The zinc finger protein ZNF658 regulates the transcription of genes involved in zinc homeostasis and affects ribosome biogenesis through the zinc transcriptional regulatory element

Anticancer Activity of Metallodrugs and Metallizing Host Defense Peptides-Current Developments in Structure-Activity Relationship

This article provides an overview of the development, structure and activity of various metal complexes with anti-cancer activity. Chemical researchers continue to work on the development and synthesis of new molecules that could act as anti-tumor drugs to achieve more favorable therapies. It is therefore important to have information about the various chemotherapeutic substances and their mode of action. This review focuses on metallodrugs that contain a metal as a key structural fragment, with cisplatin paving the way for their chemotherapeutic application. The text also looks at ruthenium complexes, including the therapeutic applications of phosphorescent ruthenium(II) complexes, emphasizing their dual role in therapy and diagnostics. In addition, the antitumor activities of titanium and gold derivatives, their side effects, and ongoing research to improve their efficacy and reduce adverse effects are discussed. Metallization of host defense peptides (HDPs) with various metal ions is also highlighted as a strategy that significantly enhances their anticancer activity by broadening their mechanisms of action.

Novel Serum Proteomes Expressed from Benzene Exposure Among Gasoline Station Attendants

Background

Research on the proteomes impact of benzene exposure in fuel station employees remains sparse, underscoring the need for detailed health impact assessments focusing on biomarker evaluation.

Objectives

This investigation aimed to analyze the differences in blood parameters and serum proteomes resulting from benzene exposure between gasoline station attendants (B-GSA) and a control group.

Design and methods

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 96 participants, comprising 54 in the B-GSA group and 42 in the control group. The methodology employed included an interview questionnaire alongside urine and blood sample collections. The urine samples were analyzed for trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) levels, while the blood samples underwent complete blood count analysis and proteome profiling.

Results

Post-shift analysis indicated that the B-GSA group exhibited significantly higher levels of t,t-MA and monocytes compared to the control group (P < .05). Proteome quantification identified 1448 proteins differentially expressed between the B-GSA and control groups. Among these, 20 proteins correlated with the levels of t,t-MA in urine. Notably, 4 proteins demonstrated more than a 2-fold down-regulation in the B-GSA group: HBS1-like, non-structural maintenance of chromosomes element 1 homolog, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 4, and zinc finger protein 658. The KEGG pathway analysis revealed associations with apoptosis, cancer pathways, p53 signaling, and the TNF signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The changes in these 4 significant proteins may elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying benzene toxicity and suggest their potential as biomarkers for benzene poisoning in future assessments.

Metal profiling in coronary ischemia-reperfusion injury: Implications for KEAP1/NRF2 regulated redox signaling

Coronary ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury results from a blockage of blood supply to the heart followed by restoration of perfusion, leading to oxidative stress induced pathological processes. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), a master antioxidant transcription factor, plays a key role in regulating redox signaling. Over the past decades, the field of metallomics has provided novel insights into the mechanism of pro-oxidant and antioxidant pathological processes. Both redox-active (e.g. Fe and Cu) and redox-inert (e.g. Zn and Mg) metals play unique roles in establishing redox balance under IR injury. Notably, Zn protects against oxidative stress in coronary IR injury by serving as a cofactor of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn] (SOD1) and proteins such as metallothionein (MT) and KEAP1/NRF2 mediated antioxidant defenses. An increase in labile Zn2+ inhibits proteasomal degradation and ubiquitination of NRF2 by modifying KEAP1 and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) conformations. Fe and Cu catalyse the formation of reactive oxygen species via the Fenton reaction and also serve as cofactors of antioxidant enzymes and can activate NRF2 antioxidant signaling. We review the evidence that Zn and redox-active metals Fe and Cu affect redox signaling in coronary cells during IR and the mechanisms by which oxidative stress influences cellular metal content. In view of the unique double-edged characteristics of metals, we aim to bridge the role of metals and NRF2 regulated redox signaling to antioxidant defenses in IR injury, with a long-term aim of informing the design and application of novel therapeutics.

