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Sundaram MV, Pujol N. The Caenorhabditis elegans cuticle and precuticle: a model for studying dynamic apical extracellular matrices in vivo. Genetics 2024; 227:iyae072. [PMID: 38995735 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae072] [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] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) coat the exposed surfaces of animal bodies to shape tissues, influence social interactions, and protect against pathogens and other environmental challenges. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, collagenous cuticle and zona pellucida protein-rich precuticle aECMs alternately coat external epithelia across the molt cycle and play many important roles in the worm's development, behavior, and physiology. Both these types of aECMs contain many matrix proteins related to those in vertebrates, as well as some that are nematode-specific. Extensive differences observed among tissues and life stages demonstrate that aECMs are a major feature of epithelial cell identity. In addition to forming discrete layers, some cuticle components assemble into complex substructures such as ridges, furrows, and nanoscale pillars. The epidermis and cuticle are mechanically linked, allowing the epidermis to sense cuticle damage and induce protective innate immune and stress responses. The C. elegans model, with its optical transparency, facilitates the study of aECM cell biology and structure/function relationships and all the myriad ways by which aECM can influence an organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera V Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nathalie Pujol
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, CNRS, CIML, Turing Centre for Living Systems, 13009 Marseille, France
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Yu X, Tao J, Xiao T, Duan X. P-hydroxybenzaldehyde protects Caenorhabditis elegans from oxidative stress and β-amyloid toxicity. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1414956. [PMID: 38841104 PMCID: PMC11150654 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1414956] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gastrodia elata is the dried tuber of the orchid Gastrodia elata Bl. It is considered a food consisting of a source of precious medicinal herbs, whose chemical composition is relatively rich. Gastrodia elata and its extracted fractions have been shown to have neuroprotective effects. P-hydroxybenzaldehyde (p-HBA), as one of the main active components of Gastrodia elata, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and cerebral protective effects, which has potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study was to verify the role of p-HBA in AD treatment and to investigate its mechanism of action in depth based using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model. Methods In this study, we used paralysis, lifespan, behavioral and antistress experiments to investigate the effects of p-HBA on AD and aging. Furthermore, we performed reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, thioflavin S staining, RNA-seq analysis, qPCR validation, PCR Array, and GFP reporter gene worm experiment to determine the anti-AD effects of p-HBA, as well as in-depth studies on its mechanisms. Results p-HBA was able to delay paralysis, improve mobility and resistance to stress, and delay aging in the AD nematode model. Further mechanistic studies showed that ROS and lipofuscin levels, Aβ aggregation, and toxicity were reduced after p-HBA treatment, suggesting that p-HBA ameliorated Aβ-induced toxicity by enhancing antioxidant and anti-aging activity and inhibiting Aβ aggregation. p-HBA had a therapeutic effect on AD by improving stress resistance, as indicated by the down-regulation of NLP-29 and UCR-11 expression and up-regulation of PQN-75 and LYS-3 expression. In addition, the gene microarray showed that p-HBA treatment played a positive role in genes related to AD, anti-aging, ribosomal protein pathway, and glucose metabolism, which were collectively involved in the anti-AD mechanism of p-HBA. Finally, we also found that p-HBA promoted nuclear localization of DAF-16 and increased the expression of SKN-1, SOD-3, and GST-4, which contributed significantly to inhibition of Aβ toxicity and enhancement of antioxidative stress. Conclusion Our work suggests that p-HBA has some antioxidant and anti-aging activities. It may be a viable candidate for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xiaohua Duan
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Dai and Yi Medicines, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Ragle JM, Turzo A, Levenson MT, Jonnalagadda K, Jackson A, Vo AA, Pham VT, Ward JD. MLT-11 is a transient apical extracellular matrix component required for cuticle patterning and function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.12.593762. [PMID: 38766248 PMCID: PMC11100798 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.12.593762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) are associated with all epithelia and form a protective layer against biotic and abiotic threats in the environment. Despite their importance, we lack a deep understanding of their structure and dynamics in development and disease. C. elegans molting offers a powerful entry point to understanding developmentally programmed aECM remodeling. A transient matrix is formed in embryos and at the end of each larval stage, presumably to pattern the new cuticle. Focusing on targets of NHR-23, a key transcription factor which drives molting, we identified the Kunitz family protease inhibitor gene mlt-11 as an NHR-23 target. We identified NHR-23-binding sites that are necessary and sufficient for epithelial expression. mlt-11 is necessary to pattern every layer of the adult cuticle, suggesting a broad patterning role prior to the formation of the mature cuticle. MLT-11::mNeonGreen::3xFLAG transiently localized to the aECM in the cuticle and embryo. It was also detected in lining openings to the exterior (vulva, rectum, mouth). Reduction of mlt-11 function disrupted the barrier function of the cuticle. Tissue-specific RNAi suggested mlt-11 activity is primarily necessary in seam cells and we observed alae and seam cell fusion defects upon mlt-11 inactivation. Predicted mlt-11 null mutations caused fully penetrant embryonic lethality and elongation defects suggesting mlt-11 also plays an important role in patterning the embryonic sheath. Finally, we found that mlt-11 inactivation suppressed the blistered cuticle phenotype of mutants of bli-4 mutants, a subtilisin protease gene but did not affect BLI-4::sfGFP expression. These data could suggest that MLT-11 may be necessary to assure proper levels of BLI-4 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Matthew Ragle
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Ariela Turzo
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Max T. Levenson
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Keya Jonnalagadda
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Anton Jackson
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - An A. Vo
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Vivian T. Pham
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Jordan D. Ward
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
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Gang SS, Lažetić V. Microsporidia: Pervasive natural pathogens of Caenorhabditis elegans and related nematodes. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024:e13027. [PMID: 38702921 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13027] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an invaluable host model for studying infections caused by various pathogens, including microsporidia. Microsporidia represent the first natural pathogens identified in C. elegans, revealing the previously unknown Nematocida genus of microsporidia. Following this discovery, the utilization of nematodes as a model host has rapidly expanded our understanding of microsporidia biology and has provided key insights into the cell and molecular mechanisms of antimicrosporidia defenses. Here, we first review the isolation history, morphological characteristics, life cycles, tissue tropism, genetics, and host immune responses for the four most well-characterized Nematocida species that infect C. elegans. We then highlight additional examples of microsporidia that infect related terrestrial and aquatic nematodes, including parasitic nematodes. To conclude, we assess exciting potential applications of the nematode-microsporidia system while addressing the technical advances necessary to facilitate future growth in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer S Gang
- Molecular Biology Department, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
| | - Vladimir Lažetić
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbian College of Arts & Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Pop M, Klemke AL, Seidler L, Wernet N, Steudel PL, Baust V, Wohlmann E, Fischer R. Caenorhabditis elegans neuropeptide NLP-27 enhances neurodegeneration and paralysis in an opioid-like manner during fungal infection. iScience 2024; 27:109484. [PMID: 38784855 PMCID: PMC11112505 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The nervous system of metazoans is involved in host-pathogen interactions to control immune activation. In Caenorhabditis elegans, this includes sleep induction, mediated by neuropeptide-like proteins (NLPs), which increases the chance of survival after wounding. Here we analyzed the role of NLP-27 in the infection of C. elegans with the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys flagrans. Early responses of C. elegans were the upregulation of nlp-27, the induction of paralysis (sleep), and neurodegeneration of the mechanosensing PVD (Posterior Ventral Process D) neurons. Deletion of nlp-27 reduced neurodegeneration during fungal attack. Induction of nlp-27 was independent of the MAP kinase PMK-1, and expression of nlp-27 in the hypodermis was sufficient to induce paralysis, although NLP-27 was also upregulated in head neurons. NLP-27 contains the pentapeptide YGGYG sequence known to bind the human μ- and κ-type opioid receptors suggesting NLP-27 or peptides thereof act on opioid receptors. The opioid receptor antagonist naloxone shortened the paralysis time like overexpression of NLP-27.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pop
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - South Campus, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Microbiology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 4, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Klemke
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - South Campus, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Microbiology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 4, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Lena Seidler
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - South Campus, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Microbiology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 4, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Nicole Wernet
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - South Campus, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Microbiology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 4, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Pietrina Loredana Steudel
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - South Campus, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Microbiology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 4, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Vanessa Baust
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - South Campus, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Microbiology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 4, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Elke Wohlmann
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - South Campus, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Microbiology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 4, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Reinhard Fischer
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - South Campus, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Microbiology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 4, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
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6
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Xu S, Yang TJ, Xu S, Gong YN. Plasma membrane repair empowers the necrotic survivors as innate immune modulators. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 156:93-106. [PMID: 37648621 PMCID: PMC10872800 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The plasma membrane is crucial to the survival of animal cells, and damage to it can be lethal, often resulting in necrosis. However, cells possess multiple mechanisms for repairing the membrane, which allows them to maintain their integrity to some extent, and sometimes even survive. Interestingly, cells that survive a near-necrosis experience can recognize sub-lethal membrane damage and use it as a signal to secrete chemokines and cytokines, which activate the immune response. This review will present evidence of necrotic cell survival in both in vitro and in vivo systems, including in C. elegans, mouse models, and humans. We will also summarize the various membrane repair mechanisms cells use to maintain membrane integrity. Finally, we will propose a mathematical model to illustrate how near-death experiences can transform dying cells into innate immune modulators for their microenvironment. By utilizing their membrane repair activity, the biological effects of cell death can extend beyond the mere elimination of the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Xu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Department of Burn and Wound Repair of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; International Biomedicine-X Research Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, 718 East Haizhou Rd., Haining, Zhejiang 314400, China
| | - Tyler J Yang
- Departments of Biology and Advanced Placement Biology, White Station High School, Memphis, TN 38117, USA
| | - Suhong Xu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Department of Burn and Wound Repair of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; International Biomedicine-X Research Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, 718 East Haizhou Rd., Haining, Zhejiang 314400, China.
