In vitro photooxidation of nucleic acids by ultraviolet A radiation

Ionizing radiation responses appear incidental to desiccation responses in the bdelloid rotifer Adineta vaga

BACKGROUND

The remarkable resistance to ionizing radiation found in anhydrobiotic organisms, such as some bacteria, tardigrades, and bdelloid rotifers has been hypothesized to be incidental to their desiccation resistance. Both stresses produce reactive oxygen species and cause damage to DNA and other macromolecules. However, this hypothesis has only been investigated in a few species.

RESULTS

In this study, we analyzed the transcriptomic response of the bdelloid rotifer Adineta vaga to desiccation and to low- (X-rays) and high- (Fe) LET radiation to highlight the molecular and genetic mechanisms triggered by both stresses. We identified numerous genes encoding antioxidants, but also chaperones, that are constitutively highly expressed, which may contribute to the protection of proteins against oxidative stress during desiccation and ionizing radiation. We also detected a transcriptomic response common to desiccation and ionizing radiation with the over-expression of genes mainly involved in DNA repair and protein modifications but also genes with unknown functions that were bdelloid-specific. A distinct transcriptomic response specific to rehydration was also found, with the over-expression of genes mainly encoding Late Embryogenesis Abundant proteins, specific heat shock proteins, and glucose repressive proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the extreme resistance of bdelloid rotifers to radiation might indeed be a consequence of their capacity to resist complete desiccation. This study paves the way to functional genetic experiments on A. vaga targeting promising candidate proteins playing central roles in radiation and desiccation resistance.

DEAD box RNA helicases protect Antarctic Pseudomonas syringae Lz4W against oxidative stress

DEAD box RNA helicases are involved in important cellular processes like RNA metabolism (Processing and Degradation), ribosome biogenesis and translation. Besides being crucial to the formation of cold adapted degradosomes, RNA helicases have been implicated in structural rearrangement of RNA, implying a role in alleviation of RNA secondary structure stabilization at low temperature. This study depicts the results of experiments on protective role played by DEAD box RNA helicases against nucleic acid damaging agents. RNA helicase mutants ΔrhlE, ΔsrmB, ΔcsdA, ΔdbpA and ΔrhlB cells were exposed to various DNA damaging agents (UV, Paraquat, Mitomycin C, Hydroxyurea and Hydrogen peroxide) and assessed for sensitivity to them. Our results illustrate that ∆csdA displayed sensitivity to paraquat (that causes oxidative damage) and UV radiation induced DNA damage. On the other hand, ∆srmB displays sensitivity to hydroxyurea that causes damage to the replication forks (RFs) by inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase and depleting the dNTP pool of cells. However, all five RNA helicase mutants were resistant to H₂O₂ mediated oxidative stress and mitomycin C induced DNA cross-links.

Increased production of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine in human urine, a novel biomarker of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a worldwide disease that seriously affects the quality of life and survival rate of the elderly. The detection of bone biomarkers will provide supplementary information of bone mineral density, contributing to the accurate diagnosis of osteoporosis and better health care for prevention. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of oxidative stress markers-8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGsn) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGsn) in the assessment of osteoporosis. We conducted a cross-sectional study among menopausal women with a mean (standard deviation) age of 62.967 (7.798) years old (n = 151). Participants were recruited for the bone mineral density (BMD) assessment, blood and urinary samples. Urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-guanine concentrations were measured by ultra performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The urinary 8-oxoGsn/Cre value differed significantly between normal and osteoporotic participants (p < 0.001), while the 8-oxodGsn/Cre value did not (p = 0.720). Even after adjusting for the age and body mass index, the BMD was still associated with urinary 8-oxoGsn/Cre value. ROC analysis showed that 8-oxoGsn has a strong diagnostic value for osteoporosis (AUC =0.744). The results show for the first time that 8-oxoGsn may be a biomarker for the future diagnosis of osteoporosis in women.

Neurodegenerative Disorders and the Current State, Pathophysiology, and Management of Parkinson's Disease

In the last few decades, major knowledge has been gained about pathophysiological aspects and molecular pathways behind Parkinson's Disease (PD). Based on neurotoxicological studies and postmortem investigations, there is a general concept of how environmental toxicants (neurotoxins, pesticides, insecticides) and genetic factors (genetic mutations in PD-associated proteins) cause depletion of dopamine from substantia nigra pars compacta region of the midbrain and modulate cellular processes leading to the pathogenesis of PD. α-Synuclein, a neuronal protein accumulation in oligomeric form, called protofibrils, is associated with cellular dysfunction and neuronal death, thus possibly contributing to PD propagation. With advances made in identifying loci that contribute to PD, molecular pathways involved in disease pathogenesis are now clear, and introducing therapeutic strategy at the right time may delay the progression. Biomarkers for PD have helped monitor PD progression; therefore, personalized therapeutic strategies can be facilitated. In order to further improve PD diagnostic and prognostic accuracy, independent validation of biomarkers is required.

Oxidative Modifications of RNA and Its Potential Roles in Biosystem

Elevated level of oxidized RNA was detected in vulnerable neurons in Alzheimer patients. Subsequently, several diseases and pathological conditions were reported to be associated with RNA oxidation. In addition to several oxidized derivatives, cross-linking and unique strand breaks are generated by RNA oxidation. With a premise that dysfunctional RNA mediated by oxidation is the pathogenetic molecular mechanism, intensive investigations have revealed the mechanism for translation errors, including premature termination, which gives rise to aberrant polypeptides. To this end, we and others revealed that mRNA oxidation could compromise its translational activity and fidelity. Under certain conditions, oxidized RNA can also induce several signaling pathways, to mediate inflammatory response and induce apoptosis. In this review, we focus on the oxidative modification of RNA and its resulting effect on protein synthesis as well as cell signaling. In addition, we will also discuss the potential roles of enzymatic oxidative modification of RNA in mediating cellular effects.