Effects of Copper or Zinc Organometallics on Cytotoxicity, DNA Damage and Epigenetic Changes in the HC-04 Human Liver Cell Line

Copper and zinc organometallics have multiple applications and many are considered "data-poor" because the available toxicological information is insufficient for comprehensive health risk assessments. To gain insight into the chemical prioritization and potential structure activity relationship, the current work compares the in vitro toxicity of nine "data-poor" chemicals to five structurally related chemicals and to positive DNA damage inducers (4-nitroquinoline-oxide, aflatoxin-B1). The HC-04 non-cancer human liver cell line was used to investigate the concentration-response effects (24 h and 72 h exposure) on cell proliferation, DNA damage (γH2AX and DNA unwinding assays), and epigenetic effects (global genome changes in DNA methylation and histone modifications using flow cytometry). The 24 h exposure screening data (DNA abundance and damage) suggest a toxicity hierarchy, starting with copper dimethyldithiocarbamate (CDMDC, CAS#137-29-1) > zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEDC, CAS#14324-55-1) > benzenediazonium, 4-chloro-2-nitro-, and tetrachlorozincate(2-) (2:1) (BDCN4CZ, CAS#14263-89-9); the other chemicals were less toxic and had alternate ranking positions depending on assays. The potency of CDMDC for inducing DNA damage was close to that of the human hepatocarcinogen aflatoxin-B1. Further investigation using sodium-DMDC (SDMDC, CAS#128-04-1), CDMDC and copper demonstrated the role of the interactions between copper and the DMDC organic moiety in generating a high level of CDMDC toxicity. In contrast, additive interactions were not observed with respect to the DNA methylation flow cytometry data in 72 h exposure experiments. They revealed chemical-specific effects, with hypo and hypermethylation induced by copper chloride (CuCl2, CAS#10125-13-0) and zinc-DMDC (ZDMDC, CAS#137-30-4), respectively, but did not show any significant effect of CDMDC or SDMDC. Histone-3 hypoacetylation was a sensitive flow cytometry marker of 24 h exposure to CDMDC. This study can provide insights regarding the prioritization of chemicals for future study, with the aim being to mitigate chemical hazards.

Zinc Ions Modulate YY1 Activity: Relevance in Carcinogenesis

YY1 is widely recognized as an intrinsically disordered transcription factor that plays a role in development of many cancers. In most cases, its overexpression is correlated with tumor progression and unfavorable patient outcomes. Our latest research focusing on the role of zinc ions in modulating YY1's interaction with DNA demonstrated that zinc enhances the protein's multimeric state and affinity to its operator. In light of these findings, changes in protein concentration appear to be just one element relevant to modulating YY1-dependent processes. Thus, alterations in zinc ion concentration can directly and specifically impact the regulation of gene expression by YY1, in line with reports indicating a correlation between zinc ion levels and advancement of certain tumors. This review concentrates on other potential consequences of YY1 interaction with zinc ions that may act by altering charge distribution, conformational state distribution, or oligomerization to influence its interactions with molecular partners that can disrupt gene expression patterns.

A pangenome reference of 36 Chinese populations

Human genomics is witnessing an ongoing paradigm shift from a single reference sequence to a pangenome form, but populations of Asian ancestry are underrepresented. Here we present data from the first phase of the Chinese Pangenome Consortium, including a collection of 116 high-quality and haplotype-phased de novo assemblies based on 58 core samples representing 36 minority Chinese ethnic groups. With an average 30.65× high-fidelity long-read sequence coverage, an average contiguity N50 of more than 35.63 megabases and an average total size of 3.01 gigabases, the CPC core assemblies add 189 million base pairs of euchromatic polymorphic sequences and 1,367 protein-coding gene duplications to GRCh38. We identified 15.9 million small variants and 78,072 structural variants, of which 5.9 million small variants and 34,223 structural variants were not reported in a recently released pangenome reference¹. The Chinese Pangenome Consortium data demonstrate a remarkable increase in the discovery of novel and missing sequences when individuals are included from underrepresented minority ethnic groups. The missing reference sequences were enriched with archaic-derived alleles and genes that confer essential functions related to keratinization, response to ultraviolet radiation, DNA repair, immunological responses and lifespan, implying great potential for shedding new light on human evolution and recovering missing heritability in complex disease mapping.

Enterocyte-specific deletion of metal transporter Zip14 (Slc39a14) alters intestinal homeostasis through epigenetic mechanisms

Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties using mechanisms that are unclear. Zip14 (Slc39a14) is a zinc transporter induced by proinflammatory stimuli and is highly expressed at the basolateral membrane of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Enterocyte-specific Zip14 ablation (Zip14ΔIEC) in mice was developed to study the functions of this transporter in enterocytes. This gene deletion led to increased intestinal permeability, increased IL-6 and IFNγ expression, mild endotoxemia, and intestinal dysbiosis. RNA sequencing was used for transcriptome profiling. These analyses revealed differential expression of specific intestinal proinflammatory and tight junction (TJ) genes. Binding of transcription factors, including NF-κβ, STAT3, and CDX2, to appropriate promoter sites of these genes supports the differential expression shown with chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Total histone deacetylase (HDAC), and specifically HDAC3, activities were markedly reduced with Zip14 ablation. Intestinal organoids derived from ΔIEC mice display TJ and cytokine gene dysregulation compared with control mice. Differential expression of specific genes was reversed with zinc supplementation of the organoids. We conclude that zinc-dependent HDAC enzymes acquire zinc ions via Zip14-mediated transport and that intestinal integrity is controlled in part through epigenetic modifications.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that enterocyte-specific ablation of zinc transporter Zip14 (Slc39a14) results in selective dysbiosis and differential expression of tight junction proteins, claudin 1 and 2, and specific cytokines associated with intestinal inflammation. HDAC activity and zinc uptake are reduced with Zip14 ablation. Using intestinal organoids, the expression defects of claudin 1 and 2 are resolved through zinc supplementation. These novel results suggest that zinc, an essential micronutrient, influences gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms.

