Overexpression of FABP3 promotes apoptosis through inducing mitochondrial impairment in embryonic cancer cells

FABP3 Induces Mitochondrial Autophagy to Promote Neuronal Cell Apoptosis in Brain Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which FABP3 regulates neuronal apoptosis via mitochondrial autophagy in the context of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Employing a transient mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) established using the filament method, brain tissue samples were procured from I/R mice. High-throughput transcriptome sequencing on the Illumina CN500 platform was performed to identify differentially expressed mRNAs. Critical genes were selected by intersecting I/R-related genes from the GeneCards database with the differentially expressed mRNAs. The in vivo mechanism was explored by infecting I/R mice with lentivirus. Brain tissue injury, infarct volume ratio in the ischemic penumbra, neurologic deficits, behavioral abilities, neuronal apoptosis, apoptotic factors, inflammatory factors, and lipid peroxidation markers were assessed using H&E staining, TTC staining, Longa scoring, rotation experiments, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot. For in vitro validation, an OGD/R model was established using primary neuron cells. Cell viability, apoptosis rate, mitochondrial oxidative stress, morphology, autophagosome formation, membrane potential, LC3 protein levels, and colocalization of autophagosomes and mitochondria were evaluated using MTT assay, LDH release assay, flow cytometry, ROS/MDA/GSH-Px measurement, transmission electron microscopy, MitoTracker staining, JC-1 method, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. FABP3 was identified as a critical gene in I/R through integrated transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. In vivo experiments revealed that FABP3 silencing mitigated brain tissue damage, reduced infarct volume ratio, improved neurologic deficits, restored behavioral abilities, and attenuated neuronal apoptosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial oxidative stress in I/R mice. In vitro experiments demonstrated that FABP3 silencing restored OGD/R cell viability, reduced neuronal apoptosis, and decreased mitochondrial oxidative stress. Moreover, FABP3 induced mitochondrial autophagy through ROS, which was inhibited by the free radical scavenger NAC. Blocking mitochondrial autophagy with sh-ATG5 lentivirus confirmed that FABP3 induces mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal apoptosis by activating mitochondrial autophagy. In conclusion, FABP3 activates mitochondrial autophagy through ROS, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal apoptosis, thereby promoting cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Ameliorating effect of rutin against diclofenac-induced cardiac injury in rats with underlying function of FABP3, MYL3, and ANP

Diclofenac is a widely prescribed anti-inflammatory drug having cardiovascular complications as one of the main liabilities that restrict its therapeutic use. We aimed to investigate for any role of rutin against diclofenac-induced cardiac injury with underlying mechanisms as there is no such precedent to date. The effect of rutin (10 and 20 mg/kg) was evaluated upon concomitant oral administration for fifteen days with diclofenac (10 mg/kg). Rutin significantly attenuated diclofenac-induced alterations in the serum cardiac markers (LDH, CK-MB, and SGOT), serum cytokine levels (TNF-α and IL-6), and oxidative stress markers (MDA and GSH) in the cardiac tissue. Histopathological examination and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) findings displayed a marked effect of rutin to prevent diclofenac-mediated cardiac injury. Altered protein expression of myocardial injury markers (cTnT, FABP3, and ANP) and apoptotic markers (Bcl-2 and Caspase-3) in the cardiac tissue upon diclofenac treatment was considerably shielded by rutin treatment. MYL3 was unaffected due to diclofenac or rutin treatment. Rutin also significantly improved diclofenac-induced gastrointestinal and hepatic alterations based on the observed ameliorative effects in key mediators, oxidative stress markers, histopathology examination, and SEM findings. Overall results suggest that rutin can protect the diclofenac-induced cardiac injury by lowering oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammation, and reducing apoptosis. Further research work directs toward the development of phytotherapeutics for cardioprotection.

Comprehensive analysis of cuproptosis-related immune biomarker signature to enhance prognostic accuracy in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor with high prevalence and fatality. Cuproptosis is a recently identified copper-dependent programmed cell death mechanism. Multiple studies have demonstrated the profound impact of the immune microenvironment on tumor development. Hence, we decided to excavate the potential functional roles of cuproptosis-related immune genes (CRIGs) in GC and their values as biomarkers.

METHODS

Cuproptosis- and immune-related genes were curated from top published studies on cell cuproptosis and cellular immunity. Transcriptome data and clinical information were obtained from TCGA, GTEx, and GEO databases. Cox and LASSO analyses were used to establish a prognostic signature for GC. Long-term prognosis, immune infiltration, immune checkpoint, and drug response were compared between signature groups. CRIG expression in GC scRNA-seq was analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate CRIG and cuproptosis regulator FDX1 in GC tissues.

RESULTS

Seven CRIGs (ANOS1, CTLA4, ITGAV, CXCR4, NRP1, FABP3, and LGR6) were selected to establish a potent signature to forecast the long-term prognosis of patients. GC patients had worse prognosis and poor responses to chemotherapeutic drugs (5-Fluorouracil and paclitaxel) in the high-risk group. scRNA-seq revealed that CTLA4, ITGAV, CXCR4, and NRP1 enrichment in specific cell types regulated the progression of GC. Moreover, NRP1, CXCR4, LGR6, CTLA4, and FDX1 were elevated in GC tissues, with a positive correlation between their expression and FDX1.

CONCLUSIONS

To conclude, this study first provides insights into the functions of CRIGs in GC. Furthermore, a robust cuproptosis-related immune biomarker signature was established to forecast the long-term survival of GC patients accurately.

Study on fatty acid binding protein in lipid metabolism of livestock and poultry

Fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) are key proteins in lipid transport, and 12 family members have been documented in the literature. In recent years, new insights have been gained into the structure and function of FABPs, which are important regulators of lipid metabolic processes in the body and play a central role in coordinating lipid transport and metabolism in various tissues and organs across species. This paper provides a brief overview of the structure and biological functions of FABPs and reviews related studies on lipid metabolism in livestock and poultry to lay the foundation for research on the mechanism underlying the regulatory effect of FABPs on lipid metabolism in livestock and poultry and for the genetic improvement of livestock and poultry.

Fatty acid-binding proteins 3 and 5 are involved in the initiation of mitochondrial damage in ischemic neurons

We have previously shown that a fatty acid-binding protein7 (FABP7) inhibitor ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice, suggesting an association between FABPs and ischemic neuronal injury. However, the precise role of FABPs in ischemic neuronal injury remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of FABPs in ischemia-reperfusion neuronal injury. FABP3, FABP5, and FABP7 were upregulated in the ischemic penumbra regions in mice. However, only FABP3 and FABP5 were expressed in injured neurons. Furthermore, FABP3 and FABP5 accumulated in the mitochondria of ischemic neurons. Overexpressing either FABP3 or FABP5 aggravated the reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and induced cell death in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells during oxidative stress. This damage was mediated by the formation of BAX-containing pores in the mitochondrial membrane. Moreover, FABP5 mediates lipid peroxidation and generates toxic by-products (i.e., 4-HNE) in SH-SY5Y cells. HY11-08 (HY08), a novel FABP3 and 5 inhibitor that does not act on FABP7, significantly reduced cerebral infarct volume and blocked FABP3/5-induced mitochondrial damage, including lipid peroxidation and BAX-related apoptotic signaling. Thus, FABP3 and FABP5 are key players in triggering mitochondrial damage in ischemic neurons. In addition, the novel FABP inhibitor, HY08, may be a potential neuroprotective treatment for ischemic stroke.

