Methionine sulfoxide reductase A is important for lens cell viability and resistance to oxidative stress

Aging of the eye: Lessons from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration

Aging is the greatest risk factor for chronic human diseases, including many eye diseases. Geroscience aims to understand the effects of the aging process on these diseases, including the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that underlie the increased risk of disease over the lifetime. Understanding of the aging eye increases general knowledge of the cellular physiology impacted by aging processes at various biological extremes. Two major diseases, age-related cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are caused by dysfunction of the lens and retina, respectively. Lens transparency and light refraction are mediated by lens fiber cells lacking nuclei and other organelles, which provides a unique opportunity to study a single aging hallmark, i.e., loss of proteostasis, within an environment of limited metabolism. In AMD, local dysfunction of the photoreceptors/retinal pigmented epithelium/Bruch's membrane/choriocapillaris complex in the macula leads to the loss of photoreceptors and eventually loss of central vision, and is driven by nearly all the hallmarks of aging and shares features with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The aging eye can function as a model for studying basic mechanisms of aging and, vice versa, well-defined hallmarks of aging can be used as tools to understand age-related eye disease.

Influence of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds and Oxidation States of Soot Organics on the Metabolome of Human-Lung Cells (A549): Implications for Vehicle Fuel Selection

Decades of research have established the toxicity of soot particles resulting from incomplete combustion. However, the unique chemical compounds responsible for adverse health effects have remained uncertain. This study utilized mass spectrometry to analyze the chemical composition of extracted soot organics at three oxidation states, aiming to establish quantitative relationships between potentially toxic chemicals and their impact on human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549) through metabolomics-based evaluations. Targeted analysis using MS/MS indicated that particles with a medium oxidation state contained the highest total abundance of compounds, particularly oxygen-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs) composed of fused benzene rings and unsaturated carbonyls, which may cause oxidative stress, characterized by the upregulation of three specific metabolites. Further investigation focused on three specific OPAH standards: 1,4-naphthoquinone, 9-fluorenone, and anthranone. Pathway analysis indicated that exposure to these compounds affected transcriptional functions, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, cell proliferation, and the oxidative stress response. Biodiesel combustion emissions had higher concentrations of PAHs, OPAHs, and nitrogen-containing PAHs (NPAHs) compared with other fuels. Quinones and 9,10-anthraquinone were identified as the dominant compounds within the OPAH category. This knowledge enhances our understanding of the compounds contributing to adverse health effects observed in epidemiological studies and highlights the role of aerosol composition in toxicity.

Response to oxidative stress of AML12 hepatocyte cells with knockout of methionine sulfoxide reductases

Methionine sulfoxide reductases are enzymes that reduce methionine oxidation in the cell. In mammals there are three B-type reductases that act on the R-diastereomer of methionine sulfoxide, and one A-type reductase (MSRA) that acts on the S-diastereomer. Unexpectedly, knocking out the four genes in the mouse protected from oxidative stresses such as ischemia-reperfusion injury and paraquat. To elucidate the mechanism by which lack of the reductases protects against oxidative stresses, we aimed to create a cell culture model with AML12 cells, a differentiated hepatocyte cell line. We employed CRISPR/Cas9 to create lines lacking the four individual reductases. All were viable and their susceptibility to oxidative stresses was the same as the parental strain. The triple knockout lacking all three methionine sulfoxide reductases B was also viable, but the quadruple knockout was lethal. We thus modeled the quadruple knockout mouse by creating an AML12 line lacking the three MSRB and heterozygous for the MSRA (Msrb3KO-Msra+/-). We measured the effect of ischemia-reperfusion on the various AML12 cell lines, using a protocol that modeled the ischemic phase by glucose and oxygen deprivation for 36 h followed by return of glucose and oxygen for 3 h as the reperfusion phase. This stress killed ∼50% of the parental line, an effect we chose to facilitate detection of either protective or deleterious changes in the knockout lines. Unlike the protection afforded the mouse, the knockout lines produced by CRISPR/Cas9 did not differ from the parental line in their response to ischemia-reperfusion injury or paraquat poisoning. In the mouse, inter-organ communication may be essential for protection induced by lack of methionine sulfoxide reductases.

Methionine sulfoxide reductase B5 plays a key role in preserving seed vigor and longevity in rice (Oryza sativa)

Oxidation of methionine leads to the formation of methionine S-sulfoxide and methionine R-sulfoxide, which can be reverted by two types of methionine sulfoxide reductase (MSR): MSRA and MSRB. Though the role of MSR enzymes has been elucidated in various physiological processes, the regulation and role of MSR in seeds remains poorly understood. In this study, through molecular, biochemical, and genetic studies using seed-specific overexpression and RNAi lines of OsMSRB5 in Oryza sativa, we demonstrate the role of OsMSRB5 in maintaining seed vigor and longevity. We show that an age-induced reduction in the vigor and viability of seeds is correlated with reduced MSR activity and increased methionine sulfoxide (MetSO) formation. OsMSRB5 expression increases during seed maturation and is predominantly localized to the embryo. Further analyses on transgenic lines reveal the role of OsMSRB5 in modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis to preserve seed vigor and longevity. We show that ascorbate peroxidase and PROTEIN l-ISOASPARTYL METHYLTRANSFERASE undergo MetSO modification in seeds that affects their functional competence. OsMSRB5 physically interacts with these proteins and reverts this modification to facilitate their functions and preserve seed vigor and longevity. Our results thus illustrate the role of OsMSRB5 in preserving seed vigor and longevity by modulating ROS homeostasis in seeds.

Changes in DNA methylation hallmark alterations in chromatin accessibility and gene expression for eye lens differentiation

Background

Methylation at cytosines (mCG) is a well-known regulator of gene expression, but its requirements for cellular differentiation have yet to be fully elucidated. A well-studied cellular differentiation model system is the eye lens, consisting of a single anterior layer of epithelial cells that migrate laterally and differentiate into a core of fiber cells. Here, we explore the genome-wide relationships between mCG methylation, chromatin accessibility and gene expression during differentiation of eye lens epithelial cells into fiber cells.