Ribosomal stress-surveillance: three pathways is a magic number

Cells rely on stress response pathways to uphold cellular homeostasis and limit the negative effects of harmful environmental stimuli. The stress- and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, p38 and JNK, are at the nexus of numerous stress responses, among these the ribotoxic stress response (RSR). Ribosomal impairment is detrimental to cell function as it disrupts protein synthesis, increase inflammatory signaling and, if unresolved, lead to cell death. In this review, we offer a general overview of the three main translation surveillance pathways; the RSR, Ribosome-associated Quality Control (RQC) and the Integrated Stress Response (ISR). We highlight recent advances made in defining activation mechanisms for these pathways and discuss their commonalities and differences. Finally, we reflect on the physiological role of the RSR and consider the therapeutic potential of targeting the sensing kinase ZAKα for treatment of ribotoxin exposure.

Influence of skin melanisation and ultraviolet radiation on biomarkers of systemic oxidative stress

Skin melanisation ranges widely across human populations. Melanin has antioxidant properties and also acts as a filter to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) incident upon the skin. In this study we firstly examined whether melanin level might influence baseline levels of systemic oxidative stress, in 65 humans in vivo from the same geographical area ranging from the lightest to darkest skin type (phototype I-VI). This was examined in winter-time (latitude 53.5°N). Remarkably, we found that urinary biomarkers of oxidatively-generated DNA damage (8-oxodG) and RNA damage (8-oxoGuo) were significantly correlated with skin lightness (L*), such that 14-15% of the variation in their baseline levels could be explained by skin colour. Next we exposed 15 humans at the extremes of skin melanisation to a simulated summer-time exposure of solar UVR (95% UVA, 5% UVB; dose standardised to sunburn threshold), following which they provided a sample of every urine void over the next five days. We found that UVR induced a small but significant increase in urinary 8-oxodG and 8-oxoGuo, with differing kinetics between skin types. Thus greater melanisation is associated with protection against systemic oxidative stress, which may reflect melanin's antioxidant properties, and solar UVR exposure also influences systemic oxidative stress levels in humans. These novel findings may have profound implications for human physiology and health.

The Significance of 8-oxoGsn in Aging-Related Diseases

Aging is a common risk factor for the occurrence and development of many diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, and cancer, among others, and is a key problem threatening the health and life expectancy of the elderly. Oxidative damage is an important mechanism involved in aging. The latest discovery pertaining to oxidative damage is that 8-oxoGsn (8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine), an oxidative damage product of RNA, can represent the level of oxidative stress. The significance of RNA oxidative damage to aging has not been fully explained, but the relationship between the accumulation of 8-oxoGsn, a marker of RNA oxidative damage, and the occurrence of diseases has been confirmed in many aging-related diseases. Studying the aging mechanism, monitoring the aging level of the body and exploring the corresponding countermeasures are of great significance for achieving healthy aging and promoting public health and social development. This article reviews the progress of research on 8-oxoGsn in aging-related diseases.

RNA oxidation in chromatin modification and DNA-damage response following exposure to formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is an environmental and occupational chemical carcinogen implicated in the damage of proteins and nucleic acids. However, whether formaldehyde provokes modifications of RNAs such as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG) and the role that these modifications play on conferring long-term adverse health effects remains unexplored. Here, we profile 8-oxoG modifications using RNA-immunoprecipitation and RNA sequencing (8-oxoG RIP-seq) to identify 343 RNA transcripts heavily enriched in oxidations in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cell cultures exposed to 1 ppm formaldehyde for 2 h. RNA oxidation altered expression of many transcripts involved in chromatin modification and p53-mediated DNA-damage responses, two pathways that play key roles in sustaining genome integrity and typically deregulated in tumorigenesis. Given that these observations were identified in normal cells exhibiting minimal cell stress and death phenotypes (for example, lack of nuclear shrinkage, F-actin alterations or increased LDH activity); we hypothesize that oxidative modification of specific RNA transcripts following formaldehyde exposure denotes an early process occurring in carcinogenesis analogous to the oxidative events surfacing at early stages of neurodegenerative diseases. As such, we provide initial investigations of RNA oxidation as a potentially novel mechanism underlying formaldehyde-induced tumorigenesis.

The Impact of Oxidative Stress on Ribosomes: From Injury to Regulation

The ribosome is a complex ribonucleoprotein-based molecular machine that orchestrates protein synthesis in the cell. Both ribosomal RNA and ribosomal proteins can be chemically modified by reactive oxygen species, which may alter the ribosome′s functions or cause a complete loss of functionality. The oxidative damage that ribosomes accumulate during their lifespan in a cell may lead to reduced or faulty translation and contribute to various pathologies. However, remarkably little is known about the biological consequences of oxidative damage to the ribosome. Here, we provide a concise summary of the known types of changes induced by reactive oxygen species in rRNA and ribosomal proteins and discuss the existing experimental evidence of how these modifications may affect ribosome dynamics and function. We emphasize the special role that redox-active transition metals, such as iron, play in ribosome homeostasis and stability. We also discuss the hypothesis that redox-mediated ribosome modifications may contribute to adaptive cellular responses to stress.

How do cells cope with RNA damage and its consequences?

