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Krajnc A, Gaber A, Lenarčič B, Pavšič M. The Central Region of Testican-2 Forms a Compact Core and Promotes Cell Migration. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249413. [PMID: 33321927 PMCID: PMC7763218 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicans are modular proteoglycans of the extracellular matrix of various tissues where they contribute to matrix integrity and exert cellular effects like neurite outgrowth and cell migration. Using testican-2 as a representative member of the family, we tackle the complete lack of general structural information and structure-function relationship. First, we show using isothermal titration calorimetry and modeling that extracellular calcium-binding domain (EC) has only one active calcium-binding site, while the other potential site is inactive, and that testican-2 is within extracellular matrix always in the calcium-loaded form. Next, we demonstrate using various prediction methods that N- and C-terminal regions plus interdomain connections are flexible. We support this by small-angle X-ray-scattering analysis of C-terminally truncated testican-2, which indicates that the triplet follistatin-EC-thyroglobulin domain forms a moderately compact core while the unique N-terminal is disordered. Finally, using cell exclusion zone assay, we show that it is this domain triplet that is responsible for promoting cell migration and not the N- and C-terminal regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Krajnc
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.K.); (A.G.); (B.L.)
| | - Aljaž Gaber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.K.); (A.G.); (B.L.)
| | - Brigita Lenarčič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.K.); (A.G.); (B.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Pavšič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.K.); (A.G.); (B.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-1-479-8550
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Chen S, Zou Q, Chen Y, Kuang X, Wu W, Guo M, Cai Y, Li Q. Regulation of SPARC family proteins in disorders of the central nervous system. Brain Res Bull 2020; 163:178-189. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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The Interferon-Inducible Proteoglycan Testican-2/SPOCK2 Functions as a Protective Barrier against Virus Infection of Lung Epithelial Cells. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00662-19. [PMID: 31341044 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00662-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteoglycans function not only as structural components of the extracellular compartment but also as regulators of various cellular events, including cell migration, inflammation, and infection. Many microbial pathogens utilize proteoglycans to facilitate adhesion and invasion into host cells. Here we report a secreted form of a novel heparan sulfate proteoglycan that functions against virus infection. The expression of SPOCK2/testican-2 was significantly induced in virus-infected lungs or in interferon (IFN)-treated alveolar lung epithelial cells. Overexpression from a SPOCK2 expression plasmid alone or the treatment of cells with recombinant SPOCK2 protein efficiently blocked influenza virus infection at the step of viral attachment to the host cell and entry. Moreover, mice treated with purified SPOCK2 were protected against virus infection. Sialylated glycans and heparan sulfate chains covalently attached to the SPOCK2 core protein were critical for its antiviral activity. Neuraminidase (NA) of influenza virus cleaves the sialylated moiety of SPOCK2, thereby blocking its binding to the virus. Our data suggest that IFN-induced SPOCK2 functions as a decoy receptor to bind and block influenza virus infection, thereby restricting entry of the infecting virus into neighboring cells.IMPORTANCE Here we report a novel proteoglycan protein, testican-2/SPOCK2, that prevents influenza virus infection. Testican-2/SPOCK2 is a complex type of secreted proteoglycan with heparan sulfate GAG chains attached to the core protein. SPOCK2 expression is induced upon virus infection or by interferons, and the protein is secreted to an extracellular compartment, where it acts directly to block virus-cell attachment and entry. Treatment with purified testican-2/SPOCK2 protein can efficiently block influenza virus infection in vitro and in vivo We also identified the heparan sulfate moiety as a key regulatory module for this inhibitory effect. Based on its mode of action (cell attachment/entry blocker) and site of action (extracellular compartment), we propose testican-2/SPOCK2 as a potential antiviral agent that can efficiently control influenza virus infection.
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A Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Genetic Variants Associated with Mathematics Ability. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40365. [PMID: 28155865 PMCID: PMC5290743 DOI: 10.1038/srep40365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mathematics ability is a complex cognitive trait with polygenic heritability. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) has been an effective approach to investigate genetic components underlying mathematic ability. Although previous studies reported several candidate genetic variants, none of them exceeded genome-wide significant threshold in general populations. Herein, we performed GWAS in Chinese elementary school students to identify potential genetic variants associated with mathematics ability. The discovery stage included 494 and 504 individuals from two independent cohorts respectively. The replication stage included another cohort of 599 individuals. In total, 28 of 81 candidate SNPs that met validation criteria were further replicated. Combined meta-analysis of three cohorts identified four SNPs (rs1012694, rs11743006, rs17778739 and rs17777541) of SPOCK1 gene showing association with mathematics ability (minimum p value 5.67 × 10−10, maximum β −2.43). The SPOCK1 gene is located on chromosome 5q31.2 and encodes a highly conserved glycoprotein testican-1 which was associated with tumor progression and prognosis as well as neurogenesis. This is the first study to report genome-wide significant association of individual SNPs with mathematics ability in general populations. Our preliminary results further supported the role of SPOCK1 during neurodevelopment. The genetic complexities underlying mathematics ability might contribute to explain the basis of human cognition and intelligence at genetic level.
