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Funk RHW, Scholkmann F. The significance of bioelectricity on all levels of organization of an organism. Part 1: From the subcellular level to cells. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 177:185-201. [PMID: 36481271 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bioelectricity plays an essential role in the structural and functional organization of biological organisms. In this first article of our three-part series, we summarize the importance of bioelectricity for the basic structural level of biological organization, i.e. from the subcellular level (charges, ion channels, molecules and cell organelles) to cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard H W Funk
- Institute of Anatomy, Center for Theoretical Medicine, TU-Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany; Dresden International University, 01067, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Felix Scholkmann
- Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
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2
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Nunn AV, Guy GW, Bell JD. Bioelectric Fields at the Beginnings of Life. Bioelectricity 2022; 4:237-247. [PMID: 36636557 PMCID: PMC9810354 DOI: 10.1089/bioe.2022.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The consensus on the origins of life is that it involved organization of prebiotic chemicals according to the underlying principles of thermodynamics to dissipate energy derived from photochemical and/or geochemical sources. Leading theories tend to be chemistry-centric, revolving around either metabolism or information-containing polymers first. However, experimental data also suggest that bioelectricity and quantum effects play an important role in biology, which might suggest that a further factor is required to explain how life began. Intriguingly, in the early part of 20th century, the concept of the "morphogenetic field" was proposed by Gurwitsch to explain how the shape of an organism was determined, while a role for quantum mechanics in biology was suggested by Bohr and Schrödinger, among others. This raises the question as to the potential of these phenomena, especially bioelectric fields, to have been involved in the origin of life. It points to the possibility that as bioelectricity is universally prevalent in biological systems today, it represents a more complex echo of an electromagnetic skeleton which helped shape life into being. It could be argued that as a flow of ions creates an electric field, this could have been pivotal in the formation of an energy dissipating structure, for instance, in deep sea thermal vents. Moreover, a field theory might also hint at the potential involvement of nontrivial quantum effects in life. Not only might this perspective help indicate the origins of morphogenetic fields, but also perhaps suggest where life may have started, and whether metabolism or information came first. It might also help to provide an insight into aging, cancer, consciousness, and, perhaps, how we might identify life beyond our planet. In short, when thinking about life, not only do we have to consider the accepted chemistry, but also the fields that must also shape it. In effect, to fully understand life, as well as the yin of accepted particle-based chemistry, there is a yang of field-based interaction and an ethereal skeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair V.W. Nunn
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom.,Address correspondence to: Alistair V.W. Nunn, PhD, Research Centre for Optimal Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jimmy D. Bell
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
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3
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Guette-Marquet S, Roques C, Bergel A. Direct electrochemical detection of trans-plasma membrane electron transfer: A possible alternative pathway for cell respiration. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 220:114896. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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4
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Kernbach S, Kernbach O. Environment-dependent fluctuations of potentiometric pH dynamics in geomagnetic field. Electromagn Biol Med 2022; 41:409-418. [PMID: 36200513 DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2022.2125527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
This work explores fluctuations of potentiometric pH dynamics in environments with different configurations of geomagnetic fields. High-resolution pH measurements of test liquids are conducted in electromagnetically shielded and thermally stabilized conditions. External measurement environment in two laboratories is modulated by non-conducting/non-magnetic objects of organic and inorganic origins. Totally, 88 experiments in three groups have been conducted during 4 months. The affected pH dynamics at the level of 10-2-10-5 pH is detected in 93.5%, 82.2% and 74.4% depending on dielectric permittivity of environmental objects. Reaction of potentiometric system has a typical delay of 30-180 minutes. Experiments in both laboratories demonstrated 19% difference of reproducibility rate caused by different background fluctuations. To explain the obtained results, the paper discusses the effects of the Earth's electric and magnetic fields in the form of magnetospheric Poynting vectors or spin-spin forces in geomagnetic field, which affects the productivity of ionic and free-radical reactions. Since the pH level of aqueous solutions controls various biochemical reactions, this mechanism can explain several biological effects with non-contact signal transmission observed in environmental biology and electromagnetic biophysics.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kernbach