Transcriptome Analysis and SNP Identification Reveal That Heterologous Overexpression of Two Uncharacterized Genes Enhances the Tolerance of Magnaporthe oryzae to Manganese Toxicity

Manganese is a crucial trace element that constitutes the cofactors of many enzymes. However, excessive Mn2+ can be toxic for both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The mechanism of fungal genetics and metabolism in response to Mn2+ stress remains understudied, warranting further studies. Magnaporthe oryzae is well-established as the most destructive pathogen of rice. A field strain, YN2046, more sensitive to Mn2+ toxicity than other strains, was obtained from a previous study. Herein, we explored the genetic mechanisms of Mn2+ sensitivity in YN2046 through comparative transcriptomic analyses. We found that many genes previously reported to participate in Mn2+ stress were not regulated in YN2046. These non-responsive genes might cause Mn2+ sensitivity in YN2046. Weight gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to characterize the expression profile in YN2046. Some overexpressed genes were only found in the Mn2+ tolerant isolate YN125. Among these, many single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were identified between YN125 and YN2046, which might disrupt the expression levels of Mn responsive genes. We cloned two uncharacterized genes, MGG_13347 and MGG_16609, from YN125 and transformed them to YN2046 with a strong promoter. Our results showed that the heterologous overexpression of two genes in YN2046 restored its sensitivity. Transcriptomic and biochemical analyses were performed to understand Mn tolerance mechanisms mediated by the two heterologous overexpressed genes. Our results showed that heterologous overexpression of these two genes activated downstream gene expression and metabolite production to restore M. oryzae sensitivity to Mn, implying that SNPs in responsive genes account for different phenotypes of the two strains under Mn stress. IMPORTANCE Heavy metals are used for fungicides as they target phytopathogen in multiple ways. Magnaporthe oryzae is the most destructive rice pathogen and is threatening global rice production. In the eukaryotes, the regulation mechanisms of Mn homeostasis often focus on the posttranslation, there were a few results about regulation at transcript level. The comparative transcriptome analysis showed that fewer genes were regulated in the Mn-sensitive strain. WGCNA and SNP analyses found that mutations in promoter and coding sequence regions might disrupt the expression of genes involved in Mn detoxification in the sensitive strain. We transferred two unannotated genes that were cloned from the Mn-tolerant strain into a sensitive strain with strong promoters, and the transformants exhibited an enhanced tolerance to Mn2+ toxicity. Transcriptome and biochemistry results indicated that heterologous overexpression of the two genes enhanced the tolerance to Mn toxicity by reactivation of downstream genes in M. oryzae.

Zn-regulated GTPase metalloprotein activator 1 modulates vertebrate zinc homeostasis

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient and cofactor for up to 10% of proteins in living organisms. During Zn limitation, specialized enzymes called metallochaperones are predicted to allocate Zn to specific metalloproteins. This function has been putatively assigned to G3E GTPase COG0523 proteins, yet no Zn metallochaperone has been experimentally identified in any organism. Here, we functionally characterize a family of COG0523 proteins that is conserved across vertebrates. We identify Zn metalloprotease methionine aminopeptidase 1 (METAP1) as a COG0523 client, leading to the redesignation of this group of COG0523 proteins as the Zn-regulated GTPase metalloprotein activator (ZNG1) family. Using biochemical, structural, genetic, and pharmacological approaches across evolutionarily divergent models, including zebrafish and mice, we demonstrate a critical role for ZNG1 proteins in regulating cellular Zn homeostasis. Collectively, these data reveal the existence of a family of Zn metallochaperones and assign ZNG1 an important role for intracellular Zn trafficking.