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Kaeslin MA, Killer HE, Fuhrer CA, Zeleny N, Huber AR, Neutzner A. Changes to the Aqueous Humor Proteome during Glaucoma. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165314. [PMID: 27788204 PMCID: PMC5082887 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the aqueous humor proteome in patients with glaucoma and a control group. Method Aqueous humor was obtained from five human donors diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and five age- and sex-matched controls undergoing cataract surgery. Quantitative proteome analysis of the aqueous humor by hyper reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (HRM-MS) based on SWATH technology was performed. Results Expression levels of 87 proteins were found to be different between glaucomatous and control aqueous humor. Of the 87 proteins, 34 were significantly upregulated, whereas 53 proteins were downregulated in the aqueous humor from glaucoma patients compared to controls. Differentially expressed proteins were found to be involved in cholesterol-related, inflammatory, metabolic, antioxidant as well as proteolysis-related processes. Conclusion Glaucoma leads to profound changes to the aqueous humor proteome consistent with an altered metabolic state, an inflammatory response and impaired antioxidant defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Andrea Kaeslin
- Center of Laboratory Medicine, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Tellstrasse 25, 5001 Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Hanspeter Ezriel Killer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Tellstrasse 25, 5001 Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Cyril Adrian Fuhrer
- Center of Laboratory Medicine, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Tellstrasse 25, 5001 Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Nauke Zeleny
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Tellstrasse 25, 5001 Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Robert Huber
- Center of Laboratory Medicine, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Tellstrasse 25, 5001 Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Albert Neutzner
- Department of Biomedicine and Department of Ophthalmology, University Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Yang C, Fischer-Kešo R, Schlechter T, Ströbel P, Marx A, Hofmann I. Plakophilin 1-deficient cells upregulate SPOCK1: implications for prostate cancer progression. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:9567-77. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3628-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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Guarna MM, Melathopoulos AP, Huxter E, Iovinella I, Parker R, Stoynov N, Tam A, Moon KM, Chan QWT, Pelosi P, White R, Pernal SF, Foster LJ. A search for protein biomarkers links olfactory signal transduction to social immunity. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:63. [PMID: 25757461 PMCID: PMC4342888 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-014-1193-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) is a critical component of human agriculture through its pollination activities. For years, beekeepers have controlled deadly pathogens such as Paenibacillus larvae, Nosema spp. and Varroa destructor with antibiotics and pesticides but widespread chemical resistance is appearing and most beekeepers would prefer to eliminate or reduce the use of in-hive chemicals. While such treatments are likely to still be needed, an alternate management strategy is to identify and select bees with heritable traits that allow them to resist mites and diseases. Breeding such bees is difficult as the tests involved to identify disease-resistance are complicated, time-consuming, expensive and can misidentify desirable genotypes. Additionally, we do not yet fully understand the mechanisms behind social immunity. Here we have set out to discover the molecular mechanism behind hygienic behavior (HB), a trait known to confer disease resistance in bees. Results After confirming that HB could be selectively bred for, we correlated measurements of this behavior with protein expression over a period of three years, at two geographically distinct sites, using several hundred bee colonies. By correlating the expression patterns of individual proteins with HB scores, we identified seven putative biomarkers of HB that survived stringent control for multiple hypothesis testing. Intriguingly, these proteins were all involved in semiochemical sensing (odorant binding proteins), nerve signal transmission or signal decay, indicative of the series of events required to respond to an olfactory signal from dead or diseased larvae. We then used recombinant versions of two odorant-binding proteins to identify the classes of ligands that these proteins might be helping bees detect. Conclusions Our data suggest that neurosensory detection of odors emitted by dead or diseased larvae is the likely mechanism behind a complex and important social immunity behavior that allows bees to co-exist with pathogens. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-014-1193-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Marta Guarna
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Centre for High-Throughput Biology, University of British Columbia, 2125 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Andony P Melathopoulos
- Beaverlodge Research Farm, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge, AB, T0H 0C0, Canada. .,Current address: Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | | | - Immacolata Iovinella
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Robert Parker
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Centre for High-Throughput Biology, University of British Columbia, 2125 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada. .,Current address: Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Nikolay Stoynov
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Centre for High-Throughput Biology, University of British Columbia, 2125 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Amy Tam
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Centre for High-Throughput Biology, University of British Columbia, 2125 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Kyung-Mee Moon
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Centre for High-Throughput Biology, University of British Columbia, 2125 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Queenie W T Chan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Centre for High-Throughput Biology, University of British Columbia, 2125 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Rick White
- Department of Statistics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Stephen F Pernal
- Beaverlodge Research Farm, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge, AB, T0H 0C0, Canada.
