Many receptors can be activated by bile acids(BAs)and their derivatives.These include nuclear receptors farnesoid X receptor(FXR),pregnane X receptor(PXR),and vitamin D receptor(VDR),as well as membrane receptors Take...Many receptors can be activated by bile acids(BAs)and their derivatives.These include nuclear receptors farnesoid X receptor(FXR),pregnane X receptor(PXR),and vitamin D receptor(VDR),as well as membrane receptors Takeda G protein receptor 5(TGR5),sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2(S1PR2),and cholinergic receptor muscarinic 2(CHRM2).All of them are implicated in the development of metabolic and immunological diseases in response to endobiotic and xenobiotic exposure.Because epigenetic regulation is critical for organisms to adapt to constant environmental changes,this review article summarizes epigenetic regulation as well as post-transcriptional modification of bile acid re-ceptors.In addition,the focus of this review is on the liver and digestive tract although these receptors may have effects on other organs.Those regulatory mechanisms are implicated in the disease process and critically important in uncovering innovative strategy for prevention and treatment of metabolic and immunological diseases.展开更多
AIM: To examine the expression of SphK1, an oncogenic kinase that produces sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), and its correlation with the expression of LPAR2, a major lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor overexpressed in...AIM: To examine the expression of SphK1, an oncogenic kinase that produces sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), and its correlation with the expression of LPAR2, a major lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor overexpressed in various cancers, in human colorectal cancer.METHODS: Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the mRNA expression of SphK1, LPAR2, and the three major S1P receptors in 27 colorectal cancer samples and corresponding normal tissue samples. We also examined the correlation between the expression of SphK1 and LPAR2.RESULTS: Colorectal cancer tissue in 22 of 27 patients had higher levels of SphK1 mRNA than in normal tissue. In two-thirds of the samples, SphK1 mRNA expression was more than two-fold higher than in normal tissue. Consistent with previous reports, LPAR2 mRNA expression in 20 of 27 colorectal cancer tissue samples was higher compared to normal tissue samples. Expression profiles of all three major S1P receptors, S1PR1, S1PR2, and S1PR3, varied without any trend, with no significant difference in expression between cancer and normal tissues. A highly significant positive correlation was found between SphK1 and LPAR2 expression [Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) = 0.784 and P < 0.01]. The mRNA levels of SphK1 and LPAR2 did not correlate with TNM stage.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that S1P and LPA may play important roles in the development of colorectal cancer via the upregulation of SphK1 and LPAR2, both of which could serve as new therapeutic targets in the treatment of colorectal cancer.展开更多
A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry(LC–MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of H002 and its phosphorylated metabolite, H002-P and hydroxylated...A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry(LC–MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of H002 and its phosphorylated metabolite, H002-P and hydroxylated metabolite H002-M, in rat blood. H001, an analogue of H002, was used as the internal standard.Blood samples were prepared by simple protein precipitation. The analytes and internal standard were separated on a Zorbax SB-C18 column with a gradient mobile phase consisting of methanol and water containing 0.1% formic acid at a flow rate of 0.2 mL /min with an operating temperature of 20 1C. The detection was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer with positive electrospray ionization in multiple-reaction monitoring mode.Linear detection responses were obtained from 0.2–100 ng/mL for H002 and H002-M, while 0.5–100 ng/mL for H002-P. The intra- and inter-day precision(RSD%) was within 11.76%, with the accuracy(RE%) ranging from –9.84% to 9.12%. The analytes were shown to be stable during sample storage, preparation and analytic procedures.The method was applied to determine the pharmacokinetics of H002 in rats, and a preliminary study showed that the pharmacokinetics of H002 correlated with its biological effect on peripheral blood lymphocytes.展开更多
