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Bako P, Lippai B, Nagy J, Kramer S, Kaszas B, Tornoczki T, Bock-Marquette I. Thymosin beta-4 - A potential tool in healing middle ear lesions in adult mammals. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109830. [PMID: 38706788 PMCID: PMC11068331 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Acute tympanic membrane perforations primarily occur due to injury or infection in humans. In acute cases, nearly 80-94 % of the perforations heal spontaneously. In chronic cases, non-surgical treatment becomes significantly limited, and the perforation can be restored only by myringoplasty. In addition to classical grafts such as the fascia or cartilage, promising results have been reported with various biological materials including silk or acellular collagen. However, despite of all the efforts, healing remains insufficient. Consequentially, a need for substances which actively promote tympanic cell migration and proliferation is deemed essential. In our study, we utilized Thymosin beta-4 (TB4), a 43aa peptide possessing many regenerative properties in various organ systems. Our aim was to reveal the impact of externally administered TB4 regarding impairments of the middle ear, particularly the tympanic membrane. We harvested tympanic membranes from adult mice and treated these with TB4 or PBS on both collagen gel matrixes and in the form of floating, ex vivo explants. Cell migration and proliferation was measured, while immunocytochemical analyses were performed to determine cell type and the nature of the targeted molecules. We discovered the peptide affects the behavior of epidermal and epithelial cells of the tympanic membrane in vitro. Moreover, as our initial results imply, it is not the differentiated, yet most likely the local epidermal progenitor cells which are the primary targets of the molecule. Our present results unveil a new, thus far undiscovered field regarding clinical utilization for TB4 in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bako
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pecs, Medical School, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Balint Lippai
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry University of Pecs, Medical School, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Jazmin Nagy
- Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Sofie Kramer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pecs, Medical School, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Balint Kaszas
- Department of Pathology, University of Pecs, Medical School, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamas Tornoczki
- Department of Pathology, University of Pecs, Medical School, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Ildiko Bock-Marquette
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry University of Pecs, Medical School, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
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Yang J, Xie K, Li C. Immune-related genes have prognostic significance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Life Sci 2020; 256:117906. [PMID: 32504750 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an highly aggressive tumor with heterogeneous prognosis. We here report that immune-related genes (IRGs) could effectively distinguish prognostically different HNSCC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS MRNA levels of 1333 IRGs that from ImmPort database in HNSCC samples were acquired from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). H2o, a machine learning-based R package, was used for screening the top most representative genes from the IRGs. Univariate Cox-regression analysis was performed to identify prognostically-related genes based on the randomly generated training samples from TCGA set. LASSO Cox-regression analysis was applied for the construction of prognostic model for HNSCC. A total of six IRGs were finally retained for their prognostic significance and used for LASSO Cox-regression analysis. KEY FINDINGS Samples from exclusive training and testing set that randomly generated from TCGA, and another independent validation set from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were divided into high- and low-risk groups according to the prognostic model. HNSCC samples within high-risk groups have significantly inferior overall survival (OS) compared with those within low-risk groups. Differences in genomic mutation landscape and tumor infiltration immune cells also exist between the two sample groups. What's more, risk score was proved to be an independent prognostic factor for HNSCC by stratification analysis. SIGNIFICANCE IRGs are pivotal HNSCC prognostic signatures and should be helpful for its clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingrun Yang
- Department of Dermatology, PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, PR China
| | - Kuixia Xie
- Dermatological Department, Tianjin Fifth Centre Hospital, Tianjin 300450, PR China
| | - Chengxin Li
- Department of Dermatology, PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, PR China.
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Ackermann A, Lafferton B, Plotz G, Zeuzem S, Brieger A. Expression and secretion of the pro‑inflammatory cytokine IL‑8 is increased in colorectal cancer cells following the knockdown of non‑erythroid spectrin αII. Int J Oncol 2020; 56:1551-1564. [PMID: 32236629 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Non‑erythroid spectrin αII (SPTAN1) expression is decreased in ~40% of cases of MLH1‑deficient colorectal cancer (CRC). SPTAN1 knockdown reduces cell viability, cellular mobility and cell‑cell contact formation, indicating that the SPTAN1 plays an important role in tumour growth, attachment and in regulating the tumour microenvironment. Changes in the tumour microenvironment can affect the immune response. Therefore, in the present study, proteome arrays were used to analyse the expression of 119 different chemokines and soluble receptors in CRC cell lines in which mutL homologue 1 (MLH1) or SPTAN1 were knocked down. The levels of interleukin (IL)‑8 were significantly increased in the cells in which SPTAN1 was knocked down, both at the mRNA and protein level. ELISA demonstrated that the cells in which SPTAN1 was knocked down secreted increased quantities of IL‑8, and chemotaxis assays revealed the enhanced trafficking of neutrophils, which was induced by media containing higher levels of IL‑8. The IL‑8 receptors, CRCX1 and CRCX2, were expressed in all the cell lines examined; however, their expression was not directly associated with IL‑8 expression. The results of the present study thus demonstrated that CRC cells in which SPTAN1 was knocked down secreted significantly higher levels of IL‑8, which in‑turn increased the migration of neutrophilic granulocytes. As MLH1‑deficient CRC exhibits an increased infiltration of cytotoxic T‑cells and is associated with a decreased SPTAN1 expression, it can thus be hypothesized that CRC with a low SPTAN1 expression may release increased quantities of IL‑8, resulting in increased immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Ackermann
- Medical Clinic I, Biomedical Research Laboratory, University Clinic Frankfurt, D‑60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Barbara Lafferton
- Medical Clinic I, Biomedical Research Laboratory, University Clinic Frankfurt, D‑60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Guido Plotz
