Celina Kruszniewska-Rajs

Porcine endogenous retrovirus infection changes the expression of inflammation-related genes in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human dermal fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND The present study focuses on explaining the interaction between porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) and human cells in inflammatory conditions. The differences in expression of selected inflammation-related genes in human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) infected with PERVs with and without lipopolysaccharide stimulation were identified. MATERIAL AND METHODS The PERV infectivity was analyzed using a co-culture of NHDF and PK15 cells. Quantification of PERV A, B DNA and PERV A, B RNA was performed by real-time QPCR and QRT-PCR. The analysis of the expression profile was performed using HG-U133A 2.0 oligonucleotide microarrays. RESULTS PERV infection of NHDF cells with LPS stimulation resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the copy number of PERV A DNA, and an increase in the copy number of PERV A RNA compared to fibroblasts without stimulation. There was no statistically significant difference between the copy number of PERV B RNA of LPStreated and untreated NHDF cells. Typing of differentiation genes was performed in a panel of 571 selected transcripts of inflammation-related genes. Among all studied genes, 23 were differentially regulated with a change greater that 1.1-fold and p<0.05 in all studied groups. Of these 23 genes, 3 were found to be regulated by more than 2.0-fold at least in 2 studied groups (IL6, IL8, and IL33). CONCLUSIONS The interaction between porcine endogenous retroviruses and human cells changes in inflammatory conditions. PERV infection of NHDF cells may alter the expression of inflammation-related genes. Further investigations concerning PERV infection of human cells in different conditions seem to be necessary.

Expression Level of Genes Coding for Cell Adhesion Molecules of Cadherin Group in Colorectal Cancer Patients.

Background Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed neoplasms and also one of the main death causes. Cell adhesion molecules are taking part in specific junctions, contributing to tissue integrality. Lower expression of the cadherins may be correlated with poorer differentiation of the CRC, and its more aggressive phenotype. The aim of the study is to designate the cadherin genes potentially useful for the diagnostics, prognostics, and the treatment of CRC. Material/Method Specimens were collected from 28 persons (14 female and 14 male), who were operated for CRC. The molecular analysis was performed using oligonucleotide microarrays, mRNA used was collected from adenocarcinoma, and macroscopically healthy tissue. The results were validated using qRT-PCR technique. Results Agglomerative hierarchical clustering of normalized mRNA levels has shown 4 groups with statistically different gene expression. The control group was divided into 2 groups, the one was appropriate control (C1), the second (C2) had the genetic properties of the CRC, without pathological changes histologically and macroscopically. The other 2 groups were: LSC (Low stage cancer) and HSC (High stage cancer). Consolidated results of the fluorescency of all of the differential genes, designated two coding E-cadherin (CDH1) with the lower expression, and P-cadherin (CDH3) with higher expression in CRC tissue. Conclusions The levels of genes expression are different for several groups of cadherins, and are related with the stage of CRC, therefore could be potentially the useful marker of the stage of the disease, also applicable in treatment and diagnostics of CRC.

Transforming growth factor β-related genes in human retinal pigment epithelial cells after tacrolimus treatment

BACKGROUND The transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) family plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including fibrotic pathologies of the eyes. The difficulties of surgical procedures contribute to the search for new treatment strategies for proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression profile of TGFβ isoforms, their receptors, and TGFβ-related genes in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) after tacrolimus (FK-506) treatment in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. METHODS The expression profile was analyzed using oligonucleotide microarrays and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) techniques. RESULTS Analysis using oligonucleotide microarrays revealed 20 statistically significant differentially expressed TGFβ-related genes after LPS treatment in relation to control cells, and after tacrolimus and LPS treatment in relation to LPS-treated cells. Moreover, our results showed that mRNA levels for TGFβ2 and TGFβR3 after tacrolimus treatment, and for TGFβR3 after tacrolimus and LPS treatment in RPE cells were decreased. In turn, in the presence of LPS-induced inflammation, TGFβ2 mRNA level was increased. CONCLUSIONS These results can be important in regard to the treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy, pathogenesis of which is associated with processes regulated by TGFβ, such as inflammation, proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and fibrosis.

