Iron regulatory elements (IREs): a family of mRNA non-coding sequences

A commentary on studies of brain iron accumulation during ageing

Brain iron content is widely reported to increase during "ageing", across multiple species from nematodes, rodents (mice and rats) and humans. Given the redox-active properties of iron, there has been a large research focus on iron-mediated oxidative stress as a contributor to tissue damage during natural ageing, and also as a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease. Surprisingly, however, the majority of published studies have not investigated brain iron homeostasis during the biological time period of senescence, and thus knowledge of how brain homeostasis changes during this critical stage of life largely remains unknown. This commentary examines the literature published on the topic of brain iron homeostasis during ageing, providing a critique on limitations of currently used experimental designs. The commentary also aims to highlight that although much research attention has been given to iron accumulation or iron overload as a pathological feature of ageing, there is evidence to support functional iron deficiency may exist, and this should not be overlooked in studies of ageing or neurodegenerative disease.

Molecular evolution and gene expression of ferritin family involved in immune defense of lampreys

Ferritin, one of the key regulators of iron homeostasis, is widely present throughout almost all species. The vertebrate ferritin family, which originates from a single gene in the ancestral invertebrates, contains the widest variety of ferritin subtypes among all animal species. However, the evolutionary history of the vertebrate ferritin family remains to be further clarified. In this study, genome-wide identification of the ferritin homologs is performed in lampreys, which are the extant representatives of jawless vertebrates that diverged from the future jawed vertebrates more than 500 million years ago. Molecular evolutionary analyses show that four members of the lamprey ferritin family, L-FT1-4, are derived from a common ancestor with jawed vertebrate ferritins prior to the divergence of the jawed vertebrate ferritin subtypes. The lamprey ferritin family shares evolutionarily conserved characteristics of the ferritin H subunit with higher vertebrates, but certain members such as L-FT1 additionally accumulate some features of the M or L subunits. Expression profiling reveals that lamprey ferritins are highly expressed in the liver. The transcription of L-FT1 is significantly induced in the liver and heart during lipopolysaccharide stimulation, indicating that L-FTs may play a role in the innate immune response to bacterial infection in lampreys. Furthermore, the transcriptional expression of L-FT1 in quiescent and LPS-activated leukocytes is up- and down-regulated by the lamprey TGF-β2, an essential regulator of the inflammatory response, respectively. Our results provide new insights into the origin and evolution of the vertebrate ferritin family and reveal that lamprey ferritins may be involved in immune regulation as target genes of the TGF-β signaling pathway.

Optimization of Biotinylated RNA or DNA Pull-Down Assays for Detection of Binding Proteins: Examples of IRP1, IRP2, HuR, AUF1, and Nrf2

Investigation of RNA- and DNA-binding proteins to a defined regulatory sequence, such as an AU-rich RNA and a DNA enhancer element, is important for understanding gene regulation through their interactions. For in vitro binding studies, an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was widely used in the past. In line with the trend toward using non-radioactive materials in various bioassays, end-labeled biotinylated RNA and DNA oligonucleotides can be more practical probes to study protein-RNA and protein-DNA interactions; thereby, the binding complexes can be pulled down with streptavidin-conjugated resins and identified by Western blotting. However, setting up RNA and DNA pull-down assays with biotinylated probes in optimum protein binding conditions remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate the step-by step optimization of pull-down for IRP (iron-responsive-element-binding protein) with a 5'-biotinylated stem-loop IRE (iron-responsive element) RNA, HuR, and AUF1 with an AU-rich RNA element and Nrf2 binding to an antioxidant-responsive element (ARE) enhancer in the human ferritin H gene. This study was designed to address key technical questions in RNA and DNA pull-down assays: (1) how much RNA and DNA probes we should use; (2) what binding buffer and cell lysis buffer we can use; (3) how to verify the specific interaction; (4) what streptavidin resin (agarose or magnetic beads) works; and (5) what Western blotting results we can expect from varying to optimum conditions. We anticipate that our optimized pull-down conditions can be applicable to other RNA- and DNA-binding proteins along with emerging non-coding small RNA-binding proteins for their in vitro characterization.

Crosstalk between Heme Oxygenase-1 and Iron Metabolism in Macrophages: Implications for the Modulation of Inflammation and Immunity

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of heme, releasing equimolar amounts of carbon monoxide (CO), biliverdin (BV), and iron. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of HO-1 activity are conferred in part by the release of CO and BV and are extensively characterized. However, iron constitutes an important product of HO-1 activity involved in the regulation of several cellular biological processes. The macrophage-mediated recycling of heme molecules, in particular those contained in hemoglobin, constitutes the major mechanism through which living organisms acquire iron. This process is finely regulated by the activities of HO-1 and of the iron exporter protein ferroportin. The expression of both proteins can be induced or suppressed in response to pro- and anti-inflammatory stimuli in macrophages from different tissues, which alters the intracellular iron concentrations of these cells. As we discuss in this review article, changes in intracellular iron levels play important roles in the regulation of cellular oxidation reactions as well as in the transcriptional and translational regulation of the expression of proteins related to inflammation and immune responses, and therefore, iron metabolism represents a potential target for the development of novel therapeutic strategies focused on the modulation of immunity and inflammation.

Essential role of systemic iron mobilization and redistribution for adaptive thermogenesis through HIF2-α/hepcidin axis

Iron is an essential biometal, but is toxic if it exists in excess. Therefore, iron content is tightly regulated at cellular and systemic levels to meet metabolic demands but to avoid toxicity. We have recently reported that adaptive thermogenesis, a critical metabolic pathway to maintain whole-body energy homeostasis, is an iron-demanding process for rapid biogenesis of mitochondria. However, little information is available on iron mobilization from storage sites to thermogenic fat. This study aimed to determine the iron-regulatory network that underlies beige adipogenesis. We hypothesized that thermogenic stimulus initiates the signaling interplay between adipocyte iron demands and systemic iron liberation, resulting in iron redistribution into beige fat. To test this hypothesis, we induced reversible activation of beige adipogenesis in C57BL/6 mice by administering a β3-adrenoreceptor agonist CL 316,243 (CL). Our results revealed that CL stimulation induced the iron-regulatory protein-mediated iron import into adipocytes, suppressed hepcidin transcription, and mobilized iron from the spleen. Mechanistically, CL stimulation induced an acute activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-α (HIF2-α), erythropoietin production, and splenic erythroid maturation, leading to hepcidin suppression. Disruption of systemic iron homeostasis by pharmacological HIF2-α inhibitor PT2385 or exogenous administration of hepcidin-25 significantly impaired beige fat development. Our findings suggest that securing iron availability via coordinated interplay between renal hypoxia and hepcidin down-regulation is a fundamental mechanism to activate adaptive thermogenesis. It also provides an insight into the effects of adaptive thermogenesis on systemic iron mobilization and redistribution.

