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At least 1,387 records · Page 77
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Laser-Induced Plasma as a Method for the Metallic Materials Hardness Estimation: An Alternative Approach

The application of an alternative laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) method based on transversely excited atmospheric (TEA) CO2 laser was investigated for the first time for estimating the hardness of metallic materials. The human eye-safe (TEA) CO2 laser, operating at 10.6 µm, was used for plasma generation. The LIBS spectra were recorded by employing a cost-effective CCD camera for the time-integrated and spatial resolved measurements. The cast iron and aluminum alloys samples with different hardness have been tested. The ratio between the magnesium ionic and neutral lines in LIBS spectra was applied for estimating the material hardness. In addition, the hardness of all samples included in this study was determined using the conventional method for material hardness determination, i.e. Vickers hardness test. The linear dependence of magnesium lines intensity ratio on the sample’s hardness was obtained for both kinds of materials. Profilometric measurements were used to verify that the newly-introduced method is almost nondestructive for the investigated metals. The results obtained in the present work confirmed the potential of using this original LIBS system not only for the fast elemental analysis but also for the direct estimation of the hardness of metals and alloys. © 2020, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Photochromic coumarin spiropyranes with switching of optical properties by lanthanide ions

Coumarin spiropyrans with terminal carbohydrazide substituents were synthesized. UV irradiation of their solutions was found to initiate rearrangement into a deeply colored merocyanine form. In the presence of lanthanide cations, the obtained spiropyrans exhibited a “naked eye” chromogenic effect, accompanied by a change of the solution color from yellow to violet.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Making sense of uncertain nuclear data

At its core, and in an imperfect world, the scientific method relies heavily on the concept of uncertain knowledge. Understanding the nature and magnitude of our lack of knowledge on nuclear data has important ramifications on a wide range of nuclear technologies that encompass defense, energy, medicine, astrophysics, among others. Over the span of a long and fruitful carrier, Dr. Massimo Salvatores has made significant contributions to the fields of nuclear reactor physics, nuclear data, and uncertainty quantification and propagation. Advances in machine learning techniques and computational capabilities are enabling a new level of confidence in our ability to predict key nuclear metrics as well as their associated uncertainties across many applications. Here this short article reviews some of those concepts with an eye towards developing a new paradigm to provide nuclear data libraries of benefit to various applications.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Phenomenological study of the interplay between IR-improved DGLAP-CS theory and the precision of an NLO ME matched parton shower MC

We present a phenomenological study of the current status of the application of our approach of exact amplitude-based resummation in quantum field theory to precision QCD calculations, by realistic MC event generator methods, as needed for precision LHC physics. We discuss recent results as they relate to the interplay of the attendant IR-improved DGLAP-CS theory of one of us and the precision of exact NLO matrix-element matched parton shower MC’s in the Herwig6.5 environment as determined by comparison to recent LHC experimental observations on single heavy gauge boson production and decay. The level of agreement between the new theory and the data continues to be a reason for optimism. In the spirit of completeness, we discuss as well other approaches to the same theoretical predictions that we make here from the standpoint of physical precision with an eye toward the (sub-)1% QCD⊗EW total theoretical precision regime for LHC physics. - Highlights: • Using LHC data, we show that IR-improved DGLAP-CS kernels with exact NLO Shower/ME matching improves MC precision. • We discuss other possible approaches in comparison with ours. • We propose experimental tests to discriminate between competing approaches.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2019

A Hermitian symmetric space Fokas–Lenells equation: Solitons, breathers, rogue waves

Highlights: • We study a Hermitian symmetric space Fokas–Lenells equation. • We obtain multi-soliton, kink–breather and rogue wave solutions for this equation. • We analyse the dynamical behaviour of these exact solutions. - Abstract: Based on the zero-curvature representation, we propose a Hermitian symmetric space Fokas–Lenells equation associated with a 4 × 4 matrix spectral problem. Resorting to the gauge transformation between spectral problems, we find a restrictive condition of the spectral functions that can ensure the symmetry of the new potential matrix, from which n-fold classical Darboux transformations and N-fold generalized Darboux transformations of this equation are constructed with the help of the limit technique and an iterative procedure. Utilizing the Darboux transformations and Mathematica software, we obtain various solutions for the Hermitian symmetric space Fokas–Lenells equation, including the multi-soliton solution, kink–breather solution, eye-shaped rogue wave solution, one-peaky shaped rogue wave solution, and dark two-peaky shaped rogue wave solution. By varying the values of the free parameters, we obtain different types of spatial–temporal distribution structures for the solutions, including the fundamental, line and triangular patterns. Furthermore, the dynamical behaviour of these solutions, including the fusion and fission processes of rogue waves, is analysed in detail.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