Impact of fluoride and a static magnetic field on the gene expression that is associated with the antioxidant defense system of human fibroblasts

Fluoride cytotoxicity has been associated with apoptosis, oxidative stress, general changes in DNA and RNA and protein biosynthesis, whereas the results of studies on the effect of SMF on antioxidant activity of cells are contradictory. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the simultaneous exposure of human cells to fluoride SMF that are generated by permanent magnets on the expression profile of the genes that are associated with the antioxidant defense system. Control fibroblasts and fibroblasts that had been treated with fluoride were subjected to the influence of SMF with a moderate induction. In order to achieve our aims, we applied modern molecular biology techniques such as the oligonucleotide microarray. Among the antioxidant defense genes, five (SOD1, PLK3, CLN8, XPA, HAO1), whose expression was significantly altered by the action of fluoride ions and the exposure to SMF were normalized their expression was identified. We showed that fluoride ions cause oxidative stress, whereas exposure to SMF with a moderate induction can suppress their effects by normalizing the expression of the genes that are altered by fluoride. Our research may explain the molecular mechanisms of the influence of fluoride and SMF that are generated by permanent magnets on cells.

Psoriasis Treatment Changes the Expression Profile of Selected Caspases and their Regulatory MicroRNAs

Background/Aims: Psoriasis, an autoimmune diseases of the skin, characterized by patches of abnormal/inflammed skin, although not usually life-threatening, it causes severe discomfort, esthetic impairments, and may lead to impaired social functions and social withdrawal. Besides UV-phototherapy, various anti-inflammatory treatments are applied, depending on the severity of symptoms. In 2008, adalimumab (fully humanized human anti-TNF antibody) was launched for the treatment of psoriasis. In the quest to better understand the pathomechanism of adalimumab’s therapeutic effects, and the acquired resistance to the drug, we have investigated how its administration affect the regulation of the expression of selected caspases, including those activated by inflammosome. Methods: The research was initially carried out on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) treated with adalimumab for 2, 8 and 24 hours in vitro. Then, expression profile of genes encoding caspases and their regulatory micro-RNAs was determined with the use of oligonucleotide microarray. The validation of the microarray results was carried out by qRT-PCR. The in vitro study was followed by ex-vivo investigation of adalimumab’s effects on the expression of caspase-6 in blood of the psoriatic patients. The samples were collected before, and 2 hours after adalimumab’s administration and the analysis was determined by qRT-PCR. Results: The result of the analysis indicated that introduction of adalimumab to the NHDF culture resulted in the change of the transcription activity of genes encoding caspases and genes encoding miRNAs. The analysis revealed 5 different miRNA molecules regulating the expression of: CASP2, CASP3 and CASP6. There were no statistically significant differences in the expression of gene encoding caspase-6 in the patients’ blood before and 2 hours after the anti-TNF drug administration. Conclusion: We have found that adalimumab administration affects caspases expression, thus they may be used as molecular markers for monitoring the therapy with the use of an anti-TNF drugs, including adalimumab. It is likely that the mechanisms responsible for changed expression profiles of genes encoding caspase-2,-3, and -6, may be caused by the upregulation of the respective microRNA molecules. Increased expression of genes encoding specific caspases may induce inflammatory processes, as well as trigger apoptosis. Furthermore, the proapoptotic activity of caspases may be enhanced by miRNA molecules, which exhibit proapoptotic function. The overexpression of such miRNAs was observed in our study.

