1
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Wang H, He K, Zhang H, Zhang Q, Cao L, Li J, Zhong Z, Chen H, Zhou L, Lian C, Wang M, Chen K, Qian PY, Li C. Deciphering deep-sea chemosynthetic symbiosis by single-nucleus RNA-sequencing. eLife 2024; 12:RP88294. [PMID: 39102287 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Bathymodioline mussels dominate deep-sea methane seep and hydrothermal vent habitats and obtain nutrients and energy primarily through chemosynthetic endosymbiotic bacteria in the bacteriocytes of their gill. However, the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate mussel host-symbiont interactions remain unclear. Here, we constructed a comprehensive cell atlas of the gill in the mussel Gigantidas platifrons from the South China Sea methane seeps (1100 m depth) using single-nucleus RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq) and whole-mount in situ hybridisation. We identified 13 types of cells, including three previously unknown ones, and uncovered unknown tissue heterogeneity. Every cell type has a designated function in supporting the gill's structure and function, creating an optimal environment for chemosynthesis, and effectively acquiring nutrients from the endosymbiotic bacteria. Analysis of snRNA-seq of in situ transplanted mussels clearly showed the shifts in cell state in response to environmental oscillations. Our findings provide insight into the principles of host-symbiont interaction and the bivalves' environmental adaption mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Center of Deep-Sea Research, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- Department of Ocean Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kai He
- Key Laboratory of Conservation and Application in Biodiversity of South China, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Center of Deep-Sea Research, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Quanyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Japan
| | - Lei Cao
- Center of Deep-Sea Research, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Li
- South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoshan Zhong
- Center of Deep-Sea Research, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Center of Deep-Sea Research, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Center of Deep-Sea Research, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Chao Lian
- Center of Deep-Sea Research, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Minxiao Wang
- Center of Deep-Sea Research, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Kai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Japan
| | - Pei-Yuan Qian
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- Department of Ocean Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chaolun Li
- Center of Deep-Sea Research, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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2
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Zhu H, Luo H, Wu X, Bao H, Shu Y, Ji X, Fan X, Pan Y, Tang C, Wu X, Ruan H. Vitamin C inactivates c-Jun N-terminal kinase to stabilize heart and neural crest derivatives expressed 1 (Hand1) in regulating placentation and maintenance of pregnancy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:303. [PMID: 39008099 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05345-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Vitamin C (VC) serves as a pivotal nutrient for anti-oxidation process, metabolic responses, and stem cell differentiation. However, its precise contribution to placenta development and gestation remains obscure. Here, we demonstrated that physiological levels of VC act to stabilize Hand1, a key bHLH transcription factor vital for the development trajectory of trophoblast giant cell (TGC) lineages, thereby promoting the differentiation of trophoblast stem cells into TGC. Specifically, VC administration inactivated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, which directly phosphorylates Hand1 at Ser48, triggering the proteasomal degradation of Hand1. Conversely, a loss-of-function mutation at Ser48 on Hand1 not only significantly diminished both intrinsic and VC-induced stabilization of Hand1 but also underscored the indispensability of this residue. Noteworthy, the insufficiency of VC led to severe defects in the differentiation of diverse TGC subtypes and the formation of labyrinth's vascular network in rodent placentas, resulting in failure of maintenance of pregnancy. Importantly, VC deficiency, lentiviral knockdown of JNK or overexpression of Hand1 mutants in trophectoderm substantially affected the differentiation of primary and secondary TGC in E8.5 mouse placentas. Thus, these findings uncover the significance of JNK inactivation and consequential stabilization of Hand1 as a hitherto uncharacterized mechanism controlling VC-mediated placentation and perhaps maintenance of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibin Zhu
- Department of Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Univerisity School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
| | - Huan Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- Department of Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Univerisity School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Hangyang Bao
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang Univerisity School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yingying Shu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang Univerisity School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xing Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang Univerisity School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xueying Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang Univerisity School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yibin Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang Univerisity School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Chao Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang Univerisity School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ximei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang Univerisity School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
| | - Hongfeng Ruan
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang Univerisity School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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3
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Hosseini SM, Panahi-Azar A, Sheybani-Arani M, Morovatshoar R, Mirzadeh M, Salimi Asl A, Naghdipour Mirsadeghi M, Khajavi-Mayvan F. Vitamins, minerals and their maternal levels' role in brain development: An updated literature-review. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2024; 63:31-45. [PMID: 38907995 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
One's neurobehavioural and mental health are built during the exact and complex process of brain development. It is thought that fetal development is where neuropsychiatric disorders first emerged. Behavioural patterns can change as a result of neuropsychiatric illnesses. The incidence is rising quickly; nevertheless, providing exceptional care remains a significant challenge for families and healthcare systems. It has been demonstrated that one of the main factors causing the transmission of these diseases is maternal exposure. Through physiologic pathways, maternal health and intrauterine exposures can affect brain development. Our attention has been focused on epigenetic factors, particularly in the gestational environment, which may be responsible for human neurodegenerative diseases since our main mental development occurs during the nine months of intrauterine life. After thoroughly searching numerous databases, this study examined the effect of fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins, and minerals and their maternal-level effect on brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ava Panahi-Azar
- Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | | | - Reza Morovatshoar
- Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Mahdieh Mirzadeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Ali Salimi Asl
- Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Misa Naghdipour Mirsadeghi
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Reproductive Health Research Center, Alzahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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4
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Saldivia N, Salazar K, Cifuentes M, Espinoza F, Harrison FE, Nualart F. Ascorbic acid and its transporter SVCT2, affect radial glia cells differentiation in postnatal stages. Glia 2024; 72:708-727. [PMID: 38180226 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Radial glia (RG) cells generate neurons and glial cells that make up the cerebral cortex. Both in rodents and humans, these stem cells remain for a specific time after birth, named late radial glia (lRG). The knowledge of lRG and molecules that may be involved in their differentiation is based on very limited data. We analyzed whether ascorbic acid (AA) and its transporter SVCT2, are involved in lRG cells differentiation. We demonstrated that lRG cells are highly present between the first and fourth postnatal days. Anatomical characterization of lRG cells, revealed that lRG cells maintained their bipolar morphology and stem-like character. When lRG cells were labeled with adenovirus-eGFP at 1 postnatal day, we detected that some cells display an obvious migratory neuronal phenotype, suggesting that lRG cells continue generating neurons postnatally. Moreover, we demonstrated that SVCT2 was apically polarized in lRG cells. In vitro studies using the transgenic mice SVCT2+/- and SVCT2tg (SVCT2-overexpressing mouse), showed that decreased SVCT2 levels led to accelerated differentiation into astrocytes, whereas both AA treatment and elevated SVCT2 expression maintain the lRG cells in an undifferentiated state. In vivo overexpression of SVCT2 in lRG cells generated cells with a rounded morphology that were migratory and positive for proliferation and neuronal markers. We also examined mediators that can be involved in AA/SVCT2-modulated signaling pathways, determining that GSK3-β through AKT, mTORC2, and PDK1 is active in brains with high levels of SVCT2/AA. Our data provide new insights into the role of AA and SVCT2 in late RG cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Saldivia
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Center for Advanced Microscopy, CMA BIO BIO, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Katterine Salazar
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Center for Advanced Microscopy, CMA BIO BIO, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Manuel Cifuentes
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, Universidad de Málaga, IBIMA, Málaga, Spain
| | - Francisca Espinoza
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Center for Advanced Microscopy, CMA BIO BIO, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Fiona E Harrison
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA
| | - Francisco Nualart
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Center for Advanced Microscopy, CMA BIO BIO, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
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5
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Portugal CC. Ascorbate and its transporter SVCT2: The dynamic duo's integrated roles in CNS neurobiology and pathophysiology. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 212:448-462. [PMID: 38182073 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.12.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Ascorbate is a small antioxidant molecule essential for the proper development and function of the brain. Ascorbate is transported into the brain and between brain cells via the Sodium vitamin C co-transporter 2 (SVCT2). This review provides an in-depth analysis of ascorbate's physiology, including how ascorbate is absorbed from food into the CNS, emphasizing cellular mechanisms of ascorbate recycling and release in different CNS compartments. Additionally, the review delves into the various functions of ascorbate in the CNS, including its impact on epigenetic modulation, synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmission. It also emphasizes ascorbate's role on neuromodulation and its involvement in neurodevelopmental processes and disorders. Furthermore, it analyzes the relationship between the duo ascorbate/SVCT2 in neuroinflammation, particularly its effects on microglial activation, cytokine release, and oxidative stress responses, highlighting its association with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Overall, this review emphasizes the crucial role of the dynamic duo ascorbate/SVCT2 in CNS physiology and pathology and the need for further research to fully comprehend its significance in a neurobiological context and its potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila C Portugal
- I3s - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
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6
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Coker SJ, Berry MJ, Vissers MCM, Dyson RM. Maternal Vitamin C Intake during Pregnancy Influences Long-Term Offspring Growth with Timing- and Sex-Specific Effects in Guinea Pigs. Nutrients 2024; 16:369. [PMID: 38337653 PMCID: PMC10857109 DOI: 10.3390/nu16030369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Our previous work in guinea pigs revealed that low vitamin C intake during preconception and pregnancy adversely affects fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and foetal and neonatal growth in a sex-dependent manner. To investigate the long-term impact on offspring, we monitored their growth from birth to adolescence (four months), recorded organ weights at childhood equivalence (28 days) and adolescence, and assessed physiological parameters like oral glucose tolerance and basal cortisol concentrations. We also investigated the effects of the timing of maternal vitamin C restriction (early vs. late gestation) on pregnancy outcomes and the health consequences for offspring. Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs were fed an optimal (900 mg/kg feed) or low (100 mg/kg feed) vitamin C diet ad libitum during preconception. Pregnant dams were then randomised into four feeding regimens: consistently optimal, consistently low, low during early pregnancy, or low during late pregnancy. We found that low maternal vitamin C intake during early pregnancy accelerated foetal and neonatal growth in female offspring and altered glucose homeostasis in the offspring of both sexes at an age equivalent to early childhood. Conversely, low maternal vitamin C intake during late pregnancy resulted in foetal growth restriction and reduced weight gain in male offspring throughout their lifespan. We conclude that altered vitamin C during development has long-lasting, sex-specific consequences for offspring and that the timing of vitamin C depletion is also critical, with low levels during early development being associated with the development of a metabolic syndrome-related phenotype, while later deprivation appears to be linked to a growth-faltering phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharna J. Coker
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (M.J.B.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Mary J. Berry
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (M.J.B.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Margreet C. M. Vissers
- Mātai Hāora-Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand;
| | - Rebecca M. Dyson
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (M.J.B.); (R.M.D.)
