1
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Babcock NS, Montes-Cabrera G, Oberhofer KE, Chergui M, Celardo GL, Kurian P. Ultraviolet Superradiance from Mega-Networks of Tryptophan in Biological Architectures. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:4035-4046. [PMID: 38641327 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Networks of tryptophan (Trp)─an aromatic amino acid with strong fluorescence response─are ubiquitous in biological systems, forming diverse architectures in transmembrane proteins, cytoskeletal filaments, subneuronal elements, photoreceptor complexes, virion capsids, and other cellular structures. We analyze the cooperative effects induced by ultraviolet (UV) excitation of several biologically relevant Trp mega-networks, thus giving insights into novel mechanisms for cellular signaling and control. Our theoretical analysis in the single-excitation manifold predicts the formation of strongly superradiant states due to collective interactions among organized arrangements of up to >105 Trp UV-excited transition dipoles in microtubule architectures, which leads to an enhancement of the fluorescence quantum yield (QY) that is confirmed by our experiments. We demonstrate the observed consequences of this superradiant behavior in the fluorescence QY for hierarchically organized tubulin structures, which increases in different geometric regimes at thermal equilibrium before saturation, highlighting the effect's persistence in the presence of disorder. Our work thus showcases the many orders of magnitude across which the brightest (hundreds of femtoseconds) and darkest (tens of seconds) states can coexist in these Trp lattices.
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Affiliation(s)
- N S Babcock
- Quantum Biology Laboratory, Howard University, Washington, D.C. 20060, United States
| | - G Montes-Cabrera
- Quantum Biology Laboratory, Howard University, Washington, D.C. 20060, United States
- Institute of Physics, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72570, Mexico
| | - K E Oberhofer
- Lausanne Centre for Ultrafast Science, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - M Chergui
- Lausanne Centre for Ultrafast Science, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - G L Celardo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence 50019, Italy
| | - P Kurian
- Quantum Biology Laboratory, Howard University, Washington, D.C. 20060, United States
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2
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Mould RR, Mackenzie AM, Kalampouka I, Nunn AVW, Thomas EL, Bell JD, Botchway SW. Ultra weak photon emission-a brief review. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1348915. [PMID: 38420619 PMCID: PMC10899412 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1348915] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cells emit light at ultra-low intensities: photons which are produced as by-products of cellular metabolism, distinct from other light emission processes such as delayed luminescence, bioluminescence, and chemiluminescence. The phenomenon is known by a large range of names, including, but not limited to, biophotons, biological autoluminescence, metabolic photon emission and ultraweak photon emission (UPE), the latter of which shall be used for the purposes of this review. It is worth noting that the photons when produced are neither 'weak' nor specifically biological in characteristics. Research of UPE has a long yet tattered past, historically hamstrung by a lack of technology sensitive enough to detect it. Today, as technology progresses rapidly, it is becoming easier to detect and image these photons, as well as to describe their function. In this brief review we will examine the history of UPE research, their proposed mechanism, possible biological role, the detection of the phenomenon, and the potential medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys R Mould
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alasdair M Mackenzie
- OCTOPUS, Central Laser Facility, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Ifigeneia Kalampouka
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair V W Nunn
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
- The Guy Foundation, Beaminster, United Kingdom
| | - E Louise Thomas
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jimmy D Bell
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stanley W Botchway
- OCTOPUS, Central Laser Facility, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Didcot, United Kingdom
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3
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Xu H, Luo Z, Zhang R, Golovynska I, Huang Y, Samanta S, Zhou T, Li S, Guo B, Liu L, Weng X, He J, Liao C, Wang Y, Ohulchanskyy TY, Qu J. Exploring the effect of photobiomodulation and gamma visual stimulation induced by 808 nm and visible LED in Alzheimer's disease mouse model. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2024; 250:112816. [PMID: 38029664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2023.112816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Although photobiomodulation (PBM) and gamma visual stimulatqion (GVS) have been overwhelmingly explored in the recent time as a possible light stimulation (LS) means of Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy, their effects have not been assessed at once. In our research, the AD mouse model was stimulated using light with various parameters [continuous wave (PBM) or 40 Hz pulsed visible LED (GVS) or 40 Hz pulsed 808 nm LED (PBM and GVS treatment)]]. The brain slices collected from the LS treated AD model mice were evaluated using (i) fluorescence microscopy to image thioflavine-S labeled amy-loid-β (Aβ) plaques (the main hallmark of AD), or (ii) two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) imaging of unlabeled Aβ plaques, showing that the amount of Aβ plaques was reduced after LS treatment. The imaging results correlated well with the results of Morris water maze (MWM) test, which demonstrated that the spatial learning and memory abilities of LS treated mice were noticeably higher than those of untreated mice. The LS effect was also assessed by in vivo nonlinear optical imaging, revealing that the cerebral amyloid angiopathy decreased spe-cifically as a result of 40 Hz pulsed 808 nm irradiation, on the contrary, the angiopathy reversed after visible 40 Hz pulsed light treatment. The obtained results provide useful reference for further optimization of the LS (PBM or GVS) parameters to achieve efficient phototherapy of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Ziyi Luo
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Renlong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Iuliia Golovynska
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Yanxia Huang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Soham Samanta
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Shaowei Li
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Bingang Guo
- HOLOKOOK Co. LtD, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Liwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Weng
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Jun He
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Changrui Liao
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Yiping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Tymish Y Ohulchanskyy
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, P.R. China.
| | - Junle Qu
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronics Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong Province, P.R. China; Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Lab of Modern Optical System, School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, P.R. China.