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Centre for High-Throughput Biology, University of British Columbia, 2125 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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SPOCK3, a risk gene for adult ADHD and personality disorders. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2014; 264:409-21. [PMID: 24292267 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-013-0476-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most frequent psychiatric disorder in children, where it displays a global prevalence of 5 %. In up to 50 % of the cases, ADHD may persist into adulthood (aADHD), where it is often comorbid with personality disorders. Due to a potentially heritable nature of this comorbidity, we hypothesized that their genetic framework may contain common risk-modifying genes. SPOCK3, a poorly characterized, putatively Ca(2+)-binding extracellular heparan/chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan gene encoded by the human chromosomal region 4q32.3, was found to be associated with polymorphisms among the top ranks in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on ADHD and a pooled GWAS on personality disorder (PD). We therefore genotyped 48 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) representative of the SPOCK3 gene region in 1,790 individuals (n aADHD = 624, n PD = 630, n controls = 536). In this analysis, we found two SNPs to be nominally associated with aADHD (rs7689440, rs897511) and four PD-associated SNPs (rs7689440, rs897511, rs17052671 and rs1485318); the latter even reached marginal significance after rigorous Bonferroni correction. Bioinformatics tools predicted a possible influence of rs1485318 on transcription factor binding, whereas the other candidate SNPs may have effects on alternative splicing. Our results suggest that SPOCK3 may modify the genetic risk for ADHD and PD; further studies are, however, needed to identify the underlying mechanisms.
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Hartmann U, Hülsmann H, Seul J, Röll S, Midani H, Breloy I, Hechler D, Müller R, Paulsson M. Testican-3: a brain-specific proteoglycan member of the BM-40/SPARC/osteonectin family. J Neurochem 2013; 125:399-409. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Hartmann
- Center for Biochemistry; Medical Faculty; University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD); University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Hanni Hülsmann
- Center for Biochemistry; Medical Faculty; University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Judith Seul
- Center for Biochemistry; Medical Faculty; University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Sandra Röll
- Center for Biochemistry; Medical Faculty; University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Heven Midani
- Center for Biochemistry; Medical Faculty; University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Isabelle Breloy
- Center for Biochemistry; Medical Faculty; University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Daniel Hechler
- Center for Biochemistry; Medical Faculty; University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Regina Müller
- Center for Biochemistry; Medical Faculty; University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Mats Paulsson
- Center for Biochemistry; Medical Faculty; University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC); University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD); University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
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Gröger CJ, Grubinger M, Waldhör T, Vierlinger K, Mikulits W. Meta-analysis of gene expression signatures defining the epithelial to mesenchymal transition during cancer progression. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51136. [PMID: 23251436 PMCID: PMC3519484 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) represents a crucial event during cancer progression and dissemination. EMT is the conversion of carcinoma cells from an epithelial to a mesenchymal phenotype that associates with a higher cell motility as well as enhanced chemoresistance and cancer stemness. Notably, EMT has been increasingly recognized as an early event of metastasis. Numerous gene expression studies (GES) have been conducted to obtain transcriptome signatures and marker genes to understand the regulatory mechanisms underlying EMT. Yet, no meta-analysis considering the multitude of GES of EMT has been performed to comprehensively elaborate the core genes in this process. Here we report the meta-analysis of 18 independent and published GES of EMT which focused on different cell types and treatment modalities. Computational analysis revealed clustering of GES according to the type of treatment rather than to cell type. GES of EMT induced via transforming growth factor-β and tumor necrosis factor-α treatment yielded uniformly defined clusters while GES of models with alternative EMT induction clustered in a more complex fashion. In addition, we identified those up- and downregulated genes which were shared between the multitude of GES. This core gene list includes well known EMT markers as well as novel genes so far not described in this process. Furthermore, several genes of the EMT-core gene list significantly correlated with impaired pathological complete response in breast cancer patients. In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides a comprehensive survey of available EMT expression signatures and shows fundamental insights into the mechanisms that are governing carcinoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian J. Gröger
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Grubinger
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Waldhör
- Department of Epidemiology, Centre of Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
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Belkadi A, Jacques C, Savagner F, Malthièry Y. Phylogenetic analysis of the human thyroglobulin regions. Thyroid Res 2012; 5:3. [PMID: 22549183 PMCID: PMC3464141 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6614-5-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroglobulin is a large protein present in all vertebrates. It is synthesized in the thyrocytes and exported to lumen of the thyroid follicle, where its tyrosine residues are iodinated . The iodinated thyroglobulin is reintegrated into the cell and processed (cleaved to free its two extremities) for thyroid hormone synthesis. Thyroglobulin sequence analysis has identified four regions of the molecule: Tg1, Tg2, Tg3 and ChEL. Structural abnormalities and mutations result in different pathological consequences, depending on the thyroglobulin region affected. We carried out a bioinformatic analysis of thyroglobulin, determining the origin and the function of each region. Our results suggest that the Tg1 region acts as a binding protein on the apical membrane, the Tg2 region is involved in protein adhesion and the Tg3 region is involved in determining the three-dimensional structure of the protein. The ChEL domain is involved in thyroglobulin transport, dimerization and adhesion. The presence of repetitive domains in the Tg1, Tg2 and Tg3 regions suggests that these domains may have arisen through duplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelaziz Belkadi
- INSERM U694, Institut Biologie Santé (IBS), rue des Capucins, F-49100 Angers, France.