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7
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Kuwabara M, Fukuuchi T, Aoki Y, Mizuta E, Ouchi M, Kurajoh M, Maruhashi T, Tanaka A, Morikawa N, Nishimiya K, Akashi N, Tanaka Y, Otani N, Morita M, Miyata H, Takada T, Tsutani H, Ogino K, Ichida K, Hisatome I, Abe K. Exploring the Multifaceted Nexus of Uric Acid and Health: A Review of Recent Studies on Diverse Diseases. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1519. [PMID: 37892201 PMCID: PMC10604821 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101519] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of patients with hyperuricemia or gout is increasing worldwide. Hyperuricemia and gout are primarily attributed to genetic factors, along with lifestyle factors like consuming a purine-rich diet, alcohol and/or fructose intake, and physical activity. While numerous studies have reported various comorbidities linked to hyperuricemia or gout, the range of these associations is extensive. This review article focuses on the relationship between uric acid and thirteen specific domains: transporters, genetic factors, diet, lifestyle, gout, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, hypertension, kidney diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, and malignancies. The present article provides a comprehensive review of recent developments in these areas, compiled by experts from the Young Committee of the Japanese Society of Gout and Uric and Nucleic Acids. The consolidated summary serves to enhance the global comprehension of uric acid-related matters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanari Kuwabara
- Department of Cardiology, Toranomon Hospital, 2-2-2-Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo 105-8470, Japan
| | - Tomoko Fukuuchi
- Laboratory of Biomedical and Analytical Sciences, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan;
| | - Yuhei Aoki
- Department of Cardiorenal and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Takamatsu 761-0793, Kagawa, Japan;
| | - Einosuke Mizuta
- Department of Cardiology, Sanin Rosai Hospital, Yonago 683-8605, Tottori, Japan;
| | - Motoshi Ouchi
- Department of Health Promotion in Nursing and Midwifery, Innovative Nursing for Life Course, Graduate School of Nursing, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8672, Chiba, Japan;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu 321-0293, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Masafumi Kurajoh
- Department of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 5454-8585, Osaka, Japan;
| | - Tatsuya Maruhashi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Hiroshima, Japan;
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Saga, Japan;
| | - Nagisa Morikawa
- Division of Cardio-Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Fukuoka, Japan;
- Department of Community Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kensuke Nishimiya
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai 980-8574, Miyagi, Japan;
| | - Naoyuki Akashi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Saitama 330-8503, Saitama, Japan;
| | - Yoshihiro Tanaka
- Division of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Shizuoka 420-0881, Shizuoka, Japan;
| | - Naoyuki Otani
- Cardiovascular Center, Dokkyo Medical University Nikko Medical Center, Nikko 321-1298, Tochigi, Japan;
| | - Mihoko Morita
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Fukui Hospital, Eiheiji 910-1193, Fukui, Japan;
| | - Hiroshi Miyata
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan; (H.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Tappei Takada
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan; (H.M.); (T.T.)
| | - Hiroshi Tsutani
- National Hospital Organization Awara Hospital, Awara 910-4272, Fukui, Japan;
| | - Kazuhide Ogino
- Department of Cardiology, Japanese Red Cross Tottori Hospital, Tottori 680-8517, Tottori, Japan;
| | - Kimiyoshi Ichida
- Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan;
| | - Ichiro Hisatome
- National Hospital Organization Yonago Medical Center, Yonago 683-0006, Tottori, Japan;
| | - Kohtaro Abe
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Fukuoka, Japan;
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Maurya VK, Shakya A, McClements DJ, Srinivasan R, Bashir K, Ramesh T, Lee J, Sathiyamoorthi E. Vitamin C fortification: need and recent trends in encapsulation technologies. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1229243. [PMID: 37743910 PMCID: PMC10517877 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1229243] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The multifaceted role of vitamin C in human health intrudes several biochemical functions that are but not limited to antioxidant activity, homoeostasis, amino acid synthesis, collagen synthesis, osteogenesis, neurotransmitter production and several yet to be explored functions. In absence of an innate biosynthetic pathway, humans are obligated to attain vitamin C from dietary sources to maintain its optimal serum level (28 μmol/L). However, a significant amount of naturally occurring vitamin C may deteriorate due to food processing, storage and distribution before reaching to the human gastrointestinal tract, thus limiting or mitigating its disease combating activity. Literature acknowledges the growing prevalence of vitamin C deficiency across the globe irrespective of geographic, economic and population variations. Several tools have been tested to address vitamin C deficiency, which are primarily diet diversification, biofortification, supplementation and food fortification. These strategies inherit their own advantages and limitations. Opportunely, nanotechnology promises an array of delivery systems providing encapsulation, protection and delivery of susceptible compounds against environmental factors. Lack of clear understanding of the suitability of the delivery system for vitamin C encapsulation and fortification; growing prevalence of its deficiency, it is a need of the hour to develop and design vitamin C fortified food ensuring homogeneous distribution, improved stability and enhanced bioavailability. This article is intended to review the importance of vitamin C in human health, its recommended daily allowance, its dietary sources, factors donating to its stability and degradation. The emphasis also given to review the strategies adopted to address vitamin c deficiency, delivery systems adopted for vitamin C encapsulation and fortification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Kumar Maurya
- Field Application Specialist, PerkinElmer, New Delhi, India
- National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Sonipat, Haryana, India
| | - Amita Shakya
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Chhattisgarh, Raipur, India
| | - David Julian McClements
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
- Department of Food Science & Bioengineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ramachandran Srinivasan
- Centre for Ocean Research (DST-FIST Sponsored Centre), MoES-Earth Science and Technology Cell (Marine Biotechnological Studies), Sathyabama Research Park, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Khalid Bashir
- Department of Food Technology, Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi, India
| | - Thiyagarajan Ramesh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jintae Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
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Toyoda Y, Miyata H, Shigesawa R, Matsuo H, Suzuki H, Takada T. SVCT2/SLC23A2 is a sodium-dependent urate transporter: functional properties and practical application. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104976. [PMID: 37390985 PMCID: PMC10374969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104976] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Urate transporters play a pivotal role in urate handling in the human body, but the urate transporters identified to date do not account for all known molecular processes of urate handling, suggesting the presence of latent machineries. We recently showed that a urate transporter SLC2A12 is also a physiologically important exporter of ascorbate (the main form of vitamin C in the body) that would cooperate with an ascorbate importer, sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2). Based on the dual functions of SLC2A12 and cooperativity between SLC2A12 and SVCT2, we hypothesized that SVCT2 might be able to transport urate. To test this proposal, we conducted cell-based analyses using SVCT2-expressing mammalian cells. The results demonstrated that SVCT2 is a novel urate transporter. Vitamin C inhibited SVCT2-mediated urate transport with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 36.59 μM, suggesting that the urate transport activity may be sensitive to physiological ascorbate levels in blood. Similar results were obtained for mouse Svct2. Further, using SVCT2 as a sodium-dependent urate importer, we established a cell-based urate efflux assay that will be useful for identification of other novel urate exporters as well as functional characterization of nonsynonymous variants of already-identified urate exporters including ATP-binding cassette transporter G2. While more studies will be needed to elucidate the physiological impact of SVCT2-mediated urate transport, our findings deepen understanding of urate transport machineries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Toyoda
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Miyata
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Shigesawa
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Matsuo
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Bio-Nano Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Suzuki
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tappei Takada
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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10
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Cao B, Xia Y, Cai Z, Wang Z, Tang C, Song Y. Construction of a Brain-specific SLC23A2 Gene Knockout Mice Model. Neuroscience 2023; 524:137-148. [PMID: 37330196 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin C (VC) is a key antioxidant of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and SLC23A2 (SVCT2) is the only transporter that actively transports VC into the brain. While the existing animal models of VC deficiency are in the whole body, the essential role of VC in brain development remains elusive. In our study presented here, the CRISPR/Cas9 technology was applied for the construction of a C57BL/6J-SLC23A2 em1(flox)Smoc mouse model, which was crossed with the Glial fibrillary acidic protein-driven Cre Recombinase (GFAP-Cre) genotype mice to generate a conditional knockout model of SLC23A2(SVCT2) gene in mice brain (GFAP-Cre;SLC23A2 flox/flox) after generations of crossbreeding. Our results showed that the expression of SVCT2 in GFAP-Cre;SLC23A2 flox/flox (Cre;svct2 f/f) mice brain was significantly decreased, and consistently, the expression of Neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN), Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), calbindin-28k, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was down-regulated but Ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) was up-regulated in Cre;svct2 f/f mice brain tissues. On the other hand, the levels of Glutathione, Reduced (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MDA), 8-isoprostane, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6(IL-6) were significantly increased, but the levels of VC in brain tissue of the model group were decreased in Cre;svct2 f/f mice brain tissues, indicating the protective effect of VC against oxidative stress and inflammation during pregnancy. Thus, the conditional knockout of the SLC23A2 gene in the brain of mouse was successfully established by the CRISPR/Cas9 technology in our study, providing an effective animal model for studying the role of VC in fetal brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Cao
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong Xia
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zengxuan Cai
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Tang
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Yanhua Song
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China.
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11
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Salazar K, Jara N, Ramírez E, de Lima I, Smith-Ghigliotto J, Muñoz V, Ferrada L, Nualart F. Role of vitamin C and SVCT2 in neurogenesis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1155758. [PMID: 37424994 PMCID: PMC10324519 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1155758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Different studies have established the fundamental role of vitamin C in proliferation, differentiation, and neurogenesis in embryonic and adult brains, as well as in in vitro cell models. To fulfill these functions, the cells of the nervous system regulate the expression and sorting of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2), as well as the recycling of vitamin C between ascorbic acid (AA) and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) via a bystander effect. SVCT2 is a transporter preferentially expressed in neurons and in neural precursor cells. In developmental stages, it is concentrated in the apical region of the radial glia, and in adult life, it is expressed preferentially in motor neurons of the cerebral cortex, starting on postnatal day 1. In neurogenic niches, SVCT2 is preferentially expressed in precursors with intermediate proliferation, where a scorbutic condition reduces neuronal differentiation. Vitamin C is a potent epigenetic regulator in stem cells; thus, it can induce the demethylation of DNA and histone H3K27m3 in the promoter region of genes involved in neurogenesis and differentiation, an effect mediated by Tet1 and Jmjd3 demethylases, respectively. In parallel, it has been shown that vitamin C induces the expression of stem cell-specific microRNA, including the Dlk1-Dio3 imprinting region and miR-143, which promotes stem cell self-renewal and suppresses de novo expression of the methyltransferase gene Dnmt3a. The epigenetic action of vitamin C has also been evaluated during gene reprogramming of human fibroblasts to induced pluripotent cells, where it has been shown that vitamin C substantially improves the efficiency and quality of reprogrammed cells. Thus, for a proper effect of vitamin C on neurogenesis and differentiation, its function as an enzymatic cofactor, modulator of gene expression and antioxidant is essential, as is proper recycling from DHA to AA by various supporting cells in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katterine Salazar
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
- Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Nery Jara
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Eder Ramírez
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Isabelle de Lima
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Javiera Smith-Ghigliotto
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Valentina Muñoz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Luciano Ferrada
- Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Francisco Nualart
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
- Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
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12
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Kietzmann T. Vitamin C: From nutrition to oxygen sensing and epigenetics. Redox Biol 2023; 63:102753. [PMID: 37263060 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C is unbeatable - at least when it comes to sales. Of all the vitamin preparations, those containing vitamin C sell best. This is surprising because vitamin C deficiency is extremely rare. Nevertheless, there is still controversy about whether the additional intake of vitamin C supplements is essential for our health. In this context, the possible additional benefit is in most cases merely reduced to the known effect as an antioxidant. However, new findings in recent years on the mechanisms of oxygen-sensing and epigenetic control underpin the multifaceted role of vitamin C in a biological context and have therefore renewed interest in it. In the present article, therefore, known facts are linked to these new key data. In addition, available clinical data on vitamin C use of cancer therapy are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kietzmann
- University of Oulu, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, P.O. Box 3000, 90014, Oulu, Finland.
