Publications by authors named "Hong-Quan Zhang"

Subsequently to the publication of the above paper, an interested reader drew to the authors' attention that there appeared to be two instances of overlapping data panels comparing between the cell migration and invasion assay data shown in Figs. 4 and 6 on p. 143 and 145, respectively, such that data which were intended to represent the results from differently performed experiments had apparently been derived from the same original sources.

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Innate defensive behavior is important for animal survival. The Vglut neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) have been demonstrated to play important roles in innate defensive behaviors, but the neural circuit mechanism is still unclear. Here, we find that VTA - zona incerta (ZI) glutamatergic projection is involved in regulating innate fear responses.

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The pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is causally linked to postsynaptic scaffolding proteins, as evidenced by numerous large-scale genomic studies [1, 2] and in vitro and in vivo neurobiological studies of mutations in animal models [3, 4]. However, due to the distinct phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity observed in ASD patients, individual mutation genes account for only a small proportion (<2%) of cases [1, 5]. Recently, a human genetic study revealed a correlation between de novo variants in FERM domain-containing-5 (FRMD5) and neurodevelopmental abnormalities [6].

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We have previously demonstrated that extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) promotes breast cancer cell chemoresistance. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Using a cDNA microarray, we demonstrated that extracellular ATP can stimulate hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling.

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Background: Fascin is crucial for cancer cell filopodium formation and tumor metastasis, and is functionally regulated by post-translational modifications. However, whether and how Fascin is regulated by acetylation remains unclear. This study explored the regulation of Fascin acetylation and its corresponding roles in filopodium formation and tumor metastasis.

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C-type lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that play important roles in immunity by serving as pattern recognition receptors. In the present study, a novel nattectin-like C-type lectin was obtained from the weather loach, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, designated as MaCTL. MaCTL encodes a peptide with 165 amino acids, with a signal peptide and a single C-type lectin domain (CTLD), containing a galactose-specific QPD motif and a conserved Ca -binding site.

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Our previous research demonstrated that extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) could promote breast cancer cell invasion. However, the impact of extracellular ATP on chemoresistance and the mechanisms behind ATP pro-invasion and pro-chemoresistance remain unclear. Here we aimed to determine the molecules or signaling pathways involved.

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Article Synopsis
  • Extracellular ATP plays a key role in breast cancer invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by activating HIF-2α signaling, although the underlying mechanism was previously unclear.
  • By using multiple techniques, including siRNA and ChIP assays, researchers found that both LOXL2 and MMP-9 facilitate ATP-driven invasion, while E-cadherin and Snail are involved in ATP-driven EMT, all mediated by HIF-2α.
  • The study also revealed that the AKT-PGK1 pathway regulates HIF-2α expression and that high levels of molecules in ATP-HIF-2α signaling correlate with poor prognosis in breast cancer, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for anti-metastasis strategies
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Our previous work has demonstrated that extracellular ATP is an important pro-invasive factor, and in this study, we tapped into a possible mechanism involved. We discovered that ATP could upregulate both the intracellular expression and secretion of S100A4 in breast cancer cells and fibroblasts. Apart from stimulating breast cancer cell motility via intracellular S100A4, ATP enhanced the ability of breast cancer cells to transform fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-like cells, which in turn secreted S100A4 to further promote cancer cell motility.

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Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is one of the most abundant biochemical constituents within the tumor microenvironment and is postulated to play critical roles in the progression of a number of types of tumors via interaction with the P2Y2 receptor. In the present study, we demonstrated that the P2Y2 receptor was highly expressed in MCF7 and Hs578T breast cancer cells. Downregulation of the P2Y2 receptor by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly attenuated ATP- or UTP-driven migration and invasion of the breast cancer cells as well as expression of EMT-related genes Snail and E-cadherin.

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Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), secreted by living cancer cells or released by necrotic tumor cells, plays an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. Our previous study demonstrated that ATP treatment in vitro could promote invasion in human prostate cancer cells via P2Y2, a preferred receptor for ATP, by enhancing EMT process. However, the pro-invasion mechanisms of ATP and P2Y2 are still poorly studied in breast cancer.

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As one member of G protein-coupled P2Y receptors, P2Y2 receptor can be equally activated by extracellular ATP and UTP. Our previous studies have proved that activation of P2Y2 receptor by extracellular ATP could promote prostate cancer cell invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo via regulating the expressions of some epithelial-mesenchymal transition/invasion-related genes (including IL-8, E-cadherin, Snail and Claudin-1), and the most significant change in expression of IL-8 was observed after P2Y2 receptor activation. However, the signaling pathway downstream of P2Y2 receptor and the role of IL-8 in P2Y2-mediated prostate cancer cell invasion remain unclear.

