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Vandenbosch M, van Hove ERA, Mohren R, Vermeulen I, Dijkman H, Heeren RMA, Leonards PEG, Hughes S. Combined matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-mass spectrometry imaging with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for observing spatial distribution of lipids in whole Caenorhabditis elegans. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2024; 38:e9850. [PMID: 39034751 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) is a powerful label-free technique for biomolecule detection (e.g., lipids), within tissue sections across various biological species. However, despite its utility in many applications, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is not routinely used in combination with MALDI-MSI. The lack of studies exploring spatial distribution of biomolecules in nematodes is likely due to challenges with sample preparation. METHODS This study developed a sample preparation method for whole intact nematodes, evaluated using cryosectioning of nematodes embedded in a 10% gelatine solution to obtain longitudinal cross sections. The slices were then subjected to MALDI-MSI, using a RapifleX Tissuetyper in positive and negative polarities. Samples were also prepared for liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis using an Exploris 480 coupled to a HPLC Vanquish system to confirm the MALDI-MSI results. RESULTS An optimised embedding method was developed for longitudinal cross-sectioning of individual worms. To obtain longitudinal cross sections, nematodes were frozen at -80°C so that all worms were rod shaped. Then, the samples were defrosted and transferred to a 10% gelatine matrix in a cryomold; the worms aligned, and the whole cryomold submerged in liquid nitrogen. Using MALDI-MSI, we were able to observe the distribution of lipids within C. elegans, with clear differences in their spatial distribution at a resolution of 5 μm. To confirm the lipids from MALDI-MSI, age-matched nematodes were subjected to LC-MS/MS. Here, 520 lipids were identified using LC-MS/MS, indicating overlap with MALDI-MSI data. CONCLUSIONS This optimised sample preparation technique enabled (un)targeted analysis of spatially distributed lipids within individual nematodes. The possibility to detect other biomolecules using this method thus laid the basis for prospective preclinical and toxicological studies on C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel Vandenbosch
- The Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging (M4I) Institute, Division of Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Erika R Amstalden van Hove
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Chemistry for Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ronny Mohren
- The Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging (M4I) Institute, Division of Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Isabeau Vermeulen
- The Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging (M4I) Institute, Division of Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Henry Dijkman
- HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ron M A Heeren
- The Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging (M4I) Institute, Division of Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Pim E G Leonards
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Chemistry for Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Samantha Hughes
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Environmental Health and Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Green RA, Khaliullin RN, Zhao Z, Ochoa SD, Hendel JM, Chow TL, Moon H, Biggs RJ, Desai A, Oegema K. Automated profiling of gene function during embryonic development. Cell 2024; 187:3141-3160.e23. [PMID: 38759650 PMCID: PMC11166207 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Systematic functional profiling of the gene set that directs embryonic development is an important challenge. To tackle this challenge, we used 4D imaging of C. elegans embryogenesis to capture the effects of 500 gene knockdowns and developed an automated approach to compare developmental phenotypes. The automated approach quantifies features-including germ layer cell numbers, tissue position, and tissue shape-to generate temporal curves whose parameterization yields numerical phenotypic signatures. In conjunction with a new similarity metric that operates across phenotypic space, these signatures enabled the generation of ranked lists of genes predicted to have similar functions, accessible in the PhenoBank web portal, for ∼25% of essential development genes. The approach identified new gene and pathway relationships in cell fate specification and morphogenesis and highlighted the utilization of specialized energy generation pathways during embryogenesis. Collectively, the effort establishes the foundation for comprehensive analysis of the gene set that builds a multicellular organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Green
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | | | - Zhiling Zhao
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Stacy D Ochoa
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | | | - HongKee Moon
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstr. 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ronald J Biggs
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Arshad Desai
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Karen Oegema
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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Song Y, Liu D, Xie J, Xie J, Chen Y, Chen X, Hu X, Yu Q. Protective effects of EGCG on acrolein-induced Caenorhabditis elegans and its mechanism of life extension. Food Funct 2024; 15:5855-5867. [PMID: 38687276 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo05394f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
In this study, it was found that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) could extend the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) induced by 100 μM acrolein (ACR) at all test concentrations (300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 μM). Notably, 500 μM EGCG exhibited the most significant mean lifespan extension, increasing it by approximately 32.5%. Furthermore, 500 μM EGCG effectively reduced elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipofuscin production caused by acrolein. It also bolstered the activity of antioxidant enzymes and mitigated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to the ACR-only group. These effects appeared independent of dietary restrictions. Additionally, qPCR results revealed different changes in the transcription levels of 11 genes associated with antioxidative and anti-aging functions following EGCG treatment. At the expression level, GST-4::GFP, SOD-3::GFP and HSP-16.2::GFP exhibited an initial increase with ACR treatment followed by a decrease with EGCG treatment, while the expression pattern of these three GFPs remained consistent with the enzyme activity and transcription regulation level. EGCG treatment also reduced the nuclear localization of SKN-1 and DAF-16 in the MAPK and IIS pathways that were enhanced by ACR. Moreover, the longevity-promoting effects of EGCG were diminished or absent in 13 longevity gene-deletion mutants. In conclusion, EGCG demonstrates protective effects on ACR-induced C. elegans, with the IIS and MAPK pathways playing a critical role in enhancing resilience to ACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Song
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China.
| | - Danyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China.
| | - Jiayan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China.
| | - Jianhua Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China.
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China.
| | - Xinyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China.
| | - Xiaobo Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China.
| | - Qiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, China-Canada Joint Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Key Laboratory of Bioactive Polysaccharides of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China.