- Medical Clinic I, Biomedical Research Laboratory, University Clinic Frankfurt, D‑60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan Zeuzem
- Medical Clinic I, Biomedical Research Laboratory, University Clinic Frankfurt, D‑60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Angela Brieger
- Medical Clinic I, Biomedical Research Laboratory, University Clinic Frankfurt, D‑60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Coni P, Piras M, Mateddu A, Piludu M, Orru G, Scano A, Cabras T, Piras V, Lachowicz JI, Jaremko M, Faa G, Castagnola M, Pichiri G. Thymosin β4 cytoplasmic/nuclear translocation as a new marker of cellular stress. A Caco2 case study. RSC Adv 2020; 10:12680-12688. [PMID: 35497634 PMCID: PMC9051466 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra10365a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers of cell stress are important for proper diagnosis, and in studies of how cells respond to drug treatment. Biomarkers that respond early to pharmacological treatment could improve therapy by tailoring the treatment to the needs of the patient. Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) plays a significant role in many aspects of cellular metabolism because of its actin-sequestering properties. Other physiological functions of Tβ4 have been also reported. Among these, Tβ4 may play a crucial role during cellular stress. We addressed the relevance of Tβ4 in cellular stress conditions by using different treatments (serum starvation, DMSO, and butyrate administration) in a colon adenocarcinoma cell line (CaCo2), a cell line frequently used for in vitro experimental studies of Tβ4. In this study, different stress stimuli were analyzed and the obtained results were compared using immunocytochemistry, and molecular and biochemical methods. Taken together, the data clearly indicate that the Tβ4 peptide is involved in adaptive and defensive cellular mechanisms, and that different stress inducers lead to a similar Tβ4 cytoplasmic/nuclear translocation. The translocation of Tβ4 between the cytoplasm and the nucleus of the cell seems characteristic of a possible molecular response to cellular stress exerted by this peptide. Biomarkers of cell stress are important for proper diagnosis, and in studies of how cells respond to drug treatment.![]()
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Downregulation of SPTAN1 is related to MLH1 deficiency and metastasis in colorectal cancer. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213411. [PMID: 30856214 PMCID: PMC6411122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Colorectal cancers (CRCs) deficient in the DNA mismatch repair protein MutL homolog 1 (MLH1) display distinct clinicopathological features and require a different therapeutic approach compared to CRCs with MLH1 proficiency. However, the molecular basis of this fundamental difference remains elusive. Here, we report that MLH1-deficient CRCs exhibit reduced levels of the cytoskeletal scaffolding protein non-erythroid spectrin αII (SPTAN1), and that tumor progression and metastasis of CRCs correlate with SPTAN1 levels. Methods and results To investigate the link between MLH1 and SPTAN1 in cancer progression, a cohort of 189 patients with CRC was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Compared with the surrounding normal mucosa, SPTAN1 expression was reduced in MLH1-deficient CRCs, whereas MLH1-proficient CRCs showed a significant upregulation of SPTAN1. Overall, we identified a strong correlation between MLH1 status and SPTAN1 expression. When comparing TNM classification and SPTAN1 levels, we found higher SPTAN1 levels in stage I CRCs, while stages II to IV showed a gradual reduction of SPTAN1 expression. In addition, SPTAN1 expression was lower in metastatic compared with non-metastatic CRCs. Knockdown of SPTAN1 in CRC cell lines demonstrated decreased cell viability, impaired cellular mobility and reduced cell-cell contact formation, indicating that SPTAN1 plays an important role in cell growth and cell attachment. The observed weakened cell-cell contact of SPTAN1 knockdown cells might indicate that tumor cells expressing low levels of SPTAN1 detach from their primary tumor and metastasize more easily. Conclusion Taken together, we demonstrate that MLH1 deficiency, low SPTAN1 expression, and tumor progression and metastasis are in close relation. We conclude that SPTAN1 is a candidate molecule explaining the tumor progression and metastasis of MLH1-deficient CRCs. The detailed analysis of SPTAN1 is now mandatory to substantiate its relevance and its potential value as a candidate protein for targeted therapy, and as a predictive marker of cancer aggressiveness.
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Weßbecher IM, Hinrichsen I, Funke S, Oellerich T, Plotz G, Zeuzem S, Grus FH, Biondi RM, Brieger A. DNA mismatch repair activity of MutLα is regulated by CK2-dependent phosphorylation of MLH1 (S477). Mol Carcinog 2018; 57:1723-1734. [DOI: 10.1002/mc.22892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel M. Weßbecher
- Medical Clinic I; Biomedical Research Laboratory; Goethe-University; Frankfurt Germany
| | - Inga Hinrichsen
- Medical Clinic I; Biomedical Research Laboratory; Goethe-University; Frankfurt Germany
| | - Sebastian Funke
- Department of Ophthalmology; Experimental Ophthalmology; University Medical Center; Gutenberg University; Mainz Germany
| | - Thomas Oellerich
- Department of Medicine II, Hematology/Oncology; Goethe-University; Frankfurt Germany
| | - Guido Plotz
- Medical Clinic I; Biomedical Research Laboratory; Goethe-University; Frankfurt Germany
| | - Stefan Zeuzem
- Medical Clinic I; Biomedical Research Laboratory; Goethe-University; Frankfurt Germany
| | - Franz H. Grus
- Department of Ophthalmology; Experimental Ophthalmology; University Medical Center; Gutenberg University; Mainz Germany
| | - Ricardo M. Biondi
- Medical Clinic I; Biomedical Research Laboratory; Goethe-University; Frankfurt Germany
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA)-CONICET-Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Angela Brieger
- Medical Clinic I; Biomedical Research Laboratory; Goethe-University; Frankfurt Germany
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de Barros AC, Takeda AAS, Dreyer TR, Velazquez-Campoy A, Kobe B, Fontes MRM. DNA mismatch repair proteins MLH1 and PMS2 can be imported to the nucleus by a classical nuclear import pathway. Biochimie 2017; 146:87-96. [PMID: 29175432 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2017.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
MLH1 and PMS2 proteins form the MutLα heterodimer, which plays a major role in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) in humans. Mutations in MMR-related proteins are associated with cancer, especially with colon cancer. The N-terminal region of MutLα comprises the N-termini of PMS2 and MLH1 and, similarly, the C-terminal region of MutLα is composed by the C-termini of PMS2 and MLH1, and the two are connected by linker region. The nuclear localization sequences (NLSs) necessary for the nuclear transport of the two proteins are found in this linker region. However, the exact NLS sequences have been controversial, with different sequences reported, particularly for MLH1. The individual components are not imported efficiently, presumably due to their C-termini masking their NLSs. In order to gain insights into the nuclear transport of these proteins, we solved the crystal structures of importin-α bound to peptides corresponding to the supposed NLSs of MLH1 and PMS2 and performed isothermal titration calorimetry to study their binding affinities. Both putative MLH1 and PMS2 NLSs can bind to importin-α as monopartite NLSs, which is in agreement with some previous studies. However, MLH1-NLS has the highest affinity measured by a natural NLS peptide, suggesting a major role of MLH1 protein in nuclear import compared to PMS2. Finally, the role of MLH1 and PMS2 in the nuclear transport of the MutLα heterodimer is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C de Barros
- Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Agnes A S Takeda
- Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago R Dreyer
- Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Adrian Velazquez-Campoy
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint-Unit IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Dep. of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Fundacion ARAID, Government of Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Boštjan Kobe
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Marcos R M Fontes
- Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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8
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Adam R, Spier I, Zhao B, Kloth M, Marquez J, Hinrichsen I, Kirfel J, Tafazzoli A, Horpaopan S, Uhlhaas S, Stienen D, Friedrichs N, Altmüller J, Laner A, Holzapfel S, Peters S, Kayser K, Thiele H, Holinski-Feder E, Marra G, Kristiansen G, Nöthen MM, Büttner R, Möslein G, Betz RC, Brieger A, Lifton RP, Aretz S. Exome Sequencing Identifies Biallelic MSH3 Germline Mutations as a Recessive Subtype of Colorectal Adenomatous Polyposis. Am J Hum Genet 2016; 99:337-51. [PMID: 27476653 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In ∼30% of families affected by colorectal adenomatous polyposis, no germline mutations have been identified in the previously implicated genes APC, MUTYH, POLE, POLD1, and NTHL1, although a hereditary etiology is likely. To uncover further genes with high-penetrance causative mutations, we performed exome sequencing of leukocyte DNA from 102 unrelated individuals with unexplained adenomatous polyposis. We identified two unrelated individuals with differing compound-heterozygous loss-of-function (LoF) germline mutations in the mismatch-repair gene MSH3. The impact of the MSH3 mutations (c.1148delA, c.2319-1G>A, c.2760delC, and c.3001-2A>C) was indicated at the RNA and protein levels. Analysis of the diseased individuals' tumor tissue demonstrated high microsatellite instability of di- and tetranucleotides (EMAST), and immunohistochemical staining illustrated a complete loss of nuclear MSH3 in normal and tumor tissue, confirming the LoF effect and causal relevance of the mutations. The pedigrees, genotypes, and frequency of MSH3 mutations in the general population are consistent with an autosomal-recessive mode of inheritance. Both index persons have an affected sibling carrying the same mutations. The tumor spectrum in these four persons comprised colorectal and duodenal adenomas, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, and an early-onset astrocytoma. Additionally, we detected one unrelated individual with biallelic PMS2 germline mutations, representing constitutional mismatch-repair deficiency. Potentially causative variants in 14 more candidate genes identified in 26 other individuals require further workup. In the present study, we identified biallelic germline MSH3 mutations in individuals with a suspected hereditary tumor syndrome. Our data suggest that MSH3 mutations represent an additional recessive subtype of colorectal adenomatous polyposis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronja Adam
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; Center for Hereditary Tumor Syndromes, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Isabel Spier
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; Center for Hereditary Tumor Syndromes, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Bixiao Zhao
- Department of Genetics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8005, USA
| | - Michael Kloth
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jonathan Marquez
- Department of Genetics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8005, USA
| | - Inga Hinrichsen
- Medical Clinic 1, Biomedical Research Laboratory, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jutta Kirfel
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Aylar Tafazzoli
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sukanya Horpaopan
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Siegfried Uhlhaas
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dietlinde Stienen
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Janine Altmüller
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas Laner
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80336 Munich, Germany; Medical Genetics Center, 80335 Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Holzapfel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; Center for Hereditary Tumor Syndromes, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sophia Peters
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Katrin Kayser
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Holger Thiele
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Elke Holinski-Feder
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80336 Munich, Germany; Medical Genetics Center, 80335 Munich, Germany
| | - Giancarlo Marra
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Markus M Nöthen
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Reinhard Büttner
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Gabriela Möslein
- HELIOS Klinikum Wuppertal, University of Witten/Herdecke, 42283 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Regina C Betz
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Angela Brieger
- Medical Clinic 1, Biomedical Research Laboratory, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Richard P Lifton
- Department of Genetics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8005, USA
| | - Stefan Aretz
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; Center for Hereditary Tumor Syndromes, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
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Abstract
Treatment with thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) reduces infarct volume and preserves cardiac function in preclinical models of cardiac ischemic injury. These effects stem in part from decreased infarct size, but additional benefits are likely due to specific antifibrotic and proangiogenic activities. Injected or transgenic Tβ4 increase blood vessel growth in large and small animal models, consistent with Tβ4 converting hibernating myocardium to an actively contractile state following ischemia. Tβ4 and its degradation products have antifibrotic effects in in vitro assays and in animal models of fibrosis not related to cardiac injury. This large number of pleiotropic effects results from Tβ4's many interactions with cellular signaling pathways, particularly indirect regulation of cellular motility and movement via the SRF-MRTF-G-actin transcriptional pathway. Variation in effects and effect sizes in animal models may potentially be due to variable distribution of Tβ4. Preclinical studies of PK/PD relationships and a reliable pharmacodynamic biomarker would facilitate clinical development of Tβ4.
