Objective To construct small hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression plasmid targeting rat opticin gene.Methods Four pairs of opticin oligonucleotides were synthesized and inserted into the plasmid vector, resulting into four plasmids: shRNA-1, shRNA-2, shRNA-3 and shRNA-4. Then the four constructed shRNA expression vectors and empty vector were transfected into rat ciliary non-pigment epithelium (NPE) cells by lipofectmaine 2000. Nontransfected NPE cells were set as control group.The expression of opticin mRNA and protein were measured by Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot respectively.Results The opticin mRNA expression of the shRNA-1,shRNA-2,shRNA-3,shRNA-4 group were decreased compared with the control group (F=10.239，P＝0.000)；the inhibitory rate were 85.7%，62.87%，54.87% and 48.77% respectively.The opticin protein expression of the shRNA-1,shRNA-2,shRNA-3,shRNA-4 group were also decreased compared with the control group (F=17.870，P=0.000)；the inhibitory rate were 78.7%，34.6%，31.1% and 16.8% respectively.Conclusions The shRNA-1 expression plasmid has most potent inhibitory effect on opticin expression in rat ciliary NPE cells.
OBJECTIVE To probe the possibility of direct transfer of exogenous gene into peripheral nerve and its following expression in vivo. METHODS The PCMV beta plasmid containing cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter and Escherichia Coli (E. Coli), beta-Galactosidease (beta-Gal) structural gene (lacZ gene) was constructed and injected into the rabbit sciatic nerve. The control group was injected PBS solution. The injected nerves were sampled and tested by beta-Gal enzyme activity assay of the 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-galactoside and beta-Gal histochemical stain. RESULTS In the control group, no beta-Gal enzyme activity was detected in the different stages after operation, and beta-Gal histochemical stains showed positive. In the experimental group, enzyme activity could be detected from 2 days to 30 days after operation, and the histochemical stains showed negative. CONCLUSION The exogenous gene can be transferred into peripheral nerve and expressed with bioactivity, thus the gene therapy to accelerate the recovery of nerve is practical.
ObjectiveTo observe the inhibitory effect of lentivirus mediated small interference RNA (siRNA) targeting cyclic adenosine monophosphate responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1) on retinal neovascularization (RNV) in mice. MethodsCREB1 siRNA construct was created, screened and packaged to produce CREB1 RNAi-lentivirus. One hundred and forty (5-day-old) C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 4 groups including normal group, oxygen induced retinopathy (OIR) group, empty vector group and CREB1 therapy group with 35 mice in each group. Mice in the normal group were kept in normal room air, while in the other three groups retinal neovascularization was induced by hypoxia on postnatal day 7 (P7). The mice in the OIR group were not treated. The mice in the vector group received intravitreal injection of lentivirus-green fluorescent protein (lenti-GFP, 1 μl), and the CREB1 therapy group received CREB1 RNAi-lentivirus (1 μl) on P5.The proliferative neovascular response was quantified by counting the vascular cell nuclei extending breaking through the internal limiting membrane (ILM) and fluorescent angiography. The areas of RNV and non-perfusion region were calculated. The expression of CREB1, phosphorylated-CREB1 (P-CREB1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A levels, Akt and phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) in retinas were measured by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. ResultsThe number of vascular cell nuclei breaking through the ILM of the OIR group and the empty vector group increased significantly compared with the normal group (P<0.05), while obviously decreased in the CREB1 therapy group compared with the OIR group and the empty vector group(P<0.05). The area of RNV and non-perfusion region of the OIR group and the empty vector group increased significantly compared with the normal group, while obviously decreased in the CREB1 therapy group compared with the OIR group and the empty vector group. The difference of area of RNV and non-perfusion region among 4 groups were significant (F=67.220, 110.090; P<0.05). The mRNA expression of CREB1 and protein expression of P-CREB1, the mRNA and protein expression of VEGF-A, Akt, PI3K in the retina were increased significantly in the OIR group and the empty vector group as compared with the normal group, while decreased significantly in the CREB1 therapy group as compared with the OIR group and the empty vector group. The difference of mRNA expression of CREB1, VEGF-A, Akt, PI3K in the retina among 4 groups were significant (F=6.087, 5.464, 6.191, 8.627; P<0.05). The protein expression of P-CREB1, VEGF-A, Akt, PI3K in the retina among 4 groups were significant (F=162.944, 13.861, 19.710, 22.827; P<0.05). ConclusionRNV in the mice is significantly inhibited by intravitreal injection of lentivirus-mediated CREB1 down-regulation.
