Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase protein with pro-inflammatory cytokine-like properties. Recent studies have revealed that SAA promotes γδT cell to produce IL-17 and T helper 17 (Th17) cells differentiation and function. In this study, we established the hepatic SAA1 overexpressed transgenic mice (TG). In this mouse, IL-17 was significantly increased in conditional state by γδT cell. We revealed that SAA1 mediated IL-17 producing from γδT cell is dependent on TLR2. Moreover we immunized SAA1 TG mice with Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA), which is well-known inducer of Th1 response and IFN-γ. We observed increased IL-17 secretion with increased Th17 cells and decreased IFN-γ, which is contrast to wild type mice (WT). In addition, we showed that locally increased transforming growth factor- β (TGF-β) followed by Th17 cells polarization might involve in Th17 cell maintenance by suppressing the expression of T-bet, a key transcription factor for the differentiation of T helper 1 (Th1) cells. These data demonstrate that SAA1 represent potent endogenous protein that drives IL-17 induced inflammation by γδT cell partially through TLR2 and by Th17 cell. Also these increased IL-17 response maintained by TGF-β Smad2/3 signaling. Therefore we could say that SAA is central player in IL-17 related inflammatory response.

Tet1 is well known initiatior of DNA demethylation by converting 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in CpG-rich regions of the brain. There have been studies using Tet1-KO mice about adult neurogenesis, cognition and memory extinction, it is still unclear whether Tet1 overexpression is beneficial for CNS networks. Thus in this study, Tet1 overexpression TG mice were developed and behavioral phenotypes were analyzed with related gene studies. Most of all, they showed anxiety-like behaviors and improved memories with increased immature neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Hence, they showed increased immediate-early gene levels (c-Fos, Arc, Egr-1, and BDNF), activation of intracellular calcium signaling (CamKII, ERK, and CREB) and changes in the expression of GABA receptor subunits (GABRA2, and GABRA4) in several brain regions. By overexpressing Tet1 in NB41A3 cells, effect of Tet1 overexpression on intracellular calcium levels with higher Egr-1 promoter activity was evaluated. These findings suggests Tet1 overexpression affects excitatory synaptic networks via activating NMDAR-dependent calcium signaling which leads to dysregulation of inhibitory synaptic networks. Also, it implies chronic and excessive activation of intraneuronal calcium signaling by Tet1 leads to behavioral differences in mice. Additionally, it suggests Tet1 overexpression in the PFC, hippocampus, and amygdala contributes as both beneficial and harmful for neural networks in differing aspects.

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase response protein in the liver, and SAA1 is the major precursor protein involved in amyloid A amyloidosis. This amyloidosis has been reported as a complication in chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, lupus, and Crohn's disease. Obesity is also associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation and sustained, elevated levels of SAA1. However, the contribution of elevated circulating SAA1 to metabolic disturbances and their complications is unclear. Furthermore, in several recent studies of transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing SAA1 that were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for a relatively short period, no relationship was found between SAA1 up-regulation and metabolic disturbances. Therefore, we generated TG mice overexpressing SAA1 in the liver, challenged these mice with an HFD, and investigated the influence of elevated SAA1 levels. Sustained, elevated levels of SAA1 were correlated with metabolic parameters and local cytokine expression in the liver following 16 weeks on the HFD. Moreover, prolonged consumption (52 weeks) of the HFD was associated with impaired glucose tolerance and elevated SAA1 levels and resulted in systemic SAA1-derived amyloid deposition in the kidney, liver, and spleen of TG mice. Thus, we concluded that elevated SAA1 levels under long-term HFD exposure result in extensive SAA1-derived amyloid deposits, which may contribute to the complications associated with HFD-induced obesity and metabolic disorders.

Embryonic stem cell classically cultured on feeder layer with FBS contained ES medium. Feeder-free mouse ES cell culture systems are essential to avoid the possible contamination of nonES cells. First we determined the difference between ES cell and MEF by Oct4 population. We demonstrate to culture and to induce differentiation on feeder free condition using a commercially available mouse ES cell lines.

Embryonic stem cell-preconditioned microenvironment is important for cancer cells properitities by change cell morphology and proliferation. This microenvironment induces cancer cell reprogramming and results in a change in cancer cell properties such as differentiation and migration. The cancer microenvironment affects cancer cell proliferation and growth. However, the mechanism has not been clarified yet. Using the ES-preconditioned 3-D microenvironment model, we provide evidence showing that the ES microenvironment inhibits proliferation and reduces oncogenic gene expression. But ES microenvironment has no effect on telomerase activity, cell viability, cellular senescence, and methylation on Oct4 promoter region. Furthermore, methylation of Nanog was increase on ES-preconditioned microenvironment and supports results that no difference on RNA expression levels. Taken together, these results demonstrated that in the ES-preconditioned 3-D microenvironment is a crucial role for cancer cell proliferation not senescence.