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4
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Mould RR, Kalampouka I, Thomas EL, Guy GW, Nunn AVW, Bell JD. Non-chemical signalling between mitochondria. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1268075. [PMID: 37811497 PMCID: PMC10560087 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1268075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A wide variety of studies have reported some form of non-chemical or non-aqueous communication between physically isolated organisms, eliciting changes in cellular proliferation, morphology, and/or metabolism. The sources and mechanisms of such signalling pathways are still unknown, but have been postulated to involve vibration, volatile transmission, or light through the phenomenon of ultraweak photon emission. Here, we report non-chemical communication between isolated mitochondria from MCF7 (cancer) and MCF10A (non-cancer) cell lines. We found that mitochondria in one cuvette stressed by an electron transport chain inhibitor, antimycin, alters the respiration of mitochondria in an adjacent, but chemically and physically separate cuvette, significantly decreasing the rate of oxygen consumption compared to a control (p = <0.0001 in MCF7 and MCF10A mitochondria). Moreover, the changes in O2-consumption were dependent on the origin of mitochondria (cancer vs. non-cancer) as well as the presence of "ambient" light. Our results support the existence of non-chemical signalling between isolated mitochondria. The experimental design suggests that the non-chemical communication is light-based, although further work is needed to fully elucidate its nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys R. Mould
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ifigeneia Kalampouka
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | - E. Louise Thomas
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alistair V. W. Nunn
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
- The Guy Foundation, Dorset, United Kingdom
| | - Jimmy D. Bell
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Sergi A, Messina A, Vicario CM, Martino G. A Quantum-Classical Model of Brain Dynamics. ENTROPY (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 25:e25040592. [PMID: 37190380 PMCID: PMC10138112 DOI: 10.3390/e25040592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The study of the human psyche has elucidated a bipartite structure of logic reflecting the quantum-classical nature of the world. Accordingly, we posited an approach toward studying the brain by means of the quantum-classical dynamics of a mixed Weyl symbol. The mixed Weyl symbol can be used to describe brain processes at the microscopic level and, when averaged over an appropriate ensemble, can provide a link to the results of measurements made at the meso and macro scale. Within this approach, quantum variables (such as, for example, nuclear and electron spins, dipole momenta of particles or molecules, tunneling degrees of freedom, and so on) can be represented by spinors, whereas the electromagnetic fields and phonon modes can be treated either classically or semi-classically in phase space by also considering quantum zero-point fluctuations. Quantum zero-point effects can be incorporated into numerical simulations by controlling the temperature of each field mode via coupling to a dedicated Nosé-Hoover chain thermostat. The temperature of each thermostat was chosen in order to reproduce quantum statistics in the canonical ensemble. In this first paper, we introduce a general quantum-classical Hamiltonian model that can be tailored to study physical processes at the interface between the quantum and the classical world in the brain. While the approach is discussed in detail, numerical calculations are not reported in the present paper, but they are planned for future work. Our theory of brain dynamics subsumes some compatible aspects of three well-known quantum approaches to brain dynamics, namely the electromagnetic field theory approach, the orchestrated objective reduction theory, and the dissipative quantum model of the brain. All three models are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Sergi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche e Informatiche, Scienze Fisiche e Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Messina, viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Institute of Systems Science, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Antonino Messina
- Dipartimento di Matematica ed Informatica, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 34, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmelo M Vicario
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cognitive, Psicologiche, Pedagogiche e degli Studi Culturali, Università degli Studi di Messina, Via Concezione 6, 98121 Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Martino
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Clinica Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Messina, A.O.U. "G. Martino", Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
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6
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Kalra A, Benny A, Travis SM, Zizzi EA, Morales-Sanchez A, Oblinsky DG, Craddock TJA, Hameroff SR, MacIver MB, Tuszyński JA, Petry S, Penrose R, Scholes GD. Electronic Energy Migration in Microtubules. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:352-361. [PMID: 36968538 PMCID: PMC10037452 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c01114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The repeating arrangement of tubulin dimers confers great mechanical strength to microtubules, which are used as scaffolds for intracellular macromolecular transport in cells and exploited in biohybrid devices. The crystalline order in a microtubule, with lattice constants short enough to allow energy transfer between amino acid chromophores, is similar to synthetic structures designed for light harvesting. After photoexcitation, can these amino acid chromophores transfer excitation energy along the microtubule like a natural or artificial light-harvesting system? Here, we use tryptophan autofluorescence lifetimes to probe energy hopping between aromatic residues in tubulin and microtubules. By studying how the quencher concentration alters tryptophan autofluorescence lifetimes, we demonstrate that electronic energy can diffuse over 6.6 nm in microtubules. We discover that while diffusion lengths are influenced by tubulin polymerization state (free tubulin versus tubulin in the microtubule lattice), they are not significantly altered by the average number of protofilaments (13 versus 14). We also demonstrate that the presence of the anesthetics etomidate and isoflurane reduce exciton diffusion. Energy transport as explained by conventional Förster theory (accommodating for interactions between tryptophan and tyrosine residues) does not sufficiently explain our observations. Our studies indicate that microtubules are, unexpectedly, effective light harvesters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarat
P. Kalra
- Department
of Chemistry, New Frick Chemistry Building, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey08544, United States
| | - Alfy Benny
- Department
of Chemistry, New Frick Chemistry Building, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey08544, United States
| | - Sophie M. Travis
- Department
of Molecular Biology, Schultz Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey08544, United States
| | - Eric A. Zizzi
- Department
of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS), Politecnico di Torino, Torino10129, Italy
| | - Austin Morales-Sanchez
- Department
of Chemistry, New Frick Chemistry Building, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey08544, United States
| | - Daniel G. Oblinsky
- Department
of Chemistry, New Frick Chemistry Building, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey08544, United States
| | - Travis J. A. Craddock
- Departments
of Psychology & Neuroscience, Computer Science, and Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida33314, United States
| | - Stuart R. Hameroff
- Department
