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Habermann D, Franz CMAP, Klempt M. Current Research on Small Circular Molecules: A Comprehensive Overview on SPHINX/BMMF. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:678. [PMID: 38927614 PMCID: PMC11202718 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Several years of research into the small circular DNA molecules called SPHINX and BMMF (SPHINX/BMMF) have provided information on several areas of research, medicine, microbiology and nutritional science. But there are still open questions that have not yet been addressed. Due to the unclear classification, evolution and sources of SPHINX/BMMF, a risk assessment is currently not possible. However, risk assessment is necessary as SPHINX/BMMF are suspected to be involved in the development of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. In order to obtain an overview of the current state of research and to identify research gaps, a review of all the publications on this topic to date was carried out. The focus was primarily on the SPHINX/BMMF group 1 and 2 members, which is the topic of most of the research. It was discovered that the SPHINX/BMMF molecules could be integral components of mammalian cells, and are also inherited. However, their involvement in neurodegenerative and carcinogenic diseases is still unclear. Furthermore, they are probably ubiquitous in food and they resemble bacterial plasmids in parts of their DNA and protein (Rep) sequence. In addition, a connection with bacterial viruses is also suspected. Ultimately, it is still unclear whether SPHINX/BMMF have an infectious capacity and what their host or target is.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Habermann
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Nutrition and Food, Hermann-Weigmann-Straße 1, 24103 Kiel, Germany; (C.M.A.P.F.); (M.K.)
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Nikitina E, Burk‐Körner A, Wiesenfarth M, Alwers E, Heide D, Tessmer C, Ernst C, Krunic D, Schrotz‐King P, Chang‐Claude J, von Winterfeld M, Herpel E, Brobeil A, Brenner H, Heikenwalder M, Hoffmeister M, Kopp‐Schneider A, Bund T. Bovine meat and milk factor protein expression in tumor-free mucosa of colorectal cancer patients coincides with macrophages and might interfere with patient survival. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:1076-1092. [PMID: 36811271 PMCID: PMC11076986 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine milk and meat factors (BMMFs) are plasmid-like DNA molecules isolated from bovine milk and serum, as well as the peritumor of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. BMMFs have been proposed as zoonotic infectious agents and drivers of indirect carcinogenesis of CRC, inducing chronic tissue inflammation, radical formation and increased levels of DNA damage. Data on expression of BMMFs in large clinical cohorts to test an association with co-markers and clinical parameters were not previously available and were therefore assessed in this study. Tissue sections with paired tumor-adjacent mucosa and tumor tissues of CRC patients [individual cohorts and tissue microarrays (TMAs) (n = 246)], low-/high-grade dysplasia (LGD/HGD) and mucosa of healthy donors were used for immunohistochemical quantification of the expression of BMMF replication protein (Rep) and CD68/CD163 (macrophages) by co-immunofluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemical scoring (TMA). Rep was expressed in the tumor-adjacent mucosa of 99% of CRC patients (TMA), was histologically associated with CD68+/CD163+ macrophages and was increased in CRC patients when compared to healthy controls. Tumor tissues showed only low stromal Rep expression. Rep was expressed in LGD and less in HGD but was strongly expressed in LGD/HGD-adjacent tissues. Albeit not reaching statistical significance, incidence curves for CRC-specific death were increased for higher Rep expression (TMA), with high tumor-adjacent Rep expression being linked to the highest incidence of death. BMMF Rep expression might represent a marker and early risk factor for CRC. The correlation between Rep and CD68 expression supports a previous hypothesis that BMMF-specific inflammatory regulations, including macrophages, are involved in the pathogenesis of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Nikitina
- Division of Episomal‐persistent DNA in Cancer‐ and Chronic DiseasesGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Amelie Burk‐Körner
- Division of Episomal‐persistent DNA in Cancer‐ and Chronic DiseasesGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Manuel Wiesenfarth
- Division of BiostatisticsGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Elizabeth Alwers
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging ResearchGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Danijela Heide