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Luo H, Zhao X, Wang ZD, Wu G, Xia Y, Dong MQ, Ma Y. Sphingolipid profiling reveals differential functions of sphingolipid biosynthesis isozymes of Caenorhabditis elegans. J Lipid Res 2024; 65:100553. [PMID: 38704027 PMCID: PMC11153919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2024.100553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple isozymes are encoded in the Caenorhabditis elegans genome for the various sphingolipid biosynthesis reactions, but the contributions of individual isozymes are characterized only in part. We developed a simple but effective reversed-phase liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (RPLC-MS/MS) method that enables simultaneous identification and quantification of ceramides (Cer), glucosylceramides (GlcCer), and sphingomyelins (SM) from the same MS run. Validating this sphingolipid profiling method, we show that nearly all 47 quantifiable sphingolipid species found in young adult worms were reduced upon RNA interference (RNAi) of sptl-1 or elo-5, which are both required for synthesis of the id17:1 sphingoid base. We also confirm that HYL-1 and HYL-2, but not LAGR-1, constitute the major ceramide synthase activity with different preference for fatty acid substrates, and that CGT-3, but not CGT-1 and CGT-2, plays a major role in producing GlcCers. Deletion of sms-5 hardly affected SM levels. RNAi of sms-1, sms-2, and sms-3 all lowered the abundance of certain SMs with an odd-numbered N-acyl chains (mostly C21 and C23, with or without hydroxylation). Unexpectedly, sms-2 RNAi and sms-3 RNAi elevated a subset of SM species containing even-numbered N-acyls. This suggests that sphingolipids containing even-numbered N-acyls could be regulated separately, sometimes in opposite directions, from those containing odd-numbered N-acyls, which are presumably monomethyl branched chain fatty acyls. We also find that ceramide levels are kept in balance with those of GlcCers and SMs. These findings underscore the effectiveness of this RPLC-MS/MS method in studies of C. elegans sphingolipid biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Luo
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), Beijing, China; Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zi-Dan Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Wu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), Beijing, China
| | - Yu Xia
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Meng-Qiu Dong
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), Beijing, China; Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yan Ma
- National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), Beijing, China; Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Erdmann EA, Forbes M, Becker M, Perez S, Hundley HA. ADR-2 regulates fertility and oocyte fate in C. elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.01.565157. [PMID: 37961348 PMCID: PMC10635048 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.01.565157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins play essential roles in coordinating germline gene expression and development in all organisms. Here, we report that loss of ADR-2, a member of the Adenosine DeAminase acting on RNA (ADAR) family of RNA binding proteins and the sole adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing enzyme in C. elegans, can improve fertility in multiple genetic backgrounds. First, we show that loss of RNA editing by ADR-2 restores normal embryo production to subfertile animals that transgenically express a vitellogenin (yolk protein) fusion to green fluorescent protein. Using this phenotype, a high-throughput screen was designed to identify RNA binding proteins that when depleted yield synthetic phenotypes with loss of adr-2. The screen uncovered a genetic interaction between ADR-2 and SQD-1, a member of the heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) family of RNA binding proteins. Microscopy, reproductive assays, and high-throughput sequencing reveal that sqd-1 is essential for the onset of oogenesis and oogenic gene expression in young adult animals, and that loss of adr-2 can counteract the effects of loss of sqd-1 on gene expression and rescue the switch from spermatogenesis to oogenesis. Together, these data demonstrate that ADR-2 can contribute to the suppression of fertility and suggest novel roles for both RNA editing-dependent and independent mechanisms in regulating embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Erdmann
- Genome, Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Indiana University, Bloomington IN, US 47405
| | - Melanie Forbes
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington IN, US 47405
| | - Margaret Becker
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Bloomington IN, US 47405
| | - Sarina Perez
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington IN, US 47405
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Yu X, Tao J, Xiao T, Duan X. P-hydroxybenzaldehyde protects Caenorhabditis elegans from oxidative stress and β-amyloid toxicity. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1414956. [PMID: 38841104 PMCID: PMC11150654 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1414956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gastrodia elata is the dried tuber of the orchid Gastrodia elata Bl. It is considered a food consisting of a source of precious medicinal herbs, whose chemical composition is relatively rich. Gastrodia elata and its extracted fractions have been shown to have neuroprotective effects. P-hydroxybenzaldehyde (p-HBA), as one of the main active components of Gastrodia elata, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and cerebral protective effects, which has potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study was to verify the role of p-HBA in AD treatment and to investigate its mechanism of action in depth based using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model. Methods In this study, we used paralysis, lifespan, behavioral and antistress experiments to investigate the effects of p-HBA on AD and aging. Furthermore, we performed reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, thioflavin S staining, RNA-seq analysis, qPCR validation, PCR Array, and GFP reporter gene worm experiment to determine the anti-AD effects of p-HBA, as well as in-depth studies on its mechanisms. Results p-HBA was able to delay paralysis, improve mobility and resistance to stress, and delay aging in the AD nematode model. Further mechanistic studies showed that ROS and lipofuscin levels, Aβ aggregation, and toxicity were reduced after p-HBA treatment, suggesting that p-HBA ameliorated Aβ-induced toxicity by enhancing antioxidant and anti-aging activity and inhibiting Aβ aggregation. p-HBA had a therapeutic effect on AD by improving stress resistance, as indicated by the down-regulation of NLP-29 and UCR-11 expression and up-regulation of PQN-75 and LYS-3 expression. In addition, the gene microarray showed that p-HBA treatment played a positive role in genes related to AD, anti-aging, ribosomal protein pathway, and glucose metabolism, which were collectively involved in the anti-AD mechanism of p-HBA. Finally, we also found that p-HBA promoted nuclear localization of DAF-16 and increased the expression of SKN-1, SOD-3, and GST-4, which contributed significantly to inhibition of Aβ toxicity and enhancement of antioxidative stress. Conclusion Our work suggests that p-HBA has some antioxidant and anti-aging activities. It may be a viable candidate for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xiaohua Duan
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Dai and Yi Medicines, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Rodrigues DT, Padilha HA, Soares ATG, de Souza MEO, Guerra MT, Ávila DS. The Caenorhabditis elegans neuroendocrine system and their modulators: An overview. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 586:112191. [PMID: 38382589 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
In this review we seek to systematically bring what has been published in the literature about the nervous system, endocrine system, neuroendocrine relationships, neuroendocrine modulations and endocrine disruptors in the alternative model Caenorhabditis elegans. The serotonergic, dopaminergic, GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmitters are related to the modulation of the neuroendocrine axis, leading to the activation or inhibition of several processes that occur in the worm through distinct and interconnected pathways. Furthermore, this review addresses the gut-neuronal axis as it has been revealed in recent years that gut microbiota impacts on neuronal functions. This review also approaches xenobiotics that can positively or negatively impact the neuroendocrine system in C. elegans as in mammals, which allows the application of this nematode to screen new drugs and to identify toxicants that are endocrine disruptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Teixeira Rodrigues
- Graduation Program in Biological Sciences- Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Daiana Silva Ávila
- Graduation Program in Biological Sciences- Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Graduation Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil.