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Iseki K, Hagino S, Zhang Y, Mori T, Sato N, Yokoya S, Hozumi Y, Goto K, Tase C. Altered expression pattern of testican-1 mRNA after brain injury. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 32:373-8. [PMID: 22199127 DOI: 10.2220/biomedres.32.373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Testican, a chondroitin/heparan sulfate proteoglycan, is primarily expressed in neurons of the adult and embryonic mouse brain, suggesting its role in normal and/or proliferation and differentiation processes of neurons. However, the role of testican in injured brain remains unclear. In the present study we investigated testican-1 mRNA expression pattern after cryo-injury of the brain. In situ hybridization histochemistry revealed that testican-1 mRNA is induced in the region surrounding the necrotic tissue. Time course study of testican-1 mRNA showed the highest level of signal intensity at 7 days after the injury. To determine which cell types express testican-1 mRNA, we performed in situ hybridization histochemistry combined with immunohistochemistry of several cell markers. Testican-1 mRNA signals were detected in the proximal reactive astrocytes, whereas the distribution pattern of testican-1 mRNA positive cells was different from those of mature oligodendrocytes and activated microglia. In addition, signals for testican-1 mRNA overlapped with those of FGF-2 mRNA, showing that these molecules are coexpressed in reactive astrocytes. These results suggest a possibility that testican-1 plays a permissive role for regenerating axons in reactive astrocytes after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Iseki
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Yamagata University, School of Medicine, Iida-Nishi 2-2-2, Yamagata City, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan.
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Li N, He Y, Wang L, Mo C, Zhang J, Zhang W, Li J, Liao Z, Tang X, Xiao H. D-galactose induces necroptotic cell death in neuroblastoma cell lines. J Cell Biochem 2012; 112:3834-44. [PMID: 21826710 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.23314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
D-Galactose (D-gal) can induce oxidative stress in non-cancer cells and result in cell damage by disturbing glucose metabolism. However, the effect of D-gal on cancer cells is yet to be explored. In this study, we investigated the toxicity of D-gal to malignant cells specifically neuroblastoma cells. As the results, high concentrations of D-gal had significant toxicity to cancer cells, whereas the same concentrations of glucose had no; the viability loss via D-gal treatment was prominent to malignant cells (Neuro2a, SH-SY5Y, PC-3, and HepG2) comparing to non-malignant cells (NIH3T3 and LO(2)). Differing from the apoptosis induced by H(2) O(2), D-gal damaged cells showed the characters of necrotic cell death, such as trypan blue-tangible and early phase LDH leakage. Further experiments displayed that the toxic effect of D-gal can be alleviated by necroptosis inhibitor Necrostatin (Nec-1) and autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) but not by caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk. D-Gal treatment can transcriptionally up-regulate the genes relevant to necroptosis (Bmf, Bnip3) and autophagy (Atg5, TIGAR) but not the genes related to apoptosis (Caspase3, Bax, and p53). D-Gal did not activate Caspase-3, but prompted puncta-like GFP-LC3 distribution, an indicator for activated autophagy. The involvement of aldose reductase (AR)-mediated polyol pathway was proved because the inhibitor of AR can attenuate the toxicity of D-gal and D-gal treatment elevates the expression of AR. This study demonstrates for the first time that D-gal can induce non-apoptotic but necroptotic cell death in neuroblastoma cells and provides a new clue for developing the strategy against apoptosis-resistant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Lab for Aging Research, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, #1 Keyuan 4 Road, Gaopeng Avenue, High-tech Zone, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
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Bradshaw AD. Diverse biological functions of the SPARC family of proteins. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2012; 44:480-8. [PMID: 22249026 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2011.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Revised: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 12/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The SPARC family of proteins represents a diverse group of proteins that modulate cell interaction with the extracellular milieu. The eight members of the SPARC protein family are modular in nature. Each shares a follistatin-like domain and an extracellular calcium binding E-F hand motif. In addition, each family member is secreted into the extracellular space. Some of the shared activities of this family include, regulation of extracellular matrix assembly and deposition, counter-adhesion, effects on extracellular protease activity, and modulation of growth factor/cytokine signaling pathways. Recently, several SPARC family members have been implicated in human disease pathogenesis. This review discusses recent advances in the understanding of the functional roles of the SPARC family of proteins in development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy D Bradshaw
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina and Ralph H. Johnson Veteran's Administration, Charleston, SC, United States.
