1
|
Batista PR, de Alencar Silva A, Mikevely de Sena Bastos C, de Souza Borges A, Dias FJ, Ramon Dos Santos Pereira L, Tavares de Sousa Machado S, de Araújo Delmondes G, Kerntopf MR, Alencar de Menezes IR, Barbosa R. Vasorelaxant effect of (E,E)-farnesol in human umbilical vein ex vivo assays. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 386:110746. [PMID: 37816450 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
(E,E)-farnesol is a sesquiterpene acyclic alcohol produced by bacteria, protozoa, fungi, plants, and animals. The literature describes its applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, and also in the pharmacological context with a vasorelaxant effect. However, its effects on human umbilical vessels remain poorly investigated. Thus, this study aims to investigate, in a new way, the vasorelaxant effect of (E,E)-farnesol in human umbilical veins (HUV) from healthy donors. Rings obtained from isolated HUV were suspended in an organ bath to record their isometric tension in different experimental sections. (E,E)-farnesol (1 μmol/L to 1 mmol/L) promoted vasorelaxant effect in venous preparations contracted by depolarization (KCl 60 mmol/L) or pharmacological agonism (5-HT 10 μmol/L), with EC50 values of 239.9 μmol/L and 424 μmol/L, respectively. In calcium-free solution, this effect was also observable. (E,E)-farnesol was able to suppress contractions evoked by CaCl2 and BaCl2 suggesting a blockade of voltage-dependent (especially L-type) calcium channels. The vasorelaxant efficacy and potency of (E,E)-farnesol were affected in the presence of tetraethylammonium (1 and 10 mmol/L), glibenclamide (10 μmol/L) and BaCl2 (1 mmol/L) indicating a possible involvement of potassium channels (BKCa, KATP and KIR) in this effect. Our data suggest that (E,E)-farnesol has a promising potential to be applicable as a vasodilator in hypertensive conditions in pregnancy that alter HUV reactivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Ricardo Batista
- Biological Chemistry Department, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; Biological Sciences Department, Physiopharmacology of Excitable Cells Laboratory, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil.
| | - Andressa de Alencar Silva
- Biological Sciences Department, Physiopharmacology of Excitable Cells Laboratory, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; Higher Institute of Biomedical Sciences, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60714-903, Ceará, Brazil.
| | - Carla Mikevely de Sena Bastos
- Biological Chemistry Department, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; Biological Sciences Department, Physiopharmacology of Excitable Cells Laboratory, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil.
| | - Alex de Souza Borges
- Biological Chemistry Department, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; Biological Sciences Department, Physiopharmacology of Excitable Cells Laboratory, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil.
| | - Francisco Junio Dias
- Biological Sciences Department, Physiopharmacology of Excitable Cells Laboratory, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil.
| | - Luiz Ramon Dos Santos Pereira
- Biological Sciences Department, Physiopharmacology of Excitable Cells Laboratory, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil.
| | - Sara Tavares de Sousa Machado
- Biological Sciences Department, Physiopharmacology of Excitable Cells Laboratory, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil.
| | | | - Marta Regina Kerntopf
- Biological Chemistry Department, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil.