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13
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Fan D, Liu X, Shen Z, Wu P, Zhong L, Lin F. Cell signaling pathways based on vitamin C and their application in cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114695. [PMID: 37058822 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C, a small organic molecule, is widely found in fruits and vegetables and is an essential nutrient in the human body. Vitamin C is closely associated with some human diseases such as cancer. Many studies have shown that high doses of vitamin C have anti-tumor ability and can target tumor cells in multiple targets. This review will describe vitamin C absorption and its function in cancer treatment. We will review the cellular signaling pathways associated with vitamin C against tumors depending on the different anti-cancer mechanisms. Based on this, we will further describe some applications of the use of vitamin C for cancer treatment in preclinical and clinical trials and the possible adverse events that can occur. Finally, this review also assesses the prospective advantages of vitamin C in oncology treatment and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianfa Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Xiyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Zhen Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Pan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Liping Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.
| | - Faquan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine of Guangxi Department of Education,Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University.
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14
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Wang M, He J, Li S, Cai Q, Zhang K, She J. Structural basis of vitamin C recognition and transport by mammalian SVCT1 transporter. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1361. [PMID: 36914666 PMCID: PMC10011568 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37037-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient for human health, and its deficiency has long been known to cause scurvy. Sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters (SVCTs) are responsible for vitamin C uptake and tissue distribution in mammals. Here, we present cryogenic electron microscopy structures of mouse SVCT1 in both the apo and substrate-bound states. Mouse SVCT1 forms a homodimer with each protomer containing a core domain and a gate domain. The tightly packed extracellular interfaces between the core domain and gate domain stabilize the protein in an inward-open conformation for both the apo and substrate-bound structures. Vitamin C binds at the core domain of each subunit, and two potential sodium ions are identified near the binding site. The coordination of sodium ions by vitamin C explains their coupling transport. SVCTs probably deliver substrate through an elevator mechanism in combination with local structural arrangements. Altogether, our results reveal the molecular mechanism by which SVCTs recognize vitamin C and lay a foundation for further mechanistic studies on SVCT substrate transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Jin He
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Qianwen Cai
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Kaiming Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
| | - Ji She
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
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15
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Duarte-Silva AT, Ximenes LGR, Guimarães-Souza M, Domith I, Paes-de-Carvalho R. Chemical signaling in the developing avian retina: Focus on cyclic AMP and AKT-dependent pathways. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1058925. [PMID: 36568967 PMCID: PMC9780464 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1058925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Communication between developing progenitor cells as well as differentiated neurons and glial cells in the nervous system is made through direct cell contacts and chemical signaling mediated by different molecules. Several of these substances are synthesized and released by developing cells and play roles since early stages of Central Nervous System development. The chicken retina is a very suitable model for neurochemical studies, including the study of regulation of signaling pathways during development. Among advantages of the model are its very well-known histogenesis, the presence of most neurotransmitter systems found in the brain and the possibility to make cultures of neurons and/or glial cells where many neurochemical functions develop in a similar way than in the intact embryonic tissue. In the chicken retina, some neurotransmitters or neuromodulators as dopamine, adenosine, and others are coupled to cyclic AMP production or adenylyl cyclase inhibition since early stages of development. Other substances as vitamin C and nitric oxide are linked to the major neurotransmitter glutamate and AKT metabolism. All these different systems regulate signaling pathways, including PKA, PKG, SRC, AKT and ERK, and the activation of the transcription factor CREB. Dopamine and adenosine stimulate cAMP accumulation in the chick embryo retina through activation of D1 and A2a receptors, respectively, but the onset of dopamine stimulation is much earlier than that of adenosine. However, adenosine can inhibit adenylyl cyclase and modulate dopamine-dependent cAMP increase since early developmental stages through A1 receptors. Dopamine stimulates different PKA as well as EPAC downstream pathways both in intact tissue and in culture as the CSK-SRC pathway modulating glutamate NMDA receptors as well as vitamin C release and CREB phosphorylation. By the other hand, glutamate modulates nitric oxide production and AKT activation in cultured retinal cells and this pathway controls neuronal survival in retina. Glutamate and adenosine stimulate the release of vitamin C and this vitamin regulates the transport of glutamate, activation of NMDA receptors and AKT phosphorylation in cultured retinal cells. In the present review we will focus on these reciprocal interactions between neurotransmitters or neuromodulators and different signaling pathways during retinal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. T. Duarte-Silva
- Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - L. G. R. Ximenes
- Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - M. Guimarães-Souza
- Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - I. Domith
- Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - R. Paes-de-Carvalho
- Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil,Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil,*Correspondence: R. Paes-de-Carvalho,
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16
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Ascorbate Is a Primary Antioxidant in Mammals. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196187. [PMID: 36234722 PMCID: PMC9572970 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascorbate (vitamin C in primates) functions as a cofactor for a number of enzymatic reactions represented by prolyl hydroxylases and as an antioxidant due to its ability to donate electrons, which is mostly accomplished through non-enzymatic reaction in mammals. Ascorbate directly reacts with radical species and is converted to ascorbyl radical followed by dehydroascorbate. Ambiguities in physiological relevance of ascorbate observed during in vivo situations could be attributed in part to presence of other redox systems and the pro-oxidant properties of ascorbate. Most mammals are able to synthesize ascorbate from glucose, which is also considered to be an obstacle to verify its action. In addition to animals with natural deficiency in the ascorbate synthesis, such as guinea pigs and ODS rats, three strains of mice with genetic removal of the responsive genes (GULO, RGN, or AKR1A) for the ascorbate synthesis have been established and are being used to investigate the physiological roles of ascorbate. Studies using these mice, along with ascorbate transporter (SVCT)-deficient mice, largely support its ability in protection against oxidative insults. While combined actions of ascorbate in regulating epigenetics and antioxidation appear to effectively prevent cancer development, pharmacological doses of ascorbate and dehydroascorbate may exert tumoricidal activity through redox-dependent mechanisms.
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17
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Intravenous Ascorbic Acid and Lung Function in Severely IllCOVID-19 Patients. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12090865. [PMID: 36144269 PMCID: PMC9505837 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12090865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Current evidence suggests that ascorbic acid improves the host’s immune system and, therefore, may play a role in reducing the severity of infectious diseases. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a potentially life-threatening viral infection that mainly infects the lungs. The objective of this review was to synthesize the existing findings from studies related to the effect of intravenous ascorbic acid on lung function in COVID-19 patients. For this review, PubMed, Cochrane, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Clinical Trial Registry, and Google Scholar databases were searched from December 2019 to May 2022. There was a total of six studies that investigated the large dose of ascorbic acid infusion intravenously on lung function in severely ill subjects with COVID-19. Out of six, three studies found that high-dose intravenous ascorbic acid improved lung function markers, and three studies found null results. Infusions of 12 g/d and 24 g/d of intravenous ascorbic acid had shown a significant improvement in lung function markers in two clinical trials. Studies that administered 8 g/d, 2 g/d, and 50 mg/kg/d of intravenous ascorbic acid found no influence on mechanical ventilation need and other lung function markers in critically ill subjects with COVID-19. Overall, the effect of intravenous ascorbic acid on the lung function of subjects with COVID yielded equivocal findings. More double-blinded, randomized, clinical studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm the effect of ascorbic acid in ameliorating the lung pathologies associated with COVID infection.
