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Zhang H, Long Y, Peng Y, Chen Y, Hu C, Chen J, Chen X, Guo A. Soluble expression and purification of recombinant bovine ferritin H-chain. Protein Expr Purif 2023; 211:106340. [PMID: 37481118 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2023.106340] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Ferritin is a potential medicine delivery vehicle and vaccine platform, and its efficient expression is a prerequisite for widespread application. This study introduces a soluble expression strategy for recombinant bovine ferritin heavy chain (rFTH) in a prokaryotic system and an improved protein purification method. The amplified rFTH gene was ligated into the prokaryotic expression vector pET30a. The recombinant vectors with the N-terminal His-tag(N-His) or C-terminal His-tag(C-His) were translated and expressed separately. The results showed that the solubility of rFTH with C-His was significantly higher than that with N-His. The expression of rFTH with C-His was attempted at 37 °C and 16 °C, respectively. The results showed that the proportion of soluble protein expressed at 37 °C was more than 90%, higher than that expressed at 16 °C. Then rFTH with C-His was purified successfully using anion exchange chromatography, modified PEG precipitation, and dialysis. The rFTH protein was characterized using SDS-PAGE, Native-PAGE, Western blot, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The results demonstrated that the purified rFTH protein self-assembled into ferritin nanoparticles with a regular shape and uniform size. This study sheds new light on the soluble expression of ferritin and provides a foundation for the construction of bovine ferritin nanoparticle production platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yiting Long
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yongchong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yingyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Changmin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jianguo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Aizhen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China; Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Wuhan, 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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João J, Prazeres DMF. Manufacturing of non-viral protein nanocages for biotechnological and biomedical applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1200729. [PMID: 37520292 PMCID: PMC10374429 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1200729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein nanocages are highly ordered nanometer scale architectures, which are typically formed by homo- or hetero-self-assembly of multiple monomers into symmetric structures of different size and shape. The intrinsic characteristics of protein nanocages make them very attractive and promising as a biological nanomaterial. These include, among others, a high surface/volume ratio, multi-functionality, ease to modify or manipulate genetically or chemically, high stability, mono-dispersity, and biocompatibility. Since the beginning of the investigation into protein nanocages, several applications were conceived in a variety of areas such as drug delivery, vaccine development, bioimaging, biomineralization, nanomaterial synthesis and biocatalysis. The ability to generate large amounts of pure and well-folded protein assemblies is one of the keys to transform nanocages into clinically valuable products and move biomedical applications forward. This calls for the development of more efficient biomanufacturing processes and for the setting up of analytical techniques adequate for the quality control and characterization of the biological function and structure of nanocages. This review concisely covers and overviews the progress made since the emergence of protein nanocages as a new, next-generation class of biologics. A brief outline of non-viral protein nanocages is followed by a presentation of their main applications in the areas of bioengineering, biotechnology, and biomedicine. Afterwards, we focus on a description of the current processes used in the manufacturing of protein nanocages with particular emphasis on the most relevant aspects of production and purification. The state-of-the-art on current characterization techniques is then described and future alternative or complementary approaches in development are also discussed. Finally, a critical analysis of the limitations and drawbacks of the current manufacturing strategies is presented, alongside with the identification of the major challenges and bottlenecks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge João
- iBB–Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB–Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Duarte Miguel F. Prazeres
- iBB–Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB–Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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3
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Wu X, Jiao Z, Zhang J, Li F, Li Y. Expression of TFRC helps to improve the antineoplastic effect of Ara-C on AML cells through a targeted delivery carrier. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:126. [PMID: 37041636 PMCID: PMC10088114 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01881-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, high doses of cytarabine arabinoside (Ara-C)-based combined chemotherapy are commonly used in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) therapy, but severe adverse effects and poor suppression effects in leukemia cells limit the clinical therapeutic efficiency of Ara-C-based chemotherapy due to a lack of targeting selectivity. To improve the therapeutic effect of Ara-C in AML, here, since we confirmed that transferrin receptor 1 (TFRC) expression in AML cells was constant, we generated Ara-C@HFn by encapsulating free Ara-C into self-assembled heavy ferritin chain (HFn, the ligand of TFRC) nanocages. RESULTS The analysis of clinically relevant data suggested that the high expression levels of TFRC from AML cells would not decrease significantly after treatment with Ara-C. Ara-C@HFn can be efficiently internalized by leukemia cells, showing stronger cytotoxic effects in vitro and reducing the burden of leukemia in AML mice more effectively in vivo than free Ara-C. Ara-C@HFn treatment showed no acute toxicity in visceral organs of mice. Moreover, the analysis of clinically relevant data also suggested that there are several drugs (such as tamibarotene and ABT199) that would not cause significant expression down-regulation of TFRC in AML cells (after treatment). CONCLUSION The above results suggested that TFRC can be used as a constant and effective target for drug targeting delivery of AML cells. Thus Ara-C@HFn treatment can become a safe and efficient strategy for AML therapy by specifically delivering Ara-C to AML cells. Besides, the HFn nanocages are promising for improving antineoplastic effect of other AML-related therapy drugs that do not cause downregulated expression of TFRC in AML cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzhou Wu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhouguang Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, People's Republic of China.
| | - Junying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhua Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Giorgi G, Mascaró M, Gandini NA, Rabassa ME, Coló GP, Arévalo J, Curino AC, Facchinetti MM, Roque ME. Iron cycle disruption by heme oxygenase-1 activation leads to a reduced breast cancer cell survival. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166621. [PMID: 36539019 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which catalyzes heme degradation releasing iron, regulates several processes related to breast cancer. Iron metabolism deregulation is also connected with several tumor processes. However the regulatory relationship between HO-1 and iron proteins in breast cancer remains unclear. Using human breast cancer biopsies, we found that high HO-1 levels significantly correlated with low DMT1 levels. Contrariwise, high HO-1 levels significantly correlated with high ZIP14 and prohepcidin expression, as well as hemosiderin storage. At mRNA level, we found that high HO-1 expression significantly correlated with low DMT1 expression but high ZIP14, L-ferritin and hepcidin expression. In in vivo experiments in mice with genetic overexpression or pharmacological activation of HO-1, we detected the same expression pattern observed in human biopsies. In in vitro experiments, HO-1 activation induced changes in iron proteins expression leading to an increase of hemosiderin, ROS levels, lipid peroxidation and a decrease of the growth rate. Such low growth rate induced by HO-1 activation was reversed when iron levels or ROS levels were reduced. Our findings demonstrate an important role of HO-1 on iron homeostasis in breast cancer. The changes in iron proteins expression when HO-1 is modulated led to the iron accumulation deregulating the iron cell cycle, and consequently, generating oxidative stress and low viability, all contributing to impair breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Giorgi
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Humana, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - M Mascaró
- Laboratorio de Biología del Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia (UNS), 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - N A Gandini
- Laboratorio de Biología del Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia (UNS), 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - M E Rabassa
- Centro de Investigaciones Inmunológicas Básicas y Aplicadas (CINIBA), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G P Coló
- Laboratorio de Biología del Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia (UNS), 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - J Arévalo
- Servicio de Patología, Hospital Interzonal de Agudos "Dr. José Penna", 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - A C Curino
- Laboratorio de Biología del Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia (UNS), 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
| | - M M Facchinetti
- Laboratorio de Biología del Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia (UNS), 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - M E Roque
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Humana, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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5
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Zhu Y, Zhu Y, Cao T, Liu X, Liu X, Yan Y, Shi Y, Wang JC. Ferritin-based nanomedicine for disease treatment. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2023; 3:49-74. [PMID: 37724111 PMCID: PMC10471093 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Ferritin is an endogenous protein which is self-assembled by 24 subunits into a highly uniform nanocage structure. Due to the drug-encapsulating ability in the hollow inner cavity and abundant modification sites on the outer surface, ferritin nanocage has been demonstrated great potential to become a multi-functional nanomedicine platform. Its good biocompatibility, low toxicity and immunogenicity, intrinsic tumor-targeting ability, high stability, low cost and massive production, together make ferritin nanocage stand out from other nanocarriers. In this review, we summarized ferritin-based nanomedicine in field of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The different types of drugs to be loaded in ferritin, as well as drug-loading methods were classified. The strategies for site-specific and non-specific functional modification of ferritin were investigated, then the application of ferritin for disease imaging, drug delivery and vaccine development were discussed. Finally, the challenges restricting the clinical translation of ferritin-based nanomedicines were analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjun Zhu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuefeng Zhu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianmiao Cao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Yan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yujie Shi
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Cheng Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Laboratory of Innovative Formulations and Pharmaceutical Excipients, Ningbo Institute of Marine Medicine, Peking University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
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Lucignano R, Stanzione I, Ferraro G, Di Girolamo R, Cané C, Di Somma A, Duilio A, Merlino A, Picone D. A new and efficient procedure to load bioactive molecules within the human heavy-chain ferritin nanocage. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1008985. [PMID: 36714262 PMCID: PMC9880187 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1008985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
For their easy and high-yield recombinant production, their high stability in a wide range of physico-chemical conditions and their characteristic hollow structure, ferritins (Fts) are considered useful scaffolds to encapsulate bioactive molecules. Notably, for the absence of immunogenicity and the selective interaction with tumor cells, the nanocages constituted by the heavy chain of the human variant of ferritin (hHFt) are optimal candidates for the delivery of anti-cancer drugs. hHFt nanocages can be disassembled and reassembled in vitro to allow the loading of cargo molecules, however the currently available protocols present some relevant drawbacks. Indeed, protein disassembly is achieved by exposure to extreme pH (either acidic or alkaline), followed by incubation at neutral pH to allow reassembly, but the final protein recovery and homogeneity are not satisfactory. Moreover, the exposure to extreme pH may affect the structure of the molecule to be loaded. In this paper, we report an alternative, efficient and reproducible procedure to reversibly disassemble hHFt under mild pH conditions. We demonstrate that a small amount of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is sufficient to disassemble the nanocage, which quantitatively reassembles upon SDS removal. Electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography show that the reassembled protein is identical to the untreated one. The newly developed procedure was used to encapsulate two small molecules. When compared to the existing disassembly/reassembly procedures, our approach can be applied in a wide range of pH values and temperatures, is compatible with a larger number of cargos and allows a higher protein recovery.