| | | | - Roseli Barbosa
- Biological Chemistry Department, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; Biological Sciences Department, Physiopharmacology of Excitable Cells Laboratory, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Batista PR, Silva ADA, de Sena Bastos CM, Rodrigues da Silva RE, Calixto GL, de Morais LP, Delmondes GDA, Kerntopf MR, de Menezes IRA, Barbosa R. Vasodilation promoted by ( E, E)-farnesol involving ion channels in human umbilical arteries. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17328. [PMID: 37441374 PMCID: PMC10333471 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background (E,E)-farnesol is a sesquiterpene alcohol derived from plants and animals that exhibits pharmacological properties in the cardiovascular system. However, its effects on human umbilical vessels remain unknown. Purpose Thus, this study aims to characterize the vasodilatory effect of (E,E)-farnesol in human umbilical arteries (HUA). Study design The tissue is obtained from pregnant women over 18 years of age, normotensive, and without prepartum complications. After collected, the tissue was segmented and dissected to remove Wharton's jelly and obtain the umbilical arteries segments. Methods HUA segments were isolated and sectioned into rings that were subjected to isometric tension recordings in an organ bath. Results (E,E)-farnesol (1 μmol/L to 1 mmol/L) promoted vasodilatory effect in HUA preparations, affecting basal tone, and inhibiting the electromechanical coupling induced by KCl 60 mmol/L with greater potency (EC50 225.3 μmol/L) than the pharmacomechanical coupling induced by 5-HT 10 μmol/L (EC50 363.5 μmol/L). In the absence of extracellular calcium, pharmacomechanical coupling was also abolished, and contractions induced by CaCl2 or BaCl2 were attenuated by (E,E)-farnesol indicating a possible direct inhibition of L-type VOCC as a mechanism of the vasodilatory effect. The vasodilator efficacy of (E,E)-farnesol on reduction of vasocontraction induced by the presence of tetraethylammonium (1 or 10 mmol/L), 4-aminopyridine (1 mmol/L) and glibenclamide (10 μmol/L) suggesting a possible influence of different potassium channels (BKCa, KV and KATP). Conclusion These results suggest that (E,E)-farnesol may be a promising pharmacological candidate for obstetric hypertensive disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Ricardo Batista
- Biological Chemistry Department, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil
- Biological Sciences Department, Physiopharmacology of Excitable Cells Laboratory, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Andressa de Alencar Silva
- Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Higher Institute of Biomedical Sciences, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60714-903, Ceará, Brazil
- Biological Sciences Department, Physiopharmacology of Excitable Cells Laboratory, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Carla Mikevely de Sena Bastos
- Biological Chemistry Department, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil
- Biological Sciences Department, Physiopharmacology of Excitable Cells Laboratory, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Renata Evaristo Rodrigues da Silva
- Biological Sciences Department, Physiopharmacology of Excitable Cells Laboratory, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Lucena Calixto
- Biological Sciences Department, Physiopharmacology of Excitable Cells Laboratory, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Luís Pereira de Morais
- Biological Sciences Department, Physiopharmacology of Excitable Cells Laboratory, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil
- Biotechnology By the Northeastern Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60714-903, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Marta Regina Kerntopf
- Biological Chemistry Department, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Roseli Barbosa
- Biological Chemistry Department, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil
- Biological Sciences Department, Physiopharmacology of Excitable Cells Laboratory, Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gc JB, Szlenk CT, Diyaolu A, Obi P, Wei H, Shi X, Gibson KM, Natesan S, Roullet JB. Allosteric modulation of α1β3γ2 GABA A receptors by farnesol through the neurosteroid sites. Biophys J 2023; 122:849-867. [PMID: 36721367 PMCID: PMC10027449 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammalian cells, all-trans farnesol, a 15-carbon isoprenol, is a product of the mevalonate pathway. It is the natural substrate of alcohol dehydrogenase and a substrate for CYP2E1, two enzymes implicated in ethanol metabolism. Studies have shown that farnesol is present in the human brain and inhibits voltage-gated Ca2+ channels at much lower concentrations than ethanol. Here we show that farnesol modulates the activity of γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs), some of which also mediate the sedative activity of ethanol. Electrophysiology experiments performed in HEK cells expressing human α1β3γ2 or α6β3γ2 GABAARs revealed that farnesol increased chloride currents through positive allosteric modulation of these receptors and showed dependence on both the alcoholic functional group of farnesol and the length of the alkyl chain for activity. In silico studies using long-timescale unbiased all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the human α1β3γ2 GABAA receptors revealed that farnesol modulates the channel by directly binding to the transmembrane neurosteroid-binding site, after partitioning into the surrounding membrane and reaching the receptor by lateral diffusion. Channel activation by farnesol was further characterized by several structural and dynamic variables, such as global twisting of the receptor's extracellular domain, tilting of the transmembrane M2 helices, radius, cross-sectional area, hydration status, and electrostatic potential of the channel pore. Our results expand the pharmacological activities of farnesol to yet another class of ion channels implicated in neurotransmission, thus providing a novel path for understanding and treatment of diseases involving GABAA receptor dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeevan B Gc
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
| | - Christopher T Szlenk
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
| | - Ayobami Diyaolu
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
| | - Peter Obi
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
| | - Haiyang Wei
- Eurofins Panlabs, Inc., St. Charles, Missouri
| | - Xutong Shi
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
| | - K Michael Gibson
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
| | - Senthil Natesan
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington.