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Brokate-Llanos AM, Sanchez-Ibañez M, Pérez-Jiménez MM, Monje-Moreno JM, Gómez-Marín C, Caro C, Vivar-Rios C, Moreno-Mateos MA, García-Martín ML, Muñoz MJ, Royo JL. Ribonucleotide reductase inhibition improves the symptoms of a Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer's disease. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae040. [PMID: 38412549 PMCID: PMC11075554 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the main cause of aging-associated dementia, for which there is no effective treatment. In this work, we reanalyze the information of a previous genome wide association study, using a new pipeline design to identify novel potential drugs. With this approach, ribonucleoside-diphosphate reductase gene (RRM2B) emerged as a candidate target and its inhibitor, 2', 2'-difluoro 2'deoxycytidine (gemcitabine), as a potential pharmaceutical drug against Alzheimer's disease. We functionally verified the effect of inhibiting the RRM2B homolog, rnr-2, in an Alzheimer's model of Caenorhabditis elegans, which accumulates human Aβ1-42 peptide to an irreversible paralysis. RNA interference against rnr-2 and also treatment with 200 ng/ml of gemcitabine, showed an improvement of the phenotype. Gemcitabine treatment increased the intracellular ATP level 3.03 times, which may point to its mechanism of action. Gemcitabine has been extensively used in humans for cancer treatment but at higher concentrations. The 200 ng/ml concentration did not exert a significant effect over cell cycle, or affected cell viability when assayed in the microglia N13 cell line. Thus, the inhibitory drug of the RRM2B activity could be of potential use to treat Alzheimer's disease and particularly gemcitabine might be considered as a promising candidate to be repurposed for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Brokate-Llanos
- Centro Andaluz de Biologia del Desarrollo, University Pablo de Olavide-CISC-Junta de Andalucía, Ctra Utrera Km 1, Sevilla 41013, Spain
| | - Mireya Sanchez-Ibañez
- Department of Surgery, Immunology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Malaga, Boulevar Louis Pasteur s/n, Málaga 29010, Spain
| | - Mercedes M Pérez-Jiménez
- Centro Andaluz de Biologia del Desarrollo, University Pablo de Olavide-CISC-Junta de Andalucía, Ctra Utrera Km 1, Sevilla 41013, Spain
| | - José M Monje-Moreno
- Centro Andaluz de Biologia del Desarrollo, University Pablo de Olavide-CISC-Junta de Andalucía, Ctra Utrera Km 1, Sevilla 41013, Spain
| | - Carlos Gómez-Marín
- Centro Andaluz de Biologia del Desarrollo, University Pablo de Olavide-CISC-Junta de Andalucía, Ctra Utrera Km 1, Sevilla 41013, Spain
| | - Carlos Caro
- Andalusian Centre for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (Junta de Andalucía-Universidad de Málaga), BIONAND, Málaga 29590, Spain
| | - Carlos Vivar-Rios
- Department of Surgery, Immunology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Malaga, Boulevar Louis Pasteur s/n, Málaga 29010, Spain
| | - Miguel A Moreno-Mateos
- Centro Andaluz de Biologia del Desarrollo, University Pablo de Olavide-CISC-Junta de Andalucía, Ctra Utrera Km 1, Sevilla 41013, Spain
| | - María L García-Martín
- Andalusian Centre for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (Junta de Andalucía-Universidad de Málaga), BIONAND, Málaga 29590, Spain
| | - Manuel J Muñoz
- Centro Andaluz de Biologia del Desarrollo, University Pablo de Olavide-CISC-Junta de Andalucía, Ctra Utrera Km 1, Sevilla 41013, Spain
| | - José L Royo
- Department of Surgery, Immunology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Malaga, Boulevar Louis Pasteur s/n, Málaga 29010, Spain
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Hughes S, Hessel EVS. Zebrafish and nematodes as whole organism models to measure developmental neurotoxicity. Crit Rev Toxicol 2024; 54:330-343. [PMID: 38832580 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2024.2342448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite the growing epidemiological evidence of an association between toxin exposure and developmental neurotoxicity (DNT), systematic testing of DNT is not mandatory in international regulations for admission of pharmaceuticals or industrial chemicals. However, to date around 200 compounds, ranging from pesticides, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals, have been tested for DNT in the current OECD test guidelines (TG-443 or TG-426). There are calls for the development of new approach methodologies (NAMs) for DNT, which has resulted in a DNT testing battery using in vitro human cell-based assays. These assays provide a means to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of toxicity in humans which is lacking in animal-based toxicity tests. However, cell-based assays do not represent all steps of the complex process leading to DNT. Validated models with a multi-organ network of pathways that interact at the molecular, cellular and tissue level at very specific timepoints in a life cycle are currently missing. Consequently, whole model organisms are being developed to screen for, and causally link, new molecular targets of DNT compounds and how they affect whole brain development and neurobehavioral endpoints. Given the practical and ethical restraints associated with vertebrate testing, lower animal models that qualify as 3 R (reduce, refine and replace) models, including the nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans) and the zebrafish (Danio rerio) will prove particularly valuable for unravelling toxicity pathways leading to DNT. Although not as complex as the human brain, these 3 R-models develop a complete functioning brain with numerous neurodevelopmental processes overlapping with human brain development. Importantly, the main signalling pathways relating to (neuro)development, metabolism and growth are highly conserved in these models. We propose the use of whole model organisms specifically zebrafish and C. elegans for DNT relevant endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Hughes
- Department of Environmental Health and Toxicology, A-LIFE, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen V S Hessel
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Collins EMS, Hessel EVS, Hughes S. How neurobehavior and brain development in alternative whole-organism models can contribute to prediction of developmental neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicology 2024; 102:48-57. [PMID: 38552718 PMCID: PMC11139590 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2024.03.005] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) is not routinely evaluated in chemical risk assessment because current test paradigms for DNT require the use of mammalian models which are ethically controversial, expensive, and resource demanding. Consequently, efforts have focused on revolutionizing DNT testing through affordable novel alternative methods for risk assessment. The goal is to develop a DNT in vitro test battery amenable to high-throughput screening (HTS). Currently, the DNT in vitro test battery consists primarily of human cell-based assays because of their immediate relevance to human health. However, such cell-based assays alone are unable to capture the complexity of a developing nervous system. Whole organismal systems that qualify as 3 R (Replace, Reduce and Refine) models are urgently needed to complement cell-based DNT testing. These models can provide the necessary organismal context and be used to explore the impact of chemicals on brain function by linking molecular and/or cellular changes to behavioural readouts. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the planarian Dugesia japonica, and embryos of the zebrafish Danio rerio are all suited to low-cost HTS and each has unique strengths for DNT testing. Here, we review the strengths and the complementarity of these organisms in a novel, integrative context and highlight how they can augment current cell-based assays for more comprehensive and robust DNT screening of chemicals. Considering the limitations of all in vitro test systems, we discuss how a smart combinatory use of these systems will contribute to a better human relevant risk assessment of chemicals that considers the complexity of the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria S Collins
- Swarthmore College, Biology, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Ellen V S Hessel
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, Bilthoven, 3721 MA, the Netherlands
| | - Samantha Hughes
- Department of Environmental Health and Toxicology, A-LIFE, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands.
