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Li N, Wang G, Guo M, Zhu N, Yu W. The mechanism and clinical application of farnesyl diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1 in cancer metabolism. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 719:150046. [PMID: 38749088 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150046] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer poses a significant risk to human well-being. Among the crucial characteristics of cancer is metabolic reprogramming. To meet the relentless metabolic needs, cancer cells enhance cholesterol metabolism within the adverse tumor microenvironment. Reprograming cholesterol metabolism includes a series of modifications in the synthesis, absorption, esterification, and metabolites associated with cholesterol. These adjustments have a strong correlation with the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and other characteristics of malignant tumors. FDFT1, also known as farnesyl diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1, is an enzyme crucial in the process of cholesterol biosynthesis. Its significant involvement in tumor metabolism has garnered considerable interest. The significance of FDFT1 in cancer metabolism cannot be overstated, as it actively interacts with cancer cells. This paper aims to analyze and consolidate the mechanism of FDFT1 in cancer metabolism and explore its clinical application. The goal is to contribute new strategies and targets for the prevention and treatment of cancer metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanxin Li
- Research Center for Differentiation and Development of TCM Basic Theory, Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of TCM Etiopathogenesis, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330004, China.
| | - Guojuan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, No.445, Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Min Guo
- Research Center for Differentiation and Development of TCM Basic Theory, Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of TCM Etiopathogenesis, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330004, China.
| | - Naicheng Zhu
- Research Center for Differentiation and Development of TCM Basic Theory, Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of TCM Etiopathogenesis, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330004, China.
| | - Wenyan Yu
- Research Center for Differentiation and Development of TCM Basic Theory, Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of TCM Etiopathogenesis, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330004, China.
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2
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Picón DF, Skouta R. Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Squalene Synthase: Deciphering Its Biochemical Mechanism, Disease Implications, and Intriguing Ties to Ferroptosis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3731. [PMID: 37509391 PMCID: PMC10378455 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143731] [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: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Squalene synthase (SQS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for various diseases, including cancers, owing to its pivotal role in the mevalonate pathway and the antioxidant properties of squalene. Primarily, SQS orchestrates the head-to-head condensation reaction, catalyzing the fusion of two farnesyl pyrophosphate molecules, leading to the formation of squalene, which has been depicted as a highly effective oxygen-scavenging agent in in vitro studies. Recent studies have depicted this isoprenoid as a protective layer against ferroptosis due to its potential regulation of lipid peroxidation, as well as its protection against oxidative damage. Therefore, beyond its fundamental function, recent investigations have unveiled additional roles for SQS as a regulator of lipid peroxidation and programmed cell death pathways, such as ferroptosis-a type of cell death characterized by elevated levels of lipid peroxide, one of the forms of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and intracellular iron concentration. Notably, thorough explorations have shed light on the distinctive features that set SQS apart from other members within the isoprenoid synthase superfamily. Its unique biochemical structure, intricately intertwined with its reaction mechanism, has garnered significant attention. Moreover, considerable evidence substantiates the significance of SQS in various disease contexts, and its intriguing association with ferroptosis and lipid peroxidation. The objective of this report is to analyze the existing literature comprehensively, corroborating these findings, and provide an up-to-date perspective on the current understanding of SQS as a prospective therapeutic target, as well as its intricate relationship with ferroptosis. This review aims to consolidate the knowledge surrounding SQS, thereby contributing to the broader comprehension of its potential implications in disease management and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachid Skouta
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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3
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Martella N, Colardo M, Sergio W, Petraroia M, Varone M, Pensabene D, Russo M, Di Bartolomeo S, Ranalli G, Saviano G, Segatto M. Lavender Essential Oil Modulates Hepatic Cholesterol Metabolism in HepG2 Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:364-378. [PMID: 36661512 PMCID: PMC9857966 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45010026] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is an essential lipid that guarantees several biological processes in eukaryotic cells. Its metabolism is regulated by a complex protein network that could be significantly influenced by numerous exogenous sources, such as essential oils (EOs). For instance, it has been speculated that monoterpenoid and sesquiterpenoid compounds contained in lavender essential oil (LEO) may exert important hypocholesterolemic activities. However, the molecular mechanisms by which LEO influences cholesterol homeostasis are not characterized. In this work, we evaluated the ability of LEO to regulate the protein network that controls cholesterol metabolism in the HepG2 cell line. The main findings indicate that LEO administration increases intracellular cholesterol content. Concurrently, LEO affects the expression of proteins involved in cholesterol uptake, biosynthesis, and trafficking. These effects are partially mediated by terpinene-4-ol, one of the most abundant compounds in LEO. These results demonstrate that LEO modulates cholesterol metabolism in hepatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Martella
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Mayra Colardo
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - William Sergio
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Michele Petraroia
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Michela Varone
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Daniele Pensabene
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Miriam Russo
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Sabrina Di Bartolomeo
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Ranalli
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Gabriella Saviano
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Marco Segatto
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.S.); (M.S.)