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and CancerGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Claudia Tessmer
- Monoclonal Antibody Unit of the Genomics and Proteomics Core FacilityGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Claudia Ernst
- Division of Episomal‐persistent DNA in Cancer‐ and Chronic DiseasesGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Damir Krunic
- Light Microscopy FacilityGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Petra Schrotz‐King
- Division of Preventive OncologyGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Jenny Chang‐Claude
- Unit of Genetic EpidemiologyGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
- Cancer Epidemiology Group, University Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfUniversity Cancer Center HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Moritz von Winterfeld
- Institute of PathologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergGermany
- Pathologie RosenheimGermany
| | - Esther Herpel
- Institute of PathologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergGermany
- Tissue Bank of the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) HeidelbergGermany
| | - Alexander Brobeil
- Institute of PathologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergGermany
- Tissue Bank of the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) HeidelbergGermany
| | - Hermann Brenner
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging ResearchGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
- Division of Preventive OncologyGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT)HeidelbergGermany
- German Cancer ConsortiumGerman Cancer Research CenterHeidelbergGermany
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and CancerGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Michael Hoffmeister
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging ResearchGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | | | - Timo Bund
- Division of Episomal‐persistent DNA in Cancer‐ and Chronic DiseasesGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
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Mobaraki G, Shi S, Smits KM, Severens K, Lommen K, Rennspiess D, Chteinberg E, Winnepenninckx V, Samarska I, Klufah F, zur Hausen A. Bovine Meat and Milk Factor-like Sequences Are Frequently Detected in Renal Cell Carcinoma Tissues. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1746. [PMID: 38730698 PMCID: PMC11083248 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated a potential role of diet in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Recently, circular bovine meat and milk factor (BMMF) DNAs have been identified in peritumoral tissues of human colon and breast cancers. Here, we investigated the prevalence of the DNA of these novel human pathogenic infectious agents in RCC and adjacent peritumoral renal tissues. DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) RCC and peritumoral kidney tissues, including a test (n = 11) and a validation (n = 152) collection. BMMF1 and BMMF2 consensus primers were designed to screen for the presence of BMMF1- and BMMF2-like DNA. In addition, BMMF-specific PCR was performed on selected cases to test for the presence of additional regions of BMMF1 and BMMF2 genomes. A reference collection of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs; n = 60) and adjacent peritumoral liver tissues (n = 50) was also included. Our results demonstrated that BMMF1 and BMMF2 DNAs are frequently found in human RCC tissues and are particularly more prevalent in peritumoral kidney tissues. Of note, BMMF1 and BMMF2 genotype heterogeneity was higher in peritumoral kidney tissues compared to RCC tissues. This is the first study to directly test human FFPE tissues for BMMF1- and BMMF2-like DNA using consensus PCR and demonstrate BMMF DNA in neoplastic and peritumoral kidney tissues. The findings are in line with the recently proposed indirect etiopathogenetic role of BMMFs in, e.g., colorectal carcinogenesis. Follow-up studies are needed to explore the potential role of BMMFs in the etiopathogenesis of RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghalib Mobaraki
- Department of Pathology, GROW—Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (G.M.); (S.S.); (K.M.S.); (K.S.); (K.L.); (D.R.); (V.W.); (I.S.); (F.K.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shuai Shi
- Department of Pathology, GROW—Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (G.M.); (S.S.); (K.M.S.); (K.S.); (K.L.); (D.R.); (V.W.); (I.S.); (F.K.)
| | - Kim M. Smits
- Department of Pathology, GROW—Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (G.M.); (S.S.); (K.M.S.); (K.S.); (K.L.); (D.R.); (V.W.); (I.S.); (F.K.)
| | - Kim Severens
- Department of Pathology, GROW—Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (G.M.); (S.S.); (K.M.S.); (K.S.); (K.L.); (D.R.); (V.W.); (I.S.); (F.K.)