Results

Whole genome bisulfite sequencing identified 7621 genomic loci exhibiting significant differences in mCG levels between lens epithelial and fiber cells. Changes in mCG levels were inversely correlated with the differentiation state-specific expression of 1285 genes preferentially expressed in either lens fiber or lens epithelial cells (Pearson correlation r = − 0.37, p < 1 × 10^–42). mCG levels were inversely correlated with chromatin accessibility determined by assay for transposase-accessible sequencing (ATAC-seq) (Pearson correlation r = − 0.86, p < 1 × 10^–300). Many of the genes exhibiting altered regions of DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility and gene expression levels in fiber cells relative to epithelial cells are associated with lens fiber cell structure, homeostasis and transparency. These include lens crystallins (CRYBA4, CRYBB1, CRYGN, CRYBB2), lens beaded filament proteins (BFSP1, BFSP2), transcription factors (HSF4, SOX2, HIF1A), and Notch signaling pathway members (NOTCH1, NOTCH2, HEY1, HES5). Analysis of regions exhibiting cell-type specific alterations in DNA methylation revealed an overrepresentation of consensus sequences of multiple transcription factors known to play key roles in lens cell differentiation including HIF1A, SOX2, and the MAF family of transcription factors.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results link DNA methylation with control of chromatin accessibility and gene expression changes required for eye lens differentiation. The results also point to a role for DNA methylation in the regulation of transcription factors previously identified to be important for lens cell differentiation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13072-022-00440-z.

Maternal Amino Acid Status in Severe Preeclampsia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Preeclampsia has been one of the leading causes of maternal death in Indonesia. It is postulated that its relationship with oxidative stress may be the underlying pathology of the disease. Nutrients and amino acids have been suggested as a scavenger for oxygen-free radicals. No previous study regarding the amino acid status in preeclampsia has been conducted in women in Indonesia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of a total of 64 pregnant women, 30 with normal pregnancy and 34 with severe preeclampsia. Data were obtained in Cipto Mangunkusumo National Referral Hospital in Jakarta from July to December 2020. Maternal blood samples were taken during or soon after delivery. Amino acid levels were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Bivariate analysis was then performed. Results: We identified 19 different levels of amino acids in this study. Four amino acids that were elevated in the preeclampsia group were phenylalanine, serine, glycine, and glutamate. Serine (331.55 vs. 287.43; p = 0.03), glycine (183.3 vs. 234.35, p = 0.03), and glutamate levels (102.23 vs. 160.70, p = 0.000) were higher in preeclamptic patients. While in the essential amino acids group, phenylalanine levels (71.5 vs. 85.5, p = 0.023) were higher, and methionine levels (16.3 vs. 12.9, p = 0.022) were lower in preeclamptic patients. Conclusions: These findings suggest that severe preeclampsia had differences in concentration of some amino acids compared to normal pregnancy. Glutamate and methionine were associated with preeclampsia. Furthermore, a more detailed study regarding amino acids in the pathomechanism of preeclampsia is suggested.

Involvement of caspase-3 in apoptosis of human lymphocytes exposed to cadmium chloride

BACKGROUND

Lymphocytes are a group of white blood cells with a variety of roles their integrity is crucial for the body's immune responses. Cadmium, a heavy metal and environmental pollutant, is known as a toxicant to exert its adverse effects on some sort of cells including blood cells.

RESEARCH DESIGN

In this study, human lymphocytes were divided into 3 groups: (1) lymphocytes at 0-h, (2) lymphocytes at 24 h (control), (3) lymphocytes treated with cadmium chloride (15 μM). Lymphocyte viability and plasma membrane integrity were assessed in these groups. In addition, the occurrence of apoptosis was investigated by assessment of nucleus diameter and flow cytometry. Activation of caspase-3 was also detected by immunocytochemistry.

RESULTS

Result showed that lymphocyte's viability and plasma membrane integrity decreased in lymphocytes treated with cadmium as compared with the control group. Decreased nucleus diameter and result of flow cytometry demonstrated cadmium-induced apoptosis in human lymphocytes. Furthermore, lymphocytes treated with cadmium displayed intensely activated caspase-3 immunoreactivity in their cytoplasm.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, cadmium not only negatively effect on viability and plasma membrane, but also induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in human lymphocytes.

Inherited cataracts: Genetic mechanisms and pathways new and old

Cataract(s) is the clinical equivalent of lens opacity and is caused by light scattering either by high molecular weight protein aggregates in lens cells or disruption of the lens microarchitecture itself. Genetic mutations underlying inherited cataract can provide insight into the biological processes and pathways critical for lens homeostasis and transparency, classically including the lens crystallins, connexins, membrane proteins or components, and intermediate filament proteins. More recently, cataract genes have been expanded to include newly identified biological processes such as chaperone or protein degradation components, transcription or growth factors, channels active in the lens circulation, and collagen and extracellular matrix components. Cataracts can be classified by age, and in general congenital cataracts are caused by severe mutations resulting in major damage to lens proteins, while age related cataracts are associated with variants that merely destabilize proteins thereby increasing susceptibility to environmental insults over time. Thus there might be separate pathways to opacity for congenital and age-related cataracts whereby congenital cataracts induce the unfolded protein response (UPR) and apoptosis to destroy the lens microarchitecture, while in age related cataract high molecular weight (HMW) aggregates formed by denatured crystallins bound by α-crystallin result in light scattering without severe damage to the lens microarchitecture.

Hallmarks of lens aging and cataractogenesis

Lens homeostasis and transparency are dependent on the function and intercellular communication of its epithelia. While the lens epithelium is uniquely equipped with functional repair systems to withstand reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative insult, ROS are not necessarily detrimental to lens cells. Lens aging, and the onset of pathogenesis leading to cataract share an underlying theme; a progressive breakdown of oxidative stress repair systems driving a pro-oxidant shift in the intracellular environment, with cumulative ROS-induced damage to lens cell biomolecules leading to cellular dysfunction and pathology. Here we provide an overview of our current understanding of the sources and essential functions of lens ROS, antioxidative defenses, and changes in the major regulatory systems that serve to maintain the finely tuned balance of oxidative signaling vs. oxidative stress in lens cells. Age-related breakdown of these redox homeostasis systems in the lens leads to the onset of cataractogenesis. We propose eight candidate hallmarks that represent common denominators of aging and cataractogenesis in the mammalian lens: oxidative stress, altered cell signaling, loss of proteostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulated ion homeostasis, cell senescence, genomic instability and intrinsic apoptotic cell death.

Differential Responses of Methionine Sulfoxide Reductases A and B to Anoxia and Oxidative Stress in the Freshwater Turtle Trachemys scripta

Oxidative stress has been acknowledged as a major factor in aging, senescence and neurodegenerative conditions. Mammalian models are susceptible to these stresses following the restoration of oxygen after anoxia; however, some organisms including the freshwater turtle Trachemys scripta can withstand repeated anoxia and reoxygenation without apparent pathology. T. scripta thus provides us with an alternate vertebrate model to investigate physiological mechanisms of neuroprotection. The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant methionine sulfoxide reductase system (Msr) in turtle neuronal tissue. We examined brain transcript and protein levels of MsrA and MsrB and examined the potential for the transcription factor FOXO3a to regulate the oxygen-responsive changes in Msr in vitro. We found that Msr mRNA and protein levels are differentially upregulated during anoxia and reoxygenation, and when cells were exposed to chemical oxidative stress. However, while MsrA and MsrB3 levels increased when cell cultures were exposed to chemical oxidative stress, this induction was not enhanced by treatment with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has previously been shown to enhance FOXO3a levels in the turtle. These results suggest that FOXO3a and Msr protect the cells from oxidative stress through different molecular pathways, and that both the Msr pathway and EGCG may be therapeutic targets to treat diseases related to oxidative damage.

