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Tsopela V, Korakidis E, Lagou D, Kalliampakou KI, Milona RS, Kyriakopoulou E, Mpekoulis G, Gemenetzi I, Stylianaki EA, Sideris CD, Sioli A, Kefallinos D, Sideris DC, Aidinis V, Eliopoulos AG, Kambas K, Vassilacopoulou D, Vassilaki N. L-Dopa decarboxylase modulates autophagy in hepatocytes and is implicated in dengue virus-caused inhibition of autophagy completion. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119602. [PMID: 37778471 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The enzyme L-Dopa Decarboxylase (DDC) synthesizes the catecholamine dopamine and the indolamine serotonin. Apart from its role in the brain as a neurotransmitter biosynthetic enzyme, DDC has been detected also in the liver and other peripheral organs, where it is implicated in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and host-virus interactions. Dengue virus (DENV) suppresses DDC expression at the later stages of infection, during which DENV also inhibits autophagosome-lysosome fusion. As dopamine affects autophagy in neuronal cells, we investigated the possible association of DDC with autophagy in human hepatocytes and examined whether DDC mediates the relationship between DENV infection and autophagy. We performed DDC silencing/overexpression and evaluated autophagic markers upon induction of autophagy, or suppression of autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Our results showed that DDC favored the autophagic process, at least in part, through its biosynthetic function, while knockdown of DDC or inhibition of DDC enzymatic activity prevented autophagy completion. In turn, autophagy induction upregulated DDC, while autophagy reduction by chemical or genetic (ATG14L knockout) ways caused the opposite effect. This study also implicated DDC with the cellular energetic status, as DDC silencing reduced the oxidative phosphorylation activity of the cell. We also report that upon DDC silencing, the repressive effect of DENV on the completion of autophagy was enhanced, and the inhibition of autolysosome formation did not exert an additive effect on viral proliferation. These data unravel a novel role of DDC in the autophagic process and suggest that DENV downregulates DDC expression to inhibit the completion of autophagy, reinforcing the importance of this protein in viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilina Tsopela
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 115 21 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Korakidis
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 115 21 Athens, Greece
| | - Despoina Lagou
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 115 21 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Raphaela S Milona
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 115 21 Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Kyriakopoulou
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 115 21 Athens, Greece
| | - George Mpekoulis
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 115 21 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Gemenetzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 115 21 Athens, Greece
| | - Elli-Anna Stylianaki
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, 16672 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Aggelina Sioli
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 115 21 Athens, Greece
| | - Dionysis Kefallinos
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, National Technical University of Athens, 157 73 Athens, Greece
| | - Diamantis C Sideris
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 01 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilis Aidinis
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, 16672 Athens, Greece
| | - Aristides G Eliopoulos
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, NKUA, 115 27 Athens, Greece; Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kambas
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 115 21 Athens, Greece
| | - Dido Vassilacopoulou
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 01 Athens, Greece
| | - Niki Vassilaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 115 21 Athens, Greece.
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2
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Lotsios NS, Arvanitis N, Charonitakis AG, Mpekoulis G, Frakolaki E, Vassilaki N, Sideris DC, Vassilacopoulou D. Expression of Human L-Dopa Decarboxylase (DDC) under Conditions of Oxidative Stress. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:10179-10192. [PMID: 38132481 PMCID: PMC10742706 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45120635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is known to influence mRNA levels, translation, and proteolysis. The importance of oxidative stress has been demonstrated in several human diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. L-Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) is the enzyme that converts L-Dopa to dopamine (DA). In spite of a large number of studies, little is known about the biological significance of the enzyme under physiological and pathological conditions. Here, we investigated the relationship between DDC expression and oxidative stress in human neural and non-neural cells. Oxidative stress was induced by treatment with H2O2. Our data indicated that mRNA and protein expression of DDC was enhanced or remained stable under conditions of ROS induction, despite degradation of total RNA and increased cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Moreover, DDC silencing caused an increase in the H2O2-induced cytotoxicity. The current study suggests that DDC is involved in the mechanisms of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos S. Lotsios
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (N.S.L.); (N.A.); (A.G.C.); (D.C.S.)
| | - Nikolaos Arvanitis
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (N.S.L.); (N.A.); (A.G.C.); (D.C.S.)
| | - Alexandros G. Charonitakis
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (N.S.L.); (N.A.); (A.G.C.); (D.C.S.)
| | - George Mpekoulis
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute (HPI), 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (N.V.)
| | - Efseveia Frakolaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute (HPI), 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (N.V.)
| | - Niki Vassilaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute (HPI), 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (N.V.)
| | - Diamantis C. Sideris
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (N.S.L.); (N.A.); (A.G.C.); (D.C.S.)
| | - Dido Vassilacopoulou
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (N.S.L.); (N.A.); (A.G.C.); (D.C.S.)
