Broad-host-range vector system for synthetic biology and biotechnology in cyanobacteria.

Inspired by the developments of synthetic biology and the need for improved genetic tools to exploit cyanobacteria for the production of renewable bioproducts, we developed a versatile platform for the construction of broad-host-range vector systems. This platform includes the following features: (i) an efficient assembly strategy in which modules released from 3 to 4 donor plasmids or produced by polymerase chain reaction are assembled by isothermal assembly guided by short GC-rich overlap sequences. (ii) A growing library of molecular devices categorized in three major groups: (a) replication and chromosomal integration; (b) antibiotic resistance; (c) functional modules.

[Relationship between the levels of maternal serum sTNFR II and the mRNA expression of placental TNFR II in preterm labor with chorioamnionitis and polymorphism in -196 site of tumor necrosis factor-beta receptor II].

Objective: To investigate the role of Tumor necrosis factor receptor II (TNFR II) in preterm labor with chorioamnionitis and their gene polymorphisms in genetic susceptibility to preterm labor with chorioamnionitis in Chengdu.

Methods: We collected 46 cases maternal serum and partial placental tissues of preterm labor (21 cases of infectious group with chorioamnionitis, 25 cases of noninfectious group without chorioamnionitis), and 50 cases maternal serum and 20 cases placental tissues of term labor in corresponding period. TNFR II mRNA in placental tissue were tested by RT-PCR, maternal serum levels of sTNFR II were measured by ELISA.

[Gene polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor II in 196 site and premature births in Chinese Han Population].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between tumor necrosis factor receptor II (TNFR II) gene 196T/G polymorphism and preterm labor in Han population in Chengdu.

Methods: Samples were collected from 96 subjects in corresponding period, 46 preterm labor pregnant women (we collected partial placental tissues of preterm labor, 21 cases of infectious group with chorioamnionitis, 25 cases of noninfectious group without chorioamnionitis), and 50 normal labor pregnant women. The DNA was extracted from each sample by using Chelex-100 method, then PCR-RFLP was performed to determine the TNFR II 196 gene polymorphism.

[Influence of dexamethasone on expression of 11beta-HSD2 in primary cultured cytotrophoblasts from human preterm placenta].

Objective: To study the influence of dexamethasone (DEX) on the expression of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11beta-HSD2) in primary cultured cytotrophoblasts from human preterm placenta.

Methods: Placenta villous cytotrophoblasts from preterm birth were cultured with the protocol of enzymatic dissociation and tissue incubation method. After isolation and identification, cytotrophoblasts were treated with the repeated administration of DEX (100 nmol/L), or DEX-RU486 (1 micromol/L) for 7 days, in which DEX was not added into the culture at 4th day.

[Relationship among TNF-alpha gene promoter -308 site polymorphism, the levels of maternal serum TNF-alpha, and the mRNA expression placental TNF-alpha in preterm labor].

Objective: To investigate the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in preterm labor and gene polymorphisms of TNF-alpha in genetic susceptibility to preterm labor.

Methods: We collected maternal serum and partial placental tissues from 46 cases of preterm labor(21 cases of infectious proup with chorioamnionitis, 25 cases of noninfectious group without chorioamnionitis), while obtained maternal serum of 50 cases and placental tissues of 20 cases of term labor in contemporary period. TNF-alpha mRNA in placental tissue was tested by RT-PCR, Maternal serum level of TNF-alpha was measured by ELISA.

[Effect of N-acetylcysteine on lipopolysaccharide stimulating IL-8 expression of human uterine smooth cell].

Objective: To investigate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC)on the expression of IL-8 and the activity of NF-kappaB, which are induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in human uterine smooth cell.

Methods: Human uterine smooth cells were primarily cultured and stimulated by LPS after pretreated by 5,10,15 mmol/L NAC and normal saline (NS). ELISA was performed to measure the expression of IL-8 protein in supernatants and RT-PCR was used to detect the IL-8 mRNA expression.

[Gene polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor-alpha promoter region in -308 site and premature births in Chinese Han populations].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene--308G/A and premature births.

Methods: DNA was extracted from the blood samples taken from 96 women using chelex-100 method, among whom 46 gave premature births and 50 gave normal births. Then PCR-RFLP was performed to determine the TNF-alpha-308 gene polymorphism.

[Effect of N-acetylcysteine on lipopolysaccharide induced preterm labor in mice].

Objective: To test the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the mice with infection associated preterm labor.

Methods: The pregnant C57BL/6 mice were randomly distributed into five groups, each with 20 mice and were given lipopolysaccharide (LPS), saline solution (NS), NAC, LPS+NAC (therapy), and NAC+ LPS (prevention) respectively. The LPS (20 microg) was injected intraperitoneally to the mice every 12 hours since day 16 of gestation to induce preterm labor.