3.2.7 --- Handling and Treatment of utilities for RNA isolation --- p.60 / Chapter 3.3 --- Methods --- p.61 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Identification of Signaling Pathways by Microarray --- p.61 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Real-time RT-PCR --- p.65 / Chapter 3.4 --- Results --- p.67 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Identification of Signaling Pathways by Microarray --- p.67 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Real-time RT-PCR --- p.74 / Chapter 3.5 --- Discussions --- p.80 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- MAPK pathways and HbF induction by LC978 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.84 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials --- p.87 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Chemicals and Reagents --- p.87 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Kits --- p.88 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Buffers and Solutions --- p.88 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Equipment and Other Consumables --- p.90 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Maintenance of K562 --- p.90 / Chapter 4.3 --- Methods --- p.91 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- "Roles of three MAPKs ´ؤ ERK, JNK and p38 in LC978-mediated γ -globin gene induction in K562 using CASE´ёØ Kits" --- p.91 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Effect of p38 inhibitor SB203580 on HbF induction --- p.94 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.97 / Chapter 4.4 --- Results --- p.98 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- "Roles of three MAPKs - ERK, JNK and p38 in LC978-mediated γ -globin gene induction in K562 using CASETM Kits" --- p.98 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Effect of p38 inhibitor SB203580 on HbF induction --- p.106 / Chapter 4.5 --- Discussions --- p.110 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Summary and Prospects / Appendix / References