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Significance of Catecholamine Biosynthetic/Metabolic Pathway in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Severity. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010012. [PMID: 36611805 PMCID: PMC9818320 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 infection was previously associated with the expression of the dopamine biosynthetic enzyme L-Dopa decarboxylase (DDC). Specifically, a negative correlation was detected between DDC mRNA and SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in in vitro infected epithelial cells and the nasopharyngeal tissue of COVID-19 patients with mild/no symptoms. However, DDC, among other genes related to both DDC expression and SARS-CoV-2-infection (ACE2, dACE2, EPO), was upregulated in these patients, possibly attributed to an orchestrated host antiviral response. Herein, by comparing DDC expression in the nasopharyngeal swab samples of severe/critical to mild COVID-19 cases, we showed a 20 mean-fold reduction, highlighting the importance of the expression of this gene as a potential marker of COVID-19 severity. Moreover, we identified an association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with the expression of key catecholamine biosynthesis/metabolism-related genes, in whole blood samples from hospitalized patients and in cultured cells. Specifically, viral infection downregulated the biosynthetic part of the dopamine pathway (reduction in DDC expression up to 7.5 mean-fold), while enhanced the catabolizing part (increase in monoamine oxidases A and B expression up to 15 and 10 mean-fold, respectively) in vivo, irrespectively of the presence of comorbidities. In accordance, dopamine levels in the sera of severe cases were reduced (up to 3.8 mean-fold). Additionally, a moderate positive correlation between DDC and MAOA mRNA levels (r = 0.527, p < 00001) in the blood was identified upon SARS-CoV-2-infection. These observations were consistent to the gene expression data from SARS-CoV-2-infected Vero E6 and A549 epithelial cells. Furthermore, L-Dopa or dopamine treatment of infected cells attenuated the virus-derived cytopathic effect by 55% and 59%, respectively. The SARS-CoV-2 mediated suppression of dopamine biosynthesis in cell culture was, at least in part, attributed to hypoxia-like conditions triggered by viral infection. These findings suggest that L-Dopa/dopamine intake may have a preventive or therapeutic value for COVID-19 patients.
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Zhou H, Chen Y, Xiao Y, Wu Q, Li H, Li Y, Su G, Ke L, Wu J, Li J. Evaluation of the ability of fatty acid metabolism signature to predict response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and prognosis of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1050721. [PMID: 36505493 PMCID: PMC9729334 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1050721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is widely used to treat patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), and treatment responses vary. Fatty acid metabolism (FAM) is closely associated with carcinogenesis and cancer progression. In this study, we investigated the vital role of FAM on the gut microbiome and metabolism in the context of cancer. We screened 34 disease-free survival (DFS)-related, FAM-related, and radiosensitivity-related genes based on the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Subsequently, we developed a five-gene FAM-related signature using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression model. The FAM-related signature was also validated in external validation from Fujian Cancer Hospital for predicting nCRT response, DFS, and overall survival (OS). Notably, patients with a low-risk score were associated with pathological complete response and better DFS and OS outcomes. A comprehensive evaluation of the tumor microenvironment based on the FAM-related signature revealed that patients with high-risk scores were closely associated with activating type I interferon response and inflammation-promoting functions. In conclusion, our findings indicate the potential ability of FAM to predict nCRT response and the prognosis of DFS and OS in patients with LARC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yanping Chen
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guangjian Su
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Longfeng Ke
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Junxin Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China,*Correspondence: Jinluan Li, ; Junxin Wu,
| | - Jinluan Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China,*Correspondence: Jinluan Li, ; Junxin Wu,
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Mpekoulis G, Tsopela V, Chalari A, Kalliampakou KI, Panos G, Frakolaki E, Milona RS, Sideris DC, Vassilacopoulou D, Vassilaki N. Dengue Virus Replication Is Associated with Catecholamine Biosynthesis and Metabolism in Hepatocytes. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030564. [PMID: 35336971 PMCID: PMC8948859 DOI: 10.3390/v14030564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, the association between the catecholamine biosynthetic enzyme L-Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) and Dengue virus (DV) replication was demonstrated in liver cells and was found to be mediated at least by the interaction between DDC and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). Here, we show that biogenic amines production and uptake impede DV replication in hepatocytes and monocytes, while the virus reduces catecholamine biosynthesis, metabolism, and transport. To examine how catecholamine biosynthesis/metabolism influences DV, first, we verified the role of DDC by altering DDC expression. DDC silencing enhanced virus replication, but not translation, attenuated the negative effect of DDC substrates on the virus and reduced the infection related cell death. Then, the role of the downstream steps of the catecholamine biosynthesis/metabolism was analyzed by chemical inhibition of the respective enzymes, application of their substrates and/or their products; moreover, reserpine, the inhibitor of the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), was used to examine the role of uptake/storage of catecholamines on DV. Apart from the role of each enzyme/transporter, these studies revealed that the dopamine uptake, and not the dopamine-signaling, is responsible for the negative effect on DV. Accordingly, all treatments expected to enhance the accumulation of catecholamines in the cell cytosol suppressed DV replication. This was verified by the use of chemical inducers of catecholamine biosynthesis. Last, the cellular redox alterations due to catecholamine oxidation were not related with the inhibition of DV replication. In turn, DV apart from its negative impact on DDC, inhibits tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine beta-hydroxylase, monoamine oxidase, and VMAT2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Mpekoulis
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (K.I.K.); (G.P.); (R.S.M.)
| | - Vassilina Tsopela
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (K.I.K.); (G.P.); (R.S.M.)
| | - Anna Chalari
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (K.I.K.); (G.P.); (R.S.M.)
| | - Katerina I. Kalliampakou
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (K.I.K.); (G.P.); (R.S.M.)
| | - Georgios Panos
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (K.I.K.); (G.P.); (R.S.M.)
| | - Efseveia Frakolaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (K.I.K.); (G.P.); (R.S.M.)
| | - Raphaela S. Milona
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (K.I.K.); (G.P.); (R.S.M.)
| | - Diamantis C. Sideris
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (D.C.S.); (D.V.)
| | - Dido Vassilacopoulou
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (D.C.S.); (D.V.)
| | - Niki Vassilaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (K.I.K.); (G.P.); (R.S.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-647-8875
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Mpekoulis G, Tsopela V, Panos G, Siozos V, Kalliampakou KI, Frakolaki E, Sideris CD, Vassiliou AG, Sideris DC, Vassilacopoulou D, Vassilaki N. Association of Hepatitis C Virus Replication with the Catecholamine Biosynthetic Pathway. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112139. [PMID: 34834946 PMCID: PMC8624100 DOI: 10.3390/v13112139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A bidirectional negative relationship between Hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication and gene expression of the catecholamine biosynthetic enzyme L-Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) was previously shown in the liver and attributed at least to an association of DDC with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Here, we report that the biosynthesis and uptake of catecholamines restrict HCV replication in hepatocytes, while HCV has developed ways to reduce catecholamine production. By employing gene silencing, chemical inhibition or induction of the catecholamine biosynthetic and metabolic enzymes and transporters, and by applying the substrates or the products of the respective enzymes, we unravel the role of the different steps of the pathway in viral infection. We also provide evidence that the effect of catecholamines on HCV is strongly related with oxidative stress that is generated by their autoxidation in the cytosol, while antioxidants or treatments that lower cytosolic catecholamine levels positively affect the virus. To counteract the effect of catecholamines, HCV, apart from the already reported effects on DDC, causes the down-regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase that encodes the rate-limiting enzyme of catecholamine biosynthesis and suppresses dopamine beta-hydroxylase mRNA and protein amounts, while increasing the catecholamine degradation enzyme monoamine oxidase. Moreover, the NS4B viral protein is implicated in the effect of HCV on the ratio of the ~50 kDa DDC monomer and a ~120 kDa DDC complex, while the NS5A protein has a negative effect on total DDC protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Mpekoulis
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (V.T.); (G.P.); (V.S.); (K.I.K.); (E.F.); (C.D.S.)
| | - Vassilina Tsopela
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (V.T.); (G.P.); (V.S.); (K.I.K.); (E.F.); (C.D.S.)
| | - Georgios Panos
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (V.T.); (G.P.); (V.S.); (K.I.K.); (E.F.); (C.D.S.)
| | - Vasileiοs Siozos
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (V.T.); (G.P.); (V.S.); (K.I.K.); (E.F.); (C.D.S.)
| | - Katerina I. Kalliampakou
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (V.T.); (G.P.); (V.S.); (K.I.K.); (E.F.); (C.D.S.)
| | - Efseveia Frakolaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (V.T.); (G.P.); (V.S.); (K.I.K.); (E.F.); (C.D.S.)
| | - Constantinos D. Sideris
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (V.T.); (G.P.); (V.S.); (K.I.K.); (E.F.); (C.D.S.)
| | - Alice G. Vassiliou
- GP Livanos and M Simou Laboratories, 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 10676 Athens, Greece;
| | - Diamantis C. Sideris
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (D.C.S.); (D.V.)
| | - Dido Vassilacopoulou
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (D.C.S.); (D.V.)
| | - Niki Vassilaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (V.T.); (G.P.); (V.S.); (K.I.K.); (E.F.); (C.D.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-647-8875
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Mpekoulis G, Frakolaki E, Taka S, Ioannidis A, Vassiliou AG, Kalliampakou KI, Patas K, Karakasiliotis I, Aidinis V, Chatzipanagiotou S, Angelakis E, Vassilacopoulou D, Vassilaki N. Alteration of L-Dopa decarboxylase expression in SARS-CoV-2 infection and its association with the interferon-inducible ACE2 isoform. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253458. [PMID: 34185793 PMCID: PMC8241096 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
L-Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) is the most significantly co-expressed gene with ACE2, which encodes for the SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and the interferon-inducible truncated isoform dACE2. Our group previously showed the importance of DDC in viral infections. We hereby aimed to investigate DDC expression in COVID-19 patients and cultured SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, also in association with ACE2 and dACE2. We concurrently evaluated the expression of the viral infection- and interferon-stimulated gene ISG56 and the immune-modulatory, hypoxia-regulated gene EPO. Viral load and mRNA levels of DDC, ACE2, dACE2, ISG56 and EPO were quantified by RT-qPCR in nasopharyngeal swab samples from COVID-19 patients, showing no or mild symptoms, and from non-infected individuals. Samples from influenza-infected patients were analyzed in comparison. SARS-CoV-2-mediated effects in host gene expression were validated in cultured virus-permissive epithelial cells. We found substantially higher gene expression of DDC in COVID-19 patients (7.6-fold; p = 1.2e-13) but not in influenza-infected ones, compared to non-infected subjects. dACE2 was more elevated (2.9-fold; p = 1.02e-16) than ACE2 (1.7-fold; p = 0.0005) in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals. ISG56 (2.5-fold; p = 3.01e-6) and EPO (2.6-fold; p = 2.1e-13) were also increased. Detected differences were not attributed to enrichment of specific cell populations in nasopharyngeal tissue. While SARS-CoV-2 virus load was positively associated with ACE2 expression (r≥0.8, p<0.001), it negatively correlated with DDC, dACE2 (r≤-0.7, p<0.001) and EPO (r≤-0.5, p<0.05). Moreover, a statistically significant correlation between DDC and dACE2 expression was observed in nasopharyngeal swab and whole blood samples of both COVID-19 and non-infected individuals (r≥0.7). In VeroE6 cells, SARS-CoV-2 negatively affected DDC, ACE2, dACE2 and EPO mRNA levels, and induced cell death, while ISG56 was enhanced at early hours post-infection. Thus, the regulation of DDC, dACE2 and EPO expression in the SARS-CoV-2-infected nasopharyngeal tissue is possibly related with an orchestrated antiviral response of the infected host as the virus suppresses these genes to favor its propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Mpekoulis
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Efseveia Frakolaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Styliani Taka
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Alice G. Vassiliou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, GP Livanos and M Simou Laboratories, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Kostas Patas
- Department of Medical Biopathology, Medical School, University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Karakasiliotis
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Vassilis Aidinis
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Athens, Greece
| | - Stylianos Chatzipanagiotou
- Department of Medical Biopathology, Medical School, University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Angelakis
- Department of Diagnostics, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, IHU Méditerranée Infection, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Dido Vassilacopoulou
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Niki Vassilaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
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8
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Revised Exon Structure of l-DOPA Decarboxylase ( DDC) Reveals Novel Splice Variants Associated with Colorectal Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228568. [PMID: 33202911 PMCID: PMC7697000 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly heterogenous malignancy with an increased mortality rate. Aberrant splicing is a typical characteristic of CRC, and several studies support the prognostic value of particular transcripts in this malignancy. l-DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) and its derivative neurotransmitters play a multifaceted role in physiological and pathological states. Our recent data support the existence of 6 DDC novel exons. In this study, we investigated the existence of additional DDC novel exons and transcripts, and their potential value as biomarkers in CRC. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) in 55 human cell lines coupled with Sanger sequencing uncovered 3 additional DDC novel exons and 20 splice variants, 7 of which likely encode new protein isoforms. Eight of these transcripts were detected in CRC. An in-house qPCR assay was developed and performed in TNM II and III CRC samples for the quantification of transcripts bearing novel exons. Extensive biostatistical analysis uncovered the prognostic value of specific DDC novel exons for patients’ disease-free and overall survival. The revised DDC exon structure, the putative protein isoforms with distinct functions, and the prognostic value of novel exons highlight the pivotal role of DDC in CRC progression, indicating its potential utility as a molecular biomarker in CRC.
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Papatsirou M, Adamopoulos PG, Artemaki PI, Georganti VP, Scorilas A, Vassilacopoulou D, Kontos CK. Next-generation sequencing reveals alternative L-DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) splice variants bearing novel exons, in human hepatocellular and lung cancer cells. Gene 2020; 768:145262. [PMID: 33141052 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The human L-DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) is an enzyme that displays a pivotal role in metabolic processes. It is implicated in various human disorders, including hepatocellular and lung cancer. Several splice variants of DDC have previously been described, most of which encode for protein isoforms of this enzyme. In the present study, we used next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology along with nested touchdown PCR and Sanger sequencing to identify new splice variants bearing novel exons of the DDC gene, in hepatocellular and lung cancer cell lines. Using an in-house-developed algorithm, we discovered seven novel DDC exons. Next, we determined the structure of ten novel DDC transcripts, three of which contain an open reading frame (ORF) and probably encode for three previously unknown protein isoforms of this enzyme. Future studies should focus on the elucidation of their role in cellular physiology and cancer pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Papatsirou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis G Adamopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Pinelopi I Artemaki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki P Georganti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Scorilas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dido Vassilacopoulou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Christos K Kontos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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10
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Chalatsa I, Arvanitis N, Arvanitis D, Tsakou AC, Kalantzis ED, Vassiliou AG, Sideris DC, Frakolaki E, Vassilaki N, Vassilacopoulou D. Human L-Dopa decarboxylase interaction with annexin V and expression during apoptosis. Biochimie 2020; 177:78-86. [PMID: 32835737 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
l-Dopa Decarboxylase (DDC) is a pyridoxal requiring enzyme that catalyzes the decarboxylation of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-Dopa) to Dopamine (DA). The function of DDC in physiological and pathological biochemical pathways remains poorly understood, while the function and regulation of human DDC isoforms is almost completely elusive. We have shown that Annexin V, a fundamental apoptosis marker, is an inhibitor of l-Dopa decarboxylase activity. Here we show the interaction of both the full-length DDC and the truncated isoform alternative DDC (Alt-DDC) with Annexin V in human tissue and cell lines. Interestingly, DDC isoform expression is enhanced or remains unaffected following staurosporine (STS) treatment, despite increased levels of cytotoxicity and apoptosis. The findings presented here provide novel insights concerning the involvement of DDC in programmed cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Chalatsa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701, Athens, Greece; Neurodegenerative Diseases Division, Center for Basic Research, Foundation for Biomedical Research of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou Street, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Arvanitis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Arvanitis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia C Tsakou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos D Kalantzis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701, Athens, Greece
| | - Alice G Vassiliou
- 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, GP Livanos and M Simou Laboratories, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Diamantis C Sideris
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701, Athens, Greece
| | - Efseveia Frakolaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute (HPI), Vas. Sofias 127 av, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Niki Vassilaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute (HPI), Vas. Sofias 127 av, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Dido Vassilacopoulou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701, Athens, Greece.
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11
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Emerging Role of l-Dopa Decarboxylase in Flaviviridae Virus Infections. Cells 2019; 8:cells8080837. [PMID: 31387309 PMCID: PMC6721762 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
l-dopa decarboxylase (DDC) that catalyzes the biosynthesis of bioactive amines, such as dopamine and serotonin, is expressed in the nervous system and peripheral tissues, including the liver, where its physiological role remains unknown. Recently, we reported a physical and functional interaction of DDC with the major signaling regulator phosphoinosite-3-kinase (PI3K). Here, we provide compelling evidence for the involvement of DDC in viral infections. Studying dengue (DENV) and hepatitis C (HCV) virus infection in hepatocytes and HCV replication in liver samples of infected patients, we observed a negative association between DDC and viral replication. Specifically, replication of both viruses reduced the levels of DDC mRNA and the ~120 kDa SDS-resistant DDC immunoreactive functional complex, concomitant with a PI3K-dependent accumulation of the ~50 kDa DDC monomer. Moreover, viral infection inhibited PI3K-DDC association, while DDC did not colocalize with viral replication sites. DDC overexpression suppressed DENV and HCV RNA replication, while DDC enzymatic inhibition enhanced viral replication and infectivity and affected DENV-induced cell death. Consistently, we observed an inverse correlation between DDC mRNA and HCV RNA levels in liver biopsies from chronically infected patients. These data reveal a novel relationship between DDC and Flaviviridae replication cycle and the role of PI3K in this process.
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