of Anesthesiology, Center for Consciousness Studies, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona85721, United States
| | - M. Bruce MacIver
- Department
of Anesthesiology, Stanford University School
of Medicine, Stanford, California94305, United States
| | - Jack A. Tuszyński
- Department
of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS), Politecnico di Torino, Torino10129, Italy
- Department
of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AlbertaT6G 2E1, Canada
- Department
of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AlbertaT6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Sabine Petry
- Department
of Molecular Biology, Schultz Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey08544, United States
| | - Roger Penrose
- Mathematical
Institute, Andrew Wiles Building, University
of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, United
Kingdom
| | - Gregory D. Scholes
- Department
of Chemistry, New Frick Chemistry Building, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey08544, United States
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7
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Zhang H, Wu C, Yu DD, Su H, Chen Y, Ni W. Piperine attenuates the inflammation, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis to facilitate recovery from spinal cord injury via autophagy enhancement. Phytother Res 2023; 37:438-451. [PMID: 36114802 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious injury that can lead to irreversible motor dysfunction. Due to its complicated pathogenic mechanism, there are no effective drug treatments. Piperine, a natural active alkaloid extracted from black pepper, has been reported to influence neurogenesis and exert a neuroprotective effect in traumatic brain injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of piperine in an SCI model. SCI was induced in mice by clamping the spinal cord with a vascular clip for 1 min. Before SCI and every 2 days post-SCI, evaluations using the Basso mouse scale and inclined plane tests were performed. On day 28 after SCI, footprint analyses, and HE/Masson staining of tissues were performed. On a postoperative Day 3, the spinal cord was harvested to assess the levels of pyroptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammation, and autophagy. Piperine enhanced functional recovery after SCI. Additionally, piperine reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, pyroptosis, and activated autophagy. However, the effects of piperine on functional recovery after SCI were reversed by autophagy inhibition. The study demonstrated that piperine facilitated functional recovery after SCI by inhibiting inflammatory, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis, mediated by the activation of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojie Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenyu Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Dong Yu
- Department of Urology, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Haohan Su
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanlin Chen
- Spinal Surgery Department, The Central Hospital of Lishui City, Lishui, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenfei Ni
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
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8
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Microtubules as a potential platform for energy transfer in biological systems: a target for implementing individualized, dynamic variability patterns to improve organ function. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:375-392. [PMID: 35829870 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04513-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Variability characterizes the complexity of biological systems and is essential for their function. Microtubules (MTs) play a role in structural integrity, cell motility, material transport, and force generation during mitosis, and dynamic instability exemplifies the variability in the proper function of MTs. MTs are a platform for energy transfer in cells. The dynamic instability of MTs manifests itself by the coexistence of growth and shortening, or polymerization and depolymerization. It results from a balance between attractive and repulsive forces between tubulin dimers. The paper reviews the current data on MTs and their potential roles as energy-transfer cellular structures and presents how variability can improve the function of biological systems in an individualized manner. The paper presents the option for targeting MTs to trigger dynamic improvement in cell plasticity, regulate energy transfer, and possibly control quantum effects in biological systems. The described system quantifies MT-dependent variability patterns combined with additional personalized signatures to improve organ function in a subject-tailored manner. The platform can regulate the use of MT-targeting drugs to improve the response to chronic therapies. Ongoing trials test the effects of this platform on various disorders.
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9
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Nunn AV, Guy GW, Bell JD. Bioelectric Fields at the Beginnings of Life. Bioelectricity 2022; 4:237-247. [PMID: 36636557 PMCID: PMC9810354 DOI: 10.1089/bioe.2022.0012] [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] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The consensus on the origins of life is that it involved organization of prebiotic chemicals according to the underlying principles of thermodynamics to dissipate energy derived from photochemical and/or geochemical sources. Leading theories tend to be chemistry-centric, revolving around either metabolism or information-containing polymers first. However, experimental data also suggest that bioelectricity and quantum effects play an important role in biology, which might suggest that a further factor is required to explain how life began. Intriguingly, in the early part of 20th century, the concept of the "morphogenetic field" was proposed by Gurwitsch to explain how the shape of an organism was determined, while a role for quantum mechanics in biology was suggested by Bohr and Schrödinger, among others. This raises the question as to the potential of these phenomena, especially bioelectric fields, to have been involved in the origin of life. It points to the possibility that as bioelectricity is universally prevalent in biological systems today, it represents a more complex echo of an electromagnetic skeleton which helped shape life into being. It could be argued that as a flow of ions creates an electric field, this could have been pivotal in the formation of an energy dissipating structure, for instance, in deep sea thermal vents. Moreover, a field theory might also hint at the potential involvement of nontrivial quantum effects in life. Not only might this perspective help indicate the origins of morphogenetic fields, but also perhaps suggest where life may have started, and whether metabolism or information came first. It might also help to provide an insight into aging, cancer, consciousness, and, perhaps, how we might identify life beyond our planet. In short, when thinking about life, not only do we have to consider the accepted chemistry, but also the fields that must also shape it. In effect, to fully understand life, as well as the yin of accepted particle-based chemistry, there is a yang of field-based interaction and an ethereal skeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair V.W. Nunn
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom.,Address correspondence to: Alistair V.W. Nunn, PhD, Research Centre for Optimal Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jimmy D. Bell