Intracellular zinc during cell activation and zinc deficiency

INTRODUCTION

Zinc is an essential trace element having manifold functions within living cells. Zinc deficiency but also zinc excess impairs cell-specific functions whereas a balanced zinc level is required for an adequate cell behavior.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study deals with the impact of cellular priming due to stimulation with interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 or the chemokine CXCL12a and its subsequent influence on the intracellular free zinc concentration. Since cellular priming and activation is essential for proper immunological reactions, and across that highly cell-type specific, we investigated T cells, B cells, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Additionally, alterations of the intracellular zinc content was investigated by inducing zinc deficiency using the zinc chelator N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (TPEN) with subsequent re-supplementation of zinc, hence generating an intracellular zinc flux. Evaluation of zinc staining with FluoZin3-AM, Zinpyr-1 and Zinquin was done by flow cytometry or by fluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that cellular priming for different periods of time (10 minutes/one hour) causes decreased intracellular free zinc concentrations in the FluoZin3-AM staining and increased zinc concentrations stained with Zinpyr-1. Furthermore, zinc supplementation after induced zinc deficiency leads to a fast and excessive rise of the intracellular free zinc levels in most cellular compartments.

CONCLUSION

Our study emphasizes the importance of zinc homeostasis and zinc distribution during cellular priming and for certain signaling cascades especially in T and B cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that zinc re-supplementation of zinc deficient cells results in significantly elevated intracellular free zinc concentrations compared to untreated controls. Hence, this underlines the need of a balanced zinc homeostasis for proper immune cell function.

CTCF As an Example of DNA-Binding Transcription Factors Containing Clusters of C2H2-Type Zinc Fingers

In mammals, most of the boundaries of topologically associating domains and all well-studied insulators are rich in binding sites for the CTCF protein. According to existing experimental data, CTCF is a key factor in the organization of the architecture of mammalian chromosomes. A characteristic feature of the CTCF is that the central part of the protein contains a cluster consisting of eleven domains of C2H2-type zinc fingers, five of which specifically bind to a long DNA sequence conserved in most animals. The class of transcription factors that carry a cluster of C2H2-type zinc fingers consisting of five or more domains (C2H2 proteins) is widely represented in all groups of animals. The functions of most C2H2 proteins still remain unknown. This review presents data on the structure and possible functions of these proteins, using the example of the vertebrate CTCF protein and several well- characterized C2H2 proteins in Drosophila and mammals.

mTORC1 Transcriptional Regulation of Ribosome Subunits, Protein Synthesis, and Molecular Transport in Primary Human Trophoblast Cells

Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) serves as positive regulator of placental nutrient transport and mitochondrial respiration. The role of mTORC1 signaling in modulating other placental functions is largely unexplored. We used gene array following silencing of raptor to identify genes regulated by mTORC1 in primary human trophoblast (PHT) cells. Seven hundred and thirty-nine genes were differentially expressed; 487 genes were down-regulated and 252 up-regulated. Bioinformatic analyses demonstrated that inhibition of mTORC1 resulted in decreased expression of genes encoding ribosomal proteins in the 60S and 40S ribosome subunits. Furthermore, down-regulated genes were functionally enriched in genes involved in eIF2, sirtuin and mTOR signaling, mitochondrial function, and glutamine and zinc transport. Stress response genes were enriched among up-regulated genes following mTORC1 inhibition. The protein expression of ribosomal proteins RPL26 (RPL26) and Ribosomal Protein S10 (RPS10) was decreased and positively correlated to mTORC1 signaling and System A amino acid transport in human placentas collected from pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In conclusion, mTORC1 signaling regulates the expression of trophoblast genes involved in ribosome and protein synthesis, mitochondrial function, lipid metabolism, nutrient transport, and angiogenesis, representing novel links between mTOR signaling and multiple placental functions critical for normal fetal growth and development.

Bile acid composition regulates the manganese transporter Slc30a10 in intestine

Bile acids (BAs) comprise heterogenous amphipathic cholesterol-derived molecules that carry out physicochemical and signaling functions. A major site of BA action is the terminal ileum, where enterocytes actively reuptake BAs and express high levels of BA-sensitive nuclear receptors. BA pool size and composition are affected by changes in metabolic health, and vice versa. One of several factors that differentiate BAs is the presence of a hydroxyl group on C12 of the steroid ring. 12α-Hydroxylated BAs (12HBAs) are altered in multiple disease settings, but the consequences of 12HBA abundance are incompletely understood. We employed mouse primary ileum organoids to investigate the transcriptional effects of varying 12HBA abundance in BA pools. We identified Slc30a10 as one of the top genes differentially induced by BA pools with varying 12HBA abundance. SLC30A10 is a manganese efflux transporter critical for whole-body manganese excretion. We found that BA pools, especially those low in 12HBAs, induce cellular manganese efflux and that Slc30a10 induction by BA pools is driven primarily by lithocholic acid signaling via the vitamin D receptor. Administration of lithocholic acid or a vitamin D receptor agonist resulted in increased Slc30a10 expression in mouse ileum epithelia. These data demonstrate a previously unknown role for BAs in intestinal control of manganese homeostasis.

Transcription factors and transporters in zinc homeostasis: lessons learned from fungi

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.