Calcineurin-binding protein 1 (Cabin1) regulates calcineurin phosphatase activity as well as the activation, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), which actively participate in the chronic inflammatory responses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the mechanism of action of Cabin1 in FLS apoptosis is not clear. The aim of this study was to define the regulatory role of Cabin1 in FLSs of mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Transgenic mice overexpressing human Cabin1 in joint tissues, under the control of a type II collagen promoter, were generated. hCabin1 expression in joints and FLSs was determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The expression of cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and apoptosis-related genes in FLSs was determined by enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay, gelatin zymography, and RT-PCR, respectively. Joints were histologically examined after H&E and TRAP staining. hCabin1-transgenic CIA mice had less severe arthritis than wild-type CIA mice, based on hind paw thickness and histology. This was accompanied by significantly enhanced apoptosis in transgenic mice, evidenced by significantly more TUNEL-positive cells in synovial tissues. The expression of inflammatory cytokines and MMPs was reduced, and the transgenic CIA mice exhibited decreased Akt activation and increased expression of p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bax. hCabin1 plays a critical role in promoting apoptosis of FLSs and in attenuating inflammation and the destruction of cartilage and bone in RA. These findings help elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of RA and suggest that Cabin1 is a potential target for RA treatment.

Genetic modification of the pig of which the gene is relevant to human diseases allows the pig to be used as a source of biomedical animal model. The promoter which could drive efficient expression constitutively or specifically of the interest gene in porcine organs is essentially required to increase versatility of a biomedical porcine model. In this study, we compared different promoters of activities driving efficient expression in different types of porcine cells including primary fibroblasts, kidney-derived PK-15, and primary endothelial cells (EC). To this end, we inserted CMV, EF1-α, CMV/EF1-α, CAG, human and porcine membrane cofactor protein gene promoters(MCP and Mcp), and porcine intercellular adhesion molecule-2 (Icam-2) promoter into pGL3 basic vector. Luciferase assay revealed that CAG promoter led to highest promoter activity in fibroblasts and PK-15 cells. CMV, EF1-α, CMV/EF1-α promoters showed moderate activities for luciferase expression in fibroblasts and PK-15 cells. Interestingly, CMV/EF1-α promoter, in which CMV promoter was linked to the front of EF1-α promoter as an enhancer led to highest luciferase expression in EC. The MCP, Mcp and Icam-2 promoters showed very low level of luciferase expression in three types of cells. Taken together, this study demonstrated that promoter activity in different porcine cells is differently expressed.

The T-cell receptor (TCR) engages with an antigen and initiates a signaling cascade that leads to the activation of transcription factors. Roquin, a protein encoded by the RC- 3H1 gene and characterized as an immune regulator, was recently identified as a novel RING-type ubiquitin ligase family member, but the mechanisms by which Roquin regulates T-cell responses are unclear. We used the EL-4 murine lymphoma cell line to elucidate the role of Roquin in vitro. Roquin-overexpressing EL-4 cells became hyper-responsive after anti-CD3/CD28 stimulation in vitro and were a major source of the cytokines IL-2 and TNF-α. Upon activation, these cells showed particularly enhanced production of IL-2 and TNF-α. To clarify the important role played by Roquin in T-cell responses ex vivo, we generated T-cell-specific Roquin transgenic (Tg) mice. Roquin-Tg CD4+ T-cells showed enhanced production of IL-2 and TNF-α in response to TCR stimulation with anti-CD28 co-stimulation. Further studies are necessary to investigate the role of Roquin in the regulation of primary T-cell activation, survival, and differentiation.