The liver is the central organ involved in lipid metabolism and the gastrointestinal(GI)tract is responsible for nutrient absorption and partitioning.Obesity,dyslipidemia and metabolic disorders are of increasing publ...The liver is the central organ involved in lipid metabolism and the gastrointestinal(GI)tract is responsible for nutrient absorption and partitioning.Obesity,dyslipidemia and metabolic disorders are of increasing public health concern worldwide,and novel therapeutics that target both the liver and the GI tract(gut-liver axis)are much needed.In addition to aiding fat digestion,bile acids act as important signaling molecules that regulate lipid,glucose and energy metabolism via activating nuclear receptor,G protein-coupled receptors(GPCRs),Takeda G protein receptor 5(TGR5)and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2(S1PR2).Sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P)is synthesized by two sphingosine kinase isoforms and is a potent signaling molecule that plays a critical role in various diseases such as fatty liver,in-flammatory bowel disease(IBD)and colorectal cancer.In this review,we will focus on recent findings related to the role of S1P-mediated signaling pathways in the gut-liver axis.展开更多
The reverse cholesterol transport mediated by high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is an important mechanism for maintaining body cholesterol, and hence, the crucial anti-atherogenic action of the lipoprotein. Recent studie...The reverse cholesterol transport mediated by high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is an important mechanism for maintaining body cholesterol, and hence, the crucial anti-atherogenic action of the lipoprotein. Recent studies, however, have shown that HDL exerts a variety of anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic actions independently of cholesterol metabolism. The present review provides an overview of the roles of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)/S1P receptor and apolipoprotein A-I/scavenger receptor class B type I systems in the anti-atherogenic HDL actions. In addition, the physiological significance of the existence of S1P in the HDL particles is discussed.展开更多
目的:观察经外周转染S1PR1基因慢病毒(LV-S1PR1)对实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(EAE)小鼠调节性T细胞比例及IL-17、IFN-γ水平的影响。方法:将30只健康雌性C57BL/6小鼠随机分为空白对照组、EAE模型组、LV-S1PR1转染组,后两组建立EAE模型,LV...目的:观察经外周转染S1PR1基因慢病毒(LV-S1PR1)对实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(EAE)小鼠调节性T细胞比例及IL-17、IFN-γ水平的影响。方法:将30只健康雌性C57BL/6小鼠随机分为空白对照组、EAE模型组、LV-S1PR1转染组,后两组建立EAE模型,LV-S1PR1转染组经尾静脉注射LV-S1PR1。每日进行神经功能缺损评分;免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测外周血S1PR1表达水平;ELISA法检测外周血1-磷酸鞘氨醇(S1P)水平以及脊髓组织IL-17、IFN-γ水平;流式细胞术检测脾脏中调节性T细胞的比例。结果:与EAE模型组相比较,LV-S1PR1转染组神经功能缺损症状改善;外周血S1PR1表达增加( P <0.05);外周血S1P水平、脾脏中调节性T细胞比例及脊髓组织中IL-17和IFN-γ水平降低( P <0.05)。结论:经外周转染LV-S1PR1可以改善EAE小鼠的发病,其防治作用机制可能与上调外周S1PR1的表达,降低外周S1P水平,使T细胞迁移受阻有关。展开更多
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)is a progressive lung disease with unclear etiology and limited treatment options.The median survival time for IPF patients is approximately 2–3 years and there is no effective inter...Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)is a progressive lung disease with unclear etiology and limited treatment options.The median survival time for IPF patients is approximately 2–3 years and there is no effective intervention to treat IPF other than lung transplantation.As important components of lung tissue,endothelial cells(ECs)are associated with pulmonary diseases.However,the role of endothelial dysfunction in pulmonary fibrosis(PF)is incompletely understood.Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1(S1PR1)is a G protein-coupled receptor highly expressed in lung ECs.Its expression is markedly reduced in patients with IPF.Herein,we generated an endothelial-conditional S1pr1 knockout mouse model which exhibited inflammation and fibrosis with or without bleomycin(BLM)challenge.Selective activation of S1PR1 with an S1PR1 agonist,IMMH002,exerted a potent therapeutic effect in mice with bleomycin-induced fibrosis by protecting the integrity of the endothelial barrier.These results suggest that S1PR1 might be a promising drug target for IPF therapy.展开更多
Recent Background: Development of obesity involves promotion of preadipocyte differrentiation. This study investigated the role that sphingosine kinases (SPHK) and ceramide-derived sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) play i...Recent Background: Development of obesity involves promotion of preadipocyte differrentiation. This study investigated the role that sphingosine kinases (SPHK) and ceramide-derived sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) play in adipocyte terminal differentiation. Materials and Methods: The mouse 3T3-L1 cell line was used as a model for adipogenesis. Cells were harvested at specific time points after initation of differentiation, and SPHK activity was measured. 