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Morabbi A, Karimian M. Trace and essential elements as vital components to improve the performance of the male reproductive system: Implications in cell signaling pathways. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 83:127403. [PMID: 38340548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Successful male fertilization requires the main processes such as normal spermatogenesis, sperm capacitation, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction. The progress of these processes depends on some endogenous and exogenous factors. So, the optimal level of ions and essential and rare elements such as selenium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, calcium, and so on in various types of cells of the reproductive system could affect conception and male fertility rates. The function of trace elements in the male reproductive system could be exerted through some cellular and molecular processes, such as the management of active oxygen species, involvement in the action of membrane channels, regulation of enzyme activity, regulation of gene expression and hormone levels, and modulation of signaling cascades. In this review, we aim to summarize the available evidence on the role of trace elements in improving male reproductive performance. Also, special attention is paid to the cellular aspects and the involved molecular signaling cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Morabbi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimian
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.
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2
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Mendoza AD, Dietrich N, Tan CH, Herrera D, Kasiah J, Payne Z, Cubillas C, Schneider DL, Kornfeld K. Lysosome-related organelles contain an expansion compartment that mediates delivery of zinc transporters to promote homeostasis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307143121. [PMID: 38330011 PMCID: PMC10873617 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307143121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Zinc is an essential nutrient-it is stored during periods of excess to promote detoxification and released during periods of deficiency to sustain function. Lysosome-related organelles (LROs) are an evolutionarily conserved site of zinc storage, but mechanisms that control the directional zinc flow necessary for homeostasis are not well understood. In Caenorhabditis elegans intestinal cells, the CDF-2 transporter stores zinc in LROs during excess. Here, we identify ZIPT-2.3 as the transporter that releases zinc during deficiency; ZIPT-2.3 transports zinc, localizes to the membrane of LROs in intestinal cells, and is necessary for zinc release from LROs and survival during zinc deficiency. In zinc excess and deficiency, the expression levels of CDF-2 and ZIPT-2.3 are reciprocally regulated at the level of mRNA and protein, establishing a fundamental mechanism for directional flow to promote homeostasis. To elucidate how the ratio of CDF-2 and ZIPT-2.3 is altered, we used super-resolution microscopy to demonstrate that LROs are composed of a spherical acidified compartment and a hemispherical expansion compartment. The expansion compartment increases in volume during zinc excess and deficiency. These results identify the expansion compartment as an unexpected structural feature of LROs that facilitates rapid transitions in the composition of zinc transporters to mediate homeostasis, likely minimizing the disturbance to the acidified compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelita D. Mendoza
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Nicholas Dietrich
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Chieh-Hsiang Tan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Daniel Herrera
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Jennysue Kasiah
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Zachary Payne
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Ciro Cubillas
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Daniel L. Schneider
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Kerry Kornfeld
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
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3
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Wang R, Ren Y, Javad HU, Zhou Z, Jiang W, Shu X. Dietary Dihydromyricetin Zinc Chelate Supplementation Improves the Intestinal Health of Magang Geese. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04065-z. [PMID: 38263355 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04065-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
To fulfill the nutritional requirements of poultry, effective Zn supplementation is required due to Zn deficiency in basic feed. In this study, we investigated the effects of DMY-Zn (dihydromyricetin zinc chelate) on the growth performance, morphology, and biochemical indices; the expression of intestinal barrier-related genes; the intestinal microflora; and the cecum metabolome of Magang geese. A total of 300 14-day-old Magang geese (equal number of males and females) with an average body weight of 0.82 ± 0.08 kg were randomly divided into five groups and fed a basal diet; these groups were given DMY-Zn (low, medium, or high level of DMY-Zn with 30, 55, or 80 mg/kg Zn added to the basal diet) or ZnSO4 (80 mg/kg Zn added) for 4 weeks. Our results revealed that DMY-Zn significantly impacts growth and biochemical indices and plays a significant role in regulating the intestinal barrier and microflora. DMY-Zn is involved in the upregulation of intestinal barrier gene (ZO1 and MUC2) expression, as well as upregulated Zn-related gene expression (ZIP5). On the other hand, a low concentration of DMY-Zn increased the ɑ diversity index and the abundance of Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium. Additionally, a cecal metabolomics study showed that the main metabolic pathways affected by DMY-Zn were the pentose phosphate pathway, the biosynthesis of different alkaloids, and the metabolism of sphingolipids. In conclusion, DMY-Zn can reduce feed intake, increase the expression of intestinal barrier-related genes, help maintain the intestinal microflora balance, and increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the intestine to improve intestinal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renkai Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanli Ren
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hafiz Umer Javad
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhongkai University of Agricultural Engineering, 24 East Sand Street, Guangzhou, 510225, China
- Guangxi College and University Key Laboratory of High-Value Utilization of Seafood and Prepared Food in Beibu Gulf, College of Food Engineering, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou, China
| | - Zhiqing Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiyin Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xugang Shu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhongkai University of Agricultural Engineering, 24 East Sand Street, Guangzhou, 510225, China.
