Repeated exposure to cocaine can induce neuroadaptations in the brain. One mechanism by which persistent changes occur involves alterations in gene expression mediated by the dopamine receptors. Both the dopamine D1 and D3 receptors have been shown to mediate gene expression changes. Moreover, the D1 and D3 receptors are also coexpressed in the same neurons, particularly in the nucleus accumbens and also caudoputamen (CPu). Little is known however, whether these two receptors coordinately regulate gene expression after cocaine administration and the underlying mechanisms. We have used various gene mutant mice to address this issue. We show that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation and c-fos induction in the CPu in response to acute cocaine administration is mediated by the D1 receptor and inhibited by the D3 receptor. Moreover, ERK activation mediates acute cocaine-induced expression of Fos family genes, including c-fos, fosB and fra2. Interestingly, dynorphin, neogenin, and synaptotagmin VII, genes that possess cAMPresponse element binding protein and AP-1 transcription complex-binding consensus sequences in their promoters, are also oppositely regulated by the D1 and D3 receptors after repeated exposure to cocaine. Furthermore, such regulation depends on proper ERK activation and c-fos function. These results suggest that the D1 and D3 receptors elicit opposite regulation of target gene expression by regulating ERK activation and c-fos induction after acute and chronic cocaine treatment.

The traditional method to establish a cardiovascular disease model induced by high fat and high cholesterol diets is time consuming and laborious and may not be appropriate in all circumstances. A suitable pig model to study metabolic disorders and subsequent atherosclerosis is not currently available. For this purpose, we applied the CRISPR/Cas9 system to Bama minipigs, targeting apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene simultaneously. Six biallelic knockout pigs of these two genes were obtained successfully in a single step. No off-target incidents or mosaic mutations were detected by an unbiased analysis. Serum biochemical analyses of gene-modified piglets showed that the levels of low density lipoprotein choleserol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) and apolipoprotein B (APOB) were elevated significantly. This model should prove valuable for the study of human cardiovascular disease and related translational research.

The introduction of long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) was considered a major advance in bronchodilator therapy for adult, as well as pediatric, patients with asthma. However, the use of LABAs has raised safety concerns, especially the potential for severe asthma exacerbations (SAEs) resulting in hospitalizations or even death. Meanwhile, the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), a cornerstone in the treatment of mild-to-severe persistent asthma, has been associated with growth suppression in children. The purpose of this review was to identify and discuss the major published safety studies surrounding LABA, ICS, and combined LABA/ICS usage in children. By way of a critical search for influential published clinical trials, meta-analyses, and observational studies, six studies relevant to the safety of LABA monotherapy, seven studies relevant to ICS monotherapy, and four studies on the subject of LABA/ICS combination usage were identified and reviewed. Based on the reviewed literature, the controversy surrounding these anti-asthma medications was clearly exposed. On the one hand, there is some evidence that LABA monotherapy may be associated with SAEs and asthma-related death, while ICS monotherapy may be associated with a higher risk of growth suppression. On the other hand, the concurrent use of a LABA with an ICS has been associated with positive outcomes including symptom reduction and reduced rate and severity of exacerbations. Further clinical research is warranted and has been called for by the US Food and Drug Administration.

ABSTRACT:Exposure to benzene elicits a spectrum of hematotoxicity ranging from reduction of peripheral blood cell counts to aplastic anemia and leukemia. The molecular mechanism by which benzene damages hematopoietic cells is unclear; in particular, benzene-induced aberrant gene expression has not been addressed. We analyzed differential gene expression in the peripheral white blood cells from seven female patients with occupational benzene poisoning and seven matched control subjects. In this study, we report altered expression of cytochrome P450 in the patients.