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Aslan A, Ari Yuka S. Therapeutic peptides for coronary artery diseases: in silico methods and current perspectives. Amino Acids 2024; 56:37. [PMID: 38822212 PMCID: PMC11143054 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-024-03397-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Many drug formulations containing small active molecules are used for the treatment of coronary artery disease, which affects a significant part of the world's population. However, the inadequate profile of these molecules in terms of therapeutic efficacy has led to the therapeutic use of protein and peptide-based biomolecules with superior properties, such as target-specific affinity and low immunogenicity, in critical diseases. Protein‒protein interactions, as a consequence of advances in molecular techniques with strategies involving the combined use of in silico methods, have enabled the design of therapeutic peptides to reach an advanced dimension. In particular, with the advantages provided by protein/peptide structural modeling, molecular docking for the study of their interactions, molecular dynamics simulations for their interactions under physiological conditions and machine learning techniques that can work in combination with all these, significant progress has been made in approaches to developing therapeutic peptides that can modulate the development and progression of coronary artery diseases. In this scope, this review discusses in silico methods for the development of peptide therapeutics for the treatment of coronary artery disease and strategies for identifying the molecular mechanisms that can be modulated by these designs and provides a comprehensive perspective for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayca Aslan
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey
- Health Biotechnology Joint Research and Application Center of Excellence, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selcen Ari Yuka
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Health Biotechnology Joint Research and Application Center of Excellence, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey.
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2
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Roper BWR, Tiede C, Abdul-Zani I, Cuthbert GA, Jade D, Al-Aufi A, Critchley WR, Saikia Q, Homer-Vanniasinkam S, Sawamura T, McPherson MJ, Harrison MA, Tomlinson DC, Ponnambalam S. "Affimer" synthetic protein scaffolds block oxidized LDL binding to the LOX-1 scavenger receptor and inhibit ERK1/2 activation. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105325. [PMID: 37805141 PMCID: PMC10641530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105325] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In multicellular organisms, a variety of lipid-protein particles control the systemic flow of triacylglycerides, cholesterol, and fatty acids between cells in different tissues. The chemical modification by oxidation of these particles can trigger pathological responses, mediated by a group of membrane proteins termed scavenger receptors. The lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LOX-1) scavenger receptor binds to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and mediates both signaling and trafficking outcomes. Here, we identified five synthetic proteins termed Affimers from a phage display library, each capable of binding recombinant LOX-1 extracellular (oxLDL-binding) domain with high specificity. These Affimers, based on a phytocystatin scaffold with loop regions of variable sequence, were able to bind to the plasma membrane of HEK293T cells exclusively when human LOX-1 was expressed. Binding and uptake of fluorescently labeled oxLDL by the LOX-1-expressing cell model was inhibited with subnanomolar potency by all 5 Affimers. ERK1/2 activation, stimulated by oxLDL binding to LOX-1, was also significantly inhibited (p < 0.01) by preincubation with LOX-1-specific Affimers, but these Affimers had no direct agonistic effect. Molecular modeling indicated that the LOX-1-specific Affimers bound predominantly via their variable loop regions to the surface of the LOX-1 lectin-like domain that contains a distinctive arrangement of arginine residues previously implicated in oxLDL binding, involving interactions with both subunits of the native, stable scavenger receptor homodimer. These data provide a new class of synthetic tools to probe and potentially modulate the oxLDL/LOX-1 interaction that plays an important role in vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barnaby W R Roper
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Christian Tiede
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Izma Abdul-Zani
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Gary A Cuthbert
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Leeds Vascular Institute, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK
| | - Dhananjay Jade
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ahmed Al-Aufi
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Leeds Vascular Institute, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Queen Saikia
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Erlandsson L, Ohlsson L, Masoumi Z, Rehnström M, Cronqvist T, Edvinsson L, Hansson SR. Preliminary evidence that blocking the uptake of placenta-derived preeclamptic extracellular vesicles protects the vascular endothelium and prevents vasoconstriction. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18425. [PMID: 37891193 PMCID: PMC10611745 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45830-9] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy syndrome characterized by hypertension and organ damage manifesting after 20 gestational weeks. The etiology is of multifactorial origin, where placental stress causes increased levels of placenta-derived extracellular vesicles (STBEVs) in the maternal circulation, shown to cause inflammation, endothelial activation, vasoconstriction, and anti-angiogenic activity. General endothelial dysfunction is believed to be initiated by endothelial insult during pregnancy that alters vascular function resulting in increased arterial stiffness, cardiac dysfunction, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. We compared the effect of normal and PE derived STBEVs in vitro on vascular contractility of human subcutaneous arteries using wire myography. Cellular structures of exposed vessels were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. We explored strategies to pharmacologically block the effects of the STBEVs on human vessels. The PE STBEVs caused significantly stronger angiotensin II-mediated contractions and extended structural damage to human subcutaneous arteries compared to normal STBEVs. These negative effects could be reduced by blocking vesicle uptake by endothelial cells, using chlorpromazine or specific antibodies towards the LOX-1 receptor. The therapeutic potential of blocking vesicle uptake should be further explored, to reduce the permanent damage caused on the vasculature during PE pregnancy to prevent future cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Erlandsson
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, BMC C14, Klinikgatan 28, 221 85, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Lena Ohlsson
- Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Zahra Masoumi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, BMC C14, Klinikgatan 28, 221 85, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mimmi Rehnström
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, BMC C14, Klinikgatan 28, 221 85, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tina Cronqvist
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, BMC C14, Klinikgatan 28, 221 85, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars Edvinsson
- Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Stefan R Hansson
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, BMC C14, Klinikgatan 28, 221 85, Lund, Sweden
- Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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4
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Villalobos-Labra R, Liu R, Spaans F, Sáez T, Semeria Maitret T, Quon A, Sawamura T, Cooke CLM, Davidge ST. Placenta-Derived Extracellular Vesicles From Preeclamptic Pregnancies Impair Vascular Endothelial Function via Lectin-Like Oxidized LDL Receptor-1. Hypertension 2023; 80:2226-2238. [PMID: 37615097 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.21205] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia is a complex syndrome that includes maternal vascular dysfunction. Syncytiotrophoblast-derived extracellular vesicles from preeclampsia placentas (preeclampsia-STBEVs) were shown to induce endothelial dysfunction, but an endothelial transmembrane mediator is still unexplored. The LOX-1 (lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1) is a transmembrane scavenger receptor that can cause endothelial dysfunction, and its expression is increased in the endothelium of preeclampsia women. In this study, we hypothesized that LOX-1 mediates the effects of preeclampsia-STBEVs on endothelial function. METHODS Preeclampsia-STBEVs were collected by perfusion of placentas from women with preeclampsia and in vitro and ex vivo endothelial cell function were assessed. RESULTS In human umbilical vein endothelial cells, inhibition of LOX-1 with LOX-1 blocking antibody (TS20) reduced the uptake of preeclampsia-STBEVs (61.3±8.8%). TS20 prevented the activation of ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase, a kinase downstream of LOX-1) and reduced the activation of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells; 21.1±8.0%) and nitrative stress (23.2±10.3%) that was induced by preeclampsia-STBEVs. Vascular function was assessed by wire myography in isolated mesenteric arteries from pregnant rats that were incubated overnight with preeclampsia-STBEVs±TS20. TS20 prevented endothelium-dependent vasodilation impairment induced by preeclampsia-STBEVs. Nitric oxide contribution to the relaxation was reduced by preeclampsia-STBEVs, which was prevented by TS20. Superoxide dismutase or apocynin, an inhibitor of NOX (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase), restored the impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation in arteries exposed to preeclampsia-STBEVs. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our findings demonstrate that LOX-1 mediates the endothelial dysfunction induced by preeclampsia-STBEVs. Our study further expands on the mechanisms that may lead to adverse outcomes in preeclampsia and proposes LOX-1 as a potential target for future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Villalobos-Labra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Escuela de Medicina sede San Felipe (R.V.-L.), Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Ricky Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Physiology (R.L., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Floor Spaans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Tamara Sáez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Departamento de Medicina Interna (T. Sáez), Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina (T. Sáez), Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Tamara Semeria Maitret
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (T.S.M.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Anita Quon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Tatsuya Sawamura
- Departments of Molecular Pathophysiology and Life Innovation, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan (T. Sawamura)
| | - Christy-Lynn M Cooke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Sandra T Davidge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Physiology (R.L., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Mogi M. LOX prevents abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures. Hypertens Res 2023; 46:801-802. [PMID: 36635531 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-023-01172-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Mogi
- Department of Pharmacology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Tohon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan.