Tumor cells express altered metabolic activities often linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Such mitochondrial defects can inhibit oxidative phosphorylation, change the cellular redox status (NAD+/NADH), increase production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cause DNA damage that further supports tumorigenesis and a metastatic phenotype1,2. Mitochondrial Complex I (NADH dehydrogenase) is a major site of ROS production in mitochondria and regulator of the NAD+/NADH ratio. This study is focused on mitochondrial complex I as a possible modulator of tumorigenesis and progression in breast cancer. We used NADH dehydrogenase from yeast, called NDI1, to augment complexI activity in metastatic human breast cancer cells. We followed NDI1 functionality and impact on tumor cell behavior in vitro and tumor progression in vivo. Augmentation of NADH dehydrogenase activity through NDI1 resulted in an enhanced NAD+/NADH ratio and slight inhibition of ROS production. Importantly, NDI1 expression inhibited metastasis and tumor growth in the mammary fad pad of immune deficient mice, as seen by non-invasive bioluminescence imaging and histology. The mechanisms involve NDI1-induced inhibition of the AKT/mTOR survival pathway and autophagy stimulation. Knock-down of ATG5 partially reversed the anti-metastatic effect of NDI1, demonstrating that enhancement of autophagy is responsible for NDI1-mediated inhibition of breast cancer spreading. The results indicate that mitochondrial complex I activity can drastically impact tumorigenesis and metastasis in breast cancer, and that augmentation of complex I function through NDI1 can inhibit tumor formation and cancer progression through NAD+/NADH ratio modulation.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronically relapsing, non‐contagious pruritic skin disease with two phases: acute and chronic. Previous studies have shown that cathepsin S (CTSS) is a cysteine protease linked to inflammatory processes, including atherosclerosis and asthma. The possibility that this or other cysteine proteases might evoke itch or be part of a classical ligand‐receptor signaling cascade has not been considered previously. Recently, CTSS was known as a ligand for proteinase‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2) associated with itching. In the present study, we showed that CTSS‐overexpressing transgenic (TG) mice spontaneously developed a skin disorder similar to chronic AD under conventional conditions. This study suggest that CTSS overexpression triggers PAR2 activation in dendritic cells (DCs), resulting in promotion of CD4+ differentiation involved in MHC class II expression. In addition, we investigated mast cells and macrophages and found significantly higher mean levels of T‐helper type 1 (Th1) cell‐associated cytokines than of T‐helper type 2 (Th2) cell‐associated cytokines in CTSS‐overexpressing TG mice. These results suggest that increasing of PAR2 expression in DCs mediated by CTSS overexpression induces scratching behavior and Th 1 cell‐associated cytokines, and can trigger chronic AD symtoms.

Palatal development is one of the crucial events in craniofacial morphogenesis, according to the significant signaling pathway including the out growth, elevation, and fusion of palatal shelves. In the fusion of palatal shelves, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process to achieve the proper morphogenesis of palate. Mechanisms of EMT have been reported as the processes of migration, apoptosis or general EMT through the modulations through various signalling molecules. Rgs19, known as a regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) family through GTPase activity, showed the interesting epithelial expression patterns in various organogeneses including the significant expression patterns of Rgs19 in palatal development. To evaluate the precise function of Rgs19 in palatogenesis, we employed the gain and loss of function studies using ASODN treatments and gene electroporations while in vitro palate organ cultivations. Knockdown of Rgs19 using treatments of AS-ODN showed the retarded palatal fusion with the decreased patterns of apoptosis in mesial epithelium edge (MEE). In addition, alteration patterns of related genes were examined with the qRT-PCR. And epithelial mesenchyme transition (EMT) process was delayed in medial edge epithelium (MEE) throught immunohistochemistry of pancytokeratin, which known as epithelial cell marker. Morphological changes were observed with the three dimensional reconstruction method. These results show that expression of Rgs19 in MEE has crucial role of EMT, also Rgs19 affects to palatal fusion by regulation of apoptosis through the signalling modulations.

Growth hormone (GH) is obligatory for growth and development. But, there is controversy on the GH effect about reproductive processes of sexual differentiation, pubertal maturation, gonadal steroidogenesis, gametogenesis and ovulation. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of GH on estrus, ovulation and embryo implantation. The results obtained were as follows. GH stimulated to increase estrus rate (p<0.05), pregnancy rate (p<0.05), and total fetus number in mice treated for superovulation. Also, the correlation between GH and steroids, E2 and P4, at peri-estrus stage/ peri-ovulation stage/ peri-implantation stage of the superovulation-induced mice was examined. Consequently, GH co-injected with PMSG especially increased P4 level (p<0.05) at peri-estrus stage of superovulationinduced mice. In conclusion, GH co-treatment in superovulation system boosted the rate of estrus, pregnancy and total fetus by increasing progesterone level at peri-estrus stage of superovulation-induced mice.

JAZF1 (Juxtaposed with Another Zinc Finger gene 1) transcription factor are Zn-finger proteins that bind to the nuclear orphan receptor TAK/TR4 (Nakajima et al., 2004). The nuclear orphan receptor TAK1/TR4 functions as a positive as well as a negative regulator of transcription. It was recently reported that congenital cardiovascular malformations are significantly more frequent in Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) patients with microdeletion syndrome than in those with classical NF1. JAZF1 was expressed in adult heart of patients with microdeletion syndrome. JAZF1 is highly conserved among various species include zebrafish. We hypothesized that the expression of zebrafish Jazf1 may lead to severe forms of congenital heart disease that allow the survival of newborns and adults. In this study, we created Jazf1 transgenic zebrafish which over-express zebrafish Jazf1 cDNA under control of the CMV promoter. Our results suggested that Jazf1 expression may play an important role in zebrafish cardiac development.