Inhibition of IκB Kinase Is a Potential Therapeutic Strategy to Circumvent Resistance to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains as an intractable malignancy with limited therapeutic targets. High expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been associated with a poor prognosis of TNBC; however, EGFR targeting has failed with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Here, we performed a combinatorial screening of fifty-five protein kinase inhibitors with the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib in the TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 and identified the IκB kinase (IKK) inhibitor IKK16 as a sensitizer of gefitinib. Cell viability and clonogenic survival assays were performed to evaluate the antiproliferative effects of the gefitinib and IKK16 (Gefitinib + IKK16) combination in TNBC cell lines. Western blot analyses were also performed to reveal the potential mode of action of this combination. In addition, next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis was performed in Gefitinib+IKK16-treated cells. The Gefitinib+IKK16 treatment synergistically reduced cell viability and colony formation of TNBC cell lines such as HS578T, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468. This combination downregulated p-STAT3, p-AKT, p-mTOR, p-GSK3β, and p-RPS6. In addition, p-NF-κB and the total NF-κB were also regulated by this combination. Furthermore, NGS analysis revealed that NF-κB/RELA targets including CCL2, CXCL8, EDN1, IL-1β, IL-6, and SERPINE1 were further reduced and several potential tumor suppressors, such as FABP3, FADS2, FDFT1, SEMA6A, and PCK2, were synergistically induced by the Gefitinib-+IKK16 treatment. Taken together, we identified the IKK/NF-κB pathway as a potential target in combination of EGFR inhibition for treating TNBC.

Estrogen Receptor Beta 1: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Female Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor alpha, progesterone receptor, and HER2. These receptors often serve as targets in breast cancer treatment. As a result, TNBCs are difficult to treat and have a high propensity to metastasize to distant organs. For these reasons, TNBCs are responsible for over 50% of all breast cancer mortalities while only accounting for 15% to 20% of breast cancer cases. However, estrogen receptor beta 1 (ERβ1), an isoform of the ESR2 gene, has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of TNBCs. Using an in vivo xenograft preclinical mouse model with human TNBC, we found that expression of ERβ1 significantly reduced both primary tumor growth and metastasis. Moreover, TNBCs with elevated levels of ERβ1 showed reduction in epithelial to mesenchymal transition markers and breast cancer stem cell markers, and increases in the expression of genes associated with inhibition of cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis, suggesting possible mechanisms underlying the antitumor activity of ERβ1. Gene expression analysis by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and RNA-seq revealed that treatment with chloroindazole, an ERβ-selective agonist ligand, often enhanced the suppressive activity of ERβ1 in TNBCs in vivo or in TNBC cells in culture, suggesting the potential utility of ERβ1 and ERβ ligand in improving TNBC treatment. The findings enable understanding of the mechanisms by which ERβ1 impedes TNBC growth, invasiveness, and metastasis and consideration of ways by which treatments involving ERβ might improve TNBC patient outcome.

Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins: Their Roles in Ischemic Stroke and Potential as Drug Targets

Stroke is among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. However, despite long-term research yielding numerous candidate neuroprotective drugs, there remains a lack of effective neuroprotective therapies for ischemic stroke patients. Among the factors contributing to this deficiency could be that single-target therapy is insufficient in addressing the complex and extensive mechanistic basis of ischemic brain injury. In this context, lipids serve as an essential component of multiple biological processes and play important roles in the pathogenesis of numerous common neurological diseases. Moreover, in recent years, fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs), a family of lipid chaperone proteins, have been discovered to be involved in the onset or development of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. However, comparatively little attention has focused on the roles played by FABPs in ischemic stroke. We have recently demonstrated that neural tissue-associated FABPs are involved in the pathological mechanism of ischemic brain injury in mice. Here, we review the literature published in the past decade that has reported on the associations between FABPs and ischemia and summarize the relevant regulatory mechanisms of FABPs implicated in ischemic injury. We also propose candidate FABPs that could serve as potential therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke.

Lipid metabolism reprogramming in renal cell carcinoma

Metabolic reprogramming is recognized as a hallmark of cancer. Lipids are the essential biomolecules required for membrane biosynthesis, energy storage, and cell signaling. Altered lipid metabolism allows tumor cells to survive in the nutrient-deprived environment. However, lipid metabolism remodeling in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has not received the same attention as in other cancers. RCC, the most common type of kidney cancer, is associated with almost 15,000 death in the USA annually. Being refractory to conventional chemotherapy agents and limited available targeted therapy options has made the treatment of metastatic RCC very challenging. In this article, we review recent findings that support the importance of synthesis and metabolism of cholesterol, free fatty acids (FFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the carcinogenesis and biology of RCC. Delineating the detailed mechanisms underlying lipid reprogramming can help to better understand the pathophysiology of RCC and to design novel therapeutic strategies targeting this malignancy.

Genomic expansion of Aldh1a1 protects beavers against high metabolic aldehydes from lipid oxidation

The North American beaver is an exceptionally long-lived and cancer-resistant rodent species. Here, we report the evolutionary changes in its gene coding sequences, copy numbers, and expression. We identify changes that likely increase its ability to detoxify aldehydes, enhance tumor suppression and DNA repair, and alter lipid metabolism, potentially contributing to its longevity and cancer resistance. Hpgd, a tumor suppressor gene, is uniquely duplicated in beavers among rodents, and several genes associated with tumor suppression and longevity are under positive selection in beavers. Lipid metabolism genes show positive selection signals, changes in copy numbers, or altered gene expression in beavers. Aldh1a1, encoding an enzyme for aldehydes detoxification, is particularly notable due to its massive expansion in beavers, which enhances their cellular resistance to ethanol and capacity to metabolize diverse aldehyde substrates from lipid oxidation and their woody diet. We hypothesize that the amplification of Aldh1a1 may contribute to the longevity of beavers.

Zhang et al. examine the genome of North American beavers and find evolutionary changes that could contribute to beavers’ longevity. In particular, Aldh1a1, encoding an enzyme for aldehyde detoxification, is massively expanded in the beaver genome, protecting them against exposure to aldehydes from lipid oxidation and their woody diet.

