【Abstract】 Objective To produce a new bone tissue engineered carrier through combination of xenograft bone (X)and sodium alginate (A) and to investigate the biological character of the cells in the carrier and the abil ity of bone-forming in vivo, so as to provide experimental evidence for a more effective carrier. Methods BMSCs were extracted from 2-week-old New Zealand rabbits and the BMSCs were induced by rhBMP-2 (1 × 10-8mol/L). The second generation of the induced BMSCs was combined with 1% (V/W) A by final concentration of 1 × 105/mL. After 4-day culture, cells in gel were investigated by HE staining. The second generation of the induced BMSCs was divided into the DMEM gel group and the DMEM containing 1% A group. They were seeded into 48 well-cultivated cell clusters by final concentration of 1 × 105/mL. Seven days later, the BMP-2 expressions of BMSCs in A and in commonly-cultivated cells were compared. The second generation of the induced BMSCs was mixed with 2% A DMEM at a final concentration of 1 × 1010/mL. Then it was compounded with the no antigen X under negativepressure. After 4 days, cells growth was observed under SEM. Twenty-four nude mice were randomly divided into 2 group s (n=12).The compound of BMSCs-A-X (experimental group) and BMSCs-X (control group) with BMSCs whose final concentrat ion was 1 × 1010/mL was implanted in muscles of nude mice. Bone formation of the compound was histologically evaluated by Image Analysis System 2 and 4 weeks after the operation, respectively. Results Cells suspended in A and grew plump. Cell division and nuclear fission were found. Under the microscope, normal prol iferation, many forming processes, larger nucleus, clear nucleolus and more nuclear fission could be seen. BMP-2 expression in the DMEM gel group was 44.10% ± 3.02% and in the DMEM containing 1% A group was 42.40% ± 4.83%. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P gt; 0.05). A was compounded evenly in the micropore of X and cells suspended in A 3-dimensionally with matrix secretion. At 2 weeks after the implantation, according to Image Analysis System, the compound of BMSCs-A-X was 5.26% ± 0.24% of the totalarea and the cartilage-l ike tissue was 7.31% ± 0.32% in the experimental group; the compound of BMSCs-X was 2.16% ± 0.22% of the total area and the cartilage-l ike tissue was 2.31% ± 0.21% in the control group. There was statistically significant difference between the two groups (P lt; 0.05). At 4 weeks after the operation, the compound of BMSCs-A-X was 7.26% ± 0.26% of the total area and the cartilage-l ike tissue was 9.31% ± 0.31% in the experimental group; the compound of BMSCs-X was 2.26% ± 0.28% of the total area and the cartilage-l ike tissue was 3.31% ± 0.26% in the control group. There was statistically significant difference between the two groups (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The new carrier compounding A and no antigen X conforms to the superstructural principle of tissue engineering, with maximum cells load. BMSCs behave well in the compound carrier with efficient bone formation in vivo.
OBJECTIVE: To construct eukaryotic expression vector of rat myogenin gene for further study on its functions in skeletal muscle denervated atrophy and repair. METHODS: The cloning vectors (containing full length of myogenin cDNA and two restriction sites: Hind III and Xho I) were first cut by two restriction endonuclease: Hind III and Xho I, and the same as the eukaryotic expression vector; then, the myogenin cDNA and the digested vector were ligated by T4 DNA ligase, and recombinant eukaryotic expression vector was formed. Its length was certificated by agarose gel electrophoresis analysis, digestion with Hind III and Xho I, PCR; and the rightness of the myogenin cDNA sequence was confirmed by sequencing. RESULTS: The results of agarose gel electrophoresis analysis, digestion, and PCR confirmed the right length of inserted DNA, which was the same as the myogenin cDNA, and the sequencing result of pcDNA3-myogenin was identical with the reported. CONCLUSION: pcDNA3-myogenin a eukaryotic expression vector, is successfully constructed.