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4
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Deng YJ, Wang XG, Li Z, Wang B, Li J, Ma J, Xue X, Tian X, Liu QC, Liu JY, Zhang Y, Yuan B. Comprehensive analysis of senescence-related genes and immune infiltration in intervertebral disc degeneration: a meta-data approach utilizing bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1296782. [PMID: 38187091 PMCID: PMC10770860 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1296782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to identify the key senescence genes and potential regulatory mechanisms that contribute to the etiology of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Method: We analyzed GSE34095 and GSE70362 datasets, identifying key senescence-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in IDD using lasso regression. Risk scores classified patients into high- and low-risk groups. We compared pathways, functions, and immune infiltration between these groups. Diagnostic ability was assessed using ROC curves and a nomogram predicted IDD incidence. In single-cell dataset GSE165722, we evaluated expression of key senescence-related DEGs. Results: We identified 12 key senescence-related DEGs distinguishing high- and low-risk IDD patients. Enrichment analysis revealed cellular stress response, apoptotic signaling pathway, and protein kinase activation differences. Immune cell analysis showed elevated eosinophils in low-risk group and increased effector memory CD8 T, central memory CD4 T, myeloid-derived suppressor, natural killer, monocyte, Type 1 T helper, plasmacytoid dendritic, and natural killer T cells in high-risk group. A nomogram using AUC >0.75 genes (CXCL8, MAP4K4, MINK1, and TNIK) predicted IDD incidence with good diagnostic power. High senescence scores were observed in neutrophils. Conclusion: Our diagnostic model, based on key senescence-related DEGs and immune cell infiltration, offers new insights into IDD pathogenesis and immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bin Yuan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xi’an Daxing Hospital, Yanan University, Xi’an, China
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5
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Sharma AK, Finney L, Vogt S, Vatamaniuk OK, Kim S. Cadmium alters whole animal ionome and promotes the re-distribution of iron in intestinal cells of Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1258540. [PMID: 37822680 PMCID: PMC10562743 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1258540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The chronic exposure of humans to the toxic metal cadmium (Cd), either occupational or from food and air, causes various diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions, dysfunction of vital organs, and cancer. While the toxicology of Cd and its effect on the homeostasis of biologically relevant elements is increasingly recognized, the spatial distribution of Cd and other elements in Cd toxicity-caused diseases is still poorly understood. Here, we use Caenorhabditis elegans as a non-mammalian multicellular model system to determine the distribution of Cd at the tissue and cellular resolution and its effect on the internal levels and the distribution of biologically relevant elements. Using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS), we show that exposure of worms to Cd not only led to its internal accumulation but also significantly altered the C. elegans ionome. Specifically, Cd treatment was associated with increased levels of toxic elements such as arsenic (As) and rubidium (Rb) and a decreased accumulation of essential elements such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca), cobalt (Co) and, depending on the Cd-concentration used in the assay, iron (Fe). We regarded these changes as an ionomic signature of Cd toxicity in C. elegans. We also show that supplementing nematode growth medium with Zn but not Cu, rescues Cd toxicity and that mutant worms lacking Zn transporters CDF-1 or SUR-7, or both are more sensitive to Cd toxicity. Finally, using synchrotron X-Ray fluorescence Microscopy (XRF), we showed that Cd significantly alters the spatial distribution of mineral elements. The effect of Cd on the distribution of Fe was particularly striking: while Fe was evenly distributed in intestinal cells of worms grown without Cd, in the presence of Cd, Fe, and Cd co-localized in punctum-like structures in the intestinal cells. Together, this study advances our understanding of the effect of Cd on the accumulation and distribution of biologically relevant elements. Considering that C. elegans possesses the principal tissues and cell types as humans, our data may have important implications for future therapeutic developments aiming to alleviate Cd-related pathologies in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuj Kumar Sharma
- Section of Plant Biology, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Lydia Finney
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, United States
| | - Stefan Vogt
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, United States
| | - Olena K. Vatamaniuk
- Section of Plant Biology, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Section of Plant Biology, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Cai H, Bao Y, Cheng H, Ge X, Zhang M, Feng X, Zheng Y, He J, Wei Y, Liu C, Li L, Huang L, Wang F, Chen X, Chen P, Yang X. Zinc homeostasis may reverse the synergistic neurotoxicity of heavy metal mixtures in Caenorhabditis elegans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 868:161699. [PMID: 36682567 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal mixtures can cause nerve damage. However, the combined effects of metal mixtures are extremely complex and rarely studied. Zinc (Zn) homeostasis plays an integral role in neural function, but the role of Zn homeostasis in the toxicity of metal mixtures is not well understood. Here, we investigated the combined effects of manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) on nerves and the effect of Zn homeostasis on metal toxicity. Caenorhabditis elegans (Maupas, 1900) were exposed to single and multiple metals for 8 days, their movement, behavior, neurons and metal concentration were detected to evaluate the combined effect of metal mixtures. After nematodes were co-treated with metal mixtures and Zn, the nerve function, Zn concentration and redox balance were detected to evaluate the effect of Zn homeostasis on metal toxicity. The results showed that Mn + Pb and Pb + As mixtures induced synergistic toxicity for nematode nerves, which damaged movement, behavior and neurons, and decreased Zn concentration. While Zn supplementation recovered Zn homeostasis and promoted redox balance on nematodes, and then improved the nerve function. Our study demonstrated the combined effects of metal mixtures and the neuroprotective effect of Zn homeostasis. Therefore, assessment of metal mixtures toxicity should consider their interaction and the impacts of essential metals homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Cai