| | - Kim Lommen
- Department of Pathology, GROW—Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (G.M.); (S.S.); (K.M.S.); (K.S.); (K.L.); (D.R.); (V.W.); (I.S.); (F.K.)
| | - Dorit Rennspiess
- Department of Pathology, GROW—Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (G.M.); (S.S.); (K.M.S.); (K.S.); (K.L.); (D.R.); (V.W.); (I.S.); (F.K.)
| | - Emil Chteinberg
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Véronique Winnepenninckx
- Department of Pathology, GROW—Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (G.M.); (S.S.); (K.M.S.); (K.S.); (K.L.); (D.R.); (V.W.); (I.S.); (F.K.)
| | - Iryna Samarska
- Department of Pathology, GROW—Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (G.M.); (S.S.); (K.M.S.); (K.S.); (K.L.); (D.R.); (V.W.); (I.S.); (F.K.)
| | - Faisal Klufah
- Department of Pathology, GROW—Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (G.M.); (S.S.); (K.M.S.); (K.S.); (K.L.); (D.R.); (V.W.); (I.S.); (F.K.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al Baha 65528, Saudi Arabia
| | - Axel zur Hausen
- Department of Pathology, GROW—Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (G.M.); (S.S.); (K.M.S.); (K.S.); (K.L.); (D.R.); (V.W.); (I.S.); (F.K.)
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Habermann D, Klempt M, Franz CMAP. Identification and Characterization of Novel SPHINX/BMMF-like DNA Sequences Isolated from Non-Bovine Foods. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1307. [PMID: 37510212 PMCID: PMC10378824 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sixteen novel circular rep-encoding DNA sequences with high sequence homologies to previously described SPHINX and BMMF sequences were isolated for the first time from non-bovine foods (pork, wild boar, chicken meat, Alaska pollock, pangasius, black tiger shrimp, apple, carrot, and sprouts from alfalfa, radish, and broccoli). The phylogenetic analysis of the full-length circular genomes grouped these together with previously described representatives of SPHINX/BMMF group 1 and 2 sequences (eight in each group). The characterization of genome lengths, genes present, and conserved structures confirmed their relationship to the known SPHINX/BMMF sequences. Further analysis of iteron-like tandem repeats of SPHINX/BMMF group 1-related genomes revealed a correlation with both full-length sequence tree branches as well as Rep protein sequence tree branches and was able to differentiate subtypes of SPHINX/BMMF group 1 members. For the SPHINX/BMMF group 2 members, a distinct grouping of sequences into two clades (A and B) with subgroups could be detected. A deeper investigation of potential functional regions upstream of the rep gene of the new SPHINX/BMMF group 2 sequences revealed homologies to the dso and sso regions of known plasmid groups that replicate via the rolling circle mechanism. Phylogenetic analyses were accomplished by a Rep protein sequence analysis of different ssDNA viruses, pCRESS, and plasmids with the known replication mechanism, as this yielded deeper insights into the relationship of SPHINX/BMMF group 1 and 2 Rep proteins. A clear relation of these proteins to the Rep proteins of plasmids could be confirmed. Interestingly, for SPHINX/BMMF group 2 members, the relationship to rolling circle replication plasmids could also be verified. Furthermore, a relationship of SPHINX/BMMF group 1 Rep proteins to theta-replicating plasmid Reps is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Habermann
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Nutrition and Food, Hermann-Weigmann-Straße 1, 24103 Kiel, Germany
| | - Martin Klempt
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Nutrition and Food, Hermann-Weigmann-Straße 1, 24103 Kiel, Germany
| | - Charles M A P Franz
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Nutrition and Food, Hermann-Weigmann-Straße 1, 24103 Kiel, Germany