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have been generated from mouse and human somatic cells by etopic expression of transcription factors. iPS cells are indistinguishable from ES cells in terms of morphology and stem cell marker expression. Moreover, mouse iPS cells give rise to chimeric mice that are competent for germline transmission. However, mice derived from iPS cells often develop tumors. Furthermore, the low efficiency of iPS cell generation is a big disadvantage for mechanistic studies. Nonviral plasmid‐based vectors are free of many of the drawbacks that constrain viral vectors. The histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) has been shown to improve the efficiency of mouse and human iPS cell generation, and vitamin C (Vc) accelerates gene expression changes and establishment of the fully reprogrammed state. The MEK inhibitor PD0325901 (Stemgent) has been shown to increase the efficiency of the reprogramming of human primary fibroblasts into iPS cells. In this report, we described the generation of mouse iPS cells devoid of exogenous DNA by the simple transient transfection of a nonviral vector carrying 2A‐peptide‐linked reprogramming factors. We used VPA, Vc, and the MEK inhibitor PD0325901 to increase the reprogramming efficiency. The reprogrammed somatic cells expressed pluripotency markers and formed EBs.

The experimental manipulation of protooncogenes and their gene products is a valuable research tool for the study of human neoplasia. In this study, the recently identified human cervical cancer protooncogene (HccR-2) was expressed in transgenic mice under the control of the tetracycline regulatory system. The phenotype observed was similar in many respects to human chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL). Thus, the HccR-2 transgenic mouse model is important not only for investigating the biological properties of the HccR-2 protooncogene in vivo, but also for analyzing the mechanisms involved in the progression of CNL.

Peroxiredoxin V, an atypical thioredoxin peroxidase, is widely expressed in mammalian tissues. In addition, Prdx V is localized in mitochondria, peroxisome, cytosol, and nucleus. Prdx V has been reported to protect a wide range of cellular environments as antioxidant enzyme, and its dysfunctions may be implicated in several diseases, such as cancer, inflammation, and neurodegenerative disease. Identification and relative quantification of proteins affected by Prdx V may help identify novel signaling mechanisms that are important for oxidative stress response. However, the role of Prdx V in the modulation of hypoxia‐related cellular response is not studied yet. In order to examine the function of endogenous Prdx V in hypoxic condition in vivo, we generated a transgenic mouse model with Prdx V siRNA expression controlled by U6 promoter. Of many tissues, the knockdown of Prdx V expression was displayed in kidney, lung, and liver, but not spleen and skin. We conducted on the basis of nano‐UPLC‐MSE proteomic study to identify the Prdx V‐affected protein networks in hypoxic kidneys. In this study, we identified protein networks associated with oxidative stress, fatty acid metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Our results indicated that Prdx V affected to regulation of kidney homeostasis under hypoxia stress.

Palatal development is one of the crucial events in craniofacial morphogenesis, according to the significant signaling pathway. In the fusion of palatal shelves, EMT is a fundamental process to achieve the proper morphogenesis of palate. Mechanisms of EMT have been reported as the processes of migration, apoptosis or general EMT through the modulations through various signalling molecules. Rgs19, known as a RGS family through GTPase activity, showed the interesting epithelial expression patterns in various organogenesis including the significant expression patterns of Rgs19 in palatal development. To evaluate the precise function of Rgs19 in palatogenesis, we employed the loss of function studies using AS-ODN treatments while in vitro palate organ cultivations. Knock-down of Rgs19 using treatments of AS-ODN showed the retarded palatal fusion with the decreased patterns of apoptosis in mesial epithelium edge (MEE). In addition, alteration patterns of related genes were examined with the qRT-PCR. And EMT process was delayed in MEE throught staining of pancytokeratin, which known as epithelial cell marker. These results show that expression of Rgs19 in MEE has crucial role of EMT, also Rgs19 affects to palatal fusion by regulation of apoptosis through the signalling modulations. Palatal development is one of the crucial events in craniofacial morphogenesis, according to the significant signaling pathway. In the fusion of palatal shelves, EMT is a fundamental process to achieve the proper morphogenesis of palate. Mechanisms of EMT have been reported as the processes of migration, apoptosis or general EMT through the modulations through various signalling molecules. Rgs19, known as a RGS family through GTPase activity, showed the interesting epithelial expression patterns in various organogenesis including the significant expression patterns of Rgs19 in palatal development. To evaluate the precise function of Rgs19 in palatogenesis, we employed the loss of function studies using AS-ODN treatments while in vitro palate organ cultivations. Knock-down of Rgs19 using treatments of AS-ODN showed the retarded palatal fusion with the decreased patterns of apoptosis in mesial epithelium edge (MEE). In addition, alteration patterns of related genes were examined with the qRT-PCR. And EMT process was delayed in MEE throught staining of pancytokeratin, which known as epithelial cell marker. These results show that expression of Rgs19 in MEE has crucial role of EMT, also Rgs19 affects to palatal fusion by regulation of apoptosis through the signalling modulations.

