Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “GUI”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 487 records · Page 27
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

High-fidelity quantum gates on quantum-dot-confined electron spins in low-Q optical microcavities

We propose some high-fidelity quantum circuits for quantum computing on electron spins of quantum dots (QD) embedded in low-Q optical microcavities, including the two-qubit controlled-NOT gate and the multiple-target-qubit controlled-NOT gate. The fidelities of both quantum gates can, in principle, be robust to imperfections involved in a practical input–output process of a single photon by converting the infidelity into a heralded error. Furthermore, the influence of two different decay channels is detailed. By decreasing the quality factor of the present microcavity, we can largely increase the efficiencies of these quantum gates while their high fidelities remain unaffected. This proposal also has another advantage regarding its experimental feasibility, in that both quantum gates can work faithfully even when the QD-cavity systems are non-identical, which is of particular importance in current semiconductor QD technology.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2017

Aerobic oxidation of alcohols over Ru-Mn-Ce and Ru-Co-Ce catalysts: The effect of calcination temperature

We report two ternary mixed oxides, Ru-Mn-Ce and Ru-Co-Ce, were prepared by a co-precipitation method and used in the aerobic oxidation of alcohols to corresponding aldehydes (ketones). Interestingly, different catalytic results were obtained when these compounds were calcined. The calcination temperature had an adverse effect on the catalytic performance of Ru-Mn-Ce catalysts, while being beneficial to the Ru-Co-Ce catalysts. To illustrate these effects, these materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and other techniques. The data showed that ruthenium oxides were uniformly dispersed in the mixed oxides, and phase transformations occur after calcination. Mn 3 O 4 was transformed to MnO 2 for the Ru-Mn-Ce catalyst, while CoO(OH) was transformed to Co 3 O 4 in the Ru-Co-Ce catalyst. The interactions between ruthenium oxides and Co (Mn)-Ce mixed oxides of the former strengthened while the latter weakened. Calcination decreased the content of adsorbed oxygen and restricted oxygen transfer mechanism in the manganese system, while the opposite effect was observed with the cobalt-containing catalyst. Under optimal reaction conditions, various kinds of alcohols were transformed to corresponding aldehydes (ketones) in high yields over the Ru-Mn-Ce catalyst suggesting these ternary oxides are environmental friendly and economical catalytic systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

FoxP3 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cells by activating the apoptotic signaling pathway

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The article revealed FoxP3 gene function in gastric cancer firstly. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Present the novel roles of FoxP3 in inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Overexpression of FoxP3 increased proapoptotic molecules and repressed antiapoptotic molecules. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Silencing of FoxP3 reduced the expression of proapoptotic genes, such as PARP, caspase-3 and caspase-9. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer FoxP3 is sufficient for activating the apoptotic signaling pathway. -- Abstract: Forkhead Box Protein 3 (FoxP3) was identified as a key transcription factor to the occurring and function of the regulatory T cells (Tregs). However, limited evidence indicated its function in tumor cells. To elucidate the precise roles and underlying molecular mechanism of FoxP3 in gastric cancer (GC), we examined the expression of FoxP3 and the consequences of interfering with FoxP3 gene in human GC cell lines, AGS and MKN45, by multiple cellular and molecular approaches, such as immunofluorescence, gene transfection, CCK-8 assay, clone formation assay, TUNEL assay, Flow cytometry, immunoassay and quantities polymerase chain reaction (PCR). As a result, FoxP3 was expressed both in nucleus and cytoplasm of GC cells. Up-regulation of FoxP3 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. Overexpression of FoxP3 increased the protein and mRNA levels of proapoptotic molecules, such as poly ADP-ribose polymerase1 (PARP), caspase-3 and caspase-9, and repressed the expression of antiapoptotic molecules, such as cellular inhibitor of apoptosis-1 (c-IAP1) and the long isoform of B cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). Furthermore, silencing of FoxP3 by siRNA in GC cells reduced the expression of proapoptotic genes, such as PARP, caspase-3 and caspase-9. Collectively, our findings identify the novel roles of FoxP3 in inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in GC cells by regulating apoptotic signaling, which could be a promising therapeutic approach for gastric cancer.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2013