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König MT, Frölich K, Jandowsky A, Knauf-Witzens T, Langner C, Dietrich R, Märtlbauer E, Didier A. First Insights into the Occurrence of Circular Single-Stranded DNA Genomes in Asian and African Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091492. [PMID: 37174530 PMCID: PMC10177065 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular replicase-encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses and other circular DNA agents are increasingly found in various samples and animals. A specific class of these agents-termed bovine meat and milk factors (BMMF)-has been supposed to act as a factor in indirect carcinogenesis in humans. Initial observations attributed the BMMF to European cattle breeds and foodstuffs produced thereof. In the present study, blood and fecal samples from African and Asian cattle were examined. BMMF molecules and genomoviruses were detected in all bovids under study. The majority (79%) of the 29 circular elements could be assigned to BMMF groups 1 and 2, whereas CRESS viruses of the family Genomoviridae accounted for the smaller part (21%). Two genomoviruses belong to the genus Gemykibivirus and one to the genus Gemykrogvirus. The remaining three might be considered as novel species within the genus Gemycircularvirus. The majority of all isolated molecules originated from fecal samples, whereas only three derived from blood. The results from this study expand our knowledge on the diversity and presence of circular DNA in different ruminants that serve for food production in many countries over the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Thérèse König
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schönleutnerstraße 8, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Kai Frölich
- Tierpark Arche Warder, Zentrum für Seltene Nutztierrassen e. V., Langwedeler Weg 11, 24646 Warder, Germany
| | - Anabell Jandowsky
- Tierpark Arche Warder, Zentrum für Seltene Nutztierrassen e. V., Langwedeler Weg 11, 24646 Warder, Germany
| | - Tobias Knauf-Witzens
- Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Gardens Stuttgart, Wilhelma 13, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Christoph Langner
- Stralsund Zoological Garden, Grünhufer Bogen 2, 18437 Stralsund, Germany
| | - Richard Dietrich
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schönleutnerstraße 8, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Erwin Märtlbauer
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schönleutnerstraße 8, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Andrea Didier
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schönleutnerstraße 8, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
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Melnik BC, Stadler R, Weiskirchen R, Leitzmann C, Schmitz G. Potential Pathogenic Impact of Cow’s Milk Consumption and Bovine Milk-Derived Exosomal MicroRNAs in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076102. [PMID: 37047075 PMCID: PMC10094152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence supports an association between cow’s milk consumption and the risk of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma worldwide. This narrative review intends to elucidate the potential impact of milk-related agents, predominantly milk-derived exosomes (MDEs) and their microRNAs (miRs) in lymphomagenesis. Upregulation of PI3K-AKT-mTORC1 signaling is a common feature of DLBCL. Increased expression of B cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) and suppression of B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 (BLIMP1)/PR domain-containing protein 1 (PRDM1) are crucial pathological deviations in DLBCL. Translational evidence indicates that during the breastfeeding period, human MDE miRs support B cell proliferation via epigenetic upregulation of BCL6 (via miR-148a-3p-mediated suppression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and miR-155-5p/miR-29b-5p-mediated suppression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AICDA) and suppression of BLIMP1 (via MDE let-7-5p/miR-125b-5p-targeting of PRDM1). After weaning with the physiological termination of MDE miR signaling, the infant’s BCL6 expression and B cell proliferation declines, whereas BLIMP1-mediated B cell maturation for adequate own antibody production rises. Because human and bovine MDE miRs share identical nucleotide sequences, the consumption of pasteurized cow’s milk in adults with the continued transfer of bioactive bovine MDE miRs may de-differentiate B cells back to the neonatal “proliferation-dominated” B cell phenotype maintaining an increased BLC6/BLIMP1 ratio. Persistent milk-induced epigenetic dysregulation of BCL6 and BLIMP1 expression may thus represent a novel driving mechanism in B cell lymphomagenesis. Bovine MDEs and their miR cargo have to be considered potential pathogens that should be removed from the human food chain.