Direct root contact among neighboring plants influences activity of soil extracellular enzymes

Composition and diversity of vegetation systems can influence soil microbial activity and extracellular enzyme (EE) dynamics, which are crucial for soil carbon (C) accrual and nutrient cycling. Yet, the impact of plant interactions and competition on EE activities remains a notable knowledge gap. This study examines how direct root contact and neighboring plant identity affect the activity and spatial distribution of four key soil EEs: β-glucosidase (BGlu), chitinase, acid phosphatase (AcidP), and alkaline phosphatase (AlkP). Using three-compartment rhizoboxes with switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) grown alongside bush clover (Lespedeza capitata Michx.), and black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta L.), we assessed enzyme activities using zymography under conditions that either allowed or restricted direct root contact by root barriers. Results show that root proliferation and species interactions significantly influenced EE activity. While BGlu and AcidP activities were strongly correlated with root biomass, AlkP activity was consistently higher in the absence of root barriers, indicating a pronounced microbial response to plant interactions via direct/close root contacts. Additionally, soil phosphorus availability modulated enzyme activity, with higher phosphatase activities in low-P soils. Furthermore, these findings highlight the importance of root-root interactions and plant species composition in shaping soil biochemical processes.

enyzme activity↗
DOE OSTI2021

Multi-channel Imager Algorithm (MIA): A novel cloud-top phase classification algorithm

The current Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES-16 and 17) cloud-top phase classification algorithm is based primarily on empirical thresholds at multiple wavelengths that have varying absorption capabilities for water and ice. The performance of current GOES-16 cloud-top phase product largely depends on the accuracy of the selection of reflectance ratios. Here this study aims at presenting a novel cloud-top phase classification algorithm (the Multi-channel Imager Algorithm, MIA) that provides a more judicious selection of relationships between channels using a supervised K-mean clustering method on multi-channel Red-Green-Blue images. The K-mean clustering method works analogously to how human eyes separate different colors in a microphysical color rendering set of satellite images, which differentiates water, ice and unclassified thin clouds. For water phase, cloud-top temperature information is used to further distinguish supercooled water. To evaluate the performance of the MIA, an extensive comparison with Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP), Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, and current GOES-16 cloud-top phase products is conducted, using CALIOP as the benchmark. Compared to the current GOES-16 cloud-top phase product, MIA demonstrates a substantial improvement in phase classification, where hit rate increases from 69% to 76% over the Continental United States and 58% to 66% over the full disk domain.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2011

Comparing protein VEGF inhibitors: In vitro biological studies

Highlights: {yields} VEGF is a mediator of angiogenesis. {yields} VEGF inhibitors have clinical applications in cancer and eye disorders. {yields} Five protein VEGF inhibitors were compared for their ability to inhibit. {yields} VEGF-induced activities in cultured endothelial cells. -- Abstract: VEGF inhibitors are widely used as a therapy for tumors and intravascular neovascular disorders, but limited and conflicting data regarding their relative biological potencies are available. The purpose of the study is to compare different protein VEGF inhibitors for their ability to inhibit VEGF-stimulated activities. We tested ranibizumab, the full-length variant of ranibizumab (Mab Y0317), bevacizumab, the VEGF-TrapR1R2 and Flt(1-3)-IgG in bioassays measuring VEGF-stimulated proliferation of bovine retinal microvascular endothelial cells or chemotaxis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The inhibitors were also compared for their ability to inhibit MAP kinase activation in HUVECs following VEGF addition. Ranibizumab, VEGF-TrapR1R2 and Flt(1-3)-IgG had very similar potencies in the bioassays tested. Bevacizumab was over 10-fold less potent than these molecules. Mab Y0317 was over 30-fold more potent than bevacizumab. The findings reported in this manuscript describe important intrinsic characteristics of several VEGF inhibitors that may be useful to design and interpret preclinical or clinical studies.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2011