Apelin-13-induced proliferation and migration induced of rat vascular smooth muscle cells is mediated by the upregulation of Egr-1

Highlights: •The mechanism underlying the effects of Apelin-13 on VSMC was investigated. •Apelin-13 induced VSMC migration, proliferation and Egr-1 and OPN upregulation. •These effects were inhibited by the Egr-1 specific deoxyribozyme, ED5. •The effects of Apelin-13 on VSMC are mediated via Egr-1 upregulation. •These data will help in attempts to prevent and treat vascular remodeling diseases. -- Abstract: Apelin-13 plays an important role in the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs); however, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Egr-1 is a nuclear transcription factor, which is considered to be the critical initiating factor of the processes of VSMC proliferation and migration. Egr-1 is known to regulate the expression of osteopontin (OPN), which is a marker of the phenotypic modulation that is a necessary condition of VSMC proliferation and migration. We hypothesized that the role of Apelin-13 is mediated via upregulation of Egr-1. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the effects of Apelin-13 treatment on Egr-1 mRNA and protein expression in A10 rat aortic VSMCs by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Results showed that, Apelin-13 upregulated the expression of Egr-1. Furthermore, treatment with the extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK) inhibitor, PD98059, inhibited the upregulation of Egr-1 by Apelin-13. In addition, this upregulation was inhibited by treatment of VSMCs with the Egr-1 specific deoxyribozyme ED5 (DNAenzyme/10-23 DRz). Furthermore, ED5 treatment was found to significantly inhibit Apelin-13-induced migration and proliferation of VSMCs using transwell and MTT assays, respectively. The evaluation of OPN mRNA and protein expression levels by RT-PCR and Western blot analyses revealed that ED5 treatment also inhibited Apelin-13-induced OPN upregulation. The results of this study indicated that Apelin-13 upregulates Egr-1 via ERK. Furthermore, Apelin-13 induced the proliferation and migration of VSMCs as well as the upregulation of OPN via the upregulation of Egr-1. These results will provide an important theoretical and experimental basis for the control of inappropriate remodeling of vessel walls, and will hopefully lead to the prevention and treatment of vascular remodeling diseases.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2013

Inhibition of PARP1 by small interfering RNA enhances docetaxel activity against human prostate cancer PC3 cells

Highlights: •PARP1 siRNA enhances docetaxel’s activity against PC3 cells. •PARP1 siRNA enhances docetaxel’s activity against EGFR/Akt/FOXO1 pathway. •PARP1 siRNA and PARP1 inhibitor differently affect the phosphorylation and expression of FOXO1. -- Abstract: Though poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) inhibitors have benefits in combination with radiotherapy in prostate cancers, few is known about the exactly role and underlying mechanism of PARP1 in combination with chemotherapy agents. Here our data revealed that inhibition of PARP1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) could enhance docetaxel’s activity against PC3 cells, which is associated with an accelerate repression of EGF/Akt/FOXO1 signaling pathway. Our results provide a novel role of PARP1 in transcription regulation of EGFR/Akt/FOXO1 signaling pathway and indicate that PARP1 siRNA combined with docetaxel can be an innovative treatment strategy to potentially improve outcomes in CRPC patients.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Ameliorating replicative senescence of human bone marrow stromal cells by PSMB5 overexpression