| | - Yi-Nan Gong
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5115 Center Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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DuMez-Kornegay RN, Baker LS, Morris AJ, DeLoach WLM, Dowen RH. Kombucha Tea-associated microbes remodel host metabolic pathways to suppress lipid accumulation. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011003. [PMID: 38547054 PMCID: PMC10977768 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The popularity of the ancient, probiotic-rich beverage Kombucha Tea (KT) has surged in part due to its purported health benefits, which include protection against metabolic diseases; however, these claims have not been rigorously tested and the mechanisms underlying host response to the probiotics in KT are unknown. Here, we establish a reproducible method to maintain C. elegans on a diet exclusively consisting of Kombucha Tea-associated microbes (KTM), which mirrors the microbial community found in the fermenting culture. KT microbes robustly colonize the gut of KTM-fed animals and confer normal development and fecundity. Intriguingly, animals consuming KTMs display a marked reduction in total lipid stores and lipid droplet size. We find that the reduced fat accumulation phenotype is not due to impaired nutrient absorption, but rather it is sustained by a programed metabolic response in the intestine of the host. KTM consumption triggers widespread transcriptional changes within core lipid metabolism pathways, including upregulation of a suite of lysosomal lipase genes that are induced during lipophagy. The elevated lysosomal lipase activity, coupled with a decrease in lipid droplet biogenesis, is partially required for the reduction in host lipid content. We propose that KTM consumption stimulates a fasting-like response in the C. elegans intestine by rewiring transcriptional programs to promote lipid utilization. Our results provide mechanistic insight into how the probiotics in Kombucha Tea reshape host metabolism and how this popular beverage may impact human metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel N. DuMez-Kornegay
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lillian S. Baker
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alexis J. Morris
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Whitney L. M. DeLoach
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Robert H. Dowen
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Dhakal A, Salim C, Skelly M, Amichan Y, Lamm AT, Hundley HA. ADARs regulate cuticle collagen expression and promote survival to pathogen infection. BMC Biol 2024; 22:37. [PMID: 38360623 PMCID: PMC10870475 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01840-1] [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] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In all organisms, the innate immune system defends against pathogens through basal expression of molecules that provide critical barriers to invasion and inducible expression of effectors that combat infection. The adenosine deaminase that act on RNA (ADAR) family of RNA-binding proteins has been reported to influence innate immunity in metazoans. However, studies on the susceptibility of ADAR mutant animals to infection are largely lacking. RESULTS Here, by analyzing adr-1 and adr-2 null mutants in well-established slow-killing assays, we find that both Caenorhabditis elegans ADARs are important for organismal survival to gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, all of which are pathogenic to humans. Furthermore, our high-throughput sequencing and genetic analysis reveal that ADR-1 and ADR-2 function in the same pathway to regulate collagen expression. Consistent with this finding, our scanning electron microscopy studies indicate adr-1;adr-2 mutant animals also have altered cuticle morphology prior to pathogen exposure. CONCLUSIONS Our data uncover a critical role of the C. elegans ADAR family of RNA-binding proteins in promoting cuticular collagen expression, which represents a new post-transcriptional regulatory node that influences the extracellular matrix. In addition, we provide the first evidence that ADAR mutant animals have altered susceptibility to infection with several opportunistic human pathogens, suggesting a broader role of ADARs in altering physical barriers to infection to influence innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfa Dhakal
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Chinnu Salim
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Mary Skelly
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Yarden Amichan
- Faculty of Biology, Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ayelet T Lamm
- Faculty of Biology, Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Heather A Hundley
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
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Espejo LS, DeNicola D, Chang LM, Hofschneider V, Haskins AE, Balsa J, Freitas SS, Antenor A, Hamming S, Hull B, Castro-Portuguez R, Dang H, Sutphin GL. The Emerging Role of 3-Hydroxyanthranilic Acid on C. elegans Aging Immune Function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.07.574394. [PMID: 38260592 PMCID: PMC10802494 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.07.574394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3HAA) is considered to be a fleeting metabolic intermediate along tryptophan catabolism through the kynurenine pathway. 3HAA and the rest of the kynurenine pathway have been linked to immune response in mammals yet whether it is detrimental or advantageous is a point of contention. Recently we have shown that accumulation of this metabolite, either through supplementation or prevention of its degradation, extends healthy lifespan in C. elegans and mice, while the mechanism remained unknown. Utilizing C. elegans as a model we investigate how 3HAA and haao-1 inhibition impact the host and the potential pathogens. What we find is that 3HAA improves host immune function with aging and serves as an antimicrobial against gram-negative bacteria. Regulation of 3HAA's antimicrobial activity is accomplished via tissue separation. 3HAA is synthesized in the C. elegans hypodermal tissue, localized to the site of pathogen interaction within the gut granules, and degraded in the neuronal cells. This tissue separation creates a new possible function for 3HAA that may give insight to a larger evolutionarily conserved function within the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis S Espejo
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Destiny DeNicola
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Leah M Chang
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Anne E Haskins
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jonah Balsa
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Samuel S Freitas
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Angelo Antenor
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Sage Hamming
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Bradford Hull
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Hope Dang
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - George L Sutphin
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Adams JRG, Pooranachithra M, Jyo EM, Zheng SL, Goncharov A, Crew JR, Kramer JM, Jin Y, Ernst AM, Chisholm AD. Nanoscale patterning of collagens in C. elegans apical extracellular matrix. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7506. [PMID: 37980413 PMCID: PMC10657453 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43058-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) are complex extracellular compartments that form important interfaces between animals and their environment. In the adult C. elegans cuticle, layers are connected by regularly spaced columnar structures known as struts. Defects in struts result in swelling of the fluid-filled medial cuticle layer ('blistering', Bli). Here we show that three cuticle collagens BLI-1, BLI-2, and BLI-6, play key roles in struts. BLI-1 and BLI-2 are essential for strut formation whereas activating mutations in BLI-6 disrupt strut formation. BLI-1, BLI-2, and BLI-6 precisely colocalize to arrays of puncta in the adult cuticle, corresponding to struts, initially deposited in diffuse stripes adjacent to cuticle furrows. They eventually exhibit tube-like morphology, with the basal ends of BLI-containing struts contact regularly spaced holes in the cuticle. Genetic interaction studies indicate that BLI strut patterning involves interactions with other cuticle components. Our results reveal strut formation as a tractable example of precise aECM patterning at the nanoscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R G Adams
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Murugesan Pooranachithra
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Erin M Jyo
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Sherry Li Zheng
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Alexandr Goncharov
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jennifer R Crew
- Northwestern University School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - James M Kramer
- Northwestern University School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Yishi Jin
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Andreas M Ernst
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Andrew D Chisholm
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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11
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Beaudier P, Devès G, Plawinski L, Dupuy D, Barberet P, Seznec H. Proton Microbeam Targeted Irradiation of the Gonad Primordium Region Induces Developmental Alterations Associated with Heat Shock Responses and Cuticle Defense in Caenorhabditis elegans. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1372. [PMID: 37997971 PMCID: PMC10669138 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
We describe a methodology to manipulate Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and irradiate the stem progenitor gonad region using three MeV protons at a specific developmental stage (L1). The consequences of the targeted irradiation were first investigated by considering the organogenesis of the vulva and gonad, two well-defined and characterized developmental systems in C. elegans. In addition, we adapted high-throughput analysis protocols, using cell-sorting assays (COPAS) and whole transcriptome analysis, to the limited number of worms (>300) imposed by the selective irradiation approach. Here, the presented status report validated protocols to (i) deliver a controlled dose in specific regions of the worms; (ii) immobilize synchronized worm populations (>300); (iii) specifically target dedicated cells; (iv) study the radiation-induced developmental alterations and gene induction involved in cellular stress (heat shock protein) and cuticle injury responses that were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Beaudier
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, LP2I, UMR 5797, 33170 Gradignan, France; (P.B.); (G.D.); (L.P.); (P.B.)
| | - Guillaume Devès
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, LP2I, UMR 5797, 33170 Gradignan, France; (P.B.); (G.D.); (L.P.); (P.B.)
| | - Laurent Plawinski
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, LP2I, UMR 5797, 33170 Gradignan, France; (P.B.); (G.D.); (L.P.); (P.B.)
| | - Denis Dupuy
- University Bordeaux, INSERM, U1212, 33607 Pessac, France
| | - Philippe Barberet
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, LP2I, UMR 5797, 33170 Gradignan, France; (P.B.); (G.D.); (L.P.); (P.B.)
| | - Hervé Seznec
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, LP2I, UMR 5797, 33170 Gradignan, France; (P.B.); (G.D.); (L.P.); (P.B.)
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12
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Drury F, Grover M, Hintze M, Saunders J, Fasseas MK, Constantinou C, Barkoulas M. A PAX6-regulated receptor tyrosine kinase pairs with a pseudokinase to activate immune defense upon oomycete recognition in Caenorhabditis elegans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2300587120. [PMID: 37725647 PMCID: PMC10523662 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300587120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Oomycetes were recently discovered as natural pathogens of Caenorhabditis elegans, and pathogen recognition alone was shown to be sufficient to activate a protective transcriptional program characterized by the expression of multiple chitinase-like (chil) genes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying oomycete recognition in animals remain fully unknown. We performed here a forward genetic screen to uncover regulators of chil gene induction and found several independent loss-of-function alleles of old-1 and flor-1, which encode receptor tyrosine kinases belonging to the C. elegans-specific KIN-16 family. We report that OLD-1 and FLOR-1 are both necessary for mounting the immune response and act in the epidermis. FLOR-1 is a pseudokinase that acts downstream of the active kinase OLD-1 and regulates OLD-1 levels at the plasma membrane. Interestingly, the old-1 locus is adjacent to the chil genes in the C. elegans genome, thereby revealing a genetic cluster important for oomycete resistance. Furthermore, we demonstrate that old-1 expression at the anterior side of the epidermis is regulated by the VAB-3/PAX6 transcription factor, well known for its role in visual system development in other animals. Taken together, our study reveals both conserved and species-specific factors shaping the activation and spatial characteristics of the immune response to oomycete recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Drury
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, LondonSW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Manish Grover
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, LondonSW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Hintze
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, LondonSW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Saunders
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, LondonSW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Michael K. Fasseas
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, LondonSW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Charis Constantinou
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, LondonSW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Michalis Barkoulas
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, LondonSW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
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13
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Zhu Y, Li W, Dong Y, Xia C, Fu R. C. elegans Hemidesmosomes Sense Collagen Damage to Trigger Innate Immune Response in the Epidermis. Cells 2023; 12:2223. [PMID: 37759445 PMCID: PMC10526450 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The collagens are an enormous family of extracellular matrix proteins that play dominant roles in cell adhesion, migration and tissue remodeling under many physiological and pathological conditions. However, their function mechanisms in regulating innate immunity remain largely undiscovered. Here we use C. elegans epidermis as the model to address this question. The C. elegans epidermis is covered with a collagen-rich cuticle exoskeleton and can produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) against invading pathogens or physical injury. Through an RNAi screen against collagen-encoding genes, we found that except the previously reported six DPY collagens and the BLI-1 collagen, the majority of collagens tested appear unable to trigger epidermal immune defense when damaged. Further investigation suggests that the six DPY collagens form a specific substructure, which regulates the interaction between BLI-1 and the hemidesmosome receptor MUP-4. The separation of BLI-1 with MUP-4 caused by collagen damage leads to the detachment of the STAT transcription factor-like protein STA-2 from hemidesmosomes and the induction of AMPs. Our findings uncover the mechanism how collagens are organized into a damage sensor and how the epidermis senses collagen damage to mount an immune defense.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rong Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (Y.Z.)