- Research Center of Advanced Robotics and Environmental Science, CYBRES GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - O Kernbach
- Research Center of Advanced Robotics and Environmental Science, CYBRES GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany
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Tuszynski JA, Costa F. Low-energy amplitude-modulated radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as a systemic treatment for cancer: Review and proposed mechanisms of action. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:869155. [PMID: 36157082 PMCID: PMC9498185 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2022.869155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to Low-Energy Amplitude-Modulated Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (LEAMRFEMF) represents a new treatment option for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (AHCC). We focus on two medical devices that modulate the amplitude of a 27.12 MHz carrier wave to generate envelope waves in the low Hz to kHz range. Each provides systemic exposure to LEAMRFEMF via an intrabuccal antenna. This technology differs from so-called Tumour Treating Fields because it uses different frequency ranges, uses electromagnetic rather than electric fields, and delivers energy systemically rather than locally. The AutemDev also deploys patient-specific frequencies. LEAMRFEMF devices use 100-fold less power than mobile phones and have no thermal effects on tissue. Tumour type-specific or patient-specific treatment frequencies can be derived by measuring haemodynamic changes induced by exposure to LEAMRFEMF. These specific frequencies inhibited growth of human cancer cell lines in vitro and in mouse xenograft models. In uncontrolled prospective clinical trials in patients with AHCC, minorities of patients experienced complete or partial tumour responses. Pooled comparisons showed enhanced overall survival in treated patients compared to historical controls. Mild transient somnolence was the only notable treatment-related adverse event. We hypothesize that intracellular oscillations of charged macromolecules and ion flows couple resonantly with LEAMRFEMF. This resonant coupling appears to disrupt cell division and subcellular trafficking of mitochondria. We provide an estimate of the contribution of the electromagnetic effects to the overall energy balance of an exposed cell by calculating the power delivered to the cell, and the energy dissipated through the cell due to EMF induction of ionic flows along microtubules. We then compare this with total cellular metabolic energy production and conclude that energy delivered by LEAMRFEMF may provide a beneficial shift in cancer cell metabolism away from aberrant glycolysis. Further clinical research may confirm that LEAMRFEMF has therapeutic value in AHCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack A. Tuszynski
- Division of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Aerospaziale, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
- Autem Therapeutics, Hanover, NH, United States
- Correspondence: Jack A. Tuszynski
| | - Frederico Costa
- Autem Therapeutics, Hanover, NH, United States
- Oncology Department, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
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6
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Nonlinear electric response of the diffuse double layer to an abrupt charge displacement inside a biological membrane. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 146:108138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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7
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Salari V, Rodrigues S, Saglamyurek E, Simon C, Oblak D. Are Brain-Computer Interfaces Feasible With Integrated Photonic Chips? Front Neurosci 2022; 15:780344. [PMID: 35069099 PMCID: PMC8777191 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.780344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present paper examines the viability of a radically novel idea for brain-computer interface (BCI), which could lead to novel technological, experimental, and clinical applications. BCIs are computer-based systems that enable either one-way or two-way communication between a living brain and an external machine. BCIs read-out brain signals and transduce them into task commands, which are performed by a machine. In closed loop, the machine can stimulate the brain with appropriate signals. In recent years, it has been shown that there is some ultraweak light emission from neurons within or close to the visible and near-infrared parts of the optical spectrum. Such ultraweak photon emission (UPE) reflects the cellular (and body) oxidative status, and compelling pieces of evidence are beginning to emerge that UPE may well play an informational role in neuronal functions. In fact, several experiments point to a direct correlation between UPE intensity and neural activity, oxidative reactions, EEG activity, cerebral blood flow, cerebral energy metabolism, and release of glutamate. Therefore, we propose a novel skull implant BCI that uses UPE. We suggest that a photonic integrated chip installed on the interior surface of the skull may enable a new form of extraction of the relevant features from the UPE signals. In the current technology landscape, photonic technologies are advancing rapidly and poised to overtake many electrical technologies, due to their unique advantages, such as miniaturization, high speed, low thermal effects, and large integration capacity that allow for high yield, volume manufacturing, and lower cost. For our proposed BCI, we are making some very major conjectures, which need to be experimentally verified, and therefore we discuss the controversial parts, feasibility of technology and limitations, and potential impact of this envisaged technology if successfully implemented in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Salari