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Alachkar A. Aromatic patterns: Tryptophan aromaticity as a catalyst for the emergence of life and rise of consciousness. Phys Life Rev 2022; 42:93-114. [PMID: 35905538 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2022.07.002] [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: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sunlight held the key to the origin of life on Earth. The earliest life forms, cyanobacteria, captured the sunlight to generate energy through photosynthesis. Life on Earth evolved in accordance with the circadian rhythms tied to sensitivity to sunlight patterns. A unique feature of cyanobacterial photosynthetic proteins and circadian rhythms' molecules, and later of nearly all photon-sensing molecules throughout evolution, is that the aromatic amino acid tryptophan (Trp) resides at the center of light-harvesting active sites. In this perspective, I review the literature and integrate evidence from different scientific fields to explore the role Trp plays in photon-sensing capabilities of living organisms through its resonance delocalization of π-electrons. The observations presented here are the product of apparently unrelated phenomena throughout evolution, but nevertheless share consistent patterns of photon-sensing by Trp-containing and Trp-derived molecules. I posit the unique capacity to transfer electrons during photosynthesis in the earliest life forms is conferred to Trp due to its aromaticity. I propose this ability evolved to assume more complex functions, serving as a host for mechanisms underlying mental aptitudes - a concept which provides a theoretical basis for defining the neural correlates of consciousness. The argument made here is that Trp aromaticity may have allowed for the inception of the mechanistic building blocks used to fabricate complexity in higher forms of life. More specifically, Trp aromatic non-locality may have acted as a catalyst for the emergence of consciousness by instigating long-range synchronization and stabilizing the large-scale coherence of neural networks, which mediate functional brain activity. The concepts proposed in this perspective provide a conceptual foundation that invites further interdisciplinary dialogue aimed at examining and defining the role of aromaticity (beyond Trp) in the emergence of life and consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Alachkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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11
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Zadeh-Haghighi H, Simon C. Radical pairs may play a role in microtubule reorganization. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6109. [PMID: 35414166 PMCID: PMC9005667 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10068-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The exact mechanism behind general anesthesia remains an open question in neuroscience. It has been proposed that anesthetics selectively prevent consciousness and memory via acting on microtubules (MTs). It is known that the magnetic field modulates MT organization. A recent study shows that a radical pair model can explain the isotope effect in xenon-induced anesthesia and predicts magnetic field effects on anesthetic potency. Further, reactive oxygen species are also implicated in MT stability and anesthesia. Based on a simple radical pair mechanism model and a simple mathematical model of MT organization, we show that magnetic fields can modulate spin dynamics of naturally occurring radical pairs in MT. We propose that the spin dynamics influence a rate in the reaction cycle, which translates into a change in the MT density. We can reproduce magnetic field effects on the MT concentration that have been observed. Our model also predicts additional effects at slightly higher fields. Our model further predicts that the effect of zinc on the MT density exhibits isotopic dependence. The findings of this work make a connection between microtubule-based and radical pair-based quantum theories of consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Zadeh-Haghighi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Christoph Simon
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
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12
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Zhang W, Craddock TJ, Li Y, Swartzlander M, Alfano RR, Shi L. Fano resonance line shapes in the Raman spectra of tubulin and microtubules reveal quantum effects. BIOPHYSICAL REPORTS 2022; 2:100043. [PMID: 36425084 PMCID: PMC9680776 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpr.2021.100043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules are self-assembling biological nanotubes made of the protein tubulin that are essential for cell motility, cell architecture, cell division, and intracellular trafficking. They demonstrate unique mechanical properties of high resilience and stiffness due to their quasi-crystalline helical structure. It has been theorized that this hollow molecular nanostructure may function like a quantum wire where optical transitions can take place, and photoinduced changes in microtubule architecture may be mediated via changes in disulfide or peptide bonds or stimulated by photoexcitation of tryptophan, tyrosine, or phenylalanine groups, resulting in subtle protein structural changes owing to alterations in aromatic flexibility. Here, we measured the Raman spectra of a microtubule and its constituent protein tubulin both in dry powdered form and in aqueous solution to determine if molecular bond vibrations show potential Fano resonances, which are indicative of quantum coupling between discrete phonon vibrational states and continuous excitonic many-body spectra. The key findings of this work are that we observed the Raman spectra of tubulin and microtubules and found line shapes characteristic of Fano resonances attributed to aromatic amino acids and disulfide bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxu Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Travis J.A. Craddock
- Clinical Systems Biology Group, Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine
- Departments of Psychology & Neuroscience, Computer Science, and Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Robert R. Alfano
- Institute for Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Lasers, Department of Physics, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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13
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Uriza-Prias DM, Méndez-Blas A, Rivas-Silva JF. A study of the effects of the polarity of the solvents acetone and cyclohexane on the luminescent properties of tryptophan. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 266:120434. [PMID: 34624817 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2021.120434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The luminescent properties of tryptophan in solvents less polar than water, such as acetone, and non-polar ones, such as cyclohexane, are experimentally studied and compared with theoretical calculations using time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) methods. Since tryptophan may present different configurations and charge distributions, the most stable conformer is analyzed for both solvents, including its neutral and zwitterionic forms. To perform the simulation two clusters are proposed with the Zpt conformer in acetone: [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] , and four clusters with the Nag+ conformer in cyclohexane: (Trp)1-(C6H12), (Trp)2-(C6H12), (Trp)3-(C6H12) and (Trp)4-(C6H12), in order to conveniently emulate the concentration in each solvent by reducing the distance between adjacent tryptophan molecules as the concentration increases, since there is no control over the volume parameter. In each case, the UV-vis absorption is computed and compared with the experimental excitation spectra; the results show a good agreement. This calculation allows a more detailed analysis of the experimental results based on the properties of the molecular orbitals involved in electronic transitions. In the present work, a strong effect of the solvent acetone on tryptophan is observed; for this solvent, a charge transfer from the solute to solvent happens. This behavior does not occur with water (polar solvent) or cyclohexane (non-polar solvent). Finally, experimental spectroscopic data of Trp in cyclohexane are explained through the hydrogen bonds between amino acid molecules present in the fluorescent states. In this case, the theoretical and experimental results are compared and also show good agreement.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Uriza-Prias
- Instituto de Física, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Apdo. Postal J -48, 72570 Puebla, Pue, Mexico.