Objective To study the interferencing and anti-tumor effects of lentiviral vector of siRNA targeting IGF1R and EGFR gene of the liver cancer cell. Methods The complementary DNA containing both sense and antisense Oligo DNA of the targeting sequence was designed, synthesized and connected to the pLVTHM vector, named pLVTHM-IGF1R, into whom the EGFR-siRNA expression frame containing H1 promotor synthesized by RT-PCR was cloned to generate pLVTHM-IGF1R-EGFR-siRNA. The 293T cells were cotransfected by 3 plasmids of pLVTHM-IGF1R-EGFR-siRNA, psPAX2 and pMD2G to enclose LVTHM-IGF1R-EGFR-siRNA, which was amplified in large amount and purified by caesium chloride density gradient centrifugation for measurement of virus titer. SMMC7721 cells infected by LVTHM-IGF1R-EGFR-siRNA were infection group, the untreated SMMC7721 cells and blank vector plasmid LVTHM were two control groups (SMMC7721 cell group and blank vector group). The effect of LVTHM-IGF1R-EGFR-siRNA on IGF1R and EGFR expressions of SMMC7721 cells were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. The antitumor potential of LVTHM-IGF1R-EGFR-siRNA to SMMC7721 cells was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay for cell growth and TUNEL for apoptosis respectively. Results LVTHM-IGF1R-EGFR-siRNA was constructed successfully. Functional pfu titers of LVTHM-IGF1R-EGFR-siRNA was 4.58×109 pfu/ml. Protein and mRNA expression of IGF1R and EGFR of infection group were less than those of blank vector group and SMMC7721 cell group （P＜0.05）, LVTHM-IGF1R-EGFR-siRNA was more effective to inhibit the proliferation and promote apoptosis of SMMC7721 cells （P＜0.05）. Conclusion LVTHM-IGF1R-EGFR-siRNA expressing IGF1R-EGFR-siRNA can inhibit the expression of IGF1R and EGFR, and may be used for further investigation of gene therapy of liver cancer.
ObjectiveTo clone full-length cDNA of rat galectin-9 and construct recombinant adenovirus granule containing rat galectin-9 gene. MethodsThe galectin-9 gene was amplified by RT-PCR from rat liver tissue and inserted orientationally into plasmid pDC316-GFP digested by restriction endonucleases NotⅠ and HindⅢ. The recombinant pDC316-GFP-galectin-9 shuttle plasmid was identified by PCR, restriction endonuclease digestion and sequencing, and then co-transfected with rescue plasmid pBHGlox△E1.3Cre into HEK-293 cells by liposome reagent. Recombinant adenovirus vector containing rat galectin-9 gene (Ad5-galectin-9) was generated by sitespecific recombination and confirmed by PCR, and then Ad5-galectin-9 was propagated in HEK-293 cells and purified. The infectious titer of viral stock was determined by TCID50 assay. ResultsConstruction of pDC316-GFP-galectin-9 shuttle plasmid was confirmed to be correct by PCR, restriction endonuclease digestion and sequencing. Construction of recombinant adenovirus Ad5-galectin-9 was confirmed to be correct by PCR. The infective titer of Ad5-galectin-9 was 1.4×109 U/ml. ConclusionRecombinant adenovirus vector containing rat galectin-9 gene (Ad5-galectin-9) is successfully constructed, which provides the foundation of further research on the function of galectin-9 gene.
Objective To study the effect of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector co-expressing human vascular endothel ial growth factor 165 (hVEGF165) and human bone morphogenetic protein 7 (hBMP-7) genes on bone regeneration and angiopoiesis in vivo so as to provide a theoretical basis for the gene therapy of avascular necrosis of thefemoral head (ANFH). Methods Twenty-four male adult New Zealand rabbits were made the ischemic hind l imb model and divided into 4 groups (n=6). The 3rd generation rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were transfected with the following 4 virus and were administered intramuscularly into the ischemic thigh muscle of 4 groups, respectively: rAAVhVEGF165- internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-hBMP-7 (group A), rAAV-hVEGF165-green fluorescent protein (GFP) (group B), rAAV-hBMP-7-GFP (group C), and rAAV-IRES-GFP (group D). At 8 weeks after injection, the blood flow of anterior tibial artery in the rabbit hind l imb was detected by ultrasonographic image. Immunohistochemical staining for CD34 was performed to identify the prol iferation of capillary. Another 24 male adult New Zealand rabbits were made the femur muscle pouch model and divided into 4 groups (n=6). The above 4 BMSCs transfected with rAAV were administered intramuscularly into the muscle pouch. At 8 weeks after injection, X-ray radiography was used to assess orthotopic bone formation, and von Kossa staining to show mineral ization. Results No symptoms of local or systemic toxicity were observed after rAAV injection. At 8 weeks after injection, the ratio of ischemic to normal blood flow and the number of capillaries in group A were the highest among 4 groups (P lt; 0.05). The ratio of ischemic to normal blood flow and the number of capillaries in group B were significantly higher than those in group C and group D (P lt; 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between group C and group D (P gt; 0.05). At 8 weeks after injection, orthotopic ossification and mineral ization were evidently detected in group A and group C, and group A was ber than group C. No obvious evidence of orthotopic ossification and mineral ization were observed in group B and group D. Conclusion rAAV-hVEGF165-IRES-hBMP-7 vector has the biological activities of inductive bone regeneration and angiopoiesis in vivo.