| | - Jean-Baptiste Roullet
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nagy F, Vitális E, Jakab Á, Borman AM, Forgács L, Tóth Z, Majoros L, Kovács R. In vitro and in vivo Effect of Exogenous Farnesol Exposure Against Candida auris. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:957. [PMID: 32508780 PMCID: PMC7251031 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The spreading of multidrug-resistant Candida auris is considered as an emerging global health threat. The number of effective therapeutic regimens is strongly limited; therefore, development of novel strategies is needed. Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule with a potential antifungal and/or adjuvant effect; it may be a promising candidate in alternative treatment against Candida species including C. auris. To examine the effect of farnesol on C. auris, we performed experiments focusing on growth, biofilm production ability, production of enzymes related to oxidative stress, triazole susceptibility and virulence. Concentrations ranging from 100 to 300 μM farnesol caused a significant growth inhibition against C. auris planktonic cells for 24 h (p < 0.01-0.05). Farnesol treatment showed a concentration dependent inhibition in terms of biofilm forming ability of C. auris; however, it did not inhibit significantly the biofilm development at 24 h. Nevertheless, the metabolic activity of adhered farnesol pre-exposed cells (75 μM) was significantly diminished at 24 h depending on farnesol treatment during biofilm formation (p < 0.001-0.05). Moreover, 300 μM farnesol exerted a marked decrease in metabolic activity against one-day-old biofilms between 2 and 24 h (p < 0.001). Farnesol increased the production of reactive species remarkably, as revealed by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) assay {3.96 ± 0.89 [nmol DCF (OD640)-1] and 23.54 ± 4.51 [nmol DCF (OD640)-1] for untreated cells and farnesol exposed cells, respectively; p < 0.001}. This was in line with increased superoxide dismutase level {85.69 ± 5.42 [munit (mg protein)-1] and 170.11 ± 17.37 [munit (mg protein)-1] for untreated cells and farnesol exposed cells, respectively; p < 0.001}, but the catalase level remained statistically comparable between treated and untreated cells (p > 0.05). Concerning virulence-related enzymes, exposure to 75 μM farnesol did not influence phospholipase or aspartic proteinase activity (p > 0.05). The interaction between fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, isavuconazole and farnesol showed clear synergism (FICI ranges from 0.038 to 0.375) against one-day-old biofilms. Regarding in vivo experiments, daily 75 μM farnesol treatment decreased the fungal burden in an immunocompromised murine model of disseminated candidiasis, especially in case of inocula pre-exposed to farnesol (p < 0.01). In summary, farnesol shows a promising therapeutic or adjuvant potential in traditional or alternative therapies such as catheter lock therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fruzsina Nagy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Eszter Vitális
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Hospital Hygiene Ward, Clinical Centre, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Jakab
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Andrew M Borman
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Public Health England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lajos Forgács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Tóth
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Majoros
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Renátó Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
De Loof A. Calcitox-aging counterbalanced by endogenous farnesol-like sesquiterpenoids: An undervalued evolutionarily ancient key signaling pathway. Commun Integr Biol 2017; 10:e1341024. [PMID: 28919940 PMCID: PMC5595427 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2017.1341024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells are powerful miniature electrophoresis chambers, at least during part of their life cycle. They die at the moment the voltage gradient over their plasma membrane, and their ability to drive a self-generated electric current carried by inorganic ions through themselves irreversibly collapses. Senescence is likely due to the progressive, multifactorial damage to the cell's electrical system. This is the essence of the "Fading electricity theory of aging" (De Loof et al., Aging Res. Rev. 2013;12:58-66). "Biologic electric current" is not carried by electrons, but by inorganic