The microcephaly gene aspm is involved in brain development in zebrafish

Highlights: {yields} We identified a zebrafish aspm/mcph5 gene that is expressed in proliferating cells in the CNS during early development. {yields} Embryos injected with the aspm MO consistently showed a reduced head and eye size but were otherwise grossly normal, closely mimicking the known phenotypes of human microcephaly patients. {yields} Knock-down of aspm causes cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death during early development. -- Abstract: MCPH is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a global reduction in cerebral cortical volume. Homozygous mutation of the MCPH5 gene, also known as ASPM, is the most common cause of the MCPH phenotype. To elucidate the roles of ASPM during embryonic development, the zebrafish aspm was identified, which is specifically expressed in proliferating cells in the CNS. Morpholino-mediated knock-down of aspm resulted in a significant reduction in head size. Furthermore, aspm-deficient embryos exhibited a mitotic arrest during early development. These findings suggest that the reduction in brain size in MCPH might be caused by lack of aspm function in the mitotic cell cycle and demonstrate that the zebrafish can provide a model system for congenital diseases of the human nervous system.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

Histone demethylase JMJD5 is essential for embryonic development

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Histone demethylase JMJD5 is essential for embryogenesis. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Transcription of tumor suppressor p53 is upregulated in JMJD5 knockout embryos. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer JMJD5 may antagonize p53-dependent growth inhibition and apoptosis. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer JMJD5 is overexpressed in leukemias and breast cancer. -- Abstract: Histone lysine methylation is pivotal in regulating chromatin structure and thus profoundly affects the transcriptome. JMJD5 (jumonji C domain-containing 5) is a histone demethylase that specifically removes methyl moieties from dimethylated lysine 36 on histone H3 and exerts a pro-proliferative effect on breast cancer cells. Here, we generated JMJD5 knockout mice in order to study the physiological significance of this enzyme. Whereas heterozygous knockout mice displayed no overt phenotype, homozygous JMJD5 knockouts died around day 10 of embryonal development. JMJD5{sup -/-} embryos showed delayed development already at E8.5 and were actively resorbed at E10.5. While strong JMJD5 expression was observed only in the yolk sac at E8.5, JMJD5 was robustly expressed in E10.5 embryos at several sites, including the heart and eye. Lack of JMJD5 resulted in transcriptional upregulation of the tumor suppressor p53. Concurrently, the cell cycle inhibitor p21 and the pro-apoptotic molecule Noxa, both of which are prominent p53 target genes, became strongly upregulated in JMJD5{sup -/-} embryos. Collectively, our data indicate that JMJD5 is essential during embryonal development and a repressor of p53 expression. The latter suggests that JMJD5 has oncogenic activity and accordingly JMJD5 is upregulated in leukemias and breast cancer.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

Cholesterol enhances amyloid {beta} deposition in mouse retina by modulating the activities of A{beta}-regulating enzymes in retinal pigment epithelial cells

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cholesterol-treated RPE produces more A{beta} than non-treated RPE. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Neprilysin expression and activity decreased in cholesterol-treated RPE. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer {alpha}-Secretase expression and activity decreased in cholesterol-treated RPE. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cholesterol-enriched diet induced subRPE deposits in aged mice. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A{beta} were present in cholesterol-enriched-diet-induced subRPE deposits in aged mice. -- Abstract: Subretinally-deposited amyloid {beta} (A{beta}) is a main contributor of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the mechanism causing A{beta} deposition in AMD eyes is unknown. Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk for developing AMD. Thus, we investigated the effects of cholesterol on A{beta} production in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in vitro and in the mouse retina in vivo. RPE cells isolated from senescent (12-month-old) C57BL/6 mice were treated with 10 {mu}g/ml cholesterol for 48 h. A{beta} amounts in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. Activity and expression of enzymes and proteins that regulate A{beta} production were examined by activity assay and real time PCR. The retina of mice fed cholesterol-enriched diet was examined by transmission electron microscopy. Cholesterol significantly increased A{beta} production in cultured RPE cells. Activities of A{beta} degradation enzyme; neprilysin (NEP) and anti-amyloidogenic secretase; {alpha}-secretase were significantly decreased in cell lysates of cholesterol-treated RPE cells compared to non-treated cells, but there was no change in the activities of {beta}- or {gamma}-secretase. mRNA levels of NEP and {alpha}-secretase (ADAM10 and ADAM17) were significantly lower in cholesterol-treated RPE cells than non-treated cells. Senescent (12-month-old) mice fed cholesterol-enriched chow developed subRPE deposits containing A{beta}, whereas age-matched mice fed standard rodent chow diet did not. Activities and mRNA levels of NEP and {alpha}-secretase were significantly lower in native RPE cells freshly isolated from cholesterol-enriched chow fed mice compared to standard rodent chow fed mice. These findings suggest that cholesterol enhances subretinal A{beta} accumulation by modulating the activities of enzymes degrading and processing A{beta} in RPE cells in senescent subjects.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2013