Objective To construct a recombinant adenovirus vector pAdxsi-GFP-NELL1 that co-expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and homo sapiens NEL-l ike 1 (NELL1) protein (a protein bly expressed in neural tissue encoding epidermal growth factor l ike domain), to observe its expression by transfecting the recombinant adenovirus into rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) so as to lay a foundation for further study on osteogenesis of NELL1 protein. Methods From pcDNA3.1-NELL1, NELL1 gene sequence was obtained, then NELL1 gene was subcloned into pShuttle-GFP-CMV (-)TEMP vector which was subsequently digested with enzyme and insterted into pAdxsi vector to package the recombinant adenovirus vector (pAdxsi-GFP-NELL1). After verified by enzyme cutting and gel electrophoresis, pAdxsi-GFPNELL1 was ampl ified in HEK293 cells and purified by CsCl2 gradient purification, titrated using 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) assay. The rat BMSCs were cultured and identified by flow cytometry and directional induction, then were infected with adenoviruses (pAdxsi-GFP-NELL1 and pAdxsi-GFP). NELL1 expression was verified by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence; GFP gene expression was verified by the intensity of green fluorescence under fluorescence microscope. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used for investigate the influence of vectors on the prol iferation of rat BMSCs. Results Recombinant adenoviral vector pAdxsi-GFP-NELL1, which encodes a fusion protein of human NELL1, was successfully constructed and ampl ified with titer of 1 × 1011 pfu/mL. The primary BMSCs were cultured and identified by flow cytometric analysis, osteogenic and adipogenic induction, then were used for adenoviral transfection efficiency and cell toxicity tests. An multipl icity of infection of 200 pfu/cell produced optimal effects in transfer efficiency without excessive cell death in vitro. Three days after transfection with 200 pfu/cell pAdxsi-GFP-NELL1 or pAdxsi-GFP, over 60% BMSCs showed green fluorescent by fluorescence microscopy. Imunofluorescence with NELL1 antibody also revealed high level expression of human NELL1 protein in red fluorescent in these GFP expressing cells. RT-PCR analysis confirmed that the exogenous expression of NELL1 upon transfection with pAdxsi-GFPNELL1 at 200 pfu/cell, whereas NELL1 remained undetectable in Ad-GFP-transfected rat BMSCs. The prol iferative property of primary rat BMSCs after adenoviral NELL1 transfection was assayed by CCK-8 in growth medium. Growth curve demonstratedno significant difference among BMSCs transfected with pAdxsi-GFP-NELL1, pAdxsi-GFP, and no treatment control at 7 days (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Recombinant adenovirus vector pAdxsi-GFP-NELL1 can steady expressing both GFP and NELL1 protein after being transfected into rat BMSCs. It provides a useful tool to trace the expression of NELL1 and investigate its function in vitro and in vivo.
Objective To validate the advantage of repairing bone defect by staphylococcus aureus injection carried in collagen membrane. Methods Twentyfour adult New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups randomly. After the experimental model of standard bone defect had been made by operation, collagen membrane/staphylococcus aureus injection and staphylococcus aureus injection with the same quantity were transplanted in bone defect areas of the two groups respectively. The reconstructed tissues were observed by general method, X-ray, histology, and immunohistochemistry at 2nd、4th、6th、8th week respectively. Results The experimental group showed that new bone proliferated distinctly in bone defect areaand the proliferation lasted long, and no excessive connective tissue in defectarea. X-ray observation showed that there was continual callus growth in transplantation area in early stage and the distribution of new bones was even in the group. Histological observation showed that there were many new bone growth centers in bone defect area, trabecular bones were sequentially distributed, and mature bone replacement was complete. Immunohistochemical examination showed that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) could be seen for a long time and BMP took up a large part in the new bone tissues. Conclusion Collagen membrane could prevent parenchyma from penetrating into bone defect area and provide room for new bone growth. As the carrier of staphylococcus, collagen membrane could reduce the overflow of staphylococcus and improve its curative effect as well.