Improved quality and fertilizability of cryopreserved buffalo spermatozoa with the supplementation of methionine sulfoxide reductase A

BACKGROUND

The excessive reactive oxygen species produced during semen-freezing and -thawing damage the macromolecules resulting in impairment of cellular functions. Proteins are the primary targets of oxidative damage, wherein methionine residues are more prone to oxidation and get converted into methionine sulfoxide, thus affecting the protein function. The methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) catalyzes the conversion of methionine sulfoxide to methionine and restores the functionality of defective proteins.

OBJECTIVES

To establish the expression of MsrA in male reproductive organs, including semen and its effect on quality of cryopreserved semen upon exogenous supplementation, taking buffalo semen as a model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression of MsrA was established by immunohistochemistry, PCR, and Western blots. Further, the effect of recombinant MsrA (rMsrA) supplementation on the quality of cryopreserved spermatozoa was assessed in three treatment groups containing 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 µg of rMsrA/50 million spermatozoa in egg yolk glycerol extender along with a control group; wherein the post-thaw progressive motility, viability, membrane integrity, and zona binding ability of cryopreserved spermatozoa were studied.

RESULTS

The MsrA was expressed in buffalo testis, epididymis, accessory sex glands, and spermatozoa except in seminal plasma. In group 2, the supplementation has resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) improvement as compared to the control group in mean progressive motility (47.50 ± 2.50 vs. 36.25 ± 2.63), viability (56.47 ± 1.85 vs. 48.05 ± 2.42), HOST (50.76 ± 1.73 vs. 44.29 ± 1.29), and zona binding ability of spermatozoa (149.50 ± 8.39 vs. 29.50 ± 2.85).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

In the absence of native MsrA of seminal plasma, the supplementations of rMsrA may repair the oxidatively damaged seminal plasma proteins and exposed sperm plasma membrane proteins resulting in better quality with a fivefold increase in fertilizability of frozen-thawed spermatozoa. The findings can be extended to other species to improve the semen quality with the variation in the amounts of rMsrA supplementation.

Fluorescent probes for bioimaging of potential biomarkers in Parkinson's disease

This review comprehensively summarizes various types of fluorescent probes for PD and their applications for detection of various PD biomarkers.

A Perspective on Biophysical Studies of Crystallin Aggregation and Implications for Cataract Formation

Lens crystallins are subject to various types of damage during their lifetime which triggers protein misfolding and aggregation, ultimately causing cataracts. There are several models for crystallin aggregation, but a comprehensive picture of the mechanism of cataract is still underway. The complex biomolecular interactions underlying crystallin aggregation have motivated major efforts to resolve the structural details and mechanism of aggregation using multiple biophysical techniques at different resolutions. Together, experimental and computational approaches identify and characterize both amyloidogenic and amorphous aggregates leading to an improved understanding of crystallin aggregation. A rigorous characterization of the aggregation-prone intermediates is crucial in cataract-mediated drug discovery. This Perspective summarizes recent biophysical studies on lens crystallin aggregation. We evaluate the outstanding challenges, future outlook, and rewards in this fertile field of research. With lessons learned from protein folding and multiple pathways of aggregation, we highlight the differences in the overall mechanisms of age-related and congenital cataracts. We expect that a correlation between the existing and developing biophysical techniques would provide a platform to study amyloid architecture in the eye lens and reduce the existing gaps in our understanding of crystallin biophysics.

Long non-coding RNA MEG3 promotes cataractogenesis by upregulating TP53INP1 expression in age-related cataract

Age-related cataract (ARC) is the leading cause of visual impairment or even blindness among the aged population globally. Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) has been proven to be the potential regulator of ARC. The latest study reveals that maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) promotes the apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation of multiple cancer cells. However, the expression and role of MEG3 in ARC are unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of MEG3 in ARC and explored the regulatory mechanisms underlying these effects. We observed that MEG3 expression was up-regulated in the age-related cortical cataract (ARCC) lens capsules and positively correlated with the histological degree of ARCC. The pro-apoptosis protein, active caspase-3 and Bax increased in the anterior lens capsules of ARCC tissue, while the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 decreased compared to normal lens. Knockdown of MEG3 increased the viability and inhibited the apoptosis of LECs upon the oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂. MEG3 was localized in both nucleus and cytoplasm in LECs. MEG3 facilitated TP53INP1 expression via acting as miR-223 sponge and promoting P53 expression. Additionally, TP53INP1 knockdown alleviated H₂O₂-induced lens turbidity. In summary, MEG3 promoted ARC progression by up-regulating TP53INP1 expression through suppressing miR-223 and promoting P53 expression, which would provide a novel insight into the pathogenesis of ARC.

Methionine Sulfoxide Reductases Are Related to Arsenic Trioxide-Induced Oxidative Stress in Mouse Liver

Arsenic trioxide (ATO), a trivalent arsenic compound, is known to disrupt redox homeostasis. Methionine sulfoxide reductases (Msrs), a group of antioxidant proteins, convert methionine sulfoxide back to methionine in living organisms exposed to oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of ATO on oxidative stress and the expressions of Msrs in mouse liver. Sixty male mice were randomly divided into six equal groups: one control group and five groups that received ATO treatment (0.3, 1, 3, 6, and 9 mg/kg, respectively). After a 4-week treatment, livers specimens were collected and assayed for malonyldialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity. In addition, the mRNA expressions of SOD-1 and HO-1 and the mRNA and protein expressions of Msrs were also determined. Results showed that the T-AOC activity, SOD activity, and SOD-1 mRNA expression were significantly decreased (P < 0.01), while the GSH-Px level, MDA content, and HO-1 mRNA expression were significantly increased in mice treated with ATO compared with control. Levels of MsrB2 mRNA and MsrA protein were significantly increased by ATO treatment, except in the highest dose group. There were no significant changes in MsrB3 mRNA level. ATO, at 1 or 3 mg/kg, increased MsrB1 expression. Modifications in MsrA protein level were consistent with changes in mRNA levels. Collectively, our results suggest that ATO induced oxidative stress and then led to the variations in Msrs activity in mouse liver.