The thermogenic characteristics of adipocytes are dependent on the regulation of iron homeostasis

The development of thermogenic adipocytes concurs with mitochondrial biogenesis, an iron-dependent pathway. Iron regulatory proteins (IRP) 1 and 2 are RNA-binding proteins that regulate intracellular iron homeostasis. IRPs bind to the iron-response element (IRE) of their target mRNAs, balancing iron uptake and deposition at the posttranscriptional levels. However, IRP/IRE-dependent iron regulation in adipocytes is largely unknown. We hypothesized that iron demands are higher in brown/beige adipocytes than white adipocytes to maintain the thermogenic mitochondrial capacity. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the IRP/IRE regulatory system in different depots of adipose tissue. Our results revealed that 1) IRP/IRE interaction was increased in proportional to the thermogenic function of the adipose depot, 2) adipose iron content was increased in adipose tissue browning upon β3-adrenoceptor stimulation, while decreased in thermoneutral conditions, and 3) modulation of iron content was linked with mitochondrial biogenesis. Moreover, the iron requirement was higher in HIB1B brown adipocytes than 3T3-L1 white adipocytes during differentiation. The reduction of the labile iron pool (LIP) suppressed the differentiation of brown/beige adipocytes and mitochondrial biogenesis. Using the 59Fe-Tf, we also demonstrated that thermogenic stimuli triggered cell-autonomous iron uptake and mitochondrial compartmentalization as well as enhanced mitochondrial respiration. Collectively, our work demonstrated that IRP/IRE signaling and subsequent adaptation in iron metabolism are a critical determinant for the thermogenic function of adipocytes.

Iron-induced transferrin receptor-1 mRNA destabilization: A response to "Neither miR-7-5p nor miR-141-3p is a major mediator of iron-responsive transferrin receptor-1 mRNA degradation"

We read with great interest the Divergent Views article by Connell and colleagues disputing our recent publication describing a role for two microRNAs in the iron-mediated regulation of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) mRNA stability. Our publication sought to shed light on a long-standing question in the field of cellular iron metabolism, and we welcome commentary and critique. However, there are several critical issues contained in the article by Connell and colleagues that require further consideration. We appreciate the opportunity to reply here.

Repression of ferritin light chain translation by human eIF3

A central problem in human biology remains the discovery of causal molecular links between mutations identified in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and their corresponding disease traits. This challenge is magnified for variants residing in non-coding regions of the genome. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5ʹ untranslated region (5ʹ-UTR) of the ferritin light chain (FTL) gene that cause hyperferritinemia are reported to disrupt translation repression by altering iron regulatory protein (IRP) interactions with the FTL mRNA 5ʹ-UTR. Here, we show that human eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3) acts as a distinct repressor of FTL mRNA translation, and eIF3-mediated FTL repression is disrupted by a subset of SNPs in FTL that cause hyperferritinemia. These results identify a direct role for eIF3-mediated translational control in a specific human disease.

An H-ferritin from the hydrothermal vent shrimp Rimicaris exoculata and its potential role in iron metabolism

Rimicaris exoculata (Decapoda: Bresiliidae) is one of the dominant species among hydrothermal vent communities along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This shrimp can tolerate high concentrations of heavy metals such as iron, but the mechanisms used for detoxification and utilization of excess metals remain largely unknown. Ferritin is a major iron storage protein in most living organisms. The central heavy subunit of ferritin (H-ferritin) possesses ferroxidase activity and converts iron from Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺, the non-toxic form used for storage. In the present study, the H-ferritin RexFrtH was identified in the hydrothermal vent shrimp R. exoculata, and found to be highly expressed in the gill, the main organ involved in bioaccumulation of metals, at both RNA and protein levels. Accumulation of RexFrtH decreased from efferent to afferent vessels, coinciding with the direction of water flow through the gills. Fe³⁺ was localized with RexFrtH, and in vitro iron-binding and ferroxidase assays using recombinant RexFrtH confirmed the high affinity for iron. Based on these results, we propose a model of iron metabolism in R. exoculata gills; ferrous iron from ambient hydrothermal water accumulates and is converted and stored in ferric form by RexFrtH as an iron reservoir when needed for metabolism, or excreted as an intermediate to prevent iron overload. The findings expand our understanding of the adaptation strategies used by shrimps inhabiting extreme hydrothermal vents to cope with extremely high heavy metal concentrations.

Iron Regulation: Macrophages in Control

Macrophages are sentinel cells of the innate immune system and have important functions in development, tissue homeostasis, and immunity. These phylogenetically ancient cells also developed a variety of mechanisms to control erythropoiesis and the handling of iron. Red pulp macrophages in the spleen, Kupffer cells in the liver, and central nurse macrophages in the bone marrow ensure a coordinated metabolism of iron to support erythropoiesis. Phagocytosis of senescent red blood cells by macrophages in the spleen and the liver provide a continuous delivery of recycled iron under steady-state conditions and during anemic stress. Central nurse macrophages in the bone marrow utilize this iron and provide a cellular scaffold and niche to promote differentiation of erythroblasts. This review focuses on the role of the distinct macrophage populations that contribute to efficient iron metabolism and highlight important cellular and systemic mechanisms involved in iron-regulating processes.

Cloning and molecular characterization of two ferritins from red abalone Haliotis rufescens and their expressions in response to bacterial challenge at juvenile and adult life stages

Ferritins are ubiquitous proteins with a pivotal role in iron storage and homeostasis, and in host defense responses during infection by pathogens in several organisms, including mollusks. In this study, we characterized two ferritin homologues in the red abalone Haliotis rufescens, a species of economic importance for Chile, USA and Mexico. Two ferritin subunits (Hrfer1 and Hrfer2) were cloned. Hrfer1 cDNA is an 807 bp clone containing a 516 bp open reading frame (ORF) that corresponds to a novel ferritin subunit in H. rufescens. Hrfer2 cDNA is an 868 bp clone containing a 516 bp ORF that corresponds to a previously reported ferritin subunit, but in this study 5'- and 3'-UTR sequences were additionally found. We detected a putative Iron Responsive Element (IRE) in the 5'-UTR sequence, suggesting a posttranscriptional regulation of Hrfer2 translation by iron. The deduced protein sequences of both cDNAs possessed the motifs and domains required in functional ferritin subunits. Expression patterns of both ferritins in different tissues, during different developmental stages, and in response to bacterial (Vibrio splendidus) exposure were examined. Both Hrfer1 and Hrfer2 are most expressed in digestive gland and gonad. Hrfer1 mRNA levels increased about 34-fold along with larval developmental process, attaining the highest level in the creeping post-larvae. Exogenous feeding is initiated at the creeping larva stage; thus, the increase of Hrfer1 may suggest and immunity-related role upon exposure to bacteria. Highest Hrfer2 expression levels were detected at trochophore stage; which may be related with early shell formation. Upon challenge with, the bacteria an early mild induction of Hrfer2 (2 h post-challenge), followed by a stronger induction of Hrfer1 at 15 h post-challenge, was observed in haemocytes from adult abalones. While maximal upregulation of both genes in the whole individual occurred at 24 h post-challenge, in juveniles. A significant increase in ferritin protein levels from 6 h to 24 h post-challenge was also detected. Our results suggest an involvement of Hrfer1 and Hrfer2, and of ferritin proteins in the immune response of H. rufescens to bacterial infection.

Regulation of transferrin receptor-1 mRNA by the interplay between IRE-binding proteins and miR-7/miR-141 in the 3'-IRE stem-loops

Intracellular iron is tightly regulated by coordinated expression of iron transport and storage genes, such as transferrin receptor-1 (TfR1) and ferritin. They are primarily regulated by iron through iron-induced dissociation of iron-regulatory proteins (IRPs) from iron-responsive elements (IREs) in the 3'-UTR (untranslated region) of TfR1 or 5'-UTR of ferritin mRNA, resulting in destabilization of TfR1 mRNA and release of ferritin translation block. Thus high iron decreases iron transport via TfR1 mRNA degradation and increases iron storage via ferritin translational up-regulation. However, the molecular mechanism of TfR1 mRNA destabilization in response to iron remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that miR-7-5p and miR-141-3p target 3'-TfR1 IREs and down-regulate TfR1 mRNA and protein expression. Conversely, miR-7-5p and miR-141-3p antagomiRs partially but significantly blocked iron- or IRP knockdown-induced down-regulation of TfR1 mRNA, suggesting the interplay between these microRNAs and IRPs along with involvement of another uncharacterized mechanism in TfR1 mRNA degradation. Luciferase reporter assays using 3'-UTR TfR1 IRE mutants suggested that the IREs C and E are targets of miR-7-5p and miR-141-3p, respectively. Furthermore, miR-7 expression was inversely correlated with TfR1 mRNA in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma patient samples. These results suggest a role of microRNAs in the TfR1 regulation in the IRP-IRE system.