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14
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Wang Q, Fu R, Li G, Xiong S, Zhu Y, Zhang H. Hedgehog receptors exert immune-surveillance roles in the epidermis across species. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112929. [PMID: 37527037 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling plays pivotal roles in the development and homeostasis of epithelial barrier tissues. However, whether and how Hedgehog signaling directly regulates innate immunity in epithelial cells remains unknown. By utilizing C. elegans epidermis as the model, we found that several Hedgehog receptors are involved in cell-autonomous regulation of the innate immune response in the epidermis. Particularly, loss of the Patched family receptor induces aberrant up-regulation of epidermal antimicrobial peptides in a STAT-dependent manner. External or internal insult to the epidermis triggers rapid rearrangement of Patched distribution along the plasma membrane, indicating that the Hedgehog (Hh) receptor is likely involved in recognition and defense against epidermal damage. Loss of PTCH1 function in primary human keratinocytes and intact mouse skin also results in STAT-dependent immune activation. These findings reveal an evolutionally conserved immune-surveillance function of Hedgehog receptors and an insult-sensing and response strategy of epithelial tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Rong Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Gang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Shaojie Xiong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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15
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Ma L, Ling C, Hu S, Ye S, Chen C. High-throughput transcriptome sequencing reveals the protective role of adenosine receptor-related genes in paraquat-exposed Caenorhabditis elegans. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2023; 12:564-573. [PMID: 37663816 PMCID: PMC10470339 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study sought to identify the genes associated with adenosine's protective action against paraquat (PQ)-induced oxidative stress via the adenosine receptor (ADOR-1) in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The C. elegans was divided into 3 groups-2 groups exposed to PQ, one in presence, and one in absence of adenosine-and a control group that was not treated. Each group's total RNA was extracted and sequenced. When the transcriptomes of these groups were analyzed, several genes were found to be differently expressed. These differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in adenosine-response biological processes and pathways, including gene ontology terms related to neuropeptide and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathways associated to cAMP pathway regulator activity. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR confirmed that G-protein-coupled receptors signaling pathway involving dop-1, egl-30, unc-13, kin-1, and goa-1 genes may play crucial roles in modulating adenosine's protective action. Interestingly, there are no significant variations in the expression of the ador-1 gene across the 3 treatments, thereby indicating that adenosine receptor exerts a consistent and stable influence on its related pathways irrespective of the presence or absence of PQ. Furthermore, the wild-type group with ador-1 gene has higher survival rate than that of the ador-1-/RNA interference group while treated with PQ in the presence of adenosine. Conclusively, our study uncovered a number of novel PQ-response genes and adenosine receptor-related genes in C. elegans, which may function as major regulators of PQ-induced oxidative stress and indicate the possible protective effects of adenosine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingmei Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Engineering Training Centre/College of Innovation, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Chunyan Ling
- College of Life Sciences, Engineering Training Centre/College of Innovation, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Shuning Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Engineering Training Centre/College of Innovation, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Sudan Ye
- College of Applied Engineering, Zhejiang Institute of Economics and Trade, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Chun Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Engineering Training Centre/College of Innovation, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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16
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Du Y, Shi H, Guo Q, Liu C, Zhao K. Hirudomacin: a Protein with Dual Effects of Direct Bacterial Inhibition and Regulation of Innate Immunity. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0052723. [PMID: 37428035 PMCID: PMC10370334 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00527-23] [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] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hirudomacin (Hmc) belongs to the Macin family of antimicrobial peptides, which can be used for bactericidal purposes in vitro by cleaving cell membranes. Although the Macin family has broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, few studies have been reported on bacterial inhibition by enhancing innate immunity. To further investigate the mechanism of Hmc inhibition, we chose the classical innate immune model organism Caenorhabditis elegans as the study subject. In this investigation, we found that Hmc treatment directly reduced the number of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in the intestine of infected wild-type nematodes and infected pmk-1 mutant nematodes. Hmc treatment significantly prolonged the life span of infected wild-type nematodes and increased the expression of antimicrobial effectors (clec-82, nlp-29, lys-1, lys-7), and Hmc treatment still significantly increased the expression of antimicrobial effectors (clec-82, nlp-29, lys-7) in wild-type nematodes in the absence of bacterial stimulation. In addition, Hmc treatment significantly increased the expression of key genes of the pmk-1/p38 MAPK pathway (pmk-1, tir-1, atf-7, skn-1) under both infected and uninfected conditions but failed to increase the life span of infected pmk-1 mutant nematodes as well as the expression of antimicrobial effector genes. Western blot results further demonstrated that Hmc treatment significantly elevated pmk-1 protein expression levels in infected wild-type nematodes. In conclusion, our data suggest that Hmc has both direct bacteriostatic and immunomodulatory effects and may upregulate antimicrobial peptides in response to infection via the pmk-1/p38 MAPK pathway. It has the potential to serve as a new antibacterial agent and immune modulator. IMPORTANCE In today's world, bacterial drug resistance is becoming increasingly serious, and natural antibacterial proteins are attracting attention because of advantages such as their diverse and complex antibacterial modes, lack of residue, and harder-to-develop drug resistance. Notably, there are few antibacterial proteins with multiple effects such as direct antibacterial and innate immunity enhancement at the same time. We believe that an ideal antimicrobial agent can be developed only through a more comprehensive and in-depth study of the bacteriostatic mechanism of natural antibacterial proteins. The significance of our study is that based on the known in vitro bacterial inhibition of Hirudomacin (Hmc), we further clarified its mechanism in vivo, which can be subsequently developed as a natural bacterial inhibitor for various applications in medicine, food, farming, and daily chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Du
- Institute of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongzhuan Shi
- Institute of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiaosheng Guo
- Institute of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang Liu
- Institute of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kun Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
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17
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Raj D, Kraish B, Martikainen J, Podraza-Farhanieh A, Kao G, Naredi P. Cisplatin toxicity is counteracted by the activation of the p38/ATF-7 signaling pathway in post-mitotic C. elegans. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2886. [PMID: 37210583 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38568-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin kills proliferating cells via DNA damage but also has profound effects on post-mitotic cells in tumors, kidneys, and neurons. However, the effects of cisplatin on post-mitotic cells are still poorly understood. Among model systems, C. elegans adults are unique in having completely post-mitotic somatic tissues. The p38 MAPK pathway controls ROS detoxification via SKN-1/NRF and immune responses via ATF-7/ATF2. Here, we show that p38 MAPK pathway mutants are sensitive to cisplatin, but while cisplatin exposure increases ROS levels, skn-1 mutants are resistant. Cisplatin exposure leads to phosphorylation of PMK-1/MAPK and ATF-7 and the IRE-1/TRF-1 signaling module functions upstream of the p38 MAPK pathway to activate signaling. We identify the response proteins whose increased abundance depends on IRE-1/p38 MAPK activity as well as cisplatin exposure. Four of these proteins are necessary for protection from cisplatin toxicity, which is characterized by necrotic death. We conclude that the p38 MAPK pathway-driven proteins are crucial for adult cisplatin resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Raj
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bashar Kraish
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jari Martikainen
- Bioinformatics and Data Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, SE413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Agnieszka Podraza-Farhanieh
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gautam Kao
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Peter Naredi
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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18
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Johnson LC, Vo AA, Clancy JC, Myles KM, Pooranachithra M, Aguilera J, Levenson MT, Wohlenberg C, Rechtsteiner A, Ragle JM, Chisholm AD, Ward JD. NHR-23 activity is necessary for C. elegans developmental progression and apical extracellular matrix structure and function. Development 2023; 150:dev201085. [PMID: 37129010 PMCID: PMC10233720 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201085] [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] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nematode molting is a remarkable process where animals must repeatedly build a new apical extracellular matrix (aECM) beneath a previously built aECM that is subsequently shed. The nuclear hormone receptor NHR-23 (also known as NR1F1) is an important regulator of C. elegans molting. NHR-23 expression oscillates in the epidermal epithelium, and soma-specific NHR-23 depletion causes severe developmental delay and death. Tissue-specific RNAi suggests that nhr-23 acts primarily in seam and hypodermal cells. NHR-23 coordinates the expression of factors involved in molting, lipid transport/metabolism and remodeling of the aECM. NHR-23 depletion causes dampened expression of a nas-37 promoter reporter and a loss of reporter oscillation. The cuticle collagen ROL-6 and zona pellucida protein NOAH-1 display aberrant annular localization and severe disorganization over the seam cells after NHR-23 depletion, while the expression of the adult-specific cuticle collagen BLI-1 is diminished and frequently found in patches. Consistent with these localization defects, the cuticle barrier is severely compromised when NHR-23 is depleted. Together, this work provides insight into how NHR-23 acts in the seam and hypodermal cells to coordinate aECM regeneration during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Londen C. Johnson
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - An A. Vo
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - John C. Clancy
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Krista M. Myles
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Murugesan Pooranachithra
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Joseph Aguilera
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Max T. Levenson
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Chloe Wohlenberg
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Andreas Rechtsteiner
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - James Matthew Ragle
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Andrew D. Chisholm
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jordan D. Ward
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
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19