Ribosomal heterogeneity - A new inroad for pharmacological innovation

The paradigm of ribosome usage in protein translation has shifted from a stance proposed as scientists began to unpick the genetic code that each mRNA was partnered by its own, unique ribosome to a rapid reversal of this view that ribosomes are completely interchangeable and simply recruited to mRNAs from a completely homogenous cellular pool. Evidence that the ribosomal proteome, ribosomal gene transcriptome and ribosome protein and RNA modifications differ between cells and tissues points to the fact that ribosomes are heterogeneous in their composition and have a degree of specialisation in their function. It has also been posited that the tissue-specificity of ribosome diseases provides an indication of functional ribosome heterogeneity, but there are substantial caveats to this interpretation. Only now have proteomic technologies developed to a level enabling accurate stoichiometric comparison of the abundance of specific ribosomal proteins in actively translating ribosomes and to measure protein in non-denatured ribosomes. This poises the field for the provocation that ribosome heterogeneity offers a novel and powerful inroad for the pharmacological targeting of disease. Such ribosome-targeted treatments may extend beyond specific ribosomopathies through strategies such as targeting features of ribosomes that are unique to diseased cells, particularly cancer cells, or to activated immune cells, as well as augmenting the action of other drugs through weakening the production of new proteins in target tissues. We may also be able to harness the potential power in ribosome diversity and specialism to better tune synthetic biology for the production of pharmaceutical proteins.

Genomic Characterization of the Zinc Transcriptional Regulatory Element Reveals Potential Functional Roles of ZNF658

The zinc transcriptional regulatory element (ZTRE) is a newly reported binding motif for human zinc finger protein ZNF658, which alters gene expression in response to cellular zinc. The ZTRE has two nucleotide components-the palindromic flanking pairs and the bridging "N" bases between these flanks that range in number from 0 to 100. There are 12 pairs of ZTRE flanks (designated A-L). Three thousand five hundred twenty-five genes contain one or more ZTREs - 1000 to + 200 bp from their transcriptional start site (TSS). ZTRE-E is observed at a greater frequency, and ZTRE containing 25 bridging bases are less frequent, within - 200 bp from the TSS. The genes with ZTREs in this range are enriched in processes that may compensate zinc deficiency, while other genes with ZTREs outside this range are enriched in transcriptional activation processes. The division of ZTREs into two groups may imply a dual role of ZNF658, similar to the homologous yeast protein Zap1, via binding to low or high affinity sequences dependent upon cellular zinc. The KLF/Sp1-family binding motif is prevalent within the ZTRE "N" bridging bases, suggesting ZNF658 may compete with Sp1-like transactivators to suppress transcription.

Proteomic Analysis of Zn Depletion/Repletion in the Hormone-Secreting Thyroid Follicular Cell Line FRTL-5

Zinc deficiency predisposes to a wide spectrum of chronic diseases. The human Zn proteome was predicted to represent about 10% of the total human proteome, reflecting the broad array of metabolic functions in which this micronutrient is known to participate. In the thyroid, Zn was reported to regulate cellular homeostasis, with a yet elusive mechanism. The Fischer Rat Thyroid Cell Line FRTL-5 cell model, derived from a Fischer rat thyroid and displaying a follicular cell phenotype, was used to investigate a possible causal relationship between intracellular Zn levels and thyroid function. A proteomic approach was applied to compare proteins expressed in Zn deficiency, obtained by treating cells with the Zn-specific chelator N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl) ethylene-diamine (TPEN), with Zn repleted cells. Quantitative proteomic analysis of whole cell protein extracts was performed using stable isotope dimethyl labelling coupled to nano-ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). TPEN treatment led to almost undetectable intracellular Zn, while decreasing thyroglobulin secretion. Subsequent addition of ZnSO₄ fully reversed these phenotypes. Comparative proteomic analysis of Zn depleted/repleted cells identified 108 proteins modulated by either treatment. Biological process enrichment analysis identified functions involved in calcium release and the regulation of translation as the most strongly regulated processes in Zn depleted cells.

Identification and characterization of doublesex in Bemisia tabaci

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is an important agricultural pest with a worldwide distribution. Although B. tabaci is known to have a unique haplodiploid reproductive strategy, its sex determination mechanism is largely unknown. In this study, we cloned the full-length sequence of B. tabaci doublesex (Btdsx) and found that Btdsx has 28 splicing isoforms. We found two new splicing isoforms of transformer 2 (Bttra2), which encode two proteins. We also confirmed that both genes lack sex-specific splicing isoforms. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that the expression of Btdsx and Bttra2 is higher in males than in females. RNA interference of Bttra2 affected the expression of Btdsx and vice versa. Furthermore, silencing of Bttra2 or Btdsx caused malformation of the male genitalia (anal style). It did not affect the female phenotype, but reduced the expression of vitellogenin gene in females. These results indicate that Btdsx is associated with sex determination in B. tabaci and that Btdsx and Bttra2 affect each other and are important for male genitalia formation. In addition to increasing our understanding of the roles of dsx and tra2 in the sex determination of B. tabaci, the results will be useful for studies of sex determination in other haplodiploid species.