MicroRNAs-449a and -449b exhibit tumor suppressive effects in retinoblastoma

Highlights: •We validate miR-449a/b expression in primary human retinoblastomas and cell lines. •Exogenous miRs-449a/b inhibited proliferation in retinoblastoma cell lines. •Exogenous miRs-449a/b increased apoptosis in retinoblastoma cell lines. •miRs-449a/b could serve as viable therapeutic targets for retinoblastoma treatment. -- Abstract: Retinoblastoma is the most common pediatric cancer of the eye. Currently, the chemotherapeutic treatments for retinoblastoma are broad-based drugs such as vincristine, carboplatin, or etoposide. However, therapies targeted directly to aberrant signaling pathways may provide more effective therapy for this disease. The purpose of our study is to illustrate the relationship between the expressions of miRs-449a and -449b to retinoblastoma proliferation and apoptosis. We are the first to confirm an inhibitory effect of miR-449a and -449b in retinoblastoma by demonstrating significantly impaired proliferation and increased apoptosis of tumor cells when these miRNAs are overexpressed. This study suggests that these miRNAs could serve as viable therapeutic targets for retinoblastoma treatment.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

miR-30a suppresses breast cancer cell proliferation and migration by targeting Eya2

Highlights: • miR-30a represses Eya2 expression by binding to the 3′-untranslated region of Eya2. • The miR-30a/EYA2 axis regulates breast cancer cell proliferation and migration. • The miR-30a/EYA2 axis modulates G1/S cell cycle progression. • The miR-30a/EYA2 axis is dysregulated in breast cancer patients. - Abstract: Eye absent (Eya) proteins are involved in cell fate determination in a broad spectrum of cells and tissues. Aberrant expression of Eya2 has been documented in a variety of cancers and correlates with clinical outcome. However, whether microRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate Eya2 expression remains unknown. Here, we show that miR-30a represses Eya2 expression by binding to the 3′-untranslated region of Eya2. Overexpression of Eya2 in miR-30a-transfected breast cancer cells effectively rescued the inhibition of cell proliferation and migration caused by miR-30a. Knockdown of Eya2 by small-interfering RNA (siRNA) in breast cancer cells mimicked the effect induced by miR-30a and abolished the ability of miR-30a to regulate breast cancer cell proliferation and migration. The miR-30a/Eya2 axis could regulate G1/S cell cycle progression, accompanied by the modulation of expression of cell cycle-related proteins, including cyclin A, cyclin D1, cyclin E, and c-Myc. Moreover, miR-30a expression was downregulated in breast cancer patients, and negatively correlated with Eya2, which was upregulated in breast cancer patients. These data suggest that the miR-30a/Eya2 axis may play an important role in breast cancer development and progression and that miR-30a activation or Eya2 inhibition may be a useful strategy for cancer treatment.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Crybb2 deficiency impairs fertility in female mice

Highlights: • Crybb2 deletion impaired female fertility. • Crybb2 deletion dramatically affected the production of reproduction-related hormones and hormone response. • Crybb2 deletion impaired follicular development and inhibited the proliferation of granulosa cells. • Crybb2 deletion promoted follicular atresia and apoptosis in granulosa cells. - Abstract: Beta-B2-crystallin (CRYBB2), encoded by Crybb2 gene, is a major protein in the mammalian eye lens that plays an important role in maintaining the transparency of the ocular lens. However, CRYBB2 also plays important roles in many extra-lenticular tissues and organs such as the retina, brain and testis. Our previous studies demonstrated that male Crybb2 deficient (Crybb2{sup −/−}) mice have reduced fertility compared with wild-type (WT) mice, while female Crybb2{sup −/−} mice exhibited reduced ovary weights and shorter estrous cycle percentages. Here we specifically investigated the role of CRYBB2 in the female reproductive system. Our studies revealed that ovaries from female Crybb2{sup −/−} mice exhibited significantly reduced numbers of primordial, secondary and pre-ovulatory follicles when compared with WT mice, while the rate of atretic follicles was also increased. Additionally, fewer eggs were collected from the oviduct of Crybb2{sup −/−} female mice after superovulation. Estrogen levels were higher in the metestrus and diestrus cycles of female Crybb2{sup −/−} mice, while progesterone levels were lower in diestrus cycles. Furthermore, the expression of survival and cell cycle genes, Bcl-2, Cdk4 and Ccnd2, were significantly decreased in granulosa cells isolated from female Crybb2{sup −/−} mice, consistent with the predominant expression of CRYBB2 in ovarian granulosa cells. Our results reveal a critical role for CRYBB2 in female fertility and specific effects on the proliferation and survival status of ovarian granulosa cells.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