Rice protein stimulates endogenous antioxidant response attributed to methionine availability in growing rats

Methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) and glutathione (GSH) are two endogenous antioxidant systems for depressing oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of methionine in involving the stimulation of endogenous antioxidant capacity of rice protein (RP). Seven-week-old male Wistar rats (body weight 180-200 g) were fed with commercial pellets (as control), methionine, and RP for 2 weeks. Compared with control, GSH synthesis and expressions of MsrA, MsrB2, and MsrB3 were stimulated by methionine and RP. After 2 weeks of feeding, Nrf2 was activated by RP and methionine, whereas the expressions of Keap1 and Cul3 were depressed. The ARE-driven antioxidant expressions (GCLC, GCLM, GS, HO-1, NQO1, CAT, SOD, GR, GST, GPx) were upregulated by methionine and RP. Results suggest that the endogenous antioxidant response induced by RP is primarily attributed to the methionine availability, in which the stimulation of Msr and GSH antioxidant system via Nrf2-ARE pathway. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Rice protein is a major plant protein, which is rich in sulfur-containing amino acids and widely consumed in the world. This paper emphasizes that the amino acid plays a key role in inducing the antioxidant activity of rice protein. The present study provides an insight that the methionine availability of rice protein will be a useful target for health promoting by activating endogenous antioxidant response against ROS-induced oxidative damage.

Rice Protein Exerts Endogenous Antioxidant Capacity via Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase and the Nrf2 Antioxidant System Independent of Age

The major aim of this study was to investigate the effect of rice protein (RP) on the activation of endogenous antioxidant defense in growing and adult rats. After 2 weeks, RP activated nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by suppressing Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and Cullin 3 (Cul3) in growing and adult rats. Compared with casein, the upregulation of antioxidant responsive element (ARE)-driven antioxidant expression levels (glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, glutamate cysteine ligase modulatory subunit, glutathione synthase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, heme oxygenase 1, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1) were found in RP groups. Also, RP upregulated methionine sulfoxide reductase (MsrA, MsrB2, and MsrB3) expression levels in growing and adult rats. As a result, RP enhanced endogenous antioxidative capacities to reduce hepatic accumulations of malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, and reactive oxygen species. This study demonstrates that RP exerts the endogenous antioxidant capacity in growing and adult rats, which is due to stimulating Msr antioxidant expression and activating Nrf2-ARE pathway. Results suggest that the antioxidant activity induced by RP is independent of age.

Genetic Signatures of Acute Asthma Exacerbation Related With Ineffective Response to Corticosteroid

Purpose

Acute exacerbation (AE) is an important domain of asthma management and may be related with ineffective response to corticosteroid. This study aimed to find mechanisms of AE using genome-wide gene expression profiles of blood cells from asthmatics and its perturbation by in vitro dexamethasone (Dex)-treatment.

Methods

We utilized lymphoblastoid B cells from 107 childhood asthmatics and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 29 adult asthmatics who were treated with inhaled corticosteroids. We searched for a preserved co-expression gene module significantly associated with the AE rate in both cohorts and measured expression changes of genes belong to this module after Dex-treatment.

Results

We identified a preserved module composed of 77 genes. Among them, expressions of 2 genes (EIF2AK2 and NOL11) decreased significantly after Dex-treatment in both cohorts. EIF2AK2, a key gene acting antiviral defense mechanism, showed significantly higher expressions in asthmatics with AE. The protein repair pathway was enriched significantly in 64 genes which belong to the preserved module but showed no expression differences after Dex-treatment in both cohorts. Among them, MSRA and MSRB2 may play key roles by controlling oxidative stress.

Conclusions

Many genes belong to the AE rate-associated and preserved module identified in blood cells from childhood and adults asthmatics showed no expression changes after in vitro Dex-treatment. These findings suggest that we may need alternative treatment options to corticosteroids to prevent AE. EIF2AK2, MSRA and MSRB2 expressions on blood cells may help us select AE-susceptible asthmatics and adjust treatments to prevent AE.

Identification of MsrA homologues for the preparation of (R)-sulfoxides at high substrate concentrations

Here we report a methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) homologue with extremely high substrate tolerance and a wide substrate scope for the biocatalytic preparation of enantiopure sulfoxides. This MsrA homologue which was obtained from Pseudomonas alcaliphila (named paMsrA) showed good activity and enantioselectivity towards a series of aryl methyl/ethyl sulfoxides 1a-1k, with electron-withdrawing or electron-donating substituents at the aromatic ring. Chiral sulfoxides in the R configuration were prepared with approximately 50% of yield and up to 99% enantiomeric excess through the asymmetric reductive resolution of racemic sulfoxide catalyzed by the recombinant paMsrA protein. More importantly, kinetic resolution has been successfully accomplished with high enantioselectivity (E > 200) at initial substrate concentrations up to 320 mM (approximately 45 g L-1), which represents a great improvement in the aspect of the substrate concentration for the biocatalytic preparation of chiral sulfoxides.

Methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) dysfunction in human brain disease

Extensive research has shown that oxidative stress is strongly associated with aging, senescence and several diseases, including neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Oxidative stress is caused by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can be counteracted by both enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants. One of these antioxidant mechanisms is the widely studied methionine sulfoxide reductase system (Msr). Methionine is one of the most easily oxidized amino acids and Msr can reverse this oxidation and restore protein function, with MsrA and MsrB reducing different stereoisomers. This article focuses on experimental and genetic research performed on Msr and its link to brain diseases. Studies on several model systems as well as genome-wide association studies are compiled to highlight the role of MSRA in schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Genetic variation of MSRA may also contribute to the risk of psychosis, personality traits, and metabolic factors.

Biology of Inherited Cataracts and Opportunities for Treatment

Cataract, the clinical correlate of opacity or light scattering in the eye lens, is usually caused by the presence of high-molecular-weight (HMW) protein aggregates or disruption of the lens microarchitecture. In general, genes involved in inherited cataracts reflect important processes and pathways in the lens including lens crystallins, connexins, growth factors, membrane proteins, intermediate filament proteins, and chaperones. Usually, mutations causing severe damage to proteins cause congenital cataracts, while milder variants increasing susceptibility to environmental insults are associated with age-related cataracts. These may have different pathogenic mechanisms: Congenital cataracts induce the unfolded protein response and apoptosis. By contrast, denatured crystallins in age-related cataracts are bound by α-crystallin and form light-scattering HMW aggregates. New therapeutic approaches to age-related cataracts use chemical chaperones to solubilize HMW aggregates, while attempts are being made to regenerate lenses using endogenous stem cells to treat congenital cataracts.

l-Methionine activates Nrf2-ARE pathway to induce endogenous antioxidant activity for depressing ROS-derived oxidative stress in growing rats

BACKGROUND

Methionine is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid. To elucidate the influence of l-methionine on activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant responsive element (Nrf2-ARE) antioxidant pathway to stimulate the endogenous antioxidant activity for depressing reactive oxygen species (ROS)-derived oxidative stress, male Wistar rats were orally administered l-methionine daily for 14 days.

