Interaction of cadmium with actin microfilaments in vitro

The Insulin Receptor Substrate 2 Mediates the Action of Insulin on HeLa Cell Migration via the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Insulin signaling plays an important role in the development and progression of cancer since it is involved in proliferation and migration processes. It has been shown that the A isoform of the insulin receptor (IR-A) is often overexpressed, and its stimulation induces changes in the expression of the insulin receptor substrates (IRS-1 and IRS-2), which are expressed differently in the different types of cancer. We study the participation of the insulin substrates IRS-1 and IRS-2 in the insulin signaling pathway in response to insulin and their involvement in the proliferation and migration of the cervical cancer cell line. Our results showed that under basal conditions, the IR-A isoform was predominantly expressed. Stimulation of HeLa cells with 50 nM insulin led to the phosphorylation of IR-A, showing a statistically significant increase at 30 min (p ≤ 0.05). Stimulation of HeLa cells with insulin induces PI3K and AKT phosphorylation through the activation of IRS2, but not IRS1. While PI3K reached the highest level at 30 min after treatment (p ≤ 0.05), AKT had the highest levels from 15 min (p ≤ 0.05) and remained constant for 6 h. ERK1 and ERK2 expression was also observed, but only ERK2 was phosphorylated in a time-dependent manner, reaching a maximum peak 5 min after insulin stimulation. Although no effect on cell proliferation was observed, insulin stimulation of HeLa cells markedly promoted cell migration.

An Extremely Low-Frequency Vortex Magnetic Field Modifies Protein Expression, Rearranges the Cytoskeleton, and Induces Apoptosis of a Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line

Homogeneous extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) alter biological phenomena, including the cell phenotype and proliferation rate. Heterogenous vortex magnetic fields (VMFs), a new approach of exposure to magnetic fields, induce systematic movements on charged biomolecules from target cells; however, the effect of VMFs on living systems remains uncertain. Here, we designed, constructed, and characterized an ELF-VMF-modified Rodin's coil to expose SH-SY5Y cells. Samples were analyzed by performing 2D-differential-gel electrophoresis, identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF, validated by western blotting, and characterized by confocal microscopy. A total of 106 protein spots were differentially expressed; 40 spots were downregulated and 66 were upregulated in the exposed cell proteome, compared to the control cell proteome. The identified spots are associated with cytoskeleton and cell viability proteins, and according to the protein-protein interaction network, a significant interaction among them was found. Our data revealed a decrease in cell survival associated with apoptotic cells without effects on the cell cycle, as well as evident changes in the cytoskeleton. We demonstrated that ELF-VMFs, at a specific frequency and exposure time, alter the cell proteome and structurally affect the target cells. This is the first report showing that VMF application might be a versatile system for testing different hypotheses in living systems, using appropriate exposure parameters.© 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

EAAT1-dependent slc1a3 Transcriptional Control depends on the Substrate Translocation Process

Glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate brain, is removed from the synaptic cleft by a family of sodium-dependent transporters expressed in neurons and glial cells. The bulk of glutamate uptake activity occurs in glial cells through the sodium-dependent glutamate/aspartate transporter (EAAT1/GLAST) and glutamate transporter 1 (EAAT2/GLT-1). EAAT1/GLAST is the predominant transporter within the cerebellum. It is highly enriched in Bergmann glial cells that span the cerebellar cortex and wrap the most abundant glutamatergic synapses in the central nervous system, the synapse formed by the parallel fibers and the Purkinje cells. In the past years, it has become evident that Bergmann glial cells are involved in glutamatergic transmission. Glutamate transporters are tightly regulated due to their essential role in tripartite synapses. Glutamate regulates EAAT1/GLAST function and gene expression in a receptor-dependent and receptor-independent manner. Through the use of the non-metabolizable EAAT1/GLAST ligand, D-Aspartate, and the well-established chick cerebellar Bergmann glia primary culture, in this contribution, we demonstrate that EAAT1/GLAST down-regulates its expression and function at the transcriptional level through the activation of a signaling pathway that includes the phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase (PI3K), the Ca2+/diacylglycerol dependent protein kinase PKC and the nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). These results favor the notion of an activity-dependent fine-tuning of glutamate recycling and its synaptic transactions through glial cells.

Summary statement

EAAT1/GLAST down-regulates its expression and function at the transcriptional level by activating a signaling pathway that includes PI3K, PKC and NF-κB, favoring the notion of an activity-dependent fine-tuning of glutamate recycling and its synaptic transactions through glial cells.