HL-217, a new topical anti-angiogenic agent, inhibits retinal vascular leakage and pathogenic subretinal neovascularization in Vldlr{sup −/−} mice

Highlights: • HL-217 is a new synthetic topical anti-angiogenic agent. • HL-217 attenuated subretinal neovascularization in Vldlr{sup −/−} mice. • HL-217 blocked the binding of PDGF-BB to PDGFRβ. - Abstract: HL-217 is a new synthetic angiogenesis inhibitor. Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) is a vasoactive factor and has been implicated in proliferative retinopathies. In this study, we examined the mechanism of action and efficacy of topical application of HL-217 on subretinal neovascularization in very low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (Vldlr{sup −/−}) mice. In three-week-old male Vldlr{sup −/−} mice, HL-217 (1.5 or 3 mg/ml) was administered twice per day for 4 weeks by topical eye drop instillation. Neovascular areas were then measured. We used a protein array to evaluate the expression levels of angiogenic factors. The inhibitory effect of HL-217 on the PDGF-BB/PDGFRβ interaction was evaluated in vitro. The neovascular area in the Vldlr{sup −/−} mice was significantly reduced by HL-217. Additionally, HL-217 decreased the expression levels of PDGF-BB protein and VEGF mRNA. Moreover, HL-217 dose-dependently inhibited the PDGF-BB/PDGFRβ interaction (IC{sub 50} = 38.9 ± 0.7 μM). These results suggest that HL-217 is a potent inhibitor of PDGF-BB. HL-217, when applied topically, is an effective inhibitor of subretinal neovascularization due to its ability to inhibit the pro-angiogenic effects of PDGF-BB.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Role of Aquaporin 0 in lens biomechanics

Maintenance of proper biomechanics of the eye lens is important for its structural integrity and for the process of accommodation to focus near and far objects. Several studies have shown that specialized cytoskeletal systems such as the beaded filament (BF) and spectrin-actin networks contribute to mammalian lens biomechanics; mutations or deletion in these proteins alters lens biomechanics. Aquaporin 0 (AQP0), which constitutes ∼45% of the total membrane proteins of lens fiber cells, has been shown to function as a water channel and a structural cell-to-cell adhesion (CTCA) protein. Our recent ex vivo study on AQP0 knockout (AQP0 KO) mouse lenses showed the CTCA function of AQP0 could be crucial for establishing the refractive index gradient. However, biomechanical studies on the role of AQP0 are lacking. The present investigation used wild type (WT), AQP5 KO (AQP5{sup −/−}), AQP0 KO (heterozygous KO: AQP0{sup +/−}; homozygous KO: AQP0{sup −/−}; all in C57BL/6J) and WT-FVB/N mouse lenses to learn more about the role of fiber cell AQPs in lens biomechanics. Electron microscopic images exhibited decreases in lens fiber cell compaction and increases in extracellular space due to deletion of even one allele of AQP0. Biomechanical assay revealed that loss of one or both alleles of AQP0 caused a significant reduction in the compressive load-bearing capacity of the lenses compared to WT lenses. Conversely, loss of AQP5 did not alter the lens load-bearing ability. Compressive load-bearing at the suture area of AQP0{sup +/−} lenses showed easy separation while WT lens suture remained intact. These data from KO mouse lenses in conjunction with previous studies on lens-specific BF proteins (CP49 and filensin) suggest that AQP0 and BF proteins could act co-operatively in establishing normal lens biomechanics. We hypothesize that AQP0, with its prolific expression at the fiber cell membrane, could provide anchorage for cytoskeletal structures like BFs and together they help to confer fiber cell shape, architecture and integrity. To our knowledge, this is the first report identifying the involvement of an aquaporin in lens biomechanics. Since accommodation is required in human lenses for proper focusing, alteration in the adhesion and/or water channel functions of AQP0 could contribute to presbyopia. - Highlights: • AQP0 aids in lens biomechanics. • AQP0 provides lens stiffness. • AQP0 is critical for lens transparency. • AQP0 could play a significant role in lens accommodation in human. • Alteration in the function(s) of lens AQP0 could lead to presbyopia.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Site specific oxidation of amino acid residues in rat lens γ-crystallin induced by low-dose γ-irradiation