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He M, Jia Y, Liu X, Peng X, Li C, Yang S, Xu Q, Lin J, Zhao G. Perillaldehyde protects against Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis by reducing fungal load and inhibiting inflammatory cytokines and LOX-1. Curr Eye Res 2022; 47:1366-1373. [PMID: 35759617 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2022.2093382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this research was to explore the antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects of perillaldehyde (PAE) in Aspergillus fumigatus (A.fumigatus) keratitis and the underlying mechanism. METHODS The biofilm formation, adherence assay, propidium iodide uptake test were used to determine the possible mechanism of PAE in terms of antifungal effects in vitro. The severity of corneal infection was evaluated by clinical scores. The immunofluorescence staining was adopt to detect the number of macrophages in infected corneas. Draize test was performed to assess the ocular toxicity of PAE. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot reflected the expression of inflammatory cytokines and Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1) in mice corneas and RAW264.7 cells. RESULTS PAE was able to inhibit the formation of biofilm, reduce conidial adhesion, and damage the integrity of membranes to exert antifungal activity. In C57BL/6 mice models, PAE alleviated the severity of infected corneas, reduced the recruitment of macrophages and had low ocular toxicity. In addition, the mRNA and protein levels of TNF-α, CCL-2 and LOX-1 could be significantly decreased by the application of PAE after A.fumigatus infection in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION Our study indicated that PAE protected against A.fumigatus keratitis by reducing fungal load, accumulation of macrophages, and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting He
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - You Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qingdao Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xudong Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
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Huang Y, Takahashi T, Gaisano H, Rakugi H, Yamamoto K. A live-imaging protocol for tracking receptor dynamics in single cells. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101347. [PMID: 35509972 PMCID: PMC9059088 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101347] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adjacent membrane receptors can show different cellular responses to ligand stimulation. Here, we describe a super-resolution microscopy imaging protocol for tracking the dynamics of two different membrane-bound receptors in single cells. We describe the transfection protocol by electroporation. We detail the imaging procedure for receptors in a single cell. We then outline the data analysis pipeline. We have applied this protocol to imaging of endocytosis of the LOX-1 and AT1 in CHO-K1 cells, but the protocol can be applied to a variety of membrane receptors in other cell lines. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Takahashi et al. (2021). Tracking of plasma membrane-bound receptors in single cells Transfection of two different receptor genes by electroporation Automated quantification using the ImageJ plugin
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Jebari-Benslaiman S, Galicia-García U, Larrea-Sebal A, Olaetxea JR, Alloza I, Vandenbroeck K, Benito-Vicente A, Martín C. Pathophysiology of Atherosclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063346. [PMID: 35328769 PMCID: PMC8954705 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 111.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis is initiated by endothelium activation and, followed by a cascade of events (accumulation of lipids, fibrous elements, and calcification), triggers the vessel narrowing and activation of inflammatory pathways. The resultant atheroma plaque, along with these processes, results in cardiovascular complications. This review focuses on the different stages of atherosclerosis development, ranging from endothelial dysfunction to plaque rupture. In addition, the post-transcriptional regulation and modulation of atheroma plaque by microRNAs and lncRNAs, the role of microbiota, and the importance of sex as a crucial risk factor in atherosclerosis are covered here in order to provide a global view of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifa Jebari-Benslaiman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; (S.J.-B.); (I.A.); (K.V.)
- Biofisika Institute (UPV/EHU, CSIC), Barrio Sarriena s/n., 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; (U.G.-G.); (A.L.-S.)
| | - Unai Galicia-García
- Biofisika Institute (UPV/EHU, CSIC), Barrio Sarriena s/n., 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; (U.G.-G.); (A.L.-S.)
- Fundación Biofisika Bizkaia, Barrio Sarriena s/n., 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Asier Larrea-Sebal
- Biofisika Institute (UPV/EHU, CSIC), Barrio Sarriena s/n., 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; (U.G.-G.); (A.L.-S.)
- Fundación Biofisika Bizkaia, Barrio Sarriena s/n., 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Iraide Alloza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; (S.J.-B.); (I.A.); (K.V.)
- Inflammation & Biomarkers Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Koen Vandenbroeck
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; (S.J.-B.); (I.A.); (K.V.)
- Inflammation & Biomarkers Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Asier Benito-Vicente
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; (S.J.-B.); (I.A.); (K.V.)