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yu Bao
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hong Cheng
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoting Ge
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Research on Medical Engineering Integration and Innovation, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Mengdi Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiuming Feng
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuan Zheng
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Junxiu He
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yue Wei
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Chaoqun Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Longman Li
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Lulu Huang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xing Chen
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Pan Chen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Xiaobo Yang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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Casorla-Perez LA, Guennoun R, Cubillas C, Peng B, Kornfeld K, Wang D. Orsay Virus Infection of Caenorhabditis elegans Is Modulated by Zinc and Dependent on Lipids. J Virol 2022; 96:e0121122. [PMID: 36342299 PMCID: PMC9682997 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01211-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses utilize host lipids to promote the viral life cycle, but much remains unknown as to how this is regulated. Zinc is a critical element for life, and few studies have linked zinc to lipid homeostasis. We demonstrated that Caenorhabditis elegans infection by Orsay virus is dependent upon lipids and that mutation of the master regulator of lipid biosynthesis, sbp-1, reduced Orsay virus RNA levels by ~236-fold. Virus infection could be rescued by dietary supplementation with lipids downstream of fat-6/fat-7. Mutation of a zinc transporter encoded by sur-7, which suppresses the lipid defect of sbp-1, also rescued Orsay virus infection. Furthermore, reducing zinc levels by chemical chelation in the sbp-1 mutant also increased lipids and rescued Orsay virus RNA levels. Finally, increasing zinc levels by dietary supplementation led to an ~1,620-fold reduction in viral RNA. These findings provide insights into the critical interactions between zinc and host lipids necessary for virus infection. IMPORTANCE Orsay virus is the only known natural virus pathogen of Caenorhabditis elegans, which shares many evolutionarily conserved pathways with humans. We leveraged the powerful genetic tractability of C. elegans to characterize a novel interaction between zinc, lipids, and virus infection. Inhibition of the Orsay virus replication in the sbp-1 mutant animals, explained by the lipid depletion, can be rescued by a genetic and pharmacological approach that reduces the zinc accumulation and rescues the lipid levels in this mutant animal. Interestingly, the human ortholog of sbp-1, srebp-1, has been reported to play a role for virus infection, and zinc has been shown to inhibit the virus replication of multiple viruses. However, the mechanism through which zinc is acting is not well understood. These results suggest that the lipid regulation mediated by zinc may play a relevant role during mammalian virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ranya Guennoun
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ciro Cubillas
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Bo Peng
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kerry Kornfeld
- Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David Wang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department Pathology & Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Zinc transporters ZIPT-2.4 and ZIPT-15 are required for normal C. elegans fecundity. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1261-1276. [PMID: 35501415 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02495-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The requirement of zinc for the development and maturation of germ lines and reproductive systems is deeply conserved across evolution. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans offers a tractable platform to study the complex system of distributing zinc to the germ line. We investigated several zinc importers to investigate how zinc transporters play a role in the reproductive system in nematodes, as well as establish a platform to study zinc transporter biology in germline and reproductive development. METHODS Previous high throughput transcriptional datasets as well as phylogenetic analysis identified several putative zinc transporters that have a function in reproduction in worms. Phenotypic analysis of CRISPR-generated knockouts and tags included characterization of offspring output, gonad development, and protein localization. Light and immunofluorescence microscopy allowed for visualization of physiological and molecular effects of zinc transporter mutations. RESULTS Disruption of two zinc transporters, ZIPT-2.4 and ZIPT-15, was shown to lead to defects in reproductive output. A mutation in zipt-2.4 has subtle effects on reproduction, while a mutation in zipt-15 has a clear impact on gonad and germline development that translates into a more pronounced defect in fecundity. Both transporters have germline expression, as well as additional expression in other cell types. CONCLUSIONS Two ZIP-family zinc transporter orthologs of human ZIP6/10 and ZIP1/2/3 proteins are important for full reproductive fecundity and participate in development of the gonad. Notably, these zinc transporters are present in gut and reproductive tissues in addition to the germ line, consistent with a complex zinc trafficking network important for reproductive success.