3T3-L1 cells were treated with S1P and expression of early adipogenesis transcription markers was measured by real time PCR. The expression of S1P-receptors (S1PRs) during differentiation was measured. Results: SPHK activity is induced when 3T3-L1 cells are treated with insulin, dexamethasone, and isobutylmethylxanthine to induce differentiation. SPHK1 is active in preadipocytes and early in the differentiation process. Both SPHK1 and SPHK2 isozymes contribute to activity in differentiated adipocytes. Inhibition of SPHK1 attenuates adipocyte differentiation;however, extracellular S1P does not rescue the effect of SPHK1 inhibition on adipogenesis. Although treatment of preadipocytes with S1P induced message expression of the early adipogenesis transcription factor CC AAT/ binding proteinalpha, continued treatment did not fully support the development of differentiated adipocytes. Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors (S1PRs) are expressed in preadipocytes and message expression declines markedly during adipocyte differentiation. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the contribution of SPHK and S1P to adipogenesis is mediated primarily through biphasic activation of SPHK1 and 2 with extracellular S1P and S1PRs playing little role during preadipocyte differentiation.展开更多
Recent research on the underlying mechanisms of cerebral ischemia indicates that the neurovascular unit can be used as a novel subject for general surveys of neuronal damage and protein mechanisms.Fingolimod(FTY-720)i...Recent research on the underlying mechanisms of cerebral ischemia indicates that the neurovascular unit can be used as a novel subject for general surveys of neuronal damage and protein mechanisms.Fingolimod(FTY-720)is a newly developed immunosuppressant isolated from Cordyceps sinensis that exhibits a wide range of biological activities,and has recently attracted much attention for the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular diseases.In the current research,the role of FTY-720 and its possible mechanisms were assessed from an neurovascular unit perspective using a rat cerebral ischemia model.Our results revealed that FTY-720 markedly decreased infarct volume,promoted neurological function recovery,and weakened the blood-brain barrier permeability of ischemic rats.The protective roles of FTY-720 in ischemic stroke are ascribed to a combination of sphingosin-1-phosphate receptor-1 and reduced expression of sphingosin-1-phosphate receptor-1 in microvessels and reduction of interleukin-17A protein levels.These findings indicate that FTY-720 has promise as a new therapy for neurovascular protection and functional recovery after ischemic stroke.展开更多
Sphingolipids are ubiquitous components of cell membranes. Their metabolites ceramide, sphingosine, and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) have important physiological functions, including regulation of cell growth and sur...Sphingolipids are ubiquitous components of cell membranes. Their metabolites ceramide, sphingosine, and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) have important physiological functions, including regulation of cell growth and survival. S1P is generated by phosphorylation of sphingosine catalyzed by sphingosine kinase-1 (SPHK1). The purpose of this study is to explore the roles of S1P, S1P receptors, and sphingosine kinases in malignant musculoskeletal tumors. Twenty-one tumor samples (7 liposarcomas, 3 chondrosarcomas, 6 osteosarcomas, 5 MFH) obtained at open biopsy, and four human MFH cell lines (Nara H, Nara F, TNMY1, GBS-1) were used. We examined the mRNA expression of S1P receptors by RT-PCR, and the expression levels of SPHK by Real-time PCR. We used 4 MFH cell lines to analyze SPHK1 proteins by Western blotting. SPHK1 siRNA was transfected into MFH cell lines by lipofection method. Cell proliferation (control and transfected with siRNA) was assayed using WST-8 (Cell Counting Kit-8) assay. All high grade malignant tumors expressed S1P1, S1P2, S1P3 receptors, whereas the expression of S1P1 receptor was detected in 50% of low-grade malignant tumors, S1P2 receptor in 30%, and S1P3 in 50%. No statistically significant difference was found in the expression level of SPHK1 between high-grade and low-grade malignant tumors by Real-time PCR. By results of Western blotting, proteins of SPHK1 were expressed in all MFH cell lines. In MFH cell lines, transfection with SPHK1 siRNA oligonucleotides resulted in approximately 50 to 80% suppression of SPHK1 mRNA expression as determined by real-time PCR. Down-regulation of SPHK1 with small interfering RNA significantly reduced SPHK1 protein levels by Western blotting. Knock down of SPHK1 expression significantly decreased cell proliferation of all MFH cells. These results suggest that the expression of S1P receptors may play an important role for cell proliferation and may correlate with histologic grade in malignant bone and soft tissue tumors, and that SPHK1 may be one of essential mo展开更多
基金This study was supported by grants funded by the USA National Institutes of Health(NIH)U01CA179582 and R01 CA222490.