Highlights: • PSMB5 overexpression restores the differentiation potential of aged hBMSCs. • PSMB5 overexpression enhances the proteasomal activity of late-stage hBMSCs. • PSMB5 overexpression inhibits replicative senescence and improved cell viability. • PSMB5 overexpression promotes cell growth by upregulating the Cyclin D1/CDK4 complex. - Abstract: Multipotent human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) potentially serve as a source for cell-based therapy in regenerative medicine. However, in vitro expansion was inescapably accompanied with cell senescence, characterized by inhibited proliferation and compromised pluripotency. We have previously demonstrated that this aging process is closely associated with reduced 20S proteasomal activity, with down-regulation of rate-limiting catalytic β-subunits particularly evident. In the present study, we confirmed that proteasomal activity directly contributes to senescence of hBMSCs, which could be reversed by overexpression of the β5-subunit (PSMB5). Knocking down PSMB5 led to decreased proteasomal activity concurrent with reduced cell proliferation in early-stage hBMSCs, which is similar to the senescent phenotype observed in late-stage cells. In contrast, overexpressing PSMB5 in late-stage cells efficiently restored the normal activity of 20S proteasomes and promoted cell growth, possibly via upregulating the Cyclin D1/CDK4 complex. Additionally, PSMB5 could enhance cell resistance to oxidative stress, as evidenced by the increased cell survival upon exposing senescent hBMSCs to hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, PSMB5 overexpression retained the pluripotency of late-stage hBMSCs by facilitating their neural differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our work reveals a critical role of PSMB5 in 20S proteasome-mediated protection against replicative senescence, pointing to a possible strategy for maintaining the integrity of culture-expanded hBMSCs by manipulating the expression of PSMB5.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Endoplasmic reticulum stress involved in high-fat diet and palmitic acid-induced vascular damages and fenofibrate intervention

Fenofibrate (FF) is widely used to lower blood lipids in clinical practice, but whether its protective effect on endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (EDV) in thoracic aorta is related with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress remains unknown. In this study, female Sprauge Dawley rats were divided into standard chow diets (SCD), high-fat diets (HFD) and HFD plus FF treatment group (HFD + FF) randomly. The rats of latter two groups were given HFD feeding for 5 months, then HFD + FF rats were treated with FF (30 mg/kg, once daily) via gavage for another 2 months. The pathological and tensional changes, protein expression of eNOS, and ER stress related genes in thoracic aorta were measured. Then impacts of palmitic acid (PA) and FF on EDV of thoracic aorta from normal female SD rats were observed. Ultimately the expression of ER stress related genes were assessed in primary mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAEC) treated by fenofibric acid (FA) and PA. We found that FF treatment improved serum lipid levels and pathological changes in thoracic aorta, accompanied with decreased ER stress and increased phosphorylation of eNOS. FF pretreatment also improved EDV impaired by different concentrations of PA treatment. The dose- and time-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation by PA were inverted by FA pretreatment. Phosphorylation of eNOS and expression of ER stress related genes were all inverted by FA pretreatment in PA-treated MAEC. Our findings show that fenofibrate recovers damaged EDV by chronic HFD feeding and acute stimulation of PA, this effect is related with decreased ER stress and increased phosphorylation of eNOS. - Highlights: • Fenofibrate treatment improved pathological changes in thoracic aorta by chronic high-fat-diet feeding. • Fenofibrate pretreatment improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation impaired by different concentrations of palmitic acid. • The inhibition of proliferation in endothelial cells by palmitic acid were inverted by fenofibric acid. • Phosphorylation of eNOS and expression of ER stress related genes were inverted by fenofibrate or fenofibric acid.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Kruppel-like factor 2 inhibit the angiogenesis of cultured human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells through the ERK1/2 signaling pathway

Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) is a crucial anti-angiogenic factor. However, its precise role in hepatic angiogenesis induced by liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) remain unclear. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of KLF2 on angiogenesis of LSECs and to explore the corresponding mechanism. Cultured human LSECs were infected with different lentiviruses to overexpress or suppress KLF2 expression. The CCK-8 assay, transwell migration assay and tube formation test, were used to investigate the roles of KLF2 in the proliferation, migration and vessel tube formation of LSECs, respectively. The expression and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 were detected by western blot. We discovered that the up-regulation of KLF2 expression dramatically inhibited proliferation, migration and tube formation in treated LSECs. Correspondingly, down-regulation of KLF2 expression significantly promoted proliferation, migration and tube formation in treated LSECs. Additionally, KLF2 inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 pathway, followed by the function of KLF2 in the angiogenesis of LSECs disrupted. In conclusion, KLF2 suppressed the angiogenesis of LSECs through inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and vessel tube formation. These functions of KLF2 may be mediated through the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. - Highlights: • Overexpression of KLF2 inhibits the proliferation and migration of LSECs. • Overexpression of KLF2 inhibits the angiogenesis of LSECs. • ERK1/2 signaling pathway involved in the anti-angiogenic process of KLF2 on LSECs.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Apelin-13 upregulates Egr-1 expression in rat vascular smooth muscle cells through the PI3K/Akt and PKC signaling pathways

