International Journal of Molecular Sciences

14 pages, 1345 KiB

Open AccessReview

Extracellular ATP as an Inter-Kingdom Signaling Molecule: Release Mechanisms by Bacteria and Its Implication on the Host

by Daniel Spari and Guido Beldi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5590; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155590 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5509

Abstract

The purine adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) is not only a universal intracellular energy carrier but plays also an important role as extracellular signaling molecule. Purinergic signaling is involved in many physiological and pathological processes like coagulation, inflammation, or sepsis in mammals. ATP is well-known [...] Read more.

The purine adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) is not only a universal intracellular energy carrier but plays also an important role as extracellular signaling molecule. Purinergic signaling is involved in many physiological and pathological processes like coagulation, inflammation, or sepsis in mammals. ATP is well-known as a messenger for intercellular communications in multicellular organisms, but phylogenetically much older unicellular organisms like yeast or bacteria use ATP as an extracellular signaling molecule as well. However, the mechanisms of ATP secretion by bacteria and its extracellular implications still have to be elucidated. This review will provide an overview of the current knowledge about bacterial extracellular ATP (eATP) under homeostatic conditions and during growth. Possible secretion mechanisms of ATP by bacteria will be discussed and implications of bacterial ATP are shown, with a focus on bacteria–host interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Immunology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effective Combination Therapy of Angiotensin-II Receptor Blocker and Rifaximin for Hepatic Fibrosis in Rat Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

by Yukihisa Fujinaga, Hideto Kawaratani, Daisuke Kaya, Yuki Tsuji, Takahiro Ozutsumi, Masanori Furukawa, Koh Kitagawa, Shinya Sato, Norihisa Nishimura, Yasuhiko Sawada, Hiroaki Takaya, Kosuke Kaji, Naotaka Shimozato, Kei Moriya, Tadashi Namisaki, Takemi Akahane, Akira Mitoro and Hitoshi Yoshiji

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5589; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155589 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3950

Abstract

The progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is complicated. The multiple parallel-hits theory is advocated, which includes adipocytokines, insulin resistance, endotoxins, and oxidative stress. Pathways involving the gut–liver axis also mediate the progression of NASH. Angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARB) suppress hepatic fibrosis via the [...] Read more.

The progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is complicated. The multiple parallel-hits theory is advocated, which includes adipocytokines, insulin resistance, endotoxins, and oxidative stress. Pathways involving the gut–liver axis also mediate the progression of NASH. Angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARB) suppress hepatic fibrosis via the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Rifaximin, a nonabsorbable antibacterial agent, is used for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy and has been recently reported to improve intestinal permeability. We examined the inhibitory effects on and mechanism of hepatic fibrogenesis by combining ARB and rifaximin administration. Fischer 344 rats were fed a choline-deficient/l-amino acid-defined (CDAA) diet for 8 weeks to generate the NASH model. The therapeutic effect of combining an ARB and rifaximin was evaluated along with hepatic fibrogenesis, the lipopolysaccharide–Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) regulatory cascade, and intestinal barrier function. ARBs had a potent inhibitory effect on hepatic fibrogenesis by suppressing HSC activation and hepatic expression of transforming growth factor-β and TLR4. Rifaximin reduced intestinal permeability by rescuing zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) disruption induced by the CDAA diet and reduced portal endotoxin. Rifaximin directly affect to ZO-1 expression on intestinal epithelial cells. The combination of an ARB and rifaximin showed a stronger inhibitory effect compared to that conferred by a single agent. ARBs improve hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting HSCs, whereas rifaximin improves hepatic fibrosis by improving intestinal permeability through improving intestinal tight junction proteins (ZO-1). Therefore, the combination of ARBs and rifaximin may be a promising therapy for NASH fibrosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liver–Gut Axis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conversion of Isocyanide to Amine in The Presence of Water and Hg(II) Ions: Kinetics and Mechanism as Detected by Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry

by Anita Adamoczky, Lajos Nagy, Miklós Nagy, Miklós Zsuga and Sándor Kéki

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5588; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155588 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3233

Abstract

Aromatic isocyanides including isocyanonaphthalene derivatives have been proven to be very effective fluorescent sensors for the quantification of Hg(II) ions in water. Thus, the reaction of 1,5-isocyanoaminonaphthalene (1,5-ICAN), which is one of the most important members of this family, with water and HgCl [...] Read more.

Aromatic isocyanides including isocyanonaphthalene derivatives have been proven to be very effective fluorescent sensors for the quantification of Hg(II) ions in water. Thus, the reaction of 1,5-isocyanoaminonaphthalene (1,5-ICAN), which is one of the most important members of this family, with water and HgCl₂ as the oxidation agents, was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and mass spectrometry in order to get deeper insight into the kinetics and mechanistic details of this complex reaction. The reactions of 1,5-ICAN with water and HgCl₂ were performed in various water/co-solvent mixtures of different compositions. The co-solvents used in this study were both aprotic solvents including tetrahydrofuran, acetonitrile and N,N-dimethylformamide and protic solvents, such as ethanol and 2-propanol. It was found that in aprotic solvents the conversion of the isocyano group to amino moiety takes place, while in protic solvents the corresponding carbamate (urethane) group is formed in addition to the amino moiety. The variation of the resulting fluorescence intensities versus time curves were described using an irreversible, consecutive reaction model, in which the formation of isocyanate and carbamic acid intermediates, as well as diamino and carbamate (in the case of protic solvents) products were assumed. The formation of these intermediates and products was unambiguously confirmed by mass spectrometric measurements. Furthermore, by fitting the model to the experimental fluorescence versus time curves, the corresponding rate coefficients were determined. It was observed that the overall rate of transformation of the isocyano group to amino moiety increased with the water concentration and the polarity of the co-solvent. It was also supported that formation of diamino and carbamate derivatives in protic solvents takes place simultaneously and that the ratio of the amino to the carbamate function increased with the increasing water concentration. In addition, with an extension, the model presented herein proved to be capable of describing the kinetics of the transformation of 1,5-diisocyanonaphthalene (1,5-DIN) into 1,5-diaminonaphthalene (1,5-DAN) in the mixtures of water/aprotic solvents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2132 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Alleviation of Photosynthetic Damage in Tomato under Drought and Cold Stress by High CO₂ and Melatonin

by Rong Zhou, Hongjian Wan, Fangling Jiang, Xiangnan Li, Xiaqing Yu, Eva Rosenqvist and Carl-Otto Ottosen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5587; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155587 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4051

Abstract

The atmospheric CO₂ concentration (a[CO₂]) is increasing at an unprecedented pace. Exogenous melatonin plays positive roles in the response of plants to abiotic stresses, including drought and cold. The effect of elevated CO₂ concentration (e[CO₂]) accompanied by [...] Read more.

