A strategy for isolating differentiation-inducing complementary DNAs from human esophageal cancer cell line treated with retinoic acid.

Treatment of the human esophageal cancer cell line EC8712 with retinoic acid (RA) stopped the cell growth significantly and gave rise to terminal differentiation of the cells characterized by increased expression of involucrin gene. Two cDNA libraries were constructed from the parental and RA-treated cells respectively. Repeated subtractive hybridization of single-stranded plasmid DNA prepared from pooled colonies of cDNA library of the parental cells with cDNA probe generated from the RA-treated cells exhausted sequences common to both libraries of the cell. The unhybridized cDNA probe represented, therefore, the genes activated after RA-treatment. By using these enriched cDNAs as probe to screen the cDNA library constructed from the RA-treated cells thirty-nine positive colonies were obtained, of which two were specifically due to RA-induction. One of these two cDNA clones, designated as pRA538, has undergone further analysis and shown differentiation-inducing effect on parental cancer cells. A novel strategy for cloning genes involved in terminal differentiation of cancer cells is developed.     

Generation of anti-colorectal cancer fab phage display libraries with a high percentage of diverse antigen-reactive clones

A combinatorial Fab phage display library was generated from the antibody variable region genes of each of 2 BALB/c mice immunized with the human colorectal cancer cell lines SW480, SW948, and SW837. These libraries were shown to be diverse by nucleotide sequencing and diagnostic restriction enzyme digestion (fingerprinting) of individual members. The two libraries were combined and selected for binding to a suspension of formaldehyde-fixed human colorectal cancer cells in two successive rounds of selection and phage amplification by infection of bacteria. Analysis of the selected libraries as well as individual library clones by ELISA, showed binding to the cancer cell lines in both formaldehyde-fixed and native forms. Fifty five percent and 94% of library clones were positive for colorectal cancer cell binding after the first and second rounds of selection, respectively. Fingerprinting of individual clones showed the first round selected library to be very diverse and the second round selected library to be of more limited diversity. After absorption with normal human cell types, these anti-cancer selected libraries could be used to develop therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents.     

An improved method for constructing a full-length enriched cDNA library using small amounts of total RNA as a starting material

We have developed an improved method for constructing a full-length cDNA library using small quantity of material by modifying the original oligo-capping method. In our devised method, total RNAs are used in sequential oligo-capping steps directly without preliminary mRNA purification. Using this method, we constructed full- length cDNA libraries from 100 mg of total RNA. These libraries contained 8x10(5) to 8x10(6) independent clones with average insert sizes of 2.0 kb. Moreover, the number of full-length cDNAs containing the translation initiation codon ATG in the constructed libraries was estimated to 60-70%. In addition, 54% of the known cDNAs had a longer 5' end than the corresponding genes in the public database. Our results show that the method can be effectively used to construct full-length enriched cDNA libraries, especially, if starting material is limited.     

Functional genomics in cancer research: identification of target genes of the Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 2 by subtractive cDNA cloning and high-throughput differential screening using high-density agarose gels

In the past, the identification and isolation of phenotype-associated genes was a difficult and time-consuming task. However, recent improvements of methods that are designed to isolate differentially expressed genes have remarkably speeded up the process of target gene isolation. The ultimate goal of functional genomics is to apply these technologies to clone phenotype-associated genes irrespective of the availability of probes (e.g., antibodies) and an intimate knowledge of biological background. We demonstrate the use of a novel subtractive cDNA cloning approach for the isolation and characterization of target genes of the Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA2). Two different subtractive cDNA libraries specific for two different time periods following activation of a conditional estrogen receptor/EBNA2 (ER/EBNA2) fusion protein were generated. Comparison of the two libraries by cross-hybridization experiments allowed the differentiation between direct and indirect target genes of EBNA2 and led to the identification of a novel direct target gene of EBNA2.     