- Basque Center for Applied Mathematics (BCAM), Bilbao, Spain
- Quantum Biology Laboratory, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Erhan Saglamyurek
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christoph Simon
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel Oblak
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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8
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Matkó J, Tóth EA. Membrane nanotubes are ancient machinery for cell-to-cell communication and transport. Their interference with the immune system. Biol Futur 2021; 72:25-36. [PMID: 34554502 PMCID: PMC7869423 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-020-00062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Nanotubular connections between mammalian cell types came into the focus only two decades ago, when “live cell super-resolution imaging” was introduced. Observations of these long-time overlooked structures led to understanding mechanisms of their growth/withdrawal and exploring some key genetic and signaling factors behind their formation. Unbelievable level of multiple supportive collaboration between tumor cells undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy, cross-feeding” between independent bacterial strains or “cross-dressing” collaboration of immune cells promoting cellular immune response, all via nanotubes, have been explored recently. Key factors and "calling signals" determining the spatial directionality of their growth and their overall in vivo significance, however, still remained debated. Interestingly, prokaryotes, including even ancient archaebacteria, also seem to use such NT connections for intercellular communication. Herein, we will give a brief overview of current knowledge of membrane nanotubes and depict a simple model about their possible “historical role”.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Matkó
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Eszter Angéla Tóth
- ATRC Aurigon Toxicological Research Center, H-2120 Pálya utca 2, Dunakeszi, Hungary
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9
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Mitochondrial dysfunction in neurological disorders: Exploring mitochondrial transplantation. NPJ Regen Med 2020; 5:22. [PMID: 33298971 PMCID: PMC7683736 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-020-00107-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are fundamental for metabolic homeostasis in all multicellular eukaryotes. In the nervous system, mitochondria-generated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is required to establish appropriate electrochemical gradients and reliable synaptic transmission. Notably, several mitochondrial defects have been identified in central nervous system disorders. Membrane leakage and electrolyte imbalances, pro-apoptotic pathway activation, and mitophagy are among the mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease, as well as ischemic stroke. In this review, we summarize mitochondrial pathways that contribute to disease progression. Further, we discuss pathological states that damaged mitochondria impose on normal nervous system processes and explore new therapeutic approaches to mitochondrial diseases.
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10
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Liu D, Dong Z, Wang J, Tao Y, Sun X, Yao X. The existence and function of mitochondrial component in extracellular vesicles. Mitochondrion 2020; 54:122-127. [PMID: 32861876 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Intercellular transfer of mitochondria and mitochondrial components through extracellular vesicles (EVs), including microvesicles and exosomes, is an area of intense interest. The cargos that are carried by EVs define their biological activities. Mitochondria are in charge of bioenergetics and maintenance of cell viability. Increasing evidences indicate the presence of intact mitochondria or mitochondrial components in EVs, which raises many questions, how they are engulfed into EVs and what do they do? Here, we present what is currently known about the presence and function of various mitochondrial constituent in EVs. We also review current understanding about how and why mitochondrial components are encapsulated into EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 222 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Zhanchen Dong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dalian Medical University, 9 W Lushun South Road, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Jinling Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dalian Medical University, 9 W Lushun South Road, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Ye Tao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dalian Medical University, 9 W Lushun South Road, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Xiance Sun
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dalian Medical University, 9 W Lushun South Road, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dalian Medical University, 9 W Lushun South Road, Dalian 116044, China.