The Proteome of Equine Oviductal Fluid Varies Before and After Ovulation: A Comparative Study

Equine fertilization cannot be performed in the laboratory as equine spermatozoa do not cross the oocyte's zona pellucida in vitro. Hence, a more profound study of equine oviductal fluid (OF) composition at the pre-ovulatory and post-ovulatory stages could help in understanding what components are required to achieve fertilization in horses. Our work aimed to elucidate the proteomic composition of equine OF at both stages. To do this, OF was obtained postmortem from oviducts of slaughtered mares ipsilateral to a pre-ovulatory follicle (n = 4) or a recent ovulation (n = 4); the samples were kept at −80°C until analysis. After protein extraction and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) labeling, the samples were analyzed by nano-liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The analysis of the spectra resulted in the identification of a total of 1,173 proteins present in pre-ovulatory and post-ovulatory samples; among these, 691 were unique for Equus caballus. Proteins from post-ovulatory oviductal fluid were compared with the proteins from pre-ovulatory oviductal fluid and were categorized as upregulated (positive log fold change) or downregulated (negative log fold change). Fifteen proteins were found to be downregulated in the post-ovulatory fluid and 156 were upregulated in the post-ovulatory OF compared to the pre-ovulatory fluid; among the upregulated proteins, 87 were included in the metabolism of proteins pathway. The identified proteins were related to sperm–oviduct interaction, fertilization, and metabolism, among others. Our data reveal consistent differences in the proteome of equine OF prior to and after ovulation, helping to increase our understanding in the factors that promote fertilization and early embryo development in horses.

Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins Aggravate Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Mice

Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) regulate the intracellular dynamics of fatty acids, mediate lipid metabolism and participate in signaling processes. However, the therapeutic efficacy of targeting FABPs as novel therapeutic targets for cerebral ischemia is not well established. Previously, we synthesized a novel FABP inhibitor, i.e., FABP ligand 6 [4-(2-(5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-4-fluorophenoxy)butanoic acid] (referred to here as MF6). In this study, we analyzed the ability of MF6 to ameliorate transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and reperfusion-induced injury in mice. A single MF6 administration (3.0 mg/kg, per os) at 0.5 h post-reperfusion effectively reduced brain infarct volumes and neurological deficits. The protein-expression levels of FABP3, FABP5 and FABP7 in the brain gradually increased after tMCAO. Importantly, MF6 significantly suppressed infarct volumes and the elevation of FABP-expression levels at 12 h post-reperfusion. MF6 also inhibited the promotor activity of FABP5 in human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y). These data suggest that FABPs elevated infarct volumes after ischemic stroke and that inhibiting FABPs ameliorated the ischemic injury. Moreover, MF6 suppressed the inflammation-associated prostaglandin E2 levels through microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 expression in the ischemic hemispheres. Taken together, the results imply that the FABP inhibitor MF6 can potentially serve as a neuroprotective therapeutic for ischemic stroke.

Epidermal Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 5 (FABP5) Involvement in Alpha-Synuclein-Induced Mitochondrial Injury under Oxidative Stress

The accumulation of α-synuclein (αSyn) has been implicated as a causal factor in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). There is growing evidence that supports mitochondrial dysfunction as a potential primary cause of dopaminergic neuronal death in PD. Here, we focused on reciprocal interactions between αSyn aggregation and mitochondrial injury induced by oxidative stress. We further investigated whether epidermal fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5) is related to αSyn oligomerization/aggregation and subsequent disturbances in mitochondrial function in neuronal cells. In the presence of rotenone, a mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I inhibitor, co-overexpression of FABP5 with αSyn significantly decreased the viability of Neuro-2A cells compared to that of αSyn alone. Under these conditions, FABP5 co-localized with αSyn in the mitochondria, thereby reducing mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, we confirmed that pharmacological inhibition of FABP5 by its ligand prevented αSyn accumulation in mitochondria, which led to cell death rescue. These results suggested that FABP5 is crucial for mitochondrial dysfunction related to αSyn oligomerization/aggregation in the mitochondria induced by oxidative stress in neurons.

OCT4 induces embryonic pluripotency via STAT3 signaling and metabolic mechanisms

OCT4 is a fundamental component of the molecular circuitry governing pluripotency in vivo and in vitro. To determine how OCT4 establishes and protects the pluripotent lineage in the embryo, we used comparative single-cell transcriptomics and quantitative immunofluorescence on control and OCT4 null blastocyst inner cell masses at two developmental stages. Surprisingly, activation of most pluripotency-associated transcription factors in the early mouse embryo occurs independently of OCT4, with the exception of the JAK/STAT signaling machinery. Concurrently, OCT4 null inner cell masses ectopically activate a subset of trophectoderm-associated genes. Inspection of metabolic pathways implicates the regulation of rate-limiting glycolytic enzymes by OCT4, consistent with a role in sustaining glycolysis. Furthermore, up-regulation of the lysosomal pathway was specifically detected in OCT4 null embryos. This finding implicates a requirement for OCT4 in the production of normal trophectoderm. Collectively, our findings uncover regulation of cellular metabolism and biophysical properties as mechanisms by which OCT4 instructs pluripotency.

Therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in combination cancer therapy

Derivatives of the plant Cannabis sativa have been used for centuries for both medical and recreational purposes, as well as industrial. The first proof of its medicinal use comes from ancient China, although there is evidence of its earlier utilization in Europe and Asia. In the 19th century, European practitioners started to employ cannabis extracts to treat tetanus, convulsions, and mental diseases and, in 1851, cannabis made its appearance in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States as an analgesic, hypnotic and anticonvulsant. It was only in 1937 that the Marijuana Tax Act prohibited the use of this drug in the USA. The general term Cannabis is commonly used by the scientific and scholar community to indicate derivatives of the plant Cannabis sativa. The word cannabinoid is a term describing chemical compounds that are either derivate of Cannabis (phytocannabinoids) or artificial analogues (synthetic) or are produced endogenously by the body (endocannabinoids). A more casual term "marijuana" or "weed", a compound derived from dried Cannabis flower tops and leaves, has progressively superseded the term cannabis when referred to its recreational use. The 2018 World health organisation (WHO) data suggest that nearly 2.5% of the global population (147 million) uses marijuana and some countries, such as Canada and Uruguay, have already legalised it. Due to its controversial history, the medicinal use of cannabinoids has always been a centre of debate. The isolation and characterisation of Δ⁹ tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive component of cannabis and the detection of two human cannabinoid receptor (CBRs) molecules renewed interest in the medical use of cannabinoids, boosting research and commercial heed in this sector. Some cannabinoid-based drugs have been approved as medications, mainly as antiemetic, antianorexic, anti-seizure remedies and in cancer and multiple sclerosis patients' palliative care. Nevertheless, due to the stigma commonly associated with these compounds, cannabinoids' potential in the treatment of conditions such as cancer is still largely unknown and therefore underestimated.