Computational characterization of Iron metabolism in the Tsetse disease vector, Glossina morsitans: IRE stem-loops

Background

Iron metabolism and regulation is an indispensable part of species survival, most importantly for blood feeding insects. Iron regulatory proteins are central regulators of iron homeostasis, whose binding to iron response element (IRE) stem-loop structures within the UTRs of genes regulate expression at the post-transcriptional level. Despite the extensive literature on the mechanism of iron regulation in human, less attention has been given to insect and more specifically the blood feeding insects, where research has mainly focused on the characterization of ferritin and transferrin. We thus, examined the mechanism of iron homeostasis through a genome-wide computational identification of IREs and other enriched motifs in the UTRs of Glossina morsitans with the view to identify new IRE-regulated genes.

Results

We identified 150 genes, of which two are known to contain IREs, namely the ferritin heavy chain and the MRCK-alpha. The remainder of the identified genes is considered novel including 20 hypothetical proteins, for which an iron-regulatory mechanism of action was inferred. Forty-three genes were found with IRE-signatures of regulation in two or more insects, while 46 were only found to be IRE-regulated in two species. Notably 39 % of the identified genes exclusively shared IRE-signatures in other Glossina species, which are potentially Glossina-specific adaptive measures in addressing its unique reproductive biology and blood meal-induced iron overload. In line with previous findings, we found no evidence pertaining to an IRE regulation of Transferrin, which highlight the importance of ferritin heavy chain and the other proposed transporters in the tsetse fly. In the context of iron-sequestration, key players of tsetse immune defence against trypanosomes have been introduced namely 14 stress and immune response genes, while 28 cell-envelop, transport, and binding genes were assigned a putative role in iron trafficking. Additionally, we identified and annotated enriched motifs in the UTRs of the putative IRE-regulated genes to derive at a co-regulatory network that maintains iron homeostasis in tsetse flies. Three putative microRNA-binding sites namely Gy-box, Brd-box and K-box motifs were identified among the regulatory motifs, enriched in the UTRs of the putative IRE-regulated genes.

Conclusion

Beyond our current view of iron metabolism in insects, with ferritin and transferrin as its key players, this study provides a comprehensive catalogue of genes with possible roles in the acquisition; transport and storage of iron hence iron homeostasis in the tsetse fly.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2932-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Target-dependent biogenesis of cognate microRNAs in human cells

Extensive research has established how miRNAs regulate target mRNAs by translation repression and/or endonucleolytic degradation in metazoans. However, information related to the effect of target mRNA on biogenesis and stability of corresponding miRNAs in animals is limited. Here we report regulated biogenesis of cognate miRNAs by their target mRNAs. Enhanced pre-miRNA processing by AGO-associated DICER1 contributes to this increased miRNP formation. The processed miRNAs are loaded onto AGO2 to form functionally competent miRISCs both in vivo and also in a cell-free in vitro system. Thus, we identify an additional layer of posttranscriptional regulation that helps the cell to maintain requisite levels of mature forms of respective miRNAs by modulating their processing in a target-dependent manner, a process happening for miR-122 during stress reversal in human hepatic cells.

MicroRNAs are a widespread regulatory mechanism and are themselves extensively regulated. Here the authors show regulated miRNA biogenesis by the target mRNA, a layer of regulation that modulates miRNA levels dependent on target availability.

Three ferritin subunit analogs in Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) and their response to microbial stimulation

Ferritin, an evolutionarily conserved iron-binding protein, plays important roles in iron storage and detoxification and in host immune response to invading stimulus as well. In the present study, we identified three ferritin subunit analog cDNAs from Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus). All the three ferritin subunit cDNAs had a putative iron responsive element in the 5'-untranslated region. Two deduced ferritin subunits (designated as cgsFerH and cgsFerM) had the highest identity of 90% to H type subunit of vertebrate ferritins, while another deduced ferritin subunit (designated as cgsFerL) had the highest identity of 84% to L type subunit of vertebrate ferritins. The Chinese giant salamander ferritin (cgsFer) was widely expressed in various tissues, with highest expression for cgsFerH and cgsFerL in liver and highest expression for cgsFerM in spleen. Infection of Chinese giant salamander with A. davidianus ranavirus showed significant induction of cgsFer expression. Both lipopolysaccharide and iron challenge drastically augmented cgsFer expression in the splenocytes and hepatocytes from Chinese giant salamander. In addition, recombinant cgsFers bound to ferrous iron in a dose-dependent manner, with significant ferroxidase activity. Furthermore, the recombinant cgsFer inhibited the growth of the pathogen Vibrio anguillarum. These results indicated that cgsFer was potential candidate of immune molecules involved in acute phase response to invading microbial pathogens in Chinese giant salamander possibly through its regulatory roles in iron homeostasis.

Involvement of the iron regulatory protein from Eisenia andrei earthworms in the regulation of cellular iron homeostasis

Iron homeostasis in cells is regulated by iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) that exist in different organisms. IRPs are cytosolic proteins that bind to iron-responsive elements (IREs) of the 5′- or 3′-untranslated regions (UTR) of mRNAs that encode many proteins involved in iron metabolism. In this study, we have cloned and described a new regulatory protein belonging to the family of IRPs from the earthworm Eisenia andrei (EaIRP). The earthworm IRE site in 5′-UTR of ferritin mRNA most likely folds into a secondary structure that differs from the conventional IRE structures of ferritin due to the absence of a typically unpaired cytosine that participates in protein binding. Prepared recombinant EaIRP and proteins from mammalian liver extracts are able to bind both mammalian and Eisenia IRE structures of ferritin mRNA, although the affinity of the rEaIRP/Eisenia IRE structure is rather low. This result suggests the possible contribution of a conventional IRE structure. When IRP is supplemented with a Fe-S cluster, it can function as a cytosolic aconitase. Cellular cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions, as well as recombinant EaIRP, exhibit aconitase activity that can be abolished by the action of oxygen radicals. The highest expression of EaIRP was detected in parts of the digestive tract. We can assume that earthworms may possess an IRE/IRP regulatory network as a potential mechanism for maintaining cellular iron homeostasis, although the aconitase function of EaIRP is most likely more relevant.

Rapid kinetics of iron responsive element (IRE) RNA/iron regulatory protein 1 and IRE-RNA/eIF4F complexes respond differently to metal ions

Metal ion binding was previously shown to destabilize IRE-RNA/IRP1 equilibria and enhanced IRE-RNA/eIF4F equilibria. In order to understand the relative importance of kinetics and stability, we now report rapid rates of protein/RNA complex assembly and dissociation for two IRE-RNAs with IRP1, and quantitatively different metal ion response kinetics that coincide with the different iron responses in vivo. k_on, for FRT IRE-RNA binding to IRP1 was eight times faster than ACO2 IRE-RNA. Mn²⁺ decreased k_on and increased k_off for IRP1 binding to both FRT and ACO2 IRE-RNA, with a larger effect for FRT IRE-RNA. In order to further understand IRE-mRNA regulation in terms of kinetics and stability, eIF4F kinetics with FRT IRE-RNA were determined. k_on for eIF4F binding to FRT IRE-RNA in the absence of metal ions was 5-times slower than the IRP1 binding to FRT IRE-RNA. Mn²⁺ increased the association rate for eIF4F binding to FRT IRE-RNA, so that at 50 µM Mn²⁺ eIF4F bound more than 3-times faster than IRP1. IRP1/IRE-RNA complex has a much shorter life-time than the eIF4F/IRE-RNA complex, which suggests that both rate of assembly and stability of the complexes are important, and that allows this regulatory system to respond rapidly to change in cellular iron.