Previous studies have shown that Apelin-13 upregulates early growth response factor-1 (Egr-1) via the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. Apelin-13 induces proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) as well as the upregulation of osteopontin (OPN) via the upregulation of Egr-1. This study was designed to further explore the activity of Apelin-13 in VSMCs by investigating members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, in particular Jun kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38). We also examined whether the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathways were involved in the regulation of Egr-1 by Apelin-13. We treated rat aortic VSMCs with Apelin-13 and examined the expression of JNK, p-JNK, P38, and p-P38 to investigate whether Apelin-13-mediated increases in Egr-1 occurred through the JNK and P38 signaling pathways. We then pretreated VSMCs with the Gi protein inhibitor pertussis toxin (PTX) and the Gq inhibitor YM254890, added Apelin-13 and looked for changes in Egr-1 expression. Finally, we pretreated with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and the PKC inhibitor GF109203X, and treated with Apelin-13. Our results showed that JNK and P38 did not participate in Apelin-13-mediated increase in Egr-1. Instead, Apelin-13 upregulation of Egr-1 was mediated by a PTX-sensitive Gi protein. Apelin-13 did increase ERK phosphorylation through the PI3K/Akt and PKC signaling pathways, resulting in changes in Egr-1 expression. These data provide important targets for future studies to modulate vascular remodeling. - Highlights: • Apelin-13 mediates Egr-1 upregulation in vascular smooth muscle cells via ERK1/2. • The underlying mechanisms are unknown, but exclude Jnk or p38 pathway activation. • Apelin-13 binds to Gi, activating the PI3K/Akt and PKC signaling cascades. • Consequent ERK phosphorylation results in increased Egr-1 expression. • These novel targets may be potential therapies for vascular remodeling diseases.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

miR-625 suppresses cell proliferation and migration by targeting HMGA1 in breast cancer

Dysregulation of microRNA contributes to the high incidence and mortality of breast cancer. Here, we show that miR-625 was frequently down-regulated in breast cancer. Decrease of miR-625 was closely associated with estrogen receptor (P = 0.004), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (P = 0.003) and clinical stage (P = 0.001). Kaplan–Meier and multivariate analyses indicated miR-625 as an independent factor for unfavorable prognosis (hazard ratio = 2.654, 95% confident interval: 1.300–5.382, P = 0.007). Re-expression of miR-625 impeded, whereas knockdown of miR-625 enhanced cell viabilities and migration abilities in breast cancer cells. HMGA1 was confirmed as a direct target of miR-625. The expressions of HMGA1 mRNA and protein were induced by miR-625 mimics, but reduced by miR-625 inhibitor. Re-introduction of HMGA1 in cells expressing miR-625 distinctly abrogated miR-625-mediated inhibition of cell growth. Taken together, our data demonstrate that miR-625 suppresses cell proliferation and migration by targeting HMGA1 and suggest miR-625 as a promising prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer. - Highlights: • miR-625 expression was significantly decreased in breast cancer. • Decrease of miR-625 was associated with poor clinical outcomes and unfavorable overall survival. • miR-625 overexpression inhibits cell proliferation and migration in vitro. • miR-625 directly targets and suppresses the expression of HMGA1.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Long noncoding RNA-MEG3 is involved in diabetes mellitus-related microvascular dysfunction