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Urso SJ, Sathaseevan A, Brent Derry W, Lamitina T. Regulation of the hypertonic stress response by the 3' mRNA cleavage and polyadenylation complex. Genetics 2023; 224:iyad051. [PMID: 36972377 PMCID: PMC10490458 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad051] [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] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of osmotic homeostasis is one of the most aggressively defended homeostatic set points in physiology. One major mechanism of osmotic homeostasis involves the upregulation of proteins that catalyze the accumulation of solutes called organic osmolytes. To better understand how osmolyte accumulation proteins are regulated, we conducted a forward genetic screen in Caenorhabditis elegans for mutants with no induction of osmolyte biosynthesis gene expression (Nio mutants). The nio-3 mutant encoded a missense mutation in cpf-2/CstF64, while the nio-7 mutant encoded a missense mutation in symk-1/Symplekin. Both cpf-2 and symk-1 are nuclear components of the highly conserved 3' mRNA cleavage and polyadenylation complex. cpf-2 and symk-1 block the hypertonic induction of gpdh-1 and other osmotically induced mRNAs, suggesting they act at the transcriptional level. We generated a functional auxin-inducible degron (AID) allele for symk-1 and found that acute, post-developmental degradation in the intestine and hypodermis was sufficient to cause the Nio phenotype. symk-1 and cpf-2 exhibit genetic interactions that strongly suggest they function through alterations in 3' mRNA cleavage and/or alternative polyadenylation. Consistent with this hypothesis, we find that inhibition of several other components of the mRNA cleavage complex also cause a Nio phenotype. cpf-2 and symk-1 specifically affect the osmotic stress response since heat shock-induced upregulation of a hsp-16.2::GFP reporter is normal in these mutants. Our data suggest a model in which alternative polyadenylation of 1 or more mRNAs is essential to regulate the hypertonic stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarel J Urso
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Anson Sathaseevan
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - W Brent Derry
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Todd Lamitina
- Graduate Program in Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
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20
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Aggad D, Brouilly N, Omi S, Essmann CL, Dehapiot B, Savage-Dunn C, Richard F, Cazevieille C, Politi KA, Hall DH, Pujol R, Pujol N. Meisosomes, folded membrane microdomains between the apical extracellular matrix and epidermis. eLife 2023; 12:e75906. [PMID: 36913486 PMCID: PMC10010689 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) form a physical barrier to the environment. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the epidermal aECM, the cuticle, is composed mainly of different types of collagen, associated in circumferential ridges separated by furrows. Here, we show that in mutants lacking furrows, the normal intimate connection between the epidermis and the cuticle is lost, specifically at the lateral epidermis, where, in contrast to the dorsal and ventral epidermis, there are no hemidesmosomes. At the ultrastructural level, there is a profound alteration of structures that we term 'meisosomes,' in reference to eisosomes in yeast. We show that meisosomes are composed of stacked parallel folds of the epidermal plasma membrane, alternately filled with cuticle. We propose that just as hemidesmosomes connect the dorsal and ventral epidermis, above the muscles, to the cuticle, meisosomes connect the lateral epidermis to it. Moreover, furrow mutants present marked modifications of the biomechanical properties of their skin and exhibit a constitutive damage response in the epidermis. As meisosomes co-localise to macrodomains enriched in phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate, they could conceivably act, like eisosomes, as signalling platforms, to relay tensile information from the aECM to the underlying epidermis, as part of an integrated stress response to damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Aggad
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, CNRS, CIML, Turing Centre for Living SystemsMarseilleFrance
| | - Nicolas Brouilly
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living SystemsMarseilleFrance
| | - Shizue Omi
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, CNRS, CIML, Turing Centre for Living SystemsMarseilleFrance
| | - Clara Luise Essmann
- Department of Computer Science, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Bio3/Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics, Albert-Ludwigs-UniversityFreiburgGermany
| | - Benoit Dehapiot
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living SystemsMarseilleFrance
| | - Cathy Savage-Dunn
- Department of Biology, Queens College and the Graduate Center, CUNYFlushingUnited States
| | - Fabrice Richard
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living SystemsMarseilleFrance
| | - Chantal Cazevieille
- INM, Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, Plateau de microscopie électronique, INSERM, Université de MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Kristin A Politi
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
| | - David H Hall
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
| | - Remy Pujol
- INM, Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, Plateau de microscopie électronique, INSERM, Université de MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Nathalie Pujol
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, CNRS, CIML, Turing Centre for Living SystemsMarseilleFrance
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21
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Czech VL, O'Connor LC, Philippon B, Norman E, Byrne AB. TIR-1/SARM1 inhibits axon regeneration and promotes axon degeneration. eLife 2023; 12:80856. [PMID: 37083456 PMCID: PMC10121217 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth and destruction are central components of the neuronal injury response. Injured axons that are capable of repair, including axons in the mammalian peripheral nervous system and in many invertebrate animals, often regenerate and degenerate on either side of the injury. Here we show that TIR-1/dSarm/SARM1, a key regulator of axon degeneration, also inhibits regeneration of injured motor axons. The increased regeneration in tir-1 mutants is not a secondary consequence of its effects on degeneration, nor is it determined by the NADase activity of TIR-1. Rather, we found that TIR-1 functions cell-autonomously to regulate each of the seemingly opposite processes through distinct interactions with two MAP kinase pathways. On one side of the injury, TIR-1 inhibits axon regeneration by activating the NSY-1/ASK1 MAPK signaling cascade, while on the other side of the injury, TIR-1 simultaneously promotes axon degeneration by interacting with the DLK-1 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade. In parallel, we found that the ability to cell-intrinsically inhibit axon regeneration is conserved in human SARM1. Our finding that TIR-1/SARM1 regulates axon regeneration provides critical insight into how axons coordinate a multidimensional response to injury, consequently informing approaches to manipulate the response toward repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Czech
- Department of Neurobiology, UMass Chan Massachusetts Medical School
| | | | | | - Emily Norman
- Department of Neurobiology, UMass Chan Massachusetts Medical School
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22
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Meeuse MWM, Hauser YP, Nahar S, Smith AAT, Braun K, Azzi C, Rempfler M, Großhans H. C. elegans molting requires rhythmic accumulation of the Grainyhead/LSF transcription factor GRH-1. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111895. [PMID: 36688410 PMCID: PMC9929640 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
C. elegans develops through four larval stages that are rhythmically terminated by molts, that is, the synthesis and shedding of a cuticular exoskeleton. Each larval cycle involves rhythmic accumulation of thousands of transcripts, which we show here relies on rhythmic transcription. To uncover the responsible gene regulatory networks (GRNs), we screened for transcription factors that promote progression through the larval stages and identified GRH-1, BLMP-1, NHR-23, NHR-25, MYRF-1, and BED-3. We further characterize GRH-1, a Grainyhead/LSF transcription factor, whose orthologues in other animals are key epithelial cell-fate regulators. We find that GRH-1 depletion extends molt durations, impairs cuticle integrity and shedding, and causes larval death. GRH-1 is required for, and accumulates prior to, each molt, and preferentially binds to the promoters of genes expressed during this time window. Binding to the promoters of additional genes identified in our screen furthermore suggests that we have identified components of a core molting-clock GRN. Since the mammalian orthologues of GRH-1, BLMP-1 and NHR-23, have been implicated in rhythmic homeostatic skin regeneration in mouse, the mechanisms underlying rhythmic C. elegans molting may apply beyond nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milou W M Meeuse
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI)BaselSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Yannick P Hauser
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI)BaselSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Smita Nahar
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI)BaselSwitzerland
| | | | - Kathrin Braun
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI)BaselSwitzerland
| | - Chiara Azzi
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI)BaselSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Markus Rempfler
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI)BaselSwitzerland
| | - Helge Großhans
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI)BaselSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
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23
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Goswamy D, Gonzalez X, Labed SA, Irazoqui JE. C. elegans orphan nuclear receptor NHR-42 represses innate immunity and promotes lipid loss downstream of HLH-30/TFEB. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1094145. [PMID: 36860863 PMCID: PMC9968933 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1094145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, transcription factors of the Microphthalmia-TFE (MiT) family, including TFEB and TFE3 in mammals and HLH-30 in Caenorhabditis elegans, have emerged as important regulators of innate immunity and inflammation in invertebrates and vertebrates. Despite great strides in knowledge, the mechanisms that mediate downstream actions of MiT transcription factors in the context of innate host defense remain poorly understood. Here, we report that HLH-30, which promotes lipid droplet mobilization and host defense, induces the expression of orphan nuclear receptor NHR-42 during infection with Staphylococcus aureus. Remarkably, NHR-42 loss of function promoted host infection resistance, genetically defining NHR-42 as an HLH-30-controlled negative regulator of innate immunity. During infection, NHR-42 was required for lipid droplet loss, suggesting that it is an important effector of HLH-30 in lipid immunometabolism. Moreover, transcriptional profiling of nhr-42 mutants revealed wholesale activation of an antimicrobial signature, of which abf-2, cnc-2, and lec-11 were important for the enhanced survival of infection of nhr-42 mutants. These results advance our knowledge of the mechanisms by which MiT transcription factors promote host defense, and by analogy suggest that TFEB and TFE3 may similarly promote host defense via NHR-42-homologous nuclear receptors in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Javier E. Irazoqui
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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24