文摘Many receptors can be activated by bile acids(BAs)and their derivatives.These include nuclear receptors farnesoid X receptor(FXR),pregnane X receptor(PXR),and vitamin D receptor(VDR),as well as membrane receptors Takeda G protein receptor 5(TGR5),sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2(S1PR2),and cholinergic receptor muscarinic 2(CHRM2).All of them are implicated in the development of metabolic and immunological diseases in response to endobiotic and xenobiotic exposure.Because epigenetic regulation is critical for organisms to adapt to constant environmental changes,this review article summarizes epigenetic regulation as well as post-transcriptional modification of bile acid re-ceptors.In addition,the focus of this review is on the liver and digestive tract although these receptors may have effects on other organs.Those regulatory mechanisms are implicated in the disease process and critically important in uncovering innovative strategy for prevention and treatment of metabolic and immunological diseases.
基金Supported by Grant 2010 from Tokyo MetropolisJapan
文摘AIM: To examine the expression of SphK1, an oncogenic kinase that produces sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), and its correlation with the expression of LPAR2, a major lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor overexpressed in various cancers, in human colorectal cancer.METHODS: Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the mRNA expression of SphK1, LPAR2, and the three major S1P receptors in 27 colorectal cancer samples and corresponding normal tissue samples. We also examined the correlation between the expression of SphK1 and LPAR2.RESULTS: Colorectal cancer tissue in 22 of 27 patients had higher levels of SphK1 mRNA than in normal tissue. In two-thirds of the samples, SphK1 mRNA expression was more than two-fold higher than in normal tissue. Consistent with previous reports, LPAR2 mRNA expression in 20 of 27 colorectal cancer tissue samples was higher compared to normal tissue samples. Expression profiles of all three major S1P receptors, S1PR1, S1PR2, and S1PR3, varied without any trend, with no significant difference in expression between cancer and normal tissues. A highly significant positive correlation was found between SphK1 and LPAR2 expression [Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) = 0.784 and P < 0.01]. The mRNA levels of SphK1 and LPAR2 did not correlate with TNM stage.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that S1P and LPA may play important roles in the development of colorectal cancer via the upregulation of SphK1 and LPAR2, both of which could serve as new therapeutic targets in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
基金supported by the National Science and Technology Major Project of China(Nos.2012ZX09301002-001-007 and2012ZX09301002-006)National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC,Nos.81202545,81302847 and 81473096)
文摘A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry(LC–MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of H002 and its phosphorylated metabolite, H002-P and hydroxylated metabolite H002-M, in rat blood. H001, an analogue of H002, was used as the internal standard.Blood samples were prepared by simple protein precipitation. The analytes and internal standard were separated on a Zorbax SB-C18 column with a gradient mobile phase consisting of methanol and water containing 0.1% formic acid at a flow rate of 0.2 mL /min with an operating temperature of 20 1C. The detection was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer with positive electrospray ionization in multiple-reaction monitoring mode.Linear detection responses were obtained from 0.2–100 ng/mL for H002 and H002-M, while 0.5–100 ng/mL for H002-P. The intra- and inter-day precision(RSD%) was within 11.76%, with the accuracy(RE%) ranging from –9.84% to 9.12%. The analytes were shown to be stable during sample storage, preparation and analytic procedures.The method was applied to determine the pharmacokinetics of H002 in rats, and a preliminary study showed that the pharmacokinetics of H002 correlated with its biological effect on peripheral blood lymphocytes.