Microvascular dysfunction is an important characteristic of diabetic retinopathy. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in diverse biological processes. In this study, we investigated the role of lncRNA-MEG3 in diabetes-related microvascular dysfunction. We show that MEG3 expression level is significantly down-regulated in the retinas of STZ-induced diabetic mice, and endothelial cells upon high glucose and oxidative stress. MEG3 knockdown aggravates retinal vessel dysfunction in vivo, as shown by serious capillary degeneration, and increased microvascular leakage and inflammation. MEG3 knockdown also regulates retinal endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation in vitro. The role of MEG3 in endothelial cell function is mainly mediated by the activation of PI3k/Akt signaling. MEG3 up-regulation may serve as a therapeutic strategy for treating diabetes-related microvascular complications. - Highlights: • LncRNA-MEG3 level is down-regulated upon diabetic stress. • MEG3 knockdown aggravates retinal vascular dysfunction in vivo. • MEG3 regulates retinal endothelial cell function in vitro. • MEG3 regulates endothelial cell function through PI3k/Akt signaling.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Catalpol suppresses osteosarcoma cell proliferation through blocking epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inducing apoptosis

Highlights: • Catalpol inhibits cell viability and EMT in osteosarcoma cell lines. • Catalpol induces apoptosis in osteosarcoma cell lines by Bcl-2/Caspase-8 signaling. • Catalpol induces ROS generation and suppresses STAT3 pathway activation. • Catalpol is able to suppresses osteosarcoma growth in vivo. Catalpol, an iridoid glucoside compound, is reported to possess diverse pharmacological actions. However, its effects on osteosarcoma are little to be known. In the present study, we showed that catalpol could strongly suppress osteosarcoma progression. Catalpol dose-dependently reduced the cancer cell viability. The migration of osteosarcoma cells was also consistently suppressed by catalpol treatment using the wound healing and transwell migration analysis. Catalpol reduced the expressions of Kras, receptor for activated C-kinase 1(RACK1) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in a dose-dependent manner, revealing the blockage of migration. Moreover, both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis were triggered by catalpol, as evidenced by improved cleaved Caspase-8/-9/-3 and Poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Release of Cyto-c in cytoplasm and Bax up-regulation in total cells were observed in catalpol-treated cells, while mitochondrial Cyto-c and cellular Bcl-2 were down-regulated by catalpol. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was also involved in catalpol-induced cell death. Further, ROS scavenger, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), impeded catalpol-caused apoptosis. And suppression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/Janus kinase 2 gene/Src (STAT3/JAK2/Src) was involved in catalpol-induced cell death. In vivo, catalpol showed effective ability to reduce the tumor growth. Our results illustrated that catalpol might be considered as a promising pharmacological agent to suppress osteosarcoma.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

FOXK1 plays an oncogenic role in the development of esophageal cancer

Forkhead box k1 (FOXK1) is a member of the FOX class of transcription factors and it is dysregulated in many solid tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer. However, the expression status of FOXK1 and its clinical significance in esophageal cancer (EC) is still uncertain. Our study aimed at investigating the significance of FOXK1 expression in human EC and its biological function in the development of EC. We found that FOXK1 was overexpressed in EC tissues compared with corresponding non-tumor tissues using immunohistochemistry. And high FOXK1 expression was related to poor differentiation of EC. The Kaplan-Meier curve indicated that high FOXK1 expression may result in poor prognosis of EC patients. Furthermore, overexpression of FOXK1 in EC9706 cell inhibited cell apoptosis and promoted cell proliferation and migration, and suppression of FOXK1 in EC109 cell obtained reverse results. Our data suggest that FOXK1 plays an oncogenic role in EC pathogenesis and can serve as a therapeutic target for patients with EC. - Highlights: • It's the first time investigating the relationship between FOXK1 and esophageal cancer (EC). • FOXK1 could inhibit cell apoptosis and promote cell proliferation and migration of EC in vitro. • FOXK1 plays an oncogenic role in EC pathogenesis and can serve as a therapeutic target for patients with EC.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