Prolonged stimulation of insulin release from MIN6 cells causes zinc depletion and loss of β-cell markers

Zinc is integral for the normal function of pancreatic β-cells in glycaemic control. Large amounts of zinc are secreted from β-cells following insulin exocytosis and regulated replenishment is required, which is thought to be mediated by the ZIP family of zinc importer proteins. Within Type 2 Diabetic patients, β-cells are stressed through prolonged stimulation by hyperglycaemia and this is thought to be a major factor contributing to loss of β-cell identity and mass. However, the consequences for the β-cell zinc status remain largely unexplored. We used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to show that 24 h treatment of MIN6 cells with potassium chloride, mimicking hyperglycaemic stimulation, reduces the total cellular zinc content 2.8-fold, and qPCR to show an increase in mRNA expression for metallothioneins (Mt1 and Mt2) following 4 and 24 h of stimulation, suggestive of an early rise in cytosolic zinc. To determine which ZIP paralogues may be responsible for zinc replenishment, we used immunocytochemistry, Western blot and qPCR to demonstrate initial ZIP1 protein upregulation proceeded by downregulation of mRNA coding for ZIP1, ZIP6, ZIP7 and ZIP14. To assign a biological significance to the decreased total cellular zinc content, we assessed expression of key β-cell markers to show downregulation of mRNA for MafA, Mnx-1, Nkx2.2 and Pax6. Our data suggest hyperglycaemia-induced zinc depletion may contribute to loss of β-cell markers and promote β-cell dedifferentiation through disrupting expression of key transcription factors.

Using Human iPSC-Derived Neurons to Uncover Activity-Dependent Non-Coding RNAs

Humans are arguably the most complex organisms present on Earth with their ability to imagine, create, and problem solve. As underlying mechanisms enabling these capacities reside in the brain, it is not surprising that the brain has undergone an extraordinary increase in size and complexity within the last few million years. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be differentiated into many cell types that were virtually inaccessible historically, such as neurons. Here, we used hiPSC-derived neurons to investigate the cellular response to activation at the transcript level. Neuronal activation was performed with potassium chloride (KCl) and its effects were assessed by RNA sequencing. Our results revealed the involvement of long non-coding RNAs and human-specific genetic variants in response to neuronal activation and help validate hiPSCs as a valuable resource for the study of human neuronal networks. In summary, we find that genes affected by KCl-triggered activation are implicated in pathways that drive cell proliferation, differentiation, and the emergence of specialized morphological features. Interestingly, non-coding RNAs of various classes are amongst the most highly expressed genes in activated hiPSC-derived neurons, thus suggesting these play crucial roles in neural pathways and may significantly contribute to the unique functioning of the human brain.

A pathway for low zinc homeostasis that is conserved in animals and acts in parallel to the pathway for high zinc homeostasis

The essential element zinc plays critical roles in biology. High zinc homeostasis mechanisms are beginning to be defined in animals, but low zinc homeostasis is poorly characterized. We investigated low zinc homeostasis in Caenorhabditis elegans because the genome encodes 14 evolutionarily conserved Zrt, Irt-like protein (ZIP) zinc transporter family members. Three C. elegans zipt genes were regulated in zinc-deficient conditions; these promoters contained an evolutionarily conserved motif that we named the low zinc activation (LZA) element that was both necessary and sufficient for activation of transcription in response to zinc deficiency. These results demonstrated that the LZA element is a critical part of the low zinc homeostasis pathway. Transcriptional regulation of the LZA element required the transcription factor ELT-2 and mediator complex member MDT-15. We investigated conservation in mammals by analyzing LZA element function in human cultured cells; the LZA element-mediated transcriptional activation in response to zinc deficiency in cells, suggesting a conserved pathway of low zinc homeostasis. We propose that the pathway for low zinc homeostasis, which includes the LZA element and ZIP transporters, acts in parallel to the pathway for high zinc homeostasis, which includes the HZA element, HIZR-1 transcription factor and cation diffusion facilitator transporters.