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Evaluation of Auranofin Loading within Ferritin Nanocages. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214162. [PMID: 36430642 PMCID: PMC9695178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Auranofin (AF), a gold(I) compound that is currently used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and is in clinical trials for its promising anticancer activity, was encapsulated within the human H-chain and the horse spleen ferritin nanocages using the alkaline disassembly/reassembly protocol. The aim of the work was to highlight possible differences in their drug loading capacity and efficacy. The drug-loaded ferritins were characterized via UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy to assess AF encapsulation and to define the exact amount of gold atoms trapped in the Ft cavity. The crystal structures allowed us to define the nature of AF interaction with both ferritins and to identify the gold binding sites. Moreover, the biological characterization let us to obtain preliminary information on the cytotoxic effect of AF when bound to the human H-chain.
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8
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Yuan Z, Wang B, Teng Y, Ho W, Hu B, Boakye-Yiadom KO, Xu X, Zhang XQ. Rational design of engineered H-ferritin nanoparticles with improved siRNA delivery efficacy across an in vitro model of the mouse BBB. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:6449-6464. [PMID: 35416195 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr07880a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy holds tremendous potential for the treatment of incurable brain diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), stroke, glioma, and Parkinson's disease. The main challenge is the lack of effective gene delivery systems traversing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), due to the complex microvessels present in the brain which restrict substances from the circulating blood passing through. Recently, increasing efforts have been made to develop promising gene carriers for brain-related disease therapies. One such development is the self-assembled heavy chain ferritin (HFn) nanoparticles (NPs). HFn NPs have a unique hollow spherical structure that can encapsulate nucleic acid drugs (NADs) and specifically bind to cancer cells and BBB endothelial cells (BBB ECs) via interactions with the transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) overexpressed on their surfaces, which increases uptake through the BBB. However, the gene-loading capacity of HFn is restricted by its limited interior volume and negatively charged inner surface; therefore, these drawbacks have prompted the demand for strategies to remould the structure of HFn. In this work, we analyzed the three-dimensional (3D) structure of HFn using Chimera software (v 1.14) and developed a class of internally cationic HFn variants (HFn+ NPs) through arginine mutation on the lumenal surface of HFn. These HFn+ NPs presented powerful electrostatic forces in their cavities, and exhibited higher gene encapsulation efficacy than naive HFn. The top-performing candidate, HFn2, effectively delivered siRNA to glioma cells after traversing the BBB and achieved the highest silencing efficacy among HFn+ NPs. Overall, our findings demonstrate that HFn+ NPs obtained by this genetic engineering method provide critical insights into the future development of nucleic acid delivery carriers with BBB-crossing ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Yuan
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
| | - Bin Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
| | - Yilong Teng
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
| | - William Ho
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA.
| | - Bin Hu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
| | - Kofi Oti Boakye-Yiadom
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
| | - Xiaoyang Xu
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA.
| | - Xue-Qing Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
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9
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Moreira AC, Silva T, Mesquita G, Gomes AC, Bento CM, Neves JV, Rodrigues DF, Rodrigues PN, Almeida AA, Santambrogio P, Gomes MS. H-Ferritin Produced by Myeloid Cells Is Released to the Circulation and Plays a Major Role in Liver Iron Distribution during Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010269. [PMID: 35008695 PMCID: PMC8745395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During infections, the host redistributes iron in order to starve pathogens from this nutrient. Several proteins are involved in iron absorption, transport, and storage. Ferritin is the most important iron storage protein. It is composed of variable proportions of two peptides, the L- and H-ferritins (FTL and FTH). We previously showed that macrophages increase their expression of FTH1 when they are infected in vitro with Mycobacterium avium, without a significant increase in FTL. In this work, we investigated the role of macrophage FTH1 in M. avium infection in vivo. We found that mice deficient in FTH1 in myeloid cells are more resistant to M. avium infection, presenting lower bacterial loads and lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines than wild-type littermates, due to the lower levels of available iron in the tissues. Importantly, we also found that FTH1 produced by myeloid cells in response to infection may be found in circulation and that it plays a key role in iron redistribution. Specifically, in the absence of FTH1 in myeloid cells, increased expression of ferroportin is observed in liver granulomas and increased iron accumulation occurs in hepatocytes. These results highlight the importance of FTH1 expression in myeloid cells for iron redistribution during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. Moreira
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.M.); (T.S.); (A.C.G.); (C.M.B.); (J.V.N.); (D.F.R.); (P.N.R.)
- IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Tânia Silva
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.M.); (T.S.); (A.C.G.); (C.M.B.); (J.V.N.); (D.F.R.); (P.N.R.)
- IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Mesquita
- IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Ana Cordeiro Gomes
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.M.); (T.S.); (A.C.G.); (C.M.B.); (J.V.N.); (D.F.R.); (P.N.R.)
- IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Clara M. Bento
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.M.); (T.S.); (A.C.G.); (C.M.B.); (J.V.N.); (D.F.R.); (P.N.R.)
- IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Programa Doutoral em Biologia Molecular e Celular (MCbiology), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - João V. Neves
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.M.); (T.S.); (A.C.G.); (C.M.B.); (J.V.N.); (D.F.R.); (P.N.R.)
- IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela F. Rodrigues
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.M.); (T.S.); (A.C.G.); (C.M.B.); (J.V.N.); (D.F.R.); (P.N.R.)
- IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Pedro N. Rodrigues
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.M.); (T.S.); (A.C.G.); (C.M.B.); (J.V.N.); (D.F.R.); (P.N.R.)
- IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Agostinho A. Almeida
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Paolo Santambrogio
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Maria Salomé Gomes
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.M.); (T.S.); (A.C.G.); (C.M.B.); (J.V.N.); (D.F.R.); (P.N.R.)
- IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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10
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Yin S, Zhang B, Lin J, Liu Y, Su Z, Bi J. Development of purification process for dual-function recombinant human heavy-chain ferritin by the investigation of genetic modification impact on conformation. Eng Life Sci 2021; 21:630-642. [PMID: 34690634 PMCID: PMC8518560 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202000105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferritin is a promising drug delivery platform and has been functionalized through genetic modifications. This work has designed and expressed a dual-functional engineered human heavy-chain ferritin (HFn) with the inserted functional peptide PAS and RGDK to extend half-life and improve tumor targeted drug delivery. A facile and cost-effective two-step purification pathway for recombinant HFn was developed. The genetic modification was found to affect HFn conformation, and therefore varied the purification performance. Heat-acid precipitation followed by butyl fast flow hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) has been developed to purify HFn and modified HFns. Nucleic acid removal reached above 99.8% for HFn and modified HFns. However, HFn purity reached above 95% and recovery yield (overall) above 90%, compared with modified HFns purity above 82% and recovery yield (overall) above 58%. It is interesting to find that the inserted functional peptides significantly changed the molecule conformation, where a putative turnover of the E-helix with the inserted functional peptides formed a "flop" conformation, in contrast with the "flip" conformation of HFn. It could be the cause of fragile stability of modified HFns, and therefore less tolerant to heat and acid condition, observed by the lower recovery yield in heat-acid precipitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Yin
- School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced MaterialsFaculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideAustralia
| | - Bingyang Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced MaterialsFaculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideAustralia
| | - Jianying Lin
- College of Biomedical EngineeringTaiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuanP. R. China
| | - Yongdong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemistry EngineeringInstitute of Process EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingP. R. China
| | - Zhiguo Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemistry EngineeringInstitute of Process EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingP. R. China
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced MaterialsFaculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideAustralia
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11
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A Novel Approach for the Synthesis of Human Heteropolymer Ferritins of Different H to L Subunit Ratios. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167198. [PMID: 34391801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian ferritins are predominantly heteropolymeric species consisting of 24 structurally similar, but functionally different subunit types, named H and L, that co-assemble in different proportions. Despite their discovery more than 8 decades ago, recombinant human heteropolymer ferritins have never been synthesized, owing to the lack of a good expression system. Here, we describe for the first time a unique approach that uses a novel plasmid design that enables the synthesis of these complex ferritin nanostructures. Our study reveals an original system that can be easily tuned by altering the concentrations of two inducers, allowing the synthesis of a full spectrum of heteropolymer ferritins, from H-rich to L-rich ferritins and any combinations in-between (isoferritins). The H to L subunit composition of purified ferritin heteropolymers was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and capillary gel electrophoresis, and their iron handling properties characterized by light absorption spectroscopy. Our novel approach allows future investigations of the structural and functional differences of isoferritin populations, which remain largely obscure. This is particularly exciting since a change in the ferritin H- to L-subunit ratio could potentially lead to new iron core morphologies for various applications in bio-nanotechnologies.