The atmospheric CO₂ concentration (a[CO₂]) is increasing at an unprecedented pace. Exogenous melatonin plays positive roles in the response of plants to abiotic stresses, including drought and cold. The effect of elevated CO₂ concentration (e[CO₂]) accompanied by exogenous melatonin on plants under drought and cold stresses remains unknown. Here, tomato plants were grown under a[CO₂] and e[CO₂], with half of the plants pre-treated with melatonin. The plants were subsequently treated with drought stress followed by cold stress. The results showed that a decreased net photosynthetic rate (P_N) was aggravated by a prolonged water deficit. The P_N was partially restored after recovery from drought but stayed low under a successive cold stress. Starch content was downregulated by drought but upregulated by cold. The e[CO₂] enhanced P_N of the plants under non-stressed conditions, and moderate drought and recovery but not severe drought. Stomatal conductance (g_s) and the transpiration rate (E) was less inhibited by drought under e[CO₂] than under a[CO₂]. Tomato grown under e[CO₂] had better leaf cooling than under a[CO₂] when subjected to drought. Moreover, melatonin enhanced P_N during recovery from drought and cold stress, and enhanced biomass accumulation in tomato under e[CO₂]. The chlorophyll a content in plants treated with melatonin was higher than in non-treated plants under e[CO₂] during cold stress. Our findings will improve the knowledge on plant responses to abiotic stresses in a future [CO₂]-rich environment accompanied by exogenous melatonin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Stress and Plants)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4597 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimized Protocol for Isolation of Small Extracellular Vesicles from Human and Murine Lymphoid Tissues

by Marie Bordas, Géraldine Genard, Sibylle Ohl, Michelle Nessling, Karsten Richter, Tobias Roider, Sascha Dietrich, Kendra K. Maaß and Martina Seiffert

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5586; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155586 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5169

Abstract

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are nanoparticles responsible for cell-to-cell communication released by healthy and cancer cells. Different roles have been described for sEVs in physiological and pathological contexts, including acceleration of tissue regeneration, modulation of tumor microenvironment, or premetastatic niche formation, and they [...] Read more.

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are nanoparticles responsible for cell-to-cell communication released by healthy and cancer cells. Different roles have been described for sEVs in physiological and pathological contexts, including acceleration of tissue regeneration, modulation of tumor microenvironment, or premetastatic niche formation, and they are discussed as promising biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in body fluids. Although efforts have been made to standardize techniques for isolation and characterization of sEVs, current protocols often result in co-isolation of soluble protein or lipid complexes and of other extracellular vesicles. The risk of contaminated preparations is particularly high when isolating sEVs from tissues. As a consequence, the interpretation of data aiming at understanding the functional role of sEVs remains challenging and inconsistent. Here, we report an optimized protocol for isolation of sEVs from human and murine lymphoid tissues. sEVs from freshly resected human lymph nodes and murine spleens were isolated comparing two different approaches—(1) ultracentrifugation on a sucrose density cushion and (2) combined ultracentrifugation with size-exclusion chromatography. The purity of sEV preparations was analyzed using state-of-the-art techniques, including immunoblots, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and electron microscopy. Our results clearly demonstrate the superiority of size-exclusion chromatography, which resulted in a higher yield and purity of sEVs, and we show that their functionality alters significantly between the two isolation protocols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extracellular Vesicles: Biology and Potentials in Cancer Therapeutics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 1832 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Whole Genome Sequencing Data for a First in Silico Specificity Evaluation of the RT-qPCR Assays Used for SARS-CoV-2 Detection

by Mathieu Gand, Kevin Vanneste, Isabelle Thomas, Steven Van Gucht, Arnaud Capron, Philippe Herman, Nancy H. C. Roosens and Sigrid C. J. De Keersmaecker

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5585; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155585 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6384

Abstract

The current COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic started in December 2019. COVID-19 cases are confirmed by the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in biological samples by RT-qPCR. However, limited numbers of SARS-CoV-2 genomes were available when the first RT-qPCR methods were developed in January [...] Read more.

The current COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic started in December 2019. COVID-19 cases are confirmed by the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in biological samples by RT-qPCR. However, limited numbers of SARS-CoV-2 genomes were available when the first RT-qPCR methods were developed in January 2020 for initial in silico specificity evaluation and to verify whether the targeted loci are highly conserved. Now that more whole genome data have become available, we used the bioinformatics tool SCREENED and a total of 4755 publicly available SARS-CoV-2 genomes, downloaded at two different time points, to evaluate the specificity of 12 RT-qPCR tests (consisting of a total of 30 primers and probe sets) used for SARS-CoV-2 detection and the impact of the virus’ genetic evolution on four of them. The exclusivity of these methods was also assessed using the human reference genome and 2624 closely related other respiratory viral genomes. The specificity of the assays was generally good and stable over time. An exception is the first method developed by the China Center for Disease Control and prevention (CDC), which exhibits three primer mismatches present in 358 SARS-CoV-2 genomes sequenced mainly in Europe from February 2020 onwards. The best results were obtained for the assay of Chan et al. (2020) targeting the gene coding for the spiking protein (S). This demonstrates that our user-friendly strategy can be used for a first in silico specificity evaluation of future RT-qPCR tests, as well as verifying that the former methods are still capable of detecting circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research of COVID-19 on the Bioinformatics Field)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 5398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Androgen-Antagonistic Coumarinamides with a Unique Aromatic Folded Pharmacophore

by Hitomi Koga, Mai Negishi, Marie Kinoshita, Shinya Fujii, Shuichi Mori, Mari Ishigami-Yuasa, Emiko Kawachi, Hiroyuki Kagechika and Aya Tanatani

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5584; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155584 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2897

Abstract

First-generation nonsteroidal androgen receptor (AR) antagonists, such as flutamide (2a) and bicalutamide (3), are effective for most prostate cancer patients, but resistance often appears after several years due to the mutation of AR. Second-generation AR antagonists are effective against [...] Read more.

First-generation nonsteroidal androgen receptor (AR) antagonists, such as flutamide (2a) and bicalutamide (3), are effective for most prostate cancer patients, but resistance often appears after several years due to the mutation of AR. Second-generation AR antagonists are effective against some of these castration-resistant prostate cancers, but their structural variety is still limited. In this study, we designed and synthesized 4-methyl-7-(N-alkyl-arylcarboxamido)coumarins as AR antagonist candidates and evaluated their growth-inhibitory activity toward androgen-dependent SC-3 cells. Coumarinamides with a secondary amide bond did not show inhibitory activity, but their N-methylated derivatives exhibited AR-antagonistic activity. Especially, 19b and 31b were more potent than the lead compound 7b, which was comparable to hydroxyflutamide (2b). Conformational analysis showed that the inactive coumarinamides with a secondary amide bond have an extended structure with a trans-amide bond, while the active N-methylated coumarinamides have a folded structure with a cis-amide bond, in which the two aromatic rings are placed face-to-face. Docking study suggested that this folded structure is important for binding to AR. Selected coumarinamide derivatives showed AR-antagonistic activity toward LNCaP cells with T877A AR, and they had weak progesterone receptor (PR)-antagonistic activity. The folded coumarinamide structure appears to be a unique pharmacophore, different from those of conventional AR antagonists. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biology of Nuclear Receptors 2.0)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 1113 KiB

Open AccessReview

The MUDENG Augmentation: A Genesis in Anti-Cancer Therapy?

by Manikandan Muthu, Sechul Chun, Judy Gopal, Gyun-Seok Park, Arti Nile, Jisoo Shin, Juhyun Shin, Tae-Hyoung Kim and Jae-Wook Oh

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5583; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155583 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4392

Abstract

Despite multitudes of reports on cancer remedies available, we are far from being able to declare that we have arrived at that defining anti-cancer therapy. In recent decades, researchers have been looking into the possibility of enhancing cell death-related signaling pathways in cancer [...] Read more.

Despite multitudes of reports on cancer remedies available, we are far from being able to declare that we have arrived at that defining anti-cancer therapy. In recent decades, researchers have been looking into the possibility of enhancing cell death-related signaling pathways in cancer cells using pro-apoptotic proteins. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and Mu-2/AP1M2 domain containing, death-inducing (MUDENG, MuD) have been established for their ability to bring about cell death specifically in cancer cells. Targeted cell death is a very attractive term when it comes to cancer, since most therapies also affect normal cells. In this direction TRAIL has made noteworthy progress. This review briefly sums up what has been done using TRAIL in cancer therapeutics. The importance of MuD and what has been achieved thus far through MuD and the need to widen and concentrate on applicational aspects of MuD has been highlighted. This has been suggested as the future perspective of MuD towards prospective progress in cancer research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances of Proteomics Applied to Cancer and Human Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bladder Cancer Metastasis Induced by Chronic Everolimus Application Can Be Counteracted by Sulforaphane In Vitro

by Saira Justin, Jochen Rutz, Sebastian Maxeiner, Felix K.-H. Chun, Eva Juengel and Roman A. Blaheta

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5582; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155582 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2810

Abstract

Chronic treatment with the mTOR inhibitor, everolimus, fails long-term in preventing tumor growth and dissemination in cancer patients. Thus, patients experiencing treatment resistance seek complementary measures, hoping to improve therapeutic efficacy. This study investigated metastatic characteristics of bladder carcinoma cells exposed to everolimus [...] Read more.

Chronic treatment with the mTOR inhibitor, everolimus, fails long-term in preventing tumor growth and dissemination in cancer patients. Thus, patients experiencing treatment resistance seek complementary measures, hoping to improve therapeutic efficacy. This study investigated metastatic characteristics of bladder carcinoma cells exposed to everolimus combined with the isothiocyanate sulforaphane (SFN), which has been shown to exert cancer inhibiting properties. RT112, UMUC3, or TCCSUP bladder carcinoma cells were exposed short- (24 h) or long-term (8 weeks) to everolimus (0.5 nM) or SFN (2.5 µM), alone or in combination. Adhesion and chemotaxis along with profiling details of CD44 receptor variants (v) and integrin α and β subtypes were evaluated. The functional impact of CD44 and integrins was explored by blocking studies and siRNA knock-down. Long-term exposure to everolimus enhanced chemotactic activity, whereas long-term exposure to SFN or the SFN-everolimus combination diminished chemotaxis. CD44v4 and v7 increased on RT112 cells following exposure to SFN or SFN-everolimus. Up-regulation of the integrins α6, αV, and β1 and down-regulation of β4 that was present with everolimus alone could be prevented by combining SFN and everolimus. Down-regulation of αV, β1, and β4 reduced chemotactic activity, whereas knock-down of CD44 correlated with enhanced chemotaxis. SFN could, therefore, inhibit resistance-related tumor dissemination during everolimus-based bladder cancer treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Chronic Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5704 KiB

Open AccessArticle

α1AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Protects against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Endothelial Barrier Disruption via Junctional Reinforcement and Activation of the p38 MAPK/HSP27 Pathway

by Marine Angé, Diego Castanares-Zapatero, Julien De Poortere, Cécile Dufeys, Guillaume E. Courtoy, Caroline Bouzin, Rozenn Quarck, Luc Bertrand, Christophe Beauloye and Sandrine Horman

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5581; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155581 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3766

Abstract

Vascular hyperpermeability is a determinant factor in the pathophysiology of sepsis. While, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is known to play a role in maintaining endothelial barrier function in this condition. Therefore, we investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms of this protective effect. α1AMPK expression [...] Read more.

Vascular hyperpermeability is a determinant factor in the pathophysiology of sepsis. While, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is known to play a role in maintaining endothelial barrier function in this condition. Therefore, we investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms of this protective effect. α1AMPK expression and/or activity was modulated in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells using either α1AMPK-targeting small interfering RNA or the direct pharmacological AMPK activator 991, prior to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. Western blotting was used to analyze the expression and/or phosphorylation of proteins that compose cellular junctions (zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-Cad), connexin 43 (Cx43)) or that regulate actin cytoskeleton (p38 MAPK; heat shock protein 27 (HSP27)). Functional endothelial permeability was assessed by in vitro Transwell assays, and quantification of cellular junctions in the plasma membrane was assessed by immunofluorescence. Actin cytoskeleton remodeling was evaluated through actin fluorescent staining. We consequently demonstrate that α1AMPK deficiency is associated with reduced expression of CX43, ZO-1, and VE-Cad, and that the drastic loss of CX43 is likely responsible for the subsequent decreased expression and localization of ZO-1 and VE-Cad in the plasma membrane. Moreover, α1AMPK activation by 991 protects against LPS-induced endothelial barrier disruption by reinforcing cortical actin cytoskeleton. This is due to a mechanism that involves the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and HSP27, which is nonetheless independent of the small GTPase Rac1. This results in a drastic decrease of LPS-induced hyperpermeability. We conclude that α1AMPK activators that are suitable for clinical use may provide a specific therapeutic intervention that limits sepsis-induced vascular leakage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signalling 2.0)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3679 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Analysis of Expression, Clinicopathological Association and Potential Prognostic Significance of RABs in Pancreatic Cancer

by Shashi Anand, Mohammad Aslam Khan, Moh’d Khushman, Santanu Dasgupta, Seema Singh and Ajay Pratap Singh

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5580; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155580 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3807

Abstract

RAB proteins (RABs) represent the largest subfamily of Ras-like small GTPases that regulate a wide variety of endosomal membrane transport pathways. Their aberrant expression has been demonstrated in various malignancies and implicated in pathogenesis. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we analyzed [...] Read more.

RAB proteins (RABs) represent the largest subfamily of Ras-like small GTPases that regulate a wide variety of endosomal membrane transport pathways. Their aberrant expression has been demonstrated in various malignancies and implicated in pathogenesis. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we analyzed the differential expression and clinicopathological association of RAB genes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Of the 62 RAB genes analyzed, five (RAB3A, RAB26, RAB25, RAB21, and RAB22A) exhibited statistically significant upregulation, while five (RAB6B, RAB8B, RABL2A, RABL2B, and RAB32) were downregulated in PDAC as compared to the normal pancreas. Racially disparate expression was also reported for RAB3A, RAB25, and RAB26. However, no clear trend of altered expression was observed with increasing stage and grade, age, and gender of the patients. PDAC from occasional drinkers had significantly higher expression of RAB21 compared to daily or weekly drinkers, whereas RAB25 expression was significantly higher in social drinkers, compared to occasional ones. The expression of RABL2A was significantly reduced in PDAC from diabetic patients, whereas RAB26 was significantly lower in pancreatitis patients. More importantly, a significant association of high expression of RAB21, RAB22A, and RAB25, and low expression of RAB6B, RABL2A, and RABL2B was observed with poorer survival of PC patients. Together, our study suggests potential diagnostic and prognostic significance of RABs in PDAC, warranting further investigations to define their functional and mechanistic significance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Interfaces in Gastrointestinal Cancer)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mutation in Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Results in Down-Regulation of Amyloid Beta (A4) Precursor-Like Protein 1 in Young Age, Which May Lead to Poor Memory Retention in Old Age

by Keiko Unno, Yoshiichi Takagi, Tomokazu Konishi, Mitsuhiro Suzuki, Akiyuki Miyake, Takumi Kurotaki, Tadashi Hase, Shinichi Meguro, Atsuyoshi Shimada, Sanae Hasegawa-Ishii, Monira Pervin, Kyoko Taguchi and Yoriyuki Nakamura

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5579; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155579 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3529

Abstract

Senescence-accelerated mouse prone 10 (SAMP10) exhibits cerebral atrophy and depression-like behavior. A line of SAMP10 with spontaneous mutation in the Slc5a2 gene encoding the sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 2 was named SAMP10/TaSlc-Slc5a2^slc (SAMP10-ΔSglt2) and was identified as a renal diabetes model. In [...] Read more.

Senescence-accelerated mouse prone 10 (SAMP10) exhibits cerebral atrophy and depression-like behavior. A line of SAMP10 with spontaneous mutation in the Slc5a2 gene encoding the sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 2 was named SAMP10/TaSlc-Slc5a2^slc (SAMP10-ΔSglt2) and was identified as a renal diabetes model. In contrast, a line of SAMP10 with no mutation in SGLT2 (SAMP10/TaIdrSlc, SAMP10(+)) was recently established under a specific pathogen-free condition. Here, we examined the mutation effect in SGLT2 on brain function and longevity. No differences were found in the survival curve, depression-like behavior, and age-related brain atrophy between SAMP10-ΔSglt2 and SAMP10(+). However, memory retention was lower in SAMP10-ΔSglt2 mice than SAMP10(+). Amyloid beta (A4) precursor-like protein 1 (Aplp1) expression was significantly lower in the hippocampus of SAMP10-ΔSGLT2 than in SAMP10(+) at 2 months of age, but was similar at 12 months of age. CaM kinase-like vesicle association (Camkv) expression was remarkably lower in SAMP10(+). These genes have been reported to be involved in dendrite function. Amyloid precursor proteins have been reported to involve in maintaining homeostasis of glucose and insulin. These results suggest that mutation in SGLT2 results in down-regulation of Aplp1 in young age, which can lead to poor memory retention in old age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amyloid β and Alzheimer’s Disease: Molecular Updates from Physiology to Pathology)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 5298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Artemisinin-Derived Autofluorescent Compound BG95 Exerts Strong Anticytomegaloviral Activity Based on a Mitochondrial Targeting Mechanism

by Markus Wild, Friedrich Hahn, Benedikt Grau, Lars Herrmann, Aischa Niesar, Martin Schütz, Melanie M. Lorion, Lutz Ackermann, Svetlana B. Tsogoeva and Manfred Marschall

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5578; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155578 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3745

Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a major human pathogen associated with severe pathology. Current options of antiviral therapy only partly satisfy the needs of a well-tolerated long-term treatment/prophylaxis free from drug-induced viral resistance. Recently, we reported the strong antiviral properties in vitro and in [...] Read more.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a major human pathogen associated with severe pathology. Current options of antiviral therapy only partly satisfy the needs of a well-tolerated long-term treatment/prophylaxis free from drug-induced viral resistance. Recently, we reported the strong antiviral properties in vitro and in vivo of the broad-spectrum anti-infective drug artesunate and its optimized derivatives. NF-κB signaling was described as a targeting mechanism and additional target proteins have recently been identified. Here, we analyzed the autofluorescent hybrid compound BG95, which could be utilized for intracellular visualization by confocal imaging and a tracking analysis in virus-infected primary human fibroblasts. As an important finding, BG95 accumulated in mitochondria visualized by anti-prohibitin and MitoTracker staining, and induced statistically significant changes of mitochondrial morphology, distinct from those induced by HCMV infection. Notably, mitochondrial membrane potential was found substantially reduced by BG95, an effect apparently counteracting efficient HCMV replication, which requires active mitochondria and upregulated energy levels. This finding was consistent with binding properties of artesunate-like compounds to mitochondrial proteins and thereby suggested a new mechanistic aspect. Combined, the present study underlines an important role of mitochondria in the multifaceted, host-directed antiviral mechanism of this drug class, postulating a new mitochondria-specific mode of protein targeting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 1700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

RAP-011 Rescues the Disease Phenotype in a Cellular Model of Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia Type II by Inhibiting the SMAD2-3 Pathway

by Gianluca De Rosa, Immacolata Andolfo, Roberta Marra, Francesco Manna, Barbara Eleni Rosato, Achille Iolascon and Roberta Russo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5577; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155577 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3558

Abstract

Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type II (CDA II) is a hypo-productive anemia defined by ineffective erythropoiesis through maturation arrest of erythroid precursors. CDA II is an autosomal recessive disorder due to loss-of-function mutations in SEC23B. Currently, management of patients with CDA II is [...] Read more.

Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type II (CDA II) is a hypo-productive anemia defined by ineffective erythropoiesis through maturation arrest of erythroid precursors. CDA II is an autosomal recessive disorder due to loss-of-function mutations in SEC23B. Currently, management of patients with CDA II is based on transfusions, splenectomy, or hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. Several studies have highlighted benefits of ACE-011 (sotatercept) treatment of ineffective erythropoiesis, which acts as a ligand trap against growth differentiation factor (GDF)11. Herein, we show that GDF11 levels are increased in CDA II, which suggests sotatercept as a targeted therapy for treatment of these patients. Treatment of stable clones of SEC23B-silenced erythroleukemia K562 cells with the iron-containing porphyrin hemin plus GDF11 increased expression of pSMAD2 and reduced nuclear localization of the transcription factor GATA1, with subsequent reduced gene expression of erythroid differentiation markers. We demonstrate that treatment of these SEC23B-silenced K562 cells with RAP-011, a “murinized” ortholog of sotatercept, rescues the disease phenotype by restoring gene expression of erythroid markers through inhibition of the phosphorylated SMAD2 pathway. Our data also demonstrate the effect of RAP-011 treatment in reducing the expression of erythroferrone in vitro, thus suggesting a possible beneficial role of the use of sotatercept in the management of iron overload in patients with CDA II. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation of Erythropoiesis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 717 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

The Literature of Chemoinformatics: 1978–2018

by Peter Willett

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5576; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155576 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4772

Abstract

This article presents a study of the literature of chemoinformatics, updating and building upon an analogous bibliometric investigation that was published in 2008. Data on outputs in the field, and citations to those outputs, were obtained by means of topic searches of the [...] Read more.

This article presents a study of the literature of chemoinformatics, updating and building upon an analogous bibliometric investigation that was published in 2008. Data on outputs in the field, and citations to those outputs, were obtained by means of topic searches of the Web of Science Core Collection. The searches demonstrate that chemoinformatics is by now a well-defined sub-discipline of chemistry, and one that forms an essential part of the chemical educational curriculum. There are three core journals for the subject: The Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling, the Journal of Cheminformatics, and Molecular Informatics, and, having established itself, chemoinformatics is now starting to export knowledge to disciplines outside of chemistry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue QSAR and Chemoinformatics in Molecular Modeling and Drug Design)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3056 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Membrane Repair Deficit in Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy

by Adam J. Bittel, Sen Chandra Sreetama, Daniel C. Bittel, Adam Horn, James S. Novak, Toshifumi Yokota, Aiping Zhang, Rika Maruyama, Kenji Rowel Q. Lim, Jyoti K. Jaiswal and Yi-Wen Chen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5575; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155575 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4935

Abstract

Deficits in plasma membrane repair have been identified in dysferlinopathy and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and contribute to progressive myopathy. Although Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) shares clinicopathological features with these muscular dystrophies, it is unknown if FSHD is characterized by plasma membrane repair deficits. [...] Read more.

Deficits in plasma membrane repair have been identified in dysferlinopathy and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and contribute to progressive myopathy. Although Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) shares clinicopathological features with these muscular dystrophies, it is unknown if FSHD is characterized by plasma membrane repair deficits. Therefore, we exposed immortalized human FSHD myoblasts, immortalized myoblasts from unaffected siblings, and myofibers from a murine model of FSHD (FLExDUX4) to focal, pulsed laser ablation of the sarcolemma. Repair kinetics and success were determined from the accumulation of intracellular FM1-43 dye post-injury. We subsequently treated FSHD myoblasts with a DUX4-targeting antisense oligonucleotide (AON) to reduce DUX4 expression, and with the antioxidant Trolox to determine the role of DUX4 expression and oxidative stress in membrane repair. Compared to unaffected myoblasts, FSHD myoblasts demonstrate poor repair and a greater percentage of cells that failed to repair, which was mitigated by AON and Trolox treatments. Similar repair deficits were identified in FLExDUX4 myofibers. This is the first study to identify plasma membrane repair deficits in myoblasts from individuals with FSHD, and in myofibers from a murine model of FSHD. Our results suggest that DUX4 expression and oxidative stress may be important targets for future membrane-repair therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Muscle Atrophy: Discovery of Mechanisms and Potential Therapies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1728 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Canonical, Non-Canonical and Atypical Pathways of Nuclear Factor кb Activation in Preeclampsia

by Agata Sakowicz, Michalina Bralewska, Tadeusz Pietrucha, Dominika E Habrowska-Górczyńska, Agnieszka W Piastowska-Ciesielska, Agnieszka Gach, Magda Rybak-Krzyszkowska, Piotr J Witas, Hubert Huras, Mariusz Grzesiak and Lidia Biesiada

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5574; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155574 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6614

Abstract

Although higher nuclear factor κB (NFκB) expression and activity is observed in preeclamptic placentas, its mechanism of activation is unknown. This is the first study to investigate whether the canonical, non-canonical, or atypical NFκB activation pathways may be responsible for the higher activation [...] Read more.

Although higher nuclear factor κB (NFκB) expression and activity is observed in preeclamptic placentas, its mechanism of activation is unknown. This is the first study to investigate whether the canonical, non-canonical, or atypical NFκB activation pathways may be responsible for the higher activation of NFκB observed in preeclamptic placentas. The study included 268 cases (130 preeclamptic women and 138 controls). We studied the expression of the genes coding for NFκB activators (NIK, IKKα, IKKβ, and CK2α) and inhibitors (IκBα and IκBβ) using RT-PCR in real time. The RT-PCR results were verified on the protein level using ELISA and Western blot. To determine the efficiency of the pathways, the ratios of activator(s) to one of the inhibitors (IκBα or IκBβ) were calculated for each studied pathway. The preeclamptic placentas demonstrated significantly lower IKKα and CK2α but higher IκBα and IκBβ protein levels. In addition, the calculated activator(s) to inhibitor (IκBα or IκBβ) ratios suggested that all studied pathways might be downregulated in preeclamptic placentas. Our results indicate that preeclamptic placentas may demonstrate mechanisms of NFκB activation other than the canonical, non-canonical, and atypical forms. In these mechanisms, inhibitors of NFκB may play a key role. These observations broaden the existing knowledge regarding the molecular background of preeclampsia development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue NF-κB and Disease)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3707 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gga-miR-3525 Targets PDLIM3 through the MAPK Signaling Pathway to Regulate the Proliferation and Differentiation of Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells

by Huadong Yin, Jing Zhao, Haorong He, Yuqi Chen, Yan Wang, Diyan Li and Qing Zhu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5573; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155573 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3830

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved, small noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate expression of their target genes. Emerging evidence demonstrates that miRNAs are important regulators in the development of skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs). Our previous research showed that gga-miR-3525 is differentially expressed in [...] Read more.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved, small noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate expression of their target genes. Emerging evidence demonstrates that miRNAs are important regulators in the development of skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs). Our previous research showed that gga-miR-3525 is differentially expressed in breast muscle of broilers (high growth rate) and layers (low growth rate). In this study, we report a new role for gga-miR-3525 as a myogenic miRNA that regulates skeletal muscle development in chickens. Exogenous increases in the expression of gga-miR-3525 significantly inhibited proliferation and differentiation of SMSCs, whereas the opposite effects were observed in gga-miR-3525 knockdown SMSCs. We confirmed that PDLIM3 (PDZ and LIM domain 3) is a target gene of gga-miR-3525 that can promote proliferation and differentiation of SMSCs. We found that PDLIM3 overexpression elevated the abundance of phosphorylated (p-)p38 protein but that the gga-miR-3525 mimic and p38-MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) weakened the activation of p-p38. Furthermore, treatment with SB203580 reduced the promoting effect of PDLIM3 on SMSC proliferation and differentiation. Overall, our results indicate that gga-miR-3525 regulates the proliferation and differentiation of SMSCs by targeting PDLIM3 via the p38/MAPK signaling pathway in chickens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Coding RNA Biogenesis and Function 2020)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 661 KiB

Open AccessReview

Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review

by Emi Dika, Federica Scarfì, Manuela Ferracin, Elisabetta Broseghini, Emanuela Marcelli, Barbara Bortolani, Elena Campione, Mattia Riefolo, Costantino Ricci and Martina Lambertini

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5572; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155572 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 98 | Viewed by 11422

Abstract

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of carcinoma worldwide. BCC development is the result of a complex interaction between environmental, phenotypic and genetic factors. However, despite the progress in the field, BCC biology and mechanisms of resistance against systemic treatments [...] Read more.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of carcinoma worldwide. BCC development is the result of a complex interaction between environmental, phenotypic and genetic factors. However, despite the progress in the field, BCC biology and mechanisms of resistance against systemic treatments have been poorly investigated. The aim of the present review is to provide a revision of BCC histological and molecular features, including microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation, with a specific focus on the molecular basis of BCC systemic therapies. Papers from the last ten years regarding BCC genetic and phenotypic alterations, as well as the mechanism of resistance against hedgehog pathway inhibitors vismodegib and sonidegib were included. The involvement of miRNAs in BCC resistance to systemic therapies is emerging as a new field of knowledge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Influence of Genetics and Environmental Risk Factors in Cutaneous and Mucosal Neoplasms)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 3854 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Angiogenic and Anti-Proliferative Graphene Oxide Nanosheets for Tumor Cell Therapy

by Valeria Verde, Anna Longo, Lorena Maria Cucci, Vanessa Sanfilippo, Antonio Magrì, Cristina Satriano, Carmelina Daniela Anfuso, Gabriella Lupo and Diego La Mendola

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5571; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155571 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3487

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) is a bidimensional novel material that exhibits high biocompatibility and angiogenic properties, mostly related to the intracellular formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this work, we set up an experimental methodology for the fabrication of GO@peptide hybrids by the [...] Read more.

Graphene oxide (GO) is a bidimensional novel material that exhibits high biocompatibility and angiogenic properties, mostly related to the intracellular formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this work, we set up an experimental methodology for the fabrication of GO@peptide hybrids by the immobilization, via irreversible physical adsorption, of the Ac-(GHHPH)₄-NH₂ peptide sequence, known to mimic the anti-angiogenic domain of the histidine-proline-rich glycoprotein (HPRG). The anti-proliferative capability of the graphene-peptide hybrids were tested in vitro by viability assays on prostate cancer cells (PC-3 line), human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y), and human retinal endothelial cells (primary HREC). The anti-angiogenic response of the two cellular models of angiogenesis, namely endothelial and prostate cancer cells, was scrutinized by prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) release and wound scratch assays, to correlate the activation of inflammatory response upon the cell treatments with the GO@peptide nanocomposites to the cell migration processes. Results showed that the GO@peptide nanoassemblies not only effectively induced toxicity in the prostate cancer cells, but also strongly blocked the cell migration and inhibited the prostaglandin-mediated inflammatory process both in PC-3 and in HRECs. Moreover, the cytotoxic mechanism and the internalization efficiency of the theranostic nanoplatforms, investigated by mitochondrial ROS production analyses and confocal microscopy imaging, unraveled a dose-dependent manifold mechanism of action performed by the hybrid nanoassemblies against the PC-3 cells, with the detection of the GO-characteristic cell wrapping and mitochondrial perturbation. The obtained results pointed out to the very promising potential of the synthetized graphene-based hybrids for cancer therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Pro-/Anti-Angiogenic Therapies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consequences of Vitamin A Deficiency: Immunoglobulin Dysregulation, Squamous Cell Metaplasia, Infectious Disease, and Death

by Sherri L. Surman, Rhiannon R. Penkert, Robert E. Sealy, Bart G. Jones, Tony N. Marion, Peter Vogel and Julia L. Hurwitz

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5570; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155570 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6417

Abstract

Vitamin A is an important regulator of immune protection, but it is often overlooked in studies of infectious disease. Vitamin A binds an array of nuclear receptors (e.g., retinoic acid receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, retinoid X receptor) and influences the barrier and immune [...] Read more.

Vitamin A is an important regulator of immune protection, but it is often overlooked in studies of infectious disease. Vitamin A binds an array of nuclear receptors (e.g., retinoic acid receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, retinoid X receptor) and influences the barrier and immune cells responsible for pathogen control. Children and adults in developed and developing countries are often vitamin A-deficient or insufficient, characteristics associated with poor health outcomes. To gain a better understanding of the protective mechanisms influenced by vitamin A, we examined immune factors and epithelial barriers in vitamin A deficient (VAD) mice, vitamin D deficient (VDD) mice, double deficient (VAD+VDD) mice, and mice on a vitamin-replete diet (controls). Some mice received insults, including intraperitoneal injections with complete and incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (emulsified with PBS alone or with DNA + Fus-1 peptide) or intranasal inoculations with Sendai virus (SeV). Both before and after insults, the VAD and VAD+VDD mice exhibited abnormal serum immunoglobulin isotypes (e.g., elevated IgG2b levels, particularly in males) and cytokine/chemokine patterns (e.g., elevated eotaxin). Even without insult, when the VAD and VAD+VDD mice reached 3–6 months of age, they frequently exhibited opportunistic ascending bacterial urinary tract infections. There were high frequencies of nephropathy (squamous cell hyperplasia of the renal urothelium, renal scarring, and ascending pyelonephritis) and death in the VAD and VAD+VDD mice. When younger VAD mice were infected with SeV, the predominant lesion was squamous cell metaplasia of respiratory epithelium in lungs and bronchioles. Results highlight a critical role for vitamin A in the maintenance of healthy immune responses, epithelial cell integrity, and pathogen control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunoglobulins in Inflammation)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exercise-Induced Elevated BDNF Level Does Not Prevent Cognitive Impairment Due to Acute Exposure to Moderate Hypoxia in Well-Trained Athletes

by Zofia Piotrowicz, Małgorzata Chalimoniuk, Kamila Płoszczyca, Miłosz Czuba and Józef Langfort

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5569; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155569 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4342

Abstract

Exposure to acute hypoxia causes a detrimental effect on the brain which is also manifested by a decrease in the ability to perform psychomotor tasks. Conversely, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), whose levels are elevated in response to exercise, is a well-known factor in [...] Read more.

Exposure to acute hypoxia causes a detrimental effect on the brain which is also manifested by a decrease in the ability to perform psychomotor tasks. Conversely, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), whose levels are elevated in response to exercise, is a well-known factor in improving cognitive function. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate whether the exercise under hypoxic conditions affects psychomotor performance. For this purpose, 11 healthy young athletes performed a graded cycloergometer exercise test to volitional exhaustion under normoxia and acute mild hypoxia (FiO₂ = 14.7%). Before, immediately after exercise and after a period of recovery, choice reaction time (CRT) and number of correct reactions (NCR) in relation to changes in serum BDNF were examined. Additionally, other selected factors which may modify BDNF production, i.e., cortisol (C), nitrite, catecholamines (adrenalin-A, noradrenaline-NA, dopamine-DA, serotonin-5-HT) and endothelin-1 (ET-1), were also measured. Exercise in hypoxic conditions extended CRT by 13.8% (p < 0.01) and decreased NCR (by 11.5%) compared to rest (p < 0.05). During maximal workload, NCR was lower by 9% in hypoxia compared to normoxia (p < 0.05). BDNF increased immediately after exercise in normoxia (by 29.3%; p < 0.01), as well as in hypoxia (by 50.0%; p < 0.001). There were no differences in BDNF between normoxia and hypoxia. Considering the fact that similar levels of BDNF were seen in both conditions but cognitive performance was suppressed in hypoxia, acute elevation of BDNF did not compensate for hypoxia-induced cognition impairment. Moreover, neither potentially negative effects of C nor positive effects of A, DA and NO on the brain were observed in our study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuroprotection: Rescue from Neuronal Death in the Brain)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 742 KiB

Open AccessReview

Osteopontin: The Molecular Bridge between Fat and Cardiac–Renal Disorders

by Elena Vianello, Marta Kalousová, Elena Dozio, Lorenza Tacchini, Tomáš Zima and Massimiliano Marco Corsi Romanelli

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5568; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155568 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4118

Abstract

Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifaceted matricellular protein, with well-recognized roles in both the physiological and pathological processes in the body. OPN is expressed in the main organs and cell types, in which it induces different biological actions. During physiological conditioning, OPN acts as [...] Read more.

Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifaceted matricellular protein, with well-recognized roles in both the physiological and pathological processes in the body. OPN is expressed in the main organs and cell types, in which it induces different biological actions. During physiological conditioning, OPN acts as both an intracellular protein and soluble excreted cytokine, regulating tissue remodeling and immune-infiltrate in adipose tissue the heart and the kidney. In contrast, the increased expression of OPN has been correlated with the severity of the cardiovascular and renal outcomes associated with obesity. Indeed, OPN expression is at the “cross roads” of visceral fat extension, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and renal disorders, in which OPN orchestrates the molecular interactions, leading to chronic low-grade inflammation. The common factor associated with OPN overexpression in adipose, cardiac and renal tissues seems attributable to the concomitant increase in visceral fat size and the increase in infiltrated OPN⁺ macrophages. This review underlines the current knowledge on the molecular interactions between obesity and the cardiac–renal disorders ruled by OPN. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiometabolic Biomarkers)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 5679 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cell Sheets from Adipose Tissue MSC Induce Healing of Pressure Ulcer and Prevent Fibrosis via Trigger Effects on Granulation Tissue Growth and Vascularization

by Natalya Alexandrushkina, Peter Nimiritsky, Roman Eremichev, Vladimir Popov, Mikhail Arbatskiy, Natalia Danilova, Pavel Malkov, Zhanna Akopyan, Vsevolod Tkachuk and Pavel Makarevich

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5567; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155567 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4558

Abstract

We report a comparative study of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) delivered by injection, MSC-based cell sheets (CS) or MSC secretome to induce healing of cutaneous pressure ulcer in C57Bl/6 mice. We found that transplantation of CS from adipose-derived MSC resulted in reduction [...] Read more.

We report a comparative study of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) delivered by injection, MSC-based cell sheets (CS) or MSC secretome to induce healing of cutaneous pressure ulcer in C57Bl/6 mice. We found that transplantation of CS from adipose-derived MSC resulted in reduction of fibrosis and recovery of skin structure with its appendages (hair and cutaneous glands). Despite short retention of CS on ulcer surface (3–7 days) it induced profound changes in granulation tissue (GT) structure, increasing its thickness and altering vascularization pattern with reduced blood vessel density and increased maturation of blood vessels. Comparable effects on GT vascularization were induced by MSC secretome, yet this treatment has failed to induce repair of skin with its appendages we observed in the CS group. Study of secretome components produced by MSC in monolayer or sheets revealed that CS produce more factors involved in pericyte chemotaxis and blood vessel maturation (PDGF-BB, HGF, G-CSF) but not sprouting inducer (VEGF165). Analysis of transcriptome using RNA sequencing and Gene Ontology mapping found in CS upregulation of proteins responsible for collagen binding and GT maturation as well as fatty acid metabolism enzymes known to be negative regulators of blood vessel sprouting. At the same time, downregulated transcripts were enriched by factors activating capillary growth, suggesting that in MSC sheets paracrine activity may shift towards matrix remodeling and maturation of vasculature, but not activation of blood vessel sprouting. We proposed a putative paracrine trigger mechanism potentially rendering an impact on GT vascularization and remodeling. Our results suggest that within sheets, MSC may change their functional state and spectrum of soluble factors that influence tissue repair and induce more effective skin healing inclining towards regeneration and reduced scarring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Application of Cell Sheets, for Tissue Engineering and Repairing Tissue)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 11813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pyridoxine Deficiency Exacerbates Neuronal Damage after Ischemia by Increasing Oxidative Stress and Reduces Proliferating Cells and Neuroblasts in the Gerbil Hippocampus

by Hyo Young Jung, Woosuk Kim, Kyu Ri Hahn, Min Soo Kang, Tae Hyeong Kim, Hyun Jung Kwon, Sung Min Nam, Jin Young Chung, Jung Hoon Choi, Yeo Sung Yoon, Dae Won Kim, Dae Young Yoo and In Koo Hwang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5551; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155551 - 4 Aug 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3063

Abstract

We investigated the effects of pyridoxine deficiency on ischemic neuronal death in the hippocampus of gerbil (n = 5 per group). Serum pyridoxal 5′-phosphate levels were significantly decreased in Pyridoxine-deficient diet (PDD)-fed gerbils, while homocysteine levels were significantly increased in sham- and [...] Read more.

We investigated the effects of pyridoxine deficiency on ischemic neuronal death in the hippocampus of gerbil (n = 5 per group). Serum pyridoxal 5′-phosphate levels were significantly decreased in Pyridoxine-deficient diet (PDD)-fed gerbils, while homocysteine levels were significantly increased in sham- and ischemia-operated gerbils. PDD-fed gerbil showed a reduction in neuronal nuclei (NeuN)-immunoreactive neurons in the medial part of the hippocampal CA1 region three days after. Reactive astrocytosis and microgliosis were found in PDD-fed gerbils, and transient ischemia caused the aggregation of activated microglia in the stratum pyramidale three days after ischemia. Lipid peroxidation was prominently increased in the hippocampus and was significantly higher in PDD-fed gerbils than in Control diet (CD)-fed gerbils after ischemia. In contrast, pyridoxine deficiency decreased the proliferating cells and neuroblasts in the dentate gyrus in sham- and ischemia-operated gerbils. Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels also significantly decreased in PDD-fed gerbils sham 24 h after ischemia. These results suggest that pyridoxine deficiency accelerates neuronal death by increasing serum homocysteine levels and lipid peroxidation, and by decreasing Nrf2 levels in the hippocampus. Additionally, it reduces the regenerated potentials in hippocampus by decreasing BDNF levels. Collectively, pyridoxine is an essential element in modulating cell death and hippocampal neurogenesis after ischemia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuroprotection: Rescue from Neuronal Death in the Brain)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4840 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Passive Transfer of Sera from ALS Patients with Identified Mutations Evokes an Increased Synaptic Vesicle Number and Elevation of Calcium Levels in Motor Axon Terminals, Similar to Sera from Sporadic Patients

by Valéria Meszlényi, Roland Patai, Tamás F. Polgár, Bernát Nógrádi, Laura Körmöczy, Rebeka Kristóf, Krisztina Spisák, Kornélia Tripolszki, Márta Széll, Izabella Obál, József I. Engelhardt and László Siklós

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5566; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155566 - 3 Aug 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2990

Abstract

Previously, we demonstrated increased calcium levels and synaptic vesicle densities in the motor axon terminals (MATs) of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Such alterations could be conferred to mice with an intraperitoneal injection of sera from these patients or with purified immunoglobulin [...] Read more.

Previously, we demonstrated increased calcium levels and synaptic vesicle densities in the motor axon terminals (MATs) of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Such alterations could be conferred to mice with an intraperitoneal injection of sera from these patients or with purified immunoglobulin G. Later, we confirmed the presence of similar alterations in the superoxide dismutase 1 G93A transgenic mouse strain model of familial ALS. These consistent observations suggested that calcium plays a central role in the pathomechanism of ALS. This may be further reinforced by completing a similar analytical study of the MATs of ALS patients with identified mutations. However, due to the low yield of muscle biopsy samples containing MATs, and the low incidence of ALS patients with the identified mutations, these examinations are not technically feasible. Alternatively, a passive transfer of sera from ALS patients with known mutations was used, and the MATs of the inoculated mice were tested for alterations in their calcium homeostasis and synaptic activity. Patients with 11 different ALS-related mutations participated in the study. Intraperitoneal injection of sera from these patients on two consecutive days resulted in elevated intracellular calcium levels and increased vesicle densities in the MATs of mice, which is comparable to the effect of the passive transfer from sporadic patients. Our results support the idea that the pathomechanism underlying the identical manifestation of the disease with or without identified mutations is based on a common final pathway, in which increasing calcium levels play a central role. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics of Brain Disorders 2.0)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 3457 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dephosphorylation of LjMPK6 by Phosphatase LjPP2C is Involved in Regulating Nodule Organogenesis in Lotus japonicus

by Zhongyuan Yan, Jingjing Cao, Qiuling Fan, Hongmin Chao, Xiaomin Guan, Zhongming Zhang and Deqiang Duanmu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5565; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155565 - 3 Aug 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2760

Abstract

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) LjMPK6 is a phosphorylation target of SIP2, a MAPK kinase that interacts with SymRK (symbiosis receptor-like kinase) for regulation of legume-rhizobia symbiosis. Both LjMPK6 and SIP2 are required for nodulation in Lotus japonicus. However, the dephosphorylation of [...] Read more.

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) LjMPK6 is a phosphorylation target of SIP2, a MAPK kinase that interacts with SymRK (symbiosis receptor-like kinase) for regulation of legume-rhizobia symbiosis. Both LjMPK6 and SIP2 are required for nodulation in Lotus japonicus. However, the dephosphorylation of LjMPK6 and its regulatory components in nodule development remains unexplored. By yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified a type 2C protein phosphatase, LjPP2C, that specifically interacts with and dephosphorylates LjMPK6 in vitro. Physiological and biochemical assays further suggested that LjPP2C phosphatase is required for dephosphorylation of LjMPK6 in vivo and for fine-tuning nodule development after rhizobial inoculation. A non-phosphorylatable mutant variant LjMPK6 (T224A Y226F) could mimic LjPP2C functioning in MAPK dephosphorylation required for nodule development in hairy root transformed plants. Collectively, our study demonstrates that interaction with LjPP2C phosphatase is required for dephosphorylation of LjMPK6 to fine tune nodule development in L. japonicus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Signaling in Model Plants 2.0)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2366 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early Transcriptomic Changes upon Thalidomide Exposure Influence the Later Neuronal Development in Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Spheres

by Mami Kikegawa, Xian-Yang Qin, Tomohiro Ito, Hiromi Nishikawa, Hiroko Nansai and Hideko Sone

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5564; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155564 - 3 Aug 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3202

Abstract

Stress in early life has been linked with the development of late-life neurological disorders. Early developmental age is potentially sensitive to several environmental chemicals such as alcohol, drugs, food contaminants, or air pollutants. The recent advances using three-dimensional neural sphere cultures derived from [...] Read more.

Stress in early life has been linked with the development of late-life neurological disorders. Early developmental age is potentially sensitive to several environmental chemicals such as alcohol, drugs, food contaminants, or air pollutants. The recent advances using three-dimensional neural sphere cultures derived from pluripotent stem cells have provided insights into the etiology of neurological diseases and new therapeutic strategies for assessing chemical safety. In this study, we investigated the neurodevelopmental effects of exposure to thalidomide (TMD); 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether; bisphenol A; and 4-hydroxy-2,2′,3,4′,5,5′,6-heptachlorobiphenyl using a human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived sphere model. We exposed each chemical to the spheres and conducted a combinational analysis of global gene expression profiling using microarray at the early stage and morphological examination of neural differentiation at the later stage to understand the molecular events underlying the development of hESC-derived spheres. Among the four chemicals, TMD exposure especially influenced the differentiation of spheres into neuronal cells. Transcriptomic analysis and functional annotation identified specific genes that are TMD-induced and associated with ERK and synaptic signaling pathways. Computational network analysis predicted that TMD induced the expression of DNA-binding protein inhibitor ID2, which plays an important role in neuronal development. These findings provide direct evidence that early transcriptomic changes during differentiation of hESCs upon exposure to TMD influence neuronal development in the later stages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychoactive Substances in Neuronal Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 2127 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Re-Appraisal of Pathogenic Mechanisms Bridging Wet and Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration Leads to Reconsider a Role for Phytochemicals

by Roberto Pinelli, Francesca Biagioni, Fiona Limanaqi, Miorica Bertelli, Elena Scaffidi, Maico Polzella, Carla Letizia Busceti and Francesco Fornai

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5563; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155563 - 3 Aug 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6136

Abstract

Which pathogenic mechanisms underlie age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? Are they different for dry and wet variants, or do they stem from common metabolic alterations? Where shall we look for altered metabolism? Is it the inner choroid, or is it rather the choroid–retinal border? [...] Read more.

Which pathogenic mechanisms underlie age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? Are they different for dry and wet variants, or do they stem from common metabolic alterations? Where shall we look for altered metabolism? Is it the inner choroid, or is it rather the choroid–retinal border? Again, since cell-clearing pathways are crucial to degrade altered proteins, which metabolic system is likely to be the most implicated, and in which cell type? Here we describe the unique clearing activity of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the relevant role of its autophagy machinery in removing altered debris, thus centering the RPE in the pathogenesis of AMD. The cell-clearing systems within the RPE may act as a kernel to regulate the redox homeostasis and the traffic of multiple proteins and organelles toward either the choroid border or the outer segments of photoreceptors. This is expected to cope with the polarity of various domains within RPE cells, with each one owning a specific metabolic activity. A defective clearance machinery may trigger unconventional solutions to avoid intracellular substrates’ accumulation through unconventional secretions. These components may be deposited between the RPE and Bruch’s membrane, thus generating the drusen, which remains the classic hallmark of AMD. These deposits may rather represent a witness of an abnormal RPE metabolism than a real pathogenic component. The empowerment of cell clearance, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic activity of the RPE by specific phytochemicals is here discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Phenolics and Polyphenols 2020)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 624 KiB

Open AccessReview

Contribution of P2X4 Receptors to CNS Function and Pathophysiology

by Alejandro Montilla, Gilda Paloma Mata, Carlos Matute and Maria Domercq

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5562; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155562 - 3 Aug 2020

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 5157

Abstract

The release and extracellular action of ATP are a widespread mechanism for cell-to-cell communication in living organisms through activation of P2X and P2Y receptors expressed at the cell surface of most tissues, including the nervous system. Among ionototropic receptors, P2X4 receptors have emerged [...] Read more.

The release and extracellular action of ATP are a widespread mechanism for cell-to-cell communication in living organisms through activation of P2X and P2Y receptors expressed at the cell surface of most tissues, including the nervous system. Among ionototropic receptors, P2X4 receptors have emerged in the last decade as a potential target for CNS disorders such as epilepsy, ischemia, chronic pain, anxiety, multiple sclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the role of P2X4 receptor in each pathology ranges from beneficial to detrimental, although the mechanisms are still mostly unknown. P2X4 is expressed at low levels in CNS cells including neurons and glial cells. In normal conditions, P2X4 activation contributes to synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity. Importantly, one of the genes present in the transcriptional program of myeloid cell activation is P2X4. Microglial P2X4 upregulation, the P2X4⁺ state of microglia, seems to be common in most acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases associated with inflammation. In this review, we summarize knowledge about the role of P2X4 receptors in the CNS physiology and discuss potential pitfalls and open questions about the therapeutic potential of blocking or potentiation of P2X4 for different pathologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dissecting the Purinergic Signaling Puzzle)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Int. J. Mol. Sci., Volume 21, Issue 15 (August-1 2020) – 416 articles

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI