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Liao LL, Li WZ, Jin L, Li GQ. Rnai-based functional analysis of bursicon genes related to cuticle pigmentation in a ladybird beetle. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 158:104696. [PMID: 39173874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
In arthropods, the binding of a bursicon (encoded by burs and pburs) heterodimer or homodimer to a leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein coupled receptor LGR2 (encoded by rk) can activate many physiological processes, especially cuticle pigmentation during insect ecdysis. In the current paper, we intended to ascertain whether bursicon signaling mediates body coloration in the 28-spotted larger potato ladybird, Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata, and if so, by which way bursicon signal governs the pigmentation. The high expression of Hvburs, Hvpburs and Hvrk occurred in the young larvae, pupae and adults, especially in the head and ventral nerve cord. RNA interference (RNAi) aided knockdown of Hvburs, Hvpburs or Hvrk in the prepupae caused similar phenotypic defects. The pigmentation of the resultant adults was affected, with significantly reduced dark areas on the sternums. Moreover, the accumulated mRNA levels of two sclerotin biosynthesis genes, aspartate 1-decarboxylase gene Hvadc and N-β-alanyldopamine synthase gene Hvebony, were significantly increased in the Hvburs, Hvpburs or Hvrk RNAi beetles. Furthermore, depletion of either Hvadc or Hvebony could completely rescue the impaired coloration on the sternums of Hvpburs RNAi adult. Our results supported that bursicon heterodimer-mediated signal regulate cuticle pigmentation. The bursicon signaling may tune the ratio of melanins (dark/black, brown) to sclerotins (light yellow, colorless) exerting its regulative role in the pigmentation of H. vigintioctomaculata sternums.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Lan Liao
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Wen-Ze Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Lin Jin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Li WZ, Wu YK, Zhang YX, Jin L, Li GQ. Behavioral events and functional analysis of bursicon signal during adult eclosion in the 28-spotted larger potato ladybird. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 203:106011. [PMID: 39084776 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.106011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
To accommodate growth, insects must periodically shed their exoskeletons. In Manduca sexta, Drosophila melanogaster and Tribolium castaneum, Bursicon (Burs)/ Partner of bursicon (Pburs)-LGR2 signal is an indispensable component for the proper execution of ecdysis behavior during adult eclosion. Nevertheless, the behavioral events and the roles of bursicon signaling in other insects deserve further exploration. In the current paper, we found that the pupal-adult ecdysis in Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata could be divided into three distinct stages, preecdysis, ecdysis and postecdysis. Preecdysis behavioral sequences included abdomen twitches, dorsal-ventral contractions and air filling that function to loosen the old cuticle. Ecdysis events began with anterior-posterior contractions that gradually split the old integument along the dorsal body midline, followed by freeing of legs and mouthparts, and culminated in detachment from pupal cuticle. Postecdysis behavioral processes contained three actions: perch selection and stretching of elytra and hindwings. RNA interference for HvBurs, HvPburs or Hvrk (encoding LGR2) strongly impaired wing expansion actions, and slightly influenced preecdysis and ecdysis behaviors. The RNAi beetles failed to extend their elytra and hindwings. In addition, injected with dsrk also caused kinked femurs and tibia. Our findings establish that bursicon pathway is involved in regulation of adult eclosion behavior, especially wing expansion motor programs. Given that wings facilitate food foraging, courtship, predator avoidance, dispersal and migration, our results provide a potential target for controlling H. vigintioctomaculata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ze Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Yi-Kuan Wu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Yu-Xing Zhang
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Lin Jin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Lu JM, Shang F, Ding BY, Wang L, Li QC, Wang JJ, Dou W. Characterization of two Bursicon genes and their association with wing development in the brown citrus aphid, Aphis citricidus. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38339808 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The tanning hormone, Bursicon, is a neuropeptide secreted by the insect nervous system that functions as a heterodimer composed of Burs-α and Burs-β subunits. It plays a critical role in the processes of cuticle tanning and wing expansion in insects. In this study, we successfully identified the AcBurs-α and AcBurs-β genes in Aphis citricidus. The open reading frames of AcBurs-α and AcBurs-β were 480 and 417 bp in length, respectively. Both AcBurs-α and AcBurs-β exhibited 11 conserved cysteine residues. AcBurs-α and AcBurs-β were expressed during all developmental stages of A. citricidus and showed high expression levels in the winged aphids. To investigate the potential role of AcBurs-α and AcBurs-β in wing development, we employed RNA interference (RNAi) techniques. With the efficient silencing of AcBurs-α (44.90%) and AcBurs-β (52.31%), malformed wings were induced in aphids. The proportions of malformed wings were 22.50%, 25.84%, and 38.34% in dsAcBurs-α-, dsAcBur-β-, and dsAcBurs-α + dsAcBur-β-treated groups, respectively. Moreover, feeding protein kinase A inhibitors (H-89) also increased the proportion of malformed wings to 30.00%. Feeding both double-stranded RNA and inhibitors (H-89) significantly downregulated the wing development-related genes nubbin, vestigial, notch and spalt major. Silence of vestigial through RNAi also led to malformed wings. Meanwhile, the exogenous application of 3 hormones that influence wing development did not affect the expression level of AcBursicon genes. These findings indicate that AcBursicon genes plays a crucial role in wing development in A. citricidus; therefore, it represents a potential molecular target for the control of this pest through RNAi-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ming Lu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Shang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bi-Yue Ding
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing-Chun Li
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Zhou ZX, Dou W, Wang M, Shang F, Wang JJ. Bursicon regulates wing expansion via PKA in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:388-396. [PMID: 37708392 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bursicon is a heterodimeric neuropeptide that is involved in many physiological activities such as cuticle tanning, wing expansion, reproduction and immunity in insects. In this study, the role of bursicon in the wing expansion was investigated in Bactrocera dorsalis, an important invasive insect pest in agriculture. RESULTS The cDNA sequences and deduced amino acids of bursicon genes (named BdBurs-α and BdBurs-β) were determined, and two proteins typically contained 11 cysteine residues in conserved positions that were highly conserved in other insect species. The spatiotemporal expressions of bursicon genes showed that higher expression occurred at the pupal, early adult stage and ovaries, and lower expression at the late larval stage and in wing tissue (8-day-old pupae). Dysfunction of bursicon genes by dsRNA microinjection into 5-day-old pupae reduced PKA (a downstream component of the bursicon pathway) activity and resulted in malformed adult wings. PKA inhibitor injection into 5-day-old pupae also resulted in similar phenotypes. Hematoxylin & eosin staining of the adult wing showed that RNAi and PKA inhibitor treatment reduced the thickness of the wing cuticle, which wing cuticle thickness were ≈50% thinner than in the control. Furthermore, the expression of hedgehog (Bdhh) (one of 10 tested genes related to wing development) was significantly upregulated after RNAi and PKA inhibitor application. CONCLUSION The results indicate that bursicon plays a crucial role in the wing expansion of B. dorsalis, suggesting bursicon genes have potential to be the targets for B. dorsalis control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Xiong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Academy of Agricultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Academy of Agricultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Shang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Academy of Agricultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Academy of Agricultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Rauniyar K, Bokharaie H, Jeltsch M. Expansion and collapse of VEGF diversity in major clades of the animal kingdom. Angiogenesis 2023; 26:437-461. [PMID: 37017884 PMCID: PMC10328876 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-023-09874-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Together with the platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs), the vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) form the PDGF/VEGF subgroup among cystine knot growth factors. The evolutionary relationships within this subgroup have not been examined thoroughly to date. Here, we comprehensively analyze the PDGF/VEGF growth factors throughout all animal phyla and propose a phylogenetic tree. Vertebrate whole-genome duplications play a role in expanding PDGF/VEGF diversity, but several limited duplications are necessary to account for the temporal pattern of emergence. The phylogenetically oldest PDGF/VEGF-like growth factor likely featured a C-terminus with a BR3P signature, a hallmark of the modern-day lymphangiogenic growth factors VEGF-C and VEGF-D. Some younger VEGF genes, such as VEGFB and PGF, appeared completely absent in important vertebrate clades such as birds and amphibia, respectively. In contrast, individual PDGF/VEGF gene duplications frequently occurred in fish on top of the known fish-specific whole-genome duplications. The lack of precise counterparts for human genes poses limitations but also offers opportunities for research using organisms that diverge considerably from humans. Sources for the graphical abstract: 326 MYA and older [1]; 72-240 MYA [2]; 235-65 MYA [3].
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushbu Rauniyar
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Biocenter 2, (Viikinkaari 5E), P.O. Box. 56, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Honey Bokharaie
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Biocenter 2, (Viikinkaari 5E), P.O. Box. 56, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael Jeltsch
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Biocenter 2, (Viikinkaari 5E), P.O. Box. 56, 00790, Helsinki, Finland.
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
- Helsinki One Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Kenis S, Istiban MN, Van Damme S, Vandewyer E, Watteyne J, Schoofs L, Beets I. Ancestral glycoprotein hormone-receptor pathway controls growth in C. elegans. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1200407. [PMID: 37409228 PMCID: PMC10319355 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1200407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, thyrostimulin is a highly conserved glycoprotein hormone that, besides thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), is a potent ligand of the TSH receptor. Thyrostimulin is considered the most ancestral glycoprotein hormone and orthologs of its subunits, GPA2 and GPB5, are widely conserved across vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Unlike TSH, however, the functions of the thyrostimulin neuroendocrine system remain largely unexplored. Here, we identify a functional thyrostimulin-like signaling system in Caenorhabditis elegans. We show that orthologs of GPA2 and GPB5, together with thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) related neuropeptides, constitute a neuroendocrine pathway that promotes growth in C. elegans. GPA2/GPB5 signaling is required for normal body size and acts through activation of the glycoprotein hormone receptor ortholog FSHR-1. C. elegans GPA2 and GPB5 increase cAMP signaling by FSHR-1 in vitro. Both subunits are expressed in enteric neurons and promote growth by signaling to their receptor in glial cells and the intestine. Impaired GPA2/GPB5 signaling causes bloating of the intestinal lumen. In addition, mutants lacking thyrostimulin-like signaling show an increased defecation cycle period. Our study suggests that the thyrostimulin GPA2/GPB5 pathway is an ancient enteric neuroendocrine system that regulates intestinal function in ecdysozoans, and may ancestrally have been involved in the control of organismal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Kenis
- Neural Signaling and Circuit Plasticity Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Majdulin Nabil Istiban
- Neural Signaling and Circuit Plasticity Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sara Van Damme
- Neural Signaling and Circuit Plasticity Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elke Vandewyer
- Neural Signaling and Circuit Plasticity Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Watteyne
- Neural Signaling and Circuit Plasticity Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liliane Schoofs
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Beets
- Neural Signaling and Circuit Plasticity Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Monsen VT, Attramadal H. Structural insights into regulation of CCN protein activities and functions. J Cell Commun Signal 2023:10.1007/s12079-023-00768-5. [PMID: 37245184 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-023-00768-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
CCN proteins play important functions during development, in repair mechanisms following tissue injury, as well as in pathophysiologic mechanisms of metastasis of cancer. CCNs are secreted proteins that have a multimodular structure and are categorized as matricellular proteins. Although the prevailing view is that CCN proteins regulate biologic processes by interacting with a wide array of other proteins in the microenvironment of the extracellular matrix, the molecular mechanisms of action of CCN proteins are still poorly understood. Not dissuading the current view, however, the recent appreciation that these proteins are signaling proteins in their own right and may even be considered preproproteins controlled by endopeptidases to release a C-terminal bioactive peptide has opened new avenues of research. Also, the recent resolution of the crystal structure of two of the domains of CCN3 have provided new knowledge with implications for the entire CCN family. These resolved structures in combination with structural predictions based upon the AlphaFold artificial intelligence tool provide means to shed new light on CCN functions in context of the notable literature in the field. CCN proteins have emerged as important therapeutic targets in several disease conditions, and clinical trials are currently ongoing. Thus, a review that critically discusses structure - function relationship of CCN proteins, in particular as it relates to interactions with other proteins in the extracellular milieu and on the cell surface, as well as to cell signaling activities of these proteins, is very timely. Suggested mechanism for activation and inhibition of signaling by the CCN protein family (graphics generated with BioRender.com ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivi Talstad Monsen
- Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Håvard Attramadal
- Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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Perbal B, Perbal M, Perbal A. Cooperation is the key: the CCN biological system as a gate to high complex protein superfamilies' signaling. J Cell Commun Signal 2023:10.1007/s12079-023-00749-8. [PMID: 37166690 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-023-00749-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular signaling is generally understood as the support of communication between contiguous cells belonging to the same tissue or cells being far apart of each other, at a molecular scale, when the message emitted by the transmitters is traveling in liquid or solid matter to reach recipient targets. Subcellular signaling is also important to ensure the proper cell constitution and functioning. However cell signaling is mostly used in the first understanding, to describe how the message sent from one point to another one, will reach a target where it will be interpreted. The Cellular Communication Network (CCN) factors (Perbal et al. 2018) constitute a family of biological regulators thought to be responsible for signaling pathways coordination (Perbal 2018). Indeed, these proteins interact with a diverse group of cell receptors, such as integrins, low density lipoprotein receptors, heparan sulfate proteoglycan receptors (HSPG), and the immunoglobulin superfamily expressed exclusively in the nervous system, or with soluble factors such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPS) and other growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblastic growth factor, and transforming growth factor (TGFbeta). Starting from the recapitulation of basic concepts in enzymology and protein-ligands interactions, we consider, in this manuscript, interpretations of the mechanistic interactions that have been put forward to explain the diversity of CCN proteins biological activities. We suggest that the cross-talks between superfamilies of proteins under the control of CCNs might play a central role in the coordination of developmental signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthieu Perbal
- M2 Probabilités et Modèles Aléatoires, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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Tota M, Łacwik J, Laska J, Sędek Ł, Gomułka K. The Role of Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in the Pathogenesis of Eosinophilic Asthma. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091326. [PMID: 37174726 PMCID: PMC10177218 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic complex pulmonary disease characterized by airway inflammation, remodeling, and hyperresponsiveness. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) are two significant mediators involved in the pathophysiology of asthma. In asthma, VEGF and EDN levels are elevated and correlate with disease severity and airway hyperresponsiveness. Diversity in VEGF polymorphisms results in the variability of responses to glucocorticosteroids and leukotriene antagonist treatment. Targeting VEGF and eosinophils is a promising therapeutic approach for asthma. We identified lichochalcone A, bevacizumab, azithromycin (AZT), vitamin D, diosmetin, epigallocatechin gallate, IGFBP-3, Neovastat (AE-941), endostatin, PEDF, and melatonin as putative add-on drugs in asthma with anti-VEGF properties. Further studies and clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of those drugs. AZT reduces the exacerbation rate and may be considered in adults with persistent symptomatic asthma. However, the long-term effects of AZT on community microbial resistance require further investigation. Vitamin D supplementation may enhance corticosteroid responsiveness. Herein, anti-eosinophil drugs are reviewed. Among them are, e.g., anti-IL-5 (mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab), anti-IL-13 (lebrikizumab and tralokinumab), anti-IL-4 and anti-IL-13 (dupilumab), and anti-IgE (omalizumab) drugs. EDN over peripheral blood eosinophil count is recommended to monitor the asthma control status and to assess the efficacy of anti-IL-5 therapy in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Tota
- Student Scientific Group of Adult Allergology, Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Julia Łacwik
- Student Scientific Group of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Julia Laska
- Student Scientific Group of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Łukasz Sędek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Gomułka
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
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Furukawa H, Mito S, Nishio J, Sato N, Ando Y, Tominaga A, Toyama F, Nakauchi Y, Takayama-Watanabe E, Watanabe A. Identification and characterization of sperm motility-initiating substance-2 gene in internally fertilizing Cynops species. Dev Growth Differ 2023; 65:144-152. [PMID: 36856665 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Sperm motility-initiating substance (SMIS) is an oviductal protein critical for internal fertilization in urodeles. It contributes to the establishment of various reproductive modes in amphibians and is thus a unique research model for the gene evolution of gamete-recognizing ligands that have diversified among animal species. In this study, a paralogous SMIS gene, smis2, was identified via the RNA sequencing of the oviduct of the newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster. The base sequence of the smis2 gene was homologous (˃90%) to that of the original smis gene (smis1), and deduced amino acid sequences of both genes conserved six cysteine residues essential for the cysteine knot motif. Furthermore, smis2 complementary DNA was identified in the oviduct of Cynops ensicauda, and the base substitution patterns also suggested that the smis gene was duplicated in the Salamandridae. Nonsynonymous/synonymous substitution ratios of smis1 and smis2 genes were 0.79 and 2.6, respectively, suggesting that smis2 gene evolution was independently driven by positive selection. Amino acid substitutions were concentrated in the cysteine knot motif of SMIS2. The smis2 gene was expressed in some organs in addition to the oviduct; in contrast, SMIS1 was only expressed in the oviduct. The SMIS2 protein was suggested to be produced and secreted at least in the oviduct and redundantly act in sperm. These results suggest that smis1 plays the original role in the oviduct, whereas smis2 may undergo neofunctionalization, which rarely occurs in gene evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Furukawa
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Shinya Mito
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Jun Nishio
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Nozomi Sato
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ando
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | | | - Fubito Toyama
- Graduate School of Engineering, Utsunomiya University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yuni Nakauchi
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | | | - Akihiko Watanabe
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
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11
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Vafopoulou X, Donaldson LW, Steel CGH. The prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera) is noggin-like: Molecular characterisation, functional analysis and evolutionary implications. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 332:114184. [PMID: 36455643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) is a central regulator of insect development that regulates the production of the steroid moulting hormones (ecdysteroids) from the prothoracic glands (PGs). Rhodnius PTTH was the first brain neurohormone discovered in any animal almost 100 years ago but has eluded identification and no homologue of Bombyx mori PTTH occurs in its genome. Here, we report Rhodnius PTTH is the first noggin-like PTTH found. It differs in important respects from known PTTHs and is the first PTTH from the Hemimetabola (Exopterygota) to be fully analysed. Recorded PTTHs are widespread in Holometabola but close to absent in hemimetabolous orders. We concluded Rhodnius PTTH likely differed substantially from the known ones. We identified one Rhodnius gene that coded a noggin-like protein (as defined by Molina et al., 2009) that had extensive similarities with known PTTHs but also had two additional cysteines. Sequence and structural analysis showed known PTTHs are closely related to noggin-like proteins, as both possess a growth factor cystine knot preceded by a potential cleavage site. The gene is significantly expressed only in the brain, in a few cells of the dorsal protocerebrum. We vector-expressed the sequence from the potential cleavage site to the C-terminus. This protein was strongly steroidogenic on PGs in vitro. An antiserum to the protein removed the steroidogenic protein released by the brain. RNAi performed on brains in vitro showed profound suppression of transcription of the gene and of production and release of PTTH and thus of ecdysteroid production by PGs. In vivo, the gene is expressed throughout development, in close synchrony with PTTH release, ecdysteroid production by PGs and the ecdysteroid titre. The Rhodnius PTTH monomer is 17kDa and immunoreactive to anti-PTTH of Bombyx mori (a holometabolan). Bombyx PTTH also mildly stimulated Rhodnius PGs. The two additional cysteines form a disulfide at the tip of finger 2, causing a loop of residues to protrude from the finger. A PTTH variant without this loop failed to stimulate PGs, showing the loop is essential for PTTH activity. It is considered that PTTHs of Holometabola evolved from a noggin-like protein in the ancestor of Holometabola and Hemiptera, c.400ma, explaining the absence of holometabolous-type PTTHs from hemimetabolous orders and the differences of Rhodnius PTTH from them. Noggin-like proteins studied from Hemiptera to Arachnida were homologous with Rhodnius PTTH and may be common as PTTHs or other hormones in lower insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xanthe Vafopoulou
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele St, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Logan W Donaldson
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele St, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Colin G H Steel
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele St, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada.
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12
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A R P, Pandey Y, Punetha M, Kala A, Samad HA, Singh G, Chouhan VS. Comprehensive transcriptional profiling and functional study of lymphangiogenic growth factor in placentome of early-stage pregnant water buffalo. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:60-72. [PMID: 36098687 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression and localization of lymphangiogenic factors (VEGF-C and VEGF-D), their receptor (VEGFR3) and lymphatic endothelial marker (LYVE1) in buffalo placenta during early pregnancy [EP], and to investigate the functional role of lymphangiogenic growth factors in placental lymphangiogenesis. The mRNA and protein expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, their receptor VEGFR3 and LYVE1 showed significant expression in EP1 (29-42 days) and EP2 stages (51-82 days) both in caruncle (maternal part) and cotyledon (foetal part) of the buffalo placenta. Immunoreactivity of VEGF-C, VEGF-D and LYVE1 was observed around the endometrial gland, in lymphatics and trophoblast cells, whereas VEGFR3 mainly localized in lymphatics of the caruncle and cotyledons. Cultured trophoblast cells were treated with VEGF-C/VEGF-D (50, 100 and 150 ng/ml) and combined doses of VEGF-C and VEGF-D (150 ng/ml) each for different time durations (24, 48 and 72 h). The mRNA expression of LYVE1 and PCNA was significantly (p < .001) upregulated with VEGF-C and VEGF-D and combined treatment (@150 ng/ml), as well as significantly downregulating Caspase-3 at 48 and 72 h. Thus, the present study provides evidence that lymphangiogenic factors are expressed in buffalo placental compartments and they may play a significant role in the regulation of placental function in water buffaloes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja A R
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Yogesh Pandey
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Meeti Punetha
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anju Kala
- Animal Nutrition Division, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hari Abdul Samad
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Gyanendra Singh
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vikrant Singh Chouhan
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
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13
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Arrigo A, Aragona E, Bandello F. VEGF-targeting drugs for the treatment of retinal neovascularization in diabetic retinopathy. Ann Med 2022; 54:1089-1111. [PMID: 35451900 PMCID: PMC9891228 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2064541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common microangiopathic complication of diabetes mellitus, representing a major cause of visual impairment in developed countries. Proliferative DR (PDR) represents the last stage of this extremely complex retinal disease, characterized by the development of neovascularization induced by the abnormal production and release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The term VEGF includes different isoforms; VEGF-A represents one of the most important pathogenic factors of DR. Anti-VEGF intravitreal therapies radically changed the outcome of DR, due to combined anti-angiogenic and anti-edematous activities. Nowadays, several anti-VEGF molecules exist, characterized by different pharmacological features and duration. With respect to PDR, although anti-VEGF treatments represented a fundamental step forward in the management of this dramatic complication, a big debate is present in the literature regarding the role of anti-VEGF as substitute of panretinal photocoagulation or if these two approaches may be used in combination. In the present review, we provided an update on VEGF isoforms and their role in DR pathogenesis, on current anti-VEGF molecules and emerging new drugs, and on the current management strategies of PDR. There is an overall agreement regarding the relative advantage provided by anti-VEGF, especially looking at the management of PDR patients requiring vitrectomy, with respect to laser. Based on the current data, laser approaches might be avoided when a perfectly planned anti-VEGF therapeutic strategy can be adopted. Conversely, laser treatment may have a role for those patients unable to guarantee enough compliance to anti-VEGF injections.Key messagesVEGF increased production, stimulated by retinal hypoperfusion and ischaemia, is a major pathogenic factor of neovascular complication onset in diabetic retinopathy and of DR stages progression.Nowadays, several anti-VEGF molecules are available in clinical practice and other molecules are currently under investigation. Each anti-VEGF molecule is characterized by different targets and may interact with multiple biochemical pathways within the eye.All the data agreed in considering anti-VEGF molecules as a first line choice for the management of diabetic retinopathy. Laser treatments may have a role in selected advanced cases and for those patients unable to guarantee enough compliance to intravitreal treatments schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Arrigo
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Aragona
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Bandello
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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14
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Mu Z, Shen S, Lei L. Resistant ovary syndrome: Pathogenesis and management strategies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1030004. [PMCID: PMC9626816 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1030004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistant ovary syndrome (ROS) is a rare and difficult gynecological endocrine disorder that poses a serious risk to women’s reproductive health. The clinical features are normal sex characteristics, regular female karyotype, and usual ovarian reserve, but elevated endogenous gonadotropin levels and low estrogen levels with primary or secondary amenorrhea. Although there have been many case reports of the disease over the past 50 years, the pathogenesis of the disease is still poorly understood, and there are still no effective clinical management strategies. In this review, we have collected all the current reports on ROS and summarized the pathogenesis and treatment strategies for this disease, intending to provide some clinical references for the management and treatment of this group of patients and provide the foothold for future studies.
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15
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Elebiyo TC, Rotimi D, Evbuomwan IO, Maimako RF, Iyobhebhe M, Ojo OA, Oluba OM, Adeyemi OS. Reassessing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in anti-angiogenic cancer therapy. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2022; 32:100620. [PMID: 35964475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2022.100620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Vascularization is fundamental to the growth and spread of tumor cells to distant sites. As a consequence, angiogenesis, the sprouting of new blood vessels from existing ones, is a characteristic trait of cancer. In 1971, Judah Folkman postulated that tumour growth is angiogenesis dependent and that by cutting off blood supply, a neoplastic lesion could be potentially starved into remission. Decades of research have been devoted to understanding the role that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays in tumor angiogenesis, and it has been identified as a significant pro-angiogenic factor that is frequently overexpressed within a tumor mass. Today, anti-VEGF drugs such as Sunitinib, Sorafenib, Axitinib, Tanibirumab, and Ramucirumab have been approved for the treatment of advanced and metastatic cancers. However, anti-angiogenic therapy has turned out to be more complex than originally thought. The failure of this therapeutic option calls for a reevaluation of VEGF as the major target in anti-angiogenic cancer therapy. The call for reassessment is based on two rationales: first, tumour blood vessels are abnormal, disorganized, and leaky; this not only prevents optimal drug delivery but it also promotes hypoxia and metastasis; secondly, tumour growth or regrowth might be blood vessel dependent and not angiogenesis dependent as tumour cells can acquire blood vessels via non-angiogenic mechanisms. Therefore, a critical assessment of VEGF, VEGFRs, and their inhibitors could glean newer options such as repurposing anti-VEGF drugs as vascular normalizing agents to enhance drug delivery of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damilare Rotimi
- Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Oluwafemi Adeleke Ojo
- Phytomedicine, Molecular Toxicology, and Computational Biochemistry Research Laboratory (PMTCB-RL), Department of Biochemistry, Bowen University, Iwo, 232101, Nigeria..
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16
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Zhang CS, Sun LL, Xie JM, Cao CW. RNAi-based functional analysis of bursicon genes related to wing expansion in gypsy moths. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 139:104398. [PMID: 35537524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2022.104398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bursicon is a heterodimeric neuropeptide composed of Burs-α and Burs-β subunits that plays an important role in cuticle tanning and wing expansion in insects. In this study, full-length cDNAs of Burs-α (LdBurs-α) and Burs-β (LdBurs-β) genes were identified in gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) and cloned. The 480 bp and 420 bp open reading frames (ORFs) encode 159 and 129 amino acid polypeptides, respectively. LdBurs-α and LdBurs-β have 11 conserved cysteine residues, and LdBurs-α and LdBurs-β genes were expressed during all developmental stages according to quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), with highest expression in the egg stage. High expression levels were also detected in the haemolymph, cuticle and head. To explore the physiological functions of LdBurs-α and LdBurs-β, the genes were knocked down in larvae and pupae using RNA interference (RNAi), and expression levels of LdBurs-α and LdBurs-β were decreased by 42.26-80.09%. Wing defects were observed in L. dispar pupae following Ldbursion silencing, with a phenotypic percentage ranging from 10.17% to 15.00%. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Ldbursicon prevented the expansion of male and female L. dispar adult wings, with malformation rates ranging from 6.38% and 30.00% to 57.69% and 69.23%, but no cuticle tanning defects were observed in pupae or adults. The results indicate that bursicon plays a key role in wing expansion in L. dispar adults, making it a potentially novel molecular target for insecticide-based control of this pest species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Shu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Li-Li Sun
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Jia-Ming Xie
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Chuan-Wang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China.
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17
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Al-Dailami AN, Leyria J, Orchard I, Lange AB. Exploring the role of glycoprotein hormone GPA2/GPB5 in the medically important insect, Rhodnius prolixus. Peptides 2022; 149:170710. [PMID: 34915093 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Glycoprotein hormones are formed by the heterodimerization of alpha and beta subunits. In vertebrates, there are five glycoprotein hormones, four of which have a common alpha subunit (GPA1) bound to a specific beta subunit (GPB1, GPB2, GPB3, or GPB4), and the fifth, thyrostimulin, is formed by the dimerization of GPA2 and GPB5 subunits. These hormones mediate physiological events such as development, metabolism, and reproduction, although the functional role of thyrostimulin in vertebrates has not been fully elucidated. Recent reports in invertebrates, specifically in holometabolous insects, suggest that GPA2/GPB5 plays a critical role in development, diuresis, and reproduction. In this study, we clone and characterize the transcripts for the glycoprotein hormone GPA2/GPB5 and its receptor (LGR1) in fifth instar Rhodnius prolixus, a hemimetabolous insect vector of Chagas disease. Sequence analyses reveals considerable identity and similarity between GPA2/GPB5 and LGR1 and those reported in other arthropod species. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) shows that both subunit transcripts, GPA2 and GPB5, and LGR1 transcripts are present in a variety of tissues, with greatest expression of the subunits in the central nervous system (CNS) and highest LGR1 expression in the Malpighian tubules (MT). Results from temporal qPCR analyses reveal a decrease in transcript expression 24 h after feeding, followed by an increase as the days post-feeding advance. Using immunohistochemistry, we show that GPB5 is expressed throughout the CNS, and importantly is present in neurosecretory cells in the brain and abdominal neuromeres and their neurohemal organs, indicating a neurohormonal role for this signaling pathway. A reduction in LGR1 transcript expression (via RNA interference) led to a greater weight loss and mortality rate in unfed insects. In addition, when a blood meal is offered, the insects with reduced LGR1 consume a significantly smaller blood meal and have higher mortality rates as the days post-feeding advance. Overall, the results suggest that the GPA2/GPB5 signaling pathway may play roles during a prolonged unfed state and in feeding-related events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areej N Al-Dailami
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Jimena Leyria
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Ian Orchard
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Angela B Lange
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada.
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18
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Wahl M, Levy T, Manor R, Aflalo ED, Sagi A, Aizen J. Genes Encoding the Glycoprotein Hormone GPA2/GPB5 and the Receptor LGR1 in a Female Prawn. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:823818. [PMID: 35399936 PMCID: PMC8990981 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.823818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrate reproduction, metabolism, growth and development, essential roles are played by glycoprotein hormones, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), all of which are heterodimers consisting of two subunits, a structurally identical alpha subunit, and a variable beta subunit, which provides specificity. A 'new' glycoprotein hormone heterodimer identified in both vertebrates and invertebrates, including decapod crustaceans, was shown to be composed of the glycoprotein alpha 2 (GPA2) and glycoprotein beta 5 (GPB5) subunits. The putative receptor for GPA2/GPB5 in invertebrates is the leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 1 (LGR1). In this study in the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, we identified and characterized the GPA2 (MrGPA2), GPB5 (MrGPB5) and LGR1 (MrLGR1) encoding genes and revealed their spatial expression patterns in female animals. Loss-of-function RNA interference (RNAi) experiments in M. rosenbergii females demonstrated a negative correlation between MrGPA2/MrGPB5 silencing and MrLGR1 transcript levels, suggesting a possible ligand-receptor interaction. The relative transcript levels of M. rosenbergii vitellogenin (MrVg) in the hepatopancreas were significantly reduced following MrGPA2/MrGPB5 knockdown. MrLGR1 loss-of-function induced MrVg receptor (MrVgR) transcript levels in the ovary and resulted in significantly larger oocytes in the silenced group compared to the control group. Our results provide insight into the possible role of GPA2/GPB5-LGR1 in female reproduction, as shown by its effect on MrVg and MrVgR expression and on the oocyte development. Here, we suggest that the GPA2/GPB5 heterodimer act as a gonad inhibiting factor in the eyestalk-hepatopancreas-ovary endocrine axis in M. rosenbergii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Wahl
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tom Levy
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Rivka Manor
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Eliahu D. Aflalo
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Life Sciences, Achva Academic College, Arugot, Israel
| | - Amir Sagi
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- *Correspondence: Amir Sagi, ; Joseph Aizen,
| | - Joseph Aizen
- The Faculty of Marine Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Michmoret, Israel
- *Correspondence: Amir Sagi, ; Joseph Aizen,
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19
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Cui X, Jia H, Xin H, Zhang L, Chen S, Xia S, Li X, Xu W, Chen X, Feng Y, Wei X, Yu H, Wang Y, Zhan Y, Zhu X, Zhang X. A Novel Bispecific Antibody Targeting PD-L1 and VEGF With Combined Anti-Tumor Activities. Front Immunol 2021; 12:778978. [PMID: 34925354 PMCID: PMC8678608 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.778978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) blocking immune checkpoints have been mainly used as monotherapy. Recently, combination therapy targeting multiple immune checkpoints has recently been explored to increase anti-cancer efficacy. Particularly, a single molecule targeting more than one checkpoints has been investigated. As dual blocking of PD-1/PD-L1 and VEGF/VEGFR has demonstrated synergism in anti-tumor activities, we developed a novel bispecific antibody, termed HB0025, which is formed via fusing the domain 2 of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1D2) and anti-PD-L1 mAb by using mAb-Trap technology. HB0025 almost completely retains the binding affinities and the biological activities in-vitro when compared with the parent anti-PD-L1 mAb or VEGFR1D2 fusion protein. Preclinical data demonstrated that HB0025 was more effective in inhibiting cancer growth than anti PD-L1 mAb or VEGFR1D2 fusion protein. Thus, our bispecific antibody may bring about greater clinical benefits and broader indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopei Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Huabo Biopharma, Member of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, Shanghai, China
| | - Huifeng Jia
- Huabo Biopharma, Member of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Xin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Huaota Biopharma, Member of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi Chen
- Huabo Biopharma, Member of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, Shanghai, China
| | - Simin Xia
- Huabo Biopharma, Member of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Li
- Huabo Biopharma, Member of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Huabo Biopharma, Member of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofang Chen
- Huabo Biopharma, Member of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Feng
- Huabo Biopharma, Member of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyue Wei
- Huabo Biopharma, Member of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, Shanghai, China
| | - Haijia Yu
- Huabo Biopharma, Member of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanting Wang
- Huabo Biopharma, Member of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Zhan
- Huabo Biopharma, Member of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyang Zhu
- Huabo Biopharma, Member of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, Shanghai, China.,Huaota Biopharma, Member of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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20
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Hellinger R, Muratspahić E, Devi S, Koehbach J, Vasileva M, Harvey PJ, Craik DJ, Gründemann C, Gruber CW. Importance of the Cyclic Cystine Knot Structural Motif for Immunosuppressive Effects of Cyclotides. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:2373-2386. [PMID: 34592097 PMCID: PMC9286316 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cyclotide T20K inhibits the proliferation of human immune cells and is currently in clinical trials for multiple sclerosis. Here, we provide novel functional data and mechanistic insights into structure-activity relationships of T20K. Analogs with partial or complete reduction of the cystine knot had loss of function in proliferation experiments. Similarly, an acyclic analog of T20K was inactive in lymphocyte bioassays. The lack of activity of non-native peptide analogs appears to be associated with the ability of cyclotides to interact with and penetrate cell membranes, since cellular uptake studies demonstrated fast fractional transfer only of the native peptide into the cytosol of human immune cells. Therefore, structural differences between cyclic and linear native folded peptides were investigated by NMR to elucidate structure-activity relationships. Acyclic T20K had a less rigid backbone and considerable structural changes in loops 1 and 6 compared to the native cyclic T20K, supporting the idea that the cyclic cystine knot motif is a unique bioactive scaffold. This study provides evidence that this structural motif in cyclotides governs bioactivity, interactions with and transport across biological membranes, and the structural integrity of these peptides. These observations could be useful to understand the structure-activity of other cystine knot proteins due to the structural conservation of the cystine knot motif across evolution and to provide guidance for the design of novel cyclic cysteine-stabilized molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Hellinger
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University
of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstr. 17, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Edin Muratspahić
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University
of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstr. 17, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Seema Devi
- Institute
for Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology, Center for Complementary
Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University
of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 115B, Freiburg 79106, Germany
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mina Vasileva
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University
of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstr. 17, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Peta J. Harvey
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence
for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Carsten Gründemann
- Translational
Complementary Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstr. 80, Basel 4056, Switzerland
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University
of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstr. 17, Vienna 1090, Austria
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21
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Mills EG, Yang L, Nielsen MF, Kassem M, Dhillo WS, Comninos AN. The Relationship Between Bone and Reproductive Hormones Beyond Estrogens and Androgens. Endocr Rev 2021; 42:691-719. [PMID: 33901271 PMCID: PMC8599211 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive hormones play a crucial role in the growth and maintenance of the mammalian skeleton. Indeed, the biological significance for this hormonal regulation of skeletal homeostasis is best illustrated by common clinical reproductive disorders, such as primary ovarian insufficiency, hypothalamic amenorrhea, congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and early menopause, which contribute to the clinical burden of low bone mineral density and increased risk for fragility fracture. Emerging evidence relating to traditional reproductive hormones and the recent discovery of newer reproductive neuropeptides and hormones has deepened our understanding of the interaction between bone and the reproductive system. In this review, we provide a contemporary summary of the literature examining the relationship between bone biology and reproductive signals that extend beyond estrogens and androgens, and include kisspeptin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, progesterone, inhibin, activin, and relaxin. A comprehensive and up-to-date review of the recent basic and clinical research advances is essential given the prevalence of clinical reproductive disorders, the emerging roles of upstream reproductive hormones in bone physiology, as well as the urgent need to develop novel safe and effective therapies for bone fragility in a rapidly aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard G Mills
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Yang
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Morten F Nielsen
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Odense & institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Moustapha Kassem
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Odense & institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,Endocrine Bone Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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22
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Zaykov V, Chaqour B. The CCN2/CTGF interactome: an approach to understanding the versatility of CCN2/CTGF molecular activities. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:567-580. [PMID: 34613590 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00650-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular communication network 2 (CCN2), also known as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) regulates diverse cellular processes, some at odds with others, including adhesion, proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein synthesis. Although a cause-and-effect relationship between CCN2/CTGF expression and local fibrotic reactions has initially been established, CCN2/CTGF manifests cell-, tissue-, and context-specific functions and differentially affects developmental and pathological processes ranging from progenitor cell fate decisions and angiogenesis to inflammation and tumorigenesis. CCN2/CTGF multimodular structure, binding to and activation or inhibition of multiple cell surface receptors, growth factors and ECM proteins, and susceptibility for proteolytic cleavage highlight the complexity to CCN2/CTGF biochemical attributes. CCN2/CTGF expression and dosage in the local environment affects a defined community of its interacting partners, and this results in sequestration of growth factors, interference with or potentiation of ligand-receptor binding, cellular internalization of CCN2/CTGF, inhibition or activation of proteases, and generation of CCN2/CTGF degradome products that add molecular diversity and expand the repertoire of functional modules in the cells and their microenvironment. Through these interactions, different intracellular signals and cellular responses are elicited culminating into physiological or pathological reactions. Thus, the CCN2/CTGF interactome is a defining factor of its tissue- and context-specific effects. Mapping of new CCN2/CTGF binding partners might shed light on yet unknown roles of CCN2/CTGF and provide a solid basis for tissue-specific targeting this molecule or its interacting partners in a therapeutic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Zaykov
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Health Science University, 450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 5, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Brahim Chaqour
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Health Science University, 450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 5, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Health Science University, 450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 5, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA.
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23
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Sepúlveda V, Maurelia F, González M, Aguayo J, Caprile T. SCO-spondin, a giant matricellular protein that regulates cerebrospinal fluid activity. Fluids Barriers CNS 2021; 18:45. [PMID: 34600566 PMCID: PMC8487547 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-021-00277-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear fluid that occupies the ventricular and subarachnoid spaces within and around the brain and spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid is a dynamic signaling milieu that transports nutrients, waste materials and neuroactive substances that are crucial for the development, homeostasis and functionality of the central nervous system. The mechanisms that enable cerebrospinal fluid to simultaneously exert these homeostatic/dynamic functions are not fully understood. SCO-spondin is a large glycoprotein secreted since the early stages of development into the cerebrospinal fluid. Its domain architecture resembles a combination of a matricellular protein and the ligand-binding region of LDL receptor family. The matricellular proteins are a group of extracellular proteins with the capacity to interact with different molecules, such as growth factors, cytokines and cellular receptors; enabling the integration of information to modulate various physiological and pathological processes. In the same way, the LDL receptor family interacts with many ligands, including β-amyloid peptide and different growth factors. The domains similarity suggests that SCO-spondin is a matricellular protein enabled to bind, modulate, and transport different cerebrospinal fluid molecules. SCO-spondin can be found soluble or polymerized into a dynamic threadlike structure called the Reissner fiber, which extends from the diencephalon to the caudal tip of the spinal cord. Reissner fiber continuously moves caudally as new SCO-spondin molecules are added at the cephalic end and are disaggregated at the caudal end. This movement, like a conveyor belt, allows the transport of the bound molecules, thereby increasing their lifespan and action radius. The binding of SCO-spondin to some relevant molecules has already been reported; however, in this review we suggest more than 30 possible binding partners, including peptide β-amyloid and several growth factors. This new perspective characterizes SCO-spondin as a regulator of cerebrospinal fluid activity, explaining its high evolutionary conservation, its apparent multifunctionality, and the lethality or severe malformations, such as hydrocephalus and curved body axis, of knockout embryos. Understanding the regulation and identifying binding partners of SCO-spondin are crucial for better comprehension of cerebrospinal fluid physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Sepúlveda
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Felipe Maurelia
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Maryori González
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Jaime Aguayo
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Teresa Caprile
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
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24
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Janjanam J, Pano G, Wang R, Minden-Birkenmaier BA, Breeze-Jones H, Baker E, Garcin C, Clayton G, Shirinifard A, Zaske AM, Finkelstein D, Labelle M. Matricellular protein WISP2 is an endogenous inhibitor of collagen linearization and cancer metastasis. Cancer Res 2021; 81:5666-5677. [PMID: 34385183 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Collagen remodeling contributes to many physiological and pathological processes. In primary tumors, the linearization of collagen fibers promotes cancer cell invasion and metastasis and is indicative of poor prognosis. However, it remains unknown whether there are endogenous inhibitors of collagen linearization that could be exploited therapeutically. Here, we show that collagen linearization is controlled by two secreted matricellular proteins with antagonistic functions. Specifically, WISP1 was secreted by cancer cells, bound to type I collagen (Col I), and linearized Col I via its cysteine-rich C-terminal (CT) domain. In contrast, WISP2, which lacks a CT domain, inhibited Col I linearization by preventing WISP1-Col I binding. Analysis of patient data revealed that WISP2 expression is lower in most solid tumors, in comparison to normal tissues. Consequently, genetic or pharmacological restoration of higher WISP2 levels impaired collagen linearization and prevented tumor cell invasion and metastasis in vivo in models of human and murine breast cancer. Thus, this study uncovers WISP2 as the first inhibitor of collagen linearization ever identified and reveals that collagen architecture can be normalized and metastasis inhibited by therapeutically restoring a high WISP2:WISP1 ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Glendin Pano
- Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
| | - Ruishan Wang
- Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
| | | | | | - Eleanor Baker
- Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
| | - Cecile Garcin
- Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
| | - Georgia Clayton
- Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
| | | | - Ana Maria Zaske
- Department of Internal Medicine, UTHealth - The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | | | - Myriam Labelle
- Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
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25
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Hsu CW, Chung BC. Evolution, Expression, and Function of Gonadal Somatic Cell-Derived Factor. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:684352. [PMID: 34307362 PMCID: PMC8292791 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.684352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fish gonads develop in very diverse ways different from mammalian gonads. This diversity is contributed by species-specific factors. Gonadal somatic cell-derived factor (Gsdf) is one such factor. The gsdf gene exists mostly in teleosts and is absent in many tetrapods, probably as a result of two gene losses during evolution. The gsdf transcript is expressed mainly in gonadal somatic cells, including Sertoli cell in testis and granulosa cells in ovary; however, these gonadal somatic cells can surround many types of germ cells at different developmental stages depending on the fish species. The function of gsdf is also variable. It is involved in germ cell proliferation, testicular formation, ovarian development and even male sex determination. Here, we summarize the common and diverse expression, regulation and functions of gsdf among different fish species with aspect of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Wei Hsu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bon-Chu Chung
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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26
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Ganta VC, Annex BH. Peripheral vascular disease: preclinical models and emerging therapeutic targeting of the vascular endothelial growth factor ligand-receptor system. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:381-391. [PMID: 34098826 PMCID: PMC8573823 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1940139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A is a sought therapeutic target for PAD treatment because of its potent role in angiogenesis. However, no therapeutic benefit was achieved in VEGF-A clinical trials, suggesting that our understanding of VEGF-A biology and ischemic angiogenic processes needs development. Alternate splicing in VEGF-A produces pro- and anti-angiogenic VEGF-A isoforms; the only difference being a 6-amino acid switch in the C-terminus of the final 8th exon of the gene. This finding has changed our understanding of VEGF-A biology and may explain the lack of benefit in VEGF-A clinical trials. It presents new therapeutic opportunities for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) treatment.Areas covered: Literature search was conducted to include: 1) predicted mechanism by which the anti-angiogenic VEGF-A isoform would inhibit angiogenesis, 2) unexpected mechanism of action, and 3) how this mechanism revealed novel signaling pathways that may enhance future therapeutics in PAD.Expert opinion: Inhibiting a specific anti-angiogenic VEGF-A isoform in ischemic muscle promotes perfusion recovery in preclinical PAD. Additional efforts focused on the production of these isoforms, and the pathways altered by modulating different VEGF receptor-ligand interactions, and how this new data may allow bedside progress offers new approaches to PAD are discussed.I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Chaitanya Ganta
- Department of Medicine and Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Brian H Annex
- Department of Medicine and Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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27
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Kureshi R, Zhu A, Shen J, Tzeng SY, Astrab LR, Sargunas PR, Green JJ, Campochiaro PA, Spangler JB. Structure-Guided Molecular Engineering of a Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Antagonist to Treat Retinal Diseases. Cell Mol Bioeng 2020; 13:405-418. [PMID: 33184574 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-020-00641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ocular neovascularization is a hallmark of retinal diseases including neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, two leading causes of blindness in adults. Neovascularization is driven by the interaction of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) ligands with transmembrane VEGF receptors (VEGFR), and inhibition of the VEGF pathway has shown tremendous clinical promise. However, anti-VEGF therapies require invasive intravitreal injections at frequent intervals and high doses, and many patients show incomplete responses to current drugs due to the lack of sustained VEGF signaling suppression. Methods We synthesized insights from structural biology with molecular engineering technologies to engineer an anti-VEGF antagonist protein. Starting from the clinically approved decoy receptor protein aflibercept, we strategically designed a yeast-displayed mutagenic library of variants and isolated clones with superior VEGF affinity compared to the clinical drug. Our lead engineered protein was expressed in the choroidal space of rat eyes via nonviral gene delivery. Results Using a structure-informed directed evolution approach, we identified multiple promising anti-VEGF antagonist proteins with improved target affinity. Improvements were primarily mediated through reduction in dissociation rate, and structurally significant convergent sequence mutations were identified. Nonviral gene transfer of our engineered antagonist protein demonstrated robust and durable expression in the choroid of treated rats one month post-injection. Conclusions We engineered a novel anti-VEGF protein as a new weapon against retinal diseases and demonstrated safe and noninvasive ocular delivery in rats. Furthermore, our structure-guided design approach presents a general strategy for discovery of targeted protein drugs for a vast array of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakeeb Kureshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Angela Zhu
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jikui Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Stephany Y Tzeng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA.,Insititute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Leilani R Astrab
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA.,Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Paul R Sargunas
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jordan J Green
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA.,Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA.,Insititute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA.,Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Peter A Campochiaro
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA.,Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
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28
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Molesini B, Dusi V, Pennisi F, Di Sansebastiano GP, Zanzoni S, Manara A, Furini A, Martini F, Rotino GL, Pandolfini T. TCMP-2 affects tomato flowering and interacts with BBX16, a homolog of the arabidopsis B-box MiP1b. PLANT DIRECT 2020; 4:e00283. [PMID: 33204936 PMCID: PMC7648202 DOI: 10.1002/pld3.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Flowering and fruiting are processes subject to complex control by environmental and endogenous signals. Endogenous signals comprise, besides classical phytohormones, also signaling peptides and miniproteins. Tomato cystine-knot miniproteins (TCMPs), which belong to a Solanaceous-specific group of Cys-rich protein family, have been recently involved in fruit development. TCMP-1 and TCMP-2 display a highly modulated expression pattern during flower and fruit development. A previous study reported that a change in the ratio of the two TCMPs affects the timing of fruit production. In this work, to investigate TCMP-2 mode of action, we searched for its interacting partners. One of the interactors identified by a yeast two hybrid screen, was the B-box domain-containing protein 16 (SlBBX16), whose closest homolog is the Arabidopsis microProtein 1b implicated in flowering time control. We demonstrated the possibility for the two proteins to interact in vivo in tobacco epidermal cells. Arabidopsis plants ectopically overexpressing the TCMP-2 exhibited an increased level of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) mRNA and anticipated flowering. Similarly, in previously generated transgenic tomato plants with increased TCMP-2 expression in flower buds, we observed an augmented expression of SINGLE-FLOWER TRUSS gene, the tomato ortholog of FT, whereas the expression of the antiflorigen SELF-PRUNING was unchanged. Consistently, these transgenic plants showed alterations in the flowering pattern, with an accelerated termination of the sympodial units. Overall, our study reveals a novel function for TCMP-2 as regulatory factor that might integrate, thanks to its capacity to interact with SlBBX16, into the signaling pathways that control flowering, and converge toward florigen regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valentina Dusi
- Department of BiotechnologyUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | | | | | - Serena Zanzoni
- Centro Piattaforme TecnologicheUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Anna Manara
- Department of BiotechnologyUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | | | - Flavio Martini
- Department of BiotechnologyUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
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29
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Park SA, Sung NJ, Choi BJ, Kim W, Kim SH, Surh YJ. Gremlin-1 augments the oestrogen-related receptor α signalling through EGFR activation: implications for the progression of breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:988-999. [PMID: 32572171 PMCID: PMC7493948 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0945-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gremlin-1 (GREM1), one of the bone morphogenetic protein antagonists, is involved in organogenesis, tissue differentiation and kidney development. However, the role of GREM1 in cancer progression and its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. METHODS The role of GREM1 in breast cancer progression was assessed by measuring cell viability, colony formation, 3D tumour spheroid formation/invasion and xenograft tumour formation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, a luciferase reporter assay and flow cytometry were performed to investigate the molecular events in which GREM1 is involved. RESULTS GREM1 expression was elevated in breast cancer cells and tissues obtained from breast cancer patients. Its overexpression was associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients, especially those with oestrogen receptor (ER)-negative tumours. GREM1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells and xenograft mammary tumour growth, while its overexpression enhanced their viability, growth and invasiveness. Oestrogen-related receptor α (ERRα), an orphan nuclear hormone receptor, directly interacted with the GREM1 promoter and increased the expression of GREM1. GREM1 also enhanced the promoter activity of ESRRA encoding ERRα, comprising a positive feedback loop. Notably, GREM1 bound to and activated EGFR, a well-known upstream regulator of ERRα. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that the GREM1-ERRα axis can serve as a potential therapeutic target in the management of cancer, especially ER-negative tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sin-Aye Park
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, 31538, South Korea
| | - Nam Ji Sung
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, 31538, South Korea
| | - Bae-Jung Choi
- Tumor Microenvironment Global Core Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Wonki Kim
- Tumor Microenvironment Global Core Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Seung Hyeon Kim
- Tumor Microenvironment Global Core Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Young-Joon Surh
- Tumor Microenvironment Global Core Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea.
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea.
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.
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30
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Qin N, Tyasi TL, Sun X, Chen X, Zhu H, Zhao J, Xu R. Determination of the roles of GREM1 gene in granulosa cell proliferation and steroidogenesis of hen ovarian prehierarchical follicles. Theriogenology 2020; 151:28-40. [PMID: 32251937 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Gremlin genes are known members of the DAN family of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists, but their functions and regulatory mechanisms in ovarian follicular development of chicken remain unknown. The current study was designed to investigate the mRNA expression patterns of gremlin1 gene (GREM1) and its protein location in the follicles sampled, and to explore the biological effect of GREM1 on the prehierarchical follicular development. This work revealed that chicken GREM1 mRNA exhibits a constant expression level across all the prehierarchical follicles (PFs) from 1-4 mm to 7-8 mm in diameter, and the preovulatory follicles (from F6 to F1) by using RT-qPCR (P > 0.05). The GREM1 protein is predominantly expressed in the oocytes and granulosa cells (GCs) of the PFs by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, our data demonstrated that siRNA-mediated knockdown of GREM1 in the GCs resulted in a significant reduction in cell proliferation (P < 0.001); conversely, overexpression of GREM1 in the GCs led to a remarkable increase in cell proliferation (P < 0.001). Interestingly, the expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclin D2 (CCND2) mRNA and proteins were notably increased when GREM1 expression was upregulated in the GCs (P < 0.01), however, the expression levels of CYP11A1 and StAR were markedly downregulated (P < 0.01). The current results showed that GREM1 gene plays a stimulatory role in GC proliferation during growth and development of the prehierarchical follicles in vitro but an inhibitory role in GC differentiation and steroidogenesis of the hen ovary follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Qin
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Thobela Louis Tyasi
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Xue Sun
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Hongyan Zhu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Jinghua Zhao
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Rifu Xu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China.
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31
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Shanafelt M, Rabara T, MacArt D, Williams C, Hekman R, Joo H, Tsai J, Vierra C. Structural Characterization of Black Widow Spider Dragline Silk Proteins CRP1 and CRP4. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25143212. [PMID: 32674428 PMCID: PMC7397007 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25143212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Spider dragline silk represents a biomaterial with outstanding mechanical properties, possessing high-tensile strength and toughness. In black widows at least eight different proteins have been identified as constituents of dragline silk. These represent major ampullate spidroins MaSp1, MaSp2, MaSp’, and several low-molecular weight cysteine-rich protein (CRP) family members, including CRP1, CRP2, and CRP4. Molecular modeling predicts that CRPs contain a cystine slipknot motif, but experimental evidence to support this assertion remains to be reported. To advance scientific knowledge regarding CRP function, we recombinantly expressed and purified CRP1 and CRP4 from bacteria and investigated their secondary structure using circular dichroism (CD) under different chemical and physical conditions. We demonstrate by far-UV CD spectroscopy that these proteins contain similar secondary structure, having substantial amounts of random coil conformation, followed by lower levels of beta sheet, alpha helical and beta turn structures. CRPs are thermally and pH stable; however, treatment with reagents that disrupt disulfide bonds impact their structural conformations. Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) data also support computational models of CRP1. Taken together, the chemical and thermal stability of CRPs, the cross-linking data, coupled with the structural sensitivity to reducing agents, are experimentally consistent with the supposition CRPs are cystine slipknot proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikayla Shanafelt
- Departments of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA; (M.S.); (T.R.); (D.M.); (H.J.); (J.T.)
| | - Taylor Rabara
- Departments of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA; (M.S.); (T.R.); (D.M.); (H.J.); (J.T.)
| | - Danielle MacArt
- Departments of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA; (M.S.); (T.R.); (D.M.); (H.J.); (J.T.)
| | - Caroline Williams
- Institute for Biomedical Science Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Georgia State University, Decatur, GA 30302, USA;
| | - Ryan Hekman
- Center for Network Systems Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Hyun Joo
- Departments of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA; (M.S.); (T.R.); (D.M.); (H.J.); (J.T.)
| | - Jerry Tsai
- Departments of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA; (M.S.); (T.R.); (D.M.); (H.J.); (J.T.)
| | - Craig Vierra
- Departments of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA; (M.S.); (T.R.); (D.M.); (H.J.); (J.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: 209-946-3024
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Gonadal development and sex determination in mouse. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:115-126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Hsueh AJ, He J. Gonadotropins and their receptors: coevolution, genetic variants, receptor imaging, and functional antagonists. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:3-12. [PMID: 29462242 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropins belong to the family of dimeric glycoprotein hormones and regulate gonadal physiology mediated by G protein-coupled, seven-transmembrane receptors. These glycoprotein hormones are widely used in the clinic to promote ovarian follicle development and for treating some cases of male infertility. We traced the coevolution of dimeric gonadotropin hormones and their receptors, together with thyrotropin and its receptor. We updated recent findings on human genetic variants of these genes and their association with dizygotic twining, polycystic ovarian syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency, male-limited precocious puberty, and infertility. In addition to the known physiological roles of gonadotropin-receptor signaling in gonadal tissues, we also discussed emerging understanding of extragonadal functions of gonadotropins in bones and adipose tissues, together with recent advances in in vivo imaging of gonadotropin receptors in live animals. Recent development of gonadotropin receptor agonists and antagonists were summarized with an emphasis on the development of functional antagonists for FSH receptors to alleviate osteoporosis and obesity associated with menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Hsueh
- Program of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jiahuan He
- Program of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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'Double-muscling' and pelvic tilt phenomena in rabbits with the cystine-knot motif deficiency of myostatin on exon 3. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20190207. [PMID: 31072915 PMCID: PMC6527932 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20190207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene mutations at different gene sites will produce totally different phenotypes or biological functions in gene-edited animals. An allelic series of mutations in the myostatin (MSTN) gene can cause the ‘double-muscling’ phenotype. Although there have been many studies performed on MSTN-mutant animals, there have been few studies that have investigated the cystine-knot motif in exon 3 of MSTN in rabbits. In the current study, CRISPR/Cas9 sgRNA anchored exon 3 of a rabbit’s MSTN was used to disrupt the cystine-knot motif to change the MSTN construction and cause a loss of its function. Eleven MSTN-KO founder rabbits were generated, and all of them contained biallelic modifications. Various mutational MSTN amino acid sequences of the 11 founder rabbits were modeled to the tertiary structure using the SWISS-MODEL, and the results showed that the structure of the cystine-knot motif of each protein in the founder rabbits differed from the wild-type (WT). The MSTN-KO rabbits displayed an obvious ‘double-muscling’ phenomena, with a 20−30% increase in body weight compared with WT rabbits. In the MSTN-KO rabbits, all of the MSTN−/− rabbits showed teeth dislocation and tongue enlargement, and the percentage of rabbits having pelvic tilt was 0% in MSTN+/+, 0% in MSTN+/−, 77.78% in female MSTN−/− rabbits, and 37.50% in male MSTN−/− rabbits. The biomechanical mechanism of pelvic tilt and teeth dislocation in the MSTN-KO rabbits requires further investigation. These newly generated MSTN-KO rabbits will serve as an important animal model, not only for studying skeletal muscle development, but also for biomedical studies in pelvic tilt correction and craniofacial research.
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Ebrhim RS, Bruellman RJ, Watanabe Y, Creech MK, Abdullah MA, Dumitrescu AM, Refetoff S, Weiss RE. Central Congenital Hypothyroidism Caused by a Novel Mutation, C47W, in the Cysteine Knot Region of TSHβ. Horm Res Paediatr 2019; 92:390-394. [PMID: 31914441 PMCID: PMC7308213 DOI: 10.1159/000504981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isolated central congenital hypothyroidism (ICCH) is a rare form (1:50,000 newborns) of congenital hypothyroidism, which can present with growth and neuropsychological retardation. Unlike the more common primary CH (1:1,500-1:4,000), which presents on newborn screening with elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and low thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), ICCH presents with low TSH and low thyroid hormone levels. ICCH, therefore, may be missed in most newborn screens that are based only on elevated TSH. Most cases of ICCH have been associated with mutations in the TSHβ gene. PATIENT We present a consanguineous Sudanese family where the proband was diagnosed with "atypical" CH (serum TSH was low, not high). INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME The propositus underwent whole-exome sequencing, and the C47W TSHβ mutation was identified. Sanger sequencing confirmed the proband to be homozygous for C47W, and both parents were heterozygous for the same mutation. The mutation was predicted by several in silico methods to have a deleterious effect (SIFT 0.0, Damaging; Polyphen2_HDIV 0.973, probably damaging; MutationTaster 1, disease causing; and CADD 3.17, 16.62). C47W affects the first cysteine of the cysteine knot of the TSHβ subunit. The cysteine knot region of TSHβ is highly conserved across species and is critical for binding to the TSH receptor. Only two other mutations were previously reported along the cysteine knot and showed consistently low or undetectable serum TSH and low T4 and T3 levels. Other TSHβ gene mutations causing ICCH have been reported in the "seatbelt" region, necessary for TSHβ dimerization with the alpha subunit. CONCLUSIONS Identification of a mutation in the TSHβ gene reinforces the importance of identifying ICCH that can occur in the absence of elevated serum TSH and demonstrates the functional significance of the TSHβ cysteine knot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham S. Ebrhim
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Almughtaribeen, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Ryan J. Bruellman
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Yui Watanabe
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Matthew K. Creech
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Mohamed A. Abdullah
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | - Samuel Refetoff
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Pediatrics The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Committee on Genetics The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Roy E. Weiss
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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The autosomal Gsdf gene plays a role in male gonad development in Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). Sci Rep 2018; 8:17716. [PMID: 30531973 PMCID: PMC6286346 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35553-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gsdf is a key gene for testicular differentiation in teleost. However, little is known about the function of Gsdf in Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). In this study, we obtained the full-length Gsdf gene (CS-Gsdf), and functional characterization revealed its potential participation during germ cell differentiation in testes. CS-Gsdf transcription was predominantly detected in gonads, while the levels in testes were significantly higher than those in ovaries. During the different developmental stages in male gonads, the mRNA level was significantly upregulated at 86 dph, and a peak appeared at 120 dph; then, the level decreased at 1 and 2 yph. In situ hybridization revealed that CS-Gsdf mRNA was mainly localized in the Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and spermatids in mature testes. After CS-Gsdf knockdown in the male testes cell line by RNA interference, a series of sex-related genes was influenced, including several sex differentiation genes, CS-Wnt4a, CS-Cyp19a1a and CS-Star. Based on these data, we speculated that CS-Gsdf may play a positive role in germ differentiation and proliferation via influencing genes related to sex differentiation.
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Maurizi E, Schiroli D, Atkinson SD, Mairs L, Courtney DG, O'Hagan B, McGilligan VE, Pagnamenta AT, Taylor JC, Vasquez JJD, Illanes-Velarde DE, Goldsmith D, Gouws P, Moore JE, Nesbit MA, Moore CBT. A novel role for CRIM1 in the corneal response to UV and pterygium development. Exp Eye Res 2018; 179:75-92. [PMID: 30365943 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pterygium is a pathological proliferative condition of the ocular surface, characterised by formation of a highly vascularised, fibrous tissue arising from the limbus that invades the central cornea leading to visual disturbance and, if untreated, blindness. Whilst chronic ultraviolet (UV) light exposure plays a major role in its pathogenesis, higher susceptibility to pterygium is observed in some families, suggesting a genetic component. In this study, a Northern Irish family affected by pterygium but reporting little direct exposure to UV was identified carrying a missense variant in CRIM1 NM_016441.2: c.1235 A > C (H412P) through whole-exome sequencing and subsequent analysis. CRIM1 is expressed in the developing eye, adult cornea and conjunctiva, having a role in cell differentiation and migration but also in angiogenesis, all processes involved in pterygium formation. We demonstrate elevated CRIM1 expression in pterygium tissue from additional individual Northern Irish patients compared to unaffected conjunctival controls. UV irradiation of HCE-S cells resulted in an increase in ERK phosphorylation and CRIM1 expression, the latter further elevated by the addition of the MEK1/2 inhibitor, U0126. Conversely, siRNA knockdown of CRIM1 led to decreased UV-induced ERK phosphorylation and increased BCL2 expression. Transient expression of the mutant H412P CRIM1 in corneal epithelial HCE-S cells showed that, unlike wild-type CRIM1, it was unable to reduce the cell proliferation, increased ERK phosphorylation and apoptosis induced through a decrease of BCL2 expression levels. We propose here a series of intracellular events where CRIM1 regulation of the ERK pathway prevents UV-induced cell proliferation and may play an important role in the in the pathogenesis of pterygium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Maurizi
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Davide Schiroli
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Sarah D Atkinson
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK; Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, C-TRIC Building Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Ulster University, Derry/Londonderry, BT47 6SB, UK
| | - Laura Mairs
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - David G Courtney
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Barry O'Hagan
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Victoria E McGilligan
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK; Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, C-TRIC Building Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Ulster University, Derry/Londonderry, BT47 6SB, UK
| | | | - Jenny C Taylor
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Dave Goldsmith
- Andean Medical Mission, 42, Sherwood Road, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO22 9DR, UK
| | - Pieter Gouws
- Conquest Hospital, The Ridge, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN37 7RD, UK
| | - Jonathan E Moore
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - M Andrew Nesbit
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - C B Tara Moore
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK.
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38
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Antonopoulou E, Ladomery M. Targeting Splicing in Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051287. [PMID: 29693622 PMCID: PMC5983716 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 95% of human genes are alternatively spliced, expressing splice isoforms that often exhibit antagonistic functions. We describe genes whose alternative splicing has been linked to prostate cancer; namely VEGFA, KLF6, BCL2L2, ERG, and AR. We discuss opportunities to develop novel therapies that target specific splice isoforms, or that target the machinery of splicing. Therapeutic approaches include the development of small molecule inhibitors of splice factor kinases, splice isoform specific siRNAs, and splice switching oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Effrosyni Antonopoulou
- Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK.
| | - Michael Ladomery
- Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK.
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39
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Zhu S, Herraiz S, Yue J, Zhang M, Wan H, Yang Q, Ma Z, Wang Y, He J, Antaris AL, Zhong Y, Diao S, Feng Y, Zhou Y, Yu K, Hong G, Liang Y, Hsueh AJ, Dai H. 3D NIR-II Molecular Imaging Distinguishes Targeted Organs with High-Performance NIR-II Bioconjugates. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1705799. [PMID: 29446156 PMCID: PMC5931222 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201705799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Greatly reduced scattering in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) region (1000-1700 nm) opens up many new exciting avenues of bioimaging research, yet NIR-II fluorescence imaging is mostly implemented by using nontargeted fluorophores or wide-field imaging setups, limiting the signal-to-background ratio and imaging penetration depth due to poor specific binding and out-of-focus signals. A newly developed high-performance NIR-II bioconjugate enables targeted imaging of a specific organ in the living body with high quality. Combined with a home-built NIR-II confocal set-up, the enhanced imaging technique allows 900 µm-deep 3D organ imaging without tissue clearing techniques. Bioconjugation of two hormones to nonoverlapping NIR-II fluorophores facilitates two-color imaging of different receptors, demonstrating unprecedented multicolor live molecular imaging across the NIR-II window. This deep tissue imaging of specific receptors in live animals allows development of noninvasive molecular imaging of multifarious models of normal and neoplastic organs in vivo, beyond the traditional visible to NIR-I range. The developed NIR-II fluorescence microscopy will become a powerful imaging technique for deep tissue imaging without any physical sectioning or clearing treatment of the tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoujun Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Sonia Herraiz
- Program of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- IVI Foundation, Valencia, 46026, Spain
| | - Jingying Yue
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Mingxi Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Hao Wan
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, South University of Science & Technology of China, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qinglai Yang
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, South University of Science & Technology of China, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Research Center for Advanced Materials and Biotechnology, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Zhuoran Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Program of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jiahuan He
- Program of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | | | - Yeteng Zhong
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Shuo Diao
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Yi Feng
- Program of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Kuai Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Guosong Hong
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Yongye Liang
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, South University of Science & Technology of China, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Aaron J Hsueh
- Program of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Hongjie Dai
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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40
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Cotabarren J, Tellechea ME, Tanco SM, Lorenzo J, Garcia-Pardo J, Avilés FX, Obregón WD. Biochemical and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometric Characterization of a Novel Native and Recombinant Cystine Knot Miniprotein from Solanum tuberosum subsp. andigenum cv. Churqueña. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19030678. [PMID: 29495576 PMCID: PMC5877539 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystine-knot miniproteins (CKMPs) are an intriguing group of cysteine-rich molecules that combine the characteristics of proteins and peptides. Typically, CKMPs are fewer than 50 residues in length and share a characteristic knotted scaffold characterized by the presence of three intramolecular disulfide bonds that form the singular knotted structure. The knot scaffold confers on these proteins remarkable chemical, thermal, and proteolytic stability. Recently, CKMPs have emerged as a novel class of natural molecules with interesting pharmacological properties. In the present work, a novel cystine-knot metallocarboxypeptidase inhibitor (chuPCI) was isolated from tubers of Solanum tuberosum, subsp. andigenum cv. Churqueña. Our results demonstrated that chuPCI is a member of the A/B-type family of metallocarboxypeptidases inhibitors. chuPCI was expressed and characterized by a combination of biochemical and mass spectrometric techniques. Direct comparison of the MALDI-TOF mass spectra for the native and recombinant molecules allowed us to confirm the presence of four different forms of chuPCI in the tubers. The majority of such forms have a molecular weight of 4309 Da and contain a cyclized Gln in the N-terminus. The other three forms are derived from N-terminal and/or C-terminal proteolytic cleavages. Taken together, our results contribute to increase the current repertoire of natural CKMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Cotabarren
- Centro de Investigación de Proteínas Vegetales (CIPROVE), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 47 y 115 s/N, La Plata B1900AVW, Argentina.
| | - Mariana Edith Tellechea
- Centro de Investigación de Proteínas Vegetales (CIPROVE), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 47 y 115 s/N, La Plata B1900AVW, Argentina.
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus Universitari, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sebastián Martín Tanco
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus Universitari, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Julia Lorenzo
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus Universitari, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Javier Garcia-Pardo
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Francesc Xavier Avilés
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus Universitari, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Walter David Obregón
- Centro de Investigación de Proteínas Vegetales (CIPROVE), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 47 y 115 s/N, La Plata B1900AVW, Argentina.
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41
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Tam OH, Pennisi D, Wilkinson L, Little MH, Wazin F, Wan VL, Lovicu FJ. Crim1 is required for maintenance of the ocular lens epithelium. Exp Eye Res 2018; 170:58-66. [PMID: 29458060 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The development and growth of the vertebrate ocular lens is dependent on the regulated proliferation of an anterior monolayer of epithelial cells, and their subsequent differentiation into elongate fiber cells. The growth factor rich ocular media that bathes the lens mediates these cellular processes, and their respective intracellular signaling pathways are in turn regulated to ensure that the proper lens architecture is maintained. Recent studies have proposed that Cysteine Rich Motor Neuron 1 (Crim1), a transmembrane protein involved in organogenesis of many tissues, might influence cell adhesion, polarity and proliferation in the lens by regulating integrin-signaling. Here, we characterise the lens and eyes of the Crim1KST264 mutant mice, and show that the loss of Crim1 function in the ocular tissues results in inappropriate differentiation of the lens epithelium into fiber cells. Furthermore, restoration of Crim1 levels in just the lens tissue of Crim1KST264 mice is sufficient to ameliorate most of the dysgenesis observed in the mutant animals. Based on our findings, we propose that tight regulation of Crim1 activity is required for maintenance of the lens epithelium, and its depletion leads to ectopic differentiation into fiber cells, dramatically altering lens structure and ultimately leading to microphthalmia and aphakia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver H Tam
- Save Sight Institute and Anatomy & Histology, Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - David Pennisi
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Lorine Wilkinson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Melissa H Little
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Fatima Wazin
- Save Sight Institute and Anatomy & Histology, Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Victor L Wan
- Save Sight Institute and Anatomy & Histology, Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Frank J Lovicu
- Save Sight Institute and Anatomy & Histology, Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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42
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Ahmad HI, Ahmad MJ, Adeel MM, Asif AR, Du X. Positive selection drives the evolution of endocrine regulatory bone morphogenetic protein system in mammals. Oncotarget 2018; 9:18435-18445. [PMID: 29719616 PMCID: PMC5915083 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid evolution of reproductive proteins might be driven by positive Darwinian selection. The bone morphogenetic protein family is the largest within the transforming growth factor (TGF) superfamily. A little have been known about the molecular evolution of bone morphogenetic proteins exhibiting potential role in mammalian reproduction. In this study we investigated mammalian bone morphogenetic proteins using maximum likelihood approaches of codon substitutions to identify positive Darwinian selection in various species. The proportion of positively selected sites was tested by different likelihood models for individual codon, and M8 were found to be the best model. The percentage of positively elected sites under M8 are 2.20% with ω = 1.089 for BMP2, 1.6% with ω = 1.61 for BMP 4 0.53% for BMP15 with ω = 1.56 and 0.78% for GDF9 with ω = 1.93. The percentage of estimated selection sites under M8 is strong statistical confirmation that divergence of bone morphogenetic proteins is driven by Darwinian selection. For the proteins, model M8 was found significant for all proteins with ω > 1. To further test positive selection on particular amino acids, the evolutionary conservation of amino acid were measured based on phylogenetic linkage among sequences. For exploring the impact of these somatic substitution mutations in the selection region on human cancer, we identified one pathogenic mutation in human BMP4 and one in BMP15, possibly causing prostate cancer and six neutral mutations in BMPs. The comprehensive map of selection results allows the researchers to perform systematic approaches to detect the evolutionary footprints of selection on specific gene in specific species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiz Ishfaq Ahmad
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Muhammad Jamil Ahmad
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Muhammad Muzammal Adeel
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Akhtar Rasool Asif
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Sub Campus Jhang, Pakistan
| | - Xiaoyong Du
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
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Huang XD, Zhang H, He MX. A PDGF/VEGF homologue provides new insights into the nucleus grafting operation and immune response in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata. Gene 2017; 637:1-8. [PMID: 28918252 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The platelet-derived growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (PDGF/VEGF, PVF) family of proteins have been implicated in a wide range of biological functions in vertebrates, including cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell migration, neural development and especially angiogenesis/vasculogenesis. In this study, a PVF gene, belonging to the PDGF/VEGF family, was cloned and characterized from Pinctada fucata. It contained an ORF of 1110bp encoding a putative protein of 369 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence presented the typical structural features of PDGF family members and the N-terminal signal peptide for secretion. Comparative phylogenetic analysis revealed that PfPVF shows relatively high identity with other invertebrate PVF homologues. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed that PfPVF is involved in not only the nucleus grafting operation and but also the response to immune stimulation. The study may help to increase understanding of the functions of molluscan PVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-De Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Mao-Xian He
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 164 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510301, China.
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Schwarz E. Cystine knot growth factors and their functionally versatile proregions. Biol Chem 2017; 398:1295-1308. [PMID: 28771427 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2017-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The cystine knot disulfide pattern has been found to be widespread in nature, since it has been detected in proteins from plants, marine snails, spiders and mammals. Cystine knot proteins are secreted proteins. Their functions range from defense mechanisms as toxins, e.g. ion channel or enzyme inhibitors, to hormones, blood factors and growth factors. Cystine knot proteins can be divided into two superordinate groups. (i) The cystine knot peptides, also referred to - with other non-cystine knot proteins - as knottins, with linear and cyclic polypeptide chains. (ii) The cystine knot growth factor family, which is in the focus of this article. The disulfide ring structure of the cystine knot peptides is made up by the half-cystines 1-4 and 2-5, and the threading disulfide bond is formed by the half-cystines, 3-6. In the growth factor group, the disulfides of half-cystines 1 and 4 pass the ring structure formed by the half-cystines 2-5 and 3-6. In this review, special emphasis will be devoted to the growth factor cystine knot proteins and their proregions. The latter have shifted into the focus of scientific interest as their important biological roles are just to be unravelled.
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A Duplicated, Truncated amh Gene Is Involved in Male Sex Determination in an Old World Silverside. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2017; 7:2489-2495. [PMID: 28611256 PMCID: PMC5555456 DOI: 10.1534/g3.117.042697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
A master sex-determining gene, the Y chromosome-linked anti-Müllerian hormone (amhy) gene, has been described in two New World atheriniform species but little is known on the distribution, evolution, and function(s) of this gene in other Atheriniformes. Interestingly, amhy has been found to coexist with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), providing a unique opportunity to explore the interplay between genotypic and environmental sex determination. In this study, the search for an amhy homolog was extended to an Old World atheriniform, the cobaltcap silverside Hypoatherina tsurugae (Atherinidae). The full sequences, including the coding and noncoding regions, of the autosomal amh (amha) and a putative amhy were obtained. The deduced Amha and Amhy proteins comprised 511 and 340 amino acids (aa), respectively. PCR analysis with genomic DNA from wild adults and from laboratory-reared juveniles revealed a high, but not complete association of ∼95% between amhy and maleness. The spatiotemporal expression of amhy and amha during gonadal sex differentiation was analyzed by qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization (ISH). amhy transcription (in amhy-positive larvae) started before and peaked during histological differentiation of the gonads whereas amha was negligible during the same period in both genotypes. These results demonstrate that the amhy, although with some structural differences in relation to the amhy of some New World atheriniforms, is strongly associated with maleness and probably important for testicular development in this Old World atheriniform. Thus, amhy is a candidate sex determination gene in cobaltcap silverside and it will be key to scrutinize the mechanism of sex determination in this species.
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Sallon C, Callebaut I, Boulay I, Fontaine J, Logeart-Avramoglou D, Henriquet C, Pugnière M, Cayla X, Monget P, Harichaux G, Labas V, Canepa S, Taragnat C. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), a new bone morphogenetic protein-2 and -4 (BMP-2/4) antagonist identified in pituitary cells. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:15352-15368. [PMID: 28747434 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.736207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) regulate diverse cellular responses during embryogenesis and in adulthood including cell differentiation, proliferation, and death in various tissues. In the adult pituitary, BMPs participate in the control of hormone secretion and cell proliferation, suggesting a potential endocrine/paracrine role for BMPs, but some of the mechanisms are unclear. Here, using a bioactivity test based on embryonic cells (C3H10T1/2) transfected with a BMP-responsive element, we sought to determine whether pituitary cells secrete BMPs or BMP antagonists. Interestingly, we found that pituitary-conditioned medium contains a factor that inhibits action of BMP-2 and -4. Combining surface plasmon resonance and high-resolution mass spectrometry helped pinpoint this factor as thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1). Surface plasmon resonance and co-immunoprecipitation confirmed that recombinant human TSP-1 can bind BMP-2 and -4 and antagonize their effects on C3H10T1/2 cells. Moreover, TSP-1 inhibited the action of serum BMPs. We also report that the von Willebrand type C domain of TSP-1 is likely responsible for this BMP-2/4-binding activity, an assertion based on sequence similarity that TSP-1 shares with the von Willebrand type C domain of Crossveinless 2 (CV-2), a BMP antagonist and member of the chordin family. In summary, we identified for the first time TSP-1 as a BMP-2/-4 antagonist and presented a structural basis for the physical interaction between TSP-1 and BMP-4. We propose that TSP-1 could regulate bioavailability of BMPs, either produced locally or reaching the pituitary via blood circulation. In conclusion, our findings provide new insights into the involvement of TSP-1 in the BMP-2/-4 mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Sallon
- From the Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR85, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, CNRS, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Université de Tours, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Isabelle Callebaut
- CNRS UMR 7590, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, MNHN-IRD-IUC, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Ida Boulay
- From the Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR85, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, CNRS, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Université de Tours, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Joel Fontaine
- From the Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR85, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, CNRS, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Université de Tours, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Corinne Henriquet
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM, U1194, Université Montpellier, ICM Institut Régional du Cancer, Montpellier, F-34090, France
| | - Martine Pugnière
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM, U1194, Université Montpellier, ICM Institut Régional du Cancer, Montpellier, F-34090, France
| | - Xavier Cayla
- From the Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR85, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, CNRS, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Université de Tours, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Philippe Monget
- From the Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR85, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, CNRS, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Université de Tours, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Grégoire Harichaux
- From the Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR85, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, CNRS, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Université de Tours, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Valérie Labas
- From the Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR85, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, CNRS, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Université de Tours, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Sylvie Canepa
- From the Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR85, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, CNRS, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Université de Tours, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Catherine Taragnat
- From the Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR85, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, CNRS, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Université de Tours, F-37380 Nouzilly, France,
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47
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Sato T, Yokoe M, Endo D, Morita M, Toyama F, Kawamura Y, Nakauchi Y, Takayama-Watanabe E, Watanabe A. Sperm motility initiating substance may be insufficient to induce forward motility of Cynops ensicauda
sperm. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:686-692. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tae Sato
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division; Yamagata University; Yamagata Japan
| | - Misato Yokoe
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division; Yamagata University; Yamagata Japan
| | - Daisuke Endo
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division; Yamagata University; Yamagata Japan
| | - Masaya Morita
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center; University of the Ryukyus; Okinawa Japan
| | - Fubito Toyama
- Graduate School of Engineering; Utsunomiya University; Utsunomiya Tochigi Japan
| | - Yuuki Kawamura
- Medical Education Center; Saitama Medical University; Moroyama Saitama Japan
| | - Yuni Nakauchi
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division; Yamagata University; Yamagata Japan
| | | | - Akihiko Watanabe
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division; Yamagata University; Yamagata Japan
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48
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de Jesus LWO, Bogerd J, Vieceli FM, Branco GS, Camargo MP, Cassel M, Moreira RG, Yan CYI, Borella MI. Gonadotropin subunits of the characiform Astyanax altiparanae: Molecular characterization, spatiotemporal expression and their possible role on female reproductive dysfunction in captivity. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 246:150-163. [PMID: 27940043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
To better understand the endocrine control of reproduction in Characiformes and the reproductive dysfunctions that commonly occur in migratory fish of this order when kept in captivity, we chose Astyanax altiparanae, which has asynchronous ovarian development and multiple spawning events, as model species. From A. altiparanae pituitary total RNA, we cloned the full-length cDNAs coding for the follicle-stimulating hormone β subunit (fshb), the luteinizing hormone β subunit (lhb), and the common gonadotropin α subunit (gpha). All three sequences showed the highest degree of amino acid identity with other homologous sequences from Siluriformes and Cypriniformes. Real-time, quantitative PCR analysis showed that gpha, fshb and lhb mRNAs were restricted to the pituitary gland. In situ hybridization and immunofluorescence, using specific-developed and characterized polyclonal antibodies, revealed that both gonadotropin β subunits mRNAs/proteins are expressed by distinct populations of gonadotropic cells in the proximal pars distalis. No marked variations for lhb transcripts levels were detected during the reproductive cycle, and 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one plasma levels were also constant, suggesting that the reproductive dysfunction seen in A. altiparanae females in captivity are probably due to a lack of increase of Lh synthesis during spawning season. In contrast, fshb transcripts changed significantly during the reproductive cycle, although estradiol-17β (E2) levels remained constant during the experiment, possibly due to a differential regulation of E2 synthesis. Taken together, these data demonstrate the putative involvement of gonadotropin signaling on the impairment of the reproductive function in a migratory species when kept in captivity. Future experimental studies must be carried to clarify this hypothesis. All these data open the possibility for further basic and applied studies related to reproduction in this fish model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lázaro Wender O de Jesus
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes 1524, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Utrecht University, Hugo R. Kruyt Building, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Felipe M Vieceli
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes 1524, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Giovana S Branco
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes 1524, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marília P Camargo
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes 1524, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mônica Cassel
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes 1524, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Renata G Moreira
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, Travessa 14, n.321, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Chao Y I Yan
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes 1524, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria I Borella
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes 1524, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Camaré C, Pucelle M, Nègre-Salvayre A, Salvayre R. Angiogenesis in the atherosclerotic plaque. Redox Biol 2017; 12:18-34. [PMID: 28212521 PMCID: PMC5312547 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a multifocal alteration of the vascular wall of medium and large arteries characterized by a local accumulation of cholesterol and non-resolving inflammation. Atherothrombotic complications are the leading cause of disability and mortality in western countries. Neovascularization in atherosclerotic lesions plays a major role in plaque growth and instability. The angiogenic process is mediated by classical angiogenic factors and by additional factors specific to atherosclerotic angiogenesis. In addition to its role in plaque progression, neovascularization may take part in plaque destabilization and thromboembolic events. Anti-angiogenic agents are effective to reduce atherosclerosis progression in various animal models. However, clinical trials with anti-angiogenic drugs, mainly anti-VEGF/VEGFR, used in anti-cancer therapy show cardiovascular adverse effects, and require additional investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Camaré
- INSERM - I2MC, U-1048, 1 avenue Jean Poulhès, BP 84225, 31432 Toulouse cedex 4, France; Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Faculty of Medicine, Biochemistry Departement, Toulouse, France; CHU Toulouse, Rangueil, 1 avenue Jean Poulhès, TSA 50032, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - Mélanie Pucelle
- INSERM - I2MC, U-1048, 1 avenue Jean Poulhès, BP 84225, 31432 Toulouse cedex 4, France
| | - Anne Nègre-Salvayre
- INSERM - I2MC, U-1048, 1 avenue Jean Poulhès, BP 84225, 31432 Toulouse cedex 4, France.
| | - Robert Salvayre
- INSERM - I2MC, U-1048, 1 avenue Jean Poulhès, BP 84225, 31432 Toulouse cedex 4, France; Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Faculty of Medicine, Biochemistry Departement, Toulouse, France; CHU Toulouse, Rangueil, 1 avenue Jean Poulhès, TSA 50032, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France.
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50
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Virakul S, Heutz JW, Dalm VASH, Peeters RP, Paridaens D, van den Bosch WA, Hirankarn N, van Hagen PM, Dik WA. Basic FGF and PDGF-BB synergistically stimulate hyaluronan and IL-6 production by orbital fibroblasts. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 433:94-104. [PMID: 27267669 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Orbital fibroblast activation is a central pathologic feature of Graves' Ophthalmopathy (GO). Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been proposed to contribute to GO, but their effects on orbital fibroblasts are largely unknown. We found that bFGF stimulated proliferation and hyaluronan production, but not IL-6 production by orbital fibroblasts, while VEGF hardly affected orbital fibroblast activity. Remarkably, co-stimulation of orbital fibroblasts with bFGF and PDGF-BB synergistically enhanced IL-6 and hyaluronan production and displayed an additive effect on proliferation compared to either bFGF or PDGF-BB stimulation. Nintedanib, a FGF- and PDGF-receptor targeting drug, more efficiently blocked bFGF + PDGF-BB-induced IL-6 and hyaluronan production than dasatinib that only targets PDGF-receptor. In conclusion, bFGF may contribute to orbital inflammation and tissue remodeling in GO, especially through synergistic interaction with PDGF-BB. Multi-target therapy directed at the bFGF and PDGF pathways may potentially be of interest for the treatment of GO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sita Virakul
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory Medical Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith W Heutz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Virgil A S H Dalm
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory Medical Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robin P Peeters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Nattiya Hirankarn
- Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune Mediated Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - P Martin van Hagen
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory Medical Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willem A Dik
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory Medical Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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