Expression of Fatty Acid-Binding Protein-3 in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors and Its Significance for Prognosis

BACKGROUND

FABP3 is a member of the fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) family, whose role in various cancers has been reported in the past. However, little is known about the role that FABP3 plays in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

METHODS

FABP3 expression was analyzed in 119 patients with GISTs using immunohistochemistry and tissue microarrays to interrogate the relationship between expression and prognosis. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate patient survival rates using complete follow-up data and to evaluate the potential prognostic value of FABP3 using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

FABP3-positive signals were detected as brown particles located in the cytoplasm using immunohistochemistry. Among the 119 tissue samples, we observed high FABP3 expression in 64 and low or negative expression in 55. Immunohistochemical analyses suggested that FABP3 expression was significantly correlated with tumor size (P = 0.006), mitotic index (P = 0.016), gross classification (P = 0.048), and AFIP-Miettinen risk classification (P = 0.007). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the expression of FABP3 was significantly associated with tumor size (P = 0.021). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that patients with GISTs with low expression of FABP3 and classified with a very low to moderate AFIP-Miettinen risk had better prognosis. Multivariate analysis further showed that high expression of FABP3 (P = 0.017) was significantly associated with poor 5-year overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

High FABP3 expression has a prognostic value for patients with GISTs.

Transcriptome of Two Canine Prostate Cancer Cells Treated With Toceranib Phosphate Reveals Distinct Antitumor Profiles Associated With the PDGFR Pathway

Canine prostate cancer (PC) presents a poor antitumor response, usually late diagnosis and prognosis. Toceranib phosphate (TP) is a nonspecific inhibitor of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), and c-KIT. This study aimed to evaluate VEGFR2, PDGFR-β, and c-KIT protein expression in two established canine PC cell lines (PC1 and PC2) and the transcriptome profile of the cells after treatment with TP. Immunofluorescence (IF) analysis revealed VEGFR2 and PDGFR-β protein expression and the absence of c-KIT protein expression in both cell lines. After TP treatment, only the viability of PC1 cells decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Transcriptome and enrichment analyses of treated PC1 cells revealed 181 upregulated genes, which were related to decreased angiogenesis and cell proliferation. In addition, we found upregulated PDGFR-A, PDGFR-β, and PDGF-D expression in PC1 cells, and the upregulation of PDGFR-β was also observed in treated PC1 cells by qPCR. PC2 cells had fewer protein-protein interactions (PPIs), with 18 upregulated and 22 downregulated genes; the upregulated genes were involved in the regulation of parallel pathways and mechanisms related to proliferation, which could be associated with the resistance observed after treatment. The canine PC1 cell line but not the PC2 cell line showed decreased viability after treatment with TP, although both cell lines expressed PDGFR and VEGFR receptors. Further studies could explain the mechanism of resistance in PC2 cells and provide a basis for personalized treatment for dogs with PC.

Myokines in treatment-naïve patients with cancer-associated cachexia

Cancer-associated cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome characterized by weight loss and systemic inflammation. Muscle loss and fatty infiltration into muscle are associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Skeletal muscle secretes myokines, factors with autocrine, paracrine and/or endocrine action, which may be modified by or play a role in cachexia. This study examined myokine content in the plasma, skeletal muscle and tumor homogenates from treatment-naïve patients with gastric or colorectal stages I-IV cancer with cachexia (CC, N = 62), or not (weight stable cancer, WSC, N = 32). Myostatin, interleukin (IL) 15, follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL-1), fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3), irisin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein content in samples was measured with Multiplex technology; body composition and muscle lipid infiltration were evaluated in computed tomography, and quantification of triacylglycerol (TAG) in the skeletal muscle. Cachectic patients presented lower muscle FSTL-1 expression (p = 0.047), higher FABP3 plasma content (p = 0.0301) and higher tumor tissue expression of FABP3 (p = 0.0182), IL-15 (p = 0.007) and irisin (p = 0.0110), compared to WSC. Neither muscle TAG content, nor muscle attenuation were different between weight stable and cachectic patients. Lumbar adipose tissue (AT) index, visceral AT index and subcutaneous AT index were lower in CC (p = 0.0149, p = 0.0455 and p = 0.0087, respectively), who also presented lower muscularity in the cohort (69.2% of patients; p = 0.0301), compared to WSC. The results indicate the myokine profile in skeletal muscle, plasma and tumor is impacted by cachexia. These findings show that myokines eventually affecting muscle wasting may not solely derive from the muscle itself (as the tumor also may contribute to the systemic scenario), and put forward new perspectives on cachexia treatment targeting myokines and associated receptors and pathways.

Lipid chaperones and associated diseases: a group of chaperonopathies defining a new nosological entity with implications for medical research and practice

Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) are lipid chaperones assisting in the trafficking of long-chain fatty acids with functions in various cell compartments, including oxidation, signaling, gene-transcription regulation, and storage. The various known FABP isoforms display distinctive tissue distribution, but some are active in more than one tissue. Quantitative and/or qualitative changes of FABPs are associated with pathological conditions. Increased circulating levels of FABPs are biomarkers of disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Deregulated expression and malfunction of FABPs can result from genetic alterations or posttranslational modifications and can be pathogenic. We have assembled the disorders with abnormal FABPs as chaperonopathies in a distinct nosological entity. This entity is similar but separate from that encompassing the chaperonopathies pertaining to protein chaperones. In this review, we discuss the role of FABPs in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, cancer, and neurological diseases. We highlight the opportunities for improving diagnosis and treatment that open by encompassing all these pathological conditions within of a coherent nosological group, focusing on abnormal lipid chaperones as biomarkers of disease and etiological-pathogenic factors.

Important players in carcinogenesis as potential targets in cancer therapy: an update

The development of cancer is a problem that has accompanied mankind for years. The growing number of cases, emerging drug resistance, and the need to reduce the serious side effects of pharmacotherapy are forcing scientists to better understand the complex mechanisms responsible for the initiation, promotion, and progression of the disease. This paper discusses the modulation of the particular stages of carcinogenesis by selected physiological factors, including: acetylcholine (ACh), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs), Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk), aquaporins (AQPs), insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2), and exosomes. Understanding their role may contribute to the development of more effective and safer therapies based on new binding sites.

Diet-Induced Physiological Responses in the Liver of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Inferred Using Multiplex PCR Platforms

The simultaneous quantification of several transcripts via multiplex PCR can accelerate research in fish physiological responses to diet and enable the development of superior aquafeeds for farmed fish. We designed two multiplex PCR panels that included assays for 40 biomarker genes representing key aspects of fish physiology (growth, metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation) and 3 normalizer genes. We used both panels to assess the physiological effects of replacing fish meal and fish oil by terrestrial alternatives on Atlantic salmon smolts. In a 14-week trial, we tested three diets based on marine ingredients (MAR), animal by-products and vegetable oil (ABP), and plant protein and vegetable oil (VEG). Dietary treatments affected the expression of genes involved in hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism (e.g., srebp1, elovl2), cell redox status (e.g., txna, prdx1b), and inflammation (e.g., pgds, 5loxa). At the multivariate level, gene expression profiles were more divergent between fish fed the marine and terrestrial diets (MAR vs. ABP/VEG) than between the two terrestrial diets (ABP vs. VEG). Liver ARA was inversely related to glucose metabolism (gck)- and growth (igfbp-5b1, htra1b)-related biomarkers and hepatosomatic index. Liver DHA and EPA levels correlated negatively with elovl2, whereas ARA levels correlated positively with fadsd5. Lower hepatic EPA/ARA in ABP-fed fish correlated with the increased expression of biomarkers related to mitochondrial function (fabp3a), oxidative stress (txna, prdx1b), and inflammation (pgds, 5loxa). The analysis of hepatic biomarker gene expression via multiplex PCR revealed potential physiological impacts and nutrient-gene interactions in Atlantic salmon fed lower levels of marine-sourced nutrients.