Similar to many other biological molecules, RNA is vulnerable to chemical insults from endogenous and exogenous sources. Noxious agents such as reactive oxygen species or alkylating chemicals have the potential to profoundly affect the chemical properties and hence the function of RNA molecules in the cell. Given the central role of RNA in many fundamental biological processes, including translation and splicing, changes to its chemical composition can have a detrimental impact on cellular fitness, with some evidence suggesting that RNA damage has roles in diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders. We are only just beginning to learn about how cells cope with RNA damage, with recent studies revealing the existence of quality-control processes that are capable of recognizing and degrading or repairing damaged RNA. Here, we begin by reviewing the most abundant types of chemical damage to RNA, including oxidation and alkylation. Focusing on mRNA damage, we then discuss how alterations to this species of RNA affect its function and how cells respond to these challenges to maintain proteostasis. Finally, we briefly discuss how chemical damage to noncoding RNAs such as rRNA, tRNA, small nuclear RNA, and small nucleolar RNA is likely to affect their function.

Genome-wide mapping of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine reveals accumulation of oxidatively-generated damage at DNA replication origins within transcribed long genes of mammalian cells

8-Oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) is one of the major DNA modifications and a potent pre-mutagenic lesion prone to mispair with 2′-deoxyadenosine (dA). Several thousand residues of 8-oxodG are constitutively generated in the genome of mammalian cells, but their genomic distribution has not yet been fully characterized. Here, by using OxiDIP-Seq, a highly sensitive methodology that uses immuno-precipitation with efficient anti–8-oxodG antibodies combined with high-throughput sequencing, we report the genome-wide distribution of 8-oxodG in human non-tumorigenic epithelial breast cells (MCF10A), and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). OxiDIP-Seq revealed sites of 8-oxodG accumulation overlapping with γH2AX ChIP-Seq signals within the gene body of transcribed long genes, particularly at the DNA replication origins contained therein. We propose that the presence of persistent single-stranded DNA, as a consequence of transcription-replication clashes at these sites, determines local vulnerability to DNA oxidation and/or its slow repair. This oxidatively-generated damage, likely in combination with other kinds of lesion, might contribute to the formation of DNA double strand breaks and activation of DNA damage response.

Formation of UV-induced DNA damage contributing to skin cancer development

UV-induced DNA damage plays a key role in the initiation phase of skin cancer. When left unrepaired or when damaged cells are not eliminated by apoptosis, DNA lesions express their mutagneic properties, leading to the activation of proto-oncogene or the inactivation of tumor suppression genes. The chemical nature and the amount of DNA damage strongly depend on the wavelength of the incident photons. The most energetic part of the solar spectrum at the Earth's surface (UVB, 280-320 nm) leads to the formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidone photoproducts (64PPs). Less energetic but 20-times more intense UVA (320-400 nm) also induces the formation of CPDs together with a wide variety of oxidatively generated lesions such as single strand breaks and oxidized bases. Among those, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua) is the most frequent since it can be produced by several mechanisms. Data available on the respective yield of DNA photoproducts in cells and skin show that exposure to sunlight mostly induces pyrimidine dimers, which explains the mutational signature found in skin tumors, with lower amounts of 8-oxoGua and strand breaks. The present review aims at describing the basic photochemistry of DNA and discussing the quantitative formation of the different UV-induced DNA lesions reported in the literature. Additional information on mutagenesis, repair and photoprotection is briefly provided.

Consequences of RNA oxidation on protein synthesis rate and fidelity: implications for the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders

Unlike DNA, oxidative damage to RNA has received little attention presumably due to the assumed transient nature of RNA. However, RNAs including mRNA can persist for several hours to days in certain tissues and are demonstrated to sustain greater oxidative damage than DNA. Because neuronal cells in the brain are continuously exposed to reactive oxygen species due to a high oxygen consumption rate, it is not surprising that neuronal RNA oxidation is observed as a common feature at an early stage in a series of neurodegenerative disorders. A recent study on a well-defined bacterial translation system has revealed that mRNA containing 8-oxo-guanosine (8-oxoGuo) has little effect on fidelity despite the anticipated miscoding. Indeed, 8-oxoGuo-containing mRNA leads to ribosomal stalling with a reduced rate of peptide-bond formation by 3–4 orders of magnitude and is subject to no-go decay, a ribosome-based mRNA surveillance mechanism. Another study demonstrates that transfer RNA oxidation catalyzed by cytochrome c (cyt c) leads to its depurination and cross-linking, which may facilitate cyt c release from mitochondria and subsequently induce apoptosis. Even more importantly, a discovery of oxidized microRNA has been recently reported. The oxidized microRNA causes misrecognizing the target mRNAs and subsequent down-regulation in the protein synthesis. It is noteworthy that oxidative modification to RNA not only interferes with the translational machinery but also with regulatory mechanisms of noncoding RNAs that contribute toward the biological complexity of the mammalian brain. Oxidative RNA damage might be a promising therapeutic target potentially useful for an early intervention of diverse neuropsychiatric disorders.