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Objective: To isolate P-cadherin positive and negative oral gingival epithelial cells, and to compare the biological characteristics with junctional epithelial cells.

Methods: Human oral gingival epithelial cells and junctional epithelial cells were cultured. P-cadherin positive and negative cells were isolated from oral gingival epithelial cells.

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Mutations of integrin-interacting protein Kindlin-1 cause Kindler syndrome and deregulation of Kindlin-1 is implicated in human cancers. The Kindlin-1-related diseases are confined in limited tissue types. However, Kindlin-1 tissue distribution and the dogma that governs Kindlin-1 expression in normal human body are elusive.

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The ATP-gated P2X7 has been shown to play an important role in invasiveness and metastasis of some tumors. However, the possible links and underlying mechanisms between P2X7 and prostate cancer have not been elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that P2X7 was highly expressed in some prostate cancer cells.

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Kindlin-2 functions in the maintenance of homeostasis and in human diseases. This study investigated the interrelationship between Kindlin-2 expression in tissues and the corresponding germ layers from which these tissues originated. Kindlin-2 expression was examined in normal adult human organs and human cancer tissues by immunohistochemical analyses.

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Background: Ginseng is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used for thousands of years. In the present study, effects and mechanisms of AD-1 were evaluated for its development as a novel anti-lung cancer drug.

Methods: The cytotoxic activity was evaluated by MTT assay.

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We studied molecular mechanism of Cistanches Herba aqueous extract (CHAE) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, as an experimental model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Female rats were either sham-operated or bilaterally OVX; and at 60 days postoperatively. The OVX group (n = 8) received an ovariectomy and treatment with normal saline for 90 days commencing from 20th post ovariectomy day.

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Objective: To investigate the effects of puerarin on the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and expressions of advanced glycation end-product (AGE) receptor (RAGE) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in retinas of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced early diabetic rats.

Methods: Diabetic rat models were established by inducing diabetes via intra-peritoneal injection of STZ. Rats were randomly divided into normal (control), diabetic (DM), and DM+ puerarin groups.

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Objective: To investigate the effects of Qushuanling Capsule ( QSLC) on thrombus formation and platelet aggregation in rats.

Methods: Arteriovenous bypass, venous thrombosis, and middle cerebral artery thrombosis models were used in rats to investigate the anti-thrombotic effects of QSLC, a compound of nine Chinese herbs. The platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), thrombin or arachidonic acid (AA), as well as the contents of thromboxane B(2) (TXB(2)) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α) in rat plasma and aortic walls, were determined to investigate the possible mechanisms of the anti-thrombotic effects of QSLC.

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Article Synopsis
  • Woodpeckers can withstand high-speed impacts (6-7 m/s) with decelerations up to 1000g, highlighting their unique cranial and beak bone structures.
  • This study compared the mechanical properties and microstructures of the great spotted woodpecker and the Mongolian sky lark using advanced imaging techniques.
  • The woodpecker's specialized bone adaptations help prevent head injuries during pecking, offering insights for developing shock-absorbing materials to protect against brain injuries.
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This study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of syringin on adjuvant arthritis (AA) in rats and its mechanisms. Complete Freund's adjuvant (FCA) was used to induce AA in rats. Secondary paw swelling of AA rats was measured with volume meter.

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Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) includes frankly malignant choriocarcinoma (CCA) and placental site trophoblastic tumor and potentially malignant hydatidiform mole. p21-Activated kinase (PAK) 4 promotes cell motility. This study investigated the role of PAK4 in the pathogenesis of GTD.

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Using a Dual-View wavelength splitter, double-stained African green monkey kidney COS-7 cells, transfected with pEGFP-Myosin 15a and costained with Rhodamine-filopodia were observed based on an ICCD(intensified charge couple device) fluorescence micro-imaging systems. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the overexpression of Myosin 15a to the tips of the elongation filopodia. An approach to collecting fluorescence in two channels and avoiding spectra crosstalk was employed to observe Myosin 15a and filopodia distribution in African green monkey kidney COS-7 cells.

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C21 steroidal glycoside (C21) is one of the most bioactive compounds of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle, known as Baishouwu, and possesses potent antitumor activity. Wilfoside C3N is one of the two most abundant and active C21 in it. The aim of this study was to further investigate the antitumor activity of C3N and to clarify its signaling pathway.

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