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4
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Deciphering the mechanism of anhydrobiosis in the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis indica through comparative transcriptomics. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275342. [PMID: 36301967 PMCID: PMC9612587 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis indica, is a popular biocontrol agent of high commercial significance. It possesses tremendous genetic architecture to survive desiccation stress by undergoing anhydrobiosis to increase its lifespan-an attribute exploited in the formulation technology. The comparative transcriptome of unstressed and anhydrobiotic H. indica revealed several previously concealed metabolic events crucial for adapting towards the moisture stress. During the induction of anhydrobiosis in the infective juveniles (IJ), 1584 transcripts were upregulated and 340 downregulated. As a strategy towards anhydrobiotic survival, the IJ showed activation of several genes critical to antioxidant defense, detoxification pathways, signal transduction, unfolded protein response and molecular chaperones and ubiquitin-proteasome system. Differential expression of several genes involved in gluconeogenesis - β-oxidation of fatty acids, glyoxylate pathway; glyceroneogenesis; fatty acid biosynthesis; amino-acid metabolism - shikimate pathway, sachharopine pathway, kyneurine pathway, lysine biosynthesis; one-carbon metabolism-polyamine pathway, transsulfuration pathway, folate cycle, methionine cycle, nucleotide biosynthesis; mevalonate pathway; and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase were also observed. We report the role of shikimate pathway, sachharopine pathway and glyceroneogenesis in anhydrobiotes, and seven classes of repeat proteins, specifically in H. indica for the first time. These results provide insights into anhydrobiotic survival strategies which can be utilized to strengthen the development of novel formulations with enhanced and sustained shelf-life.
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Zargar SM, Mir RA, Ebinezer LB, Masi A, Hami A, Manzoor M, Salgotra RK, Sofi NR, Mushtaq R, Rohila JS, Rakwal R. Physiological and Multi-Omics Approaches for Explaining Drought Stress Tolerance and Supporting Sustainable Production of Rice. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 12:803603. [PMID: 35154193 PMCID: PMC8829427 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.803603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Drought differs from other natural disasters in several respects, largely because of the complexity of a crop's response to it and also because we have the least understanding of a crop's inductive mechanism for addressing drought tolerance among all abiotic stressors. Overall, the growth and productivity of crops at a global level is now thought to be an issue that is more severe and arises more frequently due to climatic change-induced drought stress. Among the major crops, rice is a frontline staple cereal crop of the developing world and is critical to sustaining populations on a daily basis. Worldwide, studies have reported a reduction in rice productivity over the years as a consequence of drought. Plants are evolutionarily primed to withstand a substantial number of environmental cues by undergoing a wide range of changes at the molecular level, involving gene, protein and metabolite interactions to protect the growing plant. Currently, an in-depth, precise and systemic understanding of fundamental biological and cellular mechanisms activated by crop plants during stress is accomplished by an umbrella of -omics technologies, such as transcriptomics, metabolomics and proteomics. This combination of multi-omics approaches provides a comprehensive understanding of cellular dynamics during drought or other stress conditions in comparison to a single -omics approach. Thus a greater need to utilize information (big-omics data) from various molecular pathways to develop drought-resilient crop varieties for cultivation in ever-changing climatic conditions. This review article is focused on assembling current peer-reviewed published knowledge on the use of multi-omics approaches toward expediting the development of drought-tolerant rice plants for sustainable rice production and realizing global food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Majeed Zargar
- Proteomics Laboratory, Division of Plant Biotechnology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Rakeeb Ahmad Mir
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, BGSB University, Rajouri, India
| | - Leonard Barnabas Ebinezer
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals, and Environment, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Masi
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals, and Environment, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Ammarah Hami
- Proteomics Laboratory, Division of Plant Biotechnology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Madhiya Manzoor
- Proteomics Laboratory, Division of Plant Biotechnology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Romesh K. Salgotra
- School of Biotechnology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Jammu, India
| | - Najeebul Rehman Sofi
- Division of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Roohi Mushtaq
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, SP College, Cluster University Srinagar, Srinagar, India
| | - Jai Singh Rohila
- Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Stuttgart, AR, United States
| | - Randeep Rakwal
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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6