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18
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Marino A, Battaglini M, Moles N, Ciofani G. Natural Antioxidant Compounds as Potential Pharmaceutical Tools against Neurodegenerative Diseases. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:25974-25990. [PMID: 35936442 PMCID: PMC9352343 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c03291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Natural antioxidants are a very large diversified family of molecules classified by activity (enzymatic or nonenzymatic), chemical-physical properties (e.g., hydrophilic or lipophilic), and chemical structure (e.g., vitamins, polyphenols, etc.). Research on natural antioxidants in various fields, such as pharmaceutics, nutraceutics, and cosmetics, is among the biggest challenges for industry and science. From a biomedical point of view, the scavenging activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) makes them a potential tool for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In addition to the purified phytochemical compounds, a variety of natural extracts characterized by a complex mixture of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules have been successfully exploited to rescue preclinical models of these diseases. Extracts derived from Ginkgo biloba, grape, oregano, curcumin, tea, and ginseng show multitherapeutic effects by synergically acting on different biochemical pathways. Furthermore, the reduced toxicity associated with many of these compounds limits the occurrence of side effects. The support of nanotechnology for improving brain delivery, controlling release, and preventing rapid degradation and excretion of these compounds is of fundamental importance. This review reports on the most promising results obtained on in vitro systems, in vivo models, and in clinical trials, by exploiting natural-derived antioxidant compounds and extracts, in their free form or encapsulated in nanocarriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attilio Marino
- Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Matteo Battaglini
- Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Nadia Moles
- Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
- Politecnico
di Torino, Department of Mechanical
and Aerospace Engineering, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
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19
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Travaglini S, Gurnari C, Antonelli S, Silvestrini G, Noguera NI, Ottone T, Voso MT. The Anti-Leukemia Effect of Ascorbic Acid: From the Pro-Oxidant Potential to the Epigenetic Role in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:930205. [PMID: 35938170 PMCID: PMC9352950 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.930205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Data derived from high-throughput sequencing technologies have allowed a deeper understanding of the molecular landscape of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic options, with a higher efficacy and a lower toxicity than conventional chemotherapy. In the antileukemia drug development scenario, ascorbic acid, a natural compound also known as Vitamin C, has emerged for its potential anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities on leukemic cells. However, the role of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the treatment of AML has been debated for decades. Mechanistic insight into its role in many biological processes and, especially, in epigenetic regulation has provided the rationale for the use of this agent as a novel anti-leukemia therapy in AML. Acting as a co-factor for 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2-OGDDs), ascorbic acid is involved in the epigenetic regulations through the control of TET (ten-eleven translocation) enzymes, epigenetic master regulators with a critical role in aberrant hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. In line with this discovery, great interest has been emerging for the clinical testing of this drug targeting leukemia epigenome. Besides its role in epigenetics, ascorbic acid is also a pivotal regulator of many physiological processes in human, particularly in the antioxidant cellular response, being able to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) to prevent DNA damage and other effects involved in cancer transformation. Thus, for this wide spectrum of biological activities, ascorbic acid possesses some pharmacologic properties attractive for anti-leukemia therapy. The present review outlines the evidence and mechanism of ascorbic acid in leukemogenesis and its therapeutic potential in AML. With the growing evidence derived from the literature on situations in which the use of ascorbate may be beneficial in vitro and in vivo, we will finally discuss how these insights could be included into the rational design of future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Travaglini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - C. Gurnari
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - S. Antonelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Silvestrini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - N. I. Noguera
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - T. Ottone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - M. T. Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: M. T. Voso,
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20
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Kitsiranuwat S, Suratanee A, Plaimas K. Integration of various protein similarities using random forest technique to infer augmented drug-protein matrix for enhancing drug-disease association prediction. Sci Prog 2022; 105:368504221109215. [PMID: 35801312 PMCID: PMC10358641 DOI: 10.1177/00368504221109215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Identifying new therapeutic indications for existing drugs is a major challenge in drug repositioning. Most computational drug repositioning methods focus on known targets. Analyzing multiple aspects of various protein associations provides an opportunity to discover underlying drug-associated proteins that can be used to improve the performance of the drug repositioning approaches. In this study, machine learning models were developed based on the similarities of diversified biological features, including protein interaction, topological network, sequence alignment, and biological function to predict protein pairs associating with the same drugs. The crucial set of features was identified, and the high performances of protein pair predictions were achieved with an area under the curve (AUC) value of more than 93%. Based on drug chemical structures, the drug similarity levels of the promising protein pairs were used to quantify the inferred drug-associated proteins. Furthermore, these proteins were employed to establish an augmented drug-protein matrix to enhance the efficiency of three existing drug repositioning techniques: a similarity constrained matrix factorization for the drug-disease associations (SCMFDD), an ensemble meta-paths and singular value decomposition (EMP-SVD) model, and a topology similarity and singular value decomposition (TS-SVD) technique. The results showed that the augmented matrix helped to improve the performance up to 4% more in comparison to the original matrix for SCMFDD and EMP-SVD, and about 1% more for TS-SVD. In summary, inferring new protein pairs related to the same drugs increase the opportunity to reveal missing drug-associated proteins that are important for drug development via the drug repositioning technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satanat Kitsiranuwat
- Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Advanced Virtual and Intelligent Computing (AVIC) center, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Apichat Suratanee
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Applied Science, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
- Intelligent and Nonlinear Dynamic Innovations Research Center, Science and Technology Research Institute, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kitiporn Plaimas
- Advanced Virtual and Intelligent Computing (AVIC) center, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Omics Sciences and Bioinformatics Center, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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21
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Coker SJ, Smith-Díaz CC, Dyson RM, Vissers MCM, Berry MJ. The Epigenetic Role of Vitamin C in Neurodevelopment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031208. [PMID: 35163133 PMCID: PMC8836017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The maternal diet during pregnancy is a key determinant of offspring health. Early studies have linked poor maternal nutrition during gestation with a propensity for the development of chronic conditions in offspring. These conditions include cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and even compromised mental health. While multiple factors may contribute to these outcomes, disturbed epigenetic programming during early development is one potential biological mechanism. The epigenome is programmed primarily in utero, and during this time, the developing fetus is highly susceptible to environmental factors such as nutritional insults. During neurodevelopment, epigenetic programming coordinates the formation of primitive central nervous system structures, neurogenesis, and neuroplasticity. Dysregulated epigenetic programming has been implicated in the aetiology of several neurodevelopmental disorders such as Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome. Accordingly, there is great interest in determining how maternal nutrient availability in pregnancy might affect the epigenetic status of offspring, and how such influences may present phenotypically. In recent years, a number of epigenetic enzymes that are active during embryonic development have been found to require vitamin C as a cofactor. These enzymes include the ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenases (TETs) and the Jumonji C domain-containing histone lysine demethylases that catalyse the oxidative removal of methyl groups on cytosines and histone lysine residues, respectively. These enzymes are integral to epigenetic regulation and have fundamental roles in cellular differentiation, the maintenance of pluripotency and development. The dependence of these enzymes on vitamin C for optimal catalytic activity illustrates a potentially critical contribution of the nutrient during mammalian development. These insights also highlight a potential risk associated with vitamin C insufficiency during pregnancy. The link between vitamin C insufficiency and development is particularly apparent in the context of neurodevelopment and high vitamin C concentrations in the brain are indicative of important functional requirements in this organ. Accordingly, this review considers the evidence for the potential impact of maternal vitamin C status on neurodevelopmental epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharna J. Coker
- Perinatal & Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Carlos C. Smith-Díaz
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand;
| | - Rebecca M. Dyson
- Perinatal & Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Margreet C. M. Vissers
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand;
- Correspondence: (M.C.M.V.); (M.J.B.)
| | - Mary J. Berry
- Perinatal & Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
- Correspondence: (M.C.M.V.); (M.J.B.)
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22
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Miyata H, Toyoda Y, Takada T, Hiragi T, Kubota Y, Shigesawa R, Koyama R, Ikegaya Y, Suzuki H. Identification of an exporter that regulates vitamin C supply from blood to the brain. iScience 2022; 25:103642. [PMID: 35106468 PMCID: PMC8786643 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (VC) distribution in our body requires VC transporters. However, mammalian VC exporters are yet to be identified. Herein, to unravel this long-standing mystery, we focused on the pathways whereby VC moves from blood to the brain, which should require a VC entrance and exit system composed of an importer and a latent exporter. Via cell-based transport analyses of VC efflux and using knockout mice generated via the CRISPR-Cas9 system, we identified GLUT12/SLC2A12 as a physiologically important VC efflux protein expressed in the choroid plexus; Glut12/Slc2a12 knockout halved the cerebral VC levels, markedly increased VC accumulation in the choroid plexus, and reduced the cerebrospinal fluid VC levels. These findings facilitate our understanding of VC regulation and the physiological impact of VC in our body. A long-standing mystery in vitamin C handling in mammalians was uncovered GLUT12 was identified as a physiologically important vitamin C efflux protein—VCEP GLUT12 is expressed in the choroid plexus and acts as a vitamin C exporter Glut12 knockout halved the cerebral vitamin C levels in mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Miyata
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yu Toyoda
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tappei Takada
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Toshimitsu Hiragi
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yu Kubota
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Shigesawa
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ryuta Koyama
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yuji Ikegaya
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Suzuki
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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23
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Subramanian VS, Teafatiller T, Vidal J, Gunaratne GS, Rodriguez-Ortiz CJ, Kitazawa M, Marchant JS. Calsyntenin-3 interacts with the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter-2 to regulate vitamin C uptake. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 192:1178-1184. [PMID: 34673103 PMCID: PMC9842108 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.10.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Ascorbic acid (AA) uptake in neurons occurs via a Na+-dependent carrier-mediated process mediated by the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter-2 (SVCT2). Relatively little information is available concerning the network of interacting proteins that support human (h)SVCT2 trafficking and cell surface expression in neuronal cells. Here we identified the synaptogenic adhesion protein, calsyntenin-3 (CLSTN3) as an hSVCT2 interacting protein from yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screening of a human adult brain cDNA library. This interaction was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation, mammalian two-hybrid (M2H), and co-localization in human cell lines. Co-expression of hCLSTN3 with hSVCT2 in SH-SY5Y cells led to a marked increase in AA uptake. Reciprocally, siRNA targeting hCLSTN3 inhibited AA uptake. In the J20 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), mouse (m)SVCT2 and mCLSTN3 expression levels in hippocampus were decreased. Similarly, expression levels of hSVCT2 and hCLSTN3 were markedly decreased in hippocampal samples from AD patients. These findings establish CLSTN3 as a novel hSVCT2 interactor in neuronal cells with potential pathophysiological significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veedamali S. Subramanian
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America,Corresponding author. (V.S. Subramanian)
| | - Trevor Teafatiller
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Janielle Vidal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Gihan S. Gunaratne
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States of America
| | - Carlos J. Rodriguez-Ortiz
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Masashi Kitazawa
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Jonathan S. Marchant
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States of America
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24
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The Role of Vitamin C in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: A Literature Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10121894. [PMID: 34942996 PMCID: PMC8750500 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10121894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant associated with the prevention of the common cold and is also a cofactor of hydrolases that participate in the synthesis of collagen and catecholamines, and in the regulation of gene expression. In cancer, vitamin C is associated with prevention, progression, and treatment, due to its general properties or its role as a pro-oxidant at high concentration. This review explores the role of vitamin C in cancer clinical trials and the aspects to consider in future studies, such as plasmatic vitamin C and metabolite excretion recording, and metabolism and transport of vitamin C into cancer cells. The reviewed studies show that vitamin C intake from natural sources can prevent the development of pulmonary and breast cancer, and that vitamin C synergizes with gemcitabine and erlotinib in pancreatic cancer. In vitro assays reveal that vitamin C synergizes with DNA-methyl transferase inhibitors. However, vitamin C was not associated with cancer prevention in a Mendelian randomized study. In conclusion, the role of vitamin C in the prevention and treatment of cancer is still an ongoing area of research. It is necessary that new phase II and III clinical trials be performed to collect stronger evidence of the therapeutic role of vitamin C in cancer.