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Takahata T, Shukla R, Yamamori T, Kaas JH. Differential expression patterns of striate cortex-enriched genes among Old World, New World, and prosimian primates. Cereb Cortex 2011; 22:2313-21. [PMID: 22065864 PMCID: PMC3432237 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhr308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A group of 5 genes, OCC1, testican-1, testican-2, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT2A, are selectively expressed in layer 4 (4C of Brodmann) of striate cortex (visual area V1) of both Old World macaques and New World marmoset monkeys. The expression of these genes is activity dependent, as expression is reduced after blocking retinal activity. Surprisingly, the pronounced expression pattern has not been found in rodents or carnivores. Thus, these genes may be highly expressed in V1 of some but perhaps not all primates. Here, we compared the gene expression in members of 3 major branches of primate evolution: prosimians, New World monkeys, and Old World monkeys. Although the expression pattern of 5-HT1B was well conserved, those of the other genes varied from the least distinct in prosimian galagos to successively more in New World owl monkeys, marmosets, squirrel monkeys, and Old World macaque monkeys. In owl monkeys, the expression of 5-HT2A was significantly reduced by monocular tetrodotoxin injection, while those of OCC1 and 5-HT1B were not. Thus, we propose that early primates had low levels of expression and higher levels emerged with anthropoid primates and became further enhanced in the Old World catarrhine monkeys that are more closely related to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Takahata
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA.
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Berger EA, McClellan SA, Barrett RP, Hazlett LD. Testican-1 promotes resistance against Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced keratitis through regulation of MMP-2 expression and activation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:5339-46. [PMID: 21613368 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-6920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Testican-1 (or SPOCK) is a highly conserved chimeric proteoglycan encoded by the SPOCK1 gene. Protease regulatory activity has recently been demonstrated by this molecule and its family members testican-2 and -3. The present study tested the hypothesis that testican-1 regulates corneal matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 expression, thus improving disease outcome after Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced keratitis. METHODS C57BL/6 (B6) and BALB/c mice were routinely infected with P. aeruginosa and were evaluated at various postinfection (pi) times for corneal expression of testican-1 and MMP-2, by PCR array, real-time RT-PCR, ELISA, activity assays, zymography, and immunohistochemistry. Next, B6 mice were treated with recombinant human (rh) testican-1, and expression was knocked down in BALB/c ice by siTestican-1 treatment, to determine the relationship between the two molecules. RESULTS BALB/c versus B6 mice expressed significantly higher mRNA and protein levels of testican-1 after P. aeruginosa-induced ocular infection. MMP-2 expression and activation was also disparate between the two mouse strains. After rhTestican-1 treatment in B6 mice, overall disease response was significantly improved, whereas siRNA treatment of BALB/c mice converted the normally resistant response to susceptible. Testican-1 was shown to influence MMP-2 expression, activation, and regulation, as well. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates corneal expression of testican-1 and its temporal regulation of MMP-2 expression and activation after induction of bacterial keratitis. Furthermore, the data collectively indicate that testican-1 is a novel target for disease treatment to promote better disease outcome regarding chronic inflammation and infection and diseases involving pathologic tissue destruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Berger
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA.
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Yamamori T. Selective gene expression in regions of primate neocortex: implications for cortical specialization. Prog Neurobiol 2011; 94:201-22. [PMID: 21621585 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2011.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2010] [Revised: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 04/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The neocortex, which is characteristic of mammals, has evolved to play important roles in cognitive and perceptual functions. The localization of different functions in different regions of the neocortex was well established within the last century. Studies on the formation of the neocortex have advanced at the molecular level, thus clarifying the mechanisms that control neural or glial cell differentiation and sensory projections. However, mechanisms that underlie cortical area specialization remain unsolved. To address this problem, our approach has been to isolate and characterize the genes that are selectively expressed in particular subsets of neocortical areas in primates; these areas are most distinctive among mammals. By differential display and restriction landmark cDNA scanning (RLCS) methods, we have identified two major classes of genes that are specifically expressed in the adult macaque monkey neocortical areas: one is expressed in the primary sensory areas, particularly, in the primary visual cortex (V1) and the other is expressed in the association areas. The genes that show these specific expression patterns are limited to only several gene families among our large-scale screening. In this review, I first describe the isolation and characterization of these genes, along with another class of genes specifically expressed in motor areas. Then, I discuss their functional significance in the primate neocortex. Finally, I discuss the implication of these gene expression patterns in neocortical specialization in primates and possible future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Yamamori
- Brain Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan.