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Affiliation(s)
- G T Pipes
- Cardiovascular Drug Discovery, Discovery Biology Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pennington, NJ, United States.
| | - J Yang
- Cardiovascular Drug Discovery, Discovery Biology Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pennington, NJ, United States
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Renault L. Intrinsic, Functional, and Structural Properties of β-Thymosins and β-Thymosin/WH2 Domains in the Regulation and Coordination of Actin Self-Assembly Dynamics and Cytoskeleton Remodeling. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2016; 102:25-54. [PMID: 27450729 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
β-Thymosins are a family of heat-stable multifunctional polypeptides that are expressed as small proteins of about 5kDa (~45 amino acids) almost exclusively in multicellular animals. They were first isolated from the thymus. As full-length or truncated polypeptides, they appear to stimulate a broad range of extracellular activities in various signaling pathways, including tissue repair and regeneration, inflammation, cell migration, and immune defense. However, their cell surface receptors and structural mechanisms of regulations in these multiple pathways remain still poorly understood. Besides their extracellular activities, they belong to a larger family of small, intrinsically disordered actin-binding domains called WH2/β-thymosin domains that have been identified in more than 1800 multidomain proteins found in different taxonomic domains of life and involved in various actin-based motile processes including cell morphogenesis, motility, adhesions, tissue development, intracellular trafficking, or pathogen infections. This review briefly surveys the main recent findings to understand how these small, intrinsically disordered but functional domains can interact with many unrelated partners and can thus integrate and coordinate various intracellular activities in actin self-assembly dynamics and cell signaling pathways linked to their cytoskeleton remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Renault
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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11
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Sosne G, Rimmer D, Kleinman H, Ousler G. Thymosin Beta 4. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2016; 102:277-306. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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12
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Thymosin β4 induces proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Amino Acids 2015; 48:117-27. [PMID: 26276576 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-2070-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a vital role in carcinogenesis, invasion, and metastasis of many epithelial tumors including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a common malignancy of the head and neck. However, the functional role of the actin-sequestering protein thymosin β4 (Tβ4) in the EMT in OSCCs remains unclear. Thus, we investigated whether overexpression of Tβ4 could induce in vitro tumorigenesis such as cell proliferation and anchorage independency and an EMT-like phenotype in OSCCs. Also, we examined whether it affects invasiveness and cell motility-associated signaling molecules. Tβ4-overexpressing OSCCs, SCC-15_Tβ4 and SCC-25_Tβ4, enhanced cell proliferation and colony formation. In addition, we observed that Tβ4 overexpression induced an EMT-like phenotype, accompanied by a decrease in expression of the epithelial cell marker E-cadherin and an increase in expression of mesenchymal cell markers vimentin and N-cadherin. Also, the expression level of Twist1, an EMT-inducing transcription factor, was significantly enhanced in SCC-15_Tβ4 and SCC-25_Tβ4 cells. Tβ4 overexpression augmented in vitro invasion and MMP-2 activity and enhanced the phosphorylation of paxillin and cortactin and expression of LIMK1. Taken together, these results suggest that Tβ4 overexpression could be one of the causes of tumorigenesis and progression in OSCCs. Further investigation on the Tβ4 molecule would encourage the development of specific targets for cancer treatment.
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13
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Piludu M, Piras M, Pichiri G, Coni P, Orrù G, Cabras T, Messana I, Faa G, Castagnola M. Thymosin beta 4 may translocate from the cytoplasm in to the nucleus in HepG2 cells following serum starvation. An ultrastructural study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119642. [PMID: 25835495 PMCID: PMC4383617 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to its actin-sequestering properties, thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is considered to play a significant role in the cellular metabolism. Several physiological properties of Tβ4 have been reported;, however, many questions concerning its cellular function remain to be ascertained. To better understand the role of this small peptide we have analyzed by means of transmission immunoelectron microscopy techniques the ultrastructural localization of Tβ4 in HepG2 cells. Samples of HepG2 cells were fixed in a mixture of 3% formaldehyde and 0.1% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M cacodylate buffer and processed for standard electron microscopic techniques. The samples were dehydrated in a cold graded methanol series and embedded in LR gold resin. Ultrathin sections were labeled with rabbit antibodies to Tβ4, followed by gold-labeled goat anti-rabbit, stained with uranyl acetate and bismuth subnitrate, observed and photographed in a JEOL 100S transmission electron microscope. High-resolution electron microscopy showed that Tβ4 was mainly restricted to the cytoplasm of HepG2 growing in complete medium. A strong Tβ4 reactivity was detected in the perinuclear region of the cytoplasmic compartment where gold particles appeared strictly associated to the nuclear membrane. In the nucleus specific Tβ4 labeling was observed in the nucleolus. The above electron microscopic results confirm and extend previous observations at light microscopic level, highlighting the subcellular distribution of Tβ4 in both cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments of HepG2 cells. The meaning of Tβ4 presence in the nucleolus is not on the best of our knowledge clarified yet. It could account for the interaction of Tβ4 with nucleolar actin and according with this hypothesis, Tβ4 could contribute together with the other nucleolar acting binding proteins to modulate the transcription activity of the RNA polymerases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Piludu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Piras
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Pichiri
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Pierpaolo Coni
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- OBL, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Cabras
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Universitadi Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Irene Messana
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Universitadi Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Istituto di Biochimica e di Biochimica Clinica, Universita`Cattolica, Roma, Italy
- Istituto per la Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR, IstitutoScientifico, Internazionale (ISI) Paolo VI, Roma, Italy
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Chao TC, Chen KJ, Tang MC, Chan LC, Chen PM, Tzeng CH, Su Y. Thymosin beta-4 knockdown in IEC-6 normal intestinal epithelial cells induces DNA re-replication via downregulating Emi1. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:1639-46. [PMID: 24615569 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin β4 (Tβ4 ) is a multifunctional protein already used clinically to treat various diseases; however, the promoting effect of this protein on tumor malignancy should not be neglected. Here, we assessed whether Tβ4 alteration influences normal intestinal epithelial cells because Tβ4 is deemed a novel target for treating colorectal cancer (CRC). For this purpose, we examined the consequences of shRNA-mediated knockdown of Tβ4 in IEC-6 normal rat small intestinal cells and found that inhibiting Tβ4 expression significantly suppressed their growth and induced apoptosis in some cells. Flow cytometric analysis further revealed a marked decrease of G0/G1 population but a drastic increase of polyploid ones in these cells. The increase of polyploidy likely resulted from DNA re-replication because not only the de novo DNA synthesis was greatly increased but also the expression levels of Cdc6 (a replication-licensing factor), cyclin A, and phosphorylated-checkpoint kinase 1 were all dramatically elevated. Moreover, marked reductions in both RNA and protein levels of Emi1 (early mitotic inhibitor 1) were also detected in Tβ4 -downregulated IEC-6 cells which might be accounted by the downregulation of E2F1, a transcription factor capable of inducing Emi1 expression, mediated by glycogen synthase-3β (GSK-3β). To our best knowledge, this is the first report showing that inhibiting Tβ4 expression triggers DNA re-replication in normal intestinal epithelial cells, suggesting that this G-actin sequester may play a crucial role in maintaining genome stability in these cells. More importantly, clinical oncologists should take this novel activity into consideration when design CRC therapy based on targeting Tβ4 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Ta-Chung Chao