Giardia intestinalis coiled-coil cytolinker protein 259 interacts with actin and tubulin

Giardia intestinalis is a human parasite that causes a diarrheal disease in developing countries. G. intestinalis has a cytoskeleton (CSK) composed of microtubules and microfilaments, and the Giardia genome does not code for the canonical CSK-binding proteins described in other eukaryotic cells. To identify candidate actin and tubulin cross-linking proteins, we performed a BLAST analysis of the Giardia genome using a spectraplakins consensus sequence as a query. Based on the highest BLAST score, we selected a 259-kDa sequence designated as a cytoskeleton linker protein (CLP259). The sequence was cloned in three fragments and characterized by immunoprecipitation, confocal microscopy, and mass spectrometry (MS). CLP259 was located in the cytoplasm in the form of clusters of thick rods and colocalized with actin at numerous sites and with tubulin in the median body. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry revealed that CLP259 interacts with structural proteins such as giardins, SALP-1, axonemal, and eight coiled-coils. The vesicular traffic proteins detected were Mu adaptin, Vacuolar ATP synthase subunit B, Bip, Sec61 alpha, NSF, AP complex subunit beta, and dynamin. These results indicate that CLP259 in trophozoites is a CSK linker protein for actin and tubulin and could act as a scaffold protein driving vesicular traffic.

Do BDNF and NT-4/5 exert synergistic or occlusive effects on corticostriatal transmission in a male mouse model of Huntington's disease?

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5) are trophic factors belonging to the neurotrophin family; in addition to their trophic role, both neurotrophins play an important role in modulating corticostriatal synaptic transmission. Failures in BDNF supply and mitochondrial dysfunction are among the factors involved in the striatal degeneration that occurs in Huntington's disease (HD). While the effects of BDNF have been widely studied in striatal degeneration, the role of NT-4/5 has been less addressed. NT-4/5 does not appear to exert effects similar to those of BDNF in HD. The physiological roles of these molecules in corticostriatal transmission have been evaluated separately, and we have demonstrated that sequential exposure to both neurotrophins results in different modulatory effects on corticostriatal transmission depending on the exposure order. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of BDNF followed by NT-4/5 or NT-4/5 followed by BDNF on corticostriatal synaptic transmission with field recordings in a male mouse model of HD produced by in vivo treatment with the mitochondrial toxin 3-nitropropionic acid. Here, we show that these neurotrophins elicit an antagonistic or synergistic effect that depends on the activation of the truncated isoform or the stimulation of the full-length isoform of the tropomyosin receptor kinase B.

Aldo-Keto Reductases as Early Biomarkers of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Comparison Between Animal Models and Human HCC

BACKGROUND

The intrinsic heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a great challenge for its molecular classification and for detecting predictive biomarkers. Aldo-keto reductase (Akr) family members have shown differential expression in human HCC, while AKR1B10 overexpression is considered a biomarker; AKR7A3 expression is frequently reduced in HCC.

AIMS

To investigate the time-course expression of Akr members in the experimental hepatocarcinogenesis.

METHODS

Using DNA-microarray data, we analyzed the time-course gene expression profile from nodules to tumors (4-17 months) of 17 Akr members induced by the resistant hepatocyte carcinogenesis model in the rat.

RESULTS

The expression of six members (Akr1c19, Akr1b10, Akr7a3, Akr1b1, Akr1cl1, and Akr1b8) was increased, comparable to that of Ggt and Gstp1, two well-known liver cancer markers. In particular, Akr7a3 and Akr1b10 expression also showed a time-dependent increment at mRNA and protein levels in a second hepatocarcinogenesis model induced with diethylnitrosamine. We confirmed that aldo-keto reductases 7A3 and 1B10 were co-expressed in nine biopsies of human HCC, independently from the presence of glypican-3 and cytokeratin-19, two well-known HCC biomarkers. Because it has been suggested that expression of Akr members is regulated through NRF2 activity at the antioxidant response element (ARE) sequences, we searched and identified at least two ARE sites in Akr1b1, Akr1b10, and Akr7a3 from rat and human gene sequences. Moreover, we observed higher NRF2 nuclear translocation in tumors as compared with non-tumor tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that Akr7a3 mRNA and protein levels are consistently co-expressed along with Akr1b10, in both experimental liver carcinogenesis and some human HCC samples. These results highlight the presence of AKR7A3 and AKR1B10 from early stages of the experimental HCC and introduce them as a potential application for early diagnosis, staging, and prognosis in human cancer.

Neurotrophin-3 restores synaptic plasticity in the striatum of a mouse model of Huntington's disease

AIMS

Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) is expressed in the mouse striatum; however, it is not clear the NT-3 role in striatal physiology. The expression levels of mRNAs and immune localization of the NT-3 protein and its receptor TrkC are altered in the striatum following damage induced by an in vivo treatment with 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP), a mitochondrial toxin used to mimic the histopathological hallmarks of Huntington's disease (HD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of NT-3 on corticostriatal synaptic transmission and its plasticity in both the control and damaged striatum.