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Takahata T, Hashikawa T, Tochitani S, Yamamori T. Differential expression patterns of OCC1-related, extracellular matrix proteins in the lateral geniculate nucleus of macaque monkeys. J Chem Neuroanat 2010; 40:112-22. [PMID: 20457249 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2010.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2009] [Revised: 05/02/2010] [Accepted: 05/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays important roles in the development and plasticity of the central nervous system, and it has been shown that it regulates reorganization of the neuronal network. We have found that expression of OCC1, testican-1, testican-2, testican-3, SPARC and SC1 mRNAs, which encode members of the OCC1-related family of ECM proteins, exhibits distinct activity-dependent expression patterns in the adult macaque visual cortex. This finding suggests that OCC1-related proteins play crucial roles in the visual processing pathway. In the present study, we examined mRNA expression patterns of OCC1-related genes in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of macaques. The mRNAs of testican-1 and testican-2 were strongly expressed in both excitatory projection neurons and GABAergic interneurons in the dLGN. Expression of testican-3 mRNA, which is predominantly observed in GABAergic interneurons in the cortex, was restricted to excitatory projection neurons in the dLGN. SPARC mRNA was strongly, and exclusively, expressed in glial cells in the dLGN. Interestingly, neuronal SC1 mRNA expression was abundantly observed in intercalated, koniocellular layers of the dLGN, while it was preferentially observed in blob regions of the primary visual area that receives color coding K-pathway projection from dLGN koniocellular layers, suggesting a pathway preference of expression. Finally, monocular inactivation experiments demonstrated that expression of testican-1, testican-2 and testican-3 mRNAs in the dLGN is dependent on sensory activity. Given their differential expression patterns and activity dependence, products of OCC1-related genes may modulate visual processing and plasticity at the level of the dLGN and the visual cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Takahata
- Division of Brain Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
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Takahata T, Komatsu Y, Watakabe A, Hashikawa T, Tochitani S, Yamamori T. Differential expression patterns of occ1-related genes in adult monkey visual cortex. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 19:1937-51. [PMID: 19073625 PMCID: PMC2705702 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhn220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We have previously revealed that occ1 is preferentially expressed in the primary visual area (V1) of the monkey neocortex. In our attempt to identify more area-selective genes in the macaque neocortex, we found that testican-1, an occ1-related gene, and its family members also exhibit characteristic expression patterns along the visual pathway. The expression levels of testican-1 and testican-2 mRNAs as well as that of occ1 mRNA start of high in V1, progressively decrease along the ventral visual pathway, and end of low in the temporal areas. Complementary to them, the neuronal expression of SPARC mRNA is abundant in the association areas and scarce in V1. Whereas occ1, testican-1, and testican-2 mRNAs are preferentially distributed in thalamorecipient layers including “blobs,” SPARC mRNA expression avoids these layers. Neither SC1 nor testican-3 mRNA expression is selective to particular areas, but SC1 mRNA is abundantly observed in blobs. The expressions of occ1, testican-1, testican-2, and SC1 mRNA were downregulated after monocular tetrodotoxin injection. These results resonate with previous works on chemical and functional gradients along the primate occipitotemporal visual pathway and raise the possibility that these gradients and functional architecture may be related to the visual activity–dependent expression of these extracellular matrix glycoproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Takahata
- Division of Brain Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
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20
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Rodgers KD, San Antonio JD, Jacenko O. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans: a GAGgle of skeletal-hematopoietic regulators. Dev Dyn 2008; 237:2622-42. [PMID: 18629873 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes our current understanding of the presence and function of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) in skeletal development and hematopoiesis. Although proteoglycans (PGs) comprise a large and diverse group of cell surface and matrix molecules, we chose to focus on HSPGs owing to their many proposed functions in skeletogenesis and hematopoiesis. Specifically, we discuss how HSPGs play predominant roles in establishing and regulating niches during skeleto-hematopoietic development by participating in distinct developmental processes such as patterning, compartmentalization, growth, differentiation, and maintenance of tissues. Special emphasis is placed on our novel hypothesis that mechanistically links endochondral skeletogenesis to the establishment of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche in the marrow. HSPGs may contribute to these developmental processes through their unique abilities to establish and mediate morphogen, growth factor, and cytokine gradients; facilitate signaling; provide structural stability to tissues; and act as molecular filters and barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn D Rodgers
- Department of Animal Biology, Division of Biochemistry, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6046, USA.