Ultraviolet C radiation influences the robustness of RNA integrity measurement

The analytical and clinical validity of analyses of RNA samples destined for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic management is directly impacted by RNA quality. RNA is affected by heat, enzymatic degradation, and Ultraviolet (UV) light. RNA from three eukaryotic cell lines was degraded by heat, RNase, or UV light. RNA integrity values obtained with the benchmark Agilent Bioanalyzer 2100 system were compared with those from the more recent QIAxcel Advanced system. The application of this novel method has allowed us to unravel differences between RNA biophysical and biochemical degradation modes. Agilent RNA integrity number (RIN) and QIAxcel RIS were comparable in heat-degraded and RNase III-degraded RNA. Agilent RIN and QIAxcel RIS were comparable at a RIN decision level of 7 in UV-degraded RNA but not overall. The QIAxcel RIS method was more precise than Agilent RIN for RIN<8, while the inverse was true for RIN≥8. Greater degradation of mRNA and rRNA in UV-damaged samples hampered the Agilent RIN calculation algorithm. Overall, RIS was more robust than RIN for assessing RNA integrity. The ΔΔCt-values for heat- and UV-degraded RNA samples showed slightly higher correlation with RIS than with RIN. RNA integrity can be used to categorize RNA samples for suitability for downstream gene expression analyses, independently of the RNA degradation mechanism. The new method QIAxcel is more robust and therefore allows more accurate categorization of compromised RNA samples.

Oxidatively generated damage to cellular DNA by UVB and UVA radiation

This review article focuses on a critical survey of the main available information on the UVB and UVA oxidative reactions to cellular DNA as the result of direct interactions of UV photons, photosensitized pathways and biochemical responses including inflammation and bystander effects. UVA radiation appears to be much more efficient than UVB in inducing oxidatively generated damage to the bases and 2-deoxyribose moieties of DNA in isolated cells and skin. The UVA-induced generation of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine is mostly rationalized in terms of selective guanine oxidation by singlet oxygen generated through type II photosensitization mechanism. In addition, hydroxyl radical whose formation may be accounted for by metal-catalyzed Haber-Weiss reactions subsequent to the initial generation of superoxide anion radical contributes in a minor way to the DNA degradation. This leads to the formation of both oxidized purine and pyrimidine bases together with DNA single-strand breaks at the exclusion, however, of direct double-strand breaks. No evidence has been provided so far for the implication of delayed oxidative degradation pathways of cellular DNA. In that respect putative characteristic UVA-induced DNA damage could include single and more complex lesions arising from one-electron oxidation of the guanine base together with aldehyde adducts to amino-substituted nucleobases.

Lowered Nudix type 5 expression leads to cellular senescence in IMR-90 fibroblast cells

The molecule 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua), an oxidized form of guanine, can pair with adenine or cytosine during nucleic acid synthesis. RNA sequences that contain 8-oxoGua cause translational errors that lead to the synthesis of abnormal proteins. Human Nudix type 5 (NUDT5), a MutT-related protein, catalyzes the hydrolysis of 8-oxoGDP to 8-oxoGMP, thereby preventing the misincorporation of 8-oxoGua into RNA. To investigate the biological roles of NUDT5 in human fibroblast cells, we established cell lines with decreased levels of NUDT5 expression. In NUDT5 knockdown cells, the RNA oxidation levels were significantly higher, the rates of cellular senescence and cell apoptosis were significantly increased, and the cell viability was significantly decreased in comparison with control cells. These results suggested that the NUDT5 protein could play significant roles in the prevention of RNA oxidation and survival in human fibroblast cells.

Effect of Telmisartan on local cardiovascular oxidative stress in mouse under chronic intermittent hypoxia condition

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to explore the protective effect of an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) on local cardiovascular angiotensin II (AngII) and oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), NADPH oxydase p47(phox), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine/8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHdG/8-OHG) of mice that had chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH).

METHODS

Thirty-two healthy male C57B6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: CIH (12 weeks of CIH), ARB (CIH+Telmisartan), air control (room air delivery), and blank control (no treatment). AngII, p47(phox), and 8-OHdG/8-OHG were detected in mouse cardiocytes by immunohistochemistry. MDA was measured with the thiobarbituric acid method.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

The highest AngII levels occur in the ARB treatment group (P < 0.05), followed by the CIH group (which was higher than the two control groups; P = 0.000). The levels of p47(phox) were statistically higher in the CIH group than in the other groups (P = 0.000) and lower in the ARB group (but still higher than in the two control groups, P = 0.000). The levels of 8-OHdG/8-OHG were the highest in the CIH group (P < 0.05), followed by the ARB group (which was higher than the two control groups, P = 0.000). The levels of MDA in the myocardial homogenate of mice were the highest in the CIH group (P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the above results, it can be concluded that Telmisartan may protect mouse cardiocytes from oxidative stress damage due to CIH.

Lowered nudix type 5 (NUDT5) expression leads to cell cycle retardation in HeLa cells

The molecule 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua), an oxidized form of guanine, can pair with adenine or cytosine during nucleic acid synthesis. Moreover, RNA containing 8-oxoGua causes translational errors, thus leading to the production of abnormal proteins. Human NUDT5, a MutT-related protein, catalyzes the hydrolysis of 8-oxoGDP to 8-oxoGMP, thereby preventing misincorporation of 8-oxoGua into RNA. To investigate the biological roles of NUDT5 in mammalian cells, we established cell lines with decreased level of NUDT5 expression. In NUDT5 inhibited cells, the RNA oxidation was not significantly higher than that of normal cells. However, the cell cycle G1 phase was significantly delayed, and cell numbers in both S and G2/M phases were reduced, indicating that cell proliferation was hampered by NUDT5 suppression. Key proteins for preventing the G1-S transition, including p53, p16, and Rb were increased, while the Rb phosphorylation was decreased. These results suggested that the NUDT5 protein may play significant roles in regulating the G1-S transition in mammalian cells.