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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15
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Hinrichsen I, Ernst BP, Nuber F, Passmann S, Schäfer D, Steinke V, Friedrichs N, Plotz G, Zeuzem S, Brieger A. Reduced migration of MLH1 deficient colon cancer cells depends on SPTAN1. Mol Cancer 2014; 13:11. [PMID: 24456667 PMCID: PMC3904401 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-13-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Defects in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) protein MLH1 are frequently observed in sporadic and hereditary colorectal cancers (CRC). Affected tumors generate much less metastatic potential than the MLH1 proficient forms. Although MLH1 has been shown to be not only involved in postreplicative MMR but also in several MMR independent processes like cytoskeletal organization, the connection between MLH1 and metastasis remains unclear. We recently identified non-erythroid spectrin αII (SPTAN1), a scaffolding protein involved in cell adhesion and motility, to interact with MLH1. In the current study, the interaction of MLH1 and SPTAN1 and its potential consequences for CRC metastasis was evaluated. Methods Nine cancer cell lines as well as fresh and paraffin embedded colon cancer tissue from 12 patients were used in gene expression studies of SPTAN1 and MLH1. Co-expression of SPTAN1 and MLH1 was analyzed by siRNA knock down of MLH1 in HeLa, HEK293, MLH1 positive HCT116, SW480 and LoVo cells. Effects on cellular motility were determined in MLH1 deficient HCT116 and MLH1 deficient HEK293T compared to their MLH1 proficient sister cells, respectively. Results MLH1 deficiency is clearly associated with SPTAN1 reduction. Moreover, siRNA knock down of MLH1 decreased the mRNA level of SPTAN1 in HeLa, HEK293 as well as in MLH1 positive HCT116 cells, which indicates a co-expression of SPTAN1 by MLH1. In addition, cellular motility of MLH1 deficient HCT116 and MLH1 deficient HEK293T cells was impaired compared to the MLH1 proficient sister clones. Consequently, overexpression of SPTAN1 increased migration of MLH1 deficient cells while knock down of SPTAN1 decreased cellular mobility of MLH1 proficient cells, indicating SPTAN1-dependent migration ability. Conclusions These data suggest that SPTAN1 levels decreased in concordance with MLH1 reduction and impaired cellular mobility in MLH1 deficient colon cancer cells. Therefore, aggressiveness of MLH1-positive CRC might be related to SPTAN1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Angela Brieger
- Medical Clinic I, Biomedical Research Laboratory, Goethe-University, Frankfurt a,M, Germany.
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16
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Pichiri G, Coni P, Nemolato S, Cabras T, Fanari MU, Sanna A, Di Felice E, Messana I, Castagnola M, Faa G. Cellular trafficking of thymosin beta-4 in HEPG2 cells following serum starvation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67999. [PMID: 23967050 PMCID: PMC3743897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is an ubiquitous multi-functional regenerative peptide, related to many critical biological processes, with a dynamic and flexible conformation which may influence its functions and its subcellular distribution. For these reasons, the intracellular localization and trafficking of Tβ4 is still not completely defined and is still under investigation in in vivo as well as in vitro studies. In the current study we used HepG2 cells, a human hepatoma cell line; cells growing in normal conditions with fetal bovine serum expressed high levels of Tβ4, restricted to the cytoplasm until 72 h. At 84 h, a diffuse Tβ4 cytoplasmic immunostaining shifted to a focal perinuclear and nuclear reactivity. In the absence of serum, nuclear reactivity was localized in small granules, evenly dispersed throughout the entire nuclear envelop, and was observed as earlier as at 48 h. Cytoplasmic immunostaining for Tβ4 in HepG2 cells under starvation appeared significantly lower at 48 h and decreased progressively at 72 and at 84 h. At these time points, the decrease in cytoplasmic staining was associated with a progressive increase in nuclear reactivity, suggesting a possible translocation of the peptide from the cytoplasm to the nuclear membrane. The normal immunocytochemical pattern was restored when culture cells submitted to starvation for 84 h received a new complete medium for 48 h. Mass spectrometry analysis, performed on the nuclear and cytosolic fractions of HepG2 growing with and without serum, showed that Tβ4 was detectable only in the cytosolic and not in the intranuclear fraction. These data suggest that Tβ4 is able to translocate from different cytoplasmic domains to the nuclear membrane and back, based on different stress conditions within the cell. The punctuate pattern of nuclear Tβ4 immunostaining associated with Tβ4 absence in the nucleoplasm suggest that this peptide might be localized in the nuclear pores, where it could regulate the pore permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Pichiri
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Cierniewski CS, Sobierajska K, Selmi A, Kryczka J, Bednarek R. Thymosin β4 is rapidly internalized by cells and does not induce intracellular Ca2+ elevation. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2013; 1269:44-52. [PMID: 23045969 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06685.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a multifunctional protein that has pleiotropic activities both intracellularly and extracellularly. The mechanisms by which it influences cellular processes such as adhesion, migration, differentiation, or apoptosis are not yet understood. Calcium is a ubiquitous signal molecule that is involved in the regulation of almost all cellular functions. Our data indicate that the release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores following stimulation of cells with Tβ4 does not occur. Interestingly, Tβ4 becomes rapidly internalized, supporting the concept that it may express its activities via intracellular receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Czeslaw S Cierniewski
- Department of Molecular and Medical Biophysics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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18
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Selmi A, Malinowski M, Brutkowski W, Bednarek R, Cierniewski CS. Thymosin β4 promotes the migration of endothelial cells without intracellular Ca2+ elevation. Exp Cell Res 2012; 318:1659-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2012.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Revised: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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19
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Molecular characterization, tissue distribution, subcellular localization and actin-sequestering function of a thymosin protein from silkworm. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31040. [PMID: 22383992 PMCID: PMC3284464 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We identified a novel gene encoding a Bombyx mori thymosin (BmTHY) protein from a cDNA library of silkworm pupae, which has an open reading frame (ORF) of 399 bp encoding 132 amino acids. It was found by bioinformatics that BmTHY gene consisted of three exons and two introns and BmTHY was highly homologous to thymosin betas (Tβ). BmTHY has a conserved motif LKHTET with only one amino acid difference from LKKTET, which is involved in Tβ binding to actin. A His-tagged BmTHY fusion protein (rBmTHY) with a molecular weight of approximately 18.4 kDa was expressed and purified to homogeneity. The purified fusion protein was used to produce anti-rBmTHY polyclonal antibodies in a New Zealand rabbit. Subcellular localization revealed that BmTHY can be found in both Bm5 cell (a silkworm ovary cell line) nucleus and cytoplasm but is primarily located in the nucleus. Western blotting and real-time RT-PCR showed that during silkworm developmental stages, BmTHY expression levels are highest in moth, followed by instar larvae, and are lowest in pupa and egg. BmTHY mRNA was universally distributed in most of fifth-instar larvae tissues (except testis). However, BmTHY was expressed in the head, ovary and epidermis during the larvae stage. BmTHY formed complexes with actin monomer, inhibited actin polymerization and cross-linked to actin. All the results indicated BmTHY might be an actin-sequestering protein and participate in silkworm development.