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Rennolds CW, Bely AE. Integrative biology of injury in animals. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:34-62. [PMID: 36176189 PMCID: PMC10087827 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical injury is a prevalent challenge in the lives of animals with myriad potential consequences for organisms, including reduced fitness and death. Research on animal injury has focused on many aspects, including the frequency and severity of wounding in wild populations, the short- and long-term consequences of injury at different biological scales, and the variation in the response to injury within or among individuals, species, ontogenies, and environmental contexts. However, relevant research is scattered across diverse biological subdisciplines, and the study of the effects of injury has lacked synthesis and coherence. Furthermore, the depth of knowledge across injury biology is highly uneven in terms of scope and taxonomic coverage: much injury research is biomedical in focus, using mammalian model systems and investigating cellular and molecular processes, while research at organismal and higher scales, research that is explicitly comparative, and research on invertebrate and non-mammalian vertebrate species is less common and often less well integrated into the core body of knowledge about injury. The current state of injury research presents an opportunity to unify conceptually work focusing on a range of relevant questions, to synthesize progress to date, and to identify fruitful avenues for future research. The central aim of this review is to synthesize research concerning the broad range of effects of mechanical injury in animals. We organize reviewed work by four broad and loosely defined levels of biological organization: molecular and cellular effects, physiological and organismal effects, behavioural effects, and ecological and evolutionary effects of injury. Throughout, we highlight the diversity of injury consequences within and among taxonomic groups while emphasizing the gaps in taxonomic coverage, causal understanding, and biological endpoints considered. We additionally discuss the importance of integrating knowledge within and across biological levels, including how initial, localized responses to injury can lead to long-term consequences at the scale of the individual animal and beyond. We also suggest important avenues for future injury biology research, including distinguishing better between related yet distinct injury phenomena, expanding the subjects of injury research to include a greater variety of species, and testing how intrinsic and extrinsic conditions affect the scope and sensitivity of injury responses. It is our hope that this review will not only strengthen understanding of animal injury but will contribute to building a foundation for a more cohesive field of 'injury biology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey W Rennolds
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Alexandra E Bely
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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25
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Chandler LM, Rodriguez M, Choe KP. RNAi screening for modulators of an osmo-sensitive gene response to extracellular matrix damage reveals negative feedback and interactions with translation inhibition. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285328. [PMID: 37155688 PMCID: PMC10166495 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In epidermal tissues, extracellular matrices (ECMs) function as barriers between the organism and environment. Despite being at the interface with the environment, little is known about the role of animal barrier ECMs in sensing stress and communicating with cytoprotective gene pathways in neighboring cells. We and others have identified a putative damage sensor in the C. elegans cuticle that regulates osmotic, detoxification, and innate immune response genes. This pathway is associated with circumferential collagen bands called annular furrows; mutation or loss of furrow collagens causes constitutive activation of osmotic, detoxification, and innate immune response genes. Here, we performed a genome-wide RNAi screen for modulators of osmotic stress response gene gpdh-1 in a furrow collagen mutant strain. RNAi of six genes identified in this screen were tested under other conditions and for effects on other stress responses. The functions of these genes suggest negative feedback within osmolyte accumulation pathways and interactions with ATP homeostasis and protein synthesis. Loss of these gpdh-1 modulators had distinct effects on canonical detoxification and innate immune response genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke M Chandler
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Michael Rodriguez
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Keith P Choe
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
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26
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Poupet C, Rifa É, Theil S, Bonnet M, Veisseire P, Cardin G, Guéret É, Rialle S, Chassard C, Nivoliez A, Bornes S. In vivo investigation of Lcr35 ® anti-candidiasis properties in Caenorhabditis elegans reveals the involvement of highly conserved immune pathways. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1062113. [PMID: 36620055 PMCID: PMC9816150 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1062113] [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: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria, including the microorganisms formerly designated as Lactobacillus, are the major representatives of Live Biotherapeutic Microorganisms (LBM) when used for therapeutic purposes. However, in most cases, the mechanisms of action remain unknown. The antifungal potential of LBM has already been demonstrated using preclinical models (cell cultures, laboratory animals). Understanding their mechanisms of action is strategic for the development of new therapeutics for humans. Here, Caenorhabditis elegans was used as an in vivo model to analyze pro-longevity, anti-aging and anti-candidiasis effects of the LBM Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (formerly Lactobacillus rhamnosus) Lcr35®. A high-throughput transcriptomic analysis revealed a specific response of C. elegans depending on whether it is in the presence of the LBM L. rhamnosus Lcr35® (structural response), the yeast Candida albicans (metabolic response) or both (structural and metabolic responses) in a preventive and a curative conditions. Studies on C. elegans mutants demonstrated that the p38 MAPK (sek-1, skn-1) and the insulin-like (daf-2, daf-16) signaling pathways were involved in the extended lifespan provided by L. rhamnosus Lcr35® strain whereas the JNK pathway was not involved (jnk-1). In addition, the anti C. albicans effect of the bacterium requires the daf-16 and sek-1 genes while it is independent of daf-2 and skn-1. Moreover, the anti-aging effect of Lcr35®, linked to the extension of longevity, is not due to protection against oxidative stress (H2O2). Taken together, these results formally show the involvement of the p38 MAP kinase and insulin-like signaling pathways for the longevity extension and anti-Candida albicans properties of Lcr35® with, however, differences in the genes involved. Overall, these findings provide new insight for understanding the mechanisms of action of a probiotic strain with antimicrobial potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Poupet
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMRF, Aurillac, France,*Correspondence: Cyril Poupet,
| | - Étienne Rifa
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMRF, Aurillac, France
| | - Sébastien Theil
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMRF, Aurillac, France
| | - Muriel Bonnet
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMRF, Aurillac, France
| | - Philippe Veisseire
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMRF, Aurillac, France
| | - Guillaume Cardin
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMRF, Aurillac, France
| | - Élise Guéret
- MGX, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | - Stéphanie Bornes
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMRF, Aurillac, France
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27
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Fatty acids derived from the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HA-114 suppress age-dependent neurodegeneration. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1340. [PMID: 36477191 PMCID: PMC9729297 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04295-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human microbiota is believed to influence health. Microbiome dysbiosis may be linked to neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. We report the ability of a probiotic bacterial strain in halting neurodegeneration phenotypes. We show that Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HA-114 is neuroprotective in C. elegans models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington's disease. Our results show that neuroprotection from L. rhamnosus HA-114 is unique from other L. rhamnosus strains and resides in its fatty acid content. Neuroprotection by L. rhamnosus HA-114 requires acdh-1/ACADSB, kat-1/ACAT1 and elo-6/ELOVL3/6, which are associated with fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial β-oxidation. Our data suggest that disrupted lipid metabolism contributes to neurodegeneration and that dietary intervention with L. rhamnosus HA-114 restores lipid homeostasis and energy balance through mitochondrial β-oxidation. Our findings encourage the exploration of L. rhamnosus HA-114 derived interventions to modify the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
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28
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Yoon KH, Indong RA, Lee JI. Making "Sense" of Ecology from a Genetic Perspective: Caenorhabditis elegans, Microbes and Behavior. Metabolites 2022; 12:1084. [PMID: 36355167 PMCID: PMC9697003 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12111084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Our knowledge of animal and behavior in the natural ecology is based on over a century's worth of valuable field studies. In this post-genome era, however, we recognize that genes are the underpinning of ecological interactions between two organisms. Understanding how genes contribute to animal ecology, which is essentially the intersection of two genomes, is a tremendous challenge. The bacterivorous nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, one of the most well-known genetic animal model experimental systems, experiences a complex microbial world in its natural habitat, providing us with a window into the interplay of genes and molecules that result in an animal-microbial ecology. In this review, we will discuss C. elegans natural ecology, how the worm uses its sensory system to detect the microbes and metabolites that it encounters, and then discuss some of the fascinating ecological dances, including behaviors, that have evolved between the nematode and the microbes in its environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-hye Yoon
- Department of Physiology, Mitohormesis Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Korea
| | - Rocel Amor Indong
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, College of Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Korea
| | - Jin I. Lee
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, College of Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Korea
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29
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Fu R, Jiang X, Yang Y, Wang C, Zhang Y, Zhu Y, Zhang H. Bidirectional regulation of structural damage on autophagy in the C. elegans epidermis. Autophagy 2022; 18:2731-2745. [PMID: 35311461 PMCID: PMC9629849 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2022.2047345] [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] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of disturbances such as starvation, organelle damage, heat stress, hypoxia and pathogen infection can influence the autophagic process. However, how the macroautophagy/autophagy machinery is regulated intrinsically by structural damage of the cell remains largely unknown. In this work, we utilized the C. elegans epidermis as the model to address this question. Our results showed that structural damage by mechanical wounding exerted proximal inhibitory effect and distant promotional effect on autophagy within the same epidermal cell. By disrupting individual mechanical supporting structures, we found that only damage of the basal extracellular matrix or the underlying muscle cells activated a distinct autophagic response in the epidermis. On the contrary, structural disruption of the epidermal cells at the apical side inhibited autophagy activation caused by different stress factors. Mechanistic studies showed that the basal promotional effect of structural damage on epidermal autophagy was mediated by a mechanotransduction pathway going through the basal hemidesmosome receptor and LET-363/MTOR, while the apical inhibitory effect was mostly carried out by activation of calcium signaling. Elevated autophagy in the epidermis played a detrimental rather than a beneficial role on cell survival against structural damage. The results obtained from these studies will not only help us better understand the pathogenesis of structural damage- and autophagy-related diseases, but also provide insight into more generic rules of autophagy regulation by the structural and mechanical properties of cells across species.Abbreviations : ATG: autophagy related; BLI-1: BLIstered cuticle 1; CeHDs: C. elegans hemidesmosomes; COL-19: COLlagen 19; DPY-7: DumPY 7; ECM: extracellular matrix; EPG-5: ectopic PGL granules 5; GFP: green fluorescent protein; GIT-1: GIT1 (mammalian G protein-coupled receptor kinase InTeractor 1) homolog; GTL-2: Gon-Two Like 2 (TRP subfamily); HIS-58, HIStone 58; IFB-1: Intermediate Filament, B 1; LET: LEThal; LGG-1: LC3, GABARAP and GATE-16 family 1; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin; MTORC1: MTOR complex 1; MUP-4: MUscle Positioning 4; NLP-29: Neuropeptide-Like Protein 29; PAT: Paralyzed Arrest at Two-fold; PIX-1: PIX (PAK (p21-activated kinase) Interacting eXchange factor) homolog 1; RFP: red fluorescent protein; RNAi: RNA interference; SQST-1: SeQueSTosome related 1; UNC: UNCoordinated; UV: ultraviolet; VAB-10: variable ABnormal morphology 10; WT: wild type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaowan Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuyan Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chunxia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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30