Objective To study efficiency and security of the recombinant adenoviralmediated gene transfer to the donor heart during the heart transplantation. Methods A total of 140 healthy male Wistar rats,aged 10 weeks, weighing 200250 g, were equally divided into the donor group and the recipient group, and then 70 rats in the recipient group were randomly andequally divided into 2 subgroups: the gene transfer group and the control group. The rat model of heterotopic heart transplantation(Abdomen)was developed, the donor hearts were removed and their coronary arteries were perfused with 800 μlof the recombinant adenoviral vectors encoding the β-galactosidase gene（Ad-LacZ）. The grafts were stored in the 4℃ cold saline solution for 30 minutes, and then the syngeneic transplant was performed. In the control group, saline of tales doses was perfused. The donor hearts were harvested at 3, 5, 7, 14, and 28days (n=7)after transplantation, and the β-galactosidase activity was assessed by the X-gal staining. At 28 days the major organs of the recipients were tested by the histopathological analysis and the polymerase chain reaction of the adenoviral E1A sequences. Results The successful gene transfer of the βgalactosidase gene was demonstrated in the adenovirus-perfused hearts, with no staining in the control group. The gene expression reached a peak level at 3, 5 and 7 days, and the averaged numbers of the total βgalactosidase positive staining cells per slice were 66.4±23.1, 91.3±32.4 and 68.7±22.7, respectively, with no significant difference between the groups (Pgt;0.05). At 14 days the gene expression gradually declined (32.1±13.9), and the significant difference was found when compared with that at 3, 5 and 7 days (Plt;0.05). At 28 days the cells positive for β-galactosidase were sparse (3.9±3.4), and the gene transfer was significantly less efficient compared with that at 3, 5, 7 and 14 days (Plt;0.05). The major organs of the recipients were not affected seriously at 28 days. No virus spread to other organs in this experimental protocol. Conclusion The ex vivo adenoviralmediated gene transfer intracoronarily to the donor heart during the heart transplantation is feasible and safe.
Objective To investigate the effect of B7-1 and IL-12 gene expression on the immunogenicity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 cells. Methods Plasmids encoding B7-1 and IL-12 molecules were retrovirally introduced into human HCC cells,empty vector as control. PBLs were cocultured with HepG2/B7-1,HepG2/IL-12 and HepG2/neo cells. Three days later,PBLs were submitted to specific cytotoxicity test and nonspecific cytotoxicity test against K562 cells by MTT assay.Results HLA-Ⅰ molecules on PBLs were detected by FACS.HLA-Ⅰ molecules expressing on PBL cocultured with HepG2/B7-1,HepG2/IL-12 cells were enhanced by 16.95% and 14.71% than those of HepG2/neo group, respectively(Ｐ＜0.05). Specific cytotoxicity against HepG2/B7-1 cells was 12.5% higher than that of against HepG2/neo cell,while no increase in that of against HepG2/IL-12 cells. Cytotoxicities against K562 cells in HepG2/B7-1,HepG2/IL-12 groups were 19.38% and 14.78% higher than those of HepG2/neo group, but no significant difference between the first two groups.Conclusion B7-1 and IL-12 gene transfer could remarkably promote immunogenicity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and induce b specific and nonspecific immunity against hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro.
