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Tiwari V, Buvarp E, Borbolis F, Puligilla C, Croteau DL, Palikaras K, Bohr VA. Loss of DNA glycosylases improves health and cognitive function in a C. elegans model of human tauopathy. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae705. [PMID: 39149885 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder representing a major burden on families and society. Some of the main pathological hallmarks of AD are the accumulation of amyloid plaques (Aβ) and tau neurofibrillary tangles. However, it is still unclear how Aβ and tau aggregates promote specific phenotypic outcomes and lead to excessive oxidative DNA damage, neuronal cell death and eventually to loss of memory. Here we utilized a Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model of human tauopathy to investigate the role of DNA glycosylases in disease development and progression. Transgenic nematodes expressing a pro-aggregate form of tau displayed altered mitochondrial content, decreased lifespan, and cognitive dysfunction. Genetic ablation of either of the two DNA glycosylases found in C. elegans, NTH-1 and UNG-1, improved mitochondrial function, lifespan, and memory impairment. NTH-1 depletion resulted in a dramatic increase of differentially expressed genes, which was not apparent in UNG-1 deficient nematodes. Our findings clearly show that in addition to its enzymatic activity, NTH-1 has non-canonical functions highlighting its modulation as a potential therapeutic intervention to tackle tau-mediated pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Tiwari
- Section on DNA Repair, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Elisabeth Buvarp
- Section on DNA Repair, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Fivos Borbolis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Chandrakala Puligilla
- Section for Telomere Maintenance, LGG, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Deborah L Croteau
- Section on DNA Repair, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- Computational Biology & Genomics Core, LGG, NIA, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Konstantinos Palikaras
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Vilhelm A Bohr
- Section on DNA Repair, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, 2200 N, Denmark
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Sanguinetti C, Minniti M, Susini V, Caponi L, Panichella G, Castiglione V, Aimo A, Emdin M, Vergaro G, Franzini M. The Journey of Human Transthyretin: Synthesis, Structure Stability, and Catabolism. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081906. [PMID: 36009453 PMCID: PMC9405911 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) is a homotetrameric protein mainly synthesised by the liver and the choroid plexus whose function is to carry the thyroid hormone thyroxine and the retinol-binding protein bound to retinol in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. When the stability of the tetrameric structure is lost, it breaks down, paving the way for the aggregation of TTR monomers into insoluble fibrils leading to transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis, a progressive disorder mainly affecting the heart and nervous system. Several TTR gene mutations have been characterised as destabilisers of TTR structure and are associated with hereditary forms of ATTR amyloidosis. The reason why also the wild-type TTR is intrinsically amyloidogenic in some subjects is largely unknown. The aim of the review is to give an overview of the TTR biological life cycle which is largely unknown. For this purpose, the current knowledge on TTR physiological metabolism, from its synthesis to its catabolism, is described. Furthermore, a large section of the review is dedicated to examining in depth the role of mutations and physiological ligands on the stability of TTR tetramers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sanguinetti
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marianna Minniti
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vanessa Susini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Caponi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgia Panichella
- “Health Science” Interdisciplinary Research Center, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Castiglione
- “Health Science” Interdisciplinary Research Center, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto Aimo
- “Health Science” Interdisciplinary Research Center, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Emdin
- “Health Science” Interdisciplinary Research Center, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vergaro
- “Health Science” Interdisciplinary Research Center, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Franzini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Jayathirtha M, Dupree EJ, Manzoor Z, Larose B, Sechrist Z, Neagu AN, Petre BA, Darie CC. Mass Spectrometric (MS) Analysis of Proteins and Peptides. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2020; 22:92-120. [PMID: 32713333 DOI: 10.2174/1389203721666200726223336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The human genome is sequenced and comprised of ~30,000 genes, making humans just a little bit more complicated than worms or flies. However, complexity of humans is given by proteins that these genes code for because one gene can produce many proteins mostly through alternative splicing and tissue-dependent expression of particular proteins. In addition, post-translational modifications (PTMs) in proteins greatly increase the number of gene products or protein isoforms. Furthermore, stable and transient interactions between proteins, protein isoforms/proteoforms and PTM-ed proteins (protein-protein interactions, PPI) add yet another level of complexity in humans and other organisms. In the past, all of these proteins were analyzed one at the time. Currently, they are analyzed by a less tedious method: mass spectrometry (MS) for two reasons: 1) because of the complexity of proteins, protein PTMs and PPIs and 2) because MS is the only method that can keep up with such a complex array of features. Here, we discuss the applications of mass spectrometry in protein analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri Jayathirtha
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY, United States
| | - Emmalyn J Dupree
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY, United States
| | - Zaen Manzoor
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY, United States
| | - Brianna Larose
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY, United States
| | - Zach Sechrist
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY, United States
| | - Anca-Narcisa Neagu
- Laboratory of Animal Histology, Faculty of Biology, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, Iasi, Romania
| | - Brindusa Alina Petre
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Al. I. Cuza University of Iasi, Iasi, Romania, Center for Fundamental Research and Experimental Development in Translation Medicine - TRANSCEND, Regional Institute of Oncology, Iasi, Romania
| | - Costel C Darie
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY, United States
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Taylor CA, Tuschl K, Nicolai MM, Bornhorst J, Gubert P, Varão AM, Aschner M, Smith DR, Mukhopadhyay S. Maintaining Translational Relevance in Animal Models of Manganese Neurotoxicity. J Nutr 2020; 150:1360-1369. [PMID: 32211802 PMCID: PMC7269748 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxaa066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Manganese is an essential metal, but elevated brain Mn concentrations produce a parkinsonian-like movement disorder in adults and fine motor, attentional, cognitive, and intellectual deficits in children. Human Mn neurotoxicity occurs owing to elevated exposure from occupational or environmental sources, defective excretion (e.g., due to cirrhosis), or loss-of-function mutations in the Mn transporters solute carrier family 30 member 10 or solute carrier family 39 member 14. Animal models are essential to study Mn neurotoxicity, but in order to be translationally relevant, such models should utilize environmentally relevant Mn exposure regimens that reproduce changes in brain Mn concentrations and neurological function evident in human patients. Here, we provide guidelines for Mn exposure in mice, rats, nematodes, and zebrafish so that brain Mn concentrations and neurobehavioral sequelae remain directly relatable to the human phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherish A Taylor
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Institute for Cellular & Molecular Biology, and Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Karin Tuschl
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom,Department of Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom,Address correspondence to KT (e-mail: )
| | - Merle M Nicolai
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Julia Bornhorst
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Priscila Gubert
- Department of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Immunopathology Keizo Asami-LIKA, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil,Postgraduate Program in Pure and Applied Chemistry, Federal University of Western Bahia, Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Alexandre M Varão
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Donald R Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Somshuvra Mukhopadhyay
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Institute for Cellular & Molecular Biology, and Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA,Address correspondence to SM (e-mail: )
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Neumann C, Baesler J, Steffen G, Nicolai MM, Zubel T, Aschner M, Bürkle A, Mangerich A, Schwerdtle T, Bornhorst J. The role of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases in manganese exposed Caenorhabditis elegans. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2020; 57:21-27. [PMID: 31546209 PMCID: PMC6878993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2019.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM When exceeding the homeostatic range, manganese (Mn) might cause neurotoxicity, characteristic of the pathophysiology of several neurological diseases. Although the underlying mechanism of its neurotoxicity remains unclear, Mn-induced oxidative stress contributes to disease etiology. DNA damage caused by oxidative stress may further trigger dysregulation of DNA-damage-induced poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation), which is of central importance especially for neuronal homeostasis. Accordingly, this study was designed to assess in the genetically traceable in vivo model Caenorhabditis elegans the role of PARylation as well as the consequences of loss of pme-1 or pme-2 (orthologues of PARP1 and PARP2) in Mn-induced toxicity. METHODS A specific and sensitive isotope-dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed to quantify PARylation in worms. Next to monitoring the PAR level, pme-1 and pme-2 gene expression as well as Mn-induced oxidative stress was studied in wildtype worms and the pme deletion mutants. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION While Mn failed to induce PARylation in wildtype worms, toxic doses of Mn led to PAR-induction in pme-1-deficient worms, due to an increased gene expression of pme-2 in the pme-1 deletion mutants. However, this effect could not be observed at sub-toxic Mn doses as well as upon longer incubation times. Regarding Mn-induced oxidative stress, the deletion mutants did not show hypersensitivity. Taken together, this study characterizes worms to model PAR inhibition and addresses the consequences for Mn-induced oxidative stress in genetically manipulated worms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Neumann
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Jessica Baesler
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany; TraceAge - DFG Research Unit FOR 2558, Berlin-Potsdam, Jena, Germany
| | - Gereon Steffen
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Merle Marie Nicolai
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany; Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Tabea Zubel
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, 10461 Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Bürkle
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Aswin Mangerich
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Tanja Schwerdtle
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany; TraceAge - DFG Research Unit FOR 2558, Berlin-Potsdam, Jena, Germany
| | - Julia Bornhorst
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany; TraceAge - DFG Research Unit FOR 2558, Berlin-Potsdam, Jena, Germany; Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany.
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Bornhorst J, Ebert F, Meyer S, Ziemann V, Xiong C, Guttenberger N, Raab A, Baesler J, Aschner M, Feldmann J, Francesconi K, Raber G, Schwerdtle T. Toxicity of three types of arsenolipids: species-specific effects inCaenorhabditis elegans. Metallomics 2020; 12:794-798. [DOI: 10.1039/d0mt00039f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
AsHCs and AsTAG are highly bioavailable toC. elegans., AsHCs are metabolized byC. elegans., AsHCs but not AsTAG and AsFA affect survival and development inC. elegans.
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7
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Analysis of Caenorhabditis elegans phosphoproteome reveals the involvement of a molecular chaperone, HSP-90 protein during Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi infection. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 137:620-646. [PMID: 31252012 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.06.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Being a primary and prerequisite Post Translational Modification (PTM), protein phosphorylation mediates the defense mechanisms that presides host defense against a pathogen attack. Hence, the current study was intended to uncover the role of regulatory proteins and their PTMs with special attention to phosphorylation during pathogen attack, using C. elegans as a host and S. Typhi as an interacting pathogen. The study was initiated with the identification of differential regulation of the crucial immune regulatory kinases such as PMK-1, JNK-1 and SGK-1 through immunoblotting analysis, which revealed up-regulation of kinases during 48 h of S. Typhi infection. Subsequent the phosphoproteome profiling of S. Typhi infected C. elegans, using TiO2 Column Chromatography followed by MALDI-ToF-ToF-MS, uncovered the regulated phosphoprotein players resulting in the identification of 166 and 54 proteins from gel-free and gel-based analysis, respectively. HSP-90 was found to be a central player from the interactome analyses and its role during pathogenic defense was validated using immunoblotting. Furthermore, the protein disorders of the identified phosphoproteins have been extensively analysed in silico. This study suggests that S. Typhi interferes with the homeostasis of chaperone molecules by kinetically interfering with the phosphorylation of the downstream pathway players of MAPK and JNK.
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8
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Ferguson GD, Bridge WJ. The glutathione system and the related thiol network in Caenorhabditis elegans. Redox Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1110.1016/j.redox.2019.101171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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9
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Feucherolles M, Poppert S, Utzinger J, Becker SL. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry as a diagnostic tool in human and veterinary helminthology: a systematic review. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:245. [PMID: 31101120 PMCID: PMC6525464 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3493-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) has become a widely used technique for the rapid and accurate identification of bacteria, mycobacteria and certain fungal pathogens in the clinical microbiology laboratory. Thus far, only few attempts have been made to apply the technique in clinical parasitology, particularly regarding helminth identification. METHODS We systematically reviewed the scientific literature on studies pertaining to MALDI-TOF MS as a diagnostic technique for helminths (cestodes, nematodes and trematodes) of medical and veterinary importance. Readily available electronic databases (i.e. PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched from inception to 10 October 2018, without restriction on year of publication or language. The titles and abstracts of studies were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers. Relevant articles were read in full and included in the systematic review. RESULTS A total of 84 peer-reviewed articles were considered for the final analysis. Most papers reported on the application of MALDI-TOF for the study of Caenorhabditis elegans, and the technique was primarily used for identification of specific proteins rather than entire pathogens. Since 2015, a small number of studies documented the successful use of MALDI-TOF MS for species-specific identification of nematodes of human and veterinary importance, such as Trichinella spp. and Dirofilaria spp. However, the quality of available data and the number of examined helminth samples was low. CONCLUSIONS Data on the use of MALDI-TOF MS for the diagnosis of helminths are scarce, but recent evidence suggests a potential role for a reliable identification of nematodes. Future research should explore the diagnostic accuracy of MALDI-TOF MS for identification of (i) adult helminths, larvae and eggs shed in faecal samples; and (ii) helminth-related proteins that are detectable in serum or body fluids of infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Feucherolles
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, Environmental Research and Innovation, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Sven Poppert
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sören L Becker
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Ferguson GD, Bridge WJ. The glutathione system and the related thiol network in Caenorhabditis elegans. Redox Biol 2019; 24:101171. [PMID: 30901603 PMCID: PMC6429583 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in the field of redox biology have contributed to the understanding of the complexity of the thiol-based system in mediating signal transduction. The redox environment is the overall spatiotemporal balance of oxidation-reduction systems within the integrated compartments of the cell, tissues and whole organisms. The ratio of the reduced to disulfide glutathione redox couple (GSH:GSSG) is a key indicator of the redox environment and its associated cellular health. The reaction mechanisms of glutathione-dependent and related thiol-based enzymes play a fundamental role in the function of GSH as a redox regulator. Glutathione homeostasis is maintained by the balance of GSH synthesis (de novo and salvage pathways) and its utilization through its detoxification, thiol signalling, and antioxidant defence functions via GSH-dependent enzymes and free radical scavenging. As such, GSH acts in concert with the entire redox network to maintain reducing conditions in the cell. Caenorhabditis elegans offers a simple model to facilitate further understanding at the multicellular level of the physiological functions of GSH and the GSH-dependent redox network. This review discusses the C. elegans studies that have investigated glutathione and related systems of the redox network including; orthologs to the protein-encoding genes of GSH synthesis; glutathione peroxidases; glutathione-S-transferases; and the glutaredoxin, thioredoxin and peroxiredoxin systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Douglas Ferguson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Wallace John Bridge
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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Tsuda Y, Yamanaka K, Toyoshima R, Ueda M, Masuda T, Misumi Y, Ogura T, Ando Y. Development of transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans expressing human transthyretin as a model for drug screening. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17884. [PMID: 30552363 PMCID: PMC6294829 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36357-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Familial amyloid polyneuropathy is a hereditary systemic amyloidosis caused by a mutation in the transthyretin (TTR) gene. Amyloid deposits in tissues of patients contain not only full-length TTR but also C-terminal TTR fragments. However, in vivo models to evaluate the pathogenicity of TTR fragments have not yet been developed. Here, we generated transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans strains expressing several types of TTR fragments or full-length TTR fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein in the body wall muscle cells and analyzed the phenotypes of the worms. The transgenic strain expressing residues 81-127 of TTR, which included the β-strands F and H, formed aggregates and caused defective worm motility and a significantly shortened lifespan compared with other strains. These findings suggest that the C-terminal fragments of TTR may contribute to cytotoxicity of TTR amyloidosis in vivo. By using this C. elegans model system, we found that (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a major polyphenol in green tea, significantly inhibited the formation of aggregates, the defective motility, and the shortened lifespan caused by residues 81-127 of TTR. These results suggest that our newly developed C. elegans model system will be useful for in vivo pathological analyses of TTR amyloidosis as well as drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukimoto Tsuda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Kunitoshi Yamanaka
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan.
| | - Risa Toyoshima
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Mitsuharu Ueda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
| | - Teruaki Masuda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yohei Misumi
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Teru Ogura
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Yukio Ando
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
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