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12
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Honarmand Ebrahimi K. Ferritin as a Platform for Creating Antiviral Mosaic Nanocages: Prospects for Treating COVID-19. Chembiochem 2020; 22:1371-1378. [PMID: 33350032 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are a continues threat to human health and the economy worldwide. The latest example is the global pandemic of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2. Antibody therapy and vaccines are promising approaches to treat the disease; however, they have bottlenecks: they might have low efficacy or narrow breadth due to the continuous emergence of new strains of the virus or antibodies could cause antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection. To address these bottlenecks, I propose the use of 24-meric ferritin for the synthesis of mosaic nanocages to deliver a cocktail of antibodies or nanobodies alone or in combination with another therapeutic, like a nucleotide analogue, to mimic the viral entry process and deceive the virus, or to develop mosaic vaccines. I argue that available data showing the effectiveness of ferritin-antibody conjugates in targeting specific cells and ferritin-haemagglutinin nanocages in developing influenza vaccines strongly support my proposals.
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13
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McNally JR, Mehlenbacher MR, Luscieti S, Smith GL, Reutovich AA, Maura P, Arosio P, Bou-Abdallah F. Mutant L-chain ferritins that cause neuroferritinopathy alter ferritin functionality and iron permeability. Metallomics 2020; 11:1635-1647. [PMID: 31513212 DOI: 10.1039/c9mt00154a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the iron storage and detoxification protein ferritin is composed of two functionally and genetically distinct subunit types, H (heavy) and L (light). The two subunits co-assemble in various ratios, with a tissue specific distribution, to form shell-like protein structures of 24 subunits within which a mineralized iron core is stored. The H-subunits possess ferroxidase centers that catalyze the rapid oxidation of ferrous ions, whereas the L-subunit does not have such centers and is believed to play an important role in electron transfer reactions that occur during the uptake and release of iron. Pathogenic mutations on the L-chain lead to neuroferritinopathy, a neurodegenerative disease characterized by abnormal accumulation of ferritin inclusion bodies and iron in the central nervous system. Here, we have characterized the thermal stability, iron loading capacity, iron uptake, and iron release properties of ferritin heteropolymers carrying the three pathogenic L-ferritin mutants (L154fs, L167fs, and L148fs, which for simplicity we named Ln1, Ln2 and Ln3, respectively), and a non-pathogenic variant (L135P) bearing a single substitution on the 3-fold axes of L-subunits. The UV-Vis data show a similar iron loading capacity (ranging between 1800 to 2400 Fe(iii)/shell) for all ferritin samples examined in this study, with Ln2 holding the least amount of iron (i.e. 1800 Fe(iii)/shell). The three pathogenic L-ferritin mutants revealed higher rates of iron oxidation and iron release, suggesting that a few mutated L-chains on the heteropolymer have a significant effect on iron permeability through the ferritin shell. DSC thermograms showed a strong destabilization effect, the severity of which depends on the location of the frameshift mutations (i.e. wt heteropolymer ferritin ≅ homopolymer H-chain > L135P > Ln2 > Ln1 > Ln3). Variant L135P had only minor effects on the protein functionality and stability, suggesting that local melting of the 3-fold axes in this variant may not be responsible for neuroferritinopathy-like disorders. The data support the hypothesis that hereditary neuroferritinopathies are due to alterations of ferritin functionality and lower physical stability which correlate with the frameshifts introduced at the C-terminal sequence and explain the dominant transmission of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R McNally
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York, Potsdam, New York 13676, USA.
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14
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He J, Fan K, Yan X. Ferritin drug carrier (FDC) for tumor targeting therapy. J Control Release 2019; 311-312:288-300. [PMID: 31494184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Ferritin is an iron storage protein that plays a key role in iron homeostasis and anti-oxidation of cells. Due to its unique architecture of 24 self-assembling subunits and hollow cavity capable of encapsulating drugs, and an outer surface that can be modified genetically and chemically for additional functionality, ferritin has recently emerged as a promising drug delivery vehicle. Recent research demonstrated that unmodified human heavy chain ferritin binds to its receptor, transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), in different types of tumor tissues, including lung and breast cancer, thus highlighting the potential use of ferritin for tumor-targeting applications. In this review, we consider the many favorable characteristics of ferritin drug carriers (FDCs) for tumor drug delivery. In particular, compared with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), ferritin exhibits superiority in a range of attributes, including drug loading ability, thermostability, and ease of production. Thus, the emergence of FDCs may be the next step in targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuyang He
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kelong Fan
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Xiyun Yan
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Joint Laboratory of Nanozymes in Zhengzhou University, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University,Zhengzhou 450052, China.
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15
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Zarjou A, Black LM, McCullough KR, Hull TD, Esman SK, Boddu R, Varambally S, Chandrashekar DS, Feng W, Arosio P, Poli M, Balla J, Bolisetty S. Ferritin Light Chain Confers Protection Against Sepsis-Induced Inflammation and Organ Injury. Front Immunol 2019; 10:131. [PMID: 30804939 PMCID: PMC6371952 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the prevalence and recognition of its detrimental impact, clinical complications of sepsis remain a major challenge. Here, we investigated the effects of myeloid ferritin heavy chain (FtH) in regulating the pathogenic sequelae of sepsis. We demonstrate that deletion of myeloid FtH leads to protection against lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced model of sepsis as evidenced by reduced cytokine levels, multi-organ dysfunction and mortality. We identified that such protection is predominantly mediated by the compensatory increase in circulating ferritin (ferritin light chain; FtL) in the absence of myeloid FtH. Our in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that prior exposure to ferritin light chain restrains an otherwise dysregulated response to infection. These findings are mediated by an inhibitory action of FtL on NF-κB activation, a key signaling pathway that is implicated in the pathogenesis of sepsis. We further identified that LPS mediated activation of MAPK pathways, specifically, JNK, and ERK were also reduced with FtL pre-treatment. Taken together, our findings elucidate a crucial immunomodulatory function for circulating ferritin that challenges the traditional view of this protein as a mere marker of body iron stores. Accordingly, these findings will stimulate investigations to the adaptive nature of this protein in diverse clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abolfazl Zarjou
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Nephrology Research and Training Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Laurence M. Black
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Nephrology Research and Training Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Kayla R. McCullough
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Nephrology Research and Training Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Travis D. Hull
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Nephrology Research and Training Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Stephanie K. Esman
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Nephrology Research and Training Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Ravindra Boddu
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Nephrology Research and Training Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | | | | | - Wenguang Feng
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Nephrology Research and Training Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Paolo Arosio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maura Poli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Jozsef Balla
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Subhashini Bolisetty
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Nephrology Research and Training Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Cell, Development and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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16
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Brisse E, Imbrechts M, Mitera T, Vandenhaute J, Berghmans N, Boon L, Wouters C, Snoeck R, Andrei G, Matthys P. Lymphocyte-independent pathways underlie the pathogenesis of murine cytomegalovirus-associated secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Clin Exp Immunol 2018; 192:104-119. [PMID: 29178470 PMCID: PMC6398522 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) constitutes a spectrum of immunological disorders characterized by uncontrolled immune activation and key symptoms such as fever, splenomegaly, pancytopenia, haemophagocytosis, hyperferritinaemia and hepatitis. In genetic or primary HLH, hyperactivated CD8+ T cells are the main drivers of pathology. However, in acquired secondary HLH, the role of lymphocytes remains vague. In the present study the involvement of lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of a cytomegalovirus-induced model of secondary HLH was explored. We have previously reported CD8+ T cells to be redundant in this model, and therefore focused on CD4+ helper and regulatory T cells. CD4+ T cells were activated markedly and skewed towards a proinflammatory T helper type 1 transcription profile in mice displaying a severe and complete HLH phenotype. Counter to expectations, regulatory T cells were not reduced in numbers and were, in fact, more activated. Therapeutic strategies targeting CD25high hyperactivated T cells were ineffective to alleviate disease, indicating that T cell hyperactivation is not a pathogenic factor in cytomegalovirus-induced murine HLH. Moreover, even though T cells were essential in controlling viral proliferation, CD4+ T cells, in addition to CD8+ T cells, were dispensable in the development of the HLH-like syndrome. In fact, no T or B cells were required for induction and propagation of HLH disease, as evidenced by the occurrence of cytomegalovirus-associated HLH in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. These data suggest that lymphocyte-independent mechanisms can underlie virus-associated secondary HLH, accentuating a clear distinction with primary HLH.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Brisse
- Laboratory of ImmunobiologyRega Institute, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - M. Imbrechts
- Laboratory of ImmunobiologyRega Institute, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - T. Mitera
- Laboratory of ImmunobiologyRega Institute, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - J. Vandenhaute
- Laboratory of ImmunobiologyRega Institute, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - N. Berghmans
- Laboratory of Molecular ImmunologyRega Institute, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - L. Boon
- Epirus Biopharmaceuticals NetherlandsUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - C. Wouters
- Laboratory of Pediatric ImmunologyUniversity Hospital Gasthuisberg, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - R. Snoeck
- Laboratory of Virology and ChemotherapyRega Institute, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - G. Andrei
- Laboratory of Virology and ChemotherapyRega Institute, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - P. Matthys
- Laboratory of ImmunobiologyRega Institute, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
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17