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Schlemmer HP. [The cancer epidemic : Global significance of cancer and the situation in oncological imaging]. RADIOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 63:49-56. [PMID: 36542107 DOI: 10.1007/s00117-022-01092-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
A significant increase in the incidence of cancer is expected worldwide. In Europe, cancer will soon be the leading cause of death, ahead of cardiovascular disease. Concerted efforts at the scientific, medical, societal, and political levels are required to address this problem on a global scale. High-quality oncological imaging is of particular importance in this regard. Access to it has been shown to have a significant impact on quality of care and survival. Imaging is an essential component of screening and early detection. In clinical oncology, imaging is essential for multidisciplinary diagnostics and personalized therapy. Likewise, imaging is necessary in translational and clinical research. Imaging techniques are also themselves the subject of research and development and, associated with this, are also of great importance as an economic factor. This article aims to provide insights into the global problem of oncology and the contribution that oncological imaging can make to its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heinz-Peter Schlemmer
- Abteilung Radiologie, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland.
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Golan N, Engelberg Y, Landau M. Structural Mimicry in Microbial and Antimicrobial Amyloids. Annu Rev Biochem 2022; 91:403-422. [PMID: 35729071 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-032620-105157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The remarkable variety of microbial species of human pathogens and microbiomes generates significant quantities of secreted amyloids, which are structured protein fibrils that serve diverse functions related to virulence and interactions with the host. Human amyloids are associated largely with fatal neurodegenerative and systemic aggregation diseases, and current research has put forward the hypothesis that the interspecies amyloid interactome has physiological and pathological significance. Moreover, functional and molecular-level connections between antimicrobial activity and amyloid structures suggest a neuroimmune role for amyloids that are otherwise known to be pathological. Compared to the extensive structural information that has been accumulated for human amyloids, high-resolution structures of microbial and antimicrobial amyloids are only emerging. These recent structures reveal both similarities and surprising departures from the typical amyloid motif, in accordance with their diverse activities, and advance the discovery of novel antivirulence and antimicrobial agents. In addition, the structural information has led researchers to postulate that amyloidogenic sequences are natural targets for structural mimicry, for instance in host-microbe interactions. Microbial amyloid research could ultimately be used to fight aggressive infections and possibly processes leading to autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimrod Golan
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel;
| | - Yizhaq Engelberg
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel;
| | - Meytal Landau
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; .,European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and Center for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Hamburg, Germany
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Pohl S, Habermann D, Link EK, Fux R, Boldt CL, Franz CM, Hölzel C, Klempt M. Detection of DNA sequences attributed to bovine meat and milk factors (BMMF/SPHINX) in food-related samples. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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de Villiers EM, zur Hausen H. Bovine Meat and Milk Factors (BMMFs): Their Proposed Role in Common Human Cancers and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215407. [PMID: 34771570 PMCID: PMC8582480 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This manuscript emphasizes the mechanistic differences of infectious agents contributing to human cancers either by “direct” or “indirect” interactions. The epidemiology of cancers linked to direct carcinogens differs (e.g., response to immunosuppression) from those cancers linked with indirect infectious interactions. We discuss their role in colon, breast, and prostate cancers and type II diabetes mellitus. A brief discussion covers the potential role of BMMF (bovine meat and milk factor) infections in acute myeloid leukemia. Abstract Exemplified by infections with bovine meat and milk factors (BMMFs), this manuscript emphasizes the different mechanistic aspects of infectious agents contributing to human cancers by “direct” or “indirect” interactions. The epidemiology of cancers linked to direct carcinogens (e.g., response to immunosuppression) differs from those cancers linked with indirect infectious interactions. Cancers induced by direct infectious carcinogens commonly increase under immunosuppression, whereas the cancer risk by indirect carcinogens is reduced. This influences their responses to preventive and therapeutic interferences. In addition, we discuss their role in colon, breast and prostate cancers and type II diabetes mellitus. A brief discussion covers the potential role of BMMF infections in acute myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethel-Michele de Villiers
- Correspondence: (E.-M.d.V.); (H.z.H.); Tel.: +49-151-4312-3085 (E.-M.d.V.); +49-6221-423850 (H.z.H.)
| | - Harald zur Hausen
- Correspondence: (E.-M.d.V.); (H.z.H.); Tel.: +49-151-4312-3085 (E.-M.d.V.); +49-6221-423850 (H.z.H.)