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11
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Zeglinski MR, Moghadam AR, Ande SR, Sheikholeslami K, Mokarram P, Sepehri Z, Rokni H, Mohtaram NK, Poorebrahim M, Masoom A, Toback M, Sareen N, Saravanan S, Jassal DS, Hashemi M, Marzban H, Schaafsma D, Singal P, Wigle JT, Czubryt MP, Akbari M, Dixon IM, Ghavami S, Gordon JW, Dhingra S. Myocardial Cell Signaling During the Transition to Heart Failure. Compr Physiol 2018; 9:75-125. [DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c170053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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12
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Tonello L, Gashi B, Scuotto A, Cappello G, Cocchi M, Gabrielli F, Tuszynski JA. The gastrointestinal-brain axis in humans as an evolutionary advance of the root-leaf axis in plants: A hypothesis linking quantum effects of light on serotonin and auxin. J Integr Neurosci 2018. [DOI: 10.3233/jin-170048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bekim Gashi
- Department of Biology, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Prishtina, 10000, Kosovo
| | | | | | | | | | - Jack A. Tuszynski
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2J1, Canada
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13
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Perico L, Morigi M, Rota C, Breno M, Mele C, Noris M, Introna M, Capelli C, Longaretti L, Rottoli D, Conti S, Corna D, Remuzzi G, Benigni A. Human mesenchymal stromal cells transplanted into mice stimulate renal tubular cells and enhance mitochondrial function. Nat Commun 2017; 8:983. [PMID: 29042548 PMCID: PMC5754365 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00937-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are renoprotective and drive regeneration following injury, although cellular targets of such an effect are still ill-defined. Here, we show that human umbilical cord (UC)-MSCs transplanted into mice stimulate tubular cells to regain mitochondrial mass and function, associated with enhanced microtubule-rich projections that appear to mediate mitochondrial trafficking to create a reparative dialogue among adjacent tubular cells. Treatment with UC-MSCs in mice with cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) regulates mitochondrial biogenesis in proximal tubuli by enhancing PGC1α expression, NAD+ biosynthesis and Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) activity, thus fostering antioxidant defenses and ATP production. The functional role of SIRT3 in tubular recovery is highlighted by data that in SIRT3-deficient mice with AKI, UC-MSC treatment fails to induce renoprotection. These data document a previously unrecognized mechanism through which UC-MSCs facilitate renal repair, so as to induce global metabolic reprogramming of damaged tubular cells to sustain energy supply. Mesenchymal stromal cells drive renal regeneration following injury. Here, the authors show that human mesenchymal stromal cells, when transplanted into mice with acute kidney injury, stimulate renal tubular cell growth and enhance mitochondrial function via SIRT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Perico
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, 24126, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marina Morigi
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, 24126, Bergamo, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Rota
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, 24126, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Matteo Breno
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, 24126, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Caterina Mele
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, 24126, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marina Noris
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, 24126, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Martino Introna
- Laboratory of Cell Therapy "G. Lanzani", Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Chiara Capelli
- Laboratory of Cell Therapy "G. Lanzani", Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Lorena Longaretti
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, 24126, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Daniela Rottoli
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, 24126, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Sara Conti
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, 24126, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Daniela Corna
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, 24126, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, 24126, Bergamo, Italy.,Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127, Bergamo, Italy.,University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, 24126, Bergamo, Italy
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Kurian P, Obisesan TO, Craddock TJA. Oxidative species-induced excitonic transport in tubulin aromatic networks: Potential implications for neurodegenerative disease. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2017; 175:109-124. [PMID: 28865316 PMCID: PMC5610651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative tauopathic disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease-related dementia, which are characterized by altered forms of the microtubule-associated protein (MAP) tau. MAP tau is a key protein in stabilizing the microtubule architecture that regulates neuron morphology and synaptic strength. When MAP tau is degraded in tauopathic disorders, neuron dysfunction results. The precise role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the tauopathic disease process, however, is poorly understood. Classically, mitochondrial dysfunction has been viewed as the major source of oxidative stress and has been shown to precede tau and amyloid pathology in various dementias, but the exact mechanisms are not clear. It is known that the production of ROS by mitochondria can result in ultraweak photon emission (UPE) within cells. While of low intensity, surrounding proteins within the cytosol can still absorb these energetic photons via aromatic amino acids (e.g., tryptophan and tyrosine). One likely absorber of these photons is the microtubule cytoskeleton, as it forms a vast network spanning neurons, is highly co-localized with mitochondria, and shows a high density of aromatic amino acids. Functional microtubule networks may traffic this ROS-generated endogenous photon energy for cellular signaling, or they may serve as dissipaters/conduits of such energy to protect the cell from potentially harmful effects. Experimentally, after in vitro exposure to exogenous photons, microtubules have been shown to reorient and reorganize in a dose-dependent manner with the greatest effect being observed around 280nm, in the tryptophan and tyrosine absorption range. In this paper, recent modeling efforts based on ambient temperature experiment are presented, showing that tubulin polymers can feasibly absorb and channel these photoexcitations via resonance energy transfer, on the order of dendritic length scales and neuronal fine structure. Since microtubule networks are compromised in tauopathic diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's dementias, patients with these illnesses would be unable to support effective channeling of these photons for signaling or dissipation. Consequent emission surplus due to increased UPE production or decreased ability to absorb and transfer may lead to increased cellular oxidative damage, thus hastening the neurodegenerative process.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kurian
- National Human Genome Center, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20060, USA; Department of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20060, USA; Computational Physics Laboratory, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA.
| | - T O Obisesan
- Georgetown-Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science Clinical Research Unit, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20060, USA
| | - T J A Craddock
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA; Department of Computer Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA; Department of Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA; Clinical Systems Biology Group, Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA
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15
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Salari V, Scholkmann F, Vimal RLP, Császár N, Aslani M, Bókkon I. Phosphenes, retinal discrete dark noise, negative afterimages and retinogeniculate projections: A new explanatory framework based on endogenous ocular luminescence. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 60:101-119. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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16
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Frénal K, Jacot D, Hammoudi PM, Graindorge A, Maco B, Soldati-Favre D. Myosin-dependent cell-cell communication controls synchronicity of division in acute and chronic stages of Toxoplasma gondii. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15710. [PMID: 28593938 PMCID: PMC5477499 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii possesses a repertoire of 11 myosins. Three class XIV motors participate in motility, invasion and egress, whereas the class XXII myosin F is implicated in organelle positioning and inheritance of the apicoplast. Here we provide evidence that TgUNC acts as a chaperone dedicated to the folding, assembly and function of all Toxoplasma myosins. The conditional ablation of TgUNC recapitulates the phenome of the known myosins and uncovers two functions in parasite basal complex constriction and synchronized division within the parasitophorous vacuole. We identify myosin J and centrin 2 as essential for the constriction. We demonstrate the existence of an intravacuolar cell–cell communication ensuring synchronized division, a process dependent on myosin I. This connectivity contributes to the delayed death phenotype resulting from loss of the apicoplast. Cell–cell communication is lost in activated macrophages and during bradyzoite differentiation resulting in asynchronized, slow division in the cysts. The mechanism by which Toxoplasma gondii achieves synchronized cell division is incompletely understood. Here, the authors identify an intravacuolar cell-cell communication that ensures synchronized division and depends on myosin I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Frénal
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Damien Jacot
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Mehdi Hammoudi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Arnault Graindorge
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bohumil Maco
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Soldati-Favre
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