Objective To investigate the effect of TIMP-2 gene that was transfected by adenovirus on extracellular matrix of abdominal aortic through assessing the changes of morphology and histopathology of the rat models with abdominal aortic aneurysm. Methods The rat models with abdominal aortic aneurysm were constructed by intraluminally perfusing porcine pancreatic elastase. Twenty-four SD rats with aneurysm were then randomly divided into 3 groups: AdTIMP-2 group (perfused locally with solution of TIMP-2 gene transfected by adenovirus vector to abdominal aorta), AdCMV group (transfected by non-viral vector), and PBS group. After 14 days, the concentrations of elastin and collagen that were collected from the samples of aortic wall were measured by image analysis system and the fixed aortic tissues were examined by light microscopy and some other specific staining methods. Results None of abdominal aortic aneurysm developed in TIMP-2 gene transfected group, with significantly higher rates of developed aneurysm in the other groups (P＜0.01). The diameters of arteries on day 14 in the AdTIMP-2 group were (2.33±0.06) mm, which were significantly smaller than those in the AdCMV group 〔（3.52±0.11） mm〕 and PBS group 〔（3.43±0.09） mm〕. The elastic fibers and collagenous fibers were preserved with more integrity in AdTIMP-2 group and inflammation cells that were observed in adventitia of artery were also less than those of the other groups. Conclusion TIMP-2 gene transfected by adenovirus vector could restore the degradation of extracellular matrix that was aroused by elastase and could block the formation of abdominal aortic aneurysm, which may provide a new strategy for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) represents a significant cause of visual impairment and blindness in individuals over 65 years old. In recent years, gene therapy has emerged as a research hotspot for wet AMD, with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors being widely utilized due to their non-pathogenic nature, low immunogenicity, broad tissue tropism, and capacity for sustained transgene expression. Several related studies have progressed to clinical trial stages. Although challenges persist, including immunogenicity concerns, limited vector capacity, and potential long-term adverse effects, the continuous advancement of research strategies and technologies holds promise. Future developments may employ AAV delivery systems to achieve gene supplementation, gene editing, or gene silencing of angiogenesis-related signaling molecules, thereby providing novel therapeutic approaches for wet AMD.
Objective To investigate the neuroprotective effects of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) expressing vascular endothel ial growth factor (VEGF) on traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) of rat and its mechanisms. Methods The 144 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, and each group contained 36 rats. The rats in sham group (group A) received dorsal laminectomy without SCI and microinjection, the rats in model control group (group B), rAAV-green fluorescent protein (GFP) group (group C), and rAAV-hVEGF165-GFP group (group D) received dorsallaminectomy with SCI and injection of 20 μL sal ine, rAAV-GFP viruses, or rAAV-hVEGF165-GFP viruses, respectively. At 3 and 7 days after operation, Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score was used to evaluate the neurologic function. At 7 days after operation, Nissl’s body staining was used to evaluate the histopathological changes; apoptosis was confirmed by transmission electron microscope examination and TUNEL staining; the expression of aquaporin 4 (AQP-4) was detected by Western blot assay. At 1, 3, 5, and 7 days, ELISA assay was used to detect the VEGF165 protein expression. Results According to BBB scores, the neurologic function in group D was significantly better than those in groups B and C at 3 and 7 days after operation (P lt; 0.05). Nissl’s body staining showed that tissue damage in group D was significantly milder than those in groups B and C at 7 days after operation (P lt; 0.05). ELISA results showed that VEGF165 protein expression was slowly-released in low dose in group D, and the expression in group D was significantly higher than that in groups A, B, and C at 3, 5, and 7 days after operation (P lt; 0.05). The results of transmission electron microscope and TUNEL staining showed that apoptosis rate of spinal cord neurons in group D was significantly lower than that in groups B and C at 7 days after operation (P lt; 0.05). The results of Western blot showed that AQP-4 expression in group D was significantly decreased when compared with that in groups B and C at 7 days after operation (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion TherAAV expressing VEGF has neuroprotective effects by inhibiting apoptosis of spinal cord neurons and relieving spinal cord edema.