Identification and characterization of four ferritin subunits involved in immune defense of the Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis)

As a primary iron storage protein, ferritin plays a vital role in iron homeostasis and innate immunity. In this study, four ferritin subunits (PyFer1, PyFer2, PyFer3, and PyFer4) were cloned from the Yesso scallop, Patinopecten yessoensis, by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) following in silico transcriptome analysis. The full-length cDNAs of the four ferritins are 895, 920, 891, and 1400 bp in length, respectively, and each contains a putative iron response element (IRE) in its 5' UTR. Meanwhile, multiple A+U-destabilizing elements (TATT or ATTTA) are present in the 3' UTRs of PyFer2 and PyFer4. The open reading frames of the four ferritins are 522, 516, 516, and 519 bp, encoding 173, 171, 171, and 172 amino acids, respectively. These proteins have typical ferritin structures, with four long α-helices, one short α-helix and an L-loop. All of the predicted proteins possess both the ferroxidase center of mammalian H ferritins (E25, Y32, E59, E60, H63, E105, and Q139) and the iron nucleation site of mammalian L ferritins (H116, D129, and E132), and the recombinant proteins possess apparent ferroxidase activity. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that the expression of the four PyFers was significantly elevated at the D-shaped stage and was relatively high in the adult mantle and hepatopancreas. Furthermore, the four PyFers were significantly up-regulated by iron or bacterial challenge, and all four purified recombinant PyFers were able to inhibit the growth of the scallop pathogen Vibrio anguillarum. These results suggest that these PyFers are likely to play important roles in many fundamental biological processes in P. yessoensis, including immune defense, iron homeostasis, and shell development.

Characterization of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium aconitase A

Aconitases (Acn) are iron-sulfur proteins that catalyse the reversible isomerization of citrate and isocitrate via the intermediate cis-aconitate in the Krebs cycle. Some Acn proteins are bi-functional and under conditions of iron starvation and oxidative stress lose their iron-sulfur clusters and become post-transcriptional regulators by binding specific mRNA targets. Many bacterial species possess two genetically distinct aconitase proteins, AcnA and AcnB. Current understanding of the regulation and functions of AcnA and AcnB in dual Acn bacteria is based on a model developed in Escherichia coli. Thus, AcnB is the major Krebs cycle enzyme expressed during exponential growth, whereas AcnA is a more stable, stationary phase and stress-induced enzyme, and both E. coli Acns are bi-functional. Here a second dual Acn bacterium, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium), has been analysed. Phenotypic traits of S. Typhimurium acn mutants were consistent with AcnB acting as the major Acn protein. Promoter fusion experiments indicated that acnB transcription was ~10-fold greater than that of acnA and that acnA expression was regulated by the cyclic-AMP receptor protein (CRP, glucose starvation), the fumarate nitrate reduction regulator (FNR, oxygen starvation), the ferric uptake regulator (Fur, iron starvation) and the superoxide response protein (SoxR, oxidative stress). In contrast to E. coli, S. Typhimurium acnA was not induced in the stationary phase. Furthermore, acnA expression was enhanced in an acnB mutant, presumably to partially compensate for the lack of AcnB activity. Isolated S. Typhimurium AcnA protein had kinetic and mRNA-binding properties similar to those described for E. coli AcnA. Thus, the work reported here provides a second example of the regulation and function of AcnA and AcnB proteins in a dual Acn bacterium.

The importance of the stem cell marker prominin-1/CD133 in the uptake of transferrin and in iron metabolism in human colon cancer Caco-2 cells

As the pentaspan stem cell marker CD133 was shown to bind cholesterol and to localize in plasma membrane protrusions, we investigated a possible function for CD133 in endocytosis. Using the CD133 siRNA knockdown strategy and non-differentiated human colon cancer Caco-2 cells that constitutively over-expressed CD133, we provide for the first time direct evidence for a role of CD133 in the intracellular accumulation of fluorescently labeled extracellular compounds. Assessed using AC133 monoclonal antibody, CD133 knockdown was shown to improve Alexa488-transferrin (Tf) uptake in Caco-2 cells but had no impact on FITC-dextran or FITC-cholera-toxin. Absence of effect of the CD133 knockdown on Tf recycling established a role for CD133 in inhibiting Tf endocytosis rather than in stimulating Tf exocytosis. Use of previously identified inhibitors of known endocytic pathways and the positive impact of CD133 knockdown on cellular uptake of clathrin-endocytosed synthetic lipid nanocapsules supported that CD133 impact on endocytosis was primarily ascribed to the clathrin pathway. Also, cholesterol extraction with methyl-β-cyclodextrine up regulated Tf uptake at greater intensity in the CD133^high situation than in the CD133^low situation, thus suggesting a role for cholesterol in the inhibitory effect of CD133 on endocytosis. Interestingly, cell treatment with the AC133 antibody down regulated Tf uptake, thus demonstrating that direct extracellular binding to CD133 could affect endocytosis. Moreover, flow cytometry and confocal microscopy established that down regulation of CD133 improved the accessibility to the TfR from the extracellular space, providing a mechanism by which CD133 inhibited Tf uptake. As Tf is involved in supplying iron to the cell, effects of iron supplementation and deprivation on CD133/AC133 expression were investigated. Both demonstrated a dose-dependent down regulation here discussed to the light of transcriptional and post-transciptional effects. Taken together, these data extend our knowledge of the function of CD133 and underline the interest of further exploring the CD133-Tf-iron network.

Molecular characterization of the iron binding protein ferritin in Eisenia andrei earthworms

Ferritin is a storage protein that plays a key role in iron metabolism. In this study, we report on the sequence characterization of a ferritin-coding cDNA in Eisenia andrei earthworms isolated by RT-PCR using degenerated primers, and we suggest the presence of a putative IRE in the 5'-UTR of ferritin mRNA. The obtained ferritin sequence was compared with those of other animals showing sequence and structure homology in consensus sites, including the iron-responsive element (IRE) and ferroxidase centers. Despite the sequence homology in the E. andrei mRNA of ferritin with the sequences of other animals in consensus IRE sites, the presented cytosine in the IRE of E. andrei ferritin in the expected position does not form a conventional bulge. The presence of ferritin in the coelomic fluid of E. andrei was proven by iron staining assay. Moreover, aconitase activity in the coelomic fluid was assessed by aconitase assay, suggesting the presence of an iron regulatory protein. Quantitative analysis revealed changes in the gene expression levels of ferritin in coelomocytes in response to bacterial challenge, reaching the maximum level 8h after the stimulation with both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Hepcidin levels in hereditary hyperferritinemia: Insights into the iron-sensing mechanism in hepatocytes

AIM: To study the role of hepcidin in hereditary hyperferritinemia cataract syndrome (HHCS).