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He J, Siu MKY, Ngan HYS, Chan KKL. Aberrant Cholesterol Metabolism in Ovarian Cancer: Identification of Novel Therapeutic Targets. Front Oncol 2021; 11:738177. [PMID: 34820325 PMCID: PMC8606538 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.738177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is an essential substance in mammalian cells, and cholesterol metabolism plays crucial roles in multiple biological functions. Dysregulated cholesterol metabolism is a metabolic hallmark in several cancers, beyond the Warburg effect. Reprogrammed cholesterol metabolism has been reported to enhance tumorigenesis, metastasis and chemoresistance in multiple cancer types, including ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is one of the most aggressive malignancies worldwide. Alterations in metabolic pathways are characteristic features of ovarian cancer; however, the specific role of cholesterol metabolism remains to be established. In this report, we provide an overview of the key proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism in ovarian cancer, including the rate-limiting enzymes in cholesterol biosynthesis, and the proteins involved in cholesterol uptake, storage and trafficking. Also, we review the roles of cholesterol and its derivatives in ovarian cancer and the tumor microenvironment, and discuss promising related therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangnan He
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Michelle K Y Siu
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Hextan Y S Ngan
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Karen K L Chan
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, SAR China
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7
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Watanabe LM, Hashimoto AC, Torres DJ, Alfulaij N, Peres R, Sultana R, Maunakea AK, Berry MJ, Seale LA. Effect of statin treatment in obese selenium-supplemented mice lacking selenocysteine lyase. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 533:111335. [PMID: 34052303 PMCID: PMC8263501 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
People with obesity are often dyslipidemic and prescribed statins to prevent cardiovascular events. A common side effect of statin use is myopathy. This could potentially be caused by the reduction of selenoproteins that curb oxidative stress, in turn, affecting creatine metabolism. We determined if statins regulate hepatic and muscular selenoprotein expression, oxidative stress and creatine metabolism. Mice lacking selenocysteine lyase (Scly KO), a selenium-provider enzyme for selenoprotein synthesis, were fed a high-fat, Se-supplemented diet and treated with simvastatin. Statin improved creatine metabolism in females and oxidative responses in both sexes. Male Scly KO mice were heavier than females after statin treatment. Hepatic selenoproteins were unaffected by statin and genotype in females. Statin upregulated muscular Gpx1 in females but not males, while Scly loss downregulated muscular Gpx1 in males and Selenon in females. Osgin1 was reduced in statin-treated Scly KO males after AmpliSeq analysis. These results refine our understanding of the sex-dependent role of selenium in statin responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligia M Watanabe
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo - FMRP/USP, Brazil
| | - Ann C Hashimoto
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Daniel J Torres
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA; Pacific Biosciences Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Naghum Alfulaij
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA; Pacific Biosciences Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Rafael Peres
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Razvan Sultana
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Alika K Maunakea
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Marla J Berry
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Lucia A Seale
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
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Santhakumaran I, Narayanaswamy R, Arumugam G. Bioinformatic insights into the biochemical efficacy of a fungal metabolite: asperyellone. NEW J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1nj02938j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In silico multifunctional attributes of Asperyellone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gnanamani Arumugam
- Microbiology Division, CSIR-CLRI, Adyar, Chennai-600 020, Tamil Nadu, India
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9
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Ha NT, Lee CH. Roles of Farnesyl-Diphosphate Farnesyltransferase 1 in Tumour and Tumour Microenvironments. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112352. [PMID: 33113804 PMCID: PMC7693003 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1 (FDFT1, squalene synthase), a membrane-associated enzyme, synthesizes squalene via condensation of two molecules of farnesyl pyrophosphate. Accumulating evidence has noted that FDFT1 plays a critical role in cancer, particularly in metabolic reprogramming, cell proliferation, and invasion. Based on these advances in our knowledge, FDFT1 could be a potential target for cancer treatment. This review focuses on the contribution of FDFT1 to the hallmarks of cancer, and further, we discuss the applicability of FDFT1 as a cancer prognostic marker and target for anticancer therapy.
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González-Guevara E, Cárdenas G, Pérez-Severiano F, Martínez-Lazcano JC. Dysregulated Brain Cholesterol Metabolism Is Linked to Neuroinflammation in Huntington's Disease. Mov Disord 2020; 35:1113-1127. [PMID: 32410324 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is an autosomal-dominant, neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in exon-1 of the huntingtin gene. Alterations in cholesterol metabolism and distribution have been reported in Huntington's disease, including abnormal interactions between mutant huntingtin and sterol regulatory element-binding proteins, decreased levels of apolipoprotein E/cholesterol/low-density lipoprotein receptor complexes, and alterations in the synthesis of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1. Plasma levels of 24S-hydroxycholestrol, a key intermediary in cholesterol metabolism and a possible marker in neurodegenerative diseases, decreased proportionally to the degree of caudate nucleus atrophy. The interaction of mutant huntingtin with sterol regulatory element-binding proteins is of particular interest given that sterol regulatory element-binding proteins play a dual role: They take part in lipid and cholesterol metabolism, but also in the inflammatory response that induces immune cell migration as well as toxic effects, particularly in astrocytes. This work summarizes current evidence on the metabolic and immune implications of sterol regulatory element-binding protein dysregulation in Huntington's disease, highlighting the potential use of drugs that modulate these alterations. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith González-Guevara