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Matte A, De Falco L, Federti E, Cozzi A, Iolascon A, Levi S, Mohandas N, Zamo A, Bruno M, Lebouef C, Janin A, Siciliano A, Ganz T, Federico G, Carlomagno F, Mueller S, Silva I, Carbone C, Melisi D, Kim DW, Choi SY, De Franceschi L. Peroxiredoxin-2: A Novel Regulator of Iron Homeostasis in Ineffective Erythropoiesis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 28:1-14. [PMID: 28793778 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Iron overload (IO) is a life-threatening complication of chronic hemolytic disorders such as β-thalassemia. IO results in severe cellular oxidative damage, leading to organ failure. Peroxiredoxin-2 (Prx2), a typical 2-cysteine-(Cys)-peroxiredoxin, is an important component of the cytoprotective system, but its response to IO is still to be fully defined. RESULTS We studied the effects of IO on Prx2-knockout mice (Prx2-/-). The absence of Prx2 enhanced toxicity due to IO on erythropoiesis. We found that IO failed to induce the typical hepcidin (Hamp) upregulation in Prx2-/- mice due to its failure to activate the signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) with intact Jak2 signaling. In Prx2-/- mice, the loss of Hamp response was also observed after administration of a single dose of oral iron. When lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to explore IL6-STAT3 activation in Prx2-/- mice, STAT3 activation and Hamp upregulation were once again defective. Treatment with PEP-fusion-recombinant-Prx2 (PEP Prx2) significantly increased STAT3 activation with upregulation of Hamp expression in both IO- and LPS-exposed Prx2-/- mice. We also confirmed the beneficial effects of PEP Prx2 on Hamp expression through STAT3 activation in β-thalassemic mice. INNOVATION We propose that Prx2 plays a key role in responding to cytotoxicity of IO, directly targeting STAT3-transcriptional factor in a Jak2-independent fashion and regulating Hamp in response to canonical stimuli. CONCLUSION Collectively, our data highlight a novel role of Prx2 in iron homeostasis. Prx2 is a key cytoprotector against IO that is induced either by iron supplementation or due to chronic hemolysis as in β-thalassemia. Prx2 is required to support STAT3 transcriptional activity and regulation of Hamp expression. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 1-14.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Matte
- 1 Department of Medicine, University of Verona-AOUI Verona , Verona, Italy
| | - Luigia De Falco
- 2 CEINGE and Department of Biochemistry, Federico II University , Naples, Italy
| | - Enrica Federti
- 1 Department of Medicine, University of Verona-AOUI Verona , Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Cozzi
- 3 Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milano, Italy
| | - Achille Iolascon
- 2 CEINGE and Department of Biochemistry, Federico II University , Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Levi
- 3 Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milano, Italy .,4 Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milano, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Zamo
- 6 Department of Pathology and Diagnostic University of Verona-AOUI Verona , Verona, Italy
| | - Mariasole Bruno
- 2 CEINGE and Department of Biochemistry, Federico II University , Naples, Italy
| | | | - Anne Janin
- 7 Inserm, U1165, Paris, France .,8 Université Paris 7-Denis Diderot , Paris, France .,9 AP-HP , Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Angela Siciliano
- 1 Department of Medicine, University of Verona-AOUI Verona , Verona, Italy
| | - Tom Ganz
- 10 Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine , Los Angeles, California
| | - Giorgia Federico
- 11 Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies Federico II University , Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Carlomagno
- 11 Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies Federico II University , Naples, Italy
| | - Sebastian Mueller
- 12 Medical Department, Salem Medical Center, University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ines Silva
- 12 Medical Department, Salem Medical Center, University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carmine Carbone
- 1 Department of Medicine, University of Verona-AOUI Verona , Verona, Italy
| | - Davide Melisi
- 1 Department of Medicine, University of Verona-AOUI Verona , Verona, Italy
| | - Dae Won Kim
- 13 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hallym University , Chunchon, Korea
| | - Soo Young Choi
- 13 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hallym University , Chunchon, Korea
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18
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Brisse E, Imbrechts M, Mitera T, Vandenhaute J, Wouters CH, Snoeck R, Andrei G, Matthys P. Lytic viral replication and immunopathology in a cytomegalovirus-induced mouse model of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Virol J 2017; 14:240. [PMID: 29258535 PMCID: PMC5738214 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-017-0908-0] [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: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare immunological disorder caused by unbridled activation of T cells and macrophages, culminating in a life-threatening cytokine storm. A genetic and acquired subtype are distinguished, termed primary and secondary HLH, respectively. Clinical manifestations of both forms are frequently preceded by a viral infection, predominantly with herpesviruses. The exact role of the viral infection in the development of the hemophagocytic syndrome remains to be further elucidated. Methods We utilized a recently developed murine model of cytomegalovirus-associated secondary HLH and dissected the respective contributions of lytic viral replication and immunopathology in its pathogenesis. Results HLH-like disease only developed in cytomegalovirus-susceptible mouse strains unable to clear the virus, but the severity of symptoms was not correlated to the infectious viral titer. Lytic viral replication and sustained viremia played an essential part in the pathogenesis since abortive viral infection was insufficient to induce a full-blown HLH-like syndrome. Nonetheless, a limited set of symptoms, in particular anemia, thrombocytopenia and elevated levels of soluble CD25, appeared less dependent of the viral replication but rather mediated by the host’s immune response, as corroborated by immunosuppressive treatment of infected mice with dexamethasone. Conclusion Both virus-mediated pathology and immunopathology cooperate in the pathogenesis of full-blown virus-associated secondary HLH and are closely entangled. A certain level of viremia appears necessary to elicit the characteristic HLH-like symptoms in the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Brisse
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maya Imbrechts
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tania Mitera
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jessica Vandenhaute
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carine H Wouters
- Laboratory of Pediatric Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robert Snoeck
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Graciela Andrei
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Matthys
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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19
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Mehlenbacher M, Poli M, Arosio P, Santambrogio P, Levi S, Chasteen ND, Bou-Abdallah F. Iron Oxidation and Core Formation in Recombinant Heteropolymeric Human Ferritins. Biochemistry 2017. [PMID: 28636371 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In animals, the iron storage and detoxification protein, ferritin, is composed of two functionally and genetically distinct subunit types, H (heavy) and L (light), which co-assemble in various ratios with tissue specific distributions to form shell-like protein structures of 24 subunits within which a mineralized iron core is stored. The H-subunit possesses a ferroxidase center (FC) that catalyzes Fe(II) oxidation, whereas the L-subunit does not. To assess the role of the L-subunit in iron oxidation and core formation, two human recombinant heteropolymeric ferritins, designated H-rich and L-rich with ratios of ∼20H:4L and ∼22L:2H, respectively, were employed and compared to the human homopolymeric H-subunit ferritin (HuHF). These heteropolymeric ferritins have a composition similar to the composition of those found in hearts and brains (i.e., H-rich) and in livers and spleens (i.e., L-rich). As for HuHF, iron oxidation in H-rich ferritin was found to proceed with a 2:1 Fe(II):O2 stoichiometry at an iron level of 2 Fe(II) atoms/H-subunit with the generation of H2O2. The H2O2 reacted with additional Fe(II) in a 2:1 Fe(II):H2O2 ratio, thus avoiding the production of hydroxyl radical. A μ-1,2-peroxo-diFe(III) intermediate was observed at the FC of H-rich ferritin as for HuHF. Importantly, the H-rich protein regenerated full ferroxidase activity more rapidly than HuHF did and additionally formed larger iron cores, indicating dual roles for the L-subunit in facilitating iron turnover at the FC and in mineralization of the core. The L-rich ferritin, while also facilitating iron oxidation at the FC, additionally promoted oxidation at the mineral surface once the iron binding capacity of the FC was exceeded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Mehlenbacher
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York , Potsdam, New York 13676, United States
| | - Maura Poli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia , 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Paolo Arosio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia , 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | - N Dennis Chasteen
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Hampshire , Durham, New Hampshire 03824, United States
| | - Fadi Bou-Abdallah
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York , Potsdam, New York 13676, United States
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Study of ferritin self-assembly and heteropolymer formation by the use of Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) technology. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:522-532. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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21
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Zou W, Liu X, Chen D, Wang J, Zhao X, Li J, Ji L, Hua Z. Expression, purification, and characterization of recombinant human H-chain ferritin. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2016; 46:833-837. [DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2016.1141300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dianhua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiahuang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lina Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zichun Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Federici S, Padovani F, Poli M, Rodriguez FC, Arosio P, Depero LE, Bergese P. Energetics of surface confined ferritin during iron loading. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2016; 145:520-525. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Corna G, Caserta I, Monno A, Apostoli P, Manfredi AA, Camaschella C, Rovere-Querini P. The Repair of Skeletal Muscle Requires Iron Recycling through Macrophage Ferroportin. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 197:1914-25. [PMID: 27465531 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages recruited at the site of sterile muscle damage play an essential role in the regeneration of the tissue. In this article, we report that the selective disruption of macrophage ferroportin (Fpn) results in iron accumulation within muscle-infiltrating macrophages and jeopardizes muscle healing, prompting fat accumulation. Macrophages isolated from the tissue at early time points after injury express ferritin H, CD163, and hemeoxygenase-1, indicating that they can uptake heme and store iron. At later time points they upregulate Fpn expression, thus acquiring the ability to release the metal. Transferrin-mediated iron uptake by regenerating myofibers occurs independently of systemic iron homeostasis. The inhibition of macrophage iron export via the silencing of Fpn results in regenerating muscles with smaller myofibers and fat accumulation. These results highlight the existence of a local pathway of iron recycling that plays a nonredundant role in the myogenic differentiation of muscle precursors, limiting the adipose degeneration of the tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranca Corna
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Imma Caserta
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Monno
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Apostoli
- Department of Experimental and Applied Medicine, Section of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; and
| | - Angelo A Manfredi
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Camaschella
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Rovere-Querini
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy;