Identification of the prognostic value of immune gene signature and infiltrating immune cells for esophageal cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer (ESCA) is one of the deadliest solid malignancies with worse survival rate worldwide. Here, we aimed to establish an immune-gene prognostic signature for predicting patients' survival and providing accurate targets for personalized therapy or immunotherapy.

METHODS

Gene expression profile of patients with ESCA were download from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database (dataset 1: n = 159) and immune-related genes from the ImmPORT database. Dataset 1 was subdivided into two groups (dataset 2: n = 80; dataset 3: n = 79). Kaplan-Meier and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to validate the predictive effect of the prognostic signature on the three datasets. TIMER and CIBERSORT analysis were used to evaluate the correlation between the prognostic signature and infiltrating immune cells.

RESULTS

We constructed a prognostic signature composed of six immune genes (HSPA6, S100A12, FABP3, DKK1, OSM and NR2F2). Kaplan-Meier curves validated the good predictive ability of the prognostic signature in datasets 1, 2 and 3 (P = 0.0034, P = 0.0081, and P = 0.0363, respectively). The area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curves validated the predictive accuracy of the immune signature (AUCs = 0.757, 0.800, and 0.701, respectively). We also revealed the good prognostic value of the immune cells, including activated memory CD4 T cells, T follicular helper cells and monocytes. Potential target drugs, including Olopatadine and Amlexanox, were identified for clinical therapies to improve patients' survival outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that the immune-related prognostic signature could serve as a novel biomarker for predicting patients' prognosis and providing new immunotherapy targets in ESCA.

Modulation of the Endocannabinoid System as a Potential Anticancer Strategy

Currently, the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in cancer development and possible options for a cancer-regressive effect of cannabinoids are controversially discussed. In recent decades, a number of preclinical studies have shown that cannabinoids have an anticarcinogenic potential. Therefore, especially against the background of several legal simplifications with regard to the clinical application of cannabinoid-based drugs, an extended basic knowledge about the complex network of the individual components of the endocannabinoid system is required. The canonical endocannabinoid system consists of the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol as well as the G_i/o protein-coupled transmembrane cannabinoid receptors CB₁ and CB₂. As a result of extensive studies on the broader effect of these factors, other fatty acid derivatives, transmembrane and intracellular receptors, enzymes and lipid transporters have been identified that contribute to the effect of endocannabinoids when defined in the broad sense as “extended endocannabinoid system.” Among these additional components, the endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase, lipid transport proteins of the fatty acid-binding protein family, additional cannabinoid-activated G protein-coupled receptors such as GPR55, members of the transient receptor family, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors were identified as targets for possible strategies to combat cancer progression. Other endocannabinoid-related fatty acids such as 2-arachidonoyl glyceryl ether, O-arachidonoylethanolamine, N-arachidonoyldopamine and oleic acid amide showed an effect via cannabinoid receptors, while other compounds such as endocannabinoid-like substances exert a permissive action on endocannabinoid effects and act via alternative intracellular target structures. This review gives an overview of the modulation of the extended endocannabinoid system using the example of anticancer cannabinoid effects, which have been described in detail in preclinical studies.

FABP5 regulates the proliferation of clear cell renal cell carcinoma cells via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has been associated with one of the highest mortality rates among all cancers. Fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) are 14‑15 kDa proteins that are highly abundant in the cytosol of most tissues. FABP5, a member of the FABP family, has been observed to promote tumor cell growth in numerous cancer types. In order to investigate the function of FABP5 in ccRCC cells in the present study, RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas were analyzed to determine the expression levels of FABP5 in ccRCC patient samples. Survival and Cox regression analyses were performed to measure the association between FABP5 expression and clinicopathological features of patients with ccRCC. Subsequent in vitro experiments downregulated or overexpressed FABP5 in Caki‑1 and 786O ccRCC cells using lentiviral vectors to evaluate cell proliferation ability, and a xenograft transplantation model was established to examine the effect of FABP5 on tumorigenesis in vivo. The results demonstrated that FABP5 expression was significantly upregulated in samples from patients with ccRCC when compared with normal tissue samples. High FABP5 expression was also significantly correlated with tumor and metastasis classifications and predicted poor survival in patients with ccRCC. In ccRCC cells, silencing of FABP5 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, while overexpression of FABP5 promoted cell proliferation when compared to the respective controls. In addition, treatment with the phosphatidylinositol‑4,5‑bisphosphate 3‑kinase (PI3K)/AKT inhibitor, LY294002, attenuated the pro‑proliferative effects of exogenous FABP5 expression in Caki‑1 and 786O cells. This indicated that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway may be partially involved in the FABP5‑mediated increase in ccRCC cell proliferation. Furthermore, FABP5 was observed to regulate tumor growth in nude mice in vivo. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that FABP5 may exert a pro‑proliferative role in ccRCC and may be associated with malignant progression and tumorigenesis.

Fatty acid-binding protein 3 contributes to ischemic heart injury by regulating cardiac myocyte apoptosis and MAPK pathways

Fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3), a low-molecular-weight protein, participates in lipid transportation, storage, signaling transduction, oxidation, and transcription regulation. Here, we investigated the expression and function of FABP3 in ischemic heart diseases and explored the mechanisms by which FABP3 affected remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). We showed that ischemic or hypoxic conditions upregulated FABP3 expression in vivo and in vitro. Notably, overexpression of FABP3 induced more myocyte apoptosis in the infarction and border areas and aggravated cardiac dysfunction, with lower left ventricular ejection fraction. Meanwhile, overexpression of FABP3 drastically promoted death and apoptosis of neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes under hypoxia. Furthermore, deficiency of FABP3 exerted protective effects against ischemic heart injuries by decreasing cardiac myocyte apoptosis and heart remodeling after MI. We found that overexpression of FABP3 upregulated the phosphorylation of MAPK signaling pathway and decreased phosphorylated Akt levels, which may account for the augmentation of apoptosis and remodeling after MI. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that deficiency of FABP3 would protect cardiac myocytes from apoptosis and alleviate cardiac remodeling after MI, suggesting FABP3 as a potential target to preserve cardiac function after MI. NEW & NOTEWORTHY It is an undisputable fact that myocyte apoptosis plays a crucial role in cardiac remodeling and the development of heart failure after myocardial infarction. Here, fatty acid-binding protein 3 deficiency improved myocardial structural remodeling and function by decreasing cell apoptosis and regulating MAPK signaling pathways. We suppose that fatty acid-binding protein 3 may be regarded as a potential intervention approach to preserve cardiomyocytes during myocardial infarction.