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "MVS", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Graciela Cárdenas
- Departamento de Neurología y Enfermedades Neuro-Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "MVS", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Francisca Pérez-Severiano
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "MVS", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Martínez-Lazcano
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "MVS", Mexico City, Mexico
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11
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Song Z, Lv S, Wu H, Qin L, Cao H, Zhang B, Ren S. Identification of foam cell biomarkers by microarray analysis. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2020; 20:211. [PMID: 32375652 PMCID: PMC7201525 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-020-01495-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lipid infiltration and inflammatory response run through the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Differentiation into macrophages and foam cell formation are the key steps of AS. Aim of this study was that the differential gene expression between foam cells and macrophages was analyzed to search the key links of foam cell generation, so as to explore the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and provide targets for the early screening and prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods The gene expression profiles of GSE9874 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE9874) on GPL96 [HG-U133A] Affymetrix Human Genome U133. A total of 22,383 genes were analyzed for differentially expression genes (DEGs) by Bayes package. GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis for DEGs were performed using KOBAS 3.0 software (Peking University, Beijing, China). STRING software (STRING 10.0; European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany) was used to analyze the protein-protein interaction (PPI) of DEGs. Results A total of 167 DEGs between macrophages and foam cells were identified. Compared with macrophages, 102 genes were significantly upregulated and 65 genes were significantly downregulated (P < 0.01, fold-change > 1) in foam cells. DEGs were mainly enrich in ‘sterol biosynthetic and metabolic process’, ‘cholesterol metabolic and biosynthetic process’ by GO enrichment analysis. The results of KEGG pathway analysis showed all differential genes are involved in biological processes through 143 KEGG pathways. A PPI network of the DEGs was constructed and 10 outstanding genes of the PPI network was identified by using Cytoscape, which include HMGCR, SREBF2, LDLR, HMGCS1, FDFT1, LPL, DHCR24, SQLE, ABCA1 and FDPS. Conclusion: Lipid metabolism related genes and molecular pathways were the key to the transformation of macrophages into foam cells. Therefore, lipid metabolism disorder is the key to turn macrophages into foam cells, which plays a major role in CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zikai Song
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Shijie Lv
- Department of Orthopedics, Jilin Province FAW General Hospital, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Haidi Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Ling Qin
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Hongyan Cao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Shuping Ren
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
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12
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Ronnebaum TA, Gupta K, Christianson DW. Higher-order oligomerization of a chimeric αβγ bifunctional diterpene synthase with prenyltransferase and class II cyclase activities is concentration-dependent. J Struct Biol 2020; 210:107463. [PMID: 31978464 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2020.107463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The unusual diterpene (C20) synthase copalyl diphosphate synthase from Penicillium verruculosum (PvCPS) is the first bifunctional terpene synthase identified with both prenyltransferase and class II cyclase activities in a single polypeptide chain with αβγ domain architecture. The C-terminal prenyltransferase α domain generates geranylgeranyl diphosphate which is then cyclized to form copalyl diphosphate at the N-terminal βγ domain interface. We now demonstrate that PvCPS exists as a hexamer at high concentrations - a unique quaternary structure for known αβγ terpene synthases. Hexamer assembly is corroborated by a 2.41 Å-resolution crystal structure of the α domain prenyltransferase obtained from limited proteolysis of full-length PvCPS, as well as the ab initio model of full-length PvCPS derived from small-angle X-ray scattering data. Hexamerization of the prenyltransferase α domain appears to drive the hexamerization of full-length PvCPS. The PvCPS hexamer dissociates into lower-order species at lower concentrations, as evidenced by size-exclusion chromatography in-line with multiangle light scattering, sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation, and native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis experiments, suggesting that oligomerization is concentration dependent. Even so, PvCPS oligomer assembly does not affect prenyltransferase activity in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trey A Ronnebaum
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Kushol Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David W Christianson
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA.