METHODS

Corticostriatal population spikes were electrophysiologically recorded and striatal synaptic plasticity was induced by high-frequency stimulation. Further, the phosphorylation status of Trk receptors was tested under conditions that imitated electrophysiological experiments.

RESULTS

NT-3 modulates both synaptic transmission and plasticity in the striatum; nonetheless, synaptic plasticity was modified by the 3-NP treatment, where instead of producing striatal long-term depression (LTD), long-term potentiation (LTP) was obtained. Moreover, the administration of NT-3 in the recording bath restored the plasticity observed under control conditions (LTD) in this model of striatal degeneration.

CONCLUSION

NT-3 modulates corticostriatal transmission through TrkB stimulation and restores striatal LTD by signaling through its TrkC receptor.

Novel Nuclear Protein Complexes of Dystrophin 71 Isoforms in Rat Cultured Hippocampal GABAergic and Glutamatergic Neurons

The precise functional role of the dystrophin 71 in neurons is still elusive. Previously, we reported that dystrophin 71d and dystrophin 71f are present in nuclei from cultured neurons. In the present work, we performed a detailed analysis of the intranuclear distribution of dystrophin 71 isoforms (Dp71d and Dp71f), during the temporal course of 7-day postnatal rats hippocampal neurons culture for 1h, 2, 4, 10, 15 and 21 days in vitro (DIV). By immunofluorescence assays, we detected the highest level of nuclear expression of both dystrophin Dp71 isoforms at 10 DIV, during the temporal course of primary culture. Dp71d and Dp71f were detected mainly in bipolar GABAergic (≥60%) and multipolar Glutamatergic (≤40%) neurons, respectively. We also characterized the existence of two nuclear dystrophin-associated protein complexes (DAPC): dystrophin 71d or dystrophin 71f bound to β-dystroglycan, α1-, β-, α2-dystrobrevins, α-syntrophin, and syntrophin-associated protein nNOS (Dp71d-DAPC or Dp71f-DAPC, respectively), in the hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, both complexes were localized in interchromatin granule cluster structures (nuclear speckles) of neuronal nucleoskeleton preparations. The present study evinces that each Dp71's complexes differ slightly in dystrobrevins composition. The results demonstrated that Dp71d-DAPC was mainly localized in bipolar GABAergic and Dp71f-DAPC in multipolar Glutamatergic hippocampal neurons. Taken together, our results show that dystrophin 71d, dystrophin 71f and DAP integrate protein complexes, and both complexes were associated to nuclear speckles structures.

Study of oxidative damage and antioxidant systems in two Huntington's disease rodent models

Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by motor, psychiatric, and cognitive symptoms. The genetic defect responsible for the onset of the disease, expansion of CAG repeats in exon 1 of the gene that codes for huntingtin, has been unambiguously identified. The mechanisms by which the mutation causes the disease are not completely understood yet. However, defects in the energy metabolism of affected cells, which may cause oxidative damage, have been proposed as underlying molecular mechanisms that participate in the etiology of the disease. In this chapter, we describe biochemical methods that allow us to determine striatal oxidative damage in transgenic mice and in the quinolinic acid-induced excitotoxicity model in rat, and establish the status of protective cellular systems. The excitotoxic model is acute, easier and faster to perform than the transgenic model, and can within a short period provide valuable data to try new therapeutic strategies. The methods described in this chapter permit us to link the kynurenine pathway with the cascade of toxic and harmful reactions that cause the damage observed in HD. We consider that determining the mechanisms inducing oxidative damage in two different models of HD will allow the testing of drugs or other therapeutic strategies with antioxidant activities.

Knockdown of dystrophin Dp71 impairs PC12 cells cycle: localization in the spindle and cytokinesis structures implies a role for Dp71 in cell division

The function of dystrophin Dp71 in neuronal cells remains to be established. Previously, we revealed the involvement of this protein in both nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neuronal differentiation and cell adhesion by isolation and characterization of PC12 neuronal cells with depleted levels of Dp71. In this work, a novel phenotype of Dp71-knockdown cells was characterized, which is their delayed growth rate. Cell cycle analyses revealed an altered behavior of Dp71-depleted cells, which consists of a delay in G0/G1 transition and an increase in apoptosis during nocodazole-induced mitotic arrest. Dp71 associates with lamin B1 and β-dystroglycan, proteins involved in aspects of the cell division cycle; therefore, we compared the distribution of Dp71 with that of lamin B1 and β-dystroglycan in PC12 cells at mitosis and cytokinesis by means of immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy analysis. All of these three proteins exhibited a similar immunostaining pattern, localized at mitotic spindle, cleavage furrow, and midbody. It is noteworthy that a drastic decreased staining in mitotic spindle, cleavage furrow, and midbody was observed for both lamin B1 and β-dystroglycan in Dp71-depleted cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated the interaction of Dp71 with lamin B1 in PC12 cells by immunoprecipitation and pull-down assays, and importantly, we revealed that knockdown of Dp71 expression caused a marked reduction in lamin B1 levels and altered localization of the nuclear envelope protein emerin. Our data indicate that Dp71 is a component of the mitotic spindle and cytokinesis multi-protein apparatuses that might modulate the cell division cycle by affecting lamin B1 and β-dystroglycan levels.