Development of FABP3 ligands that inhibit arachidonic acid-induced α-synuclein oligomerization

In Parkinson's disease (PD), α-synuclein (αSyn) accumulation and inclusion triggers dopamine neuronal death and synapse dysfunction in vivo. We previously reported that fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3) is highly expressed in the brain and accelerates αSyn oligomerization when cells are exposed to 1-Methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropiridine (MPTP). Here, we demonstrate that αSyn oligomerization was markedly enhanced by co-overexpressing FABP3 in neuro-2A cells when cells were treated with arachidonic acid (AA). We developed FABP3 ligands, which bind to the fatty acid binding domain of FABP3, using an 8-Anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (ANS) assay with a recombinant FABP3 protein. The prototype for the FABP4 ligand, BMS309403, has no affinity for FABP3. We developed more FABP3-specific ligands derived from the chemical structure of BMS309403. Like AA, ligands 1, 7, and 8 had a relatively high affinity for FAPB3 in the ANS assay. Then, we evaluated the inhibition of αSyn oligomerization in neuro-2A cells co-overexpressing FABP3 and αSyn. Importantly, AA treatments markedly enhanced αSyn oligomerization in the co-expressing cells. Ligands 1, 7, and 8 significantly reduced AA-induced αSyn oligomerization in neuro-2A cells. Taken together, our results indicate that FABP3 ligands that target FABP3 may be used as potential therapeutics that inhibit αSyn aggregation in vivo.

Diverse roles of fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) in development and pathogenesis of cancers

One of the most importantly involved pathways in cancer development is fatty-acid signaling pathway. Synthesized lipids as energetic sources are consumed by cancer cells for proliferation, growth, survival, invasion and angiogenesis. Fatty acids as signaling compounds regulate metabolic and transcriptional networks, survival pathways and inflammatory responses. Aggregation of fatty acids with fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) facilitates their transportation to different cell organelles. FABPs, a group of lipid binding proteins modulate fatty acid metabolism, cell growth and proliferation and cancer development. They may be used as tumor marker in some cancers. FABPs are expressed in most malignancies such as prostate, breast, liver, bladder and lung cancer which are associated with the incidence, proliferation, metastasis, invasion of tumors. This review introduces several isoforms of FABPs (FABP1-12) and summarizes their function and their possible roles in cancer development through some proposed mechanisms.

Protective roles of fenofibrate against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity by the rescue of peroxisomal and mitochondrial dysfunction

Cisplatin is an alkylating agent that interferes with DNA replication and kills proliferating carcinogenic cells. Several studies have been conducted to attenuate the side effects of cisplatin; one such side effect in cancer patients undergoing cisplatin chemotherapy is ototoxicity. However, owing to a lack of understanding of the precise mechanism underlying cisplatin-induced side effects, management of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity remains unsolved. We investigated the protective effects of fenofibrate, a PPAR-α activator, on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Fenofibrate prevented cisplatin-induced loss of hair cells and improved cell viability; moreover, fenofibrate significantly attenuated the threshold of auditory brainstem responses (ABR) in cisplatin-injected mice. Fenofibrate significantly increased PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, and PGC-1α expression, which consequently resulted in increased number and functional enzyme levels of peroxisomes and mitochondria, and markedly decreased phospho-p53 (S15), activated caspase-3, cleaved-PARP, and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, which reduced NADPH oxidase isoform (NOX3 and NOX4) expression, thereby decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cisplatin-treated tissues ex vivo. Taken together, these results indicate that fenofibrate rescues cisplatin-induced ototoxicity by maintaining peroxisome and mitochondria number and function, reducing inflammation, and decreasing ROS levels. Our findings suggest that fenofibrate administration might serve as an effective therapeutic agent against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

Targeting the endocannabinoid system as a potential anticancer approach

The endocannabinoid system is currently under intense investigation due to the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid-based drugs as treatment options for a broad variety of diseases including cancer. Besides the canonical endocannabinoid system that includes the cannabinoid receptors CB₁ and CB₂ and the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, recent investigations suggest that other fatty acid derivatives, receptors, enzymes, and lipid transporters likewise orchestrate this system as components of the endocannabinoid system when defined as an extended signaling network. As such, fatty acids acting at cannabinoid receptors (e.g. 2-arachidonoyl glyceryl ether [noladin ether], N-arachidonoyldopamine) as well as endocannabinoid-like substances that do not elicit cannabinoid receptor activation (e.g. N-palmitoylethanolamine, N-oleoylethanolamine) have raised interest as anticancerogenic substances. Furthermore, the endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase, lipid transport proteins of the fatty acid binding protein family, additional cannabinoid-activated G protein-coupled receptors, members of the transient receptor potential family as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors have been considered as targets of antitumoral cannabinoid activity. Therefore, this review focused on the antitumorigenic effects induced upon modulation of this extended endocannabinoid network.

Elevated expression of FABP3 and FABP4 cooperatively correlates with poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) are intracellular lipid-binding proteins that are involved in a variety of biological cellular processes, including tumorigenesis. In this study, we explored the expression pattern of FABP3 and FABP4 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as well as their roles in prognosis. We determined mRNA expression of FABP3 and FABP4 in matched pairs of cancerous and non-cancerous fresh frozen tissues from 30 NSCLC patients. Tissue microarray immunohistochemical analysis (TMA-IHC) was applied to determine the protein expression of FABP3 and FABP4 in 281 cancerous and 121 matched adjacent non-cancerous tissue samples. Our results showed that both mRNA and protein expression of FABP3 and FABP4 were significantly higher in cancerous tissues when compared to non-cancerous tissues. Furthermore, high expression of FABP3 or FABP4 in NSCLC was significantly associated with advanced tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage and had a negative impact on the overall survival of NSCLC patients. Concurrent high expression of FABP3 and FABP4 was significantly related to TNM stage. In conclusion, our research demonstrated that high FABP3 or FABP4 expression had strong prognostic value for overall survival in NSCLC. Detection of FABP3 and FABP4 cooperatively was helpful to predict the prognosis of NSCLC.

2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether injures cell viability and mitochondrial function of mouse spermatocytes by decreasing mitochondrial proteins Atp5b and Uqcrc1

Our object was to explore direct effects and mechanism of BDE47 on GC2 (immortalized mouse spermatocyte). GC2 were exposed to DMSO, 0.1, 1, 10, 100μM BDE47 for 48h. Cell viability was detected by trypan-blue exclusion; ultrastructure by electron-microscopy; cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane motential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) by flow-cytometry; ATP production by luminometer; Atp5b, Uqcrc1, Bcl-2 level by WB. To explore whether the decreased mitochondrial proteins play an important role in apoptosis, MMP and apoptosis were detected after Atp5b or Uqcrc1 knockdown in GC2. Results showed BDE47 reduced cell viability, caused condensation of nuclear and vacuolated mitochondria, decreased MMP and ATP, induced ROS, cell cycle arrest at S and G2/M phase, reduced Atp5b, Uqcrc1, Bcl-2 in GC2. Knockdown of Atp5b or Uqcrc1 decreased MMP, induced apoptosis in GC2. Results suggested that BDE47 reduced cell viability, injured mitochondria in spermatocytes probably by decreasing mitochondrial protein Atp5b and Uqcrc1.