| | - A Méndez-Blas
- Instituto de Física, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Apdo. Postal J -48, 72570 Puebla, Pue, Mexico
| | - J F Rivas-Silva
- Instituto de Física, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Apdo. Postal J -48, 72570 Puebla, Pue, Mexico
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14
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Nganfo WA, Kenfack-Sadem C, Fotué AJ, Ekosso MC, Wopunghwo SN, Fai LC. Dynamics of exciton polaron in microtubule. Heliyon 2022; 8:e08897. [PMID: 35265761 PMCID: PMC8899671 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08897] [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: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we study the dynamical properties of the exciton-polaron in the microtubule. The study was carried out using a unitary transformation and an approximate diagonalization technique. Analytically, the modeling of exciton-polaron dynamics in microtubules is presented. From this model, the ground state energy, mobility, and entropy of the exciton-polaron are derived as a function of microtubule's parameters. Numerical results show that, depending on the three vibrational modes (protofilament, helix, antihelix) in MTs, exciton-polaron energy is anisotropic and is more present on the protofilament than the helix and absent on the antihelix. Taking into account the variation of the protofilament vibrations by fixing the helix vibrations, exciton-polaron moves between the 1st and 2nd protofilaments. It is seen that the variation of the two vibrations induces mobility of the quasiparticle between the 1st and 15th protofilament. This result points out the importance of helix vibrations on the dynamics of quasiparticles. It is observed that the mobility of the exciton polaron and the entropy of the system are strongly influenced by the vibrations through the protofilament and helix. The effects of the one through the antihelix is negligible. The entropy of the system is similar to that of mobility. Confirming that the quasiparticles move in the protofilament faster than in the helix.
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Affiliation(s)
- W A Nganfo
- Condensed Matter and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, University of Dschang, Po Box 67, Cameroon
| | - C Kenfack-Sadem
- Condensed Matter and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, University of Dschang, Po Box 67, Cameroon
| | - A J Fotué
- Condensed Matter and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, University of Dschang, Po Box 67, Cameroon
| | - M C Ekosso
- Condensed Matter and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, University of Dschang, Po Box 67, Cameroon
| | - S N Wopunghwo
- Condensed Matter and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, University of Dschang, Po Box 67, Cameroon
| | - L C Fai
- Condensed Matter and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, University of Dschang, Po Box 67, Cameroon
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15
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Transition between Random and Periodic Electron Currents on a DNA Chain. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147361. [PMID: 34298980 PMCID: PMC8303785 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
By resorting to a model inspired to the standard Davydov and Holstein-Fröhlich models, in the present paper we study the motion of an electron along a chain of heavy particles modeling a sequence of nucleotides proper to a DNA fragment. Starting with a model Hamiltonian written in second quantization, we use the Time Dependent Variational Principle to work out the dynamical equations of the system. It can be found that, under the action of an external source of energy transferred to the electron, and according to the excitation site, the electron current can display either a broad frequency spectrum or a sharply peaked frequency spectrum. This sequence-dependent charge transfer phenomenology is suggestive of a potentially rich variety of electrodynamic interactions of DNA molecules under the action of electron excitation. This could imply the activation of interactions between DNA and transcription factors, or between DNA and external electromagnetic fields.
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Gottlieb MGV, Borges CA, Closs VE, Seibel R, Schneider RH, Schwanke CH, Gomes I. Association of Val16Ala Polymorphism of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD) with Food Intake and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in the Elderly in Primary Care in Porto Alegre. Curr Aging Sci 2021; 15:49-58. [PMID: 34042042 DOI: 10.2174/1874609814666210526115150] [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: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aging process causes physiological changes on its own. The combination of an unhealthy lifestyle with the presence of genetic polymorphisms, such as the Val16Ala of the antioxidant enzyme manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) may contribute to a greater occurrence of cardiometabolic risk factors. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to verify the association of Val16Ala-MnSOD polymorphism with food intake, caloric expenditure, and cardiometabolic risk factors in the elderly. METHODS A cross-sectional study with a sample size of 270 elderly individuals assisted in primary health care in the city of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Val16Ala polymorphism, glucose, lipid profile, insulin, HOMA-IR, blood pressure, waist circumference, PCR-us, IL-6, food consumption, and caloric expenditure were evaluated. RESULTS The average age of the elderly was 68.6 ± 7.6 years. There were statistically significant differences regarding the consumption of two or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily between the elderly VV versus AV (P=0.017). There were also statistically significant differences regarding the consumption of two or more daily servings of legumes and eggs between the elderly AA versus VV (P=0.002). The median of insulin was higher in the elderly AA versus AV (P=0.025) and the median of HOMA-IR was higher in the elderly VV versus AV (P=0.029). AA elderly individuals had higher means of high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) compared to AV (P=0.029). CONCLUSION The results suggest that Val16Ala -MnSOD polymorphism is associated with the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and eggs, as well as with cardiometabolic risk factors in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gabriela Valle Gottlieb
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology. School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Alves Borges
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology. School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Vera Elizabeth Closs
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology. School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Raquel Seibel
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology. School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Herberto Schneider
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology. School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carla Helena Schwanke
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology. School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Irenio Gomes
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology. School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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17
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Energy transfer to the phonons of a macromolecule through light pumping. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6591. [PMID: 33758269 PMCID: PMC7988022 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85856-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present paper we address the problem of the energy downconversion of the light absorbed by a protein into its internal vibrational modes. We consider the case in which the light receptors are fluorophores either naturally co-expressed with the protein or artificially covalently bound to some of its amino acids. In a recent work [Phys. Rev. X 8, 031061 (2018)], it has been experimentally found that by shining a laser light on the fluorophores attached to a protein the energy fed to it can be channeled into the normal mode of lowest frequency of vibration thus making the subunits of the protein coherently oscillate. Even if the phonon condensation phenomenon has been theoretically explained, the first step - the energy transfer from electronic excitation into phonon excitation - has been left open. The present work is aimed at filling this gap.