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Colak Y, Coskunpinar EM, Senates E, Oltulu YM, Yaylim I, Gomleksiz OK, Ozan Tiryakioglu N, Hasturk B, Ekmekci CG, Aydogan HY. Assessment of the rs2645424 C/T single nucleotide polymorphisms in the FDFT1 gene, hepatic expression, and serum concentration of the FDFT in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Meta Gene 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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14
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Cloning and expression analysis of three critical triterpenoid pathway genes in Osmanthus fragrans. ELECTRON J BIOTECHN 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejbt.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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15
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Walsh CT, Tu BP, Tang Y. Eight Kinetically Stable but Thermodynamically Activated Molecules that Power Cell Metabolism. Chem Rev 2018; 118:1460-1494. [PMID: 29272116 PMCID: PMC5831524 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Contemporary analyses of cell metabolism have called out three metabolites: ATP, NADH, and acetyl-CoA, as sentinel molecules whose accumulation represent much of the purpose of the catabolic arms of metabolism and then drive many anabolic pathways. Such analyses largely leave out how and why ATP, NADH, and acetyl-CoA (Figure 1 ) at the molecular level play such central roles. Yet, without those insights into why cells accumulate them and how the enabling properties of these key metabolites power much of cell metabolism, the underlying molecular logic remains mysterious. Four other metabolites, S-adenosylmethionine, carbamoyl phosphate, UDP-glucose, and Δ2-isopentenyl-PP play similar roles in using group transfer chemistry to drive otherwise unfavorable biosynthetic equilibria. This review provides the underlying chemical logic to remind how these seven key molecules function as mobile packets of cellular currencies for phosphoryl transfers (ATP), acyl transfers (acetyl-CoA, carbamoyl-P), methyl transfers (SAM), prenyl transfers (IPP), glucosyl transfers (UDP-glucose), and electron and ADP-ribosyl transfers (NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+) to drive metabolic transformations in and across most primary pathways. The eighth key metabolite is molecular oxygen (O2), thermodynamically activated for reduction by one electron path, leaving it kinetically stable to the vast majority of organic cellular metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T. Walsh
- Stanford University Chemistry, Engineering, and Medicine for Human Health (ChEM-H), Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA
| | - Benjamin P. Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Yi Tang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
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16
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Gupta R, Singh A, Srivastava M, Singh V, Gupta MM, Pandey R. Microbial modulation of bacoside A biosynthetic pathway and systemic defense mechanism in Bacopa monnieri under Meloidogyne incognita stress. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41867. [PMID: 28157221 PMCID: PMC5291102 DOI: 10.1038/srep41867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-associated beneficial microbes have been explored to fulfill the imperative function for plant health. However, their impact on the host secondary metabolite production and nematode disease management remains elusive. Our present work has shown that chitinolytic microbes viz., Chitiniphilus sp. MTN22 and Streptomyces sp. MTN14 singly as well as in combination modulated the biosynthetic pathway of bacoside A and systemic defense mechanism against Meloidogyne incognita in Bacopa monnieri. Interestingly, expression of bacoside biosynthetic pathway genes (3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase, and squalene synthase) were upregulated in plants treated with the microbial combination in the presence as well as in absence of M. incognita stress. These microbes not only augmented bacoside A production (1.5 fold) but also strengthened host resistance via enhancement in chlorophyll a, defense enzymes and phenolic compounds like gallic acid, syringic acid, ferulic acid and cinnamic acid. Furthermore, elevated lignification and callose deposition in the microbial combination treated plants corroborate well with the above findings. Overall, the results provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of priming by beneficial microbes and underscore their capacity to trigger bacoside A production in B. monnieri under biotic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupali Gupta
- Department of Microbial Technology and Nematology, CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow 226015, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Campus, Lucknow 226015, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Akanksha Singh
- Department of Microbial Technology and Nematology, CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow 226015, India
| | - Madhumita Srivastava
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow 226015, India
| | - Vivek Singh
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - M. M. Gupta
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow 226015, India
| | - Rakesh Pandey
- Department of Microbial Technology and Nematology, CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow 226015, India
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17
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Todaka D, Shinozaki K, Yamaguchi-Shinozaki K. Recent advances in the dissection of drought-stress regulatory networks and strategies for development of drought-tolerant transgenic rice plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2015; 6:84. [PMID: 25741357 PMCID: PMC4332304 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Advances have been made in the development of drought-tolerant transgenic plants, including cereals. Rice, one of the most important cereals, is considered to be a critical target for improving drought tolerance, as present-day rice cultivation requires large quantities of water and as drought-tolerant rice plants should be able to grow in small amounts of water. Numerous transgenic rice plants showing enhanced drought tolerance have been developed to date. Such genetically engineered plants have generally been developed using genes encoding proteins that control drought regulatory networks. These proteins include transcription factors, protein kinases, receptor-like kinases, enzymes related to osmoprotectant or plant hormone synthesis, and other regulatory or functional proteins. Of the drought-tolerant transgenic rice plants described in this review, approximately one-third show decreased plant height under non-stressed conditions or in response to abscisic acid treatment. In cereal crops, plant height is a very important agronomic trait directly affecting yield, although the improvement of lodging resistance should also be taken into consideration. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of plant growth reduction under drought stress conditions holds promise for developing transgenic plants that produce high yields under drought stress conditions. Plant growth rates are reduced more rapidly than photosynthetic activity under drought conditions, implying that plants actively reduce growth in response to drought stress. In this review, we summarize studies on molecular regulatory networks involved in response to drought stress. In a separate section, we highlight progress in the development of transgenic drought-tolerant rice plants, with special attention paid to field trial investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Todaka
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, TokyoJapan
| | - Kazuo Shinozaki
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, YokohamaJapan
| | - Kazuko Yamaguchi-Shinozaki
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, TokyoJapan
- *Correspondence: Kazuko Yamaguchi-Shinozaki, Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan e-mail:
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18
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Park J, Matralis AN, Berghuis AM, Tsantrizos YS. Human isoprenoid synthase enzymes as therapeutic targets. Front Chem 2014; 2:50. [PMID: 25101260 PMCID: PMC4106277 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2014.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the human body, the complex biochemical network known as the mevalonate pathway is responsible for the biosynthesis of all isoprenoids, which consists of a vast array of metabolites that are vital for proper cellular functions. Two key isoprenoids, farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) are responsible for the post-translational prenylation of small GTP-binding proteins, and serve as the biosynthetic precursors to numerous other biomolecules. The down-stream metabolite of FPP and GGPP is squalene, the precursor to steroids, bile acids, lipoproteins, and vitamin D. In the past, interest in prenyl synthase inhibitors focused mainly on the role of the FPP in lytic bone diseases. More recently pre-clinical and clinical studies have strongly implicated high levels of protein prenylation in a plethora of human diseases, including non-skeletal cancers, the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we focus mainly on the potential therapeutic value of down-regulating the biosynthesis of FPP, GGPP, and squalene. We summarize the most recent drug discovery efforts and the structural data available that support the current on-going studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeok Park
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Albert M Berghuis
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada ; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Youla S Tsantrizos
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada ; Department of Chemistry, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada
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19
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20
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A comprehensive machine-readable view of the mammalian cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 86:56-66. [PMID: 23583456 PMCID: PMC3912678 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol biosynthesis serves as a central metabolic hub for numerous biological processes in health and disease. A detailed, integrative single-view description of how the cholesterol pathway is structured and how it interacts with other pathway systems is lacking in the existing literature. Here we provide a systematic review of the existing literature and present a detailed pathway diagram that describes the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway (the mevalonate, the Kandutch-Russell and the Bloch pathway) and shunt pathway that leads to 24(S),25-epoxycholesterol synthesis. The diagram has been produced using the Systems Biology Graphical Notation (SBGN) and is available in the SBGN-ML format, a human readable and machine semantically parsable open community file format.
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21
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Manavalan LP, Chen X, Clarke J, Salmeron J, Nguyen HT. RNAi-mediated disruption of squalene synthase improves drought tolerance and yield in rice. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2012; 63:163-75. [PMID: 21926092 PMCID: PMC3245457 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/err258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
About one-third of the world's rice area is in rain-fed lowlands and most are prone to water shortage. The identification of genes imparting tolerance to drought in the model cereal plant, rice, is an attractive strategy to engineer improved drought tolerance not only rice but other cereals as well. It is demonstrated that RNAi-mediated disruption of a rice farnesyltransferase/squalene synthase (SQS) by maize squalene synthase improves drought tolerance at both the vegetative and reproductive stages. Twenty-day-old seedlings of wild type (Nipponbare) and seven independent events of transgenic RNAi lines showed no difference in morphology. When subjected to water stress for a period of 32 d under growth chamber conditions, transgenic positives showed delayed wilting, conserved more soil water, and improved recovery. When five independent events along with wild-type plants were subjected to drought at the reproductive stage under greenhouse conditions, the transgenic plants lost water more slowly compared with the wild type, through reduced stomatal conductance and the retention of high leaf relative water content (RWC). After 28 d of slow progressive soil drying, transgenic plants recovered better and flowered earlier than wild-type plants. The yield of water-stressed transgenic positive plants ranged from 14-39% higher than wild-type plants. When grown in plates with Yoshida's nutrient solution with 1.2% agar, transgenic positives from three independent events showed increased root length and an enhanced number of lateral roots. The RNAi-mediated inactivation produced reduced stomatal conductance and subsequent drought tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xi Chen
- Syngenta Biotechnology Inc, Research Triangle Park, NC-27709, USA
| | - Joseph Clarke
- Syngenta Biotechnology Inc, Research Triangle Park, NC-27709, USA
| | - John Salmeron
- Syngenta Biotechnology Inc, Research Triangle Park, NC-27709, USA
| | - Henry T. Nguyen
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO-65211, USA
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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22
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Exclusion of CTSB and FDFT1 as positional and functional candidate genes for keratolytic winter erythema (KWE). J Dermatol Sci 2012; 65:58-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2011.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Revised: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 08/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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23
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Pfrieger FW, Ungerer N. Cholesterol metabolism in neurons and astrocytes. Prog Lipid Res 2011; 50:357-71. [PMID: 21741992 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2011.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 325] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Revised: 06/11/2011] [Accepted: 06/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cells in the mammalian body must accurately maintain their content of cholesterol, which is an essential membrane component and precursor for vital signalling molecules. Outside the brain, cholesterol homeostasis is guaranteed by a lipoprotein shuttle between the liver, intestine and other organs via the blood circulation. Cells inside the brain are cut off from this circuit by the blood-brain barrier and must regulate their cholesterol content in a different manner. Here, we review how this is accomplished by neurons and astrocytes, two cell types of the central nervous system, whose cooperation is essential for normal brain development and function. The key observation is a remarkable cell-specific distribution of proteins that mediate different steps of cholesterol metabolism. This form of metabolic compartmentalization identifies astrocytes as net producers of cholesterol and neurons as consumers with unique means to prevent cholesterol overload. The idea that cholesterol turnover in neurons depends on close cooperation with astrocytes raises new questions that need to be addressed by new experimental approaches to monitor and manipulate cholesterol homeostasis in a cell-specific manner. We conclude that an understanding of cholesterol metabolism in the brain and its role in disease requires a close look at individual cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank W Pfrieger
- CNRS UPR 3212, University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences (INCI), 67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France.