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25
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Hayashi K, Noguchi-Shinohara M, Sato T, Hosomichi K, Kannon T, Abe C, Domoto C, Yuki-Nozaki S, Mori A, Horimoto M, Yokogawa M, Sakai K, Iwasa K, Komai K, Ishimiya M, Nakamura H, Ishida N, Suga Y, Ishizaki J, Ishigami A, Tajima A, Yamada M. Effects of functional variants of vitamin C transporter genes on apolipoprotein E E4-associated risk of cognitive decline: The Nakajima study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259663. [PMID: 34780525 PMCID: PMC8592483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E E4 (APOE4) is a risk factor for cognitive decline. A high blood vitamin C (VC) level reduces APOE4-associated risk of developing cognitive decline in women. In the present study, we aimed to examine the effects of functional variants of VC transporter genes expressed in the brain (SLC2A1, SLC2A3, and SLC23A2) on APOE4-associated risk of developing cognitive decline. This case–control study involved 393 Japanese subjects: 252 cognitively normal and 141 cognitively impaired individuals (87 mild cognitive impairment and 54 dementia). Database searches revealed that rs1279683 of SLC23A2, and rs710218 and rs841851 of SLC2A1 are functional variants that are significantly associated with the altered expression of the respective genes and genotyped as three single nucleotide variants (SNVs). When stratified by SNV genotype, we found a significant association between APOE4 and cognitive decline in minor allele carriers of rs1279683 (odds ratio [OR] 2.02, 95% CI, 1.05–3.87, p = 0.035) but not in the homozygote carriers of the major allele. Significant associations between APOE4 and cognitive decline were also observed in participants with major allele homozygotes of rs710218 (OR 2.35, 95% CI, 1.05–5.23, p = 0.037) and rs841851 (OR 3.2, 95% CI, 1.58–6.46, p = 0.0012), but not in minor allele carriers of the respective SNVs. In contrast, the three functional SNVs showed no significant effect on cognitive decline. Our results imply that functional SNVs of VC transporter genes can affect APOE4-associated risk of developing cognitive decline via altered VC levels in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Hayashi
- Department of Neurology and Neurobiology of Aging, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Moeko Noguchi-Shinohara
- Department of Neurology and Neurobiology of Aging, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
- Department of Preemptive Medicine for Dementia, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takehiro Sato
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Hosomichi
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kannon
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Chiemi Abe
- Department of Neurology and Neurobiology of Aging, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Chiaki Domoto
- Department of Neurology and Neurobiology of Aging, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Sohshi Yuki-Nozaki
- Department of Neurology and Neurobiology of Aging, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Ayaka Mori
- Department of Neurology and Neurobiology of Aging, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mai Horimoto
- Department of Neurology and Neurobiology of Aging, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Masami Yokogawa
- Department of Physical Therapy, Division of Health Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakai
- Department of Neurology and Neurobiology of Aging, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kazuo Iwasa
- Department of Neurology and Neurobiology of Aging, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
- Ishikawa Prefectural Nursing University, Kahoku, Japan
| | - Kiyonobu Komai
- Department of Neurology, Iou Hospital National Hospital Organization, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mai Ishimiya
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakamura
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ryukyu University Hospital, Nishihara, Japan
| | - Natsuko Ishida
- Clinical Pharmacy and Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical & Health Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yukio Suga
- Clinical Pharmacy and Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical & Health Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Junko Ishizaki
- Clinical Pharmacy and Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical & Health Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Akihito Ishigami
- Molecular Regulation of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tajima
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- * E-mail: (AT); (MY)
| | - Masahito Yamada
- Department of Neurology and Neurobiology of Aging, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa, Japan
- * E-mail: (AT); (MY)
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26
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SVCT2 Overexpression and Ascorbic Acid Uptake Increase Cortical Neuron Differentiation, Which Is Dependent on Vitamin C Recycling between Neurons and Astrocytes. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10091413. [PMID: 34573045 PMCID: PMC8465431 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During brain development, sodium–vitamin C transporter (SVCT2) has been detected primarily in radial glial cells in situ, with low-to-absent expression in cerebral cortex neuroblasts. However, strong SVCT2 expression is observed during the first postnatal days, resulting in increased intracellular concentration of vitamin C. Hippocampal neurons isolated from SVCT2 knockout mice showed shorter neurites and low clustering of glutamate receptors. Other studies have shown that vitamin C-deprived guinea pigs have reduced spatial memory, suggesting that ascorbic acid (AA) and SVCT2 have important roles in postnatal neuronal differentiation and neurite formation. In this study, SVCT2 lentiviral overexpression induced branching and increased synaptic proteins expression in primary cultures of cortical neurons. Analysis in neuroblastoma 2a (Neuro2a) and human subventricular tumor C3 (HSVT-C3) cells showed similar branching results. SVCT2 was mainly observed in the cell membrane and endoplasmic reticulum; however, it was not detected in the mitochondria. Cellular branching in neuronal cells and in a previously standardized neurosphere assay is dependent on the recycling of vitamin C or reduction in dehydroascorbic acid (DHA, produced by neurons) by glial cells. The effect of WZB117, a selective glucose/DHA transporter 1 (GLUT1) inhibitor expressed in glial cells, was also studied. By inhibiting GLUT1 glial cells, a loss of branching is observed in vitro, which is reproduced in the cerebral cortex in situ. We concluded that vitamin C recycling between neurons and astrocyte-like cells is fundamental to maintain neuronal differentiation in vitro and in vivo. The recycling activity begins at the cerebral postnatal cortex when neurons increase SVCT2 expression and concomitantly, GLUT1 is expressed in glial cells.
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27
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Park SS, Ryu YS, Koh DI, Hong SW, Moon JH, Shin JS, Kim MJ, Kim DY, Hong JK, Kim EH, Jeong HR, Park YS, Kim J, Kim DM, Yun H, Shin JY, Jin DH. Mutation SVCT2 promotes cell proliferation, invasion and migration in colorectal cancer. J Cancer 2021; 12:5385-5393. [PMID: 34405001 PMCID: PMC8364649 DOI: 10.7150/jca.57463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2) surface glycoprotein regulates ascorbate accumulation in the plasma, often resulting in the induction of cancer cell death. Therefore, high expression of this gene associates with increased overall survival in several cancers. However, in colorectal cancer (CRC), high (likely mutated) SVCT2 expression relates to poor overall survival, and its functional significance has not been studied. Thus, we hypothesize that mutant SVCT2 expression could affect CRC patient survival. According to biological databases, SVCT2 has been found to be mutated frequently, and SVCT2 E264K has a particularly high pathogenic score (0.98), compared to other SVCT2 mutant sites, in CRC patients. Interestingly, our results reveal expression of SVCT2 E264K in many CRC tissues and cells. Also, we found wild-type SVCT2 expression to be largely localized to the cytoplasm and membrane, while SVCT2 E264K was restricted to the cytoplasm. We further found that SVCT2 E264K overexpression increases cell growth. By contrast, SVCT2 E264K knockdown significantly reduced cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis, resulting in inhibition of cell invasion and migration. Taken together, SVCT2 E264K plays a critical role in proliferation in CRC. Our results suggest that SVCT2 E264K could be a promising novel therapeutic target in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Soo Park
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yea Seong Ryu
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-In Koh
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Hong
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jai-Hee Moon
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Sik Shin
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Jin Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Yeon Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Ki Hong
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ho Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Rae Jeong
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Sun Park
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joseph Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Min Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeseon Yun
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Yeon Shin
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Jin
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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28
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Effect of Lipopolysaccharide and TNF α on Neuronal Ascorbic Acid Uptake. Mediators Inflamm 2021; 2021:4157132. [PMID: 34285658 PMCID: PMC8275400 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4157132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid: AA) uptake in neurons occurs via the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter-2 (SVCT2), which is highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). During chronic neuroinflammation or infection, CNS levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) are increased. Elevated levels of LPS and TNFα have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases together with reduced levels of AA. However, little is known about the impacts of LPS and TNFα on neuronal AA uptake. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of LPS and TNFα on SVCT2 expression and function using in vitro and in vivo approaches. Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with either LPS or TNFα inhibited AA uptake. This reduced uptake was associated with a significant decrease in SVCT2 protein and mRNA levels. In vivo exposure to LPS or TNFα also decreased SVCT2 protein and mRNA levels in mouse brains. Both LPS and TNFα decreased SLC23A2 promoter activity. Further, the inhibitory effect of LPS on a minimal SLC23A2 promoter was attenuated when either the binding site for the transcription factor Sp1 was mutated or cells were treated with the NF-κB inhibitor, celastrol. We conclude that inflammatory signals suppress AA uptake by impairing SLC23A2 transcription through opposing regulation of Sp1 and NF-κB factors.
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Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection Inhibits Intestinal Ascorbic Acid Uptake via Dysregulation of Its Transporter Expression. Dig Dis Sci 2021; 66:2250-2260. [PMID: 32556816 PMCID: PMC7744340 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-020-06389-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) infection causes prolonged, watery diarrhea leading to morbidity and mortality. Although EPEC infection impacts nutrient transporter function and expression in intestinal epithelial cells, the effects of EPEC infection on intestinal absorption of ascorbic acid (AA) have not yet been investigated. AIMS To investigate the effect of EPEC infection on intestinal AA uptake process and expression of both AA transporters. METHODS We used two experimental models: human-derived intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and mice. 14C-AA uptake assay, Western blot, RT-qPCR, and promoter assay were performed. RESULTS EPEC (WT) as well as ΔespF and ΔespG/G2 mutant-infected Caco-2 cells showed markedly inhibited AA uptake, while other mutants (ΔescN, ΔespA, ΔespB, and ΔespD) did not affect AA uptake. Infection also reduced protein and mRNA expression levels for both hSVCT1 and hSVCT2. EPEC-infected mice showed marked inhibitory effect on AA uptake and decreased protein and mRNA expression levels for both mSVCT1 and mSVCT2 in jejunum and colon. MicroRNA regulators of SVCT1 and SVCT2 (miR103a, miR141, and miR200a) were upregulated significantly upon EPEC infection in both Caco-2 and mouse jejunum and colon. In addition, expression of the accessory protein glyoxalate reductase/hydroxypyruvate reductase (GRHPR), which regulates SVCT1 function, was markedly decreased by EPEC infection in both models. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that EPEC infection causes inhibition in AA uptake through a multifactorial dysregulation of SVCT1 and SVCT2 expression in intestinal epithelial cells.