Solid phase combinatorial synthesis of a xanthone library using click chemistry and its application to an embryonic stem cell probe

We report the first solid phase synthesis of a xanthone library CX and its application to embryonic stem cell probe development. The CX library was further derivatised with an activated ester resin to provide an acetylated CX (CXAC) library. Screening of these libraries led to the discovery of a novel fluorescent mESC probe, CDb8.     

双龙方组分诱导大鼠BMSCs分化的差异基因筛选及聚类分析

利用基因芯片筛选双龙方有效组分(总人参皂苷及总丹酚酸)诱导大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)类心肌细胞分化过程中的差异表达基因, 并对其进行聚类分析, 在基因水平研究了双龙方组分对大鼠BMSCs分化的影响. 对大鼠BMSCs进行分组培养, 分别收集10, 20, 30及40 d的细胞样本, 提取tRNA, 经基因芯片检测, 筛选出BMSCs变化过程中的差异表达基因并进行生物信息学分析, 同时通过差异表达基因对样本进行Hierarchical聚类分析. 在BMSCs的分化过程中, 筛选出179条差异表达基因, 经分析发现它们与能量代谢和信号传导等多类基因密切相关. 对样本进行聚类分析发现其聚为两大类: 10和20 d的样本聚为一类, 30和40 d的样本聚为一类. 说明BMSCs在20~30 d之间可能发生了显著的改变.     

Biomic study of human myeloid leukemia cells differentiation to macrophages using DNA array,proteomic, and bioinformatic analytical methods

A biomic approach by integrating three independent methods, DNA microarray, proteomics and bioinformatics, is used to study the differentiation of human myeloid leukemia cell line HL-60 into macrophages when induced by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Analysis of gene expression changes at the RNA level using cDNA against an array of 6033 human genes showed that 5950 (98.6%) of the genes were expressed in the HL-60 cells. A total of 624 genes (10.5%) were found to be regulated during HL-60 cell differentiation. Most of these genes have not been previously associated with HL-60 cells and include genes encoded for secreted proteins as well as genes involved in cell adhesion, signaling transduction, and metabolism. Protein analysis using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed a total of 682 distinct protein spots; 136 spots (19.9%) exhibited quantitative changes between HL-60 control and macrophages. These differentially expressed proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. We developed a bioinformatics program, the Bulk Gene Search System (BGSS, http://www.sinica.edu.tw:8900/perl/genequery.pl) to search for the functions of genes and proteins identified by cDNA microarrays and proteomics. The identified regulated proteins and genes were classified into seven groups according to subcellular locations and functions. This powerful holistic biomic approach using cDNA microarray, proteomics coupled to bioinformatics can provide in-depth information on the impact and importance of the regulated genes and proteins for HL-60 differentiation.     

Inhibition and reversal of myogenic differentiation by purine-based microtubule assembly inhibitors

Using a muscle cell differentiation screen, we have identified myoseverin from a 2,6,9-trisubsituted purine library as a purine-based microtubule binding molecule [1]. Structure-activity relation studies of myoseverin identify positions N2 and N6 to be critical for inhibiting muscle differentiation. Inhibition of microtubule polymerization induced the reversion of terminally differentiated myotubes to mononucleated cells that were responsive to both growth and differentiation conditions, without any observable cytotoxicity. Comparison of myoseverin derivatives to taxol, vinblastine, nocodazole, and colchicine identify myoseverin's effect as being selectively reversible in addition to lacking the cytotoxic effects of these non-purine-based microtubule-disrupting molecules. Myoseverin, as a purine-based microtubule inhibitor, reverted terminal muscle-differentiated cells to a state that was responsive to environmental cues. These results suggest that myoseverin may have applications in muscle regeneration and stem cell differentiation.     