Changes in expression of genes related to caspases and BCL-2 family in RPTEC treated with amphotericin B and its modified forms

INT RO DUCT ION: The main limitation of the use of amphotericin B (AmB) – effective in the treatment of systemic fungal infections – is its high toxicity to human cells. The mechanism of AmB toxicity is not clear. Caspase-related and BCL-2 proteins participate in the regulation of apoptosis. Thus, they may be involved in drug toxicity. In this study we evaluated the influence of AmB on the transcriptional activity of genes related to caspases and the BCL-2 family. We also tested the influence of modified forms of AmB: AmB-Cu 2+ (the complex with copper(II) ions) and the AmB-ox (oxidized form). MAT ERIAL AND MET HO DS : Human RPTECs (Renal Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells) were treated with AmB, AmB-Cu 2+ and AmB-ox. Total RNA was extracted using the phenol-chloroform method. The expression profiles of genes related to caspase activity and BCL-2 were determined using oligonucleotide microarrays (HG-U133A 2.0, Affymetrix). Analysis included 67 ID related to caspases and 32 ID associated with BCL-2, according to the Affymetrix database. RES ULTS : The analysis revealed upregulation of the BCL-2 and BCL2L1genes in the cells treated with AmB-Cu 2+ , in comparison to the control. In both the AmB and AmB-Cu 2+ -treated cells, differentiating genes were associated with inflammation and mitophagy activated by intrinsic signals. In the cells treated with AmB-ox, the BCL-2 genes were downregulated. CO NCL US IO NS : The results suggest that AmB and AmB-Cu activate genes involved in the regulation of inflammation and autophagy induced by intrinsic signals, but overexpression of BCL-2 and BCL2L1 may protect AmB-Cu 2+ -treated cells from death. In the cells treated with AmB-ox extrinsic signals prevail, indicating the distinct molecular mechanism of its cytotoxicity. Received: 24.01.2017 Revised: 23.07.2017 Accepted: 24.07.2017 Published online: 26.03.2018 Address for correspondence: Dr n. med. Joanna Gola, Katedra i Zakład Biologii Molekularnej, Wydział Farmaceutyczny z Oddziałem Medycyny Laboratoryjnej w Sosnowcu, Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach, ul. Jedności 8, 41-200 Sosnowiec, tel. tel. + 48 32 364 10 27, e-mail: jgola@sum.edu.pl Copyright

Differential expression of microRNAs and their predicted targets in renal cells exposed to amphotericin B and its complex with copper (II) ions

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to regulate essential biological processes, and their expression was shown to be affected by pathological processes and drug-induced toxicity. Amphotericin B (AmB) can cause liver and kidney injury, but a recently developed complex of AmB with copper (II) ions (AmB–Cu2+) exhibits a lower toxicity to human renal cells while retaining a high antifungal activity. The aim of our study was to assess AmB–Cu2+-induced changes in the miRNA profile of renal cells and examine which biological processes are significantly affected by AmB–Cu2+. We also aimed to predict whether differentially expressed miRNAs would influence observed changes in the mRNA profile. miRNA and mRNA profiles in normal human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTEC) treated with AmB–Cu2+ or AmB were appointed with the use of microarray technology. For differentially expressed mRNAs, the PANTHER overrepresentation binomial test was performed. miRNA target interactions (MTIs) were predicted using the miRTar tool. The mRNA profile was much more strongly affected than the miRNA profile, in both AmB–Cu2+- and AmB-treated cells. AmB–Cu2+ influenced both the miRNA and mRNA profiles much more strongly than AmB. The most affected biological processes were intracellular signal transduction (AmB–Cu2+) and signal transduction (AmB). Only a few interactions between differentiating miRNAs and mRNAs were found. Changes in the profiles of genes involved in signal transduction and intracellular signal transduction may not result from interactions with differentially expressed miRNAs. Changes in the miRNA profile suggest the possible influence of tested drugs on the regulation of fibrosis via a miRNA-dependent mechanism.

Transforming Growth Factor beta in basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and keratoacanthoma (KA)

1School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Department of Dermatology Head of Department: prof. Ligia Brzezinska-Wcislo, MD, PhD 2School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Department of Molecular Biology Head of Department: prof. Urszula Mazurek, PhD 3School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Department of Skin Structural Studies Head of Department: Associate Professor of Biology Krzysztof Jasik, PhD 4School of Computer Science and Material Science, University of Silesia in Katowice, Institute of Computer Science, Division of Information Systems Head of Department: prof. Mariusz Boryczka, PhD