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Yuan S, Korolnek T, Kim BE. Oral Elesclomol Treatment Alleviates Copper Deficiency in Animal Models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:856300. [PMID: 35433682 PMCID: PMC9010564 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.856300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element for key biochemical reactions. Dietary or genetic copper deficiencies are associated with anemia, cardiomyopathy, and neurodegeneration. The essential requirement for copper in humans is illustrated by Menkes disease, a fatal neurodegenerative disorder of early childhood caused by mutations in the ATP7A copper transporter. Recent groundbreaking studies have demonstrated that a copper delivery small molecule compound, elesclomol (ES), is able to substantially ameliorate pathology and lethality in a mouse model of Menkes disease when injected as an ES-Cu2+ complex. It is well appreciated that drugs administered through oral means are more convenient with better efficacy than injection methods. Here we show, using genetic models of copper-deficient C. elegans and mice, that dietary ES supplementation fully rescues copper deficiency phenotypes. Worms lacking either the homolog of the CTR1 copper importer or the ATP7 copper exporter showed normal development when fed ES. Oral gavage with ES rescued intestine-specific Ctr1 knockout mice from early postnatal lethality without additional copper supplementation. Our findings reveal that ES facilitates copper delivery from dietary sources independent of the intestinal copper transporter CTR1 and provide insight into oral administration of ES as an optimal therapeutic for Menkes disease and possibly other disorders of copper insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Yuan
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Tamara Korolnek
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Byung-Eun Kim
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
- Biological Sciences Graduate Program, College Park, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Byung-Eun Kim,
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10
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Zhao H, Liu D, Yan Q, Bian X, Yu J, Wang J, Cheng X, Xu Z. Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/Ca 2+-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Pathway Plays a Role in the Regulation of Cellular Zinc Deficiency in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury. Front Physiol 2022; 12:736920. [PMID: 35069232 PMCID: PMC8766834 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.736920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc homeostasis has been known to play a role in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, but the precise molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of ZIP transporters during reperfusion are still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether ER Stress/CaMKII/STAT3 pathway plays a role in the regulation of cellular zinc homeostasis. Zinc deficiency increased mRNA and protein expressions of the ER stress relevant markers Chop and Bip, and STAT3 phosphorylation in H9c2 or HL-1 cells, an effect that was abolished by ZnCl2. ER calcium concentration [(Ca2+)ER] was decreased and cytosolic calcium concentration [(Ca2+)I] was increased at the condition of normoxia or ischemia/reperfusion, indicating that zinc deficiency triggers ER stress and Ca2+ leak. Further studies showed that upregulation of STAT3 phosphorylation was reversed by Ca2+ chelator, indicating that intracellular Ca2+ is important for zinc deficiency-induced STAT3 activation. In support, zinc deficiency enhanced ryanodine receptors (RyR), a channel in the ER that mediate Ca2+ release, and Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII) phosphorylation, implying that zinc deficiency provoked Ca2+ leak from ER via RyR and p-CaMKII is involved in STAT3 activation. Moreover, inhibition of STAT3 activation blocked zinc deficiency induced ZIP9 expression, and resulted in increased Zn2+ loss in cardiomyocytes, further confirming that STAT3 activation during reperfusion promotes the expression of ZIP9 zinc transporter to correct the imbalance in zinc homeostasis. In addition, suppressed STAT3 activation aggravated reperfusion injury. These data suggest that the ER Stress/CaMKII/STAT3 axis may be an endogenous protective mechanism, which increases the resistance of the heart to I/R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiumei Yan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiyun Bian
- Central Laboratory, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Epigenetics for Organ Development in Preterm Infants, The Fifth Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinxin Cheng
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhelong Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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11
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Tan CH, Kornfeld K. Zinc is an intracellular signal during sperm activation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Development 2021; 148:273336. [PMID: 34739028 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sperm activation is a rapid and dramatic cell differentiation event that does not involve changes in transcription, and the signaling cascades that mediate this process have not been fully defined. zipt-7.1 encodes a zinc transporter, and zipt-7.1(lf) mutants display sperm-activation defects, leading to the hypothesis that zinc signaling mediates sperm activation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, we describe the development of a method for dynamic imaging of labile zinc during sperm activation using the zinc-specific fluorescence probe FluoZin-3 AM and time-lapse confocal imaging. Two phases of dynamic changes in labile zinc levels were observed during sperm activation. Forced zinc entry using the zinc ionophore pyrithione activated sperm in vitro, and it suppressed the defects of zipt-7.1(lf) mutants, indicating that high levels of cytosolic zinc are sufficient for sperm activation. We compared activation by zinc pyrithione to activation by extracellular zinc, the Na+/H+ antiporter monensin and the protease cocktail pronase in multiple mutant backgrounds. These results indicate that the protease pathway does not require zinc signaling, suggesting that zinc signaling is sufficient to activate sperm but is not always necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Hsiang Tan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kerry Kornfeld