基金This work was supported by the USA National Institutes of Health(NIH)grants R01 DK104893 and R01DK-057543VA Merit Award I01BX004033 and 1I01BX001390Research Career Scientist Award(IK6BX004477)from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
文摘The liver is the central organ involved in lipid metabolism and the gastrointestinal(GI)tract is responsible for nutrient absorption and partitioning.Obesity,dyslipidemia and metabolic disorders are of increasing public health concern worldwide,and novel therapeutics that target both the liver and the GI tract(gut-liver axis)are much needed.In addition to aiding fat digestion,bile acids act as important signaling molecules that regulate lipid,glucose and energy metabolism via activating nuclear receptor,G protein-coupled receptors(GPCRs),Takeda G protein receptor 5(TGR5)and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2(S1PR2).Sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P)is synthesized by two sphingosine kinase isoforms and is a potent signaling molecule that plays a critical role in various diseases such as fatty liver,in-flammatory bowel disease(IBD)and colorectal cancer.In this review,we will focus on recent findings related to the role of S1P-mediated signaling pathways in the gut-liver axis.
基金Supported by Grants-in-Aid for scientific research from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science,No.20015008,20054003,and 21390016
文摘The reverse cholesterol transport mediated by high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is an important mechanism for maintaining body cholesterol, and hence, the crucial anti-atherogenic action of the lipoprotein. Recent studies, however, have shown that HDL exerts a variety of anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic actions independently of cholesterol metabolism. The present review provides an overview of the roles of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)/S1P receptor and apolipoprotein A-I/scavenger receptor class B type I systems in the anti-atherogenic HDL actions. In addition, the physiological significance of the existence of S1P in the HDL particles is discussed.
文摘目的:观察经外周转染S1PR1基因慢病毒(LV-S1PR1)对实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(EAE)小鼠调节性T细胞比例及IL-17、IFN-γ水平的影响。方法:将30只健康雌性C57BL/6小鼠随机分为空白对照组、EAE模型组、LV-S1PR1转染组,后两组建立EAE模型,LV-S1PR1转染组经尾静脉注射LV-S1PR1。每日进行神经功能缺损评分;免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测外周血S1PR1表达水平;ELISA法检测外周血1-磷酸鞘氨醇(S1P)水平以及脊髓组织IL-17、IFN-γ水平;流式细胞术检测脾脏中调节性T细胞的比例。结果:与EAE模型组相比较,LV-S1PR1转染组神经功能缺损症状改善;外周血S1PR1表达增加( P <0.05);外周血S1P水平、脾脏中调节性T细胞比例及脊髓组织中IL-17和IFN-γ水平降低( P <0.05)。结论:经外周转染LV-S1PR1可以改善EAE小鼠的发病,其防治作用机制可能与上调外周S1PR1的表达,降低外周S1P水平,使T细胞迁移受阻有关。
基金supported by National Key Research&Development Program from the Ministry of Science and Technology of the PRC(No.2019YFE0111800,China)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81872923,China)+1 种基金Non-profit Central Research Institute Fund of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(No.2021-JKCS-016,China)The Science and Technology Development Fund,Macao SAR(No.0074/2019/AMJ,China).
文摘Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)is a progressive lung disease with unclear etiology and limited treatment options.The median survival time for IPF patients is approximately 2–3 years and there is no effective intervention to treat IPF other than lung transplantation.As important components of lung tissue,endothelial cells(ECs)are associated with pulmonary diseases.However,the role of endothelial dysfunction in pulmonary fibrosis(PF)is incompletely understood.Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1(S1PR1)is a G protein-coupled receptor highly expressed in lung ECs.Its expression is markedly reduced in patients with IPF.Herein,we generated an endothelial-conditional S1pr1 knockout mouse model which exhibited inflammation and fibrosis with or without bleomycin(BLM)challenge.Selective activation of S1PR1 with an S1PR1 agonist,IMMH002,exerted a potent therapeutic effect in mice with bleomycin-induced fibrosis by protecting the integrity of the endothelial barrier.These results suggest that S1PR1 might be a promising drug target for IPF therapy.