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20
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Brieger A, Plotz G, Hinrichsen I, Passmann S, Adam R, Zeuzem S. C-terminal fluorescent labeling impairs functionality of DNA mismatch repair proteins. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31863. [PMID: 22348133 PMCID: PMC3279419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 01/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The human DNA mismatch repair (MMR) process is crucial to maintain the integrity of the genome and requires many different proteins which interact perfectly and coordinated. Germline mutations in MMR genes are responsible for the development of the hereditary form of colorectal cancer called Lynch syndrome. Various mutations mainly in two MMR proteins, MLH1 and MSH2, have been identified so far, whereas 55% are detected within MLH1, the essential component of the heterodimer MutLα (MLH1 and PMS2). Most of those MLH1 variants are pathogenic but the relevance of missense mutations often remains unclear. Many different recombinant systems are applied to filter out disease-associated proteins whereby fluorescent tagged proteins are frequently used. However, dye labeling might have deleterious effects on MutLα's functionality. Therefore, we analyzed the consequences of N- and C-terminal fluorescent labeling on expression level, cellular localization and MMR activity of MutLα. Besides significant influence of GFP- or Red-fusion on protein expression we detected incorrect shuttling of single expressed C-terminal GFP-tagged PMS2 into the nucleus and found that C-terminal dye labeling impaired MMR function of MutLα. In contrast, N-terminal tagged MutLαs retained correct functionality and can be recommended both for the analysis of cellular localization and MMR efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Brieger
- Department of Medicine I, University of Frankfurt/M., Frankfurt, Germany.
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21
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Tang MC, Chan LC, Yeh YC, Chen CY, Chou TY, Wang WS, Su Y. Thymosin beta 4 induces colon cancer cell migration and clinical metastasis via enhancing ILK/IQGAP1/Rac1 signal transduction pathway. Cancer Lett 2011; 308:162-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Revised: 04/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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22
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Lee HR, Yoon SY, Song SB, Park Y, Kim TS, Kim S, Hur DY, Song HK, Park H, Cho D. Interleukin-18-mediated interferon-gamma secretion is regulated by thymosin beta 4 in human NK cells. Immunobiology 2011; 216:1155-62. [PMID: 21742406 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2011.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) is the major G-actin sequestering molecule and is abundant in lymphoid tissues. However, it is not clear what regulates Tβ4 expression and what its function is on natural killer (NK) cells. We investigated whether interleukin-18 (IL-18) has a role in Tβ4 expression and if enhanced Tβ4 influences IL-18-mediated interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) secretion. In this study, recombinant human IL-18 (rhIL-18) enhanced the endogenous level of Tβ4 through p38MAPK and JNK signaling pathway in the human NK cell line, NK-92MI. Overexpression of endogeneous Tβ4 stimulated IFN-γ expression and secretion. Additionally, pretreatment with an inhibitor for Tβ4 decreased IL-18-enhanced IFN-γ secretion, and transfection with Tβ4-specific short hairpin RNA resulted in reduction of IFN-γ production in primary NK cells as well as in the human NK cell line. Taken together, these data indicated that Tβ4 is regulated by IL-18 and is involved in IL-18-enhanced IFN-γ secretion in NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-reum Lee
- Department of Life Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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23
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Qiu P, Wheater MK, Qiu Y, Sosne G. Thymosin beta4 inhibits TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation, IL-8 expression, and the sensitizing effects by its partners PINCH-1 and ILK. FASEB J 2011; 25:1815-26. [PMID: 21343177 DOI: 10.1096/fj.10-167940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms by which thymosin β 4 (Tβ(4)) regulates the inflammatory response to injury are poorly understood. Previously, we demonstrated that ectopic Tβ(4) treatment inhibits injury-induced proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production. We have also shown that Tβ(4) suppresses TNF-α-mediated NF-κB activation. Herein, we present novel evidence that Tβ(4) directly targets the NF-κB RelA/p65 subunit. We find that enforced expression of Tβ(4) interferes with TNF-α-mediated NF-κB activation, as well as downstream IL-8 gene transcription. These activities are independent of the G-actin-binding properties of Tβ(4). Tβ(4) blocks RelA/p65 nuclear translocation and targeting to the cognate κB site in the proximal region of the IL-8 gene promoter. Tβ(4) also inhibits the sensitizing effects of its intracellular binding partners, PINCH-1 and ILK, on NF-κB activity after TNF-α stimulation. The identification of a functional regulatory role by Tβ(4) and the focal adhesion proteins PINCH-1 and ILK on NF-κB activity in this study opens a new window for scientific exploration of how Tβ(4) modulates inflammation. In addition, the results of this study serve as a foundation for developing Tβ(4) as a new anti-inflammatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Qiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kresge Eye Institute, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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24
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Brieger A, Adam R, Passmann S, Plotz G, Zeuzem S, Trojan J. A CRM1-dependent nuclear export pathway is involved in the regulation of MutLα subcellular localization. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2011; 50:59-70. [PMID: 21064154 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.20832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023] Open
Abstract
MutLα plays an essential role in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) and is additionally involved in other cellular mechanisms such as the regulation of cell cycle checkpoints and apoptosis. Therefore, not only germline MMR gene defects but also the subcellular localization of MutLα might be of importance for the development of Lynch syndrome. Recently, we showed that MutLα contains functional nuclear import sequences and is most frequently localized in the nucleus. Here, we demonstrate that MutLα can move bidirectionally towards the nuclear membrane. Using MutLα transfected HEK293T cells we observed a significant shift of MLH1 and PMS2 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm after irradiation or cisplatin treatment. We analyzed both proteins for potential nuclear export sequences (NES) and identified one functional Rev-type NES (⁵⁷⁸LFDLAMLAL) in the C-terminal part of MLH1 that facilitates export via the CRM1/exportin pathway. Moreover, an MLH1-NES mutation detected in a patient with Lynch syndrome showed normal MMR activity but led to significantly impaired cytoplasmic transport after actinomycin D treatment. These results indicate that MutLα is able to shuttle from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, probably signaling DNA damages to downstream pathways. In conclusion, not only a defective MMR but also impaired nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling might result in the onset of Lynch syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Brieger
- Medical Clinic I, Biomedical Research Laboratory, Goethe-University, Frankfurt a.M., Germany.