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11
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Ray AK, Priya A, Malik MZ, Thanaraj TA, Singh AK, Mago P, Ghosh C, Shalimar, Tandon R, Chaturvedi R. A bioinformatics approach to elucidate conserved genes and pathways in C. elegans as an animal model for cardiovascular research. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7471. [PMID: 38553458 PMCID: PMC10980734 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56562-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a collective term for disorders of the heart and blood vessels. The molecular events and biochemical pathways associated with CVD are difficult to study in clinical settings on patients and in vitro conditions. Animal models play a pivotal and indispensable role in CVD research. Caenorhabditis elegans, a nematode species, has emerged as a prominent experimental organism widely utilized in various biomedical research fields. However, the specific number of CVD-related genes and pathways within the C. elegans genome remains undisclosed to date, limiting its in-depth utilization for investigations. In the present study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of genes and pathways related to CVD within the genomes of humans and C. elegans through a systematic bioinformatic approach. A total of 1113 genes in C. elegans orthologous to the most significant CVD-related genes in humans were identified, and the GO terms and pathways were compared to study the pathways that are conserved between the two species. In order to infer the functions of CVD-related orthologous genes in C. elegans, a PPI network was constructed. Orthologous gene PPI network analysis results reveal the hubs and important KRs: pmk-1, daf-21, gpb-1, crh-1, enpl-1, eef-1G, acdh-8, hif-1, pmk-2, and aha-1 in C. elegans. Modules were identified for determining the role of the orthologous genes at various levels in the created network. We also identified 9 commonly enriched pathways between humans and C. elegans linked with CVDs that include autophagy (animal), the ErbB signaling pathway, the FoxO signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, ABC transporters, the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, fatty acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and metabolic pathways. This study provides the first systematic genomic approach to explore the CVD-associated genes and pathways that are present in C. elegans, supporting the use of C. elegans as a prominent animal model organism for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini Kumar Ray
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India.
| | - Anjali Priya
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Md Zubbair Malik
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
| | | | - Alok Kumar Singh
- Department of Zoology, Ramjas College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Payal Mago
- Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Science for Women, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
- Campus of Open Learning, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Chirashree Ghosh
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Shalimar
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravi Tandon
- Laboratory of AIDS Research and Immunology, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Rupesh Chaturvedi
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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12
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Roka Pun H, Karp X. An RNAi screen for conserved kinases that enhance microRNA activity after dauer in Caenorhabditis elegans. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae007. [PMID: 38226857 PMCID: PMC10917497 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Gene regulation in changing environments is critical for maintaining homeostasis. Some animals undergo a stress-resistant diapause stage to withstand harsh environmental conditions encountered during development. MicroRNAs are one mechanism for regulating gene expression during and after diapause. MicroRNAs downregulate target genes posttranscriptionally through the activity of the microRNA-induced silencing complex. Argonaute is the core microRNA-induced silencing complex protein that binds to both the microRNA and to other microRNA-induced silencing complex proteins. The 2 major microRNA Argonautes in the Caenorhabditis elegans soma are ALG-1 and ALG-2, which function partially redundantly. Loss of alg-1 [alg-1(0)] causes penetrant developmental phenotypes including vulval defects and the reiteration of larval cell programs in hypodermal cells. However, these phenotypes are essentially absent if alg-1(0) animals undergo a diapause stage called dauer. Levels of the relevant microRNAs are not higher during or after dauer, suggesting that activity of the microRNA-induced silencing complex may be enhanced in this context. To identify genes that are required for alg-1(0) mutants to develop without vulval defects after dauer, we performed an RNAi screen of genes encoding conserved kinases. We focused on kinases because of their known role in modulating microRNA-induced silencing complex activity. We found RNAi knockdown of 4 kinase-encoding genes, air-2, bub-1, chk-1, and nekl-3, caused vulval defects and reiterative phenotypes in alg-1(0) mutants after dauer, and that these defects were more penetrant in an alg-1(0) background than in wild type. Our results implicate these kinases as potential regulators of microRNA-induced silencing complex activity during postdauer development in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himal Roka Pun
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Xantha Karp
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
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13
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Ray AK, Priya A, Malik MZ, Thanaraj TA, Singh AK, Mago P, Ghosh C, Shalimar, Tandon R, Chaturvedi R. Conserved Cardiovascular Network: Bioinformatics Insights into Genes and Pathways for Establishing Caenorhabditis elegans as an Animal Model for Cardiovascular Diseases. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.24.573256. [PMID: 38234826 PMCID: PMC10793405 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.24.573256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a collective term for disorders of the heart and blood vessels. The molecular events and biochemical pathways associated with CVD are difficult to study in clinical settings on patients and in vitro conditions. Animal models play a pivotal and indispensable role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) research. Caenorhabditis elegans , a nematode species, has emerged as a prominent experimental organism widely utilised in various biomedical research fields. However, the specific number of CVD-related genes and pathways within the C. elegans genome remains undisclosed to date, limiting its in-depth utilisation for investigations. In the present study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of genes and pathways related to CVD within the genomes of humans and C. elegans through a systematic bioinformatic approach. A total of 1113 genes in C. elegans orthologous to the most significant CVD-related genes in humans were identified, and the GO terms and pathways were compared to study the pathways that are conserved between the two species. In order to infer the functions of CVD-related orthologous genes in C. elegans, a PPI network was constructed. Orthologous gene PPI network analysis results reveal the hubs and important KRs: pmk-1, daf-21, gpb-1, crh-1, enpl-1, eef-1G, acdh-8, hif-1, pmk-2, and aha-1 in C. elegans. Modules were identified for determining the role of the orthologous genes at various levels in the created network. We also identified 9 commonly enriched pathways between humans and C. elegans linked with CVDs that include autophagy (animal), the ErbB signalling pathway, the FoxO signalling pathway, the MAPK signalling pathway, ABC transporters, the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, fatty acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and metabolic pathways. This study provides the first systematic genomic approach to explore the CVD-associated genes and pathways that are present in C. elegans, supporting the use of C. elegans as a prominent animal model organism for cardiovascular diseases.
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14
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Eck RJ, Stair JG, Kraemer BC, Liachko NF. Simple models to understand complex disease: 10 years of progress from Caenorhabditis elegans models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1300705. [PMID: 38239833 PMCID: PMC10794587 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1300705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are a powerful model system to study human disease, with numerous experimental advantages including significant genetic and cellular homology to vertebrate animals, a short lifespan, and tractable behavioral, molecular biology and imaging assays. Beginning with the identification of SOD1 as a genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), C. elegans have contributed to a deeper understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of this devastating neurodegenerative disease. More recently this work has expanded to encompass models of other types of ALS and the related disease frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-TDP), including those characterized by mutation or accumulation of the proteins TDP-43, C9orf72, FUS, HnRNPA2B1, ALS2, DCTN1, CHCHD10, ELP3, TUBA4A, CAV1, UBQLN2, ATXN3, TIA1, KIF5A, VAPB, GRN, and RAB38. In this review we summarize these models and the progress and insights from the last ten years of using C. elegans to study the neurodegenerative diseases ALS and FTLD-TDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall J. Eck
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jade G. Stair
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Brian C. Kraemer
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nicole F. Liachko
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
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15
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Chen L, Zhang S, Liu S, Gao S. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mechanism: Insights from the Caenorhabditis elegans Models. Cells 2024; 13:99. [PMID: 38201303 PMCID: PMC10778397 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010099] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons. Despite extensive research in various model animals, the cellular signal mechanisms of ALS remain elusive, impeding the development of efficacious treatments. Among these models, a well-characterized and diminutive organism, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), has emerged as a potent tool for investigating the molecular and cellular dimensions of ALS pathogenesis. This review summarizes the contributions of C. elegans models to our comprehension of ALS, emphasizing pivotal findings pertaining to genetics, protein aggregation, cellular pathways, and potential therapeutic strategies. We analyze both the merits and constraints of the C. elegans system in the realm of ALS research and point towards future investigations that could bridge the chasm between C. elegans foundational discoveries and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shangbang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (L.C.); (S.Z.); (S.L.)