文摘Recent Background: Development of obesity involves promotion of preadipocyte differrentiation. This study investigated the role that sphingosine kinases (SPHK) and ceramide-derived sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) play in adipocyte terminal differentiation. Materials and Methods: The mouse 3T3-L1 cell line was used as a model for adipogenesis. Cells were harvested at specific time points after initation of differentiation, and SPHK activity was measured. 3T3-L1 cells were treated with S1P and expression of early adipogenesis transcription markers was measured by real time PCR. The expression of S1P-receptors (S1PRs) during differentiation was measured. Results: SPHK activity is induced when 3T3-L1 cells are treated with insulin, dexamethasone, and isobutylmethylxanthine to induce differentiation. SPHK1 is active in preadipocytes and early in the differentiation process. Both SPHK1 and SPHK2 isozymes contribute to activity in differentiated adipocytes. Inhibition of SPHK1 attenuates adipocyte differentiation;however, extracellular S1P does not rescue the effect of SPHK1 inhibition on adipogenesis. Although treatment of preadipocytes with S1P induced message expression of the early adipogenesis transcription factor CC AAT/ binding proteinalpha, continued treatment did not fully support the development of differentiated adipocytes. Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors (S1PRs) are expressed in preadipocytes and message expression declines markedly during adipocyte differentiation. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the contribution of SPHK and S1P to adipogenesis is mediated primarily through biphasic activation of SPHK1 and 2 with extracellular S1P and S1PRs playing little role during preadipocyte differentiation.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81971231(to JL)Liaoning Revitalization Talents Program,No.XLYC1907178(to JL)。
文摘Recent research on the underlying mechanisms of cerebral ischemia indicates that the neurovascular unit can be used as a novel subject for general surveys of neuronal damage and protein mechanisms.Fingolimod(FTY-720)is a newly developed immunosuppressant isolated from Cordyceps sinensis that exhibits a wide range of biological activities,and has recently attracted much attention for the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular diseases.In the current research,the role of FTY-720 and its possible mechanisms were assessed from an neurovascular unit perspective using a rat cerebral ischemia model.Our results revealed that FTY-720 markedly decreased infarct volume,promoted neurological function recovery,and weakened the blood-brain barrier permeability of ischemic rats.The protective roles of FTY-720 in ischemic stroke are ascribed to a combination of sphingosin-1-phosphate receptor-1 and reduced expression of sphingosin-1-phosphate receptor-1 in microvessels and reduction of interleukin-17A protein levels.These findings indicate that FTY-720 has promise as a new therapy for neurovascular protection and functional recovery after ischemic stroke.
文摘Sphingolipids are ubiquitous components of cell membranes. Their metabolites ceramide, sphingosine, and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) have important physiological functions, including regulation of cell growth and survival. S1P is generated by phosphorylation of sphingosine catalyzed by sphingosine kinase-1 (SPHK1). The purpose of this study is to explore the roles of S1P, S1P receptors, and sphingosine kinases in malignant musculoskeletal tumors. Twenty-one tumor samples (7 liposarcomas, 3 chondrosarcomas, 6 osteosarcomas, 5 MFH) obtained at open biopsy, and four human MFH cell lines (Nara H, Nara F, TNMY1, GBS-1) were used. We examined the mRNA expression of S1P receptors by RT-PCR, and the expression levels of SPHK by Real-time PCR. We used 4 MFH cell lines to analyze SPHK1 proteins by Western blotting. SPHK1 siRNA was transfected into MFH cell lines by lipofection method. Cell proliferation (control and transfected with siRNA) was assayed using WST-8 (Cell Counting Kit-8) assay. All high grade malignant tumors expressed S1P1, S1P2, S1P3 receptors, whereas the expression of S1P1 receptor was detected in 50% of low-grade malignant tumors, S1P2 receptor in 30%, and S1P3 in 50%. No statistically significant difference was found in the expression level of SPHK1 between high-grade and low-grade malignant tumors by Real-time PCR. By results of Western blotting, proteins of SPHK1 were expressed in all MFH cell lines. In MFH cell lines, transfection with SPHK1 siRNA oligonucleotides resulted in approximately 50 to 80% suppression of SPHK1 mRNA expression as determined by real-time PCR. Down-regulation of SPHK1 with small interfering RNA significantly reduced SPHK1 protein levels by Western blotting. Knock down of SPHK1 expression significantly decreased cell proliferation of all MFH cells. These results suggest that the expression of S1P receptors may play an important role for cell proliferation and may correlate with histologic grade in malignant bone and soft tissue tumors, and that SPHK1 may be one of essential mo