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24
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Urbina JA. Ergosterol biosynthesis and drug development for Chagas disease. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2010; 104 Suppl 1:311-8. [PMID: 19753490 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762009000900041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2009] [Accepted: 05/18/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This article presents an overview of the currently available drugs nifurtimox (NFX) and benznidazole (BZN) used against Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas disease; herein we discuss their limitations along with potential alternatives with a focus on ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors (EBI). These compounds are currently the most advanced candidates for new anti-T. cruzi agents given that they block de novo production of 24-alkyl-sterols, which are essential for parasite survival and cannot be replaced by a host's own cholesterol. Among these compounds, new triazole derivatives that inhibit the parasite's C14alpha sterol demethylase are the most promising, as they have been shown to have curative activity in murine models of acute and chronic Chagas disease and are active against NFX and BZN-resistant T. cruzi strains; among this class of compounds, posaconazole (Schering-Plough Research Institute) and ravuconazole (Eisai Company) are poised for clinical trials in Chagas disease patients in the short term. Other T. cruzi-specific EBI, with in vitro and in vivo potency, include squalene synthase, lanosterol synthase and squalene epoxidase-inhibitors as well as compounds with dual mechanisms of action (ergosterol biosynthesis inhibition and free radical generation), but they are less advanced in their development process. The main putative advantages of EBI over currently available therapies include their higher potency and selectivity in both acute and chronic infections, activity against NFX and BZN-resistant T. cruzi strains, and much better tolerability and safety profiles. Limitations may include complexity and cost of manufacture of the new compounds. As for any new drug, such compounds will require extensive clinical testing before being introduced for clinical use, and the complexity of such studies, particularly in chronic patients, will be compounded by the current limitations in the verification of true parasitological cures for T. cruzi infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio A Urbina
- Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Venezuela.
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25
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To what extent is sleep rebound effective in reversing the effects of paradoxical sleep deprivation on gene expression in the brain? Behav Brain Res 2009; 201:53-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2009.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2008] [Revised: 01/15/2009] [Accepted: 01/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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26
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Do R, Kiss RS, Gaudet D, Engert JC. Squalene synthase: a critical enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Clin Genet 2009; 75:19-29. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2008.01099.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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27
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Do R, Paré G, Montpetit A, Hudson TJ, Gaudet D, Engert JC. K45R variant of squalene synthase increases total cholesterol levels in two study samples from a French Canadian population. Hum Mutat 2008; 29:689-94. [PMID: 18350552 DOI: 10.1002/humu.20702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Squalene synthase is an important component of the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, and inhibitors of this enzyme have been shown to lower plasma cholesterol levels. Previously, we sequenced the squalene synthase gene, FDFT1 (farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase), and identified several SNPs, including a nonsynonymous variant, rs11549147:A>G (K45R). To examine the possible association of K45R with plasma lipid traits, we tested 887 individuals from 149 families from the founder population of Saguenay-Lac St. Jean (SLSJ), Quebec. K45R was associated with increased total cholesterol (TC) (P=0.035) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) (P=0.01). These results were replicated in an independent sample of unrelated individuals (P=0.0008 for TC, P=0.004 for non-HDL-C). This SNP also influenced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=0.042) and HDL-C (P=0.025) in the family-based sample, and triglycerides (TG) (P=0.007) in the unrelated subjects. The lysine (K) in codon 45 is conserved across 11 mammals and lies in a potential exonic splicing enhancer (ESE) site. These results suggest that this coding variant in the squalene synthase gene influences plasma cholesterol levels, possibly by affecting the intracellular production of cholesterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Do
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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28
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Cloning, solubilization, and characterization of squalene synthase from Thermosynechococcus elongatus BP-1. J Bacteriol 2008; 190:3808-16. [PMID: 18375558 DOI: 10.1128/jb.01939-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Squalene synthase (SQS) is a bifunctional enzyme that catalyzes the condensation of two molecules of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) to give presqualene diphosphate (PSPP) and the subsequent rearrangement of PSPP to squalene. These reactions constitute the first pathway-specific steps in hopane biosynthesis in Bacteria and sterol biosynthesis in Eukarya. The genes encoding SQS were isolated from the hopane-producing bacteria Thermosynechococcus elongatus BP-1, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, and Zymomonas mobilis and cloned into an Escherichia coli expression system. The expressed proteins with a His(6) tag were found exclusively in inclusion bodies when no additives were used in the buffer. After extensive optimization, soluble recombinant T. elongatus BP-1 SQS was obtained when cells were disrupted and purified in buffers containing glycerol. The recombinant B. japonicum and Z. mobilis SQSs could not be solubilized under any of the expression and purification conditions used. Purified T. elongatus His(6)-SQS gave a single band at 42 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and molecular ion at m/z 41886 by electrospray mass spectrometry. Incubation with FPP and NADPH gave squalene as the sole product. Incubation of the enzyme with [(14)C]FPP in the absence of NADPH gave PSPP. The enzyme requires Mg(2+) for activity, has an optimum pH of 7.6, and is strongly stimulated by detergent. Under optimal conditions, the K(m) of FPP is 0.97 +/- 0.10 microM and the k(cat) is 1.74 +/- 0.04 s(-1). Zaragozic acid A, a potent inhibitor of mammalian, fungal, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae SQSs, also inhibited recombinant T. elongatus BP-1 SQS, with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 95.5 +/- 13.6 nM.