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Saenz N, Sánchez M, Gálvez N, Carmona F, Arosio P, Dominguez-Vera JM. Insights on the (Auto)Photocatalysis of Ferritin. Inorg Chem 2016; 55:6047-50. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.6b00547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Saenz
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica
and Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Manu Sánchez
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica
and Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Natividad Gálvez
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica
and Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Fernando Carmona
- Department of Molecular
and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa
11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Paolo Arosio
- Department of Molecular
and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa
11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Jose M. Dominguez-Vera
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica
and Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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25
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Put K, Brisse E, Avau A, Imbrechts M, Mitera T, Janssens R, Proost P, Fallarino F, Wouters CH, Matthys P. IDO1 Deficiency Does Not Affect Disease in Mouse Models of Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150075. [PMID: 26914138 PMCID: PMC4767214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) is an immune-modulatory enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of tryptophan (Trp) to kynurenine (Kyn) and is strongly induced by interferon (IFN)-γ. We previously reported highly increased levels of IFN-γ and corresponding IDO activity in patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a hyper-inflammatory syndrome. On the other hand, IFN-γ and IDO were low in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA), an autoinflammatory syndrome. As HLH can occur as a complication of sJIA, the opposing levels of both IFN-γ and IDO are remarkable. In animal models for sJIA and HLH, the role of IFN-γ differs from being protective to pathogenic. In this study, we aimed to unravel the role of IDO1 in the pathogenesis of sJIA and HLH. METHODS Wild-type and IDO1-knockout (IDO1-KO) mice were used in 3 models of sJIA or HLH: complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-injected mice developed an sJIA-like syndrome and secondary HLH (sHLH) was evoked by either repeated injection of unmethylated CpG oligonucleotide or by primary infection with mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV). An anti-CD3-induced cytokine release syndrome was used as a non-sJIA/HLH control model. RESULTS No differences were found in clinical, laboratory and hematological features of sJIA/HLH between wild-type and IDO1-KO mice. As IDO modulates the immune response via induction of regulatory T cells and inhibition of T cell proliferation, we investigated both features in a T cell-triggered cytokine release syndrome. Again, no differences were observed in serum cytokine levels, percentages of regulatory T cells, nor of proliferating or apoptotic thymocytes and lymph node cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that IDO1 deficiency does not affect inflammation in sJIA, sHLH and a T cell-triggered cytokine release model. We hypothesize that other tryptophan-catabolizing enzymes like IDO2 and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) might compensate for the lack of IDO1.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis/immunology
- Arthritis, Experimental/genetics
- Arthritis, Experimental/immunology
- Arthritis, Juvenile/genetics
- Arthritis, Juvenile/pathology
- Cell Proliferation
- Cytokines/blood
- Cytomegalovirus/immunology
- Cytomegalovirus Infections/immunology
- Cytomegalovirus Infections/pathology
- Freund's Adjuvant/immunology
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/genetics
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/metabolism
- Inflammation/immunology
- Interferon-gamma/genetics
- Interferon-gamma/immunology
- Interferon-gamma/metabolism
- Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic/genetics
- Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic/pathology
- Macrophage Activation Syndrome/genetics
- Macrophage Activation Syndrome/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Tryptophan Oxygenase/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Put
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega-Institute for Medical Research, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen Brisse
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega-Institute for Medical Research, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anneleen Avau
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega-Institute for Medical Research, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maya Imbrechts
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega-Institute for Medical Research, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tania Mitera
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega-Institute for Medical Research, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rik Janssens
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega-Institute for Medical Research, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul Proost
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega-Institute for Medical Research, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Francesca Fallarino
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carine H. Wouters
- Laboratory of Pediatric Immunology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Matthys
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega-Institute for Medical Research, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Brisse E, Imbrechts M, Put K, Avau A, Mitera T, Berghmans N, Rutgeerts O, Waer M, Ninivaggi M, Kelchtermans H, Boon L, Snoeck R, Wouters CH, Andrei G, Matthys P. Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in BALB/c Mice Resembles Virus-Associated Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis and Shows a Pathogenesis Distinct from Primary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 196:3124-34. [PMID: 26903481 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening immunological disorder that is characterized by systemic inflammation, widespread organ damage, and hypercytokinemia. Primary HLH is caused by mutations in granule-mediated cytotoxicity, whereas secondary HLH occurs, without a known genetic background, in a context of infections, malignancies, or autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders. Clinical manifestations of both HLH subtypes are often precipitated by a viral infection, predominantly with Herpesviridae. Exploiting this knowledge, we established an animal model of virus-associated secondary HLH by infecting immunocompetent wild-type mice with the β-herpesvirus murine CMV. C57BL/6 mice developed a mild inflammatory phenotype, whereas BALB/c mice displayed the clinicopathologic features of HLH, as set forth in the Histiocyte Society diagnostic guidelines: fever, cytopenia, hemophagocytosis, hyperferritinemia, and elevated serum levels of soluble CD25. BALB/c mice also developed lymphadenopathy, liver dysfunction, and decreased NK cell numbers. Lymphoid and myeloid cells were in a hyperactivated state. Nonetheless, depletion of CD8(+) T cells could not inhibit or cure the HLH-like syndrome, highlighting a first dissimilarity from mouse models of primary HLH. Immune cell hyperactivation in BALB/c mice was accompanied by a cytokine storm. Notably, plasma levels of IFN-γ, a key pathogenic cytokine in models of primary HLH, were the highest. Nevertheless, murine CMV-infected IFN-γ-deficient mice still developed the aforementioned HLH-like symptoms. In fact, IFN-γ-deficient mice displayed a more complete spectrum of HLH, including splenomegaly, coagulopathy, and decreased NK cell cytotoxicity, indicating a regulatory role for IFN-γ in the pathogenesis of virus-associated secondary HLH as opposed to its central pathogenic role in primary HLH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Brisse
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maya Imbrechts
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karen Put
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anneleen Avau
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tania Mitera
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nele Berghmans
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Omer Rutgeerts
- Laboratory of Experimental Transplantation, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mark Waer
- Laboratory of Experimental Transplantation, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marisa Ninivaggi
- Synapse BV, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, 6229 Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Hilde Kelchtermans
- Synapse BV, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, 6229 Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Louis Boon
- Epirus Biopharmaceuticals Netherlands, 3584 Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Snoeck
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; and
| | - Carine H Wouters
- Laboratory of Pediatric Immunology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Graciela Andrei
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; and
| | - Patrick Matthys
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
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Fiorito V, Forni M, Silengo L, Altruda F, Tolosano E. Crucial Role of FLVCR1a in the Maintenance of Intestinal Heme Homeostasis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2015; 23:1410-23. [PMID: 26067085 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2014.6216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The maintenance of heme homeostasis, mucosa cell renewal, and redox environment in the intestine is essential to permit digestion, absorption, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, and immune response and to avoid the development of gut disorders. The feline leukemia virus, subgroup C, receptor 1a (FLVCR1a) is a heme exporter expressed in almost all cell types, including intestinal cells. This work investigates the role of FLVCR1a in the intestine, taking advantage of an intestine-specific conditional Flvcr1a-knockout mouse and of FLVCR1a-depleted Caco2 cells. RESULTS The data show that FLVCR1a does not participate in the absorption of dietary heme, whereas it is involved in the export of de novo synthesized heme from intestinal cells. The loss of Flvcr1a is associated with a decrease of intestinal cell proliferation and with alterations in the peculiar homeostasis of proliferating cells, including the maintenance of their redox status. The involvement of FLVCR1a in these processes renders this exporter crucial for the survival of mice in a model of ulcerative colitis. INNOVATION These findings shed light on the role of heme export in the dietary heme absorption process and unravel a new role for heme export in the control of mucosal renewal and in proliferating cell redox status and metabolic activity, demonstrating a crucial role for FLVCR1a in maintaining intestinal homeostasis in both physiologic and pathologic situations. CONCLUSION By exporting the excess of de novo synthesized heme from intestinal cells, FLVCR1a participates in the control of intestinal mucosa homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Fiorito
- 1 Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino , Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Forni
- 2 EuroClone S.p.A Research Laboratory, Molecular Biotechnology Centre (MBC), University of Torino , Torino, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Silengo
- 1 Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino , Torino, Italy
| | - Fiorella Altruda
- 1 Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino , Torino, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tolosano
- 1 Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino , Torino, Italy
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28
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Giorgi G, D'Anna MC, Roque ME. Iron homeostasis and its disruption in mouse lung in iron deficiency and overload. Exp Physiol 2015; 100:1199-216. [DOI: 10.1113/ep085166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Giorgi
- Laboratory of Human Physiology; Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR-CONICET); San Juan 670, Universidad Nacional del Sur; Bahía Blanca Argentina
| | - María Cecilia D'Anna
- Laboratory of Human Physiology; Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR-CONICET); San Juan 670, Universidad Nacional del Sur; Bahía Blanca Argentina
| | - Marta Elena Roque
- Laboratory of Human Physiology; Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR-CONICET); San Juan 670, Universidad Nacional del Sur; Bahía Blanca Argentina
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29
