Anti-TIMP2 polyclonal antibody

Introduction: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays differential effects on the proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix turnover in various tissues. However, limited information is known about the effect of bFGF on dental pulp cells. The purposes of this study were to investigate whether bFGF influences the cell differentiation and extracellular matrix turnover of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) and the related gene and protein expression as well as the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathvtiay. The expression of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) in HDPCs was also studied. Methods: The expression of FGFR1 and FGFR2 in HDPCs was investigated by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. HDPCs were treated with different concentrations of bFGF. Cell proliferation was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Cell differentiation was evaluated using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining. Changes in messenger expression of cyclin B1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) 1 were determined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Changes in protein expression of cdc2, TIMP-1, TIMP2, and collagen I were determined by Western blotting. U0126 was used to clarify the role of MEK/ERK signaling. Results: HDPCs expressed both FGFR1 and FGFR2. Cell viability was stimulated by 50-250 ng/mL bFGF. The expression and enzyme activities of ALP were inhibited by 10-500 ng/mL bFGF. At similar concentrations, bFGF stimulates cdc2, cyclin B1, and TIMP-1 messenger RNA and protein expression. bFGF showed little effect on TIMP-2 and partly inhibited collagen I expression of pulp cells. U0126 (a MEK/ERK inhibitor),attenuated the bFGF-induced increase of cyclin Bl, cdc2, and TIMP-1. Conclusions: bFGF may be involved in pulpal repair and regeneration by activation of FGFRs to regulate cell growth; stimulate cdc2, cyclin B1, and TIMP-1 expression; and inhibit ALP. These events are partly associated with MEK/ERK signaling.

Mounting evidences has shown that miRNAs are involved in the development and progression of gastric cancer acts as tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes. In our previous studies, we have found that the up-regulation of miR-106a occurs frequently in human gastric cancer tissues compared with that of normal tissues. Here, we investigate the role of the ectopic expressed miR-106a in the progression and metastasis of gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo. FFPE samples have the priority to be included and qRT-PCR was used to detect the miR-106a expression. Human gastric cancer cells and immortalized gastric epithelial cell were selected and the miR-106a mimic and inhibitor were transfected. Cell growth was determined by MTT method. The flow cytometric analysis for cell apoptosis and transwell assays for evaluating the cell migration and invasion were conducted. Luciferase assay and western blot confirmed the direct binding site of miR-106a and its target. BALB/c nude mice were randomly divided to explore the implantation of gastric cancer cells transfected with miR-106a antagomir. Abnormal over-expression of miR-106a significantly promoted gastric cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, inhibited the cell apoptosis. Functional experiment ascertained that miR-106a interacted with FAS and mediated caspase3 pathway. Knockdown of miR-106a leaded to the attenuation of gastric cancer implantation capacity in vivo. Moreover, expression of TIMP2 was inversely associated with miR-106a in nodule tissues. Apoptotic body was also seen under electron microscope accompanied by silencing of miR-106a. Together, this data indicated that miR-106a may act as an oncogene and contribute to gastric cancer development.