Changes in Zn homeostasis during long term culture of primary endothelial cells and effects of Zn on endothelial cell senescence

Endothelial cell senescence and Zn nutritional status influence cardiovascular disease. The influence of Zn appears dichotomous, hence it is imperative to understand the relationship with cellular senescence to improve knowledge about the molecular and cellular basis of the disease. Here we aimed to determine: 1) the impact of chronic exposure to a moderately high dose of Zn on senescence of endothelial cells; 2) the changes in Zn homeostasis during the lifespan of primary cultured endothelial cells; and 3) the susceptibility of proliferating and senescent endothelial cells to cell death after short term exposure to increasing doses of Zn and of the Zn chelator TPEN. Chronic exposure to Zn accelerated senescence and untreated cells at later passages, where doubling time had increased, displayed relocation of labile Zn and altered expression of genes involved in the response to Zn toxicity, including SLC30A1, SLC39A6, SLC30A5, SLC30A10 and metallothioneins, indicating that senescent cells have altered zinc homeostasis. Most Zn-dependent genes that were expressed differently between early and late passages were correlated with changes in the expression of anti-apoptotic genes. Short-term treatment with a high dose of Zn leads to cell death, but only in the population of cells at both earlier and later passages that had already entered senescence. In contrast, Zn depletion led to death of cells at earlier but not later passages, which suggests that there are sub-populations of senescent cells that are resistant to Zn depletion. This resistant senescent cell population may accumulate under conditions of Zn deficiency and contribute to vascular pathology.

C2H2 Zinc Finger Proteins: The Largest but Poorly Explored Family of Higher Eukaryotic Transcription Factors

The emergence of whole-genome assays has initiated numerous genome-wide studies of transcription factor localizations at genomic regulatory elements (enhancers, promoters, silencers, and insulators), as well as facilitated the uncovering of some of the key principles of chromosomal organization. However, the proteins involved in the formation and maintenance of the chromosomal architecture and the organization of regulatory domains remain insufficiently studied. This review attempts to collate the available data on the abundant but still poorly understood family of proteins with clusters of the C2H2 zinc finger domains. One of the best known proteins of this family is a well conserved protein known as CTCF, which plays a key role in the establishment of the chromosomal architecture in vertebrates. The distinctive features of C2H2 zinc finger proteins include strong and specific binding to a long and unique DNA recognition target sequence and rapid expansion within various animal taxa during evolution. The reviewed data support a proposed model according to which many of the C2H2 proteins have functions that are similar to those of the CTCF in the organization of the chromatin architecture.

Physiological roles of zinc transporters: molecular and genetic importance in zinc homeostasis

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace mineral that regulates the expression and activation of biological molecules such as transcription factors, enzymes, adapters, channels, and growth factors, along with their receptors. Zn deficiency or excessive Zn absorption disrupts Zn homeostasis and affects growth, morphogenesis, and immune response, as well as neurosensory and endocrine functions. Zn levels must be adjusted properly to maintain the cellular processes and biological responses necessary for life. Zn transporters regulate Zn levels by controlling Zn influx and efflux between extracellular and intracellular compartments, thus, modulating the Zn concentration and distribution. Although the physiological functions of the Zn transporters remain to be clarified, there is growing evidence that Zn transporters are related to human diseases, and that Zn transporter-mediated Zn ion acts as a signaling factor, called "Zinc signal". Here we describe critical roles of Zn transporters in the body and their contribution at the molecular, biochemical, and genetic levels, and review recently reported disease-related mutations in the Zn transporter genes.

Evaluation of artificial selection in Standard Poodles using whole-genome sequencing

Identifying regions of artificial selection within dog breeds may provide insights into genetic variation that underlies breed-specific traits or diseases-particularly if these traits or disease predispositions are fixed within a breed. In this study, we searched for runs of homozygosity (ROH) and calculated the d _i statistic (which is based upon F _ST) to identify regions of artificial selection in Standard Poodles using high-coverage, whole-genome sequencing data of 15 Standard Poodles and 49 dogs across seven other breeds. We identified consensus ROH regions ≥1 Mb in length and common to at least ten Standard Poodles covering 0.6 % of the genome, and d _i regions that most distinguish Standard Poodles from other breeds covering 3.7 % of the genome. Within these regions, we identified enriched gene pathways related to olfaction, digestion, and taste, as well as pathways related to adrenal hormone biosynthesis, T cell function, and protein ubiquitination that could contribute to the pathogenesis of some Poodle-prevalent autoimmune diseases. We also validated variants related to hair coat and skull morphology that have previously been identified as being under selective pressure in Poodles, and flagged additional polymorphisms in genes such as ITGA2B, CBX4, and TNXB that may represent strong candidates for other common Poodle disorders.