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Fujii J. Ascorbate is a multifunctional micronutrient whose synthesis is lacking in primates. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2021; 69:1-15. [PMID: 34376908 PMCID: PMC8325764 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.20-181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascorbate (vitamin C) is an essential micronutrient in primates, and exhibits multiple physiological functions. In addition to antioxidative action, ascorbate provides reducing power to α-ketoglutarate-dependent non-heme iron dioxygenases, such as prolyl hydroxylases. Demethylation of histones and DNA with the aid of ascorbate results in the reactivation of epigenetically silenced genes. Ascorbate and its oxidized form, dehydroascorbate, have attracted interest in terms of their roles in cancer therapy. The last step in the biosynthesis of ascorbate is catalyzed by l-gulono-γ-lactone oxidase whose gene Gulo is commonly mutated in all animals that do not synthesize ascorbate. One common explanation for this deficiency is based on the increased availability of ascorbate from foods. In fact, pathways for ascorbate synthesis and the detoxification of xenobiotics by glucuronate conjugation share the metabolic processes up to UDP-glucuronate, which prompts another hypothesis, namely, that ascorbate-incompetent animals might have developed stronger detoxification systems in return for their lack of ability to produce ascorbate, which would allow them to cope with their situation. Here, we overview recent advances in ascorbate research and propose that an enhanced glucuronate conjugation reaction may have applied positive selection pressure on ascorbate-incompetent animals, thus allowing them to dominate the animal kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Fujii
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
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Tveden-Nyborg P. Vitamin C Deficiency in the Young Brain-Findings from Experimental Animal Models. Nutrients 2021; 13:1685. [PMID: 34063417 PMCID: PMC8156420 DOI: 10.3390/nu13051685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe and long-term vitamin C deficiency can lead to fatal scurvy, which is fortunately considered rare today. However, a moderate state of vitamin C (vitC) deficiency (hypovitaminosis C)-defined as a plasma concentration below 23 μM-is estimated to affect up to 10% of the population in the Western world, albeit clinical hallmarks in addition to scurvy have not been linked to vitC deficiency. The brain maintains a high vitC content and uniquely high levels during deficiency, supporting vitC's importance in the brain. Actions include both antioxidant and co-factor functions, rendering vitamin C deficiency likely to affect several targets in the brain, and it could be particularly significant during development where a high cellular metabolism and an immature antioxidant system might increase sensitivity. However, investigations of a non-scorbutic state of vitC deficiency and effects on the developing young brain are scarce. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the complex mechanisms that regulate vitC homeostasis in vivo and in the brain in particular. Functions of vitC in the brain and the potential consequences of deficiency during brain development are highlighted, based primarily on findings from experimental animal models. Perspectives for future investigations of vitC are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernille Tveden-Nyborg
- Section of Experimental Animal Models, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Renner O, Burkard M, Michels H, Vollbracht C, Sinnberg T, Venturelli S. Parenteral high‑dose ascorbate - A possible approach for the treatment of glioblastoma (Review). Int J Oncol 2021; 58:35. [PMID: 33955499 PMCID: PMC8104923 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
For glioblastoma, the treatment with standard of care therapy comprising resection, radiation, and temozolomide results in overall survival of approximately 14-18 months after initial diagnosis. Even though several new therapy approaches are under investigation, it is difficult to achieve life prolongation and/or improvement of patient's quality of life. The aggressiveness and progression of glioblastoma is initially orchestrated by the biological complexity of its genetic phenotype and ability to respond to cancer therapy via changing its molecular patterns, thereby developing resistance. Recent clinical studies of pharmacological ascorbate have demonstrated its safety and potential efficacy in different cancer entities regarding patient's quality of life and prolongation of survival. In this review article, the actual glioblastoma treatment possibilities are summarized, the evidence for pharmacological ascorbate in glioblastoma treatment is examined and questions are posed to identify current gaps of knowledge regarding accessibility of ascorbate to the tumor area. Experiments with glioblastoma cell lines and tumor xenografts have demonstrated that high-dose ascorbate induces cytotoxicity and oxidative stress largely selectively in malignant cells compared to normal cells suggesting ascorbate as a potential therapeutic agent. Further investigations in larger cohorts and randomized placebo-controlled trials should be performed to confirm these findings as well as to improve delivery strategies to the brain, through the inherent barriers and ultimately to the malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Renner
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, D‑70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Markus Burkard
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, D‑70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Holger Michels
- Pascoe Pharmazeutische Praeparate GmbH, D‑35394 Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Tobias Sinnberg
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, D‑72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sascha Venturelli
- Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, D‑70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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Brabson JP, Leesang T, Mohammad S, Cimmino L. Epigenetic Regulation of Genomic Stability by Vitamin C. Front Genet 2021; 12:675780. [PMID: 34017357 PMCID: PMC8129186 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.675780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation plays an important role in the maintenance of genomic stability. Ten-eleven translocation proteins (TETs) are a family of iron (Fe2+) and α-KG -dependent dioxygenases that regulate DNA methylation levels by oxidizing 5-methylcystosine (5mC) to generate 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine (5fC), and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC). These oxidized methylcytosines promote passive demethylation upon DNA replication, or active DNA demethylation, by triggering base excision repair and replacement of 5fC and 5caC with an unmethylated cytosine. Several studies over the last decade have shown that loss of TET function leads to DNA hypermethylation and increased genomic instability. Vitamin C, a cofactor of TET enzymes, increases 5hmC formation and promotes DNA demethylation, suggesting that this essential vitamin, in addition to its antioxidant properties, can also directly influence genomic stability. This review will highlight the functional role of DNA methylation, TET activity and vitamin C, in the crosstalk between DNA methylation and DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Brabson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Tiffany Leesang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Sofia Mohammad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Luisa Cimmino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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Pozzer D, Invernizzi RW, Blaauw B, Cantoni O, Zito E. Ascorbic Acid Route to the Endoplasmic Reticulum: Function and Role in Disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 34:845-855. [PMID: 31867990 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2019.7912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Humans cannot synthesize ascorbic acid (AscH2) (vitamin C), so deficiencies in dietary AscH2 cause the life-threatening disease of scurvy and many other diseases. After oral ingestion, plasma AscH2 concentrations are strictly controlled by transporters, which are required for entry into the cell and into intracellular organelles. Recent Advances: Besides its general antioxidant function, AscH2 is a cofactor for endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized collagen hydroxylases. Its important role in ER homeostasis is also highlighted by the fact that AscH2 deficiency in auxotrophic species triggers ER stress. Critical Issues: Characterizations of the molecular basis of diseases suggest that intracellular AscH2 deficiency is due not only to limited dietary access but also to its limited intracellular transport and net loss under conditions of intracellular hyperoxidation in the ER. This essay will offer an overview of the different transporters of vitamin C regulating its intracellular concentration, its function inside the ER, and the phenotypes of the diseases that can be triggered by increased depletion of this vitamin in the ER. Future Directions: When considering the benefits of increasing dietary AscH2, it is important to consider pharmacokinetic differences in the bioavailability between orally and intravenously administered AscH2: the latter bypasses intestinal absorption and is, therefore, the only route that can lead to the high plasma concentrations that may provide some health effects, and it is this route that needs to be chosen in clinical trials for those diseases associated with a deficiency of AscH2. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 34, 845-855.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Pozzer
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Bert Blaauw
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Orazio Cantoni
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Ester Zito
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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High-Dose Vitamin C: Preclinical Evidence for Tailoring Treatment in Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061428. [PMID: 33804775 PMCID: PMC8003833 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Vitamin C is an indispensable micronutrient in the human diet due to the multiple functions it carries out in the body. Reports of clinical studies have indicated that, when administered at high dosage by the intravenous route, vitamin C may exert beneficial antitumor effects in patients with advanced stage cancers, including those refractory to previous treatment with chemotherapy. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current scientific evidence concerning the different mechanisms of action by which high-dose vitamin C may kill tumor cells. A special focus will be given to those mechanisms that provide the rationale basis for tailoring vitamin C treatment according to specific molecular alterations present in the tumor and for the selection of the most appropriate companion drugs. Abstract High-dose vitamin C has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach for patients with advanced tumors who failed previous treatment with chemotherapy. Due to vitamin C complex pharmacokinetics, only intravenous administration allows reaching sufficiently high plasma concentrations required for most of the antitumor effects observed in preclinical studies (>0.250 mM). Moreover, vitamin C entry into cells is tightly regulated by SVCT and GLUT transporters, and is cell type-dependent. Importantly, besides its well-recognized pro-oxidant effects, vitamin C modulates TET enzymes promoting DNA demethylation and acts as cofactor of HIF hydroxylases, whose activity is required for HIF-1α proteasomal degradation. Furthermore, at pharmacological concentrations lower than those required for its pro-oxidant activity (<1 mM), vitamin C in specific genetic contexts may alter the DNA damage response by increasing 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels. These more recently described vitamin C mechanisms offer new treatment opportunities for tumors with specific molecular defects (e.g., HIF-1α over-expression or TET2, IDH1/2, and WT1 alterations). Moreover, vitamin C action at DNA levels may provide the rationale basis for combination therapies with PARP inhibitors and hypomethylating agents. This review outlines the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of vitamin C to be taken into account in designing clinical studies that evaluate its potential use as anticancer agent.
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Ascorbic acid analogue 6-Deoxy-6-[ 18F] fluoro-L-ascorbic acid as a tracer for identifying human colorectal cancer with SVCT2 overexpression. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101055. [PMID: 33677235 PMCID: PMC8046958 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
6-Deoxy-6-[18F]fluoro-L-ascorbic Acid (18F-DFA) was successfully prepared and biological evaluated. Cancer cells with high expression of SVCT2 have higher AA uptake than cancer cells with low expression of SVCT2. 18F-DFA PET imaging showed cancer cells with high expression of SVCT2 had higher 18F-DFA accumulation after tumorigenesis in mice. The first time (to our knowledge), PET imaging directly verified the high accumulation of AA in adrenal gland.
L-ascorbic acid (AA) was reported to have an anti-cancer effect over 40 years. In recent years, several ongoing clinical trials are exploring the safety and efficacy of intravenous high-dose AA for cancer treatment. The lack of appropriate imaging modality limits the identification of potentially suitable patients for AA treatment. This study focuses on identifying AA-sensitive tumor cells using molecular imaging. 6-Deoxy-6-[18F] fluoro-L-ascorbic Acid (18F-DFA), a structural analog of AA, was synthesized and labeled to visualize the metabolism of AA in vivo. Colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines with high and low expression of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters 2 (SVCT2) were used for a series of cellular uptake tests. PET imaging was performed on xenograft tumor-bearing mice. More AA uptake was observed in CRC cells with high SVCT2 expression than in cells with low SVCT2 expression. The substrate (unlabeled AA) can competitively inhibit the 18F-DFA tracer uptake by CRC cells. The biodistribution of 18F-DFA in mice showed high radioactivity was seen in organs such as adrenal glands, kidneys, and liver that were known to have high concentrations of AA. Both PET imaging and tissue distribution showed that cancer cells with high SVCT2 expression enhanced the accumulation of 18F-DFA in mice after tumor formation. Immunohistochemistry was used to verify the corresponding results. As a radiotracer, 18F-DFA can provide powerful imaging information to identify tumor with high affinity of AA, and SVCT2 can be a potential biomarker in this process.