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Purification and characterization of a recombinant human testican-2 expressed in baculovirus-infected Sf9 insect cells. Protein Expr Purif 2008; 58:132-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2007.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2007] [Revised: 08/23/2007] [Accepted: 09/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Delgado IJ, Kim DS, Thatcher KN, LaSalle JM, Van den Veyver IB. Expression profiling of clonal lymphocyte cell cultures from Rett syndrome patients. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2006; 7:61. [PMID: 16859563 PMCID: PMC1569822 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-7-61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2005] [Accepted: 07/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background More than 85% of Rett syndrome (RTT) patients have heterozygous mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene which encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2, a transcriptional repressor that binds methylated CpG sites. Because MECP2 is subject to X chromosome inactivation (XCI), girls with RTT express either the wild type or mutant MECP2 in each of their cells. To test the hypothesis that MECP2 mutations result in genome-wide transcriptional deregulation and identify its target genes in a system that circumvents the functional mosaicism resulting from XCI, we performed gene expression profiling of pure populations of untransformed T-lymphocytes that express either a mutant or a wild-type allele. Methods Single T lymphocytes from a patient with a c.473C>T (p.T158M) mutation and one with a c.1308-1309delTC mutation were subcloned and subjected to short term culture. Gene expression profiles of wild-type and mutant clones were compared by oligonucleotide expression microarray analysis. Results Expression profiling yielded 44 upregulated genes and 77 downregulated genes. We compared this gene list with expression profiles of independent microarray experiments in cells and tissues of RTT patients and mouse models with Mecp2 mutations. These comparisons identified a candidate MeCP2 target gene, SPOCK1, downregulated in two independent microarray experiments, but its expression was not altered by quantitative RT-PCR analysis on brain tissues from a RTT mouse model. Conclusion Initial expression profiling from T-cell clones of RTT patients identified a list of potential MeCP2 target genes. Further detailed analysis and comparison to independent microarray experiments did not confirm significantly altered expression of most candidate genes. These results are consistent with other reported data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan J Delgado
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Senior Scientist, Identigene Inc., 5615 Kirby, Suite 800 Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Dong Sun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, South Korea
| | - Karen N Thatcher
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology and Rowe Program in Human Genetics, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Janine M LaSalle
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology and Rowe Program in Human Genetics, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ignatia B Van den Veyver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Röll S, Seul J, Paulsson M, Hartmann U. Testican-1 is dispensable for mouse development. Matrix Biol 2006; 25:373-81. [PMID: 16806869 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2006.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2005] [Revised: 05/12/2006] [Accepted: 05/15/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Testicans are proteoglycans belonging to the BM-40/SPARC/osteonectin family of extracellular calcium-binding proteins. Testican-1 is strongly expressed in the brain and has been reported to modulate neuronal attachment and matrix metalloproteinase activation. Characterization of the mouse testican-1 gene (Ticn1), consisting of 12 exons out of which exon 3 is alternatively spliced, allowed the construction of a gene targeting construct. Mice deficient in testican-1 showed no obvious morphological or behavioral abnormalities, were fertile, and had normal life spans. Despite the fact that neither of the testican-1 homologues expressed in the brain, testican-2, testican-3 and SC1/hevin, showed an increased expression in Ticn1 null mice, these results, together with those from other gene targetings, indicate extensive functional redundancy among brain proteoglycans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Röll
- Center for Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 52, D-50931 Cologne, Germany
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Novinec M, Kordis D, Turk V, Lenarcic B. Diversity and Evolution of the Thyroglobulin Type-1 Domain Superfamily. Mol Biol Evol 2005; 23:744-55. [PMID: 16368776 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msj082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidomain proteins are gaining increasing consideration for their puzzling, flexible utilization in nature. The presence of the characteristic thyroglobulin type-1 (Tg1) domain as a protein module in a variety of multicellular organisms suggests pivotal roles for this building block. To gain insight into the evolution of Tg1 domains, we performed searches of protein, expressed sequence tag, and genome databases. Tg1 domains were found to be Metazoa specific, and we retrieved a total of 170 Tg1 domain-containing protein sequences. Their architectures revealed a wide taxonomic distribution of proteins containing Tg1 domains followed or preceded by secreted protein, acidic, rich in cysteines (SPARC)-type extracellular calcium-binding domains. Other proteins contained lineage-specific domain combinations of peptidase inhibitory modules or domains with different biological functions. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Tg1 domains are highly conserved within protein structures, whereas insertion into novel proteins is followed by rapid diversification. Seven different basic types of protein architecture containing the Tg1 domain were identified in vertebrates. We examined the evolution of these protein groups by combining Tg1 domain phylogeny with additional analyses based on other characteristic domains. Testicans and secreted modular calcium binding protein (SMOCs) evolved from invertebrate homologs by introduction of vertebrate-specific domains, nidogen evolved by insertion of a Tg1 domain into a preexisting architecture, and the remaining four have unique architectures. Thyroglobulin, Trops, and the major histocompatibility complex class II-associated invariant chain are vertebrate specific, while an insulin-like growth factor-binding protein and nidogen were also identified in urochordates. Among vertebrates, we observed differences in protein repertoires, which result from gene duplication and domain duplication. Members of five groups have been characterized at the molecular level. All exhibit subtle differences in their specificities and function either as peptidase inhibitors (thyropins), substrates, or both. As far as the sequence is concerned, only a few conserved residues were identified. In combination with structural data, our analysis shows that the Tg1 domain fold is highly adaptive and comprises a relatively well-conserved core surrounded by highly variable loops that account for its multipurpose function in the animal kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Novinec
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, JoZef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Flatscher-Bader T, van der Brug M, Hwang JW, Gochee PA, Matsumoto I, Niwa SI, Wilce PA. Alcohol-responsive genes in the frontal cortex and nucleus accumbens of human alcoholics. J Neurochem 2005; 93:359-70. [PMID: 15816859 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2004.03021.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The molecular processes underlying alcohol dependence are not fully understood. Many characteristic behaviours result from neuroadaptations in the mesocorticolimbic system. In addition, alcoholism is associated with a distinct neuropathology. To elucidate the molecular basis of these features, we compared the RNA expression profile of the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex of human brain from matched individual alcoholic and control cases using cDNA microarrays. Approximately 6% of genes with a marked alcohol response were common to the two brain regions. Alcohol-responsive genes were grouped into 11 functional categories. Predominant alcohol-responsive genes in the prefrontal cortex were those encoding DNA-binding proteins including transcription factors and repair proteins. There was also a down-regulation of genes encoding mitochondrial proteins, which could result in disrupted mitochondrial function and energy production leading to oxidative stress. Other alcohol-responsive genes in the prefrontal cortex were associated with neuroprotection/apoptosis. In contrast, in the nucleus accumbens, alcohol-responsive genes were associated with vesicle formation and regulation of cell architecture, which suggests a neuroadaptation to chronic alcohol exposure at the level of synaptic structure and function. Our data are in keeping with the previously reported alcoholism-related pathology characteristic of the prefrontal cortex, but suggest a persistent decrease in neurotransmission and changes in plasticity in the nucleus accumbens of the alcoholic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Traute Flatscher-Bader
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Microbial Sciences, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
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Schnepp A, Komp Lindgren P, Hülsmann H, Kröger S, Paulsson M, Hartmann U. Mouse Testican-2. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:11274-80. [PMID: 15657052 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m414276200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse testican-2 was cloned, sequenced, and shown to be a proteoglycan with a multidomain structure closely similar to that of the human ortholog, previously described as a calcium binding extracellular matrix molecule of the BM-40/SPARC/osteonectin family (Vannahme, C., Schübel, S., Herud, M., Gösling, S., Hülsmann, H., Paulsson, M., Hartmann, U., and Maurer, P. (1999). J. Neurochem. 73, 12-20). Recombinant mouse testican-2 was used to prepare specific antibodies that allowed the detection of testican-2 in various brain structures but also in lung, testis, and in several endocrine glands. Although the testican-2 expressed in EBNA-293 cells carried both heparan sulfate and chondroitin/dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycan chains, the tissue form always contained only heparan sulfate. Both tissue-derived and recombinant testican-2 carried N-linked glycans. Tissue-derived forms of testican-2 were detected as proteoglycans of varying size, whereas a portion of the molecules produced by EBNA-293 cells were core proteins, lacking glycosaminoglycans. Both the proteoglycan and core protein forms of testican-2 inhibited neurite extension from cultured primary cerebellar neurons and may play regulatory roles in the development of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Schnepp
- Center for Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, D-50931 Cologne, Germany
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Edgell CJS, BaSalamah MA, Marr HS. Testican-1: A Differentially Expressed Proteoglycan with Protease Inhibiting Activities. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2004; 236:101-22. [PMID: 15261737 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(04)36003-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Testican-1 is a highly conserved, multidomain proteoglycan that is most prominently expressed in the thalamus of the brain, and is upregulated in activated astroglial cells of the cerebrum. Several functions of this gene product have now been demonstrated in vitro including membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase inhibition, cathepsin L inhibition, and low-affinity calcium binding. The purified gene product has been shown to inhibit cell attachment and neurite extensions in culture. Functions of testican in vivo have yet to be demonstrated in knockout mice or other models. Testican has been shown to carry substantial amounts of chondroitin sulfate as well as other oligosaccharides, but the biological significance of these embellishments is not yet known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora-Jean S Edgell
- Pathology Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7525, USA
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