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16
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Henarejos-Escudero P, Méndez-García FF, Hernández-García S, Martínez-Rodríguez P, Gandía-Herrero F. Design, Synthesis and Gene Modulation Insights into Pigments Derived from Tryptophan-Betaxanthin, Which Act against Tumor Development in Caenorhabditis elegans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:63. [PMID: 38203234 PMCID: PMC10778952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010063] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of betalains, which are nitrogenous plant pigments, by the food industry is widespread and reflects their safety after intake. The recent research showed outstanding results for L-tryptophan-betaxanthin, a phytochemical present in traditional Chinese medicine, as an antitumoral agent when the activity was evaluated in the animal model Caenorhabditis elegans. Thus, L-tryptophan-betaxanthin is now presented as a lead compound, from which eleven novel structurally related betaxanthins have been designed, biotechnologically produced, purified, and characterized. The antitumoral effect of the derived compounds was evaluated on the JK1466 tumoral strain of C. elegans. All the tested molecules significantly reduced the tumoral gonad sizes in a range between 31.4% and 43.0%. Among the novel compounds synthesized, tryptophan methyl ester-betaxanthin and tryptophan benzyl ester-betaxanthin, which are the first betalains to contain an ester group in their structures, caused tumor size reductions of 43.0% and 42.6%, respectively, after administration to the model animal. Since these were the two most effective molecules, their mechanism of action was investigated by microarray analysis. Differential gene expression analysis showed that tryptophan methyl ester-betaxanthin and tryptophan benzyl ester-betaxanthin were able to down-regulate the key genes of the mTOR pathway, such as daf-15 and rict-1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Fernando Gandía-Herrero
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology A, Faculty of Biology, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (P.H.-E.); (F.F.M.-G.); (S.H.-G.); (P.M.-R.)
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17
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Hill TJ, Sengupta P. Feedforward and feedback mechanisms cooperatively regulate rapid experience-dependent response adaptation in a single thermosensory neuron type. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.05.570166. [PMID: 38168209 PMCID: PMC10760192 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.05.570166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Sensory adaptation allows neurons to adjust their sensitivity and responses based on recent experience. The mechanisms that mediate continuous adaptation to stimulus history over seconds to hours long timescales, and whether these mechanisms can operate within a single sensory neuron type, are unclear. The single pair of AFD thermosensory neurons in C. elegans exhibits experience-dependent plasticity in their temperature response thresholds on both minutes- and hours-long timescales upon a temperature upshift. While long-term response adaptation requires changes in gene expression in AFD, the mechanisms driving rapid response plasticity are unknown. Here, we show that rapid thermosensory response adaptation in AFD is mediated via cGMP and calcium-dependent feedforward and feedback mechanisms operating at the level of primary thermotransduction. We find that either of two thermosensor receptor guanylyl cyclases (rGCs) alone is sufficient to drive rapid adaptation, but that each rGC drives adaptation at different rates. rGC-driven adaptation is mediated in part via phosphorylation of their intracellular domains, and calcium-dependent feedback regulation of basal cGMP levels via a neuronal calcium sensor protein. In turn, cGMP levels feedforward via cGMP-dependent protein kinases to phosphorylate a specific subunit of the cGMP-gated thermotransduction channel to further regulate rapid adaptation. Our results identify multiple molecular pathways that act in AFD to ensure rapid adaptation to a temperature change, and indicate that the deployment of both transcriptional and non-transcriptional mechanisms within a single sensory neuron type can contribute to continuous sensory adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J. Hill
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454
| | - Piali Sengupta
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454
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18
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Viçozzi GP, de Oliveira Pereira FS, da Silva RS, Leal JG, Sarturi JM, Nogara PA, Rodrigues OED, Teixeira da Rocha JB, Ávila DS. In silico evidences of Mpro inhibition by a series of organochalcogen-AZT derivatives and their safety in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2023; 80:127297. [PMID: 37716209 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic emerged in 2019 causing millions of deaths. Vaccines were quickly developed and made available in 2021. Despite the availability of vaccines, some subjects refuse to take the immunizing or present comorbities, therefore developing serious cases of COVID-19, which makes necessary the development of antiviral drugs. Previous studies have demonstrated that ebselen, a selenium-containing molecule, can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. In addition, selenium is a trace element that has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Zidovudine (AZT) has been widely used against HIV infections and its action against SARS-CoV-2 may be altered by the structural modification with organochalcogen moieties, but this hypothesis still needs to be tested. METHODS In the present work we evaluated the Mpro inhibition capacity (in silico), the safety and antioxidant effect of six organochalcogen AZT-derivatives using the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, through acute (30 min) and chronic (48) exposure protocols. RESULTS We observed that the molecules were safe at a concentration range of 1-500 µM and did not alter any toxicological endpoint evaluated. Furthermore, the molecules are capable to decrease the ROS formation stimulated by hydrogen peroxide, to modulate the expression of important antioxidant enzymes such superoxide-dismutase-3 and glutathione S-transferese-4 and to stimulate the translocation of the DAF-16 to the cell nucleus. In addition, the molecules did not deplete thiol groups, which reinforces their safety and contribution to oxidative stress resistance. CONCLUSIONS We have found that compounds S116l (a Tellurium AZT-derivative) and S116h (a Selenium-AZT derivative) presented more promising effects both in silico and in vivo, being strong candidates for further in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Pedroso Viçozzi
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Bioquímica e Toxicologia em Caenorhabditis elegans (GBToxCE), Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA, CEP 97500-970 Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima 1000, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Flávia Suelen de Oliveira Pereira
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Bioquímica e Toxicologia em Caenorhabditis elegans (GBToxCE), Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA, CEP 97500-970 Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael Santos da Silva
- LabSelen-NanoBio - Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Julliano Guerin Leal
- LabSelen-NanoBio - Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Joelma Menegazzi Sarturi
- LabSelen-NanoBio - Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Pablo Andrei Nogara
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima 1000, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Sul-rio-grandense (IFSul), Av. Leonel de Moura Brizola, 2501, 96418-400 Bagé, RS, Brazil
| | | | - João Batista Teixeira da Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima 1000, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Daiana Silva Ávila
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Bioquímica e Toxicologia em Caenorhabditis elegans (GBToxCE), Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA, CEP 97500-970 Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima 1000, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
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19
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Rani N, Alam MM, Jamal A, Bin Ghaffar U, Parvez S. Caenorhabditis elegans: A transgenic model for studying age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 91:102036. [PMID: 37598759 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a heterogeneous group of aging-associated ailments characterized by interrupting cellular proteostasic machinery and the misfolding of distinct proteins to form toxic aggregates in neurons. Neurodegenerative diseases, which include Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD), and others, are becoming an increasing threat to human health worldwide. The degeneration and death of certain specific groups of neurons are the hallmarks of these diseases. Over the past decades, Caenorhabditis eleganshas beenwidely used as a transgenic model to investigate biological processes related to health and disease. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has developed as a powerful tool for studying disease mechanisms due to its ease of genetic handling and instant cultivation while providing a whole-animal system amendable to several molecular and biochemical techniques. In this review, we elucidate the potential of C. elegans as a versatile platform for systematic dissection of the molecular basis of human disease, focusing on neurodegenerative disorders, and may help better our understanding of the disease mechanisms and search for new therapeutics for these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Rani
- Department of Toxicology, School of Chemical & Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Mohammad Mumtaz Alam
- Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Azfar Jamal
- Department of Biology, College of Science Al-Zulfi, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Usama Bin Ghaffar
- Department of Basic Science, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suhel Parvez
- Department of Toxicology, School of Chemical & Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India.