METHODS: Six patients from two families with HHCS, confirmed by genetic analysis showing A to G mutation at position +40 in the L-ferritin gene, were recruited to undergo serum hepcidin and prohepcidin measurements using radioimmunoassay and enzyme linked immunoassay, respectively, and measurements were compared with levels in serum from 25 healthy volunteers (14 females), mean age 36 ± 11.9 years.

RESULTS: The serum hepcidin and prohepcidin levels in patients with HHCS were 19.1 ± 18.6 and 187 ± 120.9 ng/mL, respectively. Serum ferritin was 1716.3 ± 376 μg/L. Liver biopsy in one patient did not show any evidence of iron overload. Serum hepcidin and prohepcidin values in healthy controls (HCs) were 15.30 ± 15.71 and 236.88 ± 83.68 ng/mL, respectively, while serum ferritin was 110 ± 128.08 μg/L. There was no statistical difference in serum hepcidin level between the two cohorts (19.1 ± 18.6 ng/mL vs 15.30 ± 15.71 ng/mL, P = 0.612) using two-tailed t-test.

CONCLUSION: Serum hepcidin levels in HHCS patients is similar to that in HCs. Our study suggests that circulating ferritin is not a factor influencing hepcidin synthesis and does not have a role in the iron-sensing mechanism in hepatocytes.

Wolbachia interferes with ferritin expression and iron metabolism in insects

Wolbachia is an intracellular bacterium generally described as being a facultative reproductive parasite. However, Wolbachia is necessary for oogenesis completion in the wasp Asobara tabida. This dependence has evolved recently as a result of interference with apoptosis during oogenesis. Through comparative transcriptomics between symbiotic and aposymbiotic individuals, we observed a differential expression of ferritin, which forms a complex involved in iron storage. Iron is an essential element that is in limited supply in the cell. However, it is also a highly toxic precursor of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Ferritin has also been shown to play a key role in host-pathogen interactions. Measuring ferritin by quantitative RT-PCR, we confirmed that ferritin was upregulated in aposymbiotic compared to symbiotic individuals. Manipulating the iron content in the diet, we showed that iron overload markedly affected wasp development and induced apoptotic processes during oogenesis in A. tabida, suggesting that the regulation of iron homeostasis may also be related to the obligate dependence of the wasp. Finally, we demonstrated that iron metabolism is influenced by the presence of Wolbachia not only in the obligate mutualism with A. tabida, but also in facultative parasitism involving Drosophila simulans and in Aedes aegypti cells. In these latter cases, the expression of Wolbachia bacterioferritin was also increased in the presence of iron, showing that Wolbachia responds to the concentration of iron. Our results indicate that Wolbachia may generally interfere with iron metabolism. The high affinity of Wolbachia for iron might be due to physiological requirement of the bacterium, but it could also be what allows the symbiont to persist in the organism by reducing the labile iron concentration, thus protecting the cell from oxidative stress and apoptosis. These findings also reinforce the idea that pathogenic, parasitic and mutualistic intracellular bacteria all use the same molecular mechanisms to survive and replicate within host cells. By impacting the general physiology of the host, the presence of a symbiont may select for host compensatory mechanisms, which extends the possible consequences of persistent endosymbiont on the evolution of their hosts.

Sequence analysis of dolphin ferritin H and L subunits and possible iron-dependent translational control of dolphin ferritin gene

Background

Iron-storage protein, ferritin plays a central role in iron metabolism. Ferritin has dual function to store iron and segregate iron for protection of iron-catalyzed reactive oxygen species. Tissue ferritin is composed of two kinds of subunits (H: heavy chain or heart-type subunit; L: light chain or liver-type subunit). Ferritin gene expression is controlled at translational level in iron-dependent manner or at transcriptional level in iron-independent manner. However, sequencing analysis of marine mammalian ferritin subunits has not yet been performed fully. The purpose of this study is to reveal cDNA-derived amino acid sequences of cetacean ferritin H and L subunits, and demonstrate the possibility of expression of these subunits, especially H subunit, by iron.

Methods

Sequence analyses of cetacean ferritin H and L subunits were performed by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fragments from cDNAs generated via reverse transcription-PCR of leukocyte total RNA prepared from blood samples of six different dolphin species (Pseudorca crassidens, Lagenorhynchus obliquidens, Grampus griseus, Globicephala macrorhynchus, Tursiops truncatus, and Delphinapterus leucas). The putative iron-responsive element sequence in the 5'-untranslated region of the six different dolphin species was revealed by direct sequencing of PCR fragments obtained using leukocyte genomic DNA.

Results

Dolphin H and L subunits consist of 182 and 174 amino acids, respectively, and amino acid sequence identities of ferritin subunits among these dolphins are highly conserved (H: 99–100%, (99→98) ; L: 98–100%). The conserved 28 bp IRE sequence was located -144 bp upstream from the initiation codon in the six different dolphin species.

Conclusion

These results indicate that six different dolphin species have conserved ferritin sequences, and suggest that these genes are iron-dependently expressed.

Concurrent repletion of iron and zinc reduces intestinal oxidative damage in iron- and zinc-deficient rats

AIM: To understand the interactions between iron and zinc during absorption in iron- and zinc-deficient rats, and their consequences on intestinal oxidant-antioxidant balance.

METHODS: Twenty-four weanling Wistar-Kyoto rats fed an iron- and zinc-deficient diet (< 6.5 mg Fe and 4.0 mg Zn/kg diet) for 4 wk were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8, each) and orally gavaged with 4 mg iron, 3.3 mg zinc, or 4 mg iron + 3.3 mg zinc for 2 wk. On the last day of repletion, 3 h before the animals were sacrificed, they received either 37 mBq of ⁵⁵Fe or ⁶⁵Zn, to study their localization in the intestine, using microautoradiography. Hemoglobin, iron and zinc content in plasma and liver were measured as indicators of iron and zinc status. Duodenal sections were used for immunochemical staining of ferritin and metallothionein. Duodenal homogenates (mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions), were used to assess aconitase activity, oxidative stress, functional integrity and the response of antioxidant enzymes.

RESULTS: Concurrent repletion of iron- and zinc-deficient rats showed reduced localization of these minerals compared to rats that were teated with iron or zinc alone; these data provide evidence for antagonistic interactions. This resulted in reduced formation of lipid and protein oxidation products and better functional integrity of the intestinal mucosa. Further, combined repletion lowered iron-associated aconitase activity and ferritin expression, but significantly elevated metallothionein and glutathione levels in the intestinal mucosa. The mechanism of interactions during combined supplementation and its subsequent effects appeared to be due to modulation of cytosolic aconitase, which in turn influenced the labile iron pool and metallothionein levels, and hence reduced intestinal oxidative damage.

CONCLUSION: Concurrent administration of iron and zinc corrects iron and zinc deficiency, and also reduces the intestinal oxidative damage associated with iron supplementation.

Heme as a magnificent molecule with multiple missions: heme determines its own fate and governs cellular homeostasis

Heme is a prosthetic group of various types of proteins, such as hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochrome c, cytochrome p450, catalase and peroxidase. In addition, heme is involved in a variety of biological events by modulating the function or the state of hemoproteins. For example, protein synthesis is inhibited in erythroid cells under heme deficiency, as the consequence of the activation of heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI). Iron concentration in the cell is sensed and regulated by the heme-mediated oxidization and subsequent degradation of iron regulatory protein 2 (IRP2). Heme also binds to certain types of potassium channels, thereby inhibiting transmembrane K(+) currents. Importantly, heme determines its own fate; namely, heme regulates its synthesis and degradation through the feedback mechanisms, by which intracellular heme level is precisely maintained. Heme reduces heme synthesis by suppressing the expression of non-specific 5-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS1) and stimulates heme breakdown by inducing heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression. ALAS1 and HO-1 are the rate limiting enzymes in heme biosynthesis and catabolism, respectively. Accordingly, under the heme-rich condition, heme binds to cysteine-proline (CP) motifs of ALAS1 and those of transcriptional repressor Bach1, thereby leading to repression of mitochondrial transport of ALAS1 and induction of HO-1 transcription, respectively. Moreover, chemosensing functions of HO-2 containing CP motifs, another isozyme of HO, have been unveiled recently. In this review article, we summarize and update the pleiotropic effects of heme on various biological events and the regulatory network of heme biosynthesis and catabolism.