RESULTS

With the intake of l-methionine, Nrf2 was activated by l-methionine through depressing Keap1 and Cul3, resulting in upregulation of ARE-driven antioxidant expression (glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, glutamate cysteine ligase modulatory subunit, glutathione synthase (GS), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), heme oxygenase 1, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) with increasing l-methionine availability. Upon activation of Nrf2, glutathione synthesis was increased through upregulated expression of methionine adenosyltransferase, S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase, cystathionine β-synthase, cystathionine γ-lyse, glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL) and GS, while hepatic expressions of methionine sulfoxide reductases (MsrA, MsrB2, MsrB3) and hepatic enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GCL, GR, GST, GPx) were uniformly stimulated with increasing consumption of l-methionine. As a result, hepatic content of ROS and MDA were effectively reduced by l-methionine intake.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that methionine availability plays a critical role in activation of the Nrf2-ARE pathway to induce an endogenous antioxidant response for depressing ROS-derived oxidative stress, which is primarily attributed to the stimulation of methionine sulfoxide reductase expression and glutathione synthesis. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

New insights into the molecular physiology of sulfoxide reduction in bacteria

Sulfoxides occur in biology as products of the S-oxygenation of small molecules as well as in peptides and proteins and their formation is often associated with oxidative stress and can affect biological function. In bacteria, sulfoxide damage can be reversed by different types of enzymes. Thioredoxin-dependent peptide methionine sulfoxide reductases (MSR proteins) repair oxidized methionine residues and are found in all Domains of life. In bacteria MSR proteins are often found in the cytoplasm but in some bacteria, including pathogenic Neisseria, Streptococci, and Haemophilus they are extracytoplasmic. Mutants lacking MSR proteins are often sensitive to oxidative stress and in pathogens exhibit decreased virulence as indicated by reduced survival in host cell or animal model systems. Molybdenum enzymes are also known to reduce S-oxides and traditionally their physiological role was considered to be in anaerobic respiration using dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as an electron acceptor. However, it now appears that some enzymes (MtsZ) of the DMSO reductase family of Mo enzymes use methionine sulfoxide as preferred physiological substrate and thus may be involved in scavenging/recycling of this amino acid. Similarly, an enzyme (MsrP/YedY) of the sulfite oxidase family of Mo enzymes has been shown to be involved in repair of methionine sulfoxides in periplasmic proteins. Again, some mutants deficient in Mo-dependent sulfoxide reductases exhibit reduced virulence, and there is evidence that these Mo enzymes and some MSR systems are induced by hypochlorite produced by the innate immune system. This review describes recent advances in the understanding of the molecular microbiology of MSR systems and the broadening of the role of Mo-dependent sulfoxide reductase to encompass functions beyond anaerobic respiration.

Effect of Exogenous Zinc on MsrB1 Expression and Protein Oxidation in Human Lens Epithelial Cells

Aging has been related to zinc deficiency, resulting in protein oxidation and age-related decline of methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) activity. This study was designed to investigate the levels of methionine sulfoxide reductase B1 (MsrB1) mRNA and oxidized proteins in human lens epithelial (hLE) cells after treatment with exogenous zinc. The role of exogenous zinc in regulation of MsrB1 gene expression and protein oxidation in hLE cells was studied by MTT assay, oxidized protein measurement kit, and real-time PCR. The results showed that hLE cell viability was significantly decreased by MsrB1 gene knockdown or peroxynitrite (ONOO^-) treatment, while it was significantly increased after treatment with exogenous zinc (P < 0.05). Protein carbonyl content in hLE cell by MsrB1 gene knockdown or ONOO^- treatment was significantly decreased after treatment with ZnSO₄ (P < 0.01). And exogenous zinc could increase the level of MsrB1 in hLE cell under normal (P < 0.001) and oxidative stress (P < 0.01) conditions. In conclusion, exogenous zinc could protect hLE cells against MsrB1 gene knockdown or ONOO^--induced cell death by upregulation of MsrB1 involved in the elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidized proteins.

The Oxidized Protein Repair Enzymes Methionine Sulfoxide Reductases and Their Roles in Protecting against Oxidative Stress, in Ageing and in Regulating Protein Function

Cysteine and methionine residues are the amino acids most sensitive to oxidation by reactive oxygen species. However, in contrast to other amino acids, certain cysteine and methionine oxidation products can be reduced within proteins by dedicated enzymatic repair systems. Oxidation of cysteine first results in either the formation of a disulfide bridge or a sulfenic acid. Sulfenic acid can be converted to disulfide or sulfenamide or further oxidized to sulfinic acid. Disulfide can be easily reversed by different enzymatic systems such as the thioredoxin/thioredoxin reductase and the glutaredoxin/glutathione/glutathione reductase systems. Methionine side chains can also be oxidized by reactive oxygen species. Methionine oxidation, by the addition of an extra oxygen atom, leads to the generation of methionine sulfoxide. Enzymatically catalyzed reduction of methionine sulfoxide is achieved by either methionine sulfoxide reductase A or methionine sulfoxide reductase B, also referred as to the methionine sulfoxide reductases system. This oxidized protein repair system is further described in this review article in terms of its discovery and biologically relevant characteristics, and its important physiological roles in protecting against oxidative stress, in ageing and in regulating protein function.

In Vivo Effects of Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase Deficiency in Drosophila melanogaster

The deleterious alteration of protein structure and function due to the oxidation of methionine residues has been studied extensively in age-associated neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. Methionine sulfoxide reductases (MSR) have three well-characterized biological functions. The most commonly studied function is the reduction of oxidized methionine residues back into functional methionine thus, often restoring biological function to proteins. Previous studies have successfully overexpressed and silenced MSR activity in numerous model organisms correlating its activity to longevity and oxidative stress. In the present study, we have characterized in vivo effects of MSR deficiency in Drosophila. Interestingly, we found no significant phenotype in animals lacking either methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MSRA) or methionine sulfoxide reductase B (MSRB). However, Drosophila lacking any known MSR activity exhibited a prolonged larval third instar development and a shortened lifespan. These data suggest an essential role of MSR in key biological processes.

Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase B1 Regulates Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Proliferation and Invasion via the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Methionine sulfoxide reductase B1 (MsrB1) is a member of the selenoprotein family, which contributes to the reduction of methionine sulfoxides produced from reactive oxygen species (ROS) by redox processes in energy pathways. However, few studies have examined the role of MsrB1 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We observed that MsrB1 is highly expressed in HCC tissues and that its expression correlated with the prognoses of patients with HCC after hepatectomy. In vitro, knockdown of MsrB1 inhibits HCC cell growth by MTT and EdU proliferation assay, and MsrB1 interference enhances H₂O₂/trx-induced apoptosis. We observed that phosphorylation of the key proteins of the MAPK pathway, namely, ERK, MEK, and p53, was inhibited, but PARP and caspase 3 were increased, thus infecting mitochondrial integrity. In vivo, MsrB1 knockdown effectively inhibited tumor growth. Furthermore, MsrB1 knockdown reduced HCC cell migration and invasion in a transwell assay through inhibition of cytoskeletal rearrangement and spread. This change was linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) inhibition resulting from increases in E-cadherin expression and decreases in expression in TGF-β1, Slug, MMP-2/9, and so on. MsrB1 regulates HCC cell proliferation and migration by modulating the MAPK pathway and EMT. Thus, MsrB1 may be a novel therapeutic target with respect to the treatment of HCC.

Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase A Deficiency Exacerbates Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity via Increased Mitochondrial Damage and Renal Cell Death

AIMS

Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA), which is abundantly localized in the mitochondria, reduces methionine-S-sulfoxide, scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cisplatin, an anticancer drug, accumulates at high levels in the mitochondria of renal cells, causing mitochondrial impairment that ultimately leads to nephrotoxicity. Here, we investigated the role of MsrA in cisplatin-induced mitochondrial damage and kidney cell death using MsrA gene-deleted (MsrA^-/-) mice.

RESULTS

Cisplatin injection resulted in increases of ROS production, methionine oxidation, and oxidative damage in the kidneys. This oxidative stress was greater in MsrA^-/- mouse kidneys than in wild-type (MsrA^+/+) mouse kidneys. MsrA gene deletion exacerbated cisplatin-induced reductions in the expression and activity of MsrA and MsrBs, and the expression of thioredoxin 1, glutathione peroxidase 1 and 4, mitochondrial superoxide dismutase, cystathionine-β-synthase, and cystathionine-γ-lyase. Cisplatin induced swelling, cristae loss, and fragmentation of mitochondria with increased lipid peroxidation, more so in MsrA^-/- than in MsrA^+/+ kidneys. The ratio of mitochondrial fission regulator (Fis1) to fusion regulator (Opa1) was higher in MsrA^-/- than MsrA^+/+ mice. MsrA deletion exacerbated cisplatin-induced increases in Bax to Bcl-2 ratio, cleaved caspase-3 level, and apoptosis, whereas MsrA overexpression attenuated cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis.

INNOVATION

MsrA gene deletion in mice exacerbates cisplatin-induced renal injury through increases of mitochondrial susceptibility, whereas MsrA overexpression protects cells against cisplatin.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that MsrA protects kidney cells against cisplatin-induced methionine oxidation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and apoptosis, suggesting that MsrA could be a useful target protein for the treatment of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 27, 727-741.

Methionine sulfoxide reductase A protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced septic shock via negative regulation of the proinflammatory responses

Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) is a major antioxidant enzyme that specifically catalyzes the reduction of methionine S-sulfoxide. In this study, we used MsrA gene-knockout (MsrA^-/-) mice and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) to investigate the role of MsrA in the regulation of inflammatory responses induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MsrA^-/- mice were more susceptible to LPS-induced lethal shock than wild-type (MsrA^+/+) mice. Serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α induced by LPS were higher in MsrA^-/- than in MsrA^+/+ mice. MsrA deficiency in the BMDMs also increased the LPS-induced cytotoxicity as well as TNF-α level. Basal and LPS-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were higher in MsrA^-/- than in MsrA^+/+ BMDMs. Phosphorylation levels of p38, JNK, and ERK were higher in MsrA^-/- than in MsrA^+/+ BMDMs in response to LPS, suggesting that MsrA deficiency increases MAPK activation. Furthermore, MsrA deficiency increased the expression and nuclear translocation of NF-κB and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, a target gene of NF-κB, in response to LPS. Taken together, our results suggest that MsrA protects against LPS-induced septic shock, and negatively regulates proinflammatory responses via inhibition of the ROS-MAPK-NF-κB signaling pathways.

Astragaloside IV rescues MPP+-induced mitochondrial dysfunction through upregulation of methionine sulfoxide reductase A

Methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) repairs oxidatively damaged proteins through acting as an antioxidant. Oxidative stress has been postulated to cause the mitochondrial dysfunction that is associated with aging and certain diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). The present study investigated the protective effects of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction through MsrA in PC12 cells. This revealed that oxidative stress reduced the expression of MsrA following MPP⁺ treatment. AS-IV was demonstrated to protect PC12 cells from MPP⁺-induced oxidative damage through upregulating MsrA. MsrA expression was dependent on the Sirt1-FOXO3a signaling pathway. In addition, knockdown of MsrA reduced the protective effects of AS-IV, indicating that the antioxidant effects of AS-UV occurred through MsrA. These results suggest that AS-IV exerts antioxidant effects and regulates mitochondrial function. Thus, AS-IV may serve as an effective therapeutic agent for aging and PD.

Endocrine Imbalance Associated With Proteome Changes in Diabetes

The dynamics of cellular metabolism involves rapid interactions between proteins and nucleic acids, proteins and proteins, and signaling. These involve the interactions with respect to the sulfur bond, noncovalent electrostatic interactions, protein structure stabilization and protein-ligand binding, weak electrostatic interactions in proteins, oxygen radicals that initiate a change in conformation and a chain of events. We review a development in molecular medicine that is a very promising work in progress. We also review the current and future research methods involving mitochondria. Long-term effects of diabetes include glycation of proteins, for example, glycohemoglobin (HbA1c), increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neurological dysfunctions. Tissues are exposed to significant quantities of highly reactive chemical species including nitric oxide ^• NO and reactive oxygen species ROS over months to years, to an extent generated by mitochondrial activities. The reactions of ^• NO can be broadly discussed with reference to three main processes which control their fate in biological systems: (1) diffusion and intra-cellular consumption; (2) autooxidation to form nitrous anhydride N₂ O₃ ; and (3) reaction with superoxide O2^• - to form peroxynitrite ONOO-. Reactive nitrogen species produced by macrophages and neutrophils in the interstitial space, with emphasis on ^• NO, N₂ O₃ , ONOO-, and nitrogen dioxide radicals ^• NO₂ generate protein and DNA damage. Serum thiol (-SH) groups act as an important extracellular scavenger of peroxides and are therefore helpful in protecting the surrounding tissues. The events described here are a homeostatic endocrine imbalance that is associated with proteostasis. The advances we have seen in untangling this web of interactions are sure to continue at a breathtaking pace. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3569-3576, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Bioaccumulation and Biodistribution of Selenium in Metamorphosing Tadpoles