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Njume FN, Razzauti A, Soler M, Perschin V, Fazeli G, Bourez A, Delporte C, Ghogomu SM, Poelvoorde P, Pichard S, Birck C, Poterszman A, Souopgui J, Van Antwerpen P, Stigloher C, Vanhamme L, Laurent P. A lipid transfer protein ensures nematode cuticular impermeability. iScience 2022; 25:105357. [PMID: 36339267 PMCID: PMC9626681 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cuticle of C. elegans is impermeable to chemicals, toxins, and pathogens. However, increased permeability is a desirable phenotype because it facilitates chemical uptake. Surface lipids contribute to the permeability barrier. Here, we identify the lipid transfer protein GMAP-1 as a critical element setting the permeability of the C. elegans cuticle. A gmap-1 deletion mutant increases cuticular permeability to sodium azide, levamisole, Hoechst, and DiI. Expressing GMAP-1 in the hypodermis or transiently in the adults is sufficient to rescue this gmap-1 permeability phenotype. GMAP-1 protein is secreted from the hypodermis to the aqueous fluid filling the space between collagen fibers of the cuticle. In vitro, GMAP-1 protein binds phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine while in vivo, GMAP-1 sets the surface lipid composition and organization. Altogether, our results suggest GMAP-1 secreted by hypodermis shuttles lipids to the surface to form the permeability barrier of C. elegans. GMAP-1 is secreted by the hypodermis toward the cuticle of Caenorhabditis elegans GMAP-1 binds and shuttle phosphoglycerides GMAP-1 sets the lipid composition of the cuticle While healthy, gmap-1 mutant displays high cuticular permeability
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinand Ngale Njume
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB Institute for Neuroscience, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Adria Razzauti
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB Institute for Neuroscience, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Miguel Soler
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB Institute for Neuroscience, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Veronika Perschin
- Imaging Core Facility, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gholamreza Fazeli
- Imaging Core Facility, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Axelle Bourez
- RD3-Pharmacognosy, Bioanalysis and Drug Discovery and Analytical Platform of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universite libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Cedric Delporte
- RD3-Pharmacognosy, Bioanalysis and Drug Discovery and Analytical Platform of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universite libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Stephen M. Ghogomu
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Philippe Poelvoorde
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Simon Pichard
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Birck
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Arnaud Poterszman
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jacob Souopgui
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Pierre Van Antwerpen
- RD3-Pharmacognosy, Bioanalysis and Drug Discovery and Analytical Platform of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universite libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | | | - Luc Vanhamme
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Patrick Laurent
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB Institute for Neuroscience, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
- Corresponding author
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31
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Lopez-Nuñez R, Suarez-Fernandez M, Lopez-Moya F, Lopez-Llorca LV. Chitosan and nematophagous fungi for sustainable management of nematode pests. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2022; 3:980341. [PMID: 37746197 PMCID: PMC10512356 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2022.980341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Plants are exposed to large number of threats caused by herbivores and pathogens which cause important losses on crops. Plant pathogens such as nematodes can cause severe damage and losses in food security crops worldwide. Chemical pesticides were extendedly used for nematode management. However, due to their adverse effects on human health and the environment, they are now facing strong limitations by regulatory organisations such as EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative and efficient control measures, such as biological control agents or bio-based plant protection compounds. In this scenario, chitosan, a non-toxic polymer obtained from seafood waste mainly, is becoming increasingly important. Chitosan is the N-deacetylated form of chitin. Chitosan is effective in the control of plant pests and diseases. It also induces plants defence mechanisms. Chitosan is also compatible with some biocontrol microorganisms mainly entomopathogenic and nematophagous fungi. Some of them are antagonists of nematode pests of plants and animals. The nematophagous biocontrol fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia has been widely studied for sustainable management of nematodes affecting economically important crops and for its capability to grow with chitosan as only nutrient source. This fungus infects nematode eggs using hyphal tips and appressoria. Pochonia chlamydosporia also colonizes plant roots endophytically, stimulating plant defences by induction of salicylic and jasmonic acid biosynthesis and favours plant growth and development. Therefore, the combined use of chitosan and nematophagous fungi could be a novel strategy for the biological control of nematodes and other root pathogens of food security crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Lopez-Nuñez
- Department of Marine Sciences and Applied Biology, Laboratory of Plant Pathology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Marta Suarez-Fernandez
- Department of Marine Sciences and Applied Biology, Laboratory of Plant Pathology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP, UPM-INIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)—Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Federico Lopez-Moya
- Department of Marine Sciences and Applied Biology, Laboratory of Plant Pathology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Luis Vicente Lopez-Llorca
- Department of Marine Sciences and Applied Biology, Laboratory of Plant Pathology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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32
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Gang SS, Grover M, Reddy KC, Raman D, Chang YT, Ekiert DC, Barkoulas M, Troemel ER. A pals-25 gain-of-function allele triggers systemic resistance against natural pathogens of C. elegans. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010314. [PMID: 36191002 PMCID: PMC9560605 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of immunity throughout an organism is critical for host defense. Previous studies in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have described an "ON/OFF" immune switch comprised of the antagonistic paralogs PALS-25 and PALS-22, which regulate resistance against intestinal and epidermal pathogens. Here, we identify and characterize a PALS-25 gain-of-function mutant protein with a premature stop (Q293*), which we find is freed from physical repression by its negative regulator, the PALS-22 protein. PALS-25(Q293*) activates two related gene expression programs, the Oomycete Recognition Response (ORR) against natural pathogens of the epidermis, and the Intracellular Pathogen Response (IPR) against natural intracellular pathogens of the intestine. A subset of ORR/IPR genes is upregulated in pals-25(Q293*) mutants, and they are resistant to oomycete infection in the epidermis, and microsporidia and virus infection in the intestine, but without compromising growth. Surprisingly, we find that activation of PALS-25 seems to primarily stimulate the downstream bZIP transcription factor ZIP-1 in the epidermis, with upregulation of gene expression in both the epidermis and in the intestine. Interestingly, we find that PALS-22/25-regulated epidermal-to-intestinal signaling promotes resistance to the N. parisii intestinal pathogen, demonstrating cross-tissue protective immune induction from one epithelial tissue to another in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer S. Gang
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Manish Grover
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kirthi C. Reddy
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Deevya Raman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Ya-Ting Chang
- Departments of Cell Biology and Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Damian C. Ekiert
- Departments of Cell Biology and Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Emily R. Troemel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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33
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Malinow RA, Zhu M, Jin Y, Kim KW. Forward genetic screening identifies novel roles for N-terminal acetyltransferase C and histone deacetylase in C. elegans development. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16438. [PMID: 36180459 PMCID: PMC9525577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20361-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Coordinating the balance between development and stress responses is critical for organismal survival. However, the cellular signaling controlling this mechanism is not well understood. In Caenorhabditis elegans, it has been hypothesized that a genetic network regulated by NIPI-3/Tibbles may control the balance between animal development and immune response. Using a nipi-3(0) lethality suppressor screen in C. elegans, we reveal a novel role for N-terminal acetyltransferase C complex natc-1/2/3 and histone deacetylase hda-4, in the control of animal development. These signaling proteins act, at least in part, through a PMK-1 p38 MAP kinase pathway (TIR-1-NSY-1-SEK-1-PMK-1), which plays a critical role in the innate immunity against infection. Additionally, using a transcriptional reporter of SEK-1, a signaling molecule within this p38 MAP kinase system that acts directly downstream of C/EBP bZip transcription factor CEBP-1, we find unexpected positive control of sek-1 transcription by SEK-1 along with several other p38 MAP kinase pathway components. Together, these data demonstrate a role for NIPI-3 regulators in animal development, operating, at least in part through a PMK-1 p38 MAPK pathway. Because the C. elegans p38 MAP kinase pathway is well known for its role in cellular stress responses, the novel biological components and mechanisms pertaining to development identified here may also contribute to the balance between stress response and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Aria Malinow
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ming Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Yishi Jin
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Kyung Won Kim
- Department of Life Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, South Korea.
- Multidisciplinary Genome Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, South Korea.
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The p38 MAPK/PMK-1 Pathway Is Required for Resistance to Nocardia farcinica Infection in Caenorhabditis elegance. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101071. [PMID: 36297128 PMCID: PMC9609018 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Nocardia farcinica is an opportunistic pathogen that causes nocardiosis primarily in patients with compromised immune systems. In this study, we used the genetically tractable organism Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to study the innate immune responses to N. farcinica infection. We found that unlike other pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, N. farcinica failed to kill adult worms. In another words, adult worms exposed to N. farcinica exhibited a normal lifespan, compared with those fed the standard laboratory food bacterium Escherichia coli OP50. Interestingly, deletion of three core genes (pmk-1, nsy-1 and sek-1) in the p38 MAPK/PMK-1 pathway reduced the survival of worm exposure to N. farcinica, highlighting a crucial role of this pathway for C. elegans in resistance to N. farcinica. Furthermore, our results revealed that N. farcinica exposure up-regulated the level of PMK-1 phosphorylation. The activation of PMK-1 promoted nuclear translocation of a transcription factor SKN-1/Nrf2, which in turn mediated N. farcinica infection resistance in C. elegans. Our results provide an excellent example that the integrity of immune system is key aspect for counteract with pathogenesis of N. farcinica.