ObjectiveTo observe the expression in vitro and the influence of adenovirus-mediated recombinant Tum5 gene to the proliferation, migration and tubing of Rhesus RF/6A cell under high glucose. MethodsTo construct the adenovirus vector of recombinant Tum5 gene (rAd-Tum5), and then infected RF/6A cell with it. The Flow Cytometry was used to detect the infection efficiency. RF/6A cells were divided into normal group, high glucose (HG)-control group (HG group), empty expression vector group (HG+rAd-GFP), and HG+rAd-Tum5 group. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Tum5. The CCK-8 test was applied to detect the proliferation of RF/6A cell, the Transwell test was applied to detect the migration and the Matrigel test was applied to detect the tubing of RF/6A cell under high glucose. The proliferation, migration and tubing of RF/6A were tested respectively by CCK-8 test, Transwell test and Matrigel test. ResultsThe adenovirus vector of recombinant Tum5 gene was successfully constructed. The infection efficiency of rAd-Tum5 in RF/6A cell was 50.31% and rAd-GFP was 55.13% by the Flow Cytometry. The results of Western blot indicated that Tum5 was successfully expressed in RF/6A cell. The result of CCK-8 test, Transwell test and Matrigel test indicated that there were statistical differences between all groups in proliferation, migration and tubing of the RF/6A cell (F=44.484, 772.666, 137.696;P < 0.05). The comparison of each group indicated that the HG group was higher than normal group (P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences between HG group and HG+rAd-GFP group (P > 0.05). However, the HG+rAd-Tum5 group was less than HG group (P < 0.05), and the same to HG+rAd-GFP (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe adenovirus vector of recombinant Tum5 gene can inhibit the proliferation, migration and tubing of RF/6A cell under high glucose.
Objective To explore and evaluate the protective effects of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase recptor-1(sFlt-1) gene 2-3 and 2-4 transcellular region on retinal vascular leakage and phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway under hypoxia and/or hyperglycemia. Methods The plasmids pcDNA3.1-EGFP/sFlt-1(2-3) and pcDNA3.1-EGFP/sFlt-1(2-4) were constructed.. Two of these plasmids with carboxy methylation glucan (CMD) magnetic particles were transfected into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), which were cultured under hypoxia and/or hyperglycemia. The blood retinal barrier was evaluated by Evans blue permeation (EBP). Then the expression of p-Akt mRNA and protein were detected by reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot separately. Results In the diabetic rabbits, The blood retinal barrier breakdown was detected by the retinal vascular leakage of EBP. The expression of p-Akt mRNA and protein in hypoxia and hyperglycemia groups were also obviously increased. These changes were largely prevented by transfection the plasmids pcDNA3.1-EGFP/sFlt-1(2-3) and pcDNA3.1-EGFP/sFlt-1(2-4) (P＜0.01 in both groups). Conclusion Both sFlt-1(2-3) and sFlt-1(2-4) can make the retinal blood vessels less leaky and may be beneficial in preventing vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.
Objective To investigate the enhancing effect of ultrasound microbubbles on transfection of recombinant adenoassociated virus (rAAV) mediated green fluorecent protein (EGFP) gene into retinal ganglion cells (RGC) in vivo.Methods A total of 40 adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups randomly (group A,B,C,D) with 10 rats in each. Group A was the normal control, in which the rats underwent intravitreal injection with 5 mu;l phosphate buffered solution. The rats in group B underwent intravitreal injection with 5 mu;l recombinant adenoassociated virus encoding EGFP gene (rAAV2-EGFP). The rats in group C underwent ultrasound irradiation on eyes right after intravitreal injection with 5 mu;l rAAV2-EGFP; The ultrasound irradiation was performed on the rats in group D right after intravitreal injection with the mixture solution of microbubbles and rAAV2-EGFP ultrasound. After 21 days, RGC were labeled retogradely with fluogold. Seven days after labeling, the retinal flatmounts and frozen sections were made from five rats in each group. Expression of EGFP reporter gene was observed by laser scanning confocal microscope and evaluated via average optical intensity (AOD) and RGC transfection rate. Labeled RGC were counted to evaluate the adverse effects.Results Green fluorescence can be observed exactly in labeled RGC in B，C，and D groups. The AOD and transfection rate in group D was （95.02plusmn;7.25）% and（20.10plusmn;0.74）% , respectively; which were higher than those in group B and C (F=25.970，25.799；P＜0.01). The difference of the number of RGC among the four groups was not significant(F=0.877,P＞0.05). Conclusion Under the condition of low frequency and with certain energy, ultrasoundmediated microbubble destruction can effectively and safely enhance rAAV delivery to RGC in rats.