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Identification and Characterization of Circular Single-Stranded DNA Genomes in Sheep and Goat Milk. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112176. [PMID: 34834982 PMCID: PMC8621823 DOI: 10.3390/v13112176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a variety of circular replicase-encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses and unclassified virus-like DNA elements have been discovered in a broad range of animal species and environmental samples. Key questions to be answered concern their presence in the human diet and their potential impact on disease emergence. Especially DNA elements termed bovine meat and milk factors (BMMF) are suspected to act as co-factors in the development of colon and breast cancer. To expand our knowledge on the occurrence of these potential pathogens in human nutrition, a total of 73 sheep and 40 goat milk samples were assayed by combining rolling circle amplification (RCA), PCR and Sanger sequencing. The present study further includes retail milk from the aforementioned species. We recovered 15 single stranded (ss) circular genomes. Of those, nine belong to the family Genomoviridae and six are members of the unclassified group of BMMF. Thus, dairy sheep and goats add to dispersal of CRESS viruses and circular ssDNA elements, which enter the food chain via milk. The presence of these entities is therefore more widespread in Bovidae than initially assumed and seems to be part of the common human nutrition.
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12
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Marongiu L, Allgayer H. Viruses in colorectal cancer. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:1423-1450. [PMID: 34514694 PMCID: PMC8978519 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that microorganisms might represent at least highly interesting cofactors in colorectal cancer (CRC) oncogenesis and progression. Still, associated mechanisms, specifically in colonocytes and their microenvironmental interactions, are still poorly understood. Although, currently, at least seven viruses are being recognized as human carcinogens, only three of these – Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), human papillomavirus (HPV) and John Cunningham virus (JCV) – have been described, with varying levels of evidence, in CRC. In addition, cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been associated with CRC in some publications, albeit not being a fully acknowledged oncovirus. Moreover, recent microbiome studies set increasing grounds for new hypotheses on bacteriophages as interesting additional modulators in CRC carcinogenesis and progression. The present Review summarizes how particular groups of viruses, including bacteriophages, affect cells and the cellular and microbial microenvironment, thereby putatively contributing to foster CRC. This could be achieved, for example, by promoting several processes – such as DNA damage, chromosomal instability, or molecular aspects of cell proliferation, CRC progression and metastasis – not necessarily by direct infection of epithelial cells only, but also by interaction with the microenvironment of infected cells. In this context, there are striking common features of EBV, CMV, HPV and JCV that are able to promote oncogenesis, in terms of establishing latent infections and affecting p53‐/pRb‐driven, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐/EGFR‐associated and especially Wnt/β‐catenin‐driven pathways. We speculate that, at least in part, such viral impacts on particular pathways might be reflected in lasting (e.g. mutational or further genomic) fingerprints of viruses in cells. Also, the complex interplay between several species within the intestinal microbiome, involving a direct or indirect impact on colorectal and microenvironmental cells but also between, for example, phages and bacterial and viral pathogens, and further novel species certainly might, in part, explain ongoing difficulties to establish unequivocal monocausal links between specific viral infections and CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Marongiu
- Department of Experimental Surgery - Cancer Metastasis, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Heike Allgayer