Selenium is an important macronutrient with a very narrow margin between essentiality and toxicity. Amphibians are hypothesized to be particularly sensitive due to the potential for metamorphosis-driven mobilization, which could transfer or concentrate contaminant burdens within specific organs. We explored the potential role of tissue degeneration and remodeling during anuran metamorphosis as a mechanism for altering tissue-specific Se burdens. Limnodynastes peronii tadpoles were exposed to dissolved ⁷⁵Se (as selenite) for 7 days and depurated until completion of metamorphosis. Bioaccumulation and retention kinetics were assessed in whole tadpoles and excised tissues using gamma spectroscopy, and temporal changes in biodistribution were assessed using autoradiography. Tadpoles retained Se throughout metamorphosis, and partitioned the element predominantly within digestive and excretory tissues, including livers > mesonephros > guts > gallbladder. Importantly, our results demonstrate that Se biodistribution varies significantly throughout development. This is indicative of tissue transference, and particularly in tissues developing de novo after depuration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating Se transference during metamorphic tissue remodelling. Further research is warranted to explore the fate and metabolism of Se (and other metal and metalloids) during anuran development and the implications of transference for influencing toxicity.

Age-related changes in the kinetics of human lenses: prevention of the cataract

The crystalline lens is a transparent, biconvex structure in the eye that, along with the cornea, helps to refract light to be focused on the retina and, by changing shape, it adjusts focal distance (accommodation). The three classes of structural proteins found in the lens are α, β, and γ crystallins. These proteins make up more than 90% of the total dry mass of the eye lens. Other components which can be found are sugars, lipids, water, several antioxidants and low weight molecules. When ageing changes occur in the lens, it causes a gradual reduction in transparency, presbyopia and an increase in the scattering and aberration of light waves as well as a degradation of the optical quality of the eye. The main changes that occur with aging are: 1) reduced diffusion of water from the outside to the inside of the lens and from its cortical to its nuclear zone; 2) crystalline change due to the accumulation of high molecular weight aggregates and insoluble proteins; 3) production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), lipid accumulation, reduction of reduced glutathione content and destruction of ascorbic acid. Even if effective strategies in preventing cataract onset are not already known, good results have been reached in some cases with oral administration of antioxidant substances such as caffeine, pyruvic acid, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), α-lipoic acid and ascorbic acid. Furthermore, methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MSRA) over expression could protect lens cells both in presence and in absence of oxidative stress-induced damage. Nevertheless, promising results have been obtained by reducing ultraviolet-induced oxidative damage.

Parkin elimination of mitochondria is important for maintenance of lens epithelial cell ROS levels and survival upon oxidative stress exposure

Age-related cataract is associated with oxidative stress and death of lens epithelial cells (LECs) whose survival is dependent on functional mitochondrial populations. Oxidative stress-induced depolarization/damage of LEC mitochondria results in increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and cell death suggesting the need for a LEC mechanism to remove mitochondria depolarized/damaged upon oxidative stress exposure to prevent ROS release and LEC death. To date, a mechanism(s) for removal of depolarized/damaged LEC mitochondria has yet to be identified and the importance of eliminating oxidative stress-damaged mitochondria to prevent LEC ROS release and death has not been established. Here, we demonstrate that Parkin levels increase in LECs exposed to H₂O₂-oxidative stress. We establish that Parkin translocates to LEC mitochondria depolarized upon oxidative stress exposure and that Parkin recruits p62/SQSTM1 to depolarized LEC mitochondria. We demonstrate that translocation of Parkin results in the elimination of depolarized/damaged mitochondria and that Parkin clearance of LEC mitochondria is dependent on its ubiquitin ligase activity. Importantly, we demonstrate that Parkin elimination of damaged LEC mitochondria results in reduced ROS levels and increased survival upon oxidative stress exposure. These results establish that Parkin functions to eliminate LEC mitochondria depolarized/damaged upon oxidative stress exposure and that elimination of damaged mitochondria by Parkin is important for LEC homeostasis and survival. The data also suggest that mitochondrial quality control by Parkin could play a role in lens transparency.

Selenoprotein R Protects Human Lens Epithelial Cells against D-Galactose-Induced Apoptosis by Regulating Oxidative Stress and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Selenium is an essential micronutrient for humans. Much of selenium's beneficial influence on health is attributed to its presence within 25 selenoproteins. Selenoprotein R (SelR), known as methionine sulfoxide reductase B1 (MsrB1), is a selenium-dependent enzyme that, like other Msrs, is required for lens cell viability. In order to investigate the roles of SelR in protecting human lens epithelial (hLE) cells against damage, the influences of SelR gene knockdown on d-galactose-induced apoptosis in hLE cells were studied. The results showed that both d-galactose and SelR gene knockdown by siRNA independently induced oxidative stress. When SelR-gene-silenced hLE cells were exposed to d-galactose, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) protein level was further increased, mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly decreased and accompanied by a release of mitochondrial cytochrome c. At the same time, the apoptosis cells percentage and the caspase-3 activity were visibly elevated in hLE cells. These results suggested that SelR might protect hLE cell mitochondria and mitigating apoptosis in hLE cells against oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by d-galactose, implying that selenium as a micronutrient may play important roles in hLE cells.

Influence of the Side Chain in the Structure and Fragmentation of Amino Acids Radical Cations

The conformational properties of ionized amino acids (Gly, Ala, Ser, Cys, Asp, Gln, Phe, Tyr, and His) have been theoretically analyzed using the hybrid B3LYP and the hybrid-meta MPWB1K functionals as well as with the post-Hartree Fock CCSD(T) level of theory. As a general trend, ionization is mainly localized at the -NH2 group, which becomes more planar and acidic, the intramolecular hydrogen bond in which -NH2 acts as proton donor being strengthened upon ionization. For this reason, the so-called conformer IV(+) becomes the most stable for nonaromatic amino acid radical cations. Aromatic amino acids do not follow this trend because ionization takes place mainly at the side chain. For these amino acids for which ionization of the side chain prevails over the -NH2 group, structures III(+) and II(+) become competitive. The Cα-X fragmentations of the ionized systems have also been studied. Among the different decompositions considered, the one that leads to the loss of COOH(•) is the most favorable one. Nevertheless, for aromatic amino acids fragmentations leading to R(•) or R(+) start being competitive. In fact, for His and Tyr, results indicate that the fragmentation leading to R(+) is the most favorable process.