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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12
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Evans KS, Zdraljevic S, Stevens L, Collins K, Tanny RE, Andersen EC. Natural variation in the sequestosome-related gene, sqst-5, underlies zinc homeostasis in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008986. [PMID: 33175833 PMCID: PMC7682890 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc is an essential trace element that acts as a co-factor for many enzymes and transcription factors required for cellular growth and development. Altering intracellular zinc levels can produce dramatic effects ranging from cell proliferation to cell death. To avoid such fates, cells have evolved mechanisms to handle both an excess and a deficiency of zinc. Zinc homeostasis is largely maintained via zinc transporters, permeable channels, and other zinc-binding proteins. Variation in these proteins might affect their ability to interact with zinc, leading to either increased sensitivity or resistance to natural zinc fluctuations in the environment. We can leverage the power of the roundworm nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a tractable metazoan model for quantitative genetics to identify genes that could underlie variation in responses to zinc. We found that the laboratory-adapted strain (N2) is resistant and a natural isolate from Hawaii (CB4856) is sensitive to micromolar amounts of exogenous zinc supplementation. Using a panel of recombinant inbred lines, we identified two large-effect quantitative trait loci (QTL) on the left arm of chromosome III and the center of chromosome V that are associated with zinc responses. We validated and refined both QTL using near-isogenic lines (NILs) and identified a naturally occurring deletion in sqst-5, a sequestosome-related gene, that is associated with resistance to high exogenous zinc. We found that this deletion is relatively common across strains within the species and that variation in sqst-5 is associated with zinc resistance. Our results offer a possible mechanism for how organisms can respond to naturally high levels of zinc in the environment and how zinc homeostasis varies among individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn S. Evans
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Stefan Zdraljevic
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Lewis Stevens
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kimberly Collins
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Robyn E. Tanny
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Erik C. Andersen
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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13
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The Role of Zinc in Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207796. [PMID: 33096823 PMCID: PMC7589359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies proposed the importance of zinc ion in male fertility. Here, we describe the properties, roles and cellular mechanisms of action of Zn2+ in spermatozoa, focusing on its involvement in sperm motility, capacitation and acrosomal exocytosis, three functions that are crucial for successful fertilization. The impact of zinc supplementation on assisted fertilization techniques is also described. The impact of zinc on sperm motility has been investigated in many vertebrate and invertebrate species. It has been reported that Zn2+ in human seminal plasma decreases sperm motility and that Zn2+ removal enhances motility. Reduction in the intracellular concentration of Zn2+ during epididymal transit allows the development of progressive motility and the subsequent hyper activated motility during sperm capacitation. Extracellular Zn2+ affects intracellular signaling pathways through its interaction with the Zn2+ sensing receptor (ZnR), also named GPR39. This receptor was found in the sperm tail and the acrosome, suggesting the possible involvement of Zn2+ in sperm motility and acrosomal exocytosis. Our studies showed that Zn2+ stimulates bovine sperm acrosomal exocytosis, as well as human sperm hyper-activated motility, were both mediated by GPR39. Zn2+ binds and activates GPR39, which activates the trans-membrane-adenylyl-cyclase (tmAC) to catalyze cAMP production. The NHE (Na+/H+-exchanger) is activated by cAMP, leading in increased pHi and activation of the sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper, resulting in an increase in [Ca2+]i, which, together with HCO3−, activates the soluble adenylyl-cyclase (sAC). The increase in [cAMP]i activates protein kinase A (PKA), followed by activation of the Src-epidermal growth factor receptor-Pphospholipase C (Src-EGFR-PLC) cascade, resulting in inositol-triphosphate (IP3) production, which mobilizes Ca2+ from the acrosome, causing a further increase in [Ca2+]i and the development of hyper-activated motility. PKA also activates phospholipase D1 (PLD1), leading to F-actin formation during capacitation. Prior to the acrosomal exocytosis, PLC induces phosphadidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) hydrolysis, leading to the release of the actin-severing protein gelsolin to the cytosol, which is activated by Ca2+, resulting in F-actin breakdown and the occurrence of acrosomal exocytosis.