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18
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Ray B, Bhat A, Mahalakshmi AM, Tuladhar S, Bishir M, Mohan SK, Veeraraghavan VP, Chandra R, Essa MM, Chidambaram SB, Sakharkar MK. Mitochondrial and Organellar Crosstalk in Parkinson's Disease. ASN Neuro 2021; 13:17590914211028364. [PMID: 34304614 PMCID: PMC8317254 DOI: 10.1177/17590914211028364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a well-established pathological event in Parkinson's disease (PD). Proteins misfolding and its impaired cellular clearance due to altered autophagy/mitophagy/pexophagy contribute to PD progression. It has been shown that mitochondria have contact sites with endoplasmic reticulum (ER), peroxisomes and lysosomes that are involved in regulating various physiological processes. In pathological conditions, the crosstalk at the contact sites initiates alterations in intracellular vesicular transport, calcium homeostasis and causes activation of proteases, protein misfolding and impairment of autophagy. Apart from the well-reported molecular changes like mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired autophagy/mitophagy and oxidative stress in PD, here we have summarized the recent scientific reports to provide the mechanistic insights on the altered communications between ER, peroxisomes, and lysosomes at mitochondrial contact sites. Furthermore, the manuscript elaborates on the contributions of mitochondrial contact sites and organelles dysfunction to the pathogenesis of PD and suggests potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bipul Ray
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Abid Bhat
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | | | - Sunanda Tuladhar
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Muhammed Bishir
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Surapaneni Krishna Mohan
- Department of Biochemistry, Panimalar Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Varadharajapuram, Poonamallee, Chennai – 600123, India
| | - Vishnu Priya Veeraraghavan
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai - 600 077, India
| | - Ramesh Chandra
- Drug Discovery & Development Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Musthafa Mohamed Essa
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, CAMS, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
- Aging and Dementia Research Group, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
- Visiting Professor, Biomedical Sciences department, University of Pacific, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Saravana Babu Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Meena Kishore Sakharkar
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK- S7N 5A2, Canada
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19
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Piao D. On the stress-induced photon emission from organism: I, will the scattering-limited delay affect the temporal course? SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-03346-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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20
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Akter M, Keya JJ, Kabir AMR, Asanuma H, Murayama K, Sada K, Kakugo A. Photo-regulated trajectories of gliding microtubules conjugated with DNA. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:7953-7956. [PMID: 32537622 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc03124k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We regulate the persistency in motion of kinesin-driven microtubules (MTs) simply using a photoresponsive DNA (pDNA) and ultraviolet (UV)-visible light. The path persistence length of MTs, which is a measure of the persistency in their motion, increases and decreases upon illuminating the MTs with UV and visible light respectively. Moreover, pDNA is found to work as a shield for MTs against damage under UV irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousumi Akter
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan.
| | | | | | - Hiroyuki Asanuma
- Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan
| | - Keiji Murayama
- Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan
| | - Kazuki Sada
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan. and Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Akira Kakugo
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan. and Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
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21
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Metformin Promotes Axon Regeneration after Spinal Cord Injury through Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Stabilizing Microtubule. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:9741369. [PMID: 31998447 PMCID: PMC6969994 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9741369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating disease that may lead to lifelong disability. Thus, seeking for valid drugs that are beneficial to promoting axonal regrowth and elongation after SCI has gained wide attention. Metformin, a glucose-lowering agent, has been demonstrated to play roles in various central nervous system (CNS) disorders. However, the potential protective effect of metformin on nerve regeneration after SCI is still unclear. In this study, we found that the administration of metformin improved functional recovery after SCI through reducing neuronal cell apoptosis and repairing neurites by stabilizing microtubules via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway with LY294002 partly reversed the therapeutic effects of metformin on SCI in vitro and vivo. Furthermore, metformin treatment weakened the excessive activation of oxidative stress and improved the mitochondrial function by activating the nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription and binding to the antioxidant response element (ARE). Moreover, treatment with Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 partially abolished its antioxidant effect. We also found that the Nrf2 transcription was partially reduced by LY294002 in vitro. Taken together, these results revealed that the role of metformin in nerve regeneration after SCI was probably related to stabilization of microtubules and inhibition of the excessive activation of Akt-mediated Nrf2/ARE pathway-regulated oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Overall, our present study suggests that metformin administration may provide a potential therapy for SCI.
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Abstract
After presenting the basic theoretical models of excitation energy transfer and charge transfer, I describe some of the novel experimental methods used to probe them. Finally, I discuss recent results concerning ultrafast energy and charge transfer in biological systems, in chemical systems and in photovoltaics based on sensitized transition metal oxides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majed Chergui
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Laboratoire de Spectroscopie Ultrarapide, ISIC, Lausanne Centre for Ultrafast Science (LACUS), FSB, Station 6, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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23
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Abstract
PURPOSE Eating disorders are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and often class in Impulse control disorders, however, little is known about their phenomenology. Specific symptoms and comorbidities were described in a group of PD patients in this preliminary study. METHODS Over a period of 6 months, 51 PD patients who experienced significant changes in eating habits following diagnosis of PD and were interviewed during regularly scheduled follow-up visits. We assessed each patient's height and weight, impulsivity, psychological distress, current eating disorder symptoms, food addiction, food habits and craving. RESULTS Among the PD patients who experienced modified dietary habits following diagnosis, few exhibited binge eating disorders (BED) full criteria (3.9%). However, 21.6% of patients experienced episodes of out-of-control eating with a large quantity of food in short time and 39.2% satisfied food addiction (FA) criteria without binge eating disorder. Food cravings more than once a week were experienced in approximately half of the population including all FA patients. Regarding comorbidities, FA PD patients present impulsive features and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the existence of FA profile in PD patients. Eating disorders even in PD are complex and have a cross-cutting criteria related to out-of-control eating, FA, and BED. The association of anxiety with PD-related food addiction, contrary to L-dopa equivalent daily dose mean score or the presence of dopamine agonists, underline the complex sustainability of the dopaminergic brainstem support. A study on their detailed prevalence in this population could be helpful to better understand unspecified feeding or eating disorder. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER DR-2012-007. NAME OF THE REGISTRY French Committee for the Protection of Persons (CPP) & French National Commission on Computing and Liberty (CNIL). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, descriptive study.