ions. The major ones are H+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl- and HCO3-. Ca2+ and H+ in particular are toxic to cells. At rising concentrations, they can alter the 3D-conformation of chromatin and some (e.g. cytoskeletal) proteins: Calcitox and Protontox. This paper only focuses on Calcitox and endogenous sesquiterpenoids. pH-control and Ca2+-homeostasis have been shaped to near perfection during billions of years of evolution. The role of Ca2+ in some aspects of aging, e.g., as causal to neurodegenerative diseases is still debated. The main anti-Calcitox mechanism is to keep free cytoplasmic Ca2+ as low as possible. This can be achieved by restricting the passive influx of Ca2+ through channels in the plasma membrane, and by maximizing the active extrusion of excess Ca2+ e.g., by means of different types of Ca2+-ATPases. Like there are mechanisms that antagonize the toxic effects of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), there must also exist endogenous tools to counteract Calcitox. During a re-evaluation of which mechanism(s) exactly initiates the fast aging that accompanies induction of metamorphosis in insects, a causal relationship between absence of an endogenous sesquiterpenoid, namely the farnesol ester named "juvenile hormone," and disturbed Ca2+-homeostasis was suggested. In this paper, this line of thinking is further explored and extended to vertebrate physiology. A novel concept emerges: horseshoe-shaped sesquiterpenoids seem to act as "inbrome" agonists with the function of a "chemical valve" or "spring" in some types of multi-helix transmembrane proteins (intramolecular prenylation), from bacterial rhodopsins to some types of GPCRs and ion pumps, in particular the SERCA-Ca2+-pump. This further underpins the Fading Electricity Theory of Aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnold De Loof
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Polke M, Leonhardt I, Kurzai O, Jacobsen ID. Farnesol signalling in Candida albicans – more than just communication. Crit Rev Microbiol 2017; 44:230-243. [DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2017.1337711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Polke
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Ines Leonhardt
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Ilse D. Jacobsen
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Quorum sensing by farnesol revisited. Curr Genet 2017; 63:791-797. [DOI: 10.1007/s00294-017-0683-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
8
|
|
9
|
Décanis N, Tazi N, Correia A, Vilanova M, Rouabhia M. Farnesol, a fungal quorum-sensing molecule triggers Candida albicans morphological changes by downregulating the expression of different secreted aspartyl proteinase genes. Open Microbiol J 2011; 5:119-26. [PMID: 22207890 PMCID: PMC3242405 DOI: 10.2174/1874285801105010119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Revised: 08/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of exogenous farnesol in yeast-to-hyphae morphogenesis, and Saps (2, 4, 5 and 6) mRNA expressions by a Candida strain that does not produce endogenous farnesol. C. albicans was cultured in the absence and presence of farnesol at various concentrations (10, 100, and 300 µM), in proteinase induction medium, and then used to determine yeast-to- hyphae changes, Candida ultrastructure and to determine Saps 2, 4, 5 and 6 expressions using q-TR-PCR and ELISA (for Sap2). Data demonstrated that farnesol greatly reduced the yeast-to-hyphae morphogenesis of a Candida strain that does not produce endogenous farnesol. Farnesol induced several ultrastructural alterations, including changes in the cell-wall shape, a visible disconnection between the cell wall and cytoplasm with an electron-lucent zone between them, and the presence of electron-dense vacuoles. Tested on gene expressions, farnesol was able to significantly (p < 0.01) decrease Sap2 secretion and mRNA expression. Farnesol downregulated also Sap4-6 mRNA expression. These results demonstrated for the first time that farnesol modules Candida morphogenesis through a downregulation of Saps 2, 4, 5 and 6 expressions. Overall these data point to the potential use of farnesol as an antifungal molecule
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Décanis
- Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Funari SS, Prades J, Escribá PV, Barceló F. Farnesol and geranylgeraniol modulate the structural properties of phosphatidylethanolamine model membranes. Mol Membr Biol 2009; 22:303-11. [PMID: 16154902 DOI: 10.1080/09687860500135411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The biological activity of farnesol (FN) and geranylgeraniol (GG) and their isoprenyl groups is related to membrane-associated processes. We have studied the interactions of FN and GG with 1,2-dielaidoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DEPE) membranes using DSC and X-ray diffraction. Storage of samples at low temperature for a long time favors a multidomain system formed by a lamellar crystalline (Lc) phase and isoprenoids (ISPs) aggregates. We demonstrate that ISPs alter the thermotropic behavior of DEPE, thereby promoting a HII growth in a lamellar Lc phase with a reduced degree of hydration. The HII phase occurs with the same repeat distance (dHII=5.4 nm) as the Lc phase and upon heating it expands considerably (deltad/deltaT approximately 0.22 nm/ degrees C). The dimensional stabilization of this HII phase coincides with the transition temperature of the Lc to Lalpha phase. Thereafter, the system DEPE/ISP will progress by increasing the nonlamellar-forming propensity and reaching a single HII phase at high temperature. The cooling scan followed a similar structural path, except that the system went into a stable gel phase Lbeta with a repeat distance, dLbeta=6.5 nm, in co-existence with a HII phase. The formation of ISP microdomains in model PE membranes substantiates the importance of the isoprenyl group in the binding of isoprenylated proteins to membranes and in lipid-lipid interactions through modulation of the membrane structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio S Funari
- Max-Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces, HASYLAB, Notkestrasse 85, D-22603, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Uppuluri P, Mekala S, Chaffin WL. Farnesol-mediated inhibition ofCandida albicansyeast growth and rescue by a diacylglycerol analogue. Yeast 2007; 24:681-93. [PMID: 17583896 DOI: 10.1002/yea.1501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
During Candida albicans yeast cell growth to early stationary phase, metabolites accumulate in the medium, including the quorum-sensing molecule farnesol. We found that besides germ tube inhibition, 40 microM farnesol also inhibited C. albicans yeast growth under yeast growth permissive conditions. Consistent with this observation, transcriptional analysis of yeast cells resuspended in fresh medium with 40 microM farnesol revealed that genes involved in hyphal formation, GTPase activation, mitosis and DNA replication were downregulated many-fold. Farnesol-mediated inhibition of yeast growth was dependent on the growth phase of the C. albicans cells. The growth defect was relieved by addition of a diacylglycerol analogue, implicating phosphatidylinositol signalling in the delay. Although diacylglycerol is an activator of protein kinase C (PKC) in mammalian cells, there is some question about activation of fungal PKCs. A mutant strain deleted for PKC1 responded to farnesol and the diacylglycerol analogue similar to wild-type, suggesting that PKC is not the target of the diacylglycerol analogue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Uppuluri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rowat AC, Keller D, Ipsen JH. Effects of farnesol on the physical properties of DMPC membranes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2005; 1713:29-39. [PMID: 15963943 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2005.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2005] [Revised: 04/12/2005] [Accepted: 04/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Farnesol interacts with membranes in a wide variety of biological contexts, yet our understanding of how it affects lipid bilayers is not yet complete. This study investigates how the 15-carbon isoprenoid, farnesol, influences the phase behaviour, lateral organization, and mechanical stability of dimyristol phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) model membranes. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of multilamellar DMPC-farnesol mixtures (up to 26 mol% farnesol) demonstrates how this isoprenoid lowers and broadens the gel-fluid phase transition. A gel-fluid coexistence region becomes progressively more dominant with increasing farnesol concentration and at concentrations of and greater than 10.8 mol%, an upper transition emerges at about 35 degrees C. Atomic force microscopy images of supported farnesol-DMPC bilayers containing 10 and 20 mol% farnesol provide structural evidence of gel-fluid coexistence around the main transition. Above this coexistence region, membranes exhibit homogeneous lateral organization but at temperatures below the main gel-fluid coexistence region, another form of phase coexistence is observed. The solid nature of the gel phase is confirmed using micropipette aspiration. The combined thermodynamic, structural, and mechanical data allow us to construct a phase diagram. Our results show that farnesol preferentially partitions into the fluid phase and induces phase coexistence in membranes below the main transition of the pure lipid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Rowat