A nuclear family A DNA polymerase from Entamoeba histolytica bypasses thymine glycol

Background

Eukaryotic family A DNA polymerases are involved in mitochondrial DNA replication or translesion DNA synthesis. Here, we present evidence that the sole family A DNA polymerase from the parasite protozoan E. histolytica (EhDNApolA) localizes to the nucleus and that its biochemical properties indicate that this DNA polymerase may be involved in translesion DNA synthesis.

Methodology and Results

EhDNApolA is the sole family A DNA polymerase in E. histolytica. An in silico analysis places family A DNA polymerases from the genus Entamoeba in a separate branch of a family A DNA polymerases phylogenetic tree. Biochemical studies of a purified recombinant EhDNApolA demonstrated that this polymerase is active in primer elongation, is poorly processive, displays moderate strand displacement, and does not contain 3′–5′ exonuclease or editing activity. Importantly, EhDNApolA bypasses thymine glycol lesions with high fidelity, and confocal microscopy demonstrates that this polymerase is translocated into the nucleus. These data suggest a putative role of EhDNApolA in translesion DNA synthesis in E. histolytica.

Conclusion

This is the first report of the biochemical characterization of a DNA polymerase from E. histolytica. EhDNApolA is a family A DNA polymerase that is grouped into a new subfamily of DNA polymerases with translesion DNA synthesis capabilities similar to DNA polymerases from subfamily ν.

Genotoxic agents like ultraviolet radiation, alkylating compounds and reactive oxidative species have the potential to originate DNA lesions that are not bypassed by replicative DNA polymerases. Eukaryotic organisms contain a specialized subset of DNA polymerases capable of translesion DNA synthesis. These DNA polymerases belong to DNA polymerases from families A, B, and Y. In this work, we characterized the sole family A DNA polymerase of the parasitic protozoa E. histolytica, EhDNApolA. The biochemical characterization of recombinant EhDNApolA indicates that this protein is an active DNA polymerase able to primer extension and moderate strand displacement. The ability of EhDNApolA to faithfully incorporate dATP opposite thymine glycol, and its nuclear localization indicates that this polymerase may have a role in translesion DNA synthesis. E. histolytica is exposed to oxidative stress during tissue invasion by phagocytes. Understanding DNA metabolism in E. histolytica is important because this parasite has shaped some metabolic pathways by horizontal gene transfer, infects approximately 50 million people annually, and is the second leading cause of death among protozoan diseases.

Biochemical characterization of the DNA ligase I from Entamoeba histolytica

DNA ligases play an essential role in DNA replication and repair. Herein, we report the cloning and biochemical characterization of DNA ligase I from the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica (EhDNAligI). EhDNAligI is an ATP-dependent DNA ligase of 685 amino acids with 35% identity to human DNA ligase I. This report shows that heterologous expressed EhDNAligI is able to perform the three conserved steps of a DNA ligation reaction: adenylation, binding to a 5'-phosphorylated nicked DNA substrate and sealing of the nick. EhDNAligI is strongly inhibited by NaCl and displays optimal activity at pH 7.5. EhDNAligI uses Mn2+ or Mg2+ as metal cofactors and ATP as nucleotide cofactor. EhDNAligI has a nicked DNA binding constant of 6.6microM and follows Michaelis-Menten steady-state kinetics with a K(m) ATP of 64nM and a k(cat) of 2.4min(-1). Accordingly to its properties as a family I DNA ligase, EhDNAligI is able to ligate a RNA strand upstream of a nucleic acid nick, but not in the downstream or the template position. We propose that EhDNAligI is involved in sealing DNA nicks during lagging strand synthesis and may have a role in base excision repair in E. histolytica.

Possible participation of calmodulin in the decondensation of nuclei isolated from guinea pig spermatozoa

The guinea pig spermatozoid nucleus contains actin, myosin, spectrin and cytokeratin. Also, it has been reported that phalloidin and/or 2,3-butanedione monoxime retard the sperm nuclear decondensation caused by heparin, suggesting a role for F-actin and myosin in nuclear stability. The presence of an F-actin/myosin dynamic system in these nuclei led us to search for proteins usually related to this system. In guinea pig sperm nuclei we detected calmodulin, F-actin, the myosin light chain and an actin-myosin complex. To define whether calmodulin participates in nuclear-dynamics, the effect of the calmodulin antagonists W5, W7 and calmidazolium was tested on the decondensation of nuclei promoted by either heparin or by a Xenopus laevis egg extract. All antagonists inhibited both the heparin- and the X. laevis egg extract-mediated nuclear decondensation. Heparin-mediated decondensation was faster and led to loss of nuclei. The X. laevis egg extract-promoted decondensation was slower and did not result in loss of the decondensed nuclei. It is suggested that in guinea pig sperm calmodulin participates in the nuclear decondensation process.