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25
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Abstract
Thymosins are a family of highly conserved small peptides originally isolated from calf thymus. One representative member of the family is thymosin-β₄ (Tβ₄), a major G-actin-sequestering peptide present in many tissues. In the last decade, various studies have uncovered several important functions for Tβ₄ related to the regeneration of injured tissues including skin and heart. In particular, Tβ₄ promotes endothelial cell migration via the activation of Akt2 kinase at the leading edge of the cell. In the case of skeletal muscle injury, increased levels of Tβ₄ are produced by muscle fibers and surrounding immune cells. Satellite cell-derived myoblasts and myocytes are chemoattracted by Tβ₄, which facilitates skeletal muscle regeneration. Recently, it was reported that Tβ₄ interacts physically with F₁-F₀ ATP synthase on the plasma membrane to increase the local concentration of ATP, which stimulates the P2X₄ purinergic receptor to elicit a migratory response from endothelial cells. Thus, it is clear that Tβ₄ is an important chemotactic factor involved in stem/progenitor cell-mediated tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiko Hara
- Stem Cell Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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26
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Qi Y, Schoene NW, Lartey FM, Cheng WH. Selenium compounds activate ATM-dependent DNA damage response via the mismatch repair protein hMLH1 in colorectal cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:33010-33017. [PMID: 20709753 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.137406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological and animal studies indicate that selenium supplementation suppresses risk of colorectal and other cancers. The majority of colorectal cancers are characterized by a defective DNA mismatch repair (MMR). Here, we have employed the MMR-deficient HCT 116 colorectal cancer cells and the MMR-proficient HCT 116 cells with hMLH1 complementation to investigate the role of hMLH1 in selenium-induced DNA damage response, a tumorigenesis barrier. The ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated) protein responds to clastogens and initiates DNA damage response. We show that hMLH1 complementation sensitizes HCT 116 cells to methylseleninic acid, methylselenocysteine, and sodium selenite via reactive oxygen species and facilitates the selenium-induced oxidative 8-oxoguanine damage, DNA breaks, G(2)/M checkpoint response, and ATM pathway activation. Pretreatment of the hMLH1-complemented HCT 116 cells with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine or 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl or the ATM kinase inhibitor KU55933 suppresses hMLH1-dependent DNA damage response to selenium exposure. Selenium treatment stimulates the association between hMLH1 and hPMS2 proteins, a heterodimer critical for functional MMR, in a manner dependent on ATM and reactive oxygen species. Taken together, the results suggest a new role of selenium in mitigating tumorigenesis by targeting the MMR pathway, whereby the lack of hMLH1 renders the HCT 116 colorectal cancer cells resistant to selenium-induced DNA damage response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmei Qi
- From the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742; School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Norberta W Schoene
- Diet, Genomics, and Immunology Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705
| | - Frederick M Lartey
- From the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
| | - Wen-Hsing Cheng
- From the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742.