Detection of extracellular 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine as a biomarker of oxidative damage in X-irradiated fibroblast cultures: optimization of analytical procedure

We have developed a simple methodology, based on single-step solid-phase extraction followed by isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD), to determine extracellular 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) in culture supernatants of normal human dermal fibroblasts. A standard addition method, using externally added 8-oxodG (0.5 and 1 pmol) was employed to eliminate matrix effects arising from the chemically complex, protein-rich medium. Secondly, applying this procedure to X-ray irradiated fibroblasts, we report a significant twofold increase in the levels of 8-oxodG at the radiobiologically relevant dose of 6 Gy. This suggests that extracellular 8-oxodG might be a useful biomarker for oxidative stress following moderate doses of X-irradiation.

8-Oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine: links to gene expression, aging, and defense against oxidative stress

The one-electron oxidation product of guanine, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG), is an abundant lesion in genomic, mitochondrial, and telomeric DNA and RNA. It is considered to be a marker of oxidative stress that preferentially accumulates at the 5' end of guanine strings in the DNA helix, in guanine quadruplexes, and in RNA molecules. 8-OxoG has a lower oxidation potential compared to guanine; thus it is susceptible to oxidation/reduction and, along with its redox products, is traditionally considered to be a major mutagenic DNA base lesion. It does not change the architecture of the DNA double helix and it is specifically recognized and excised by 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1) during the DNA base excision repair pathway. OGG1 null animals accumulate excess levels of 8-oxoG in their genome, yet they do not have shorter life span nor do they exhibit severe pathological symptoms including tumor formation. In fact they are increasingly resistant to inflammation. Here we address the rarely considered significance of 8-oxoG, such as its optimal levels in DNA and RNA under a given condition, essentiality for normal cellular physiology, evolutionary role, and ability to soften the effects of oxidative stress in DNA, and the harmful consequences of its repair, as well as its importance in transcriptional initiation and chromatin relaxation.

Oxidative damage to RNA in neurodegenerative diseases

Since 1999, oxidative damage to RNA molecules has been described in several neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Down syndrome, dementia with Lewy bodies, prion disease, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, and xeroderma pigmentosum. An early involvement of RNA oxidation of vulnerable neuronal population in the neurodegenerative diseases has been demonstrated, which is strongly supported by a recent observation of increased RNA oxidation in brains of subjects with mild cognitive impairment. Until recently, little is known about consequences and cellular handling of the RNA damage. However, increasing body of evidence suggests detrimental effects of the RNA damage in protein synthesis and the existence of several coping mechanisms including direct repair and avoiding the incorporation of the damaged ribonucleotides into translational machinery. Further investigations toward understanding of the consequences and cellular handling mechanisms of the oxidative RNA damage may provide significant insights into the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of the neurodegenerative diseases.

Levels of reduced and oxidized coenzyme Q-10 and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with living Parkinson's disease demonstrate that mitochondrial oxidative damage and/or oxidative DNA damage contributes to the neurodegenerative process

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility that mitochondrial oxidative damage, oxidative DNA damage or both contribute to the neurodegenerative process of Parkinson's disease (PD). We employed high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using an electrochemical detector to measure concentrations of the reduced and oxidized forms of coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 20 patients with PD and 20 age-matched controls with no neurological disease. The percentage of oxidized to total CoQ-10 (%CoQ-10) in the CSF of the PD group (80.3+/-17.9%) was significantly higher than in the control group (68.2+/-20.4%, P<0.05). In addition, the concentration of 8-OHdG in the CSF of PD patients was greater than in the CSF of controls (P<0.0001) and was positively correlated with the duration of illness (r(s)=0.87, P<0.001). Finally, the %CoQ-10 was correlated with concentrations of 8-OHdG in the CSF of PD patients (r(s)=0.56, P<0.01). The present study suggests that both mitochondrial oxidative damage and oxidative DNA damage play important roles in the pathogenesis of early PD development.

RNA oxidation in Alzheimer disease and related neurodegenerative disorders

RNA oxidation and its biological effects are less well studied compared to DNA oxidation. However, RNA may be more susceptible to oxidative insults than DNA, for RNA is largely single-stranded and its bases are not protected by hydrogen bonding and less protected by specific proteins. Also, cellular RNA locates in the vicinity of mitochondria, the primary source of reactive oxygen species. Oxidative modification can occur not only in protein-coding RNAs, but also in non-coding RNAs that have been recently revealed to contribute towards the complexity of the mammalian brain. Damage to coding and non-coding RNAs will cause errors in proteins and disturbances in the regulation of gene expression. While less lethal than mutations in the genome and not inheritable, such sublethal damage to cells might be associated with underlying mechanisms of degeneration, especially age-associated neurodegeneration that is commonly found in the elderly population. Indeed, oxidative RNA damage has been described recently in most of the common neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Of particular interest, the accumulating evidence obtained from studies on either human samples or experimental models coincidentally suggests that oxidative RNA damage is a feature in vulnerable neurons at early-stage of these neurodegenerative disorders, indicating that RNA oxidation actively contributes to the onset or the development of the disorders. Further investigations aimed at understanding of the processing mechanisms related to oxidative RNA damage and its consequences may provide significant insights into the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders and lead to better therapeutic strategies.

RNA under attack: cellular handling of RNA damage

Damage to RNA from ultraviolet light, oxidation, chlorination, nitration, and akylation can include chemical modifications to nucleobases as well as RNA-RNA and RNA-protein crosslinking. In vitro studies have described a range of possible damage products, some of which are supported as physiologically relevant by in vivo observations in normal growth, stress conditions, or disease states. Damage to both messenger RNA and noncoding RNA may have functional consequences, and work has begun to elucidate the role of RNA turnover pathways and specific damage recognition pathways in clearing cells of these damaged RNAs.