Dystrophin Dp71 is critical for stability of the DAPs in the nucleus of PC12 cells

We have adopted the PC12 cell line as in vitro cell model for studying Dp71 function in neuronal cells. These cells express a cytoplasmic (Dp71f) and a nuclear (Dp71d) isoform of Dp71 as well as various dystrophin-associated proteins (DAPs). In this study, we revealed by confocal microscopy analysis and Western blotting evaluation of cell fractions the presence of different DAPs (beta-dystroglycan, beta-dystrobrevin, epsilon-sarcoglycan and gamma1-syntrophin) in the nucleus of PC12 cells. Furthermore, we established by immunoprecipitation assays that Dp71d and the DAPs form a dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC) in the nucleus. Interestingly, depletion of Dp71 by antisense treatment (antisense-Dp71 cells) provoked a drastic reduction of nuclear DAPs, which indicates that Dp71d is critical for DAPs stability within the nucleus. Although Up71, the utrophin gene product homologous to Dp71, exhibited increased expression in the antisense-Dp71 cells, its scarce nuclear levels makes unlikely that could compensate for Dp71 nuclear deficiency.

Decreased nitric oxide markers and morphological changes in the brain of arsenic-exposed rats

Epidemiological studies demonstrate an association between chronic consumption of arsenic contaminated water and cognitive deficits, especially when the exposure takes place during childhood. This study documents structural changes and nitrergic deficits in the striatum of adult female Wistar rats exposed to arsenic in drinking water (3 ppm, approximately 0.4 mg/kg per day) from gestation, throughout lactation and development until the age of 4 months. Kainic acid injected animals (10mg/kg, i.p.) were also analyzed as positive controls of neural cell damage. Morphological characteristics of cells, fiber tracts and axons were analyzed by means of light microscopy as well as immunoreactivity to neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). As nitrergic markers, nitrite/nitrate concentrations, nNOS levels and expression of nNOS-mRNA were quantified in striatal tissue. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPx) were determined as oxidative stress markers. Arsenic exposure resulted in moderate to severe alterations of thickness, organization, surrounding space and shape of fiber tracts and axons, while cell bodies remained healthy. These anomalies were not accompanied by ROS and/or LPx increases. By contrast, except the expression of nNOS-mRNA, all nitrergic markers including striatal nNOS immunoreactivity presented a significant decrease. These results indicate that arsenic targets the central nitrergic system and disturbs brain structural organization at low exposure levels.

Glial-specific retrovirally mediated gas1 gene expression induces glioma cell apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth in vivo

We recently reported that the targeted expression of growth arrest specific 1 (Gas1) induces apoptosis in glioma cells. Because the vast majority of gliomas present genetic alterations that reduce their ability to undergo apoptosis, a gene therapy strategy aimed at reinstating apoptotic processes in glioma cells is an interesting approach for the treatment of these tumors. We used a retroviral gene transfer system to transduce C6 glioma cells with a transgene in which the expression of a full-length human gas1 cDNA is under the transcriptional control of a human promoter of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (gfa2). In vitro experiments showed that the retroviral transfer of gas1 significantly reduces the number of viable cells, and induces apoptosis in C6 cells, through the activation of caspase-3. Furthermore, retroviral-mediated transfer of gas1 to gliomas implanted in nude mice induces a significant inhibition of tumor growth, accompanied by increased caspase-3 activation. In the present experiments, we have taken advantage of the property of retrovirus to transfer transgenes exclusively to proliferating cells, together with the use of a glial specific promoter, to selectively target the expression of gas1, a pro-apoptotic gene, to glioma cells.

Transcriptionally mediated gene targeting of gas1 to glioma cells elicits growth arrest and apoptosis

Induction of growth arrest-specific genes (gas1) prevents cell proliferation and/or leads to apoptosis in different cell types. In neurons, it has been recently reported that mild excitotoxic neuronal death is associated with gas1 induction, and that overexpression of Gas1 induces apoptosis in terminally differentiated neurons or in proliferating neuroblastoma cells. In the present study, we have analysed the effects of the transcriptionally mediated targeting of gas1 to C6 rat glioma cells. Expression of Gas1 decreased glial proliferation and induced C6 cell apoptosis. While the identity of the caspase(s) responsible for Gas1-induced apoptosis in neurons has remained elusive, in C6 glioma cells, overexpression of Gas1 reproducibly activated caspase-3. Our results support the concept of targeted expression of gas1 as a potentially useful gene therapy strategy in the treatment of human gliomas.