Objective To investigate the inhibitory effects of 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LOX-1) gene transfer on oxygen-induced retinal neovascularization in mice. Methods Ninety-six 7-day-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal control group, oxygeninduced retinopathy (OIR) model group, gene treated group and empty vector group. The mice with their mothers were kept in (75plusmn;2) % 02 environment for 5 days and then returned to normoxia for 5 days to establish the OIR model. At postnatal day 12, the gene treated group received intravitreous injection of recombinant adenovirus (Ad) vector containing both enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and mouse 15-LOX-1 genes (Ad-15-LOX-1-EGFP) at 1 l, while the empty vector group received the same volume of recombinant Ad vector containing EGFP (Ad-EGFP). The expression of EGFP was observed on flat-mounted retina by fluorescence microscopy 2 days after intravitreous injection of Ad-15-LOX-1-EGFP. At postnatal day 17, the efficacy of 15-LOX-1 gene transfer on retinal tissue was detected by immunofluorescence staining, real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The changes of retinal vessels, relative retinal non-perfusion and neovascularization areas were evaluated by fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran fluorescein angiography on flatmounted retina. The number of endothelium cell nuclei breaking through the inner limiting membrane (ILM) was counted on hematoxylin and eosin-stained retinal section. Results Two days after intravitreous injection of Ad-15-LOX-1-EGFP, the expression of EGFP had been seen by fluorescence microscopy on Flat-mounted retina. Immunofluorescence staining of retinal section revealed that 15-LOX-1 expression was primarily in the outer plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer and ganglion cell layer of retina. The 15-LOX-1 protein and mRNA expression levels were higher in gene treated group than those in OIR model group and empty vector group (tprotein=22.74 and 24.13 respectively.tmRNA=12.51 and 13.40 respectively; P＜0.01). The relative retinal non-perfusion and neovascularization areas were significantly smaller in gene treated group than those in OIR model group and empty vector group (tnon-perfusion=16.22 and 14.31 respectively.tneovascularization=9.97 and 9.07 respectively; P＜0.01), and the number of endothelium cell nuclei breaking through the ILM in gene treated group was obviously lower than the other two groups (t=14.25 and 11.62 respectively，P＜0.01). Conclusion 15-LOX-1 gene transfer can decrease the oxygen-induced retinal non-perfusion areas and inhibit the retinal neovascularization in mice.
Objective To observe the inhibition of LipofectamineTM2000 (LF2000)mediated pSUPER recombinant plasmid expressing small interference RNA targeting hypoxia-induced factor (HIF)-1alpha;(pSUPERsiHIF-1alpha;) on retinal neovascularization in mice. Methods pSUPERsiHIF-1alpha; recombinant plasmid was created. Forty-eight (seven-day-old) C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a normal group, the control group, empty vector group and gene therapy group with 12 mice in each group. Mice in the normal group were kept in normal room air, while the other three groups retinal neovascularization was induced by hypoxia. The mice in control group were not treated. The mice in the vector group received intravitreous injection of pSUPER and LF2000 (1 mu;l), and the gene therapy group received pSUPERsiHIF-1alpha; and LF2000 (1 mu;l)one day before being returned to normal room air．Fluorescent angiography was used to assess the vascular pattern. The proliferative neovascular response was quantified by counting the nuclei of new vessels extending from the retina into the vitreous in cross-sections．HIF-lalpha;and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in retinas were measured by immune histochemical staining method and reverse transeriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results Fluorescent angiography showed radial branching pattern vessels in the normal group and distorted large vessels, obstructed capillaries, many neovascular tuffs, fluorescence leakage in the peripheral retina in the control group and vector group. The gene therapy group demonstrated a significant reduction in neovascular tufts and fluorescence leakage compared with the control group and the vector group. The number of vascular cell nuclei extending breaking through the internal limiting membrane(ILM) of control group and vector group increased significantly compared with normal group (F=5850.016,P＜0.05), while obviously decreasing in the gene therapy group compared with control group (F=3012.469,P＜0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed the expression of HIF-1alpha; protein in nucleus and VEGF protein in cytoplasm. The expression of HIF-1alpha; protein in retina was negative, while VEGF protein was weakly positive in normal group. The expression of HIF-1alpha; and VEGF protein were both positive in control group and vector group, while weakly positive in gene therapy group. The Results of RT-PCR showed that the expression of HIF-1alpha; mRNA in retina was increased significantly in control group and vector group as compared with normal group (F=3102.326,P＜0.05), while decreasing significantly in gene therapy group as compared with control group (F=3336.425,P＜0.05). Conclusion Retinal neovascularization in the mice is significantly inhibited by intravitreal injection of LF2000-mediated recombinant plasmid pSUPERsiHIF-1alpha;.