JAZF1 is a 27 kDa nuclear protein containing two putative zinc finger motifs that is associated with diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer according to genomewide association studies; however, little is known about the function of this gene in regulating metabolism. Recent evidence indicates that JAZF1 transcription factors bind to the nuclear orphan receptor TR4 and act as a strong repressor. This receptor regulates PEPCK, the key enzyme in gluconeogenesis, at the transcriptional level. Excess PEPCK expression in mice causes hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and increased glucose turnover. Therefore, we hypothesized that ectopic expression of Jazf1 may lead to abnormal expression of PEPCK that allow for the metabolic disorder. To elucidate its role in metabolism, we fed the mice with high- or normal- fat diet up to 18 weeks. In the liver tissue of mice, Jazf1 overexpression led to a substantial reduction in the expression of PEPCK. In Jazf1 overexpression mice, weight gain was found to be significantly decreased and increment of blood glucose level also decreased. Our data suggest that Jazf1 plays a critical role in the regulation of energy and lipid homeostasis, and promotes the development of metabolic disorder. Jazf1 may provide a new therapeutic target in the management of obesity, diabetes, and liver steatosis.

alcineurin (CN) is a calcium and calmodulin-depedent serine/threonine phosphatase. CN plays an important role in various biological processes including cell proliferation, cardiovascular, skeletal muscle development and apoptosis. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), CN plays a role synoviocyte activation and arthritis progression. The selective inhibition of CN by the over-expression of CN-binding protein 1 (Cabin1). In the present study, joint restricted transgenic mice expressing the human Cabin1(hCabin1) were generated, driven by type II collagen promoter and efficiency of these mice was investigated by experimental arthritis. These transgenic mice successfully expressed hCabin1 in joint tissue as well as other organs like the liver, the heart, and the brain. The joint specific over-expression of hCabin1 reduced the disease severity during collagen-induced arthritis. In fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from hCabin1 transgenic mice, the productions of these cytokines including, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were decreased and MMPs was also depressed in transgenic mice FLS. In addition, the expression of proapoptotic p53, p21, caspase-3, caspase-9 and Bax increased in transgenic mice, indicating that hCabin1 may induce FLS death by regulating the expression of Bcl-2, p53, p21, caspase-3, casepase-9 and Bax. It is expected that these findings will provide a more knowledge about the pathogenic mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis and a potential animal model of the choronic inflammatory conditions, including atherosclerosis and transplantation.

Several types of white blood cells, such as T cells, B cells, and macrophages, are involved in the immune response. In particular, the processes of T-cell activation play a crucial role in an adaptive immune response, whereby the T-cell receptor (TCR) engages with an antigen and signals a cascade that leads to the activation of transcription factors (AP-1, NF-κB, and NFAT) that are critically involved in cytokine production. Roquin, encoded by the RC3H1 gene and characterized as an immune regulator, was recently identified as a novel RING-type ubiquitin ligase family member, but the mechanisms by which Roquin proteins regulate T-cell responses are unclear. To elucidate the role of Roquin in vitro, murine lymphoma EL-4 cells were used. Roquin overexpressing Tcells became hyper-responsive upon anti-CD3/CD28 stimulation in vitro and were a major source of cytokines such as IL-2, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10. Upon activation, these cells showed preferentially enhanced production of IL-2 and TNF-α, but not IFN-γ. To clarify the important role of Roquin in the T-cell response ex vivo, we generated T-cell-specific Roquin-transgenic (Tg) mice having a higher expression of Roquin in T cells as compared to wild-type mice. Using Roquin-Tg mice, we studied whether immune responses are affected ex vivo. Roquin-Tg CD4+ T cells showed enhanced production of IL-2 or TNF-α to TCR stimulation with anti-CD28 costimulation via up-regulation of CD28. T-cell proliferation also increased in Roquin-Tg CD4+ T cells after anti-CD3/CD28 treatment. Further studies on the role of Roquin in the regulation of primary T-cell activation, survival, and differentiation may be anticipated.