Age-dependent changes in nitric oxide synthase activity and protein expression in striata of mice transgenic for the Huntington's disease mutation

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal hereditary neurodegenerative disorder caused by an abnormal expansion of the CAG repeats that code for a polyglutamine tract in a novel protein called huntingtin (htt). Both patients and experimental animals exhibit oxidative damage in specific areas of the brain, particularly the striatum. Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in many different physiological processes, and under pathological conditions it may promote oxidative damage through the formation of the highly reactive metabolite peroxynitrite; however, it may also play a role protecting cells from oxidative damage. We previously showed a correlation between the progression of the neurological phenotype and striatal oxidative damage in a line of transgenic mice, R6/1, which expresses a human mutated htt exon 1 with 116 CAG repeats. The purpose of the present work was to explore the participation of NO in the progressive oxidative damage that occurs in the striata of R6/1 mice. We analyzed the role of NO by measuring the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the striata of transgenic and control mice at different ages. There was no difference in NOS activity between transgenic and wild-type mice at 11 weeks of age. In contrast, 19-week-old transgenic mice showed a significant increase in NOS activity, compared with same age controls. By 35 weeks of age, there was a decrease in NOS activity in transgenic mice when compared with wild-type controls. NOS protein expression was also determined in 11-, 19- and 35-week-old transgenic mice and wild-type littermates. Our results show increased neuronal NOS expression in 19-week-old transgenic mice, followed by a decreased level in 35-week-old mice, compared with controls, a phenomenon that parallels the changes in NOS enzyme activity. The present results suggest that NO is involved in the process leading to striatal oxidative damage and that it is associated with the onset of the progressive neurological phenotype in mice transgenic for the HD mutation.

Receptors and channels regulating acrosome reactions

Prospective clinical studies informed by cloning and sequencing of sperm surface receptors and metal ion channels have elucidated critical early steps in the acrosome reaction that explain aspects of metal ion-related male infertility. Induction of the acrosome reaction is proposed to include non-nuclear progesterone receptor activation of Shaker-related sperm head voltage-gated potassium ion channels (VGKC). Men express VGKC isoforms with differing sensitivities to lead (Pb(2+)) inhibition, thus explaining interindividual variabilities in Pb(2+)-related male infertility. VGKC opening induces calcium (Ca(2+)) transients, and a signalling cascade induced by zona receptor aggregation requires an actin cytoskeleton created by the VGKC-induced Ca(2+) transients. Actin polymerization and stabilization, favoured by zinc (Zn(2+)) and depolymerized by cadmium (Cd(2+)), may mediate low Zn(2+) and high Cd(2+) infertile states. Zona receptor aggregation induces phosphotyrosine signals at sites, including sperm voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels (VDCC), intermediate in electrophysiology between T- and L-type channels. Sperm surface VDCC localize at the sperm equatorial segment, the terminus of zona receptor translocation. Opening of VDCC admits a second Ca(2+) wave that activates phospholipase C phosphorylated in the zona receptor cascade. Phospholipase C induces fusogenic lipids and activates actin-severing proteins, depolymerizing the actin cytoskeleton and permitting apposition and fusion of acrosomal and plasma membranes.

Biochemical and histochemical analysis of 71 kDa dystrophin isoform (Dp71f) in rat brain

Dp71 is a member of the dystrophin family and the most abundant dmd gene product in the brain. In the present study, we focused on a short dystrophin transcript named Dp71f, which is alternatively spliced when exon 78 is absent The topographic localization of this protein in the encephalon has not been properly described yet, nor its cellular or subcellular localization, and even less its functions. Dp71f was found to be a cytoplasmic 70 kDa protein and localized in all encephalon regions studied. Double labeling using specific markers for various cell types confirmed Dp71f distribution in the cytoplasm of all cell types studied. Labeling was more conspicuous near the nucleus and diminished towards the periphery of cells. In some cases, we observed cells that were positive for actin and Dp71f in regions corresponding to lamellipodia-like structures. Dp71f and Dp71d isoforms were differently distributed. Our study is the first specific and unambiguous description of the topography and cellular localization patterns of Dp71f in brain, suggesting that Dp71f is a ubiquitous protein.