LncRNA FABP5P3/miR-589-5p/ZMYND19 axis contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) contributes to cancer-related deaths greatly every year in the world. However, there is still no radical method for HCC treatment. Here we screened out a lncRNA FABP5P3 that was up-regulated in HCC tissues. Patients with higher FABP5P3 expression displayed poorer survival rate. FABP5P3 depletion in HCC cell lines and sample cells remarkably inhibited the abilities of proliferation, migration and invasion. In mechanism, we showed that FABP5P3 bond to miR-589-5p which served as a tumor suppressor. MiR-589-5p targeted directly the mRNA of ZMYND19 whose function has not been defined in HCC. FABP5P3 promoted HCC development and progression by sponging miR-589-5p and up-regulating ZMYND19 expression. In sum, we showed that FABP5P3/miR-589-5p/ZMYND19 axis regulates cell proliferation and migration in HCC, which may serve as a new target for HCC treatment.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Leptin promotes pulmonary fibrosis development by inhibiting autophagy via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

Highlights: • Leptin expression is associated with the severity of IPF. • Leptin accelerated the TGF-β1 induced epithelial mesenchymal transition of A549 cells. • The pro-fibrogenic effects of leptin occurred through inhibiting autophagy via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Leptin, a protein-related product of the obesity gene, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases including pulmonary fibrosis. As a highly conservative process, autophagy regulates various biological functions. Otherwise, insufficient autophagy has been described in alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) to cope with the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Hence, this study is to investigate the effects of leptin on fibrosis in TGF-β1 induced epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the potential roles of autophagy in this processes. Our results showed that the elevated leptin level in serum correlated with the severity of lung fibrosis and leptin significantly promoted the EMT in A549 cells as evidenced by promoting collagen I and α-SMA production. Additionally, treatment with leptin decreased autophagosome formation, inhibited the lipidation of LC3I to LC3II, and up-regulated the expression of p62 via activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, which is indicative of inhibition of autophagy by leptin. Finally, rapmycin pretreatment reversed the pro-fibrogenic effects of leptin. Taken together, our study suggested that leptin accelerated the EMT of A549 cells through inhibiting autophagy via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

MicroRNA-155 inversely correlates with esophageal cancer progression through regulating tumor-associated macrophage FGF2 expression

Highlights: • miR-155 and FGF2 is associated with esophageal cancer progression. • miR-155 in TAMs suppressed ECA109 cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as reduction in angiogenesis. • miR-155-reduced cell growth, migration and invasion of ECA109 cells is associated with FGF2 suppression. Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common malignancies with high incidence and mortality. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment have been linked to the accelerated tumor progression. MicroRNAs (miR) are 19–25 nucleotide-long, noncoding RNA molecules, functioning as modulators of gene expression, and mediate a variety of biological functions, including tumor growth. In the present study, the effects and molecular mechanism of miR-155 in TAMs isolated from EC were explored. The expression of miR-155 and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) in EC tissues and cell lines were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot assays. TAMs were also transfected with the described constructs. Following, the culture medium from TAMs was collected for further analysis. The released FGF2, and inflammatory cytokines were quantified using ELISA. The cell viability, migrated and invaded levels were calculated through Cell Counting kit-8 (CCK8), and transwell analysis. Moreover, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) vasculature formation was determined using matrigel angiogenesis analysis. The results indicated that miR-155 expression was decreased in EC tissues and cell lines, while FGF2 expression was increased in comparison to those in the normal control group. Moreover, miR-155 mimics transfection up-regulated tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-12 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), while down-regulated IL-10, Arginase-1 (Arg-1) and IL-22 levels in the culture medium from TAMs. And enhancing miR-155 expression in TAMs suppressed the cell viability, migration and invasion of ECA109 cells and reduced the angiogenesis. Nevertheless, over-expressing FGF2 abolished the role of miR-155 in cancer cell survival, migration, invasion as well as angiogenesis. Our findings indicated that miR-155-regulated FGF2 expression from TAMs suppressed EC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and inhibited vasculature formation. Thus, miR-155-modulated FGF2 might be a potential therapeutic target to prevent EC progression.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