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35
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Wang X, Li X, Wang J, Wang J, Hu C, Zeng J, Shi A, Lin L. SMGL-1/NBAS acts as a RAB-8 GEF to regulate unconventional protein secretion. J Cell Biol 2022; 221:213235. [PMID: 35604368 PMCID: PMC9129922 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202111125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Unconventional protein secretion (UPS) pathways are conserved across species. However, the underlying mechanisms that regulate Golgi-bypassing UPS of integral proteins remain elusive. In this study, we show that RAB-8 and SMGL-1/NBAS are required for the UPS of integral proteins in C. elegans intestine. SMGL-1 resides in the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment and adjacent RAB-8-positive structures, and NRZ complex component CZW-1/ZW10 is required for this residency. Notably, SMGL-1 acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for RAB-8, ensuring UPS of integral proteins by driving the activation of RAB-8. Furthermore, we show that Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection elevated the expression of SMGL-1 and RAB-8. Loss of SMGL-1 or RAB-8 compromised resistance to environmental colchicine, arsenite, and pathogenic bacteria. These results suggest that the SMGL-1/RAB-8-mediated UPS could integrate environmental signals to serve as a host defense response. Together, by establishing the C. elegans intestine as a multicellular model, our findings provide insights into RAB-8-dependent Golgi-bypassing UPS, especially in the context of epithelia in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghong Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xinxin Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Junkai Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jiabin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Can Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jia Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Anbing Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China,Cell Architecture Research Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China,Correspondence to Anbing Shi:
| | - Long Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China,Cell Architecture Research Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China,Long Lin:
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36
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Cc S, Arun D, Divya L. Insect in vitro System for Toxicology Studies - Current and Future Perspectives. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 3:671600. [PMID: 35295131 PMCID: PMC8915908 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.671600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro cell culture practices are valuable techniques to understand the mechanisms behind vital in vivo biological processes. In vitro cells have helped us to attain a deeper understanding of functions and mechanisms conserved in the course of evolution. Toxicology studies are inevitable in drug discovery, pesticide development, and many other fields that directly interact with human beings. The proper involvement and regulatory steps that have been taken by animal ethical societies in different parts of the world resulted in the reduced in vivo use of mammals in toxicological studies. Nevertheless, experimental animals are being killed where no replacement is available. The use of mammals could be reduced by using the in vitro systems. Nowadays, invertebrate cell lines are also play important role in toxicology testing. This review analyzes the cause and consequence of insect in vitro models in toxicology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheeja Cc
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, India
| | - Damodaran Arun
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, India
| | - Lekha Divya
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, India
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37
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Stuart BAR, Franitza AL, E L. Regulatory Roles of Antimicrobial Peptides in the Nervous System: Implications for Neuronal Aging. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:843790. [PMID: 35321204 PMCID: PMC8936185 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.843790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are classically known as important effector molecules in innate immunity across all multicellular organisms. However, emerging evidence begins to suggest multifunctional properties of AMPs beyond their antimicrobial activity, surprisingly including their roles in regulating neuronal function, such as sleep and memory formation. Aging, which is fundamental to neurodegeneration in both physiological and disease conditions, interestingly affects the expression pattern of many AMPs in an infection-independent manner. While it remains unclear whether these are coincidental events, or a mechanistic relationship exists, previous studies have suggested a close link between AMPs and a few key proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases. This review discusses recent literature and advances in understanding the crosstalk between AMPs and the nervous system at both molecular and functional levels, with the aim to explore how AMPs may relate to neuronal vulnerability in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradey A. R. Stuart
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Ariel L. Franitza
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Lezi E
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Lezi E
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38
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Martineau CN, Maynard CA, Pujol N. ATFS-1 plays no repressive role in the regulation of epidermal immune response. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2022; 2022:10.17912/micropub.biology.000525. [PMID: 35224461 PMCID: PMC8864481 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infection triggers the induction of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes in the epidermis (Pujol et al, 2008). We previously showed that this effect is suppressed by the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), which can be activated by knockdown of select genes including the mitochondrial metalloprotease spg-7 (Zugasti et al, 2016). Here, we confirm that RNAi against spg-7 triggers the UPRmt and blocks AMP induction during infection, whereas infection itself does not trigger the UPRmt. ATFS-1 is a key factor in the UPRmt, mediating much of the associated transcriptional response. We find that, surprisingly, ATFS-1 is not required for the suppression of AMP induction provoked by spg-7(RNAi). These data show that the mitochondrial dysfunction that blocks the immune response upon infection or wounding is independent of ATFS-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine N Martineau
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, CNRS, CIML, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Claire A Maynard
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, CNRS, CIML, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Nathalie Pujol
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, CNRS, CIML, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France,
Correspondence to: Nathalie Pujol ()
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39
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p38-MAPK recruits the proteolytic pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans during bacterial infection. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 204:116-135. [PMID: 35124023 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.01.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In eukaryotic organisms, cell-signalling completely relies on Post Translational Modifications (PTMs) that can function as regulatory switches. Phosphorylation is a fundamental and frequently occurring PTM in almost all eukaryotes. Herein, we have studied the importance of protein phosphorylation using classical proteomic techniques in C. elegans upon bacterial infection. The differentially regulated proteins during bacterial infection were excised from SDS-PAGE (One-Dimensional) gel (TiO2 column elutes) and subjected to MALDI-TOF-MS which ended up in identifying 220 proteins kinetically. KEGG pathway analysis of those proteins suggested that MAPK pathway was part of the innate immunity. Thus, we have characterized p38-MAPK (one of the crucial downstream MAPKs) using immunoblotting, subcellular fractionation, coimmunoprecipitation, LC-MS/MS, bioinformatics studies and qPCR. Meanwhile, KU25 strain (pmk-1 mutant) exhibited an earlier mortality during infection suggesting the crucial role of p38-MAPK during host-pathogen interaction. Interestingly, Reactome pathway analysis of p38 interactors (CoIP coupled to LC-MS/MS) revealed the involvement of various proteolytic pathway players (ubiquitination, SUMOylation and Neddylation) during bacterial infection. Further, the regulation of SUMOylation and Neddylation was identified and validated using immunoblotting and qPCR analyses, respectively. Concisely, our study indicated that bacterial infection triggers the MAPK cascade to elicit innate immunity which in turn recruits proteolytic pathways to counteract the invading pathogen.
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40
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Peterson ND, Icso JD, Salisbury JE, Rodríguez T, Thompson PR, Pukkila-Worley R. Pathogen infection and cholesterol deficiency activate the C. elegans p38 immune pathway through a TIR-1/SARM1 phase transition. eLife 2022; 11:e74206. [PMID: 35098926 PMCID: PMC8923663 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular signaling regulators can be concentrated into membrane-free, higher ordered protein assemblies to initiate protective responses during stress - a process known as phase transition. Here, we show that a phase transition of the Caenorhabditis elegans Toll/interleukin-1 receptor domain protein (TIR-1), an NAD+ glycohydrolase homologous to mammalian sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing 1 (SARM1), underlies p38 PMK-1 immune pathway activation in C. elegans intestinal epithelial cells. Through visualization of fluorescently labeled TIR-1/SARM1 protein, we demonstrate that physiologic stresses, both pathogen and non-pathogen, induce multimerization of TIR-1/SARM1 into visible puncta within intestinal epithelial cells. In vitro enzyme kinetic analyses revealed that, like mammalian SARM1, the NAD+ glycohydrolase activity of C. elegans TIR-1 is dramatically potentiated by protein oligomerization and a phase transition. Accordingly, C. elegans with genetic mutations that specifically block either multimerization or the NAD+ glycohydrolase activity of TIR-1/SARM1 fail to induce p38 PMK phosphorylation, are unable to increase immune effector expression, and are dramatically susceptible to bacterial infection. Finally, we demonstrate that a loss-of-function mutation in nhr-8, which alters cholesterol metabolism and is used to study conditions of sterol deficiency, causes TIR-1/SARM1 to oligomerize into puncta in intestinal epithelial cells. Cholesterol scarcity increases p38 PMK-1 phosphorylation, primes immune effector induction in a manner that requires TIR-1/SARM1 oligomerization and its intrinsic NAD+ glycohydrolase activity, and reduces pathogen accumulation in the intestine during a subsequent infection. These data reveal a new adaptive response that allows a metazoan host to anticipate pathogen threats during cholesterol deprivation, a time of relative susceptibility to infection. Thus, a phase transition of TIR-1/SARM1 as a prerequisite for its NAD+ glycohydrolase activity is strongly conserved across millions of years of evolution and is essential for diverse physiological processes in multiple cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Peterson
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Janneke D Icso
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - J Elizabeth Salisbury
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Tomás Rodríguez
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Paul R Thompson
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Read Pukkila-Worley
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
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41
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Kinase signaling as a drug target modality for regulation of vascular hyperpermeability: a case for ARDS therapy development. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:1448-1456. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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42
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Courtine D, Zhang X, Ewbank JJ. Increased Pathogenicity of the Nematophagous Fungus Drechmeria coniospora Following Long-Term Laboratory Culture. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2021; 2:778882. [PMID: 37744153 PMCID: PMC10512298 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2021.778882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Domestication provides a window into adaptive change. Over the course of 2 decades of laboratory culture, a strain of the nematode-specific fungus Drechmeria coniospora became more virulent during its infection of Caenorhabditis elegans. Through a close comparative examination of the genome sequences of the original strain and its more pathogenic derivative, we identified a small number of non-synonymous mutations in protein-coding genes. In one case, the mutation was predicted to affect a gene involved in hypoxia resistance and we provide direct corroborative evidence for such an effect. The mutated genes with functional annotation were all predicted to impact the general physiology of the fungus and this was reflected in an increased in vitro growth, even in the absence of C. elegans. While most cases involved single nucleotide substitutions predicted to lead to a loss of function, we also observed a predicted restoration of gene function through deletion of an extraneous tandem repeat. This latter change affected the regulatory subunit of a cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Remarkably, we also found a mutation in a gene for a second protein of the same, protein kinase A, pathway. Together, we predict that they result in a stronger repression of the pathway for given levels of ATP and adenylate cyclase activity. Finally, we also identified mutations in a few lineage-specific genes of unknown function that are candidates for factors that influence virulence in a more direct manner.