Evidence that E-cadherin may be a target for cadmium toxicity in epithelial cells

E-cadherin is a Ca(2+)-dependent cell adhesion molecule that plays an important role in the development and maintenance of epithelial polarity and barrier function. This commentary describes the results of recent studies showing that the environmental pollutant Cd(2+) can damage the E-cadherin-dependent junctions between many types of epithelial cells and reviews the evidence indicating that this effect results from the direct interaction of Cd(2+) with the E-cadherin molecule. In addition, the implications of these findings with respect to the mechanisms of Cd(2+) toxicity in specific target organs such as lung, kidney, bone, and the vascular endothelium are discussed.

Effects of toxin A from Clostridium difficile on mast cell activation and survival

Toxins A and B from Clostridium difficile are the main cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. They cause fluid accumulation, necrosis, and a strong inflammatory response when inoculated in intestinal loops. Since mast cells are a rich source of inflammatory mediators, abundant in the gut, and known to be involved in C. difficile-induced enteritis, we studied the in vitro effect of toxin A on isolated mast cells. Normal rats sensitized by infection with Nippostrongilus brasiliensis were used to isolate peritoneal mast cells (PMC). PMC from naive rats were stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187 as a model of antigen-independent activation, and PMC from sensitized rats were stimulated with N. brasiliensis antigens to study immunoglobulin E-dependent mast cell activation. After 4 h, toxin A did not induce release of nitric oxide or histamine in naive PMC. However, 10 ng of toxin per ml caused a significant release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). In contrast, 1 microg of toxin per ml inhibited antigen or A23187-induced histamine release by PMC. Toxin A at 1 microg/ml for 4 h caused disruption of actin which aggregated in the cytoplasm and around the nucleus. After 24 h, chromatin condensation, cytoplasmic blebbing, and apoptotic-like vesicles were observed; DNA fragmentation was documented also. These results suggest that mast cells may participate in the initial inflammatory response to C. difficile infection by releasing TNF-alpha upon interaction with toxin A. However, longer exposure to toxin A affects the release of inflammatory mediators, perhaps because of the alteration of the cytoskeleton and induction of apoptosis. The impaired functions and survival of mast cells by C. difficile toxin A could hamper the capacity of these cells to counteract the infection, thus prolonging the pathogenic effects of C. difficile toxins.

Actin assembly by cadmium ions

Cadmium is a highly toxic metal entering cells by a variety of mechanisms. Its toxic action is far from being completely understood, although specific interaction with the cellular calcium metabolism has been indicated. Metal ions that influence intracellular Ca2+ concentrations or compete with Ca2+ for protein binding sites may exert an effect on actin filaments, whose assembly and disassembly are both regulated by a number of calcium-dependent factors. Cadmium is such a metal. Much evidence demonstrates that cadmium interferes with the dynamics of actin filaments in various types of cells. Here we show that, at high (0.8-1.0 mM) concentrations, CdCl2 causes actin denaturation. At such Cd2+ concentrations, actin precipitates (really actin, as shown by SDS-PAGE, see Fig. 1B) in the form of irregular, disordered clots, clearly appreciable by electron microscopy. Denaturation seems to be reversible since, after Cd2+ removal by dialysis, the polymerizability of sedimented actin is restored almost completely. On the other hand, at concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 0.6 mM, CdCl2 is more effective as an actin polymerizing agent than both MgCl2 and CaCl2. The Cd-related increase in the actin assembly rate is ascribable to an enhanced nucleation rather than to an increased monomer addition to filament growing ends. The latter, in contrast, appears quite slow. Critical concentration measurements revealed that the extent of polymerization of both Mg- and Cd-assembled actin are very close (C(c) ranges from 0.25 to 0.5 microM), while Ca-polymerized actin shows a polymerization extent markedly lower (C(c) = 4.0 microM). By both the fluorescent Ca2+ chelator Quin-2 assay and limited proteolysis of actin by trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin, the real substitution of G-actin-bound Ca2+ by Cd2+ has been appreciated. The increase in Quin-2 fluorescence after addition of excess CdCl2 indicates that, in our experimental conditions, Ca2+ tightly-bound to actin is partially (60-70%) replaced by Cd2+, forming Cd-actin. Electrophoretic patterns after limited proteolysis reveal that the trypsin cleavage sites in the segment 61-69 of the actin polypeptide chain are less accessible in Cd-actin than in Ca-actin, although the cation-dependent effect is less pronounced in Cd-actin than in Mg-actin. Our results are consistent with some of the consequences on microfilament organization observed in Cd2(+)-treated cells; however, considering the positive effect of Cd2+ on actin polymerization in solution we have noticed that this was never observed in vivo. A different indirect effect of Cd2+ on some cellular event(s) influencing cytoplasmic actin polymerization appears to be reasonable.

A potential role for cadmium in the etiology of varicocele-associated infertility

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether mannose ligand receptor and acrosome reaction deficits in sperm from men with varicocele are related to the transition metal content of their semen.