Expressed Sequence Tag Analysis of the Dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedrum During Dark Phase¶

To collect information on gene expression during the dark period in the luminous dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedrum, normalized complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries were constructed from cells collected during the first hour of night phase in a 12:12 h light‐dark cycle. A total of 4324 5′‐end sequence tags were isolated. The sequences were grouped into 2111 independent expressed sequence tags (EST) from which 433 groups were established by similarity searches of the public nonredundant protein database. Homology analysis of the total sequences indicated that the luminous dinoflagellate is more similar to land plants and animals (vertebrates and invertebrates) than to prokaryotes or algae. We also isolated three bioluminescence‐related (luciferase and two luciferinbinding proteins [LBP]) and 37 photosynthesis‐related genes. Interestingly, two kinds of LBP genes occur in multiple copies in the genome, in contrast to the single luciferase gene. These cDNA clones and EST sequence data should provide a powerful resource for future genome‐wide functional analyses for uncharacterized genes.     

Expression of early genes in light-induced chloroplast differentiation of cultured plant cells.

The objective of this study was to identify genes, preferentially of the plastid, which are rapidly expressed during the initial phase of blue-light-induced chloroplast development in suspension-cultured cells (Chenopodium rubrum L.) and to analyse the encoded proteins. A cDNA library (lambda gt 10) was constructed using total RNA from plastid preparations of dark-grown cells exposed to blue light for 3, 6 and 12 h. By differential screening, at least three clones were identified which correspond to rapidly light-induced plastid genes. For these and a number of nuclear genes represented by other clones, a temporary accumulation of the specific mRNA was observed between 12 and 48 h of blue-light exposure. With regard to their nucleotide sequence and derived amino-acid sequence they seem to represent a novel group of genes distinctive in structure and encoded product.     

The cloning of human genes using cDNA phage display and small-molecule chemical probes

The cloning of genes based on protein function has become a powerful tool for protein discovery and should play an important role in proteomics in general. We have recently reported a technique for the functional identification of protein targets by combining traditional affinity chromatography with cDNA phage display. This procedure, referred to as display cloning, directly couples biologically active natural products to the gene of their protein cellular target. We now report the cloning of a human gene, the domain of F1 ATP synthase, using a synthetic scaffold molecule which serves as a prototype for a diverse chemical library. The ability to select genes from cDNA libraries using probes from combinatorial libraries would greatly increase the number of small molecule/protein interactions that can be identified. This method might prove valuable in furthering our understanding of biology and its application toward drug development.     

Gene Expression in Secondary Metabolism and Metabolic Switching Phase of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phanerochaete chrysosporium</Emphasis>

Ligninolytic enzymes are well-known to play the crucial roles in lignin biodegradation and have potential applications in industrial processes. The filamentous white-rot fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, has been widely used as a model organism for studying these ligninolytic enzymes that are able to degrade the lignin during the secondary metabolism. To study the gene expression in secondary metabolism and metabolic switching phase of P. chrysosporium, we constructed a metabolic-switching phase suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) cDNA library and a secondary metabolic phase SSH cDNA library to compare their mRNA expression profiles. We isolated the genes that are specially expressed and subsequently identified four genes that specially expressed during metabolic-switching phase while 22 genes in secondary metabolic phase. Accordingly, these specially expressed genes might play key roles in different metabolic stages, which would offer more new insights into the shift from nitrogen to lignin metabolism.     

Construction and Characterization of a cDNA Expression Library for the North American Ginseng Root Tissues

The root of Panax ginseng plant undergoes a specific developmental process to become a biosynthesis and accumulation tissue for ginsenosides. To identify and analyze genes involved in the biosynthesis of ginsenoside, we constructed and characterized a full-length cDNA library for 6-year-old North American ginseng. The titer of primary cDNA library is 1.2 × 10^6 pfu/mL, the titer of amplified library is 2. 6 × 10^10 pfu/mL and the rate of recombinant is above 86%. The insert size ranges from 0. 3 to 2.0 kb. Sequencing results show that 18 of 58 genes are high homologous to the genes （GBRS, GBR3 and GBR1 ） known in GenBank, which are involved in biosynthesis of ginsenoside in North American ginseng plant; 16 of 58 genes are novel genes. The full-length cDNA library of North American ginseng root tissues is essential for the cloning of genes known and it is also an initial key for the screening and cloning of new genes.     