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14
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Earley BJ, Mendoza AD, Tan CH, Kornfeld K. Zinc homeostasis and signaling in the roundworm C. elegans. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1868:118882. [PMID: 33017595 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
C. elegans is a powerful model for studies of zinc biology. Here we review recent discoveries and emphasize the advantages of this model organism. Methods for manipulating and measuring zinc levels have been developed in or adapted to the worm. The C. elegans genome encodes highly conserved zinc transporters, and their expression and function are beginning to be characterized. Homeostatic mechanisms have evolved to respond to high and low zinc conditions. The pathway for high zinc homeostasis has been recently elucidated based on the discovery of the master regulator of high zinc homeostasis, HIZR-1. A parallel pathway for low zinc homeostasis is beginning to emerge based on the discovery of the Low Zinc Activation promoter element. Zinc has been established to play a role in two cell fate determination events, and accumulating evidence suggests zinc may function as a second messenger signaling molecule during vulval cell development and sperm activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Earley
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
| | - Adelita D Mendoza
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
| | - Chieh-Hsiang Tan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, United States of America
| | - Kerry Kornfeld
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America.
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15
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Chowanadisai W, Hart MD, Strong MD, Graham DM, Rucker RB, Smith BJ, Keen CL, Messerli MA. Genetic and Genomic Advances in Developmental Models: Applications for Nutrition Research. Adv Nutr 2020; 11:971-978. [PMID: 32135011 PMCID: PMC7360451 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmaa022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing appreciation that dietary components influence and interact with genes important to metabolism. How such influences impact developmental regulation and programming or risks of chronic diseases remains unclear. Nutrition is recognized to affect development and chronic diseases, but our understanding about how genes essential to nutrient metabolism regulate development and impact risks of these diseases remains unclear. Historically, mammalian models, especially rodents such as rats and mice, have been the primary models used for nutrition and developmental nutrition science, although their complexity and relatively slow rate of development often compromise rapid progress in resolving fundamental, genetic-related questions. Accordingly, the objective of this review is to highlight the opportunities for developmental models in the context of uncovering the function of gene products that are relevant to human nutrition and provide the scientific bases for these opportunities. We present recent studies in zebrafish related to obesity as applications of developmental models in nutritional science. Although the control of external factors and dependent variables, such as nutrition, can be a challenge, suggestions for standardizations related to diet are made to improve consistency in findings between laboratories. The review also highlights the need for standardized diets across different developmental models, which could improve consistency in findings across laboratories. Alternative and developmental animal models have advantages and largely untapped potential for the advancement of nutrigenomics and nutritionally relevant research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew D Hart
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Morgan D Strong
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - David M Graham
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Robert B Rucker
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Brenda J Smith
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Carl L Keen
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Mark A Messerli
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
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16
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Eide DJ. Transcription factors and transporters in zinc homeostasis: lessons learned from fungi. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 55:88-110. [PMID: 32192376 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2020.1742092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Zinc is an essential nutrient for all organisms because this metal serves as a critical structural or catalytic cofactor for many proteins. These zinc-dependent proteins are abundant in the cytosol as well as within organelles of eukaryotic cells such as the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, and storage compartments such as the fungal vacuole. Therefore, cells need zinc transporters so that they can efficiently take up the metal and move it around within cells. In addition, because zinc levels in the environment can vary drastically, the activity of many of these transporters and other components of zinc homeostasis is regulated at the level of transcription by zinc-responsive transcription factors. Mechanisms of post-transcriptional control are also important for zinc homeostasis. In this review, the focus will be on our current knowledge of zinc transporters and their regulation by zinc-responsive transcription factors and other mechanisms in fungi because these organisms have served as useful paradigms of zinc homeostasis in all organisms. With this foundation, extension to other organisms will be made where warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Eide
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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17