Sublethal RNA oxidation as a mechanism for neurodegenerative disease

Although cellular RNA is subjected to the same oxidative insults as DNA and other cellular macromolecules, oxidative damage to RNA has not been a major focus in investigations of the biological consequences of free radical damage. In fact, because it is largely single-stranded and its bases lack the protection of hydrogen bonding and binding by specific proteins, RNA may be more susceptible to oxidative insults than is DNA. Oxidative damage to protein-coding RNA or non-coding RNA will, in turn, potentially cause errors in proteins and/or dysregulation of gene expression. While less lethal than mutations in the genome, such sublethal insults to cells might be associated with underlying mechanisms of several chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative disease. Recently, oxidative RNA damage has been described in several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and prion diseases. Of particular interest, oxidative RNA damage can be demonstrated in vulnerable neurons early in disease, suggesting that RNA oxidation may actively contribute to the onset of the disease. An increasing body of evidence suggests that, mechanistically speaking, the detrimental effects of oxidative RNA damage to protein synthesis are attenuated, at least in part, by the existence of protective mechanisms that prevent the incorporation of the damaged ribonucleotides into the translational machinery. Further investigations aimed at understanding the processing mechanisms related to oxidative RNA damage and its consequences may provide significant insights into the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and other degenerative diseases and lead to better therapeutic strategies.

Nucleic acid oxidation in Alzheimer disease

Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress is intimately associated with Alzheimer disease pathophysiology. Nucleic acids (nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA, and RNA) are one of the several cellular macromolecules damaged by reactive oxygen species, particularly the hydroxyl radical. Because neurons are irreplaceable and survive as long as the organism does, they need elaborate defense mechanisms to ensure their longevity. In Alzheimer disease, however, an accumulation of nucleic acid oxidation is observed, indicating an increased level of oxidative stress and/or a decreased capacity to repair the nucleic acid damage. In this review, we present data supporting the notion that mitochondrial and metal abnormalities are key sources of oxidative stress in Alzheimer disease. Furthermore, we outline the mechanisms of nucleic acid oxidation and repair. Finally, evidence showing the occurrence of nucleic acid oxidation in Alzheimer disease will be discussed.

Attenuation of UVB-induced sunburn reaction and oxidative DNA damage with no alterations in UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis in Nrf2 gene-deficient mice

UV radiation is an important environmental factor in the pathogenesis of skin aging and cancer. Many harmful effects of UV radiation are associated with generation of reactive oxygen species. Cellular antioxidants prevent the occurrence and reduce the severity of UV-induced photoaging and diseases of the skin. The transcription factor Nrf2 (NF-E2-related factor 2) and its negative regulator protein, Keap1 (Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1), are central regulators of cellular antioxidant responses. We used nrf2-null mice to investigate the roles of the Nrf2-Keap1 system in protection of skin from harmful effects of UVB irradiation. A single irradiation with UVB induced stronger and longer lasting sunburn reaction in nrf2-null mice. Histological changes, including epidermal necrosis, dermal edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, sunburn cell formation, TUNEL-positive apoptotic cell formation, and accumulation of oxidative DNA products such as 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine after UVB irradiation, were more prominent in nrf2-null mice. These findings indicate that the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway plays an important role in protection of the skin against acute UVB reactions, including cutaneous cell apoptosis and oxidative damage. However, there were no significant differences in skin carcinogenesis between nrf2-null and wild-type mice exposed to chronic UVB irradiation, suggesting that there is a complex and subtle balance between factors promoting and preventing photocarcinogenesis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2008) 128, 1773-1779; doi:10.1038/sj.jid.5701245; published online 17 January 2008.

Oxidized messenger RNA induces translation errors

To investigate the effect of RNA oxidation on normal cellular functions, we studied the translation of nonoxidized and oxidized luciferase mRNA in both rabbit reticulocyte lysate and human HEK293 cells. When HEK293 cells transfected with nonoxidized mRNA encoding the firefly luciferase protein were cultured in the presence of paraquat, there was a paraquat concentration-dependent increase in the formation of luciferase short polypeptides (SPs) concomitant with an increase in 8-oxoguanosine. Short polypeptides were also formed when the mRNA was oxidized in vitro by the Fe-ascorbate-H(2)O(2) metal-catalyzed oxidation system before its transfection into cells. Translation of the in vitro oxidized mRNA in rabbit reticulocyte lysate also led to formation of SPs. The SPs formed by either procedure contained the N-terminal and the C-terminal portions of the tagged luciferase. In addition, the oxidized mRNA was able to associate with ribosomes to form polysomes similar to those formed with nonoxidized mRNA preparations, indicating that the oxidized mRNAs are mostly intact; however, their translation fidelity was significantly reduced. Nevertheless, our results indicate that the SPs were derived from both premature termination of the translation process of the oxidized mRNA and the proteolytic degradation of the modified full-length luciferase resulting from translation errors induced by oxidized mRNA. In light of these findings, the physiological consequences of mRNA oxidation are discussed.