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Neuroprotective effect of FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 silence on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in a SH-SY5Y cell line. Gene 2019; 697:152-158. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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25
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Affiliation(s)
- Majed Chergui
- Laboratoire de Spectroscopie Ultrarapide (LSU) and Lausanne Centre for Ultrafast Science (LACUS), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, ISIC, FSB, Station 6, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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26
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Calcerrada M, Garcia-Ruiz C. Human Ultraweak Photon Emission: Key Analytical Aspects, Results and Future Trends - A Review. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2018; 49:368-381. [PMID: 30582823 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2018.1534199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Living systems emit what is called ultraweak photon emission (UPE). This visually undetectable phenomenon has only been studied in humans for the last 30 years, finding that UPE is a complex process depending on multitude factors. Considering previous literature, this review discusses the current trends in the analysis of in vivo UPE from human beings. To this aim, Analytical Approaches Employed for UPE Measurement section focuses on the analytical techniques employed (photomultipliers and charged coupled device cameras), summarizing analytical conditions and reporting figures of merit reached to date. Then, Human UPE Depending on External Factors and Human UPE Depending on Internal Factors sections address external and internal factors, which have proved to affect UPE, pointing out the important influence on oxidative processes outside and inside the body, and also highlighting some personal states of the individuals affecting UPE. Last section is devoted to give a general view on the goals and achieved up to date regarding UPE measurement, emphasizing some potential applications as well as recommendations which include: use of UPE spectra information together with UPE intensity, larger populations (≈50-100 subjects), further studies on internal states of individuals, and use of statistical tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Calcerrada
- a Department of Analytical Chemistry Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Multipurpose Building of Chemistry , University of Alcalá , Alcalá de Henares , Madrid , Spain
| | - C Garcia-Ruiz
- a Department of Analytical Chemistry Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Multipurpose Building of Chemistry , University of Alcalá , Alcalá de Henares , Madrid , Spain.,b University Institute of Research in Police Sciences (IUICP), Law Faculty, Colegio Máximo de Jesuitas , University of Alcalá , Alcalá de Henares , Madrid , Spain
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27
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Li M, Zhu Y, Peng W, Wang H, Yuan Y, Gu X. Achyranthes bidentata Polypeptide Protects Schwann Cells From Apoptosis in Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:868. [PMID: 30555292 PMCID: PMC6284036 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ABPPk, the active ingredient separated from Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides, is a traditional Chinese medicine with multiple pharmaceutical properties. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of ABPPk in protecting Schwann cells (SCs) from H2O2-induced cell apoptosis. The viability of SCs pretreated with ABPPk was elevated significantly by MTT assay estimation. Meanwhile, the apoptosis of SCs was reduced which was showed in flow cytometry and transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling analysis. Furthermore, the addition of ABPPk also increased the activities of SOD and GSH accompanied with a decrease in MDA and LDH activities. According to Western blot analysis, the upregulation of Bcl-2, also downregulation of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were demonstrated in SCs which was ABPPk pretreated. Further research showed that PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 pathways in SCs have been activated after pretreatment of ABPPk. Collectively, results in our study suggested that ABPPk protected SCs from H2O2-induced oxidative damage by reducing the expression of apoptotic molecules and enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, which inhibited the apoptosis of SCs modulated by PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. In our perspectives, ABPPk as an active factor with its antioxidative activities has potential and promising therapeutic effects in the prevention of neurologic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyuan Li
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovatioin Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ye Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovatioin Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Wenqiang Peng
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovatioin Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hongkui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovatioin Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovatioin Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaosong Gu
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu Province and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovatioin Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Barvitenko N, Lawen A, Aslam M, Pantaleo A, Saldanha C, Skverchinskaya E, Regolini M, Tuszynski JA. Integration of intracellular signaling: Biological analogues of wires, processors and memories organized by a centrosome 3D reference system. Biosystems 2018; 173:191-206. [PMID: 30142359 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myriads of signaling pathways in a single cell function to achieve the highest spatio-temporal integration. Data are accumulating on the role of electromechanical soliton-like waves in signal transduction processes. Theoretical studies strongly suggest feasibility of both classical and quantum computing involving microtubules. AIM A theoretical study of the role of the complex composed of the plasma membrane and the microtubule-based cytoskeleton as a system that transmits, stores and processes information. METHODS Theoretical analysis presented here refers to (i) the Penrose-Hameroff theory of consciousness (Orchestrated Objective Reduction; Orch OR), (ii) the description of the centrosome as a reference system for construction of the 3D map of the cell proposed by Regolini, (iii) the Heimburg-Jackson model of the nerve pulse propagation along axons' lipid bilayer as soliton-like electro-mechanical waves. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The ideas presented in this paper provide a qualitative model for the decision-making processes in a living cell undergoing a differentiation process. OUTLOOK This paper paves the way for the real-time live-cell observation of information processing by microtubule-based cytoskeleton and cell fate decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alfons Lawen
- Monash University, School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Muhammad Aslam
- Medical Clininc I, Cardiology/Angiology, University Hospital, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Antonella Pantaleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Carlota Saldanha
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Instituto de Bioquimica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Marco Regolini
- Department of Bioengineering and Mathematical Modeling, AudioLogic, Milan, Italy
| | - Jack A Tuszynski
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, IT-10128, Torino, Italy.