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20
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Wu MC, Gao YH, Zhang C, Ma BT, Lin HR, Jiang JY, Xue MF, Li S, Wang HB. Liensinine and neferine exert neuroprotective effects via the autophagy pathway in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:386. [PMID: 37891552 PMCID: PMC10612239 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04183-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liensinine and neferine are the main bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids obtained from the seeds of Nelumbo nucifera, which commonly used as edible food and traditional medicine in Asia. It was reported that liensinine and neferine could inhibit the activities of acetylcholinesterase and cross the blood-brain barriers, suggesting their therapeutic potential for the management of Alzheimer's disease. METHODS Here, we employed SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells stably transfected with the human Swedish amyloid precursor protein (APP) mutation APP695 (APP695swe SH-SY5Y) as an in vitro model and transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo model to investigate the neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanism of liensinine and neferine. RESULTS We found that liensinine and neferine could significantly improve the viability and reduce ROS levels in APP695swe SH-SY5Y cells, inhibit β-amyloid and tau-induced toxicity, and enhance stress resistance in nematodes. Moreover, liensinine and neferine had obviously neuroprotective effects by assaying chemotaxis, 5-hydroxytryptamine sensitivity and the integrity of injured neurons in nematodes. Preliminary mechanism studies revealed that liensinine and neferine could upregulate the expression of autophagy related genes (lgg-1, unc-51, pha-4, atg-9 and ced-9) and reduce the accumulation of β-amyloid induced autophagosomes, which suggested autophagy pathway played a key role in neuroprotective effects of these two alkaloids. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our findings provided a certain working foundation for the use of liensinine and neferine to treat Alzheimer's disease based on neuroprotective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chen Wu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Ye-Hui Gao
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Bo-Tian Ma
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Hong-Ru Lin
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Jin-Yun Jiang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Meng-Fan Xue
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Shan Li
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| | - Hong-Bing Wang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China.
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Srinivasan S, Illera PA, Kukhtar D, Benseny-Cases N, Cerón J, Álvarez J, Fonteriz RI, Montero M, Laromaine A. Arrhythmic Effects Evaluated on Caenorhabditis elegans: The Case of Polypyrrole Nanoparticles. ACS NANO 2023; 17:17273-17284. [PMID: 37624669 PMCID: PMC10510705 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c05245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Experimental studies and clinical trials of nanoparticles for treating diseases are increasing continuously. However, the reach to the market does not correlate with these efforts due to the enormous cost, several years of development, and off-target effects like cardiotoxicity. Multicellular organisms such as the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) can bridge the gap between in vitro and vertebrate testing as they can provide extensive information on systemic toxicity and specific harmful effects through facile experimentation following 3R EU directives on animal use. Since the nematodes' pharynx shares similarities with the human heart, we assessed the general and pharyngeal effects of drugs and polypyrrole nanoparticles (Ppy NPs) using C. elegans. The evaluation of FDA-approved drugs, such as Propranolol and Racepinephrine reproduced the arrhythmic behavior reported in humans and supported the use of this small animal model. Consequently, Ppy NPs were evaluated due to their research interest in cardiac arrhythmia treatments. The NPs' biocompatibility was confirmed by assessing survival, growth and development, reproduction, and transgenerational toxicity in C. elegans. Interestingly, the NPs increased the pharyngeal pumping rate of C. elegans in two slow-pumping mutant strains, JD21 and DA464. Moreover, the NPs increased the pumping rate over time, which sustained up to a day post-excretion. By measuring pharyngeal calcium levels, we found that the impact of Ppy NPs on the pumping rate could be mediated through calcium signaling. Thus, evaluating arrhythmic effects in C. elegans offers a simple system to test drugs and nanoparticles, as elucidated through Ppy NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumithra
Yasaswini Srinivasan
- Universitat
de Autonoma de Barcelona, Institut de Ciència
de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar Alvarez Illera
- Universidad
de Valladolid, Instituto de Biomedicina
y Genética Molecular (IBGM), 47005, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Dmytro Kukhtar
- Modeling
Human Diseases in C. elegans Group - Genes, Disease
and Therapy Program, Bellvitge Biomedical
Research Institute - IDIBELL, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Julián Cerón
- Modeling
Human Diseases in C. elegans Group - Genes, Disease
and Therapy Program, Bellvitge Biomedical
Research Institute - IDIBELL, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Álvarez
- Universidad
de Valladolid, Instituto de Biomedicina
y Genética Molecular (IBGM), 47005, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rosalba I. Fonteriz
- Universidad
de Valladolid, Instituto de Biomedicina
y Genética Molecular (IBGM), 47005, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Mayte Montero
- Universidad
de Valladolid, Instituto de Biomedicina
y Genética Molecular (IBGM), 47005, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Anna Laromaine
- Universitat
de Autonoma de Barcelona, Institut de Ciència
de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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22
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Liu X, Bao X, Yang J, Zhu X, Li Z. Preliminary study on toxicological mechanism of golden cuttlefish (Sepia esculenta) larvae exposed to cd. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:503. [PMID: 37649007 PMCID: PMC10466719 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09630-9] [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: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cadmium (Cd) flows into the ocean with industrial and agricultural pollution and significantly affects the growth and development of economic cephalopods such as Sepia esculenta, Amphioctopus fangsiao, and Loligo japonica. As of now, the reasons why Cd affects the growth and development of S. esculenta are not yet clear. RESULTS In this study, transcriptome and four oxidation and toxicity indicators are used to analyze the toxicological mechanism of Cd-exposed S. esculenta larvae. Indicator results indicate that Cd induces oxidative stress and metal toxicity. Functional enrichment analysis results suggest that larval ion transport, cell adhesion, and some digestion and absorption processes are inhibited, and the cell function is damaged. Comprehensive analysis of protein-protein interaction network and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis was used to explore S. esculenta larval toxicological mechanisms, and we find that among the 20 identified key genes, 14 genes are associated with neurotoxicity. Most of them are down-regulated and enriched to the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signaling pathway, suggesting that larval nervous system might be destroyed, and the growth, development, and movement process are significantly affected after Cd exposure. CONCLUSIONS S. esculenta larvae suffered severe oxidative damage after Cd exposure, which may inhibit digestion and absorption functions, and disrupt the stability of the nervous system. Our results lay a function for understanding larval toxicological mechanisms exposed to heavy metals, promoting the development of invertebrate environmental toxicology, and providing theoretical support for S. esculenta artificial culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiumei Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Xiaokai Bao
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Jianmin Yang
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Xibo Zhu
- Fishery Technology Service Center of Lanshan District, Rizhao, 276800, China.