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43
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Wimberly K, Choe KP. An extracellular matrix damage sensor signals through membrane-associated kinase DRL-1 to mediate cytoprotective responses in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2021; 220:6444994. [PMID: 34849856 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We and others previously identified circumferential bands of collagen named annular furrows as key components of a damage sensor in the cuticle of Caenorhabditis elegans that regulates cytoprotective genes. Mutation or loss of non-collagen secreted proteins OSM-7, OSM-8, and OSM-11 activate the same cytoprotective responses without obvious changes to the cuticle indicating that other extracellular proteins are involved. Here, we used RNAi screening to identify protein kinase DRL-1 as a key modulator of cytoprotective gene expression and stress resistance in furrow and extracellular OSM protein mutants. DRL-1 functions downstream from furrow disruption and is expressed in cells that induce cytoprotective genes. DRL-1 is not required for expression of cytoprotective genes under basal or oxidative stress conditions consistent with specificity to extracellular signals. DRL-1 was previously shown to regulate longevity via a 'Dietary Restriction-Like' state, but it functions downstream from furrow disruption by a distinct mechanism. The kinase domain of DRL-1 is related to mammalian MEKK3, and MEKK3 is recruited to a plasma membrane osmosensor complex by a scaffold protein. In C. elegans, DRL-1 contains an atypical hydrophobic C-terminus with predicted transmembrane domains and is constitutively expressed at or near the plasma membrane where it could function to receive extracellular damage signals for cells that mount cytoprotective responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keon Wimberly
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Keith P Choe
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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44
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Pujol N, Ewbank JJ. C. elegans: out on an evolutionary limb. Immunogenetics 2021; 74:63-73. [PMID: 34761293 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-021-01231-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The natural environment of the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is rich in pathogenic microbes. There is now ample evidence to indicate that these pathogens exert a strong selection pressure on C. elegans, and have shaped its genome, physiology, and behaviour. In this short review, we concentrate on how C. elegans stands out from other animals in terms of its immune repertoire and innate immune signalling pathways. We discuss how C. elegans often detects pathogens because of their effects on essential cellular processes, or organelle integrity, in addition to direct microbial recognition. We illustrate the extensive molecular plasticity that is characteristic of immune defences in C. elegans and highlight some remarkable instances of lineage-specific innovation in innate immune mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Pujol
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France.
| | - Jonathan J Ewbank
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
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45
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Lehmann C, Pohl C. A Maternal-Effect Toxin Affects Epithelial Differentiation and Tissue Mechanics in Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:743496. [PMID: 34722524 PMCID: PMC8551626 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.743496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Selfish genetic elements that act as post-segregation distorters cause lethality in non-carrier individuals after fertilization. Two post-segregation distorters have been previously identified in Caenorhabditis elegans, the peel-1/zeel-1 and the sup-35/pha-1 elements. These elements seem to act as modification-rescue systems, also called toxin/antidote pairs. Here we show that the maternal-effect toxin/zygotic antidote pair sup-35/pha-1 is required for proper expression of apical junction (AJ) components in epithelia and that sup-35 toxicity increases when pathways that establish and maintain basal epithelial characteristics, die-1, elt-1, lin-26, and vab-10, are compromised. We demonstrate that pha-1(e2123) embryos, which lack the antidote, are defective in epidermal morphogenesis and frequently fail to elongate. Moreover, seam cells are frequently misshaped and mispositioned and cell bond tension is reduced in pha-1(e2123) embryos, suggesting altered tissue material properties in the epidermis. Several aspects of this phenotype can also be induced in wild-type embryos by exerting mechanical stress through uniaxial loading. Seam cell shape, tissue mechanics, and elongation can be restored in pha-1(e2123) embryos if expression of the AJ molecule DLG-1/Discs large is reduced. Thus, our experiments suggest that maternal-effect toxicity disrupts proper development of the epidermis which involves distinct transcriptional regulators and AJ components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Lehmann
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences and Institute of Biochemistry II, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christian Pohl
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences and Institute of Biochemistry II, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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46
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An integrated view of innate immune mechanisms in C. elegans. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2307-2317. [PMID: 34623403 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The simple notion 'infection causes an immune response' is being progressively refined as it becomes clear that immune mechanisms cannot be understood in isolation, but need to be considered in a more global context with other cellular and physiological processes. In part, this reflects the deployment by pathogens of virulence factors that target diverse cellular processes, such as translation or mitochondrial respiration, often with great molecular specificity. It also reflects molecular cross-talk between a broad range of host signalling pathways. Studies with the model animal C. elegans have uncovered a range of examples wherein innate immune responses are intimately connected with different homeostatic mechanisms, and can influence reproduction, ageing and neurodegeneration, as well as various other aspects of its biology. Here we provide a short overview of a number of such connections, highlighting recent discoveries that further the construction of a fully integrated view of innate immunity.
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47
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Grover M, Fasseas MK, Essmann C, Liu K, Braendle C, Félix MA, Glockling SL, Barkoulas M. Infection of C. elegans by Haptoglossa Species Reveals Shared Features in the Host Response to Oomycete Detection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:733094. [PMID: 34722333 PMCID: PMC8552708 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.733094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oomycetes are a group of eukaryotic organisms that includes many important pathogens of animals and plants. Within this group, the Haptoglossa genus is characterised by the presence of specialised gun cells carrying a harpoon-like infection apparatus. While several Haptoglossa pathogens have been morphologically described, there are currently no host systems developed to study the infection process or host responses in the lab. In this study, we report that Haptoglossa species are potent natural pathogens of Caenorhabditis nematodes. Using electron microscopy, we characterise the infection process in C. elegans and demonstrate that the oomycete causes excessive tissue degradation upon entry in the body cavity, whilst leaving the host cuticle intact. We also report that the host transcriptional response to Haptoglossa infection shares similarities with the response against the oomycete Myzocytiopsis humicola, a key example of which is the induction of chitinase-like (chil) genes in the hypodermis. We demonstrate that this shared feature of the host response can be mounted by pathogen detection without any infection, as previously shown for M. humicola. These results highlight similarities in the nematode immune response to natural infection by phylogenetically distinct oomycetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Grover
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael K Fasseas
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clara Essmann
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth Liu
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Marie-Anne Félix
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, Inserm, Paris, France
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48
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Matilainen O, Ribeiro ARS, Verbeeren J, Cetinbas M, Sood H, Sadreyev RI, Garcia SMDA. Loss of muscleblind splicing factor shortens Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan by reducing the activity of p38 MAPK/PMK-1 and transcription factors ATF-7 and Nrf/SKN-1. Genetics 2021; 219:6325509. [PMID: 34849877 PMCID: PMC8633093 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscleblind-like splicing regulators (MBNLs) are RNA-binding factors that have an important role in developmental processes. Dysfunction of these factors is a key contributor of different neuromuscular degenerative disorders, including Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Since DM1 is a multisystemic disease characterized by symptoms resembling accelerated aging, we asked which cellular processes do MBNLs regulate that make them necessary for normal lifespan. By utilizing the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, we found that loss of MBL-1 (the sole ortholog of mammalian MBNLs), which is known to be required for normal lifespan, shortens lifespan by decreasing the activity of p38 MAPK/PMK-1 as well as the function of transcription factors ATF-7 and SKN-1. Furthermore, we show that mitochondrial stress caused by the knockdown of mitochondrial electron transport chain components promotes the longevity of mbl-1 mutants in a partially PMK-1-dependent manner. Together, the data establish a mechanism of how DM1-associated loss of muscleblind affects lifespan. Furthermore, this study suggests that mitochondrial stress could alleviate symptoms caused by the dysfunction of muscleblind splicing factor, creating a potential approach to investigate for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olli Matilainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland
| | - Ana R S Ribeiro
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland
| | - Jens Verbeeren
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland
| | - Murat Cetinbas
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Heini Sood
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland
| | - Ruslan I Sadreyev
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Susana M D A Garcia
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland
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49
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Nguyen VTT, Meyer SC, Rieger H, Endres K. A liquid-culture-based screening approach to study compounds affecting inflammatory processes in Caenorhabditis elegans. Biol Chem 2021; 403:123-129. [PMID: 34535046 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Discovery of biomedical drugs makes use of novel biological sources of limited availability and is often in need of fast, small-scale initial screening approaches. Here, we present a screening, based on the reporter Caenorhabditis elegans strain IG692, for identification of anti- and pro-inflammatory properties. The elaborated workflow is based on cultivation in fluid and by this, allows fast and reproducible seeding in 96 well plates. LPS and dexamethasone served as reliable controls, comparable to application in the human cell line THP-1. This in vivo approach offers a first step for selection of e.g. natural products or for repurposing of compounds from drug libraries and by this can serve as a tool in drug discovery for inflammatory human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu Thu Thuy Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, D-55131Mainz, Germany
| | - Sarah Christina Meyer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, D-55131Mainz, Germany
| | - Hanna Rieger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, D-55131Mainz, Germany
| | - Kristina Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, D-55131Mainz, Germany
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50
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Lukácsi S, Farkas Z, Saskői É, Bajtay Z, Takács-Vellai K. Conserved and Distinct Elements of Phagocytosis in Human and C. elegans. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168934. [PMID: 34445642 PMCID: PMC8396242 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocytosis provides the cellular nutrition and homeostasis of organisms, but pathogens often take advantage of this entry point to infect host cells. This is counteracted by phagocytosis that plays a key role in the protection against invading microbes both during the initial engulfment of pathogens and in the clearance of infected cells. Phagocytic cells balance two vital functions: preventing the accumulation of cell corpses to avoid pathological inflammation and autoimmunity, whilst maintaining host defence. In this review, we compare elements of phagocytosis in mammals and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Initial recognition of infection requires different mechanisms. In mammals, pattern recognition receptors bind pathogens directly, whereas activation of the innate immune response in the nematode rather relies on the detection of cellular damage. In contrast, molecules involved in efferocytosis—the engulfment and elimination of dying cells and cell debris—are highly conserved between the two species. Therefore, C. elegans is a powerful model to research mechanisms of the phagocytic machinery. Finally, we show that both mammalian and worm studies help to understand how the two phagocytic functions are interconnected: emerging data suggest the activation of innate immunity as a consequence of defective apoptotic cell clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szilvia Lukácsi
- MTA-ELTE Immunology Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter s. 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (S.L.); (Z.B.)
| | - Zsolt Farkas
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter s. 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.F.); (É.S.)
| | - Éva Saskői
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter s. 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.F.); (É.S.)
| | - Zsuzsa Bajtay
- MTA-ELTE Immunology Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter s. 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (S.L.); (Z.B.)
- Department of Immunology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter s. 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Takács-Vellai
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter s. 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.F.); (É.S.)
- Correspondence:
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