- Department of Experimental Surgery - Cancer Metastasis, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Analysis of chronic inflammatory lesions of the colon for BMMF Rep antigen expression and CD68 macrophage interactions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2025830118. [PMID: 33723077 PMCID: PMC8000208 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2025830118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine meat and milk factors (BMMF) are routinely found in bovine sera and dairy products, predominantly of Eurasian dairy cattle. BMMF DNA and proteins are demonstrated in tissues of colon cancer patients, specifically interstitial macrophages of peritumor tissues. BMMF represent plasmid-like, zoonotic infectious agents with an indirect role in cancer formation by inducing chronic inflammation leading to oxidative stress and DNA mutation in nearby replicating cells, which may develop into polyps as progenitors for colon cancer. Detection of BMMF during long latency periods prior to symptoms developing allows for specific preventive and early therapeutic measures. Detection of BMMF might offer a prognostic tool for prediction of patient survival, preventive approaches, and therapy success. Consumption of Eurasian bovine meat and milk has been associated with cancer development, in particular with colorectal cancer (CRC). In addition, zoonotic infectious agents from bovine products were proposed to cause colon cancer (zur Hausen et al., 2009). Bovine meat and milk factors (BMMF) are small episomal DNA molecules frequently isolated from bovine sera and milk products, and recently, also from colon cancer (de Villiers et al., 2019). BMMF are bioactive in human cells and were proposed to induce chronic inflammation in precancerous tissue leading to increased radical formation: for example, reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species and elevated levels of DNA mutations in replicating cells, such as cancer progenitor cells (zur Hausen et al., 2018). Mouse monoclonal antibodies against the replication (Rep) protein of H1MSB.1 (BMMF1) were used to analyze BMMF presence in different cohorts of CRC peritumor and tumor tissues and cancer-free individuals by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. BMMF DNA was isolated by laser microdissection from immunohistochemistry-positive tissue regions. We found BMMF Rep protein present specifically in close vicinity of CD68+ macrophages in the interstitial lamina propria adjacent to CRC tissues, suggesting the presence of local chronic inflammation. BMMF1 (modified H1MSB.1) DNA was isolated from the same tissue regions. Rep and CD68+ detection increased significantly in peritumor cancer tissues when compared to tissues of cancer-free individuals. This strengthens previous postulations that BMMF function as indirect carcinogens by inducing chronic inflammation and DNA damage in replicating cells, which represent progress to progenitor cells for adenoma (polyps) formation and cancer.
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Circular Rep-Encoding Single-Stranded DNA Sequences in Milk from Water Buffaloes ( Bubalus arnee f. bubalis). Viruses 2021; 13:v13061088. [PMID: 34200389 PMCID: PMC8228113 DOI: 10.3390/v13061088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Isolation and characterization of circular replicase-encoding single-stranded (ss) DNA from animal, plant and environmental samples are rapidly evolving in virology. We detected 21 circular DNA elements, including one genomoviral sequence, in individual milk samples from domesticated Asian water buffaloes (Bubalus arnee f. bubalis). Most of the obtained genomes are related to Sphinx 1.76 and Sphinx 2.36 sequences and share a high degree of similarity to recently published circular DNAs—named BMMF (bovine meat and milk factors)—that have been isolated from commercial milk, as well as from bovine serum. Characteristic features such as rep genes, tandem repeats and inverted repeats were detected. These BMMF have recently been found to be present in taurine-type dairy cattle breeds descending from the aurochs (Bos primigenius). Importantly, the occurrence of BMMF has been linked to the higher incidence of colorectal and breast cancer in North America and Western Europe compared with Asia. This is the first report of circular ssDNA detected in milk from the domesticated form of the wild Asian water buffalo (B. arnee) belonging to the subfamily Bovinae. This novelty should be taken into account in view of the above-mentioned cancer hypothesis.