| | - Zan Li
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China.
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23
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Zheng Y, Young ND, Song J, Gasser RB. Genome-Wide Analysis of Haemonchus contortus Proteases and Protease Inhibitors Using Advanced Informatics Provides Insights into Parasite Biology and Host-Parasite Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12320. [PMID: 37569696 PMCID: PMC10418638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512320] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity within the animal kingdom is associated with extensive molecular diversity. The expansion of genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic data sets for invertebrate groups and species with unique biological traits necessitates reliable in silico tools for the accurate identification and annotation of molecules and molecular groups. However, conventional tools are inadequate for lesser-known organismal groups, such as eukaryotic pathogens (parasites), so that improved approaches are urgently needed. Here, we established a combined sequence- and structure-based workflow system to harness well-curated publicly available data sets and resources to identify, classify and annotate proteases and protease inhibitors of a highly pathogenic parasitic roundworm (nematode) of global relevance, called Haemonchus contortus (barber's pole worm). This workflow performed markedly better than conventional, sequence-based classification and annotation alone and allowed the first genome-wide characterisation of protease and protease inhibitor genes and gene products in this worm. In total, we identified 790 genes encoding 860 proteases and protease inhibitors representing 83 gene families. The proteins inferred included 280 metallo-, 145 cysteine, 142 serine, 121 aspartic and 81 "mixed" proteases as well as 91 protease inhibitors, all of which had marked physicochemical diversity and inferred involvements in >400 biological processes or pathways. A detailed investigation revealed a remarkable expansion of some protease or inhibitor gene families, which are likely linked to parasitism (e.g., host-parasite interactions, immunomodulation and blood-feeding) and exhibit stage- or sex-specific transcription profiles. This investigation provides a solid foundation for detailed explorations of the structures and functions of proteases and protease inhibitors of H. contortus and related nematodes, and it could assist in the discovery of new drug or vaccine targets against infections or diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanting Zheng
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Neil D. Young
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Jiangning Song
- Department of Data Science and AI, Faculty of IT, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Monash Data Futures Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
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24
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Hernando G, Turani O, Rodriguez Araujo N, Bouzat C. The diverse family of Cys-loop receptors in Caenorhabditis elegans: insights from electrophysiological studies. Biophys Rev 2023; 15:733-750. [PMID: 37681094 PMCID: PMC10480131 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01080-7] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cys-loop receptors integrate a large family of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels that mediate fast ionotropic responses in vertebrates and invertebrates. Their vital role in converting neurotransmitter recognition into an electrical impulse makes these receptors essential for a great variety of physiological processes. In vertebrates, the Cys-loop receptor family includes the cation-selective channels, nicotinic acetylcholine and 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptors, and the anion-selective channels, GABAA and glycine receptors, whereas in invertebrates, the repertoire is significantly larger. The free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has the largest known Cys-loop receptor family as well as unique receptors that are absent in vertebrates and constitute attractive targets for anthelmintic drugs. Given the large number and variety of Cys-loop receptor subunits and the multiple possible ways of subunit assembly, C. elegans offers a large diversity of receptors although only a limited number of them have been characterized to date. C. elegans has emerged as a powerful model for the study of the nervous system and human diseases as well as a model for antiparasitic drug discovery. This nematode has also shown promise in the pharmaceutical industry search for new therapeutic compounds. C. elegans is therefore a powerful model organism to explore the biology and pharmacology of Cys-loop receptors and their potential as targets for novel therapeutic interventions. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of what is known about the function of C. elegans Cys-loop receptors from an electrophysiological perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermina Hernando
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Ornella Turani
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Noelia Rodriguez Araujo
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Bouzat
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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25
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Liu L, Kong Q, Xiang Z, Kuang X, Wang H, Zhou L, Feng S, Chen T, Ding C. Integrated Analysis of Transcriptome and Metabolome Provides Insight into Camellia oleifera Oil Alleviating Fat Accumulation in High-Fat Caenorhabditis elegans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11615. [PMID: 37511379 PMCID: PMC10380387 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411615] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Camellia oil (CO) is a high medicinal and nutritional value edible oil. However, its ability to alleviate fat accumulation in high-fat Caenorhabditis elegans has not been well elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of CO on fat accumulation in high-fat C. elegans via transcriptome and metabolome analysis. The results showed that CO significantly reduced fat accumulation in high-fat C. elegans by 10.34% (Oil Red O method) and 11.54% (TG content method), respectively. Furthermore, CO primarily altered the transcription levels of genes involved in longevity regulating pathway. Specifically, CO decreased lipid storage in high-fat C. elegans by inhibiting fat synthesis. In addition, CO supplementation modulated the abundance of metabolic biomarkers related to pyrimidine metabolism and riboflavin metabolism. The integrated transcriptome and metabolome analyses indicated that CO supplementation could alleviate fat accumulation in high-fat C. elegans by regulating retinol metabolism, drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and pentose and glucuronate interconversions. Overall, these findings highlight the potential health benefits of CO that could potentially be used as a functional edible oil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Qingbo Kong
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Zhuoya Xiang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
- Institute of Agro-Products Processing Science and Technology, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, China
| | - Xuekun Kuang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Heng Wang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Lijun Zhou
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Shiling Feng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Tao Chen
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Chunbang Ding
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
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26
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Rezaeianaran F, Gijs MAM. Difference in Intestine Content of Caenorhabditis elegans When Fed on Non-Pathogenic or Pathogenic Bacteria. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1386. [PMID: 37512697 PMCID: PMC10384281 DOI: 10.3390/mi14071386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the bacterial food digestion and accumulation in wild-type adult Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) worms that have fed on either non-pathogenic RFP-expressing Escherichia coli (E. coli) OP50 or pathogenic-RFP-expressing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) PAO1 during the first 4 days of adulthood. Once the worms had completed their planned feeding cycles, they were loaded on microfluidic chips, where they were fixed to allow high-resolution z-stack fluorescence imaging of their intestines utilizing a Spinning Disk Confocal Microscope (SDCM) equipped with a high-resolution oil-immersion objective (60×). IMARIS software was used to visualize and analyze the obtained images, resulting in the production of three-dimensional constructs of the intestinal bacterial load. We discovered two distinct patterns for the bacteria-derived fluorescence signal in the intestine: (i) individual fluorescent spots, originating from intact bacteria, were present in the fluorescent E. coli-OP50-fed worms, and (ii) individual fluorescent spots (originating from intact bacteria) were dispersed in large regions of diffuse fluorescence (RDF), originating from disrupted bacteria, in fluorescent P. aeruginosa-PAO1-fed worms. We performed a semi-automated single-worm-resolution quantitative analysis of the intestinal bacterial load, which showed that the intestinal bacterial load generally increases with age of the worms, but more rapidly for the fluorescent P. aeruginosa-PAO1-fed worms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Rezaeianaran