Formation of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in the DNA of cultured human keratinocytes by clinically used doses of narrowband and broadband ultraviolet B and psoralen plus ultraviolet A

Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) and narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) are widely used in skin disease phototherapy. Recently, the efficacy of UVB therapy has been greatly improved by narrowband UVB, compared to conventional broadband UVB. The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the influence of UVB-induced and PUVA-induced oxidative stress on cultured keratinocytes. We analyzed 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line) using a high-performance liquid chromatography system equipped with an electrochemical detector. Non-irradiated human keratinocytes contained a baseline of 1.48 +/- 0.22 (mean +/- SD) 8-OH-dG per 10(6) deoxyguanosine (dG) residues in cellular DNA, which increased linearly with higher doses of UVB. When their abilities to induce 8-OH-dG were compared to each other, based on the minimal erythemal and therapeutically used doses, by irradiating them with broadband UVB at 100 mJ/cm(2), the amount of 8-OH-dG increased to 3.42 +/- 0.46 residues per 10(6) dG, while a narrowband UVB treatment at 1000 mJ/cm(2), with biological effects comparable to those elicited by 100 mJ/cm(2) broadband UVB, increased it to 2.06 +/- 0.31 residues per 10(6) dG. PUVA treatment, with 100 ng/mL 8-methoxypsoralen and 5000 mJ/cm(2) UVA, increased the 8-OH-dG level to 4.52 +/- 0.42 residues per 10(6) dG. When HaCaT cells treated with 2000 mJ/cm(2) narrowband UVB were cultured and the amount of 8-OH-dG was monitored in the living cells, 65.6% of the residues were repaired 24 h after treatment. Our study provides a warning that widely used narrowband UVB and PUVA induce cellular oxidative DNA damage at the therapeutically used doses, although to a lesser degree than broadband UVB with the same clinically effective dose.

Hydrogen peroxide causes greater oxidation in cellular RNA than in DNA

Human A549 lung epithelial cells were challenged with 18O-labeled hydrogen peroxide ([18O]-H2O2), the total RNA and DNA extracted in parallel, and analyzed for 18O-labeled 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine ([18O]-8-oxoGuo) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine ([18O]-8-oxodGuo) respectively, using high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). [18O]-H2O2 exposure resulted in dose-response formation of both [18O]-8-oxoGuo and [18O]-8-oxodGuo and 18O-labeling of guanine in RNA was 14-25 times more common than in DNA. Kinetics of formation and subsequent removal of oxidized nucleic acids adducts were also monitored up to 24 h. The A549 showed slow turnover rates of adducts in RNA and DNA giving half-lives of approximately 12.5 h for [18O]-8-oxoGuo in RNA and 20.7 h for [18O]-8-oxodGuo in DNA, respectively.

Ultraviolet A Irradiation Induces NF-E2-Related Factor 2 Activation in Dermal Fibroblasts: Protective Role in UVA-Induced Apoptosis

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the most important environmental factors involved in the pathogenesis of skin aging and cancer. Many harmful effects of UV radiation are associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species, and cellular antioxidants act to prevent the occurrence and reduce the severity of UV-induced skin disorders. Transcription factor NF-E2-related Factor 2 (Nrf2) and its cytoplasmic anchor protein Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) are central regulators of the cellular antioxidant response. In this study, we investigated the effects of UV irradiation on the activation of Nrf2 in dermal fibroblasts. We found that UVA irradiation, but not UVB, causes nuclear translocation and accumulation of Nrf2 by a factor of 6.5 as compared with unirradiated controls. The nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 induced by UVA was enhanced by the photosensitizer hematoporphyrin. To evaluate the protective role of Nrf2 against UVA radiation, we examined UVA-induced apoptosis using dermal fibroblasts derived from nrf2 or keap1 gene knockout mice. Whereas disruption of nrf2 increased the number of apoptotic cells following UVA irradiation by 1.7-fold, disruption of keap1 decreased the apoptotic cell number by half as compared with wild-type controls. These findings thus demonstrate that the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway plays an important role in the protection of the skin against UVA irradiation.

RNA mutagenesis and sporadic prion diseases

The extremely low incidence of sporadic prion diseases suggests that they may arise as a rare stochastic event in otherwise healthy animals or humans. Current hypotheses for sporadic prion disease include horizontal transmission, spontaneous conversion of PrpC into PrpSc, and somatic mutation of the Prp gene. Here, we suggest RNA mutation as a possible initial event in the etiology of sporadic prion disease. The proposed model is based on (i) the fact that in Prp-expressing cells, mutations are statistically more likely to occur in the Prp mRNA population than in the corresponding two copies of the Prp gene, and (ii) the absence of RNA repair mechanisms analogous to those found for DNA mismatch correction resulting in a relatively higher rate of RNA mutations. Here, we suggest that translation of mutated Prp mRNA could lead to the synthesis of transient Prp(Sc) which results in the conversion of PrpC into PrpSc and the propagation of a disease-associated isoform. This model points to RNA mutation as a possible mechanism for the generation of sporadic prion diseases and other pathological disorders in which infectious proteins other than PrpSc might be implicated.

Bronzeamento e risco de melanoma cutâneo: revisão da literatura

Estudos epidemiológicos sugerem a relação entre comportamentos relacionados ao bronzeamento e risco elevado de melanoma. Nesse sentido, realizou-se revisão sobre essa temática que abrangeu o período correspondente aos anos de 1977 a 1998. Foram pesquisadas as bases de dados Medline e Embase (Excerpta Medica). A análise mostrou que entre os jovens, apesar do conhecimento sobre os riscos da exposição excessiva à radiação ultravioleta e sobre as práticas visando à proteção da pele, prevalece o hábito de expor-se intencionalmente ao sol. Esse hábito é alimentado por crenças e atitudes em relação ao bronzeado e estimulado por influência do grupo e de pessoas consideradas "referências". As práticas mais freqüentemente adotadas para bronzear a pele apresentam risco elevado para o desenvolvimento de melanoma. Conclui-se que a forma mais eficaz de prevenir o melanoma é divulgar nos meios de comunicação que a pele bronzeada não é saudável, pois foi danificada pela radiação ultravioleta solar; e iniciar campanhas com ações efetivas para mudar comportamentos, naquilo que os motiva e os alimenta.