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Ni HY, Song YX, Wu HY, Chang L, Luo CX, Zhu DY. 2-Methyl-5H-benzo[d]pyrazolo[5,1-b][1,3]oxazin-5-imine, an edaravone analog, exerts neuroprotective effects against acute ischemic injury via inhibiting oxidative stress. J Biomed Res 2018; 32:270-280. [PMID: 30008465 PMCID: PMC6117603 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.32.20180014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays an indispensable role in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia. Inhibiting oxidative stress has been considered as an effective approach for stroke treatment. Edaravone, a free radical scavenger, has been shown to prevent cerebral ischemic injury. However, the clinical efficacy of edaravone is limited because it has a low scavenging activity for superoxide anions (O2·-). Here, we report that 2-methyl-5H-benzo[d]pyrazolo[5,1-b][1,3]oxazin-5-imine, a novel small-molecule compound structurally related to edaravone, showed a stronger inhibitory effect on oxidative stress in vitro. In vivo, 2-methyl-5H-benzo[d]pyrazolo[5,1-b][1,3]oxazin-5-imine reversed transient middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced dysfunctions of superoxide dismutases and malondialdehyde, two proteins crucial for oxidative stress, suggesting a strengthened antioxidant system. Moreover, 2-methyl-5H-benzo[d]pyrazolo[5,1-b][1,3]oxazin-5-imine decreased blood brain barrier permeability. Then, we found that 2-methyl-5H-benzo[d]pyrazolo[5,1-b][1,3]oxazin-5-imine had a stronger neuroprotective effect than edaravone. More importantly, 2-methyl-5H-benzo[d]pyrazolo[5,1-b][1,3]oxazin-5-imine decreased not only infarct size and neurological deficits in the acute phase but also modified neurological severity score and escape latency in Morris water maze task in the delayed period, indicating enhanced neuroprotection, sensorimotor function and spatial memory. Together, these findings suggest that 2-methyl-5H-benzo[d]pyrazolo[5,1-b][1,3]oxazin-5-imine could be a preferable option for stroke treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Yu Ni
- Institution of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Yi-Xuan Song
- Institution of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Hai-Yin Wu
- Institution of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Lei Chang
- Institution of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Chun-Xia Luo
- Institution of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Dong-Ya Zhu
- Institution of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.,The Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine of Cardiovascular Disease, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
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Fassler R, Edinger N, Rimon O, Reichmann D. Defining Hsp33's Redox-regulated Chaperone Activity and Mapping Conformational Changes on Hsp33 Using Hydrogen-deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29939186 DOI: 10.3791/57806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Living organisms regularly need to cope with fluctuating environments during their life cycle, including changes in temperature, pH, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and more. These fluctuations can lead to a widespread protein unfolding, aggregation, and cell death. Therefore, cells have evolved a dynamic and stress-specific network of molecular chaperones, which maintain a "healthy" proteome during stress conditions. ATP-independent chaperones constitute one major class of molecular chaperones, which serve as first-line defense molecules, protecting against protein aggregation in a stress-dependent manner. One feature these chaperones have in common is their ability to utilize structural plasticity for their stress-specific activation, recognition, and release of the misfolded client. In this paper, we focus on the functional and structural analysis of one such intrinsically disordered chaperone, the bacterial redox-regulated Hsp33, which protects proteins against aggregation during oxidative stress. Here, we present a toolbox of diverse techniques for studying redox-regulated chaperone activity, as well as for mapping conformational changes of the chaperone, underlying its activity. Specifically, we describe a workflow which includes the preparation of fully reduced and fully oxidized proteins, followed by an analysis of the chaperone anti-aggregation activity in vitro using light-scattering, focusing on the degree of the anti-aggregation activity and its kinetics. To overcome frequent outliers accumulated during aggregation assays, we describe the usage of Kfits, a novel graphical tool which allows easy processing of kinetic measurements. This tool can be easily applied to other types of kinetic measurements for removing outliers and fitting kinetic parameters. To correlate the function with the protein structure, we describe the setup and workflow of a structural mass spectrometry technique, hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, that allows the mapping of conformational changes on the chaperone and substrate during different stages of Hsp33 activity. The same methodology can be applied to other protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosi Fassler
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus Givat Ram, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
| | - Nufar Edinger
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus Givat Ram, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
| | - Oded Rimon
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus Givat Ram, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
| | - Dana Reichmann
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Safra Campus Givat Ram, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem;
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Bevelacqua JJ, Mortazavi SMJ. Alzheimer 's Disease: Possible Mechanisms Behind Neurohormesis Induced by Exposure to Low Doses of Ionizing Radiation. J Biomed Phys Eng 2018; 8:153-156. [PMID: 29951441 PMCID: PMC6015644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In 2016, scientists reported that human exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation (CT scans of the brain) might relieve symptoms of both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD). The findings were unbelievable for those who were not familiar with neurohormesis. X-ray stimulation of the patient's adaptive protection systems against neurodegenerative diseases was the mechanism proposed by those authors. Now, some more recent studies performed in the field of neurobiological research confirm that low levels of stress can produce protective responses against the pathogenic processes. This paper outlines possible protective consequences of LDR in preventing the pathogenesis of AD through mechanisms such as restoring the myelin sheath and preventing neurodegeneration caused by oxidative stress. Focal demyelination is frequently reported in the proximity of beta-amyloid plaques within neocortex. Extracellular accumulation of amyloid is among well-characterized pathological changes in AD. It should be noted that LDR has been shown to contribute to the regeneration and functional recovery after transverse peripheral nerve injury (through inducing increased production of VEGF and GAP-43), which advances both the axonal regeneration and myelination. Another mechanism which is possibly involved is preventing neurodegeneration caused by oxidative stress. While high doses can induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation, substantial evidence now indicates that LDR can mitigate tissue damage through antioxidant defenses. Although adult neurogenesis has been reported to be beneficial for the regeneration of nervous system, some studies demonstrate that neurogenesis increases in AD brains. In spite of these reports, cellular therapy is introduced as a promising strategy for AD, and hence, LDR can affect the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells. Although such mechanisms are not fully known yet, it is hoped that this paper would foster further investigation into the mechanisms of this phenomenon, which accordingly improves human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Bevelacqua
- Bevelacqua Resources, 343 Adair Drive, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - S M J Mortazavi
- Biophotonics Lab, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, 3200 N Cramer St., Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
- Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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