The iron-responsive element (IRE)/iron-regulatory protein 1 (IRP1)-cytosolic aconitase iron-regulatory switch does not operate in plants

Animal cytosolic ACO (aconitase) and bacteria ACO are able to switch to RNA-binding proteins [IRPs (iron-regulatory proteins)], thereby playing a key role in the regulation of iron homoeostasis. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, we have identified three IRP1 homologues, named ACO1-3. To determine whether or not they may encode functional IRP proteins and regulate iron homoeostasis in plants, we have isolated loss-of-function mutants in the three genes. The aco1-1 and aco3-1 mutants show a clear decrease in cytosolic ACO activity. However, none of the mutants is affected in respect of the accumulation of the ferritin transcript or protein in response to iron excess. cis-acting elements potentially able to bind to the IRP have been searched for in silico in the Arabidopsis genome. They appear to be very rare sequences, found in the 5'-UTR (5'-untranslated region) or 3'-UTR of a few genes unrelated to iron metabolism. They are therefore unlikely to play a functional role in the regulation of iron homoeostasis. Taken together, our results demonstrate that, in plants, the cytosolic ACO is not converted into an IRP and does not regulate iron homoeostasis. In contrast with animals, the RNA binding activity of plant ACO, if any, would be more likely to be attributable to a structural element, rather than to a canonical sequence.

Ferritin associates with marginal band microtubules

We characterized chicken erythrocyte and human platelet ferritin by biochemical studies and immunofluorescence. Erythrocyte ferritin was found to be a homopolymer of H-ferritin subunits, resistant to proteinase K digestion, heat stable, and contained iron. In mature chicken erythrocytes and human platelets, ferritin was localized at the marginal band, a ring-shaped peripheral microtubule bundle, and displayed properties of bona fide microtubule-associated proteins such as tau. Red blood cell ferritin association with the marginal band was confirmed by temperature-induced disassembly-reassembly of microtubules. During erythrocyte differentiation, ferritin co-localized with coalescing microtubules during marginal band formation. In addition, ferritin was found in the nuclei of mature erythrocytes, but was not detectable in those of bone marrow erythrocyte precursors. These results suggest that ferritin has a function in marginal band formation and possibly in protection of the marginal band from damaging effects of reactive oxygen species by sequestering iron in the mature erythrocyte. Moreover, our data suggest that ferritin and syncolin, a previously identified erythrocyte microtubule-associated protein, are identical. Nuclear ferritin might contribute to transcriptional silencing or, alternatively, constitute a ferritin reservoir.

Molecular characterization of iron binding proteins from Glossina morsitans morsitans (Diptera: Glossinidae)

The regulation of iron is critical for maintaining homeostasis in the tsetse fly (Diptera: Glossinidae), in which both adult sexes are strict blood feeders. We have characterized the cDNAs for two putative iron-binding proteins (IBPs) involved in transport and storage; transferrin (GmmTsf1) and ferritin from Glossina morsitans morsitans. GmmTsf1 transcripts are detected in the female fat body and in adult reproductive tissues, and only in the adult developmental stage in a bloodmeal independent manner. In contrast, the ferritin heavy chain (GmmFer1HCH) and light chain (GmmFer2LCH) transcripts are expressed ubiquitously, suggesting a more general role for these proteins in iron transport and storage. Protein domain predictions for each IBP suggest both the conservation and loss of several motifs present in their vertebrate homologues. In concert with many other described insect transferrins (Tfs), putative secreted GmmTsf1 maintains 3 of the 5 residues necessary for iron-binding in the N-terminal lobe, but exhibits a loss of this iron-binding ability in the C-terminal lobe as well as a loss of large sequence blocks. Both putative GmmFer1HCH and GmmFer2LCH proteins have signal peptides, similar to other insect ferritins. GmmFer2LCH has lost the 5'UTR iron-responsive element (IRE) and, thus, translation is no longer regulated by cellular iron levels. On the other hand, GmmFer1HCH maintains both the conserved ferroxidase center and the 5'UTR IRE; however, transcript variants suggest a more extensive regulatory mechanism for this subunit.

The up-regulation of ferritin expression using a small-molecule ligand to the native mRNA

The binding of small molecules to distinctive three-dimensional structures in mRNA provides a new dimension in RNA control, previously limited to the targeting of secondary structures with antisense and RNA interference; such targeting can modulate mRNA function and rates of protein biosynthesis. Small molecules that selectively bind the iron-responsive element (IRE), a specific three-dimensional structure in the noncoding region of the ferritin mRNA model that is recognized by the iron-regulatory protein repressor, were identified by using chemical footprinting. The assay used involved an oxoruthenium(IV) complex that oxidizes guanine bases in RNA sequences. Small molecules that blocked oxidation of guanines in the internal loop region were expected to selectively increase the rate of ferritin synthesis, because the internal loop region of the ferritin IRE is distinctive from those of other IREs. The natural product yohimbine was found (based on gel mobility shifts) to block cleavage of the internal loop RNA site by >50% and seemed to inhibit protein binding. In the presence of yohimbine, the rate of biosynthesis of ferritin in a cell-free expression system (rabbit reticulocyte lysate) increased by 40%. Assignment of the IRE-yohimbine interaction as the origin of this effect was supported by a similar increase in synthesis of luciferase protein in a chimera of the IRE and luciferase gene. The identification of a small, drug-like molecule that recognizes a naturally occurring three-dimensional mRNA structure and regulates protein biosynthesis rates raises the possibility that small molecules can regulate protein biosynthesis by selectively binding to mRNA.

Iron, oxidative stress and human health

The amount of iron within the cell is carefully regulated in order to provide an adequate level of the micronutrient while preventing its accumulation to toxic levels. Iron excess is believed to generate oxidative stress, understood as an increase in the steady state concentration of oxygen radical intermediates. The main aspects of cellular metabolism of iron, with special emphasis on the role of iron with respect to oxidative damage to lipid membranes, are briefly reviewed here. Both in vitro and in vivo models are examined. Finally, a discussion of iron overload and its impact on human health is included. Overall, further studies are required to assess more effective means to limit iron-dependent damage, by minimizing the formation and release of free radicals in tissues when the cellular iron steady state concentration is increased either as a consequence of disease or by therapeutic iron supplementation.

Modulation of iron on mitochondrial aconitase expression in human prostatic carcinoma cells

The mitochondrial aconitase (mACON) containing a [4Fe-4S] cluster is regarded as the key enzyme for citrate oxidation in the epithelial cells of human prostate. In vitro studies using the human prostatic carcinoma cells, PC-3 cells, found that both hemin and ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) significantly increased mACON enzymatic activity and gene expression. The effect of FAC on mACON was enhanced 2-fold by co-treating with ascorbic acid but blocked by co-treating with iron chelator, deferoxamine mesylate. Hemin treatments blocked 30% of citrate secretion from PC-3 cells but upregualted 2-fold of intracellular ATP biosynthesis. Results from reporter assay by using a cytomegalovirus enhance/promoter driven luciferase mRNA ligated to the iron response element (IRE) of mACON as a reporter construct demonstrated that modulation of FAC on gene translation of mACON gene is dependent on the IRE. Transient gene expression assays indicated that upregulation of mACON gene transcription by FAC may through the putative antioxidant response element (ARE) signal pathway. This study provides the first evidence of the biologic mechanism of human mACON gene translation/transcription and suggests a regulatory link between the energy utilization and the iron metabolism in human prostatic carcinoma cells.