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29
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Burnett JR, Watts GF. New therapies for familial hypercholesterolemia. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2006. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.16.3.349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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30
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Collins BS, Tansey TR, Shechter I. Comparative squalene synthase gene expression in mouse liver and testis. Arch Biochem Biophys 2001; 395:253-8. [PMID: 11697864 DOI: 10.1006/abbi.2001.2596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
RNA from various mouse organs was analyzed by Northern hybridization to determine the response of squalene synthase (SQS) mRNA to dietary cholesterol, or lovastatin and cholestyramine, administration. Two size-classes of highly abundant mouse SQS (mSQS) mRNAs of approximately 1.9 and 2.0 kb were found in testis. These transcripts were unresponsive to sterol regulation. A single size-class of liver mSQS mRNA of approximately 1.9 kb was sterol-regulated. Studies using primer extension and 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) indicated that the size differences in liver and testis mSQS transcripts were due to variations in the lengths of the 5' untranslated regions (UTRs). The longest testis 5' UTR extended approximately 106 nt 5' of the primary transcription initiation site in liver of mice fed lovastatin and cholestyramine. These results suggest that tissue-specific promoter elements control the transcriptional regulation of the promoters for the mSQS gene in liver and testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Collins
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4799, USA
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31
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Han DK, Eng J, Zhou H, Aebersold R. Quantitative profiling of differentiation-induced microsomal proteins using isotope-coded affinity tags and mass spectrometry. Nat Biotechnol 2001; 19:946-51. [PMID: 11581660 PMCID: PMC1444949 DOI: 10.1038/nbt1001-946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 646] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
An approach to the systematic identification and quantification of the proteins contained in the microsomal fraction of cells is described. It consists of three steps: (1) preparation of microsomal fractions from cells or tissues representing different states; (2) covalent tagging of the proteins with isotope-coded affinity tag (ICAT) reagents followed by proteolysis of the combined labeled protein samples; and (3) isolation, identification, and quantification of the tagged peptides by multidimensional chromatography, automated tandem mass spectrometry, and computational analysis of the obtained data. The method was used to identify and determine the ratios of abundance of each of 491 proteins contained in the microsomal fractions of naïve and in vitro- differentiated human myeloid leukemia (HL-60) cells. The method and the new software tools to support it are well suited to the large-scale, quantitative analysis of membrane proteins and other classes of proteins that have been refractory to standard proteomics technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K. Han
- University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06030-0002
| | - Jimmy Eng
- Institute for Systems Biology, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105-6099
| | - Huilin Zhou
- Institute for Systems Biology, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105-6099
| | - Ruedi Aebersold
- Institute for Systems Biology, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105-6099
- *Corresponding author ()
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32
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Tansey TR, Shechter I. Structure and regulation of mammalian squalene synthase. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2000; 1529:49-62. [PMID: 11111077 DOI: 10.1016/s1388-1981(00)00137-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian squalene synthase (SQS) catalyzes the first reaction of the branch of the isoprenoid metabolic pathway committed specifically to sterol biosynthesis. SQS produces squalene in an unusual two-step reaction in which two molecules of farnesyl diphosphate are condensed head-to-head. Recent studies have advanced understanding of the reaction mechanism, the functional domains of the enzyme, and transcriptional regulation of the gene. Site-directed mutagenesis has identified conserved Asp, Tyr, and Phe residues that are essential for SQS activity. The Asp residues are hypothesized to be required for substrate binding; the Tyr and Phe residues may stabilize carbocation reaction intermediates. The elucidation of SQS crystal structure will most likely direct future research on the relationship between enzyme structure and function. SQS activity, protein, and mRNA levels are regulated by cholesterol status and by the cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. Activation of the SQS promoter in response to cholesterol deficit is mediated by sterol regulatory element binding proteins SREBP-1a and SREBP-2. The precise contributions made by individual SREBPs and accessory transcription factors to SQS transcriptional control, and the mechanisms underlying cytokine regulation of SQS are major foci of current research.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Tansey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 430l Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799, USA
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