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Abstract
This review provides epidemiological and translational evidence for milk and dairy intake as critical risk factors in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Large epidemiological studies in the United States and Europe identified total dairy, milk and butter intake with the exception of yogurt as independent risk factors of HCC. Enhanced activity of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a hallmark of HCC promoted by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). mTORC1 is also activated by milk protein-induced synthesis of hepatic insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), abundant constituents of milk proteins. Over the last decades, annual milk protein-derived BCAA intake increased 3 to 5 times in Western countries. In synergy with HBV- and HCV-induced secretion of hepatocyte-derived exosomes enriched in microRNA-21 (miR-21) and miR-155, exosomes of pasteurized milk as well deliver these oncogenic miRs to the human liver. Thus, milk exosomes operate in a comparable fashion to HBV- or HCV- induced exosomes. Milk-derived miRs synergistically enhance IGF-1-AKT-mTORC1 signaling and promote mTORC1-dependent translation, a meaningful mechanism during the postnatal growth phase, but a long-term adverse effect promoting the development of HCC. Both, dietary BCAA abundance combined with oncogenic milk exosome exposure persistently overstimulate hepatic mTORC1. Chronic alcohol consumption as well as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), two HCC-related conditions, increase BCAA plasma levels. In HCC, mTORC1 is further hyperactivated due to RAB1 mutations as well as impaired hepatic BCAA catabolism, a metabolic hallmark of T2DM. The potential HCC-preventive effect of yogurt may be caused by lactobacilli-mediated degradation of BCAAs, inhibition of branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase via production of intestinal medium-chain fatty acids as well as degradation of milk exosomes including their oncogenic miRs. A restriction of total animal protein intake realized by a vegetable-based diet is recommended for the prevention of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodo C Melnik
- Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
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Intercellular Transmission of a Synthetic Bacterial Cytotoxic Prion-Like Protein in Mammalian Cells. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.02937-19. [PMID: 32291306 PMCID: PMC7157824 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02937-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteotoxic amyloid seeds can be transmitted between mammalian cells, arguing that the intercellular exchange of prion-like protein aggregates can be a common phenomenon. RepA-WH1 is derived from a bacterial intracellular functional amyloid protein, engineered to become cytotoxic in Escherichia coli. Here, we have studied if such bacterial aggregates can also be transmitted to, and become cytotoxic to, mammalian cells. We demonstrate that RepA-WH1 is capable of entering naive cells, thereby inducing the cytotoxic aggregation of a soluble RepA-WH1 variant expressed in the cytosol, following the same trend that had been described in bacteria. These findings highlight the universality of one of the central principles underlying prion biology: No matter the biological origin of a given prion-like protein, it can be transmitted to a phylogenetically unrelated recipient cell, provided that the latter expresses a soluble protein onto which the incoming protein can readily template its amyloid conformation. RepA is a bacterial protein that builds intracellular amyloid oligomers acting as inhibitory complexes of plasmid DNA replication. When carrying a mutation enhancing its amyloidogenesis (A31V), the N-terminal domain (WH1) generates cytosolic amyloid particles that are inheritable within a bacterial lineage. Such amyloids trigger in bacteria a lethal cascade reminiscent of mitochondrial impairment in human cells affected by neurodegeneration. To fulfill all the criteria to qualify as a prion-like protein, horizontal (intercellular) transmissibility remains to be demonstrated for RepA-WH1. Since this is experimentally intractable in bacteria, here we transiently expressed in a murine neuroblastoma cell line the soluble, barely cytotoxic RepA-WH1 wild type [RepA-WH1(WT)] and assayed its response to exposure to in vitro-assembled RepA-WH1(A31V) amyloid fibers. In parallel, murine cells releasing RepA-WH1(A31V) aggregates were cocultured with human neuroblastoma cells expressing RepA-WH1(WT). Both the assembled fibers and donor-derived RepA-WH1(A31V) aggregates induced, in the cytosol of recipient cells, the formation of cytotoxic amyloid particles. Mass spectrometry analyses of the proteomes of both types of injured cells pointed to alterations in mitochondria, protein quality triage, signaling, and intracellular traffic. Thus, a synthetic prion-like protein can be propagated to, and become cytotoxic to, cells of organisms placed at such distant branches of the tree of life as bacteria and mammalia, suggesting that mechanisms of protein aggregate spreading and toxicity follow default pathways.
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