- Department of Physics, University of Southern Denmark, MEMPHYS-Center for Biomembrane Physics, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rowat AC, Davis JH. Farnesol-DMPC phase behaviour: a 2H-NMR study. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2004; 1661:178-87. [PMID: 15003880 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2004.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2003] [Revised: 12/16/2003] [Accepted: 01/09/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Involved in a number of diverse metabolic and functional contexts, farnesol is a central component of the mevalonate pathway, post-translationally attaches to proteins, and affects a number of other membrane-associated events. Despite farnesol's biological implications, a detailed analysis of how farnesol affects the physical properties and phase behaviour of lipid membranes is lacking. As (2)H-NMR spectra are sensitive to molecular motions and acyl chain orientation, they can be used to measure the degree of molecular order present in the system. Also, since the (2)H-NMR spectra of fluid and gel phase lipids are very different, they are sensitive probes of membrane phase equilibrium and can be used to determine fluid-gel phase boundaries. In this study, dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine-d(54) (DMPC-d(54)) bilayers containing varying concentrations of trans-trans farnesol (2.5-20.0 mol%) are investigated over a range of temperatures (8-30 degrees C). Analysis of these spectra has led to the construction of a farnesol-DMPC-d(54) temperature-composition plot. We show that increasing concentrations of farnesol induce a decrease in the fluid-gel phase transition temperature and promote fluid-gel coexistence. Interestingly, farnesol does not seem to affect the quadrupolar splittings (Delta v(Q)) in the fluid phase, i.e., the organization of farnesol within the bilayer and its interaction with phospholipids does not appreciably influence acyl chain order in the fluid phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Rowat
- MEMPHYS, Center for Biomembrane Physics, Department of Physics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-52 30 Odense, Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ownby SE, Hohl RJ. Isoprenoid alcohols restore protein isoprenylation in a time-dependent manner independent of protein synthesis. Lipids 2003; 38:751-9. [PMID: 14506838 DOI: 10.1007/s11745-003-1123-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mevalonic acid derivatives are required for the isoprenylation of a variety of growth-regulating proteins. Treatment of NIH3T3 cells with lovastatin (LOV), an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, depletes cells of these derivatives and impairs isoprenylation of RAS and RAS-related proteins. In LOV-treated cells, farnesol (FOH) and geranylgeraniol (GGOH) restore RAS and Rap1 isoprenylation, respectively. In this study, we further characterize the manner in which these isoprenoid alcohols are utilized for protein isoprenylation. Over a 48-h time span, FOH is unable to maintain RAS isoprenylation in the continuing presence of LOV, whereas GGOH is able to maintain Rap1 isoprenylation in the presence of LOV at all times tested. When cells are pretreated with LOV, the ability of both FOH and GGOH to restore protein isoprenylation is time dependent; as the LOV pretreatment time increases, the time required for FOH and GGOH to restore isoprenylation also increases. Despite this time dependence, the ability of FOH and GGOH to restore protein isoprenylation is not dependent on new protein synthesis and does not require alcohol dehydrogenase. These data support the existence of and further characterize the isoprenoid shunt, a novel metabolic pathway that utilizes FOH and GGOH for protein isoprenylation. The enzymes of the isoprenoid shunt are constitutively expressed, their activity may be modulated by isoprenoid depletion, and they are differentially regulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Ownby
- Department of Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|