Role of Bcl-xL/Beclin-1 in synergistic apoptotic effects of secretory TRAIL-armed adenovirus in combination with mitomycin C and hyperthermia on colon cancer cells

In this study, we attempted to develop a multimodality approach using chemotherapeutic agent mitomycin C, biologic agent tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL/Apo-2L), and mild hyperthermia to treat colon cancer. For this study, human colon cancer LS174T, LS180, HCT116 and CX-1 cells were infected with secretory TRAIL-armed adenovirus (Ad.TRAIL) and treated with chemotherapeutic agent mitomycin C and hyperthermia. The combinatorial treatment caused a synergistic induction of apoptosis which was mediated through an increase in caspase activation. The combinational treatment promoted the JNK-Bcl-xL-Bak pathway which transmitted the synergistic effect through the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway. JNK signaling led to Bcl-xL phosphorylation at serine 62, dissociation of Bak from Bcl-xL, oligomerization of Bak, alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential, and subsequent cytochrome c release. Overexpression of dominant-negative mutant of Bcl-xL (S62A), but not dominant-positive mutant of Bcl-xL (S62D), suppressed the synergistic death effect. Interestingly, Beclin-1 was dissociated from Bcl-xL and overexpression of dominant-negative mutant of Bcl-xL (S62A), but not dominant-positive mutant of Bcl-xL (S62D), suppressed dissociation of Beclin-1 from Bcl-xL. A combinatorial treatment of mitomycin C, Ad.TRAIL and hyperthermia induced Beclin-1 cleavage, but the Beclin-1 cleavage was abolished in Beclin-1 double mutant (D133A/D146A) knock-in HCT116 cells, suppressing the apoptosis induced by the combination therapy. We believe that this study supports the application of the multimodality approach to colon cancer therapy.

Fatty acid binding protein FABP3 from Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis participates in antimicrobial responses

Intracellular fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) are members of the lipid-binding protein superfamily. Aside from the main functions of FABPs in the uptake and transport of fatty acids, they are also critical in innate immunology. In this work, the full-length cDNA for a Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis FABP (Es-FABP3) was cloned with an open reading frame of 402 bp encoding a 133 amino acid polypeptide. Analysis using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) revealed that Es-FABP3 transcripts were widely distributed in gills, muscle, intestine, hepatopancreas, eyestalk, heart, stomach, brain, thoracic ganglia and hemocytes. After challenge with pathogen associated molecular pattern molecules (PAMPs), the relative mRNA expression levels of Es-FABP3 increased in hepatopancreas, gills and hemocytes. Moreover, the mature recombinant Es-FABP3 protein exhibited different binding activities to bacteria and fungus and inhibited the growth of different microbes. These collective results demonstrated the role of Es-FABP3 in the immunoreactions of E. sinensis to PAMPs.

Mdivi-1, mitochondrial fission inhibitor, impairs developmental competence and mitochondrial function of embryos and cells in pigs

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that undergo constant fusion/fission as well as activities orchestrated by large dynamin-related GTPases. These dynamic mitochondrial processes influence mitochondrial morphology, size and function. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of mitochondrial fission inhibitor, mdivi-1, on developmental competence and mitochondrial function of porcine embryos and primary cells. Presumptive porcine embryos were cultured in PZM-3 medium supplemented with mdivi-1 (0, 10 and 50 μM) for 6 days. Porcine fibroblast cells were cultured in growth medium with mdivi-1 (0 and 50 μM) for 2 days. Our results showed that the rate of blastocyst production and cell growth in the mdivi-1 (50 μM) treated group was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in the mdivi-1 (50 μM) treated group was increased relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Subsequent evaluation revealed that the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the apoptotic index were increased by mdivi-1 (50 μM) treatment (P < 0.05). Finally, the expression of mitochondrial fission-related protein (Drp 1) was lower in the embryos and cells in the mdivi-1-treated group than the control group. Taken together, these results indicate that mdivi-1 treatment may inhibit developmental competence and mitochondrial function in porcine embryos and primary cells.

Role of AMP-activated protein kinase in cross-talk between apoptosis and autophagy in human colon cancer

Unresectable colorectal liver metastases remain a major unresolved issue and more effective novel regimens are urgently needed. While screening synergistic drug combinations for colon cancer therapy, we identified a novel multidrug treatment for colon cancer: chemotherapeutic agent melphalan in combination with proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitor rapamycin. We investigated the mechanisms of synergistic antitumor efficacy during the multidrug treatment. All experiments were performed with highly metastatic human colon cancer CX-1 and HCT116 cells, and selected critical experiments were repeated with human colon cancer stem Tu-22 cells and mouse embryo fibroblast (MEF) cells. We used immunochemical techniques to investigate a cross-talk between apoptosis and autophagy during the multidrug treatment. We observed that melphalan triggered apoptosis, bortezomib induced apoptosis and autophagy, rapamycin caused autophagy and the combinatorial treatment-induced synergistic apoptosis, which was mediated through an increase in caspase activation. We also observed that mitochondrial dysfunction induced by the combination was linked with altered cellular metabolism, which induced adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, resulting in Beclin-1 phosphorylated at Ser 93/96. Interestingly, Beclin-1 phosphorylated at Ser 93/96 is sufficient to induce Beclin-1 cleavage by caspase-8, which switches off autophagy to achieve the synergistic induction of apoptosis. Similar results were observed with the essential autophagy gene, autophagy-related protein 7, -deficient MEF cells. The multidrug treatment-induced Beclin-1 cleavage was abolished in Beclin-1 double-mutant (D133A/D146A) knock-in HCT116 cells, restoring the autophagy-promoting function of Beclin-1 and suppressing the apoptosis induced by the combination therapy. These observations identify a novel mechanism for AMPK-induced apoptosis through interplay between autophagy and apoptosis.

FABP3 protein promotes α-synuclein oligomerization associated with 1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropiridine-induced neurotoxicity

α-Synuclein (αSyn) accumulation in dopaminergic (DA) neurons is partly regulated by long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. We found that fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3, H-FABP), a factor critical for arachidonic acid (AA) transport and metabolism in brain, is highly expressed in DA neurons. Fabp3 knock-out (Fabp3(-/-)) mice were resistant to 1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropiridine-induced DA neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra pars compacta and showed improved motor function. Interestingly, FABP3 interacted with αSyn in the substantia nigra pars compacta, and αSyn accumulation following 1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropiridine treatment was attenuated in Fabp3(-/-) compared with wild-type mice. We confirmed that FABP3 overexpression aggravates AA-induced αSyn oligomerization and promotes cell death in PC12 cells, whereas overexpression of a mutant form of FABP3 lacking fatty-acid binding capacity did not. Taken together, αSyn oligomerization in DA neurons is likely aggravated by AA through FABP3 in Parkinson disease pathology.