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Shao H, Wang D. Long-term and low-dose exposure to nanopolystyrene induces a protective strategy to maintain functional state of intestine barrier in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 258:113649. [PMID: 31767235 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Functional state of intestinal barrier plays an important role for environmental animals in being against various toxicants. We investigated GATA transcriptional factor ELT-2-mediated intestinal response to nanopolystyrere in Caenorhabditis elegans. Prolonged exposure to nanopolystyrene (≥1 μg/L) induced an increase in expression of ELT-2, and intestinal RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of elt-2 caused enhancement in intestinal permeability. Meanwhile, mutation of elt-2 resulted in susceptibility to nanopolystyrene toxicity, and ELT-2 functioned in intestine to regulate the nanopolystyrene toxicity. ERM-1, CLEC-63, and CLEC-85 were identified as targets of ELT-2 in regulating the nanopolystyrene toxicity. ERM-1 was required for maintaining functional state in intestinal barrier, and functioned synergistically with CLEC-63 or CLEC-85 to regulate nanopolystyrene toxicity. Therefore, activation of intestinal ELT-2 by nanopolystyrere could mediate a protective strategy to maintain the functional state of intestinal barrier. During this process, intestinal ELT-2 activated two different molecular signals (ERM-1 signal and CLEC-63/85 signal) for nematodes against the nanopolystyrene toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Shao
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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18
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Afonso J, Coutinho LL, Tizioto PC, da Silva Diniz WJ, de Lima AO, Rocha MIP, Buss CE, Andrade BGN, Piaya O, da Silva JV, Lins LA, Gromboni CF, Nogueira ARA, Fortes MRS, Mourao GB, de Almeida Regitano LC. Muscle transcriptome analysis reveals genes and metabolic pathways related to mineral concentration in Bos indicus. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12715. [PMID: 31481722 PMCID: PMC6722098 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49089-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mineral content affects the biological processes underlying beef quality. Muscle mineral concentration depends not only on intake-outtake balance and muscle type, but also on age, environment, breed, and genetic factors. To unveil the genetic factors involved in muscle mineral concentration, we applied a pairwise differential gene expression analysis in groups of Nelore steers genetically divergent for nine different mineral concentrations. Here, based on significant expression differences between contrasting groups, we presented candidate genes for the genetic regulation of mineral concentration in muscle. Functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction network analyses were carried out to search for gene regulatory processes concerning each mineral. The core genetic regulation for all minerals studied, except Zn, seems to rest on interactions between components of the extracellular matrix. Regulation of adipogenesis-related pathways was also significant in our results. Antagonistic patterns of gene expression for fatty acid metabolism-related genes may explain the Cu and Zn antagonistic effect on fatty acid accumulation. Our results shed light on the role of these minerals on cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Afonso
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Andressa Oliveira de Lima
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Marina Ibelli Pereira Rocha
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Buss
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | | | - Otávio Piaya
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | | | - Laura Albuquerque Lins
- Animal Science department, Laboratory of Molecular Genetics. São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marina Rufino Salinas Fortes
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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19
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Chapman EM, Lant B, Ohashi Y, Yu B, Schertzberg M, Go C, Dogra D, Koskimäki J, Girard R, Li Y, Fraser AG, Awad IA, Abdelilah-Seyfried S, Gingras AC, Derry WB. A conserved CCM complex promotes apoptosis non-autonomously by regulating zinc homeostasis. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1791. [PMID: 30996251 PMCID: PMC6470173 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09829-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptotic death of cells damaged by genotoxic stress requires regulatory input from surrounding tissues. The C. elegans scaffold protein KRI-1, ortholog of mammalian KRIT1/CCM1, permits DNA damage-induced apoptosis of cells in the germline by an unknown cell non-autonomous mechanism. We reveal that KRI-1 exists in a complex with CCM-2 in the intestine to negatively regulate the ERK-5/MAPK pathway. This allows the KLF-3 transcription factor to facilitate expression of the SLC39 zinc transporter gene zipt-2.3, which functions to sequester zinc in the intestine. Ablation of KRI-1 results in reduced zinc sequestration in the intestine, inhibition of IR-induced MPK-1/ERK1 activation, and apoptosis in the germline. Zinc localization is also perturbed in the vasculature of krit1-/- zebrafish, and SLC39 zinc transporters are mis-expressed in Cerebral Cavernous Malformations (CCM) patient tissues. This study provides new insights into the regulation of apoptosis by cross-tissue communication, and suggests a link between zinc localization and CCM disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Chapman
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, ON, Canada
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, M5G 0A4, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin Lant
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, M5G 0A4, ON, Canada
| | - Yota Ohashi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, ON, Canada
| | - Bin Yu
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, M5G 0A4, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Schertzberg
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E1, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher Go
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, ON, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, M5G 1X5, ON, Canada
| | - Deepika Dogra
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam University, Potsdam, 14476, Germany
| | - Janne Koskimäki
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Romuald Girard
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Yan Li
- University of Chicago Center for Research Informatics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Andrew G Fraser
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, ON, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E1, ON, Canada
| | - Issam A Awad
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | | | - Anne-Claude Gingras
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, ON, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, M5G 1X5, ON, Canada
| | - W Brent Derry
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, ON, Canada.