Role of Bmznf-2, a Bombyx mori CCCH zinc finger gene, in masculinisation and differential splicing of Bmtra-2

Deciphering the regulatory factors involved in Bombyx mori sex determination has been a puzzle, challenging researchers for nearly a century now. The pre-mRNA of B. mori doublesex (Bmdsx), a master regulator gene of sexual differentiation, is differentially spliced, producing Bmdsxm and Bmdsxf transcripts in males and females respectively. The putative proteins encoded by these differential transcripts orchestrate antagonistic functions, which lead to sexual differentiation. A recent study in B. mori illustrated the role of a W-derived fem piRNA in conferring femaleness. In females, the fem piRNA was shown to suppress the activity of a Z-linked CCCH type zinc finger (znf) gene, Masculiniser (masc), which indirectly promotes the Bmdsxm type of splicing. In this study, we report a novel autosomal (Chr 25) CCCH type znf motif encoding gene Bmznf-2 as one of the potential factors in the Bmdsx sex specific differential splicing, and we also provide insights into its role in the alternative splicing of Bmtra2 by using ovary derived BmN cells. Over-expression of Bmznf-2 induced Bmdsxm type of splicing (masculinisation) with a correspondingly reduced expression of Bmdsxf type isoform in BmN cells. Further, the site-directed mutational studies targeting the tandem CCCH znf motifs revealed their indispensability in the observed phenotype of masculinisation. Additionally, the dual luciferase assays in BmN cells using 5' UTR region of the Bmznf-2 strongly implied the existence of a translational repression over this gene. From these findings, we propose Bmznf-2 to be one of the potential factors of masculinisation similar to Masc. From the growing number of Bmdsx splicing regulators, we assume that the sex determination cascade of B. mori is quite intricate in nature; hence, it has to be further investigated for its comprehensive understanding.

The Functions of Metallothionein and ZIP and ZnT Transporters: An Overview and Perspective

Around 3000 proteins are thought to bind zinc in vivo, which corresponds to ~10% of the human proteome. Zinc plays a pivotal role as a structural, catalytic, and signaling component that functions in numerous physiological processes. It is more widely used as a structural element in proteins than any other transition metal ion, is a catalytic component of many enzymes, and acts as a cellular signaling mediator. Thus, it is expected that zinc metabolism and homeostasis have sophisticated regulation, and elucidating the underlying molecular basis of this is essential to understanding zinc functions in cellular physiology and pathogenesis. In recent decades, an increasing amount of evidence has uncovered critical roles of a number of proteins in zinc metabolism and homeostasis through influxing, chelating, sequestrating, coordinating, releasing, and effluxing zinc. Metallothioneins (MT) and Zrt- and Irt-like proteins (ZIP) and Zn transporters (ZnT) are the proteins primarily involved in these processes, and their malfunction has been implicated in a number of inherited diseases such as acrodermatitis enteropathica. The present review updates our current understanding of the biological functions of MTs and ZIP and ZnT transporters from several new perspectives.

Zinc sensing by metal-responsive transcription factor 1 (MTF1) controls metallothionein and ZnT1 expression to buffer the sensitivity of the transcriptome response to zinc

Only a small number of genes are known direct targets of the zinc-responsive transcription factor MTF1; therefore, the aim of this study was to gain a more complete understanding of the MTF-1 regulated zinc-responsive component of the transcriptome. A targeted siRNA was used to deplete MTF1 expression in the human intestinal cell line Caco-2. We predicted that the response to zinc of direct MTF1 target genes would be abrogated by MTF1 knockdown. Surprisingly, a greater number of genes were regulated by zinc following MFT1 knockdown, and most genes that responded to zinc under both control and MTF1-depleted conditions had an augmented response in the latter condition. Exceptions were the zinc effluxer ZnT1 and a suite of metallothionein genes, suggesting that responses of other genes to zinc are usually buffered by increases in these proteins. We propose that MTF1 heads a hierarchy of zinc sensors, and through controlling the expression of a raft of metallothioneins and other key proteins involved in controlling intracellular zinc levels (e.g. ZnT1) alters zinc buffering capacity and total cellular zinc content. We tested and validated this model by overexpressing metallothionein and observing the predicted curtailment in response of the zinc-repressed SLC30A5 (ZnT5) promoter. The model provides the framework for an integrated understanding of cellular zinc homeostasis. Because MTs can bind metals other than zinc, this framework links with overall cellular metal homeostasis.

Cellular sensing and transport of metal ions: implications in micronutrient homeostasis

Micronutrients include the transition metal ions zinc, copper and iron. These metals are essential for life as they serve as cofactors for many different proteins. On the other hand, they can also be toxic to cell growth when in excess. As a consequence, all organisms require mechanisms to tightly regulate the levels of these metal ions. In eukaryotes, one of the primary ways in which metal levels are regulated is through changes in expression of genes required for metal uptake, compartmentalization, storage and export. By tightly regulating the expression of these genes, each organism is able to balance metal levels despite fluctuations in the diet or extracellular environment. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of how gene expression can be controlled at a transcriptional, posttranscriptional and posttranslational level in response to metal ions in lower and higher eukaryotes. Specifically, I review what is known about how these metalloregulatory factors sense fluctuations in metal ion levels and how changes in gene expression maintain nutrient homeostasis.