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Ruzzenenti P, Asperti M, Mitola S, Crescini E, Maccarinelli F, Gryzik M, Regoni M, Finazzi D, Arosio P, Poli M. The Ferritin-Heavy-Polypeptide-Like-17 (FTHL17) gene encodes a ferritin with low stability and no ferroxidase activity and with a partial nuclear localization. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2015; 1850:1267-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2015.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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30
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Camarada MB, Márquez-Miranda V, Araya-Durán I, Yévenes A, González-Nilo F. PAMAM G4 dendrimers as inhibitors of the iron storage properties of human L-chain ferritin. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2015; 17:19001-11. [DOI: 10.1039/c5cp02594j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cationic dendrimers, such as PAMAM, are known to be positively charged at neutral pH allowing their unspecific interaction with proteins and other cellular components.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. B. Camarada
- Universidad Bernardo O Higgins
- Laboratorio de Bionanotecnología
- Santiago
- Chile
| | - V. Márquez-Miranda
- Universidad Andres Bello
- Facultad de Biología
- Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology (CBIB)
- Santiago
- Chile
| | - I. Araya-Durán
- Universidad Andres Bello
- Facultad de Biología
- Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology (CBIB)
- Santiago
- Chile
| | - A. Yévenes
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
- Facultad de Química
- Macul
- Santiago
| | - F. González-Nilo
- Universidad Andres Bello
- Facultad de Biología
- Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology (CBIB)
- Santiago
- Chile
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Carmona F, Mendoza D, Kord S, Asperti M, Arosio P, Atrian S, Capdevila M, Dominguez-Vera JM. Chemically and Biologically Harmless versus Harmful Ferritin/Copper-Metallothionein Couples. Chemistry 2014; 21:808-13. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201404660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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32
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Al-Qenaei A, Yiakouvaki A, Reelfs O, Santambrogio P, Levi S, Hall ND, Tyrrell RM, Pourzand C. Role of intracellular labile iron, ferritin, and antioxidant defence in resistance of chronically adapted Jurkat T cells to hydrogen peroxide. Free Radic Biol Med 2014; 68:87-100. [PMID: 24333634 PMCID: PMC4046229 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2013.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Revised: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To examine the role of intracellular labile iron pool (LIP), ferritin (Ft), and antioxidant defence in cellular resistance to oxidative stress on chronic adaptation, a new H2O2-resistant Jurkat T cell line "HJ16" was developed by gradual adaptation of parental "J16" cells to high concentrations of H2O2. Compared to J16 cells, HJ16 cells exhibited much higher resistance to H2O2-induced oxidative damage and necrotic cell death (up to 3mM) and had enhanced antioxidant defence in the form of significantly higher intracellular glutathione and mitochondrial ferritin (FtMt) levels as well as higher glutathione-peroxidase (GPx) activity. In contrast, the level of the Ft H-subunit (FtH) in the H2O2-adapted cell line was found to be 7-fold lower than in the parental J16 cell line. While H2O2 concentrations higher than 0.1mM fully depleted the glutathione content of J16 cells, in HJ16 cells the same treatments decreased the cellular glutathione content to only half of the original value. In HJ16 cells, H2O2 concentrations higher than 0.1mM increased the level of FtMt up to 4-fold of their control values but had no effect on the FtMt levels in J16 cells. Furthermore, while the basal cytosolic level of LIP was similar in both cell lines, H2O2 treatment substantially increased the cytosolic LIP levels in J16 but not in HJ16 cells. H2O2 treatment also substantially decreased the FtH levels in J16 cells (up to 70% of the control value). In contrast in HJ16 cells, FtH levels were not affected by H2O2 treatment. These results indicate that chronic adaptation of J16 cells to high concentrations of H2O2 has provoked a series of novel and specific cellular adaptive responses that contribute to higher resistance of HJ16 cells to oxidative damage and cell death. These include increased cellular antioxidant defence in the form of higher glutathione and FtMt levels, higher GPx activity, and lower FtH levels. Further adaptive responses include the significantly reduced cellular response to oxidant-mediated glutathione depletion, FtH modulation, and labile iron release and a significant increase in FtMt levels following H2O2 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthie Yiakouvaki
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Olivier Reelfs
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - Sonia Levi
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Nick D Hall
- Bath Institute for Rheumatic Diseases, Bath, UK
| | - Rex M Tyrrell
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Charareh Pourzand
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
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Giorgi G, Roque ME. Iron overload induces changes of pancreatic and duodenal divalent metal transporter 1 and prohepcidin expression in mice. Acta Histochem 2014; 116:354-62. [PMID: 24083991 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2013.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that the iron content of the body is tightly regulated. Iron excess induces adaptive changes that are differentially regulated in each tissue. The pancreas is particularly susceptible to iron-related disorders. We studied the expression and regulation of key iron proteins in the pancreas, duodenum and liver, using an animal model of iron overload (female CF1 mice injected i.p. with iron saccharate, colloidal iron form). Divalent metal transporter 1, prohepcidin and ferritin (pancreas, duodenum, liver) were assessed by immunohistochemistry; divalent metal transporter 1 (pancreas, duodenum) by Western blot. In the iron overloaded mice, prohepcidin expression increased in islets of Langerhans and hepatocytes, and divalent metal transporter 1 expression decreased in cells of islets and in enterocytes. In the iron overloaded mice, ferritin expression decreased in islets of Langerhans and increased in acinar cells; hemosiderin was localized in connective tissue cells. The inverse relationship between divalent metal transporter 1 and prohepcidin may indicate a negative regulation by hepcidin, and hence reduction of iron stores in islets of Langerhans. Our data showed that in iron overloaded mice model, induced by colloidal iron form, a coordinated expression of key iron proteins in the pancreas, duodenum and liver may occur. Further research will be necessary to determine the adaptive responses induced by iron in the pancreas.
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Sanchez AM, Papaleo E, Corti L, Santambrogio P, Levi S, Viganò P, Candiani M, Panina-Bordignon P. Iron availability is increased in individual human ovarian follicles in close proximity to an endometrioma compared with distal ones. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:577-83. [PMID: 24430779 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does the iron content of an endometrioma represent a potential source of toxicity for the adjacent follicles? SUMMARY ANSWER The presence of an endometrioma increases iron and H/L ferritin levels, and transferrin receptor (TfR1) mRNA in individual follicles proximal to the endometrioma and is accompanied by reduced oocyte retrieval. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Levels of free iron in endometriotic ovarian cysts are much higher than those in normal serum or in non-endometriotic ovarian cysts. The presence of an endometrioma exerts a detrimental effect on the surrounding healthy ovarian tissue as reflected by a reduced number of developing follicles and oocytes retrieved in IVF cycles. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a research study with prospective collection and evaluation of individual follicles (follicular fluid and luteinized granulosa cells) from the affected and the healthy ovaries of 13 women with unilateral endometrioma. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Individual follicular samples (145) were obtained from 13 women with endometriosis-related infertility undergoing IVF-ICSI procedures from May 2012 to March 2013. All women had unilateral endometrioma not previously treated with surgery; the contralateral ovary was free of endometriomas and previous surgery. The average ± SEM age was 35.36 ± 2.5 years with anti-Mullerian hormone levels of 2.03 ± 0.55 ng/ml. Follicles were classified as: (i) proximal follicles, in physical contact with the endometrioma; (ii) distal follicles, present in the affected ovary but not in close contact with the endometrioma and (iii) contralateral follicles, in the contralateral healthy ovary. Iron content was measured by the FerroZine method. H/L ferritin subunits were evaluated by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays. Expression of H ferritin and TfR1 was examined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Oocyte retrieval rates and Day 3 embryo quality were analyzed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Total iron levels were higher in endometrioma-proximal follicles compared with endometrioma-distal ones (P = 0.009) and to follicles in the healthy ovary (P = 0.02). L ferritin was higher in proximal versus distal follicles (P = 0.044) or follicles from the healthy ovary (P = 0.027). H ferritin was higher in the proximal and distal follicles compared with follicles in the healthy ovary (P = 0.042 and P = 0.0067, respectively). H ferritin transcript levels in granulosa cells were higher in proximal follicles versus follicles from healthy ovary (P = 0.02). TfR1 transcript levels were higher in proximal versus distal follicles (P = 0.03) and versus follicles from the healthy ovary (P = 0.04). The oocyte retrieval rate was lower in proximal and distal follicles than in follicles from the healthy ovary (P = 0.001 and P = 0.04, respectively). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is a study on a relatively small sample size and confirmation in a larger group of patients may be required. The method used to purify luteinized granulosa cells offers the best combination of purity, viability and total number of cells recovered. However, a minor contamination by CD45(+) cells (<5%) cannot be excluded. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study represents a further in-depth analysis of the toxic influence of the endometrioma content on the surrounding follicles. We demonstrate the presence of iron-related compounds that are potentially toxic to developing ovarian follicles adjacent to the endometrioma during IVF. Our findings provide novel information that suggests that when surgical removal of the endometrioma is not the option, follicle aspiration at sites distant from the endometrioma might increase the probability of retrieving oocytes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This project was supported by Fondazione Giorgio Pardi, Milan, Italy. The authors have no competing financial interests in relation to the content of this research paper. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Sanchez
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute
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Bou-Abdallah F, Yang H, Awomolo A, Cooper B, Woodhall MR, Andrews SC, Chasteen ND. Functionality of the three-site ferroxidase center of Escherichia coli bacterial ferritin (EcFtnA). Biochemistry 2014; 53:483-95. [PMID: 24380371 DOI: 10.1021/bi401517f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
At least three ferritins are found in the bacterium Escherichia coli : the heme-containing bacterioferritin (EcBFR) and two nonheme bacterial ferritins (EcFtnA and EcFtnB). In addition to the conserved A and B sites of the diiron ferroxidase center, EcFtnA has a third iron-binding site (the C site) of unknown function that is nearby the diiron site. In the present work, the complex chemistry of iron oxidation and deposition in EcFtnA was further defined through a combination of oximetry, pH stat, stopped-flow and conventional kinetics, UV-vis, fluorescence, and EPR spectroscopic measurements on both the wild-type protein and site-directed variants of the A, B, and C sites. The data reveal that although H2O2 is a product of dioxygen reduction in EcFtnA and oxidation occurs with a stoichiometry of Fe(2+)/O2 ∼ 3:1 most of the H2O2 produced is consumed in subsequent reactions with a 2:1 Fe(2+)/H2O2 stoichiometry, thus suppressing hydroxyl-radical formation. Although the A and B sites are essential for rapid iron oxidation, the C site slows oxidation and suppresses iron turnover at the ferroxidase center. A tyrosyl radical, assigned to Tyr24 near the ferroxidase center, is formed during iron oxidation, and its possible significance to the function of the protein is discussed. Taken as a whole, the data indicate that there are multiple iron-oxidation pathways in EcFtnA with O2 and H2O2 as oxidants. Furthermore, our data do not support a universal mechanism for iron oxidation in all ferritins whereby the C site acts as transit site, as has been recently proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Bou-Abdallah