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, M5G 0A4, ON, Canada.
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20
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Zhao Y, Tan CH, Krauchunas A, Scharf A, Dietrich N, Warnhoff K, Yuan Z, Druzhinina M, Gu SG, Miao L, Singson A, Ellis RE, Kornfeld K. The zinc transporter ZIPT-7.1 regulates sperm activation in nematodes. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2005069. [PMID: 29879108 PMCID: PMC5991658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2005069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm activation is a fascinating example of cell differentiation, in which immotile spermatids undergo a rapid and dramatic transition to become mature, motile sperm. Because the sperm nucleus is transcriptionally silent, this transition does not involve transcriptional changes. Although Caenorhabditis elegans is a leading model for studies of sperm activation, the mechanisms by which signaling pathways induce this transformation remain poorly characterized. Here we show that a conserved transmembrane zinc transporter, ZIPT-7.1, regulates the induction of sperm activation in Caenorhabditis nematodes. The zipt-7.1 mutant hermaphrodites cannot self-fertilize, and males reproduce poorly, because mutant spermatids are defective in responding to activating signals. The zipt-7.1 gene is expressed in the germ line and functions in germ cells to promote sperm activation. When expressed in mammalian cells, ZIPT-7.1 mediates zinc transport with high specificity and is predominantly located on internal membranes. Finally, genetic epistasis places zipt-7.1 at the end of the spe-8 sperm activation pathway, and ZIPT-7.1 binds SPE-4, a presenilin that regulates sperm activation. Based on these results, we propose a new model for sperm activation. In spermatids, inactive ZIPT-7.1 is localized to the membranous organelles, which contain higher levels of zinc than the cytoplasm. When sperm activation is triggered, ZIPT-7.1 activity increases, releasing zinc from internal stores. The resulting increase in cytoplasmic zinc promotes the phenotypic changes characteristic of activation. Thus, zinc signaling is a key step in the signal transduction process that mediates sperm activation, and we have identified a zinc transporter that is central to this activation process. Sperm are specialized cells with transcriptionally silent DNA that has been packaged for delivery into the egg. In their final step of development, immature sperm undergo a rapid transition from nonmotile cells to mature, motile sperm capable of fertilization. The signals that trigger this change are not clearly understood. By identifying mutants in the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans that are defective in sperm activation, we discovered a conserved transmembrane protein, ZIPT-7.1, that transports zinc and promotes sperm activation in both sexes. ZIPT-7.1 is expressed in the germ line and functions there to control sperm activation. When expressed ectopically in mammalian cells, the protein specifically transports zinc across membranes and localizes primarily to membranes within the cell. Previous genetic studies had identified two pathways that mediate sperm activation in C. elegans, and our results suggest that zipt-7.1 acts at the end of one of these two, the spe-8 pathway. We propose that when this pathway triggers sperm activation, it acts through ZIPT-7.1, which mediates the release of zinc from internal stores in the immature sperm. This released zinc functions as a second messenger to promote the differentiation of mature, motile sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Molecular Biology, Rowan University SOM, Stratford, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Chieh-Hsiang Tan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Amber Krauchunas
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Andrea Scharf
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Nicholas Dietrich
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Kurt Warnhoff
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Zhiheng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Marina Druzhinina
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Sam Guoping Gu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Long Miao
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Andrew Singson
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Ronald E. Ellis
- Department of Molecular Biology, Rowan University SOM, Stratford, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail: (REE); (KK)
| | - Kerry Kornfeld
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail: (REE); (KK)
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21
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Abstract
Zinc is an essential mineral, but our understanding of its uses in the body is limited. Capitalizing on approaches available in the model system Caenorhabditis elegans, Zhao and colleagues show that zinc transduces a signal that induces sperm to become motile. This is an enigmatic process because sperm in all sexually-reproducing animals are transcriptionally inactive. Zinc levels inside sperm are regulated by an evolutionarily conserved zinc transporter called Zrt- and Irt-like Protein Transporter 7.1 (ZIPT-7.1). This zinc transporter localizes to intracellular organelles, suggesting that it primarily controls zinc levels by releasing zinc into the cytoplasm from internal stores rather than importing it from the external environment. The zinc released within cells acts as a messenger in a signaling pathway to promote mobility acquisition. These studies reveal an important role for zinc as an intracellular second messenger that generates physiological changes vital for sperm motility and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana S. Chu
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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