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Aouacheria A, Baghdiguian S, Lamb HM, Huska JD, Pineda FJ, Hardwick JM. Connecting mitochondrial dynamics and life-or-death events via Bcl-2 family proteins. Neurochem Int 2017; 109:141-161. [PMID: 28461171 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The morphology of a population of mitochondria is the result of several interacting dynamical phenomena, including fission, fusion, movement, elimination and biogenesis. Each of these phenomena is controlled by underlying molecular machinery, and when defective can cause disease. New understanding of the relationships between form and function of mitochondria in health and disease is beginning to be unraveled on several fronts. Studies in mammals and model organisms have revealed that mitochondrial morphology, dynamics and function appear to be subject to regulation by the same proteins that regulate apoptotic cell death. One protein family that influences mitochondrial dynamics in both healthy and dying cells is the Bcl-2 protein family. Connecting mitochondrial dynamics with life-death pathway forks may arise from the intersection of Bcl-2 family proteins with the proteins and lipids that determine mitochondrial shape and function. Bcl-2 family proteins also have multifaceted influences on cells and mitochondria, including calcium handling, autophagy and energetics, as well as the subcellular localization of mitochondrial organelles to neuronal synapses. The remarkable range of physical or functional interactions by Bcl-2 family proteins is challenging to assimilate into a cohesive understanding. Most of their effects may be distinct from their direct roles in apoptotic cell death and are particularly apparent in the nervous system. Dual roles in mitochondrial dynamics and cell death extend beyond BCL-2 family proteins. In this review, we discuss many processes that govern mitochondrial structure and function in health and disease, and how Bcl-2 family proteins integrate into some of these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel Aouacheria
- Institute of Evolutionary Sciences of Montpellier (ISEM), CNRS UMR 5554, University of Montpellier, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Stephen Baghdiguian
- Institute of Evolutionary Sciences of Montpellier (ISEM), CNRS UMR 5554, University of Montpellier, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Heather M Lamb
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jason D Huska
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Fernando J Pineda
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - J Marie Hardwick
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Bi M, Li Q, Guo D, Ding X, Bi W, Zhang Y, Zou Y. Sulphoraphane Improves Neuronal Mitochondrial Function in Brain Tissue in Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Rats. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2017; 120:541-549. [PMID: 27983767 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is one of the leading causes of toxicity-related mortality and morbidity worldwide, primarily manifested by acute and delayed central nervous system (CNS) injuries and other organ damages. However, its definite pathogenesis is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore the pathogenesis of the ultrastructural and functional impairment of mitochondria and the protection of sulphoraphane (SFP) at different dosages on hippocampus neurons in rats after exposure to CO. We found that CO poisoning could induce advanced cognitive dysfunction, while the mitochondrial ultrastructure of neurons in rats of the CO poisoning group was seriously damaged and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was accordingly reduced by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and JC-1 fluorescent probe assay. CO poisoning could also increase the expressions of both nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) proteins and their mRNA in brain tissue with immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR (qPCR) techniques. Early administration of either middle-dose or high-dose SFP could efficiently improve mitochondrial structure and function and enhance the antioxidative stress ability, thus exerting a positive effect against brain damage induced by acute CO poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjun Bi
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China.,Emergency Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Dadong Guo
- Eye Institute of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ding
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
| | - Weikang Bi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
| | - Yueheng Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Yong Zou
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
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Possible existence of optical communication channels in the brain. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36508. [PMID: 27819310 PMCID: PMC5098150 DOI: 10.1038/srep36508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Given that many fundamental questions in neuroscience are still open, it seems pertinent to explore whether the brain might use other physical modalities than the ones that have been discovered so far. In particular it is well established that neurons can emit photons, which prompts the question whether these biophotons could serve as signals between neurons, in addition to the well-known electro-chemical signals. For such communication to be targeted, the photons would need to travel in waveguides. Here we show, based on detailed theoretical modeling, that myelinated axons could serve as photonic waveguides, taking into account realistic optical imperfections. We propose experiments, both in vivo and in vitro, to test our hypothesis. We discuss the implications of our results, including the question whether photons could mediate long-range quantum entanglement in the brain.
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Einav S, O'Connor M, Chavez LO. Visit to intensive care of 2050. Intensive Care Med 2016; 43:97-100. [PMID: 27581682 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-016-4525-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Einav
- General Intensive Care, Shaare Zedek Medical Centre and Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine, Samuel Byte 12, POB 3235, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Michael O'Connor
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Luis Omar Chavez
- Facultad de Medicina y Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
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