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York , Potsdam, New York 13676, United States
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Silva-Gomes S, Bouton C, Silva T, Santambrogio P, Rodrigues P, Appelberg R, Gomes MS. Mycobacterium avium infection induces H-ferritin expression in mouse primary macrophages by activating Toll-like receptor 2. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82874. [PMID: 24349383 PMCID: PMC3857292 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Important for both host and pathogen survivals, iron is a key factor in determining the outcome of an infectious process. Iron with-holding, including sequestration inside tissue macrophages, is considered an important strategy to fight infection. However, for intra-macrophagic pathogens, such as Mycobacterium avium, host defence may depend on intracellular iron sequestration mechanisms. Ferritin, the major intracellular iron storage protein, plays a critical role in this process. In the current study, we studied ferritin expression in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages upon infection with M. avium. We found that H-ferritin is selectively increased in infected macrophages, through an up-regulation of gene transcription. This increase was mediated by the engagement of Toll like receptor-2, and was independent of TNF-alpha or nitric oxide production. The formation of H-rich ferritin proteins and the consequent iron sequestration may be an important part of the panoply of antimicrobial mechanisms of macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Silva-Gomes
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cécile Bouton
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, UPR2301 CNRS, Centre de Recherche de Gif, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Tânia Silva
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Pedro Rodrigues
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Appelberg
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Salomé Gomes
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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Walls MG, Cao C, Yu-Zhang K, Li J, Che R, Pan Y. Identification of ferrous-ferric Fe3O4 nanoparticles in recombinant human ferritin cages. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2013; 19:835-841. [PMID: 23800760 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927613001724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant ferritin is an excellent template for the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles. This paper describes carefully performed experiments both to identify ironoxides within nanoparticles and to measure the number of iron atoms in the cores of recombinant human H-chain ferritin (HFn), based on spectroscopy techniques. Using electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) analysis, magnetite (Fe3O4) has been unequivocally identified as the ironoxide formed within HFn cores under special preparation conditions. Atom counting analysis by EELS and high-angle annular dark-field imaging further allowed the correlation of the particle sizes to the real Fe atom numbers in a quantitative manner. These results help clarify some structural confusion between magnetite and maghemite (γ-Fe2O3), and also provide standard data for the number of Fe atoms within Fe3O4 particles of a given size, whose use is not limited to cases of magnetite synthesized in the cores of recombinant human ferritin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Walls
- Laboratoire de Physiques des Solides, UMR CNRS 8502, Bât. 510, 91405 Orsay, France
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Lack of Plasma Protein Hemopexin Results in Increased Duodenal Iron Uptake. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68146. [PMID: 23826373 PMCID: PMC3694894 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 05/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The body concentration of iron is regulated by a fine equilibrium between absorption and losses of iron. Iron can be absorbed from diet as inorganic iron or as heme. Hemopexin is an acute phase protein that limits iron access to microorganisms. Moreover, it is the plasma protein with the highest binding affinity for heme and thus it mediates heme-iron recycling. Considering its involvement in iron homeostasis, it was postulated that hemopexin may play a role in the physiological absorption of inorganic iron. Methods and Results Hemopexin-null mice showed elevated iron deposits in enterocytes, associated with higher duodenal H-Ferritin levels and a significant increase in duodenal expression and activity of heme oxygenase. The expression of heme-iron and inorganic iron transporters was normal. The rate of iron absorption was assessed by measuring the amount of 57Fe retained in tissues from hemopexin-null and wild-type animals after administration of an oral dose of 57FeSO4 or of 57Fe-labelled heme. Higher iron retention in the duodenum of hemopexin-null mice was observed as compared with normal mice. Conversely, iron transfer from enterocytes to liver and bone marrow was unaffected in hemopexin-null mice. Conclusions The increased iron level in hemopexin-null duodenum can be accounted for by an increased iron uptake by enterocytes and storage in ferritins. These data indicate that the lack of hemopexin under physiological conditions leads to an enhanced duodenal iron uptake thus providing new insights to our understanding of body iron homeostasis.
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López-Castro JD, Delgado JJ, Perez-Omil JA, Gálvez N, Cuesta R, Watt RK, Domínguez-Vera JM. A new approach to the ferritin iron core growth: influence of the H/L ratio on the core shape. Dalton Trans 2012; 41:1320-4. [DOI: 10.1039/c1dt11205h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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40
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Tian L, Cao C, Pan Y. The influence of reaction temperature on biomineralization of ferrihydrite cores in human H-ferritin. Biometals 2011; 25:193-202. [DOI: 10.1007/s10534-011-9497-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2010] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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41
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Rodrigues PN, Gomes SS, Neves JV, Gomes-Pereira S, Correia-Neves M, Nunes-Alves C, Stolte J, Sanchez M, Appelberg R, Muckenthaler MU, Gomes MS. Mycobacteria-induced anaemia revisited: A molecular approach reveals the involvement of NRAMP1 and lipocalin-2, but not of hepcidin. Immunobiology 2011; 216:1127-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2011.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2010] [Revised: 04/11/2011] [Accepted: 04/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Morello N, Tonoli E, Logrand F, Fiorito V, Fagoonee S, Turco E, Silengo L, Vercelli A, Altruda F, Tolosano E. Haemopexin affects iron distribution and ferritin expression in mouse brain. J Cell Mol Med 2010; 13:4192-204. [PMID: 19120692 PMCID: PMC4496126 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2008.00611.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemopexin (Hx) is an acute phase plasma glycoprotein, mainly produced by the liver and released into plasma where it binds heme with high affinity and delivers it to the liver. This system provides protection against free heme-mediated oxidative stress, limits access by pathogens to heme and contributes to iron homeostasis by recycling heme iron. Hx protein has been found in the sciatic nerve, skeletal muscle, retina, brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Recently, a comparative proteomic analysis has shown an increase of Hx in CSF from patients with Alzheimer’s disease, thus suggesting its involvement in heme detoxification in brain. Here, we report that Hx is synthesised in brain by the ventricular ependymal cells. To verify whether Hx is involved in heme scavenging in brain, and consequently, in the control of iron level, iron deposits and ferritin expression were analysed in cerebral regions known for iron accumulation. We show a twofold increase in the number of iron-loaded oligodendrocytes in the basal ganglia and thalamus of Hx-null mice compared to wild-type controls. Interestingly, there was no increase in H- and L-ferritin expression in these regions. This condition is common to several human neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease in which iron loading is not associated with an adequate increase in ferritin expression. However, a strong reduction in the number of ferritin-positive cells was observed in the cerebral cortex of Hx-null animals. Consistent with increased iron deposits and inadequate ferritin expression, malondialdehyde level and Cu–Zn superoxide dismutase-1 expression were higher in the brain of Hx-null mice than in that of wild-type controls. These data demonstrate that Hx plays an important role in controlling iron distribution within brain, thus suggesting its involvement in iron-related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Morello
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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43
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The universal mechanism for iron translocation to the ferroxidase site in ferritin, which is mediated by the well conserved transit site. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 400:94-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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44
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Cao C, Tian L, Liu Q, Liu W, Chen G, Pan Y. Magnetic characterization of noninteracting, randomly oriented, nanometer-scale ferrimagnetic particles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2009jb006855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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45
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Corna G, Campana L, Pignatti E, Castiglioni A, Tagliafico E, Bosurgi L, Campanella A, Brunelli S, Manfredi AA, Apostoli P, Silvestri L, Camaschella C, Rovere-Querini P. Polarization dictates iron handling by inflammatory and alternatively activated macrophages. Haematologica 2010; 95:1814-22. [PMID: 20511666 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2010.023879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macrophages play a key role in iron homeostasis. In peripheral tissues, they are known to polarize into classically activated (or M1) macrophages and alternatively activated (or M2) macrophages. Little is known on whether the polarization program influences the ability of macrophages to store or recycle iron and the molecular machinery involved in the processes. DESIGN AND METHODS Inflammatory/M1 and alternatively activated/M2 macrophages were propagated in vitro from mouse bone-marrow precursors and polarized in the presence of recombinant interferon-γ or interleukin-4. We characterized and compared their ability to handle radioactive iron, the characteristics of the intracellular iron pools and the expression of molecules involved in internalization, storage and export of the metal. Moreover we verified the influence of iron on the relative ability of polarized macrophages to activate antigen-specific T cells. RESULTS M1 macrophages have low iron regulatory protein 1 and 2 binding activity, express high levels of ferritin H, low levels of transferrin receptor 1 and internalize--albeit with low efficiency -iron only when its extracellular concentration is high. In contrast, M2 macrophages have high iron regulatory protein binding activity, express low levels of ferritin H and high levels of transferrin receptor 1. M2 macrophages have a larger intracellular labile iron pool, effectively take up and spontaneously release iron at low concentrations and have limited storage ability. Iron export correlates with the expression of ferroportin, which is higher in M2 macrophages. M1 and M2 cells activate antigen-specific, MHC class II-restricted T cells. In the absence of the metal, only M1 macrophages are effective. CONCLUSIONS Cytokines that drive macrophage polarization ultimately control iron handling, leading to the differentiation of macrophages into a subset which has a relatively sealed intracellular iron content (M1) or into a subset endowed with the ability to recycle the metal (M2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranca Corna
- H San Raffaele Institute, DIBIT-3A1, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy.