DESIGN

Cadmium and zinc in semen and blood plasma were assayed for fertile males, men without varicocele who required intracytoplasmic sperm injection to achieve fertilization, and men evaluated for potential varicocele-associated infertility. The relationship between actin cytoskeletal distributions and acrosome status was determined for fertile donor sperm in the presence and absence of exogenous cadmium.

SETTING

University hospital-based molecular biology research laboratory.

PATIENT(S)

Patients from two university hospital-based IVF-assisted reproductive technology programs and two male urology private practices.

INTERVENTION(S)

Fertile donor sperm were exposed to exogenous cadmium during capacitating incubations followed by culture at temperatures up to 41 degrees C.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Metal ion levels in semen and blood plasma were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. Motile sperm were examined for mannose ligand binding and the ability to undergo spontaneous and induced acrosome reactions. Unfixed, Triton-permeabilized sperm were probed with antiactin and antimyosin antibodies.

RESULT(S)

Cadmium was elevated and zinc was decreased in the seminal plasma of men with varicocele. The content of these metals in semen and blood was not correlated. Cadmium exposure in vitro reduced mannose receptor expression, acrosome exocytosis, and cytoskeletal formation by fertile donor sperm.

CONCLUSION(S)

Defects in transition metal regulation or excessive cadmium exposure are involved in varicocele-associated infertility.

Paraquat induces irreversible actin cytoskeleton disruption in cultured human lung cells

The herbicide paraquat (PQ) induces the selective necrosis of type I and type II alveolar pneumocytes. We investigated the effect of PQ on human lung A549 cells to determine the possible role of cytoskeleton in lung cytotoxicity. At 80 mumol/L PQ, a concentration that did not affect cell viability, the organization of actin cytoskeleton network depended on incubation time with the herbicide. Microfilaments appeared less numerous in 30% of the cells treated for 1 h. After 24 h, all the treated cells displayed only short filaments in the periphery. The effect of PQ on actin cytoskeleton was irreversible. Moreover, no modification of microtubule network was observed in PQ-treated cells. Next, we studied the effect of PQ on Chang Liver, an epithelial cell line from human liver. These cells appeared less sensitive to the herbicide than A549, and no cytoskeletal alteration was observed. To verify whether actin filament modifications in A549 cells were related to intracellular alterations of ATP concentrations, nucleotide levels during incubation with PQ were determined. The intracellular levels of ATP were not different in control and treated cells. Our results indicate that PQ induces specifically an irreversible actin filament disorganization on A549 cells and that the observed effect is independent of intracellular concentration of ATP.

Differences in cadmium and mercury uptakes by hepatocytes: role of calcium channels

Calcium uptake in cells occurs through specific membrane channels. Since cadmium and mercury inhibit calcium uptake, this study examined whether the calcium channels may also be involved in the uptake of these metals. Primary cultures of rat hepatocytes were incubated with 3 microM CdCl2 or HgCl2 in the absence or presence of four different organic calcium channel blockers or a calcium agonist. The calcium channel blockers had no significant effect on mercury accumulation. In comparison, the uptake of cadmium was inhibited by diltiazem and verapmil (50-250 microM) as well as by nifedipine and nitrendipine (25-100 microM), with a maximum inhibition of 31% after 30 min incubation with 250 microM verapamil. The calcium agonist vasopressin (20 nM) increased cadmium accumulation by 15%. This effect was blocked by 250 microM verapamil. Kinetic analysis showed that verapamil decreased the Vmax of cadmium uptake, without altering the Km, indicating a noncompetitive inhibition. The calcium channel blockers were ineffective at 4 degrees C. These data suggest that about a third of the cadmium enters hepatocytes through the calcium channels. The mechanism of mercury uptake, on the other hand, is very different as it does not appear to involve the calcium channels.

Arsenic-cadmium interaction in rats

Simultaneous exposure to cadmium and arsenic is highly probable in the urban area of San Luis Potosi, Mexico due to common localization of copper and zinc smelters. Therefore, in this work, rats were intraperitoneally exposed either to cadmium or arsenic alone, or simultaneously to both metals. The effects of these treatments on three different toxicological parameters were studied. Cadmium modified the LD50 of arsenic and conversely arsenic modified the LD50 for cadmium. At the histopathological level, arsenic appeared to protect against the cadmium effects, especially on testes. This protective effect seemed to be related to the glutathione levels found in this tissue: rats exposed to both arsenic and cadmium, presented glutathione values intermediate to those observed after exposure to either metal alone; arsenic had the highest value and cadmium the lowest. In liver, rats exposed to arsenic, cadmium or arsenic and cadmium, presented glutathione values below those in the saline group, with the lowest value corresponding to the arsenic and cadmium treatment. The results appear to support the proposed interaction between arsenic and cadmium and coexposure to both metals seems to alter certain effects produced by either metal alone.