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27
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Brieger A, Adryan B, Wolpert F, Passmann S, Zeuzem S, Trojan J. Cytoskeletal scaffolding proteins interact with Lynch-Syndrome associated mismatch repair protein MLH1. Proteomics 2010; 10:3343-55. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200900672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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28
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Ricci-Vitiani L, Mollinari C, di Martino S, Biffoni M, Pilozzi E, Pagliuca A, de Stefano MC, Circo R, Merlo D, De Maria R, Garaci E. Thymosin beta4 targeting impairs tumorigenic activity of colon cancer stem cells. FASEB J 2010; 24:4291-301. [PMID: 20566622 DOI: 10.1096/fj.10-159970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is an actin-binding peptide overexpressed in several tumors, including colon carcinomas. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Tβ4 in promoting the tumorigenic properties of colorectal cancer stem cells (CR-CSCs), which are responsible for tumor initiation and growth. We first found that CR-CSCs from different patients have higher Tβ4 levels than normal epithelial cells. Then, we used a lentiviral strategy to down-regulate Tβ4 expression in CR-CSCs and analyzed the effects of such modulation on proliferation, survival, and tumorigenic activity of CR-CSCs. Empty vector-transduced CR-CSCs were used as a control. Targeting of the Tβ4 produced CR-CSCs with a lower capacity to grow and migrate in culture and, interestingly, reduced tumor size and aggressiveness of CR-CSC-based xenografts in mice. Moreover, such loss in tumorigenic activity was accompanied by a significant increase of phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) and a concomitant reduction of the integrin-linked kinase (ILK) expression, which resulted in a decreased activation of protein kinase B (Akt). Accordingly, exogenous expression of an active form of Akt rescued all the protumoral features lost after Tβ4 targeting in CR-CSCs. In conclusion, Tβ4 may have important implications for therapeutic intervention for treatment of human colon carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Ricci-Vitiani
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Castano E, Philimonenko VV, Kahle M, Fukalová J, Kalendová A, Yildirim S, Dzijak R, Dingová-Krásna H, Hozák P. Actin complexes in the cell nucleus: new stones in an old field. Histochem Cell Biol 2010; 133:607-26. [PMID: 20443021 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-010-0701-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Actin is a well-known protein that has shown a myriad of activities in the cytoplasm. However, recent findings of actin involvement in nuclear processes are overwhelming. Actin complexes in the nucleus range from very dynamic chromatin-remodeling complexes to structural elements of the matrix with single partners known as actin-binding proteins (ABPs). This review summarizes the recent findings of actin-containing complexes in the nucleus. Particular attention is given to key processes like chromatin remodeling, transcription, DNA replication, nucleocytoplasmic transport and to actin roles in nuclear architecture. Understanding the mechanisms involving ABPs will definitely lead us to the principles of the regulation of gene expression performed via concerting nuclear and cytoplasmic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Castano
- Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the ASCR, Prague, Czech Republic
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30
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Cierniewski CS, Papiewska-Pajak I, Malinowski M, Sacewicz-Hofman I, Wiktorska M, Kryczka J, Wysocki T, Niewiarowska J, Bednarek R. Thymosin β4 regulates migration of colon cancer cells by a pathway involving interaction with Ku80. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1194:60-71. [PMID: 20536451 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05480.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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31
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Sosne G, Qiu P, Goldstein AL, Wheater M. Biological activities of thymosin ß
4
defined by active sites in short peptide sequences. FASEB J 2010; 24:2144-51. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.09-142307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Sosne
- Department of Opthalmology and Anatomy/Cell BiologyWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
| | - Ping Qiu
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health SciencesWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Allan L. Goldstein
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health SciencesWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Michelle Wheater
- University of Detroit Mercy School of DentistryDetroitMichiganUSA
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32
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Mannherz HG, Hannappel E. The beta-thymosins: intracellular and extracellular activities of a versatile actin binding protein family. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 66:839-51. [PMID: 19405116 DOI: 10.1002/cm.20371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The beta-thymosins are N-terminally acetylated peptides of about 5 kDa molecular mass and composed of about 40-44 amino acid residues. The first member of the family, thymosin beta4, was initially isolated from thymosin fraction 5, prepared in five steps from calf thymus. Thymosin beta4 was supposed to be specifically produced and released by the thymic gland and to possess hormonal activities modulating the immune response. Various paracrine effects have indeed been reported for these peptides such as cardiac protection, angiogenesis, stimulation of wound healing, and hair growth. Besides these paracrine effects, it was noted that beta-thymosins occur in high concentration in the cytoplasm of many eukaryotic cells and bind to the cytoskeletal component actin. Subsequently it became apparent from in vitro experiments that they preferentially bind to monomeric (G-)actin and stabilize it in its monomeric form. Due to this ability the beta-thymosins are the main intracellular actin sequestering factor, i.e., they posses the ability to remove monomeric actin from the dynamic assembly and disassembly processes of the actin cytoskeleton that constantly occur in activated cells. In this review we will concentrate on the intracellular activity and localization of the beta-thymosins, i.e., their modulating effect on the actin cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Georg Mannherz
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Ruhr-University, D-44780 Bochum, Germany.
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33
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Leong V, Lorenowicz J, Kozij N, Guarné A. Nuclear import of human MLH1, PMS2, and MutLalpha: redundancy is the key. Mol Carcinog 2009; 48:742-50. [PMID: 19148896 DOI: 10.1002/mc.20514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
DNA mismatch repair maintains genomic stability by correcting errors that have escaped polymerase proofreading. Defects on mismatch repair genes lead to an increased mutation rate, microsatellite instability and predisposition to human non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Human MutLalpha is a heterodimer formed by the interaction of MLH1 and PMS2 that coordinates a series of key events in mismatch repair. It has been proposed that nuclear import of MutLalpha may be the first regulatory step on the activation of the mismatch repair pathway. Using confocal microscopy and mismatch repair deficient cells, we have identified the sequence determinants that drive nuclear import of human MLH1, PMS2, and MutLalpha. Transient transfection of the individual proteins reveals that MLH1 has a bipartite and PMS2 has a single monopartite nuclear localization signal. Although dimerization is not required for nuclear localization, the MutLalpha heterodimer is imported more efficiently than the MLH1 or PMS2 monomers. Interestingly, the bipartite localization signal of MLH1 can direct import of MutLalpha even when PMS2 encompasses a mutated localization signal. Hence we conclude that the presence of redundant nuclear localization signals guarantees nuclear transport of MutLalpha and, consequently, efficient mismatch repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Leong
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
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34
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Thymosin-β4 Attenuates Ethanol-induced Neurotoxicity in Cultured Cerebral Cortical Astrocytes by Inhibiting Apoptosis. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2009; 30:149-60. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-009-9439-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2009] [Accepted: 07/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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35
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Expression and subcellular localization of thymosin beta15 following kainic acid treatment in rat brain. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2008; 371:664-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.04.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2008] [Accepted: 04/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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36
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Vartiainen MK. Nuclear actin dynamics--from form to function. FEBS Lett 2008; 582:2033-40. [PMID: 18423404 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2008.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2008] [Revised: 03/28/2008] [Accepted: 04/09/2008] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cell biological functions of actin have recently expanded from cytoplasm to nucleus, with actin implicated in such diverse processes as gene expression, transcription factor regulation and intranuclear motility. Actin in the nucleus seems to behave differently than in the cytoplasm, raising new questions regarding the molecular mechanisms by which actin functions in cells. In this review, I will discuss dynamic properties of nuclear actin that are related to its polymerization cycle and nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. By comparing the behaviour of nuclear and cytoplasmic actin and their regulators, I try to dissect the underlying differences of these equally important cellular actin pools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria K Vartiainen
- Research Program in Cellular Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 9, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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