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Teafatiller T, Heskett CW, Agrawal A, Marchant JS, Baulch JE, Acharya MM, Subramanian VS. Upregulation of Vitamin C Transporter Functional Expression in 5xFAD Mouse Intestine. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020617. [PMID: 33672967 PMCID: PMC7918291 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of obtaining ascorbic acid (AA) via intestinal absorption and blood circulation is carrier-mediated utilizing the AA transporters SVCT1 and SVCT2, which are expressed in the intestine and brain (SVCT2 in abundance). AA concentration is decreased in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but information regarding the status of intestinal AA uptake in the AD is still lacking. We aimed here to understand how AA homeostasis is modulated in a transgenic mouse model (5xFAD) of AD. AA levels in serum from 5xFAD mice were markedly lower than controls. Expression of oxidative stress response genes (glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)) were significantly increased in AD mice jejunum, and this increase was mitigated by AA supplementation. Uptake of AA in the jejunum was upregulated. This increased AA transport was caused by a marked increase in SVCT1 and SVCT2 protein, mRNA, and heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA) expression. A significant increase in the expression of HNF1α and specific protein 1 (Sp1), which drive SLC23A1 and SLC23A2 promoter activity, respectively, was observed. Expression of hSVCT interacting proteins GRHPR and CLSTN3 were also increased. SVCT2 protein and mRNA expression in the hippocampus of 5xFAD mice was not altered. Together, these investigations reveal adaptive up-regulation of intestinal AA uptake in the 5xFAD mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Teafatiller
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (T.T.); (C.W.H.); (A.A.)
| | - Christopher W. Heskett
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (T.T.); (C.W.H.); (A.A.)
| | - Anshu Agrawal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (T.T.); (C.W.H.); (A.A.)
| | - Jonathan S. Marchant
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
| | - Janet E. Baulch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (J.E.B.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Munjal M. Acharya
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (J.E.B.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Veedamali S. Subramanian
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (T.T.); (C.W.H.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-949-824-3084
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Vitamin C-Sources, Physiological Role, Kinetics, Deficiency, Use, Toxicity, and Determination. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020615. [PMID: 33668681 PMCID: PMC7918462 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) has been known as an antioxidant for most people. However, its physiological role is much larger and encompasses very different processes ranging from facilitation of iron absorption through involvement in hormones and carnitine synthesis for important roles in epigenetic processes. Contrarily, high doses act as a pro-oxidant than an anti-oxidant. This may also be the reason why plasma levels are meticulously regulated on the level of absorption and excretion in the kidney. Interestingly, most cells contain vitamin C in millimolar concentrations, which is much higher than its plasma concentrations, and compared to other vitamins. The role of vitamin C is well demonstrated by miscellaneous symptoms of its absence—scurvy. The only clinically well-documented indication for vitamin C is scurvy. The effects of vitamin C administration on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and infections are rather minor or even debatable in the general population. Vitamin C is relatively safe, but caution should be given to the administration of high doses, which can cause overt side effects in some susceptible patients (e.g., oxalate renal stones). Lastly, analytical methods for its determination with advantages and pitfalls are also discussed in this review.
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Decreased content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the brain of knockout mouse models of Na+,K+-ATPase-related neurologic disorders. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246678. [PMID: 33544780 PMCID: PMC7864419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Na+,K+-ATPase is a crucial protein responsible for maintaining the electrochemical gradients across the cell membrane. The Na+,K+-ATPase is comprised of catalytic α, β, and γ subunits. In adult brains, the α3 subunit, encoded by ATP1A3, is predominantly expressed in neurons, whereas the α2 subunit, encoded by ATP1A2, is expressed in glial cells. In foetal brains, the α2 is expressed in neurons as well. Mutations in α subunits cause a variety of neurologic disorders. Notably, the onset of symptoms in ATP1A2- and ATP1A3-related neurologic disorders is usually triggered by physiological or psychological stressors. To gain insight into the distinct roles of the α2 and α3 subunits in the developing foetal brain, whose developmental dysfunction may be a predisposing factor of neurologic disorders, we compared the phenotypes of mouse foetuses with double homozygous knockout of Atp1a2 and Atp1a3 (α2α3-dKO) to those with single knockout. The brain haemorrhage phenotype of α2α3-dKO was similar to that of homozygous knockout of the gene encoding ascorbic acid (ASC or vitamin C) transporter, SVCT2. The α2α3-dKO brain showed significantly decreased level of ASC compared with the wild-type (WT) and single knockout. We found that the ASC content in the basal ganglia and cerebellum was significantly lower in the adult Atp1a3 heterozygous knockout mouse (α3-HT) than in the WT. Interestingly, we observed a significant decrease in the ASC level in the basal ganglia and cerebellum of α3-HT in the peripartum period, during which mice are under physiological stress. These observations indicate that the α2 and α3 subunits independently contribute to the ASC level in the foetal brain and that the α3 subunit contributes to ASC transport in the adult basal ganglia and cerebellum. We propose that decreases in ASC levels may affect neural network development and are linked to the pathophysiology of ATP1A2- and ATP1A3-related neurologic disorders.
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Portugal CC, da Encarnação TG, Sagrillo MA, Pereira MR, Relvas JB, Socodato R, Paes-de-Carvalho R. Activation of adenosine A3 receptors regulates vitamin C transport and redox balance in neurons. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 163:43-55. [PMID: 33307167 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine is an important neuromodulator in the CNS, regulating neuronal survival and synaptic transmission. The antioxidant ascorbate (the reduced form of vitamin C) is concentrated in CNS neurons through a sodium-dependent transporter named SVCT2 and participates in several CNS processes, for instance, the regulation of glutamate receptors functioning and the synthesis of neuromodulators. Here we studied the interplay between the adenosinergic system and ascorbate transport in neurons. We found that selective activation of A3, but not of A1 or A2a, adenosine receptors modulated ascorbate transport, decreasing intracellular ascorbate content. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) analyses showed that A3 receptors associate with the ascorbate transporter SVCT2, suggesting tight signaling compartmentalization between A3 receptors and SVCT2. The activation of A3 receptors increased ascorbate release in an SVCT2-dependent manner, which largely altered the neuronal redox status without interfering with cell death, glycolytic metabolism, and bioenergetics. Overall, by regulating vitamin C transport, the adenosinergic system (via activation of A3 receptors) can regulate ascorbate bioavailability and control the redox balance in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila C Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S) and Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | | | - Mayara A Sagrillo
- Department of Neurobiology, Biology Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Mariana R Pereira
- Program of Neurosciences, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil; Department of Neurobiology, Biology Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - João B Relvas
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S) and Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Renato Socodato
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S) and Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Roberto Paes-de-Carvalho
- Program of Neurosciences, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil; Department of Neurobiology, Biology Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil.
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Han Z, Zhang Z, Guan Y, Chen B, Yu M, Zhang L, Fang J, Gao Y, Guo Z. New insights into Vitamin C function: Vitamin C induces JAK2 activation through its receptor-like transporter SVCT2. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 173:379-398. [PMID: 33484802 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.01.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin C (VitC) is a requisite nutrient for humans and other primates. Extensive research continuously illustrates the applications of VitC in promoting cell reprogramming, fine-tuning embryonic stem cell function, and fighting diseases. Given its chemical reduction property, VitC predominantly acts as an antioxidant to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and as a cofactor for certain dioxygenases involved in epigenetic regulation. Here, we propose that VitC is also a bio-signaling molecule based on the finding that sodium-dependent VitC transporter (SVCT) 2 is a novel receptor-like transporter of VitC that possesses dual activities in mediating VitC uptake and Janus kinase (JAK) 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 2 signaling pathway. Through interaction, SVCT2 induces JAK2 phosphorylation while transporting VitC into cells. Activated JAK2 phosphorylates the C-terminus of SVCT2, resulting in the recruitment and activation of STAT2. As a highlight, our results suggest that the activation of JAK2 synergistically promotes regulation of VitC in ROS scavenging and epigenetic modifications through phosphorylating pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1, ten-eleven translocation enzyme 3, and histone H3 Tyr41. Furthermore, VitC-activated JAK2 exhibits bidirectional effects in regulating cell pluripotency and differentiation. Our results thus reveal that the SVCT2-mediated JAK2 activation facilitates VitC functions in a previously unknown manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Zihan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Yian Guan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Bingxue Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Mengying Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Jingshuai Fang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Yuan Gao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, Gansu, PR China
| | - Zekun Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China.
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42
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Vitamin C Transporters and Their Implications in Carcinogenesis. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12123869. [PMID: 33352824 PMCID: PMC7765979 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C is implicated in various bodily functions due to its unique properties in redox homeostasis. Moreover, vitamin C also plays a great role in restoring the activity of 2-oxoglutarate and Fe2+ dependent dioxygenases (2-OGDD), which are involved in active DNA demethylation (TET proteins), the demethylation of histones, and hypoxia processes. Therefore, vitamin C may be engaged in the regulation of gene expression or in a hypoxic state. Hence, vitamin C has acquired great interest for its plausible effects on cancer treatment. Since its conceptualization, the role of vitamin C in cancer therapy has been a controversial and disputed issue. Vitamin C is transferred to the cells with sodium dependent transporters (SVCTs) and glucose transporters (GLUT). However, it is unknown whether the impaired function of these transporters may lead to carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Notably, previous studies have identified SVCTs’ polymorphisms or their altered expression in some types of cancer. This review discusses the potential effects of vitamin C and the impaired SVCT function in cancers. The variations in vitamin C transporter genes may regulate the active transport of vitamin C, and therefore have an impact on cancer risk, but further studies are needed to thoroughly elucidate their involvement in cancer biology.
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43
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Vitamin C and Cardiovascular Disease: An Update. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9121227. [PMID: 33287462 PMCID: PMC7761826 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9121227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential beneficial effects of the antioxidant properties of vitamin C have been investigated in a number of pathological conditions. In this review, we assess both clinical and preclinical studies evaluating the role of vitamin C in cardiac and vascular disorders, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and cerebrovascular diseases. Pitfalls and controversies in investigations on vitamin C and cardiovascular disorders are also discussed.
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Wang D, Yang X, Chen Y, Gong K, Yu M, Gao Y, Wu X, Hu H, Liao C, Han J, Duan Y. Ascorbic acid enhances low-density lipoprotein receptor expression by suppressing proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 expression. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:15870-15882. [PMID: 32913121 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.015623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascorbic acid, a water-soluble antioxidant, regulates various biological processes and is thought to influence cholesterol. However, little is known about the mechanisms underpinning ascorbic acid-mediated cholesterol metabolism. Here, we determined if ascorbic acid can regulate expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9), which binds low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) leading to its intracellular degradation, to influence low-density lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism. At cellular levels, ascorbic acid inhibited PCSK9 expression in HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines. Consequently, LDLR expression and cellular LDL uptake were enhanced. Similar effects of ascorbic acid on PCSK9 and LDLR expression were observed in mouse primary hepatocytes. Mechanistically, ascorbic acid suppressed PCSK9 expression in a forkhead box O3-dependent manner. In addition, ascorbic acid increased LDLR transcription by regulating sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2. In vivo, administration of ascorbic acid reduced serum PCSK9 levels and enhanced liver LDLR expression in C57BL/6J mice. Reciprocally, lack of ascorbic acid supplementation in L-gulono-γ-lactone oxidase deficient (Gulo -/-) mice increased circulating PCSK9 and LDL levels, and decreased liver LDLR expression, whereas ascorbic acid supplementation decreased PCSK9 and increased LDLR expression, ameliorating LDL levels in Gulo -/- mice fed a high fat diet. Moreover, ascorbic acid levels were negatively correlated to PCSK9, total and LDL levels in human serum samples. Taken together, these findings suggest that ascorbic acid reduces PCSK9 expression, leading to increased LDLR expression and cellular LDL uptake. Thus, supplementation of ascorbic acid may ameliorate lipid profiles in ascorbic acid-deficient species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanli Chen
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Ke Gong
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Maoyun Yu
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu'An, China
| | - Yongyao Gao
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Ximei Wu
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huaqing Hu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chenzhong Liao
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Jihong Han
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China; College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yajun Duan
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China.
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45
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Bryniarski MA, Ren T, Rizvi AR, Snyder AM, Morris ME. Targeting the Choroid Plexuses for Protein Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12100963. [PMID: 33066423 PMCID: PMC7602164 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12100963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Delivery of therapeutic agents to the central nervous system is challenged by the barriers in place to regulate brain homeostasis. This is especially true for protein therapeutics. Targeting the barrier formed by the choroid plexuses at the interfaces of the systemic circulation and ventricular system may be a surrogate brain delivery strategy to circumvent the blood-brain barrier. Heterogenous cell populations located at the choroid plexuses provide diverse functions in regulating the exchange of material within the ventricular space. Receptor-mediated transcytosis may be a promising mechanism to deliver protein therapeutics across the tight junctions formed by choroid plexus epithelial cells. However, cerebrospinal fluid flow and other barriers formed by ependymal cells and perivascular spaces should also be considered for evaluation of protein therapeutic disposition. Various preclinical methods have been applied to delineate protein transport across the choroid plexuses, including imaging strategies, ventriculocisternal perfusions, and primary choroid plexus epithelial cell models. When used in combination with simultaneous measures of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, they can yield important insight into pharmacokinetic properties within the brain. This review aims to provide an overview of the choroid plexuses and ventricular system to address their function as a barrier to pharmaceutical interventions and relevance for central nervous system drug delivery of protein therapeutics. Protein therapeutics targeting the ventricular system may provide new approaches in treating central nervous system diseases.
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Abstract
Vitamin C (Vit C) is an ideal antioxidant as it is easily available, water soluble, very potent, least toxic, regenerates other antioxidants particularly Vit E, and acts as a cofactor for different enzymes. It has received much attention due to its ability in limiting reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, and nitrosative stress, as well as it helps to maintain some of the normal metabolic functions of the cell. However, over 140 clinical trials using Vit C in different pathological conditions such as myocardial infarction, gastritis, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and cancer have yielded inconsistent results. Such a divergence calls for new strategies to establish practical significance of Vit C in heart failure or even in its prevention. For a better understanding of Vit C functioning, it is important to revisit its transport across the cell membrane and subcellular interactions. In this review, we have highlighted some historical details of Vit C and its transporters in the heart with a particular focus on heart failure in cancer chemotherapy.
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Abstract
![]()
Vitamin
C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble antioxidant and a
cofactor for a large number of enzymes. It is present in all tissues
and especially abundant in corneal epithelium, stem cells, and neurons.
Although similar to thiols in its ability to react with many reactive
oxygen species (ROS), ascorbate is much better (>100× faster)
than glutathione at scavenging of primary ROS (superoxide radical
and singlet oxygen). Ascorbate appears to be especially important
for elimination of O2•– in the
nucleus which contains little or no SOD activity. Cofactor functions
of ascorbate involve the maintenance of activity of Fe(II)/2-oxoglutarate-dependent
dioxygenases via reduction of Fe(III). The most prominent activity
of ascorbate-dependent dioxygenases in the cytoplasm is hydroxylation
of prolines in proteins involved in the formation of extracellular
matrix and regulation of metabolism and hypoxia responses. In the
nucleus, ascorbate is important for oxidative demethylation of 5-methylcytosine
in DNA (by TET proteins) and removal of methyl groups from histone
lysines (by JmjC demethylases). Differentiation and other cellular
reprograming processes involving DNA demethylation are especially
sensitive to ascorbate insufficiency. High doses of vitamin C alone
or in combinations with drugs produced cancer-suppressive effects
which involved redox, immune, and epigenetic mechanisms. Solutions
to vitamin C deficiency in cultured cells are discussed to improve
the physiological relevance of in vitro models. An
abundance of vitamin C in rodents limits their ability to fully recapitulate
human sensitivity to adverse health effects of malnutrition and xenobiotics,
including neurotoxicity, lung injury, and intergenerational and other
epigenetic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatoly Zhitkovich
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
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48
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Łukawski M, Dałek P, Witkiewicz W, Przybyło M, Langner M. Experimental evidence and physiological significance of the ascorbate passive diffusion through the lipid bilayer. Chem Phys Lipids 2020; 232:104950. [PMID: 32763228 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2020.104950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The diverse range of functions performed by ascorbate in many metabolic processes requires its effective redistribution between various aqueous body compartments. It is believed that this hydrophilic molecule needs protein transporters for crossing the biological membrane barriers. Any effective model reflecting the ascorbate distribution within the body requires bi-directional fluxes, but only the ascorbate transporters facilitating its intake by cells have been identified to date. The cellular efflux of this molecule still lacks proper mechanistic explanation, nevertheless data suggesting possible passive ascorbate transport recently appeared. In the paper, we provide experimental evidences that ascorbate associates efficiently with the lipid bilayer interface and slowly crosses its hydrophobic core. The measured logPmembrane/water and membrane permeability coefficient equal to 3 and 10-7 - 10-8 cm/s, respectively. The ascorbate passive diffusion across the lipid bilayer provides the missing element needed for the construction of a consistent physiological model describing the ascorbate local homeostasis. The model was effectively used for the construction of the mechanistic description of the processes, which facilitate the ascorbate homeostasis in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Łukawski
- Laboratory for Biophysics of Macromolecular Aggregates, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Stanisława Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paulina Dałek
- Laboratory for Biophysics of Macromolecular Aggregates, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Stanisława Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Wojciech Witkiewicz
- Research and Development Centre, Specialized Hospital in Wrocław, Kamieńskiego 73 A, 51-124 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Magda Przybyło
- Laboratory for Biophysics of Macromolecular Aggregates, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Stanisława Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marek Langner
- Laboratory for Biophysics of Macromolecular Aggregates, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Stanisława Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
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Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Sun K, Meng Z, Chen L. The SLC transporter in nutrient and metabolic sensing, regulation, and drug development. J Mol Cell Biol 2020; 11:1-13. [PMID: 30239845 PMCID: PMC6359923 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjy052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of metabolic diseases is growing worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests that solute carrier (SLC) transporters contribute to the etiology of various metabolic diseases. Consistent with metabolic characteristics, the top five organs in which SLC transporters are highly expressed are the kidney, brain, liver, gut, and heart. We aim to understand the molecular mechanisms of important SLC transporter-mediated physiological processes and their potentials as drug targets. SLC transporters serve as ‘metabolic gate’ of cells and mediate the transport of a wide range of essential nutrients and metabolites such as glucose, amino acids, vitamins, neurotransmitters, and inorganic/metal ions. Gene-modified animal models have demonstrated that SLC transporters participate in many important physiological functions including nutrient supply, metabolic transformation, energy homeostasis, tissue development, oxidative stress, host defense, and neurological regulation. Furthermore, the human genomic studies have identified that SLC transporters are susceptible or causative genes in various diseases like cancer, metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease, immunological disorders, and neurological dysfunction. Importantly, a number of SLC transporters have been successfully targeted for drug developments. This review will focus on the current understanding of SLCs in regulating physiology, nutrient sensing and uptake, and risk of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Biotechnology and Application Research Center, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Yuping Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyi Meng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ligong Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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50
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Przybyło M, Langner M. On the physiological and cellular homeostasis of ascorbate. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2020; 25:32. [PMID: 32514268 PMCID: PMC7257198 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-020-00223-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent interest in the role of ascorbate in crucial metabolic processes is driven by the growing number of medical reports that show beneficial effects of ascorbate supplementation for maintaining general well-being and recovery from a variety of medical conditions. The effect of ascorbate on the local body environment highly depends on its local concentration; at low concentrations it can cause the reduction of reactive oxygen and facilitate activities of enzymes, while at high concentrations it generates free radicals by reducing ferric ions. Ascorbate serving as an electron donor assists the iron-containing proteins and the iron transfer between various aqueous compartments. These functions require effective and adjustable mechanisms responsible for ascorbate biodistribution. In the paper we propose a new biophysical model of ascorbate redistribution between various aqueous body compartments. It combines recent experimental evidence regarding the ability of ascorbate to cross the lipid bilayer by unassisted diffusion, with active transport by well-characterized sodium vitamin C transporter (SVCT) membrane proteins. In the model, the intracellular concentration of ascorbate is maintained by the balance of two opposing fluxes: fast active and slow passive transport. The model provides a mechanistic understanding of ascorbate flux across the epidermal barrier in the gut as well as the role of astrocytes in ascorbate recycling in the brain. In addition, ascorbate passive diffusion across biological membranes, which depends on membrane electric potentials and pH gradients, provides the rationale for the correlation between ascorbate distribution and the transfer of iron ions inside a cell. The proposed approach provides, for the first time, a mechanistic account of processes leading to ascorbate physiological and cellular distribution, which helps to explain numerous experimental and clinical observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Przybyło
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Wrocław University of Sciences and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
- Lipid Systems Ltd, Krzemieniecka 48C, 54-613 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marek Langner
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Wrocław University of Sciences and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
- Lipid Systems Ltd, Krzemieniecka 48C, 54-613 Wrocław, Poland
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