Hormonal Regulation of Response to Oxidative Stress in Insects-An Update

Insects, like other organisms, must deal with a wide variety of potentially challenging environmental factors during the course of their life. An important example of such a challenge is the phenomenon of oxidative stress. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of adipokinetic hormones (AKH) as principal stress responsive hormones in insects involved in activation of anti-oxidative stress response pathways. Emphasis is placed on an analysis of oxidative stress experimentally induced by various stressors and monitored by suitable biomarkers, and on detailed characterization of AKH’s role in the anti-stress reactions. These reactions are characterized by a significant increase of AKH levels in the insect body, and by effective reversal of the markers—disturbed by the stressors—after co-application of the stressor with AKH. A plausible mechanism of AKH action in the anti-oxidative stress response is discussed as well: this probably involves simultaneous employment of both protein kinase C and cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate pathways in the presence of extra and intra-cellular Ca²⁺ stores, with the possible involvement of the FoxO transcription factors. The role of other insect hormones in the anti-oxidative defense reactions is also discussed.

Lens Biology and Biochemistry

The primary function of the lens resides in its transparency and ability to focus light on the retina. These require both that the lens cells contain high concentrations of densely packed lens crystallins to maintain a refractive index constant over distances approximating the wavelength of the light to be transmitted, and a specific arrangement of anterior epithelial cells and arcuate fiber cells lacking organelles in the nucleus to avoid blocking transmission of light. Because cells in the lens nucleus have shed their organelles, lens crystallins have to last for the lifetime of the organism, and are specifically adapted to this function. The lens crystallins comprise two major families: the βγ-crystallins are among the most stable proteins known and the α-crystallins, which have a chaperone-like function. Other proteins and metabolic activities of the lens are primarily organized to protect the crystallins from damage over time and to maintain homeostasis of the lens cells. Membrane protein channels maintain osmotic and ionic balance across the lens, while the lens cytoskeleton provides for the specific shape of the lens cells, especially the fiber cells of the nucleus. Perhaps most importantly, a large part of the metabolic activity in the lens is directed toward maintaining a reduced state, which shelters the lens crystallins and other cellular components from damage from UV light and oxidative stress. Finally, the energy requirements of the lens are met largely by glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway, perhaps in response to the avascular nature of the lens. Together, all these systems cooperate to maintain lens transparency over time.

EAAT and Xc⁻ Exchanger Inhibition Depletes Glutathione in the Transformed Human Lens Epithelial Cell Line SRA 01/04

PURPOSE

Maintaining the high glutathione (GSH; tripeptide of glutamate, cysteine and glycine) levels in the lens cortex promotes lens health. The role of glutamate/aspartate (Glu/Asp) transporters and the cystine (Cys)/Glu exchanger (Xc(-) exchanger) in maintaining GSH in transformed human lens epithelial cells (SRA 01/04) was investigated.

METHODS

Detection and differentiation of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAAT1-5) and the Xc(-) exchanger was performed by the uptake of radiolabeled l-Glu, d-Asp and l-Cys in the presence and absence of Na(+), substrate-specific inhibition studies and Western-blot analysis. Reductions in GSH levels post-inhibition of Xc(-) exchanger and EAAT activities by substrate inhibitors demonstrated the roles of EAAT and Xc(-) exchanger in maintaining GSH.

RESULTS

Glu and d-Asp uptake in HLEC was Na(+)-dependent. Strong inhibition by substrate-specific Glu/Asp uptake inhibitors and weak inhibition by kainic acid (KA) was consistent with Na(+)-dependent EAAT1/3/4/5 activity and weak EAAT2 activity, respectively. Na(+)-independency and Glu inhibition of Cys uptake were consistent with Xc(-) exchanger activity, but inhibition of Na(+)-dependent Cys uptake by N-acetylcysteine suggests Cys uptake by EAAT3. EAAT1-5 and xCT (Xc(-) exchanger light chain) immunoreactive peptides were detected by Western-blot analysis of HLEC lysates. EAAT and Xc(-) exchanger inhibition by substrate antagonists depleted GSH concentrations by 15-28% (p's ≤ 0.02), while GSH synthesis inhibition by buthionine sulfoximine depleted GSH by 33% (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Inhibition of Glu and Cys uptake by EAAT and Xc(-) exchanger antagonists depletes GSH in human lens epithelial cells. These in vitro results support pivotal roles for EAAT and Xc(-) exchanger activities in maintaining GSH and protection against oxidative stress in cortical lens epithelium.

Selenium preferentially accumulates in the eye lens following embryonic exposure: a confocal X-ray fluorescence imaging study

Maternal transfer of elevated selenium (Se) to offspring is an important route of Se exposure for fish in the natural environment. However, there is a lack of information on the tissue specific spatial distribution and speciation of Se in the early developmental stages of fish, which provide important information about Se toxicokinetics. The effect of maternal transfer of Se was studied by feeding adult zebrafish a Se-elevated or a control diet followed by collection of larvae from both groups. Novel confocal synchrotron-based techniques were used to investigate Se within intact preserved larvae. Confocal X-ray fluorescence imaging was used to compare Se distributions within specific planes of an intact larva from each of the two groups. The elevated Se treatment showed substantially higher Se levels than the control; Se preferentially accumulated to highest levels in the eye lens, with lower levels in the retina, yolk and other tissues. Confocal X-ray absorption spectroscopy was used to determine that the speciation of Se within the eye lens of the intact larva was a selenomethionine-like species. Preferential accumulation of Se in the eye lens may suggest a direct cause-and-effect relationship between exposure to elevated Se and Se-induced ocular impairments reported previously. This study illustrates the effectiveness of confocal X-ray fluorescence methods for investigating trace element distribution and speciation in intact biological specimens.

Mechanism of 1-Cys type methionine sulfoxide reductase A regeneration by glutaredoxin

Glutaredoxin (Grx), a major redox regulator, can act as a reductant of methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA). However, the biochemical mechanisms involved in MsrA activity regeneration by Grx remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the regeneration mechanism of 1-Cys type Clostridium oremlandii MsrA (cMsrA) lacking a resolving Cys residue in a Grx-dependent assay. Kinetic analysis showed that cMsrA could be reduced by both monothiol and dithiol Grxs as efficiently as by in vitro reductant dithiothreitol. Our data revealed that the catalytic Cys sulfenic acid intermediate is not glutathionylated in the presence of the substrate, and that Grx instead directly formed a complex with cMsrA. Mass spectrometry analysis identified a disulfide bond between the N-terminal catalytic Cys of the active site of Grx and the catalytic Cys of cMsrA. This mixed disulfide bond could be resolved by glutathione. Based on these findings, we propose a model for regeneration of 1-Cys type cMsrA by Grx that involves no glutathionylation on the catalytic Cys of cMsrA. This mechanism contrasts with that of the previously known 1-Cys type MsrB.