- Laboratory of Microsystems, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Martin A M Gijs
- Laboratory of Microsystems, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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27
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Guerrero-Rubio MA, Hernández-García S, García-Carmona F, Gandía-Herrero F. Consumption of commonly used artificial food dyes increases activity and oxidative stress in the animal model Caenorhabditis elegans. Food Res Int 2023; 169:112925. [PMID: 37254351 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112925] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, the consumption of artificial colorants in foods and beverages has increased despite of concerns in the general population raised by studies that have shown possible injurious effects. In this study, tartrazine, sunset yellow, quinoline yellow, ponceau 4R, carmoisine and allura red were employed as pure compounds to explore their effects in vivo in the animal model Caenorhabditis elegans. The exposition of C. elegans to these artificial dyes produced damage related with aging such as oxidative stress and lipofuscin accumulation, as well as a heavy shortening of lifespan, alterations in movement patterns and alterations in the production of dopamine receptors. Besides, microarray analysis performed with worms treated with tartrazine and ponceau 4R showed how the consumption of synthetic colorants is able to alter the expression of genes involved in resistance to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alejandra Guerrero-Rubio
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Unidad Docente de Biología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Samanta Hernández-García
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Unidad Docente de Biología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco García-Carmona
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Unidad Docente de Biología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Fernando Gandía-Herrero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Unidad Docente de Biología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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28
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Funguetto-Ribeiro AC, Nakama KA, Pinz MP, Oliveira RLD, Sacramento MD, Pereira FSO, Pinton S, Wilhelm EA, Luchese C, Alves D, Ávila DS, Haas SE. Development and In Vivo Assessment of 4-Phenyltellanyl-7-chloroquinoline-loaded Polymeric Nanocapsules in Alzheimer's Disease Models. Brain Sci 2023; 13:999. [PMID: 37508931 PMCID: PMC10377448 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13070999] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in older people, and available treatments are palliative and produce undesirable side effects. The 4-phenyltellanyl-7-chloroquinoline (TQ) is an organochalcogen compound studied due to its pharmacological properties, particularly its antioxidant potential. However, TQ possesses some drawbacks such as low aqueous solubility and high toxicity, thus warranting the search for tools that improve the safety and effectiveness of new compounds. Here, we developed and investigated the biological effects of TQ-loaded polymeric nanocapsules (NCTQ) in an AD model in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans expressing human Aβ1-42 in their body-wall muscles and Swiss mice injected with Aβ25-35. The NCTQ displayed good physicochemical properties, including nanometer size and maximum encapsulation capacity. The treatment showed low toxicity, reduced Aβ peptide-induced paralysis, and activated an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone in the C. elegans model. The Aβ injection in mice caused memory impairment, which NCTQ mitigated by improving working, long-term, and aversive memory. Additionally, no changes in biochemical markers were evidenced in mice, demonstrating that there was no hepatotoxicity in the tested doses. Altogether, these findings provide insights into the neuroprotective effects of TQ and indicate that NCTQ is a promising candidate for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelly Ayumi Nakama
- Pharmaceutical Science Graduate Program, Federal University of Pampa-UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana 97501-970, Brazil
| | - Mikaela Peglow Pinz
- Biochemistry and Bioprospecting Graduate Program, Biochemical Pharmacology Research Laboratory (LaFarBio), Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN), Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Science Center (CCQFA), Federal University of Pelotas-UFPel, Pelotas 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Renata Leivas de Oliveira
- Biochemistry and Bioprospecting Graduate Program, Biochemical Pharmacology Research Laboratory (LaFarBio), Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN), Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Science Center (CCQFA), Federal University of Pelotas-UFPel, Pelotas 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Manoela do Sacramento
- Clean Organic Synthesis Laboratory (LASOL), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences (CCQFA), Federal University of Pelotas-UFPel, Pelotas 96010-900, Brazil
| | | | - Simone Pinton
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Federal University of Pampa-UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana 97501-970, Brazil
| | - Ethel Antunes Wilhelm
- Biochemistry and Bioprospecting Graduate Program, Biochemical Pharmacology Research Laboratory (LaFarBio), Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN), Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Science Center (CCQFA), Federal University of Pelotas-UFPel, Pelotas 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Luchese
- Biochemistry and Bioprospecting Graduate Program, Biochemical Pharmacology Research Laboratory (LaFarBio), Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN), Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Science Center (CCQFA), Federal University of Pelotas-UFPel, Pelotas 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Diego Alves
- Clean Organic Synthesis Laboratory (LASOL), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences (CCQFA), Federal University of Pelotas-UFPel, Pelotas 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Daiana Silva Ávila
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Federal University of Pampa-UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana 97501-970, Brazil
| | - Sandra Elisa Haas
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Federal University of Pampa-UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana 97501-970, Brazil
- Pharmaceutical Science Graduate Program, Federal University of Pampa-UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana 97501-970, Brazil
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29
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Rezaeianaran F, Gijs MAM. High-resolution imaging and analysis of the intestinal bacterial load of Caenorhabditis elegans during early adulthood. RSC Adv 2023; 13:17230-17243. [PMID: 37304789 PMCID: PMC10248764 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra02934d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
We study the presence within the worm Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) of a fluorescent strain of the worm's bacterial food (Escherichia coli (E. coli) OP50) during early adulthood. Use of a microfluidic chip based on a thin glass coverslip substrate allows investigation of the intestinal bacterial load using a Spinning Disk Confocal Microscope (SDCM) equipped with a high-resolution objective (60×). High-resolution z-stack fluorescence images of the gut bacteria in adult worms, which were loaded in the microfluidic chip and subsequently fixed, were analyzed using IMARIS software and 3D reconstructions of the intestinal bacterial load in the worms were obtained. We present an automated bivariate histogram analysis of the volumes and intensities of the bacterial spots for each worm and find that, as the worms age, the bacterial load in their hindguts increases. We show the advