J. Lee, Jung Hwan Oh, F. Karadeniz, Chang-Suk Kong, Y. Seo
Obesity and related complications are significant health issues in modern society, largely attributed to a sedentary lifestyle and a carbohydrate-rich diet. Since anti-obesity drugs often come with severe side effects, preventative measures are being sought globally, including dietary changes and functional foods that can counteract weight gain. In this context, plant-based metabolites are extensively studied for their advantageous biological effects against obesity. Several plants within the Artemisia genus have been reported to possess anti-adipogenic properties, preventing adipocytes from maturing and accumulating lipids. The present study investigated the anti-adipogenic potential of two sesquiterpenoids, reynosin and santamarine, isolated from A. scoparia in adipose-induced 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Differentiating 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with these isolated compounds displayed fewer adipogenic characteristics compared to untreated mature adipocytes. The results indicated that cells treated with reynosin and santamarine accumulated 55.0% and 52.5% fewer intracellular lipids compared to untreated control adipocytes, respectively. Additionally, the mRNA expression of the key adipogenic marker, transcription factor PPARγ, was suppressed by 87.2% and 91.7% following 60 μM reynosin and santamarine treatment, respectively, in differentiated adipocytes. Protein expression was also suppressed in a similar manner, at 92.7% and 82.5% by 60 μM reynosin and santamarine treatment, respectively. Likewise, SERBP1c and C/EBPα were also downregulated at both gene and protein levels in adipocytes treated with samples during differentiation. Further analysis suggested that the anti-adipogenic effect of the compounds might be a result of AMPK activation and the subsequent suppression of MAPK phosphorylation. Overall, the present study suggested that sesquiterpenoids, reynosin, and santamarine were two potential bioactive compounds with anti-adipogenic properties. Further research is needed to explore other bioactive agents within A. scoparia and elucidate the in vivo action mechanisms of reynosin and santamarine.
{"title":"Inhibitory Effects of Sesquiterpenoids Isolated from Artemisia scoparia on Adipogenic Differentiation of 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes","authors":"J. Lee, Jung Hwan Oh, F. Karadeniz, Chang-Suk Kong, Y. Seo","doi":"10.3390/ijms25010200","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010200","url":null,"abstract":"Obesity and related complications are significant health issues in modern society, largely attributed to a sedentary lifestyle and a carbohydrate-rich diet. Since anti-obesity drugs often come with severe side effects, preventative measures are being sought globally, including dietary changes and functional foods that can counteract weight gain. In this context, plant-based metabolites are extensively studied for their advantageous biological effects against obesity. Several plants within the Artemisia genus have been reported to possess anti-adipogenic properties, preventing adipocytes from maturing and accumulating lipids. The present study investigated the anti-adipogenic potential of two sesquiterpenoids, reynosin and santamarine, isolated from A. scoparia in adipose-induced 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Differentiating 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with these isolated compounds displayed fewer adipogenic characteristics compared to untreated mature adipocytes. The results indicated that cells treated with reynosin and santamarine accumulated 55.0% and 52.5% fewer intracellular lipids compared to untreated control adipocytes, respectively. Additionally, the mRNA expression of the key adipogenic marker, transcription factor PPARγ, was suppressed by 87.2% and 91.7% following 60 μM reynosin and santamarine treatment, respectively, in differentiated adipocytes. Protein expression was also suppressed in a similar manner, at 92.7% and 82.5% by 60 μM reynosin and santamarine treatment, respectively. Likewise, SERBP1c and C/EBPα were also downregulated at both gene and protein levels in adipocytes treated with samples during differentiation. Further analysis suggested that the anti-adipogenic effect of the compounds might be a result of AMPK activation and the subsequent suppression of MAPK phosphorylation. Overall, the present study suggested that sesquiterpenoids, reynosin, and santamarine were two potential bioactive compounds with anti-adipogenic properties. Further research is needed to explore other bioactive agents within A. scoparia and elucidate the in vivo action mechanisms of reynosin and santamarine.","PeriodicalId":49179,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2023-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138946071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anastasiya Mircheva, Philippe Vangrieken, S. Al-Nasiry, Frederik-Jan van Schooten, R. Godschalk, S. Langie
The comet assay-based in vitro DNA repair assay has become a common tool for quantifying base excision repair (BER) activity in human lymphocytes or cultured cells. Here, we optimized the protocol for studying BER in human placental tissue because the placenta is a non-invasive tissue for biomonitoring of early-life exposures, and it can be used to investigate molecular mechanisms associated with prenatal disorders. The optimal protein concentration of placental protein extracts for optimal damage recognition and incision was 2 mg protein/mL. The addition of aphidicolin did not lead to reduced non-specific incisions and was, therefore, not included in the optimized protocol. The interval between sample collection and analysis did not affect BER activity up to 70 min. Finally, this optimized protocol was tested on pre-eclamptic (PE) placental tissues (n = 11) and significantly lower BER activity in PE placentas compared to controls (n = 9) was observed. This was paralleled by a significant reduction in the expression of BER-related genes and increased DNA oxidation in PE placentas. Our study indicates that BER activity can be determined in placentas, and lower activity is present in PE compared with healthy. These findings should be followed up in prospective clinical investigations to examine BER’s role in the advancement of PE.
基于彗星试验的体外 DNA 修复试验已成为量化人类淋巴细胞或培养细胞中碱基切除修复(BER)活性的常用工具。在这里,我们优化了在人类胎盘组织中研究碱基切除修复的方案,因为胎盘是对生命早期暴露进行生物监测的非侵入性组织,可用于研究与产前疾病相关的分子机制。胎盘蛋白提取物的最佳蛋白质浓度为 2 毫克蛋白质/毫升,以达到最佳损伤识别和切割效果。添加蚜虫畏不会导致非特异性切口减少,因此未将其纳入优化方案。样品收集和分析之间的间隔时间在 70 分钟内不会影响 BER 活性。最后,该优化方案在先兆子痫(PE)胎盘组织(n = 11)上进行了测试,观察到 PE 胎盘的 BER 活性明显低于对照组(n = 9)。与此同时,在 PE 胎盘中,BER 相关基因的表达明显减少,DNA 氧化增加。我们的研究表明,胎盘中的核酸还原酶活性是可以确定的,与健康胎盘相比,PE 胎盘中的核酸还原酶活性较低。这些发现应在前瞻性临床研究中加以跟进,以研究 BER 在 PE 的发展中的作用。
{"title":"Optimizing the Comet Assay-Based In Vitro DNA Repair Assay for Placental Tissue: A Pilot Study with Pre-Eclamptic Patients","authors":"Anastasiya Mircheva, Philippe Vangrieken, S. Al-Nasiry, Frederik-Jan van Schooten, R. Godschalk, S. Langie","doi":"10.3390/ijms25010187","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010187","url":null,"abstract":"The comet assay-based in vitro DNA repair assay has become a common tool for quantifying base excision repair (BER) activity in human lymphocytes or cultured cells. Here, we optimized the protocol for studying BER in human placental tissue because the placenta is a non-invasive tissue for biomonitoring of early-life exposures, and it can be used to investigate molecular mechanisms associated with prenatal disorders. The optimal protein concentration of placental protein extracts for optimal damage recognition and incision was 2 mg protein/mL. The addition of aphidicolin did not lead to reduced non-specific incisions and was, therefore, not included in the optimized protocol. The interval between sample collection and analysis did not affect BER activity up to 70 min. Finally, this optimized protocol was tested on pre-eclamptic (PE) placental tissues (n = 11) and significantly lower BER activity in PE placentas compared to controls (n = 9) was observed. This was paralleled by a significant reduction in the expression of BER-related genes and increased DNA oxidation in PE placentas. Our study indicates that BER activity can be determined in placentas, and lower activity is present in PE compared with healthy. These findings should be followed up in prospective clinical investigations to examine BER’s role in the advancement of PE.","PeriodicalId":49179,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2023-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138947363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Beata Nowicka, Anna Torres, Izabela Polkowska, Jagoda Jacków-Nowicka, Maciej Przewoźny, Joanna Jackow-Malinowska
Chronic tendon and ligament diseases are commonly encountered in both athletic humans and animals, especially horses. Distal limb diseases, including suspensory ligament (SL) pathology due to anatomical, histological, and biomechanical properties, can be considered a model for tendon and ligament pathologies in humans. The appropriate selection of therapy is often crucial in optimising the healing process. One decisive factor influencing the possibility of returning to pre-disease training levels appears to be the utilisation of physical activity, including controlled movement, during the rehabilitation process. In the pathogenesis of musculoskeletal diseases and rehabilitation, adipocytokines play diverse roles. However, it is unclear what significance they hold in horses and in specific disease entities as well as the consequences of their mutual interactions. Recent studies indicate that in the pathogenesis of diseases with varied aetiologies in humans, their value varies at different stages, resulting in a diverse response to treatment. The results of this study demonstrate lower resistin concentrations in the venous blood plasma of horses with proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD), while higher levels were observed in regularly trained and paddocked animals. The horses investigated in this study showed higher concentrations of resistin and IL-8, particularly in paddocked horses as well as in the working group of horses. The results suggest that these concentrations, including resistin in blood plasma, may be clinically significant. This attempt to explore the aetiopathogenesis of the processes occurring in the area of the proximal attachment of the suspensory ligament may optimise the procedures for the treatment and rehabilitation of horses.
{"title":"Concentrations of Selected Adipocytokines in the Blood Plasma in Proximal Suspensory Desmopathy of Horses, with a Focus on Their Physical Activity—A Pilot Study","authors":"Beata Nowicka, Anna Torres, Izabela Polkowska, Jagoda Jacków-Nowicka, Maciej Przewoźny, Joanna Jackow-Malinowska","doi":"10.3390/ijms25010205","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010205","url":null,"abstract":"Chronic tendon and ligament diseases are commonly encountered in both athletic humans and animals, especially horses. Distal limb diseases, including suspensory ligament (SL) pathology due to anatomical, histological, and biomechanical properties, can be considered a model for tendon and ligament pathologies in humans. The appropriate selection of therapy is often crucial in optimising the healing process. One decisive factor influencing the possibility of returning to pre-disease training levels appears to be the utilisation of physical activity, including controlled movement, during the rehabilitation process. In the pathogenesis of musculoskeletal diseases and rehabilitation, adipocytokines play diverse roles. However, it is unclear what significance they hold in horses and in specific disease entities as well as the consequences of their mutual interactions. Recent studies indicate that in the pathogenesis of diseases with varied aetiologies in humans, their value varies at different stages, resulting in a diverse response to treatment. The results of this study demonstrate lower resistin concentrations in the venous blood plasma of horses with proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD), while higher levels were observed in regularly trained and paddocked animals. The horses investigated in this study showed higher concentrations of resistin and IL-8, particularly in paddocked horses as well as in the working group of horses. The results suggest that these concentrations, including resistin in blood plasma, may be clinically significant. This attempt to explore the aetiopathogenesis of the processes occurring in the area of the proximal attachment of the suspensory ligament may optimise the procedures for the treatment and rehabilitation of horses.","PeriodicalId":49179,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"52 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2023-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138945669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A novel set of four functionalized hydrophobic UiO-66-NHR series were synthesized through postsynthetic procedures, utilizing various benzoyl chlorides and UiO-66-NH2 as starting materials. This synthesis method was carried out by employing p- (1) and o-toluoyl (2), as well as 2- (3) and 4-fluorobenzoyl (4) substituents. The analysis of the resulting compounds was performed using conventional spectroscopic methods such as FT-IR and 1H NMR to quantify the conversion rate into amide. Furthermore, SEM and XPS techniques were employed for morphological and surface analysis. Finally, the evaluation of the chemical stability and contact angle using the sessile drop method was performed to evaluate the technological potential of these compounds for application in aqueous and acidic media (such as selective separation of different metals and wastewater recovery).
{"title":"Novel Hydrophobic Functionalized UiO-66 Series: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Their Structural and Physical–Chemical Properties","authors":"Pilar Narea, Iván Brito, Yurieth Quintero, Esteban Camú","doi":"10.3390/ijms25010199","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010199","url":null,"abstract":"A novel set of four functionalized hydrophobic UiO-66-NHR series were synthesized through postsynthetic procedures, utilizing various benzoyl chlorides and UiO-66-NH2 as starting materials. This synthesis method was carried out by employing p- (1) and o-toluoyl (2), as well as 2- (3) and 4-fluorobenzoyl (4) substituents. The analysis of the resulting compounds was performed using conventional spectroscopic methods such as FT-IR and 1H NMR to quantify the conversion rate into amide. Furthermore, SEM and XPS techniques were employed for morphological and surface analysis. Finally, the evaluation of the chemical stability and contact angle using the sessile drop method was performed to evaluate the technological potential of these compounds for application in aqueous and acidic media (such as selective separation of different metals and wastewater recovery).","PeriodicalId":49179,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"17 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2023-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138947018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Healthcare-associated infections caused by multi-drug-resistant pathogens are increasing globally, and current antimicrobial options have limited efficacy against these robust species. The WHO details the critically important bacterial and fungal species that are often associated with medical device HAIs. The effective sterilization of medical devices plays a key role in preventing infectious disease morbidity and mortality. A lack of adherence to protocol and limitations associated with each sterilization modality, however, allows for the incidence of disease. Furthermore, issues relating to carcinogenic emissions from ethylene oxide gas (EtO) have motivated the EPA to propose limiting EtO use or seeking alternative sterilization methods for medical devices. The Food and Drug Administration supports the sterilization of healthcare products using low-temperature VH2O2 as an alternative to EtO. With advances in biomaterial and medical devices and the increasing use of combination products, current sterilization modalities are becoming limited. Novel approaches to disinfection and sterilization of medical devices, biomaterials, and therapeutics are warranted to safeguard public health. Bacteriophages, endolysins, and antimicrobial peptides are considered promising options for the prophylactic and meta-phylactic control of infectious diseases. This timely review discusses the application of these biologics as antimicrobial agents against critically important WHO pathogens, including ESKAPE bacterial species.
{"title":"Medical Device-Associated Healthcare Infections: Sterilization and the Potential of Novel Biological Approaches to Ensure Patient Safety","authors":"Mary Garvey","doi":"10.3390/ijms25010201","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010201","url":null,"abstract":"Healthcare-associated infections caused by multi-drug-resistant pathogens are increasing globally, and current antimicrobial options have limited efficacy against these robust species. The WHO details the critically important bacterial and fungal species that are often associated with medical device HAIs. The effective sterilization of medical devices plays a key role in preventing infectious disease morbidity and mortality. A lack of adherence to protocol and limitations associated with each sterilization modality, however, allows for the incidence of disease. Furthermore, issues relating to carcinogenic emissions from ethylene oxide gas (EtO) have motivated the EPA to propose limiting EtO use or seeking alternative sterilization methods for medical devices. The Food and Drug Administration supports the sterilization of healthcare products using low-temperature VH2O2 as an alternative to EtO. With advances in biomaterial and medical devices and the increasing use of combination products, current sterilization modalities are becoming limited. Novel approaches to disinfection and sterilization of medical devices, biomaterials, and therapeutics are warranted to safeguard public health. Bacteriophages, endolysins, and antimicrobial peptides are considered promising options for the prophylactic and meta-phylactic control of infectious diseases. This timely review discusses the application of these biologics as antimicrobial agents against critically important WHO pathogens, including ESKAPE bacterial species.","PeriodicalId":49179,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2023-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138945965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marta Sanz-Álvarez, M. Luque, Miriam Morales-Gallego, I. Cristóbal, Natalia Ramírez-Merino, Yamileth Rangel, Y. Izarzugaza, P. Eroles, J. Albanell, J. Madoz-Gúrpide, Federico Rojo
The combination of trastuzumab and pertuzumab as first-line therapy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer has shown significant clinical benefits compared to trastuzumab alone. However, despite initial therapeutic success, most patients eventually progress, and tumors develop acquired resistance and invariably relapse. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve our understanding of the mechanisms governing resistance in order to develop targeted therapeutic strategies with improved efficacy. We generated four novel HER2-positive cell lines via prolonged exposure to trastuzumab and pertuzumab and determined their resistance rates. Long-term resistance was confirmed by a significant increase in the colony-forming capacity of the derived cells. We authenticated the molecular identity of the new lines via both immunohistochemistry for the clinical phenotype and molecular profiling of point mutations. HER2 overexpression was confirmed in all resistant cell lines, and acquisition of resistance to trastuzumab and pertuzumab did not translate into differences in ER, PR, and HER2 receptor expression. In contrast, changes in the expression and activity of other HER family members, particularly HER4, were observed. In the same vein, analyses of the receptor and effector kinase status of different cellular pathways revealed that the MAPK pathway may be involved in the acquisition of resistance to trastuzumab and pertuzumab. Finally, proteomic analysis confirmed a significant change in the abundance patterns of more than 600 proteins with implications in key biological processes, such as ribosome formation, mitochondrial activity, and metabolism, which could be relevant mechanisms in the generation of resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer. We concluded that these resistant BCCLs may be a valuable tool to better understand the mechanisms of acquisition of resistance to trastuzumab and pertuzumab-based anti-HER2 therapy.
{"title":"Generation and Characterization of Trastuzumab/Pertuzumab-Resistant HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Cell Lines","authors":"Marta Sanz-Álvarez, M. Luque, Miriam Morales-Gallego, I. Cristóbal, Natalia Ramírez-Merino, Yamileth Rangel, Y. Izarzugaza, P. Eroles, J. Albanell, J. Madoz-Gúrpide, Federico Rojo","doi":"10.3390/ijms25010207","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010207","url":null,"abstract":"The combination of trastuzumab and pertuzumab as first-line therapy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer has shown significant clinical benefits compared to trastuzumab alone. However, despite initial therapeutic success, most patients eventually progress, and tumors develop acquired resistance and invariably relapse. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve our understanding of the mechanisms governing resistance in order to develop targeted therapeutic strategies with improved efficacy. We generated four novel HER2-positive cell lines via prolonged exposure to trastuzumab and pertuzumab and determined their resistance rates. Long-term resistance was confirmed by a significant increase in the colony-forming capacity of the derived cells. We authenticated the molecular identity of the new lines via both immunohistochemistry for the clinical phenotype and molecular profiling of point mutations. HER2 overexpression was confirmed in all resistant cell lines, and acquisition of resistance to trastuzumab and pertuzumab did not translate into differences in ER, PR, and HER2 receptor expression. In contrast, changes in the expression and activity of other HER family members, particularly HER4, were observed. In the same vein, analyses of the receptor and effector kinase status of different cellular pathways revealed that the MAPK pathway may be involved in the acquisition of resistance to trastuzumab and pertuzumab. Finally, proteomic analysis confirmed a significant change in the abundance patterns of more than 600 proteins with implications in key biological processes, such as ribosome formation, mitochondrial activity, and metabolism, which could be relevant mechanisms in the generation of resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer. We concluded that these resistant BCCLs may be a valuable tool to better understand the mechanisms of acquisition of resistance to trastuzumab and pertuzumab-based anti-HER2 therapy.","PeriodicalId":49179,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2023-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138944102","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cita Zupanc, A. Franko, D. Štrbac, V. Kovač, Vita Dolžan, K. Goričar
Calretinin is a promising diagnostic biomarker for malignant mesothelioma (MM), but less is known about its prognostic role. Our aim was to evaluate the association between serum calretinin concentration or genetic factors and the survival or outcome of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in MM. Our study included 265 MM patients. Serum calretinin concentration was determined using ELISA. Patients were genotyped for seven polymorphisms in CALB2, E2F2, MIR335, NRF1, and SEPTIN7 using competitive allele-specific PCR. Nonparametric tests, logistic regression, and survival analysis were used for statistical analysis. Higher serum calretinin concentration was associated with shorter progression-free (PFS) (HR = 1.18 (1.02–1.37), p = 0.023) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.20 (1.03–1.41), p = 0.023), but the association was not significant after adjusting for clinical factors (HR = 1.05 (0.85–1.31), p = 0.653 and HR = 1.06 (0.84–1.34), p = 0.613, respectively). SEPTIN7 rs3801339 and MIR335 rs3807348 were associated with survival even after adjustment (HR = 1.76 (1.17–2.64), p = 0.007 and HR = 0.65 (0.45–0.95), p = 0.028, respectively). Calretinin concentration was higher in patients who progressed after treatment with cisplatin-based chemotherapy (1.68 vs. 0.45 ng/mL, p = 0.001). Calretinin concentration above 0.89 ng/mL was associated with shorter PFS and OS from the start of chemotherapy (HR = 1.88 (1.28–2.77), p = 0.001 and HR = 1.91 (1.22–2.97), p = 0.004, respectively), even after adjusting for clinical factors (p < 0.05). MIR335 rs3807348 was associated with a better response to chemotherapy (OR = 2.69 (1.17–6.18), p = 0.020). We showed that serum calretinin is associated with survival and chemotherapy treatment outcomes in MM and could serve as a predictive biomarker.
{"title":"Serum Calretinin and Genetic Variability as a Prognostic and Predictive Factor in Malignant Mesothelioma","authors":"Cita Zupanc, A. Franko, D. Štrbac, V. Kovač, Vita Dolžan, K. Goričar","doi":"10.3390/ijms25010190","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010190","url":null,"abstract":"Calretinin is a promising diagnostic biomarker for malignant mesothelioma (MM), but less is known about its prognostic role. Our aim was to evaluate the association between serum calretinin concentration or genetic factors and the survival or outcome of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in MM. Our study included 265 MM patients. Serum calretinin concentration was determined using ELISA. Patients were genotyped for seven polymorphisms in CALB2, E2F2, MIR335, NRF1, and SEPTIN7 using competitive allele-specific PCR. Nonparametric tests, logistic regression, and survival analysis were used for statistical analysis. Higher serum calretinin concentration was associated with shorter progression-free (PFS) (HR = 1.18 (1.02–1.37), p = 0.023) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.20 (1.03–1.41), p = 0.023), but the association was not significant after adjusting for clinical factors (HR = 1.05 (0.85–1.31), p = 0.653 and HR = 1.06 (0.84–1.34), p = 0.613, respectively). SEPTIN7 rs3801339 and MIR335 rs3807348 were associated with survival even after adjustment (HR = 1.76 (1.17–2.64), p = 0.007 and HR = 0.65 (0.45–0.95), p = 0.028, respectively). Calretinin concentration was higher in patients who progressed after treatment with cisplatin-based chemotherapy (1.68 vs. 0.45 ng/mL, p = 0.001). Calretinin concentration above 0.89 ng/mL was associated with shorter PFS and OS from the start of chemotherapy (HR = 1.88 (1.28–2.77), p = 0.001 and HR = 1.91 (1.22–2.97), p = 0.004, respectively), even after adjusting for clinical factors (p < 0.05). MIR335 rs3807348 was associated with a better response to chemotherapy (OR = 2.69 (1.17–6.18), p = 0.020). We showed that serum calretinin is associated with survival and chemotherapy treatment outcomes in MM and could serve as a predictive biomarker.","PeriodicalId":49179,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"2 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2023-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138944701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alima Galieva, Alexander Egorov, Alexander Malogolovkin, Andrew Brovin, Alexandr Karabelsky
Inherited retinal disorders (IRD) have become a primary focus of gene therapy research since the success of adeno-associated virus-based therapeutics (voretigene neparvovec-rzyl) for Leber congenital amaurosis type 2 (LCA2). Dozens of monogenic IRDs could be potentially treated with a similar approach using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) to transfer a functional gene into the retina. Here, we present the results of the design, production, and in vitro testing of the AAV serotype 9 (AAV9) vector carrying the codon-optimized (co) copy of aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein like-1 (AIPL1) as a possible treatment for LCA4. The pAAV-AIPL1co was able to successfully transduce retinal pigment epithelium cells (ARPE-19) and initiate the expression of human AIPL1. Intriguingly, cells transduced with AAV9-AIPL1co showed much less antiviral response than AAV9-AIPL1wt (wild-type AIPL1) transduced. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of trans-differentiated ARPE-19 cells transduced with AAV9-AIPL1co demonstrated significant differences in the expression of genes involved in the innate immune response. In contrast, AAV9-AIPL1wt induced the prominent activation of multiple interferon-stimulated genes. The key part of the possible regulatory molecular mechanism is the activation of dsRNA-responsive antiviral oligoadenylate synthetases, and a significant increase in the level of histone coding genes’ transcripts overrepresented in RNA-seq data (i.e., H1, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4). The RNA-seq data suggests that AAV9-AIPL1co exhibiting less immunogenicity than AAV9-AIPL1wt can be used for potency testing, using relevant animal models to develop future therapeutics for LCA4.
{"title":"RNA-Seq Analysis of Trans-Differentiated ARPE-19 Cells Transduced by AAV9-AIPL1 Vectors","authors":"Alima Galieva, Alexander Egorov, Alexander Malogolovkin, Andrew Brovin, Alexandr Karabelsky","doi":"10.3390/ijms25010197","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010197","url":null,"abstract":"Inherited retinal disorders (IRD) have become a primary focus of gene therapy research since the success of adeno-associated virus-based therapeutics (voretigene neparvovec-rzyl) for Leber congenital amaurosis type 2 (LCA2). Dozens of monogenic IRDs could be potentially treated with a similar approach using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) to transfer a functional gene into the retina. Here, we present the results of the design, production, and in vitro testing of the AAV serotype 9 (AAV9) vector carrying the codon-optimized (co) copy of aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein like-1 (AIPL1) as a possible treatment for LCA4. The pAAV-AIPL1co was able to successfully transduce retinal pigment epithelium cells (ARPE-19) and initiate the expression of human AIPL1. Intriguingly, cells transduced with AAV9-AIPL1co showed much less antiviral response than AAV9-AIPL1wt (wild-type AIPL1) transduced. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of trans-differentiated ARPE-19 cells transduced with AAV9-AIPL1co demonstrated significant differences in the expression of genes involved in the innate immune response. In contrast, AAV9-AIPL1wt induced the prominent activation of multiple interferon-stimulated genes. The key part of the possible regulatory molecular mechanism is the activation of dsRNA-responsive antiviral oligoadenylate synthetases, and a significant increase in the level of histone coding genes’ transcripts overrepresented in RNA-seq data (i.e., H1, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4). The RNA-seq data suggests that AAV9-AIPL1co exhibiting less immunogenicity than AAV9-AIPL1wt can be used for potency testing, using relevant animal models to develop future therapeutics for LCA4.","PeriodicalId":49179,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"39 47","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2023-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138946424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stefano Govoni, Piercarlo Fantucci, N. Marchesi, J. Vertemara, A. Pascale, Massimo Allegri, L. Calvillo, Emilio Vanoli
N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a mucolytic agent and an antidote to acetaminophen intoxication, has been studied in experimental conditions and trials exploring its analgesic activity based on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study is to investigate additional mechanisms, namely, the inhibition of nerve growth factor (NGF) and the activation of the Tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) receptor, which is responsible for nociception. In silico studies were conducted to evaluate dithiothreitol and NAC's interaction with TrkA. We also measured the autophosphorylation of TrkA in SH-SY5Y cells via ELISA to assess NAC’s in vitro activity against NGF-induced TrkA activation. The in silico and in vitro tests show that NAC interferes with NGF-induced TrkA activation. In particular, NAC breaks the disulfide-bound Cys 300–345 of TrkA, perturbing the NGF-TrkA interaction and producing a rearrangement of the binding site, inducing a consequent loss of their molecular recognition and spatial reorganization, which are necessary for the induction of the autophosphorylation process. The latter was inhibited by 40% using 20 mM NAC. These findings suggest that NAC could have a role as a TrkA antagonist, an action that may contribute to the activity and use of NAC in various pain states (acute, chronic, nociplastic) sustained by NGF hyperactivity and/or accompanied by spinal cord sensitization.
{"title":"N-Acetylcysteine Antagonizes NGF Activation of TrkA through Disulfide Bridge Interaction, an Effect Which May Contribute to Its Analgesic Activity","authors":"Stefano Govoni, Piercarlo Fantucci, N. Marchesi, J. Vertemara, A. Pascale, Massimo Allegri, L. Calvillo, Emilio Vanoli","doi":"10.3390/ijms25010206","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010206","url":null,"abstract":"N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a mucolytic agent and an antidote to acetaminophen intoxication, has been studied in experimental conditions and trials exploring its analgesic activity based on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study is to investigate additional mechanisms, namely, the inhibition of nerve growth factor (NGF) and the activation of the Tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) receptor, which is responsible for nociception. In silico studies were conducted to evaluate dithiothreitol and NAC's interaction with TrkA. We also measured the autophosphorylation of TrkA in SH-SY5Y cells via ELISA to assess NAC’s in vitro activity against NGF-induced TrkA activation. The in silico and in vitro tests show that NAC interferes with NGF-induced TrkA activation. In particular, NAC breaks the disulfide-bound Cys 300–345 of TrkA, perturbing the NGF-TrkA interaction and producing a rearrangement of the binding site, inducing a consequent loss of their molecular recognition and spatial reorganization, which are necessary for the induction of the autophosphorylation process. The latter was inhibited by 40% using 20 mM NAC. These findings suggest that NAC could have a role as a TrkA antagonist, an action that may contribute to the activity and use of NAC in various pain states (acute, chronic, nociplastic) sustained by NGF hyperactivity and/or accompanied by spinal cord sensitization.","PeriodicalId":49179,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"30 34","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2023-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138946943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, one of the most destructive phytopathogens, leads to significant annual crop yield losses. Type III effectors (T3Es) mainly contribute to the virulence of R. solanacearum, usually by targeting immune-related proteins. Here, we clarified the effect of a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase (NEL) T3E, RipAW, from R. solanacearum on pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI) and further explored its action mechanism. In the susceptible host Arabidopsis thaliana, we monitored the expression of PTI marker genes, flg22-induced ROS burst, and callose deposition in RipAW- and RipAWC177A-transgenic plants. Our results demonstrated that RipAW suppressed host PTI in an NEL-dependent manner. By Split-Luciferase Complementation, Bimolecular Fluorescent Complimentary, and Co-Immunoprecipitation assays, we further showed that RipAW associated with three crucial components of the immune receptor complex, namely FLS2, XLG2, and BIK1. Furthermore, RipAW elevated the ubiquitination levels of FLS2, XLG2, and BIK1, accelerating their degradation via the 26S proteasome pathway. Additionally, co-expression of FLS2, XLG2, or BIK1 with RipAW partially but significantly restored the RipAW-suppressed ROS burst, confirming the involvement of the immune receptor complex in RipAW-regulated PTI. Overall, our results indicate that RipAW impairs host PTI by disrupting the immune receptor complex. Our findings provide new insights into the virulence mechanism of R. solanacearum.
{"title":"The Ralstonia solanacearum Type III Effector RipAW Targets the Immune Receptor Complex to Suppress PAMP-Triggered Immunity","authors":"Zhi-Mao Sun, Qi Zhang, Yujian Feng, Shuang-Xi Zhang, Bi-Xin Bai, Ouyang Xue, Zhi-Liang Xiao, He Meng, Xiao-Ting Wang, Jun-Min He, Yunrong An, Mei-Xiang Zhang","doi":"10.3390/ijms25010183","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010183","url":null,"abstract":"Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, one of the most destructive phytopathogens, leads to significant annual crop yield losses. Type III effectors (T3Es) mainly contribute to the virulence of R. solanacearum, usually by targeting immune-related proteins. Here, we clarified the effect of a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase (NEL) T3E, RipAW, from R. solanacearum on pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI) and further explored its action mechanism. In the susceptible host Arabidopsis thaliana, we monitored the expression of PTI marker genes, flg22-induced ROS burst, and callose deposition in RipAW- and RipAWC177A-transgenic plants. Our results demonstrated that RipAW suppressed host PTI in an NEL-dependent manner. By Split-Luciferase Complementation, Bimolecular Fluorescent Complimentary, and Co-Immunoprecipitation assays, we further showed that RipAW associated with three crucial components of the immune receptor complex, namely FLS2, XLG2, and BIK1. Furthermore, RipAW elevated the ubiquitination levels of FLS2, XLG2, and BIK1, accelerating their degradation via the 26S proteasome pathway. Additionally, co-expression of FLS2, XLG2, or BIK1 with RipAW partially but significantly restored the RipAW-suppressed ROS burst, confirming the involvement of the immune receptor complex in RipAW-regulated PTI. Overall, our results indicate that RipAW impairs host PTI by disrupting the immune receptor complex. Our findings provide new insights into the virulence mechanism of R. solanacearum.","PeriodicalId":49179,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"29 27","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2023-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138947058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}