Objective To determine whether Rb gene is involved in the genesis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). MethodsForty paraffin specimens of primary HCCs with corresponding adjacent liver tissues and normal liver tissues were investigated for Rb protein expression by tissue chip and SP immunohistochemical technique. ResultsLoss of Rb protein expression occurred in 17 of 40 tumor samples, whereas in 4 of 40 adjacent liver tissue samples, only 1 of 40 normal liver tissue specimens showed negative Rb staining.Rb protein deletion in HCC was higher than that in adjacent tissues and normal liver tissues (P＜0.05).Rb protein deletion rate doesn’t correlated remarkably with tumor size or phathology grade of HCC （Pgt;0.05）. ConclusionRb protein deletion may play an important role in the tumorigenesis of HCC.Tissue chip is an effective highthroughput technique platform for the study of tumor molecular pathology.
Objective To compare the differences of chromosome aberration and Rb 1 gene mutation among 3 cloned cells of SO-Rb50 cell line of retinoblastoma. Methods 1.Three cell cloned strains named MC2, MC3, MC4 were isolated from SO-Rb50. 2. Gbanding and karyotype analysis were performed on the llth passage cells of the 3 cell strains.3.All exons and the promoter region of the Rb gene were detected by PCR-SSCP analysis in tumor cell DNA extracted from the 3 cell strains. Results 1.Both numerical and structural chromosomal aberrations could be observed in these 3 cell strains.Several kinds of structural chromosomal aberrations were observed.The chromosome aberrations in the same passage of different cell strains were different.Aberration of chromosome 13 was rare and the aberration feature was different in the 3 cell strains.Five marker chromosomes were identified.M1,t(1;1)qter-p35∷q24-ter could befound in all cell strains.Two of them M4 and M5,have not been reported in SO-Rb50 cell line previously.2.SSCP analysis of exon 24 showed that MC411 and MC3138 had abnormal band. Conclusions The characteristics of heterogeneity of the original tumor cell line SO-Rb50are still kept during a long-term culture in vitro and the cloned strains had dynamic changes during this period.Aberration of chromosome 13 is not the only cause of RB;aberration of chromosome 1,a commom event in some neoplasias as well as in SO-Rb50, plays a meaningful role in the immortalization of this cell line. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 1999, 15: 146-148)
Objective To determine whether fibroblasts can be used to promote endochondral bone formation in vivo by transfer of human bone morphogenetic protein-2(hBMP-2) into fibroblasts. Methods pcDNA3-hBMP-2 was constructed by use of gene clone and recombined technique.NIH3T3 fibroblasts were transfected with pcDNA3hBMP-2. The positive cell clones were selected with G418. In NIH3T3 fibroblaststransferred with pcDNA3-hBMP-2, the expression of hBMP-2 was determined by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis; alkaline phosphatase activity was measured. hBMP-2producing fibroblasts were implanted into nude mouse muscle to observe endochondral bone formation in vivo. Results pcDNA3-hBMP-2 was successfully constructed. In NIH3T3 fibroblasts transfected with -pcDNA3-hBMP-2,the BMP-2 expression was stable; alkaline phophatase activity was much higher than that in nontransfectedNIH3T3 cells. Endochondral bone formation invivo was observed at the site of implantation 4 weeks later.Conclusion Fibroblasts transfected by hBMP-2 gene can be used to promote endochondral bone formation in vivo.
The Chinese human hepatocellular carcinoma cell SMMC7721 has been analysed by flow cytometry, Southern blotting and Western blotting. The results indicated that SMMC7721 cell is a hypoploid cell with a 0.81 DNA index, and that SMMC7721 cell has internal deletion in the 5'-end of its Rb gene and has no Rb gene product (Rb protein). The normal Rb cDNA has been inserted into a retrovirus vector DOL and introduced into SMMC7721 cells by electrporation transfection technique.About 75% of transfected SMMC7721 cells have been killed by Rb gene product. The remain 25% cells are alive as exogenous Rb gene has been mutationally inactivated. （Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1994,10:21-24）
Objective To investigate the effect of the 8-bromum-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP) on the telomerase activity and changes of cell cycle in retinoblastoma （RB） cells. Methods The cultured RB cells were divided into the experimental group (8-Br-cAMP) and control group. After cultured for 24, 48 and 72 hours in vitro, the telomerase activity of RB cells was detected by polymerase chain reaction enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (PCR-ELISA) and the changes of cell cycle were detected by flow-cytometry. Results The difference of telomerase activity was significant between the experimental groups and control group (Plt;0.01). There was a negative correlation between the A value of absorbance and the time in the experimental groups (r=-0.778 9, F=33.936, Plt;0.01). The changes of the cell cycle were that the percentages increased in G1 phase and decreased in S phases. Conclusion 8-Br-cAMP may weaken telomerase activity, affect the cell cycle, and inhibit the proliferation of RB cells. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2004，20：358-360)
Objective To review the advance in the experimental studies of microRNA(miRNA) and the relationship between miRNA and stem cells. Methods The related literature was reviewed, and the research findings of miRNA and stem cell were summarized. Results miRNA was noncoding small RNA (20-25 nt) involved in posttranscriptional change, that have been shown to regulate gene expressions. Ithas been reported that some kinds of miRNAs were likely important regulators forstem cells maintaining their state of selfrenewal，and play key roles in theirdifferentiation. Conclusion miRNA as regulation of gene expressions, can be served as a new way for stem cells research.
Objective To review the research progress of the treatment of osteosarcoma, and to thoroughly understand its current state of research and prospect so as to lay a sol id foundation for the cl inical treatment. Methods The cl inical and experimental research l iteratures about treatment of osteosarcoma were extensively reviewed and analyzed. Results The present treatment of osteosarcoma is still need to comprehensive therapy which combine chemotherapy and surgical treatment. There are some progresses in gene therapy and molecular targeting therapy which can improve survival rate. Furthermore, well-designed studies and cl inical trials are needed to evaluate the potential therapeutic impact before they are used in cl inical. Conclusion Advancement in chemotherapeutic regimens has improved survival and l imb-sparing surgery in the treatment of osteosarcoma, but the progress of gene therapy and molecular targeting therapy gives new hope for osteosarcoma patients.
Despite its low incidence, retinoblastoma and its rela ted gene (Rb gene) have attracted some of the most brilliant minds in medicine and biology fi elds over the past years. Great advances have been achieved in the tumoregenesis mechanism and clinical management of retinoblastoma recently. However as always , more questions arise from those results. In order to improve retinoblastoma re search in China, we need to strengthen the communication and cooperation with di ffe rent countries, different institutes and disciplines, and utilize the great reso urces of retinoblastoma patients in China.