Bufalin induces apoptosis and autophagy via the Ca2+/CaMKKβ/AMPK/Beclin1 signaling pathway in osteosarcoma cells.

Bufalin, a major cardiotonic compound of the traditional Chinese medicine Chanshu has been used for cancer treatment for several years. However, the molecular mechanisms of Bufalin-induced autophagy in osteosarcoma (OS) is not fully understood. In the present study, it was shown that Bufalin induced crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy, which resulted in OS cell death.

[Screening and Applications of qPCR Primers for apomucin Gene of Echinococcus multilocularis].

Objective: To screen for the optimal qPCR primers for Echinococcus multilocularis apomucin gene (Em-apo) and analyze Em-apo expression.

Methods: Primers were designed based on 4 Em-apo sequences from GeneDB. Primer specificity and PCR efficiency were determined, based on which the optimal primer pairs were selected.

The poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide suppresses cell growth and migration, enhancing suppressive effects of cisplatin in osteosarcoma cells.

Pharmacological inhibition of DNA repair pathways has been emerging as an effective tool for cancer treatment. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is involved in DNA repair and transcriptional regulation and is now recognized as a key regulator of cell survival and cell death. In vitro and in vivo data suggest that PARP inhibitors could be used not only as chemo/radiotherapy sensitizers but also as single agents to selectively kill cancer cells in certain types of tumors.

[Molecular relationship of Eurytrema coelmaticum inferred from 18S rRNA sequence].

Objective: To elucidate the taxonomic position of Eurytrema coelmaticum by using molecular technology.

Methods: 18S rRNA fragment was amplified from E. coelmaticum genomic DNA by specific conservative primers and sequenced.

[Combined expression of TSO45W-4BX from Taenia solium and porcine CD58 in Escherichia coli].

Objective: To express the TSO45W-4BX of Taenia solium in combination with CD58 as a molecular adjuvant for improving the protective efficacy of the TSO45W-4BX recombinant vaccine.

Methods: TSO45W-4BX and porcine CD58 genes were amplified by PCR, using recombinant plasmids pGEM-4B and pGEM-CD58 as template respectively. The CD58 fragment was inserted into the recombinant plasmid pGEX-4T-1 with directly ligated TSO45W-4BX.

[Defense mechanisms of Taeniidae against host immune response].

The defense mechanisms of Taeniidae against host immune reaction were reviewed. The parasites may defend themselves from the host's immune attack by: (1)producing specific biochemicals as barriers against the damage caused by immune reactions, (2) changing surface antigens and secreting some active substances that interfere and deconstruct host's immune system and other hazards, (3) self-disguising through synthesizing homologies to host's substances in structure or function in order to avoid the immune surveillance of the host.

[Adjuvant effect of CpG DNA recombinant plasmid on antigen of Cysticercus cellulosae].

In order to prove the adjuvant effect of CpG DNA recombinant plasmid, the total antibodies and their IgG2a subtype induced by antigen of Cysticercus cellulosae, and content of IL-4 and IFN-gamma secreted from splenic cell of mouse immunized were measured. The recombinant plasmids showed an adjuvant effect, and CpG2 was the best adjuvant among the plasmids. It is proved that the CpG DNA possesses a synergistic effect with AI(OH)3 and 206 adjuvant, and is an effective Th1 type adjuvant in mice.

[High-level expression of the potential vaccine antigen TSO18 of Taenia solium in Pichia pastoris].

TSO18 gene was subcloned into the Pichia pastoris expression vector pPIC9K. The recombinant plasmid pPIC9K-TSO18 was transformed into P. pastoris GS115 by electroporation so that the plasmid will be integrated with chromosome of P.

[Expression of phosphoprotein P2 of Cysticercus cellulosae in Pichia pastoris and its application].

Cysticercosis is caused by the metacestode form of Taenia solium-Cysticercus cellulosae and it causes great economic losses and threatens the people's health. There are some problems on how to control cysticercosis, in order to resolve the key problem that the native antigen to diagnose and prevent cysticercosis is very limited and is not satisfied, Pichia pastoris Expression System was used to express recombinant P2 protein. The interested P2 gene was got by digesting the pGEM - P2 vector using restriction endonuclease, then it was inserted into the secretory pPIC9K Pichia pastoris expression vector and transformed into E.

[Screening of cDNA clone for putative RNA polymerase subunit of Cysticercus cellulosae].

Objective: To obtain related genes of Cysticercus cellulosae from spliced leader (SL) cDNA library.

Methods: Spliced leader library of Cysticercus cellulosae was constructed using SL specific primer and oligo (dT) 15 with M13M4 primer, and positive clones were then screened randomly, identified with enzyme restriction, followed by sequencing and homologous analysis.

Results: The amino acid sequence, encoded by the positive clone with a poly (A)22 tail and a complete open reading frame (ORF), was with homology of RNA polymerase subunit genes of human, B.