Proteome-based systems biology analysis of the diabetic mouse aorta reveals major changes in fatty acid biosynthesis as potential hallmark in diabetes mellitus-associated vascular disease

BACKGROUND

Macrovascular complications of diabetes mellitus are a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Currently, studies only partially described the molecular pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus-associated effects on vasculature. However, better understanding of systemic effects is essential in unraveling key molecular events in the vascular tissue responsible for disease onset and progression.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Our overall aim was to get an all-encompassing view of diabetes mellitus-induced key molecular changes in the vasculature. An integrative proteomic and bioinformatics analysis of data from aortic vessels in the low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model (10 animals) was performed. We observed pronounced dysregulation of molecules involved in myogenesis, vascularization, hypertension, hypertrophy (associated with thickening of the aortic wall), and a substantial reduction of fatty acid storage. A novel finding is the pronounced downregulation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (Gsk3β) and upregulation of molecules linked to the tricarboxylic acid cycle (eg, aspartate aminotransferase [Got2] and hydroxyacid-oxoacid transhydrogenase [Adhfe1]). In addition, pathways involving primary alcohols and amino acid breakdown are altered, potentially leading to ketone-body production. A number of these findings were validated immunohistochemically. Collectively, the data support the hypothesis that in this diabetic model, there is an overproduction of ketone-bodies within the vessels using an alternative tricarboxylic acid cycle-associated pathway, ultimately leading to the development of atherosclerosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in animals leads to a reduction of fatty acid biosynthesis and an upregulation of an alternative ketone-body formation pathway. This working hypothesis could form the basis for the development of novel therapeutic intervention and disease management approaches.

Preservation of cochlear function in Fabp3 (H-Fabp) knockout mice

Fatty acid-binding protein 3 (Fabp3) is an intracellular lipid trafficking protein that mediates energy metabolism and long-chain fatty acid-related signaling. Fabp3 is expressed in the spiral ganglion neurons and supporting cells of the organ of Corti. However, it is unclear what role Fabp3 plays in the cochlea. Here, we demonstrated that the ABR thresholds of young and aged Fabp3 knockout mice were unchanged compared with those of wild-type mice. Compared with the wild-type mice, the adult mutant mice demonstrated no differences in their vulnerability to acoustic overexposure. These results suggest that Fabp3 deficiency alone does not adversely affect hearing function.

Quantitative proteomics reveals regulatory differences in the chondrocyte secretome from human medial and lateral femoral condyles in osteoarthritic patients

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a destructive joint disease and there are no known biomarkers available for an early diagnosis. To identify potential disease biomarkers and gain further insight into the disease mechanisms of OA we applied quantitative proteomics with SILAC technology on the secretomes from chondrocytes of OA knees, designated as high Mankin (HM) scored secretome. A quantitative comparison was made between the secretomes of the medial and lateral femur condyle chondrocytes in the same knee since the medial femur condyle is usually more affected in OA than the lateral condyle, which was confirmed by Mankin scoring. The medial/lateral comparison was also made on the secretomes from chondrocytes taken from one individual with no clinically apparent joint-disease, designated as low Mankin (LM) scored secretome.

Results

We identified 825 proteins in the HM secretome and 69 of these showed differential expression when comparing the medial and lateral femoral compartment. The LM scored femoral condyle showed early signs of OA in the medial compartment as assessed by Mankin score. We here report the identification and relative quantification of several proteins of interest for the OA disease mechanism e.g. CYTL1, DMD and STAB1 together with putative early disease markers e.g. TIMP1, PPP2CA and B2M.

Conclusions

The present study reveals differences in protein abundance between medial/lateral femur condyles in OA patients. These regulatory differences expand the knowledge regarding OA disease markers and mechanisms.

Quantitative proteomic analysis identifies CPNE3 as a novel metastasis-promoting gene in NSCLC

To discover metastasis-associated proteins within cancer cells, we used the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) approach combined with nano liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (NanoLC-MS/MS) analysis to identify proteins that were differentially expressed between lung adenocarcinoma cancer cell lines SPC-A-1sci cells with high metastatic potential and parent SPC-A-1 cells with low metastatic potential. By employing biological and technical replicates, we identified 5818 nonredundant proteins and quantified 5443 proteins, 256 of which were differentially expressed in the two cell lines. Through si-RNA-mediated functional screens, Myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) and Copine III (CPNE3) were indicated as positively correlating with the migration and invasion properties of SPC-A1sci cells, and the same function of CPNE3 was confirmed in another lung cancer cell line, H1299. Furthermore, overexpressing CPNE3 promoted nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line (SPC-A-1 and XL-2) migration and invasion in vitro. Moreover, the targeted knock-down of CPNE3 inhibited the in vivo metastatic abilities of H1299 cells in mouse models. Lastly, immunohistochemistry revealed that the CPNE3 expression level was positively correlated with the clinical stage and TNM classification in NSCLC patients. Taken together, our results indicate that CPNE3 could play a critical role in NSCLC metastasis.

Hyperthermia enhances mapatumumab-induced apoptotic death through ubiquitin-mediated degradation of cellular FLIP(long) in human colon cancer cells

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world; the main cause of death of colorectal cancer is hepatic metastases, which can be treated with hyperthermia using isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP). In this study, we report that mild hyperthermia potently reduced cellular FLIP(long), (c-FLIP(L)), a major regulator of the death receptor (DR) pathway of apoptosis, thereby enhancing humanized anti-DR4 antibody mapatumumab (Mapa)-mediated mitochondria-independent apoptosis. We observed that overexpression of c-FLIP(L) in CX-1 cells abrogated the synergistic effect of Mapa and hyperthermia, whereas silencing of c-FLIP in CX-1 cells enhanced Mapa-induced apoptosis. Hyperthermia altered c-FLIP(L) protein stability without concomitant reductions in FLIP mRNA. Ubiquitination of c-FLIP(L) was increased by hyperthermia, and proteasome inhibitor MG132 prevented heat-induced downregulation of c-FLIP(L). These results suggest the involvement of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in this process. We also found lysine residue 195 (K195) to be essential for c-FLIP(L) ubiquitination and proteolysis, as mutant c-FLIP(L) lysine 195 arginine (arginine replacing lysine) was left virtually un-ubiquitinated and was refractory to hyperthermia-triggered degradation, and thus partially blocked the synergistic effect of Mapa and hyperthermia. Our observations reveal that hyperthermia transiently reduced c-FLIP(L) by proteolysis linked to K195 ubiquitination, which contributed to the synergistic effect between Mapa and hyperthermia. This study supports the application of hyperthermia combined with other regimens to treat colorectal hepatic metastases.