Although cataracts are a well-known age-related disease, the mechanism of their formation is not well understood. It is currently thought that eye lens proteins become abnormally aggregated, initially causing clumping that scatters the light and interferes with focusing on the retina, and ultimately resulting in a cataract. The abnormal aggregation of lens proteins is considered to be triggered by various post-translational modifications, such as oxidation, deamidation, truncation and isomerization, that occur during the aging process. Such modifications, which are also generated by free radical and reactive oxygen species derived from γ-irradiation, decrease crystallin solubility and lens transparency, and ultimately lead to the development of a cataract. In this study, we irradiated young rat lenses with low-dose γ-rays and extracted the water-soluble and insoluble protein fractions. The water-soluble and water-insoluble lens proteins were digested with trypsin, and the resulting peptides were analyzed by LC-MS. Specific oxidation sites of methionine, cysteine and tryptophan in rat water-soluble and -insoluble γE and γF-crystallin were determined by one-shot analysis. The oxidation sites in rat γE and γF-crystallin resemble those previously identified in γC and γD-crystallin from human age-related cataracts. Our study on modifications of crystallins induced by ionizing irradiation may provide useful information relevant to human senile cataract formation. - Highlights: • Low-dose γ-rays induced oxidation at specific residues in γE- and γF-crystallin. • The number of oxidation sites was higher in insoluble than soluble crystallins. • γ-Irradiation closely mimics the oxidation that occur in senile human cataracts.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Alpha B-crystallin promotes the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer via epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Alpha B-crystallin (CRYAB, HSPB5) is a protein that was first discovered in the lens of the eye. It is a member of the small heat-shock protein family (sHsps). CRYAB functions primarily as a molecular chaperone to prevent the aggregation and degradation of damaged unfolded proteins due to cellular damage resulting from heat shock, radiation, oxidative stress, and other insults, thereby promoting cell survival and preventing apoptosis. In recent years, the role of CRYAB in tumorigenesis, tumor invasion, and metastasis has received increasing attention. CRYAB is highly expressed in a variety of cancers, including breast cancer, head and neck cancer, and kidney cancer, and is likely associated with the prognosis of cancer. However, few studies have examined CRYAB in colorectal cancer (CRC). To study the effect of CRYAB on CRC, we transfected the CRC cell line SW480, which expresses high levels of CRYAB, with a lentiviral vector that inhibits CRYAB expression. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of CRYAB was examined in the transfected SW480 cells (Si-CRYAB) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting (WB) assays. Moreover, a growth curve was plotted to examine the proliferation of Si-CRYAB cells, and transwell assays were used to examine the migration of Si-CRYAB cells. Apoptosis and the cell cycle were examined in Si-CRYAB cells using flow cytometry (FCM), and the tumorigenic capability of Si-CRYAB cells was assessed in a nude mouse tumor model. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to examine CRYAB protein expression and the markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), such as E-cadherin, fibronectin, vimentin, and slug, in tumor tissues from nude mice and clinical invasive CRC and hepatic metastasis specimens. The qPCR and WB results showed that CRYAB was downregulated at the protein and mRNA level in Si-CRYAB cells, and the growth curve indicated that the proliferation of Si-CRYAB cells was reduced. Moreover, Si-CRYAB cells exhibited reduced migration capability in the transwell assay as well as increased apoptosis and G1 arrest in the FCM assay. The tumorigenesis study in nude mice showed that Si-CRYAB cells formed smaller tumors, indicating decreased tumorigenic capability. IHC results showed reduced CRYAB expression and lower levels of EMT in Si-CRYAB cells, whereas clinical specimens of invasive CRC and hepatic metastases exhibited elevated CRYAB expression and enhanced levels of EMT. These results demonstrated that CRYAB promoted the invasion and metastasis of CRC tumor cells via EMT. - Highlights: • The CRC cell line SW480 experssed high levels of CRYAB. • Inhibition of CRYAB induced apoptosis and G1 arrest. • Inhibition of CRYAB exhibited decreased migration and tumorigenesis in nude mice. • CRYAB promoted CRC invasion and metastasis probably via EMT.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