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Crichton RR, Declercq JP. X-ray structures of ferritins and related proteins. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2010; 1800:706-18. [PMID: 20363295 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2010.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2009] [Revised: 03/22/2010] [Accepted: 03/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ferritins are members of a much larger superfamily of proteins, which are characterised by a structural motif consisting of a bundle of four parallel and anti-parallel alpha helices. The ferritin superfamily itself is widely distributed across all three living kingdoms, in both aerobic and anaerobic organisms, and a considerable number of X-ray structures are available, some at extremely high resolution. We describe first of all the subunit structure of mammalian H and L chain ferritins and then discuss intersubunit interactions in the 24-subunit quaternary structure of these ferritins. Bacteria contain two types of ferritins, FTNs, which like mammalian ferritins do not contain haem, and the haem-containing BFRs. The characteristic carboxylate-bridged di-iron ferroxidase sites of H chain ferritins, FTNs and BFRs are compared, as are the potential entry sites for iron and the 'nucleation' site of L chain ferritins. Finally we discuss the three-dimensional structures of the 12-subunit bacterial Dps (DNA-binding protein from starved cells) proteins as well as their intersubunit di-iron ferroxidase site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert R Crichton
- Department of Chemistry, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
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Neves JV, Olsson IAS, Porto G, Rodrigues PN. Hemochromatosis and pregnancy: iron stores in the Hfe-/- mouse are not reduced by multiple pregnancies. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2010; 298:G525-9. [PMID: 20110460 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00449.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), a widespread hereditary iron metabolism disorder, is characterized by an excessive absorption of dietary iron, resulting in increased body iron stores. Some studies indicate a sex difference in disease expression, with women showing a slower disease progression and a less severe clinical profile. This is usually attributed to iron loss during menstruation and pregnancy. However, this link has not been clearly demonstrated. The Hfe-/- mouse model recapitulates key aspects of HH, including an iron overload phenotype similar to that observed in human patients. In this study, we use it to test the impact of multiple pregnancies in the iron stores. One-year-old nulliparous and pluriparous (averaging 29 weaned pups per female) C57BL/6 (B6) and Hfe-/- mice were euthanized, and blood and tissues were collected. Several serological and erythroid parameters were evaluated, as well as tissue nonheme iron content and serum ferritin. Hepcidin 1, hepcidin 2, and bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) expressions in the liver were determined by real-time PCR. No significant differences were observed for many serological and erythroid parameters although differences occurred in transferrin saturation and mean corpuscular volume in Hfe-/- mice and total iron-binding capacity in B6 mice. Hepatic iron concentration was similar for nulliparous and pluriparous mice of both genotypes, but total iron per organ (liver, spleen, heart, and pancreas) was higher overall in pluriparous females than nulliparous. Hepcidin 1 and 2 and BMP6 expressions were significantly decreased in pluriparous females, when compared with nulliparous, in both genotypes. In conclusion, multiple pregnancies do not reduce body iron stores in Hfe-/- mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Vilares Neves
- Iron Genes and Immune System (IRIS), Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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48
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May CA, Grady JK, Laue TM, Poli M, Arosio P, Chasteen ND. The sedimentation properties of ferritins. New insights and analysis of methods of nanoparticle preparation. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2010; 1800:858-70. [PMID: 20307627 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2010.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2009] [Revised: 03/04/2010] [Accepted: 03/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ferritin exhibits complex behavior in the ultracentrifuge due to variability in iron core size among molecules. A comprehensive study was undertaken to develop procedures for obtaining more uniform cores and assessing their homogeneity. METHODS Analytical ultracentrifugation was used to measure the mineral core size distributions obtained by adding iron under high- and low-flux conditions to horse spleen (apoHoSF) and human H-chain (apoHuHF) apoferritins. RESULTS More uniform core sizes are obtained with the homopolymer human H-chain ferritin than with the heteropolymer horse spleen HoSF protein in which subpopulations of HoSF molecules with varying iron content are observed. A binomial probability distribution of H- and L-subunits among protein shells qualitatively accounts for the observed subpopulations. The addition of Fe(2+) to apoHuHF produces iron core particle size diameters from 3.8 + or - 0.3 to 6.2 + or - 0.3 nm. Diameters from 3.4 + or - 0.6 to 6.5 + or - 0.6 nm are obtained with natural HoSF after sucrose gradient fractionation. The change in the sedimentation coefficient as iron accumulates in ferritin suggests that the protein shell contracts approximately 10% to a more compact structure, a finding consistent with published electron micrographs. The physicochemical parameters for apoHoSF (15%/85% H/L subunits) are M=484,120 g/mol, nu=0.735 mL/g, s(20,w)=17.0 S and D(20,w)=3.21 x 10(-)(7) cm(2)/s; and for apoHuHF M=506,266 g/mol, nu=0.724 mL/g, s(20,w)=18.3S and D(20,w)=3.18 x 10(-)(7) cm(2)/s. SIGNIFICANCE The methods presented here should prove useful in the synthesis of size controlled nanoparticles of other minerals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie A May
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824-2544, USA
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Luscieti S, Santambrogio P, Langlois d'Estaintot B, Granier T, Cozzi A, Poli M, Gallois B, Finazzi D, Cattaneo A, Levi S, Arosio P. Mutant ferritin L-chains that cause neurodegeneration act in a dominant-negative manner to reduce ferritin iron incorporation. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:11948-57. [PMID: 20159981 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.096404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleotide insertions that modify the C terminus of ferritin light chain (FTL) cause neurodegenerative movement disorders named neuroferritinopathies, which are inherited with dominant transmission. The disorders are characterized by abnormal brain iron accumulation. Here we describe the biochemical and crystallographic characterization of pathogenic FTL mutant p.Phe167SerfsX26 showing that it is a functional ferritin with an altered conformation of the C terminus. Moreover we analyze functional and stability properties of ferritin heteropolymers made of 20-23 H-chains and 1-4 L-chains with representative pathogenic mutations or the last 10-28 residues truncated. All the heteropolymers containing the pathogenic or truncated mutants had a strongly reduced capacity to incorporate iron, both when expressed in Escherichia coli, and in vitro when iron was supplied as Fe(III) in the presence of ascorbate. The mutations also reduced the physical stability of the heteropolymers. The data indicate that even a few mutated L-chains are sufficient to alter the permeability of 1-2 of the 6 hydrophobic channels and modify ferritin capacity to incorporate iron. The dominant-negative action of the mutations explains the dominant transmission of the disorder. The data support the hypothesis that hereditary ferritinopathies are due to alterations of ferritin functionality and provide new input on the mechanism of the function of isoferritins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Luscieti
- Dipartimento Materno Infantile e Tecnologie Biomediche, Università di Brescia, viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Masuda T, Goto F, Yoshihara T, Mikami B. Crystal structure of plant ferritin reveals a novel metal binding site that functions as a transit site for metal transfer in ferritin. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:4049-4059. [PMID: 20007325 PMCID: PMC2823546 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.059790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2009] [Revised: 11/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferritins are important iron storage and detoxification proteins that are widely distributed in living kingdoms. Because plant ferritin possesses both a ferroxidase site and a ferrihydrite nucleation site, it is a suitable model for studying the mechanism of iron storage in ferritin. This article presents for the first time the crystal structure of a plant ferritin from soybean at 1.8-A resolution. The soybean ferritin 4 (SFER4) had a high structural similarity to vertebrate ferritin, except for the N-terminal extension region, the C-terminal short helix E, and the end of the BC-loop. Similar to the crystal structures of other ferritins, metal binding sites were observed in the iron entry channel, ferroxidase center, and nucleation site of SFER4. In addition to these conventional sites, a novel metal binding site was discovered intermediate between the iron entry channel and the ferroxidase site. This site was coordinated by the acidic side chain of Glu(173) and carbonyl oxygen of Thr(168), which correspond, respectively, to Glu(140) and Thr(135) of human H chain ferritin according to their sequences. A comparison of the ferroxidase activities of the native and the E173A mutant of SFER4 clearly showed a delay in the iron oxidation rate of the mutant. This indicated that the glutamate residue functions as a transit site of iron from the 3-fold entry channel to the ferroxidase site, which may be universal among ferritins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taro Masuda
- From the Laboratory of Food Quality Design and Development, Division of Agronomy and Horticultural Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011.
| | - Fumiyuki Goto
- the Biotechnology Sector, Environmental Science Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, 1646 Abiko, Abiko, Chiba 270-1194, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Yoshihara
- the Biotechnology Sector, Environmental Science Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, 1646 Abiko, Abiko, Chiba 270-1194, Japan
| | - Bunzo Mikami
- the Laboratory of Applied Structural Biology, Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011 and
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