Development of a fluorescent reporter to assess iron regulatory protein activity in living cells

Through the insertion of an iron responsive element (IRE) into a pd2ECFP vector, we demonstrate a noninvasive method for determining alterations in iron regulatory protein (IRP) activity that results in changes in protein translation in living cells. This construct takes advantage of the specifically iron-dependent interaction between IRPs that bind IREs on mRNAs to posttranscriptionally regulate protein expression in a manner similar to ferritin production. In this report, we demonstrate, using HEK-293 cells, that an IRE-driven fluorescent reporter can be used to observe changes in cellular iron status that are sufficient to alter protein synthesis. When iron availability was decreased, there was less cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) expression, suggesting that IRPs bind to the IRE and block protein translation. Conversely, exposing the cells to iron increased CFP fluorescence. This construct has advantages over traditionally used dyes and existing IRE driven constructs because it can be used to repeatedly study iron-influenced protein production over extended periods of time. The future applications of this construct include investigation of how mutations in cells may impact cellular iron metabolism and how various types of exogenously applied trophic, stress, and therapeutic agents may impact cellular iron metabolism.

Deletion of murine Smn exon 7 directed to liver leads to severe defect of liver development associated with iron overload

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is characterized by degeneration of lower motor neurons caused by mutations of the survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1). SMN is involved in various processes including the formation of the spliceosome, pre-mRNA splicing and transcription. To know whether SMN has an essential role in all mammalian cell types or an as yet unknown specific function in the neuromuscular system, deletion of murine Smn exon 7, the most frequent mutation found among SMA patients, has been restricted to liver. Homozygous mutation results in severe impairment of liver development associated with iron overload and lack of regeneration leading to dramatic liver atrophy and late embryonic lethality of mutant mice. These data strongly suggest an ubiquitous and essential role of full-length SMN protein in various mammalian cell types. In SMA patients, the residual amount of SMN allows normal function of various organs except motor neurons. However, data from mouse and human suggest that other tissues might be involved in severe form of SMA or during prolonged disease course which reinforce the need of therapeutic approaches targeted to all tissues. In addition, liver function of patients should be carefully investigated and followed up before and during therapeutic trials.

Stress and transcriptional regulation of tick ferritin HC

We previously identified a partial Dermacentor variabilis cDNA encoding ferritin HC (HC) subunit homolog (DVFER) that was differentially upregulated in Rickettsia montanensis infected ticks (Mulenga et al., 2003a). We have used rapid amplification of cDNA ends to clone full-length DVFER cDNA and its apparent ortholog from the wood tick, D. andersoni (DAFER), both of which show high sequence similarity to vertebrate than insect ferritin. Both DVFER and DAFER contain the stem-loop structure of a putative iron responsive element in the 5' untranslated region (nucleotide positions, 16-42) and the feroxidase centre loop typical for vertebrate ferritin HC subunits. Quantitative Western and Northern blotting analyses of protein and RNA from unfed and partially fed whole tick as well as dissected tick tissues demonstrated that DVFER is constitutively and ubiquitously expressed. Based on densitometric analysis of detected protein and mRNA bands, DVFER is predominantly expressed in the midgut, and to a lesser extent in the salivary glands, ovary and fatbody. Sham treatment (mechanical injury) and Escherichia coli challenge of D. variabilis ticks stimulated statistically significant (approximately 1.5- and approximately 3.0-fold, respectively) increases in DVFER mRNA abundance over time point matched naive control ticks. These data suggest that DVFER mRNA is nonspecifically up regulated in response to mechanical injury or bacterial infection induced stress.

Clinical features and molecular analysis of seven British kindreds with hereditary hyperferritinaemia cataract syndrome

Hereditary hyperferritinaemia cataract syndrome (HHCS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by early onset cataracts and increased serum L-ferritin concentration. Affected individuals show nucleotide substitutions in the region of the L-ferritin gene (FTL) that encodes a regulatory sequence within the (mRNA)FTL termed the iron responsive element (IRE). We report the clinical features of seven HHCS kindreds containing 49 individuals with premature cataract. All the probands received diagnoses of HHCS after the incidental discovery of increased serum L-ferritin concentration (median 1420 microg/l; normal range 15-360 microg/l), in most cases during investigation or screening for anaemia. All the probands developed characteristic 'sunflower' morphology cataracts in childhood (median age at diagnosis 5 years), but had no other phenotypic features. All the affected kindreds showed nucleotide substitutions in FTL that were predicted to disrupt function of the (mRNA)FTL IRE. The severity of the clinical phenotype of HHCS was variable both within and between kindreds and showed no clear relationship to FTL genotype. HHCS should be included in the differential diagnosis of hyperferritinaemia and should be carefully distinguished from hereditary haemochromatosis. Measurement of the serum L-ferritin concentration should be included in the investigation of all individuals with early onset cataracts.

Transport across a polarized monolayer of Caco-2 cells by transferrin receptor-mediated adenovirus transcytosis

Adenoviral vectors have a poor record of transgene delivery efficiency through physical barriers such as the epithelium or endothelium. We report here the construction of an adenoviral vector that has the capability to be transported across polarized epithelial monolayers of Caco-2 cells (a colon carcinoma cell line) by transcytosis. This transcytosis is transferrin receptor (TfR)-mediated with use of a bifunctional adaptor, soluble coxsackie adenovirus receptor (sCAR)-Tf, and is both temperature and iron dependent. Under experimental conditions, the adenoviral transcytosis was inhibited by pretreatment of Caco-2 cells with colchicine, an inhibitor of transcytosis, and was not enhanced by pretreatment with Brefeldin A (BFA), an enhancer of transcytosis. In these Caco-2 cells, the transcytosis rate was 0.3 +/- 1.3% (SD). The transcytosed adenoviruses remain biologically functional. These data suggest the potential clinical benefit under conditions where drug delivery is a challenge, such as within the airway epithelium, at the bladder lumen urothelial cell interface, and across the blood-brain barrier for clinical treatment of lung, urogenital, and brain disorders, respectively, by adenoviral transcytosis of transgene delivery.

Hyphantria cunea ferritin heavy chain homologue: cDNA sequence and mRNA expression

We have sequenced a cDNA clone encoding a 26-kDa ferritin subunit, which was heavy chain homologue (HCH), in fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea. The HCH cDNA was obtained from the screening of a cDNA library using a PCR product. H. cunea ferritin is composed of 221 amino acid residues and their calculated mass is 26,160 Da. The protein contains the conserved motifs for the ferroxidase center typical for heavy chains of vertebrate ferritin. The iron-responsive element sequence with a predicted stem-loop structure is present in the 5'-untranslated region of ferritin HCH mRNA. The sequence alignment of ferritin HCH shows 68.9 and 68.7% identity with Galleria mellonella HCH (26 kDa ferritin) and Manduca sexta HCH, respectively. While G type insect ferritin vertebrate light chain homologue (LCH) is distantly related to H. cunea ferritin HCH (17.2-20.8%), the Northern blot analysis revealed that H. cunea ferritin HCH was ubiquitously expressed in various tissues and all developmental stages. The ferritin expression of midgut is more responsive to iron-fed, compared to fat body in H. cunea.