Fully functionalized small-molecule probes for integrated phenotypic screening and target identification

Phenotypic screening offers a powerful approach to identify small molecules that perturb complex biological processes in cells and organisms. The tendency of small molecules, however, to interact with multiple protein targets, often with moderate to weak affinities, along with the lack of straightforward technologies to characterize these interactions in living systems, has hindered efforts to understand the mechanistic basis for pharmacological activity. Here we address this challenge by creating a fully functionalized small-molecule library whose membership is endowed with: (1) one or more diversity elements to promote interactions with different protein targets in cells, (2) a photoreactive group for UV light-induced covalent cross-linking to interacting proteins, and (3) an alkyne handle for reporter tag conjugation to visualize and identify cross-linked proteins. A library member was found to inhibit cancer cell proliferation selectively under nutrient-limiting (low glucose) conditions. Quantitative chemoproteomics identified MT-ND1, an integral membrane subunit of the ～1 MDa NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex 1) involved in oxidative phosphorylation, as a specific target of the active probe. We further demonstrated that the active probe inhibits complex 1 activity in vitro (IC(50) = 720 nM), an effect that is known to induce cell death in low-glucose conditions. Based on this proof of principle study, we anticipate that the generation and integration of fully functionalized compound libraries into phenotypic screening programs should facilitate the discovery of bioactive probes that are amenable to accelerated target identification and mechanistic characterization using advanced chemoproteomic technologies.     

TRANSTHYRETIN (PREALBUMIN) GENE IN HUMAN PRIMARY HEPATIC CANCER

From a subtracting cDNA library constructed from normal liver versus human primary hepatic cancer (PHC), a cDNA clone pG8 was isolated. Using it as a probe, RNA extracted from one human liver and 9 PHC samples were analyzed by Northern hybridization. As expected, its mRNA was highly expressed in liver; however, the expression was strikingly suppressed in PHC. Only weak signal was observed in 2 out of 9 PHC, while no signal was detectable in the other 7 samples. Utilizing pG8 as a probe, DNA from the same PHC specimens was analyzed after MspI digestion and Southern hybridization. Deletion of DNA fragment was observed in 4 out of 9 samples. In further study of cancer and non-cancerous liver from other 7 PHC patients, similar deletion of DNA fragments in cancer was observed in 4 out of 7 samples. After sequencing of the clone of 572 bp, it was unexpectedly found that pG8 was completely homologous to the coding sequence of transthyretin, TTR gene, as TTR (or prealbumin) gene has been known to be linked to a     

Transthyretin (prealbumin) gene in human primary hepatic cancer.

From a subtracting cDNA library constructed from normal liver versus human primary hepatic cancer (PHC) a cDNA clone pG8 was isolated. Using it as a probe, RNA extracted from one human liver and 9 PHC samples were analyzed by Northern hybridization. As expected, its mRNA was highly expressed in liver; however, the expression was strikingly suppressed in PHC. Only weak signal was observed in 2 out of 9 PHC, while no signal was detectable in the other 7 samples. Utilizing pG8 as a probe, DNA from the same PHC specimens was analyzed after MspI digestion and Southern hybridization. Deletion of DNA fragment was observed in 4 out of 9 samples. In further study of cancer and non-cancerous liver from other 7 PHC patients, similar deletion of DNA fragments in cancer was observed in 4 out of 7 samples. After sequencing of the clone of 572 bp, it was unexpectedly found that pG8 was completely homologous to the coding sequence of transthyretin, TTR gene, as TTR (or prealbumin) gene has been known to be linked to a hereditary disorder, familial amyloidosis (FAP), and related to thyroxine transport and binding to retinol-RBP (the retinol binding protein) complex. This is the first report of a study on TTR in human primary hepatic cancer. Since TTR gene was strikingly suppressed in mRNA expression and possibly defective in its gene structure, it was strongly implicated that TTR might be an important gene marker or a candidate of anti-oncogene for human PHC. The biological activity of TTR gene is under study.