In vitro studies on the photobiological properties of aloe emodin and aloin A

Plants containing aloin A, aloe emodin, and structurally related anthraquinones have long been used as traditional medicines and in the formulation of retail products such as laxatives, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. Since a recent study indicated that topically applied aloe emodin increases the sensitivity of skin to UV light, we examined the events following photoexcitation of aloin A and aloe emodin. We determined that incubation of human skin fibroblasts with 20 microM aloe emodin for 18 h followed by irradiation with UV or visible light resulted in significant photocytotoxicity. This photocytotoxicity was accompanied by oxidative damage in both cellular DNA and RNA. In contrast, no photocytotoxicity was observed following incubation with up to 500 microM aloin A and irradiation with UVA light. In an attempt to explain the different photobiological properties of aloin A and aloe emodin, laser flash photolysis experiments were performed. We determined that the triplet state of aloe emodin was readily formed following photoexcitation. However, no transient intermediates were formed following photoexcitation of aloin A. Therefore, generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage after irradiation of aloin A is unlikely. Although aloin A was not directly photocytotoxic, we found that human skin fibroblasts can metabolize aloin A to aloe emodin.

Remarkable increase in the concentration of 8-hydroxyguanosine in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with Alzheimer's disease

To investigate the possible role of oxidative RNA damage in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the concentrations of the oxidative stress marker 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHG) were measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the serum of patients with AD and control subjects. The concentration of 8-OHG in CSF in AD patients was approximately fivefold that in controls (P < 0.001). The concentration of 8-OHG in CSF decreased significantly with the duration of illness (r(s) = -0.48, P < 0.05) and the progression of cognitive dysfunctions (r(s) = 0.67, P < 0.01). However, the concentration of 8-OHG in CSF showed no correlation with that in serum in both the controls and AD patients. In addition, the concentration of 8-OHG in serum was not significantly altered in AD patients compared to that in controls, suggesting that the 8-OHG concentrations in the CSF do not reflect those in serum and may be probably reflect those in brain tissue. These in vivo findings suggest a possible role of 8-OHG and increased oxidative RNA damage in the early stage of the development of AD.

Biological weighting function for the mortality of Boeckella gracilipes (Copepoda, Crustacea) derived from experiments with natural solar radiation

We performed in situ experiments during the austral summer of 1998 to quantify the mortality of the fresh-water copepod Boeckella gracilipes as a function of the UV dose. The copepods were exposed to solar radiation at the water-surface for approximately 24-34 h. Long-pass cut-off filters (Schott) were used in the exposure experiments. UV radiation and PAR were measured with an IL-1700 (International Light Inc.) and a PUV-500 radiometer (Biospherical Instruments Inc.). A biological weighting function for UV-induced mortality was calculated by fitting a model based on a logistic curve. Our results show that UV damage in this species is strongly wavelength- and dose-dependent. B. gracilipes was highly vulnerable to both UV-B (290-320 nm) and UV-A radiation (< 360 nm). The shape of the BWF obtained for B. gracilipes resembles more closely the action spectra (AS) for UV-induced erythema, than the AS for naked DNA.

RNA oxidation is a prominent feature of vulnerable neurons in Alzheimer's disease

In this study we used an in situ approach to identify the oxidized nucleosides 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG) and 8-hydroxyguanosine (8OHG), markers of oxidative damage to DNA and RNA, respectively, in cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The goal was to determine whether nuclear and mitochondrial DNA as well as RNA is damaged in AD. Immunoreactivity with monoclonal antibodies 1F7 or 15A3 recognizing both 8OHdG and 8OHG was prominent in the cytoplasm and to a lesser extent in the nucleolus and nuclear envelope in neurons within the hippocampus, subiculum, and entorhinal cortex as well as frontal, temporal, and occipital neocortex in cases of AD, whereas similar structures were immunolabeled only faintly in controls. Relative density measurement showed that there was a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in 8OHdG and 8OHG immunoreactivity with 1F7 in cases of AD (n = 22) as compared with senile (n = 13), presenile (n = 10), or young controls (n = 4). Surprisingly, the oxidized nucleoside was associated predominantly with RNA because immunoreaction was diminished greatly by preincubation in RNase but only slightly by DNase. This is the first evidence of increased RNA oxidation restricted to vulnerable neurons in AD. The subcellular localization of damaged RNA showing cytoplasmic predominance is consistent with the hypothesis that mitochondria may be a major source of reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative damage in AD.

Hydroxyl radicals and DNA base damage

Modified purine and pyrimidine bases constitute one of the major classes of hydroxyl-radical-mediated DNA damage together with oligonucleotide strand breaks, DNA-protein cross-links and abasic sites. A comprehensive survey of the main available data on both structural and mechanistic aspects of.OH-induced decomposition pathways of both purine and pyrimidine bases of isolated DNA and model compounds is presented. In this respect, detailed information is provided on both thymine and guanine whereas data are not as complete for adenine and cytosine. The second part of the overview is dedicated to the formation of.OH-induced base lesions within cellular DNA and in vivo situations. Before addressing this major point, the main available methods aimed at singling out.OH-mediated base modifications are critically reviewed. Unfortunately, it is clear that the bulk of the chemical and biochemical assays with the exception of the high performance liquid chromatographic-electrochemical detection (HPLC/ECD) method have suffered from major drawbacks. This explains why there are only a few available accurate data concerning both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the.OH-induced formation of base damage within cellular DNA. Therefore, major efforts should be devoted to the reassessment of the level of oxidative base damage in cellular DNA using appropriate assays including suitable conditions of DNA extraction.