- Biofisika Institute (UPV/EHU, CSIC), Barrio Sarriena s/n., 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; (U.G.-G.); (A.L.-S.)
- Correspondence: (A.B.-V.); (C.M.); Tel.: +34-946-01-2741 (C.M.)
| | - César Martín
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; (S.J.-B.); (I.A.); (K.V.)
- Biofisika Institute (UPV/EHU, CSIC), Barrio Sarriena s/n., 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; (U.G.-G.); (A.L.-S.)
- Correspondence: (A.B.-V.); (C.M.); Tel.: +34-946-01-2741 (C.M.)
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Silva LMR, Velásquez ZD, López-Osorio S, Hermosilla C, Taubert A. Novel Insights Into Sterol Uptake and Intracellular Cholesterol Trafficking During Eimeria bovis Macromeront Formation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:809606. [PMID: 35223543 PMCID: PMC8878908 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.809606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites are considered as defective in cholesterol synthesis. Consequently, they need to scavenge cholesterol from the host cell by either enhancing the uptake of extracellular cholesterol sources or by upregulating host cellular de-novo biosynthesis. Given that Eimeria bovis macromeront formation in bovine lymphatic endothelial host cells in vivo is a highly cholesterol-demanding process, we here examined host parasite interactions based on host cellular uptake of different low-density lipoprotein (LDL) types, i.e., of non-modified (LDL), oxidized (oxLDL), and acetylated LDL (acLDL). Furthermore, the expression of lipoprotein-oxidized receptor 1 (LOX-1), which mediates acLDL and oxLDL internalization, was monitored throughout first merogony, in vitro and ex vivo. Moreover, the effects of inhibitors blocking exogenous sterol uptake or intracellular transport were studied during E. bovis macromeront formation in vitro. Hence, E. bovis-infected primary bovine umbilical vein endothelial cells (BUVEC) were treated with inhibitors of sterol uptake (ezetimibe, poly-C, poly-I, sucrose) and of intracellular sterol transport and release from endosomes (progesterone, U18666A). As a read-out system, the size and number of macromeronts as well as merozoite I production were estimated. Overall, the internalization of all LDL modifications (LDL, oxLDL, acLDL) was observed in E. bovis-infected BUVEC but to different extents. Supplementation with oxLDL and acLDL at lower concentrations (5 and 10 µg/ml, respectively) resulted in a slight increase of both macromeront numbers and size; however, at higher concentrations (25-50 µg/ml), merozoite I production was diminished. LOX-1 expression was enhanced in E. bovis-infected BUVEC, especially toward the end of merogony. As an interesting finding, ezetimibe treatments led to a highly significant blockage of macromeront development and merozoite I production confirming the relevance of sterol uptake for intracellular parasite development. Less prominent effects were induced by non-specific inhibition of LDL internalization via sucrose, poly-I, and poly-C. In addition, blockage of cholesterol transport via progesterone and U18666A treatments resulted in significant inhibition of parasite development. Overall, current data underline the relevance of exogenous sterol uptake and intracellular cholesterol transport for adequate E. bovis macromeront development, unfolding new perspectives for novel drug targets against E. bovis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana M. R. Silva
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Zahady D. Velásquez
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sara López-Osorio
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Veterinary Medicine School, CIBAV Investigation Group, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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10
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ATRAP, a receptor-interacting modulator of kidney physiology, as a novel player in blood pressure and beyond. Hypertens Res 2022; 45:32-39. [PMID: 34642449 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-021-00776-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pathological activation of kidney angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor (AT1R) signaling stimulates tubular sodium transporters, including epithelial sodium channels, to increase sodium reabsorption and blood pressure. During a search for a means to functionally and selectively modulate AT1R signaling, a molecule directly interacting with the carboxyl-terminal cytoplasmic domain of AT1R was identified and named AT1R-associated protein (ATRAP/Agtrap). We showed that ATRAP promotes constitutive AT1R internalization to inhibit pathological AT1R activation in response to certain stimuli. In the kidney, ATRAP is abundantly distributed in epithelial cells along the proximal and distal tubules. Results from genetically engineered mice with modified ATRAP expression show that ATRAP plays a key role in the regulation of renal sodium handling and the modulation of blood pressure in response to pathological stimuli and further suggest that the function of kidney tubule ATRAP may be different between distal tubules and proximal tubules, implying that ATRAP is a target of interest in hypertension.
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