Effects of iron regulatory protein regulation on iron homeostasis during hypoxia

Iron regulatory proteins (IRP1 and IRP2) are RNA-binding proteins that affect the translation and stabilization of specific mRNAs by binding to stem-loop structures known as iron responsive elements (IREs). IREs are found in the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of ferritin (Ft) and mitochondrial aconitase (m-Aco) mRNAs, and in the 3'-UTR of transferrin receptor (TfR) and divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1) mRNAs. Our previous studies show that besides iron, IRPs are regulated by hypoxia. Here we describe the consequences of IRP regulation and show that iron homeostasis is regulated in 2 phases during hypoxia: an early phase where IRP1 RNA-binding activity decreases and iron uptake and Ft synthesis increase, and a late phase where IRP2 RNA-binding activity increases and iron uptake and Ft synthesis decrease. The increase in iron uptake is independent of DMT1 and TfR, suggesting an unknown transporter. Unlike Ft, m-Aco is not regulated during hypoxia. During the late phase of hypoxia, IRP2 RNA-binding activity increases, becoming the dominant regulator responsible for decreasing Ft synthesis. During reoxygenation (ReO2), Ft protein increases concomitant with a decrease in IRP2 RNA-binding activity. The data suggest that the differential regulation of IRPs during hypoxia may be important for cellular adaptation to low oxygen tension.

Pulmonary responses of acute exposure to ultrafine iron particles in healthy adult rats

As critical constituents of ambient particulate matter, transition metals such as iron may play an important role in health outcomes associated with air pollution. The purpose of this study was to determine the respiratory effects of inhaled ultrafine iron particles in rats. Sprague Dawley rats 10-12 weeks of age were exposed by inhalation to iron particles (57 and 90 microg/m(3), respectively) or filtered air (FA) for 6 h/day for 3 days. The median diameter of particles generated was 72 nm. Exposure to iron particles at a concentration of 90 microg/m(3) resulted in a significant decrease in total antioxidant power along with a significant induction in ferritin expression, GST activity, and IL-1beta levels in lungs compared with lungs of the FA control or of animals exposed to iron particles at 57 microg/m(3). NFkappaB-DNA binding activity was elevated 1.3-fold compared with that of control animals following exposure to 90 microg/m(3) of iron, but this change was not statistically significant. We concluded that inhalation of iron particles leads to oxidative stress associated with a proinflammatory response in a dose-dependent manner. The activation of NFkappaB may be involved in iron-induced respiratory responses, but further studies are merited.

Refined solution structure of the iron-responsive element RNA using residual dipolar couplings

The iron-responsive element (IRE) is a 30nt RNA motif located in the non-coding regions of mRNAs of proteins involved in iron regulation. In humans, the IRE plays a direct role in the control of iron levels by post-transcriptional regulation of the ferritin and transferrin receptor proteins through highly specific recognition by IRE-binding proteins. The IRE fold is representative of many RNA motifs that contain helical domains separated by a bulge or internal loop. The global structures of such extended multi-domain RNAs are not well defined by conventional NMR-distance and torsion angle structural restraints. Residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) are employed here to better define the global structure of the IRE RNA in solution. RDCs contain valuable long-range structural information that compliments the short-range structural data derived from standard NOE-distance and torsion angle restraints. Several approaches for estimating alignment tensor parameters and incorporating RDCs into RNA structure determinations are compared. Both the local and global structure of the IRE are improved significantly by refinement with RDCs. These RDC refinements provide insight on the conformational dynamics of the IRE. These studies highlight some issues that need to be addressed when incorporating RDCs in solution structure determinations of nucleic acids. The approach used here should prove valuable for structure determinations of various multi-domain systems.

Diseases of iron metabolism

Diseases of iron metabolism are likely to be both more frequent than expected, and exhibit a wider range of clinic severity and effects. Some present without evidence of anemia. Unexplained diseases of end organs that are affected by iron (liver, heart, pancreas, kidney, adrenals, and cerebellum) should have an iron metabolism disorder considered. Review of the blood indices and serum iron and ferritin markers may alert the clinician to most disorders. Further research is likely to define the scope and approach to clinical diagnosis of the diseases of iron metabolism.

Roles of ferritin and iron in ischemic preconditioning of the heart

Iron and copper play major roles in biological systems, catalyzing free radical production and consequently causing damage. The relatively high levels of these metals, which are mobilized into the coronary flow following prolonged ischemia, have been incriminated as key players in reperfusion injury to the heart. In the present communication we investigated other roles of iron - providing protection to the ischemic heart via preconditioning (PC). PC was accomplished by subjecting isolated rat hearts to three episodes of 2 min ischemia separated by 3 min of reperfusion. Prolonged ischemia followed the PC phase. PC hearts (group I) were compared to hearts subjected to normal perfusion (group II, no ischemia) and to ischemia without PC (group III). Group I showed a marked improvement in the recovery of hemodynamic function vs. group III. Biochemical parameters further substantiated the PC protection provided to group I against prolonged ischemia. Correspondingly, group I presented markedly lower re-distribution and mobilization of iron and copper into the coronary flow, following prolonged ischemia, as evinced from the decrease in total levels, and in the 'free' fraction of iron and copper. During the PC phase no loss of cardiac function was observed. A small wave of re-distribution and mobilization of iron (typically less than 4-8% of the value of 35 min ischemia) was recorded. The cellular content of ferritin (Ft) measured in the heart was significantly higher in group I than in group III (0.90 and 0.54 microg/mg, respectively). Also, iron-saturation of Ft was significantly lower for PC hearts, compared to both groups II and III (0.22 vs. 0.32 and 0.31 microg/mg, for 35 min ischemia, respectively). These findings are in accord with the proposal that intracellular re-distribution and mobilization of small levels of iron, during PC, cause rapid accumulation of ferritin - the major iron-storage protein. It is proposed that iron play a dual role: (i) It serves as a signaling pathway for the accumulation of Ft following the PC phase. This iron is not involved in cardiac injury, but rather prepares the heart against future high levels of 'free' iron, thus reducing the degree of myocardial damage after prolonged ischemia. (ii) High levels of iron (and copper) are mobilized following prolonged ischemia and cause tissue damage.

Cloning and molecular characterization of two mosquito iron regulatory proteins

Iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) control the synthesis of various proteins at the translational level by binding to iron responsive elements (IREs) in the mRNAs. Iron, infection, and stress can alter IRP/IRE binding activity. Insect messenger RNAs for ferritin and succinate dehydrogenase subunit b have IREs that are active translational control sites. We have cloned and sequenced cDNAs encoding proteins from the IRP1 family for the mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae. Both deduced amino acid sequences show substantial similarity to human IRP1 and Drosophila IRP1A and IRP1B, and all of the residues thought to be involved in aconitase activity and iron-sulfur cluster formation are conserved. Recombinant A. aegypti IRP1 binds to transcripts of the IREs of mosquito or human ferritin subunit mRNAs. No significant change in A. gambiae IRP1 messenger RNA could be detected during the various developmental stages of the life cycle, following iron loading by blood feeding, or after bacterial or parasitic infections. These data suggest that there is no change in gene transcription. Furthermore, bacterial challenge of A. gambiae cells did not change IRP1 protein levels. In contrast, IRP1 binding activity for the IRE was elevated following immune induction. These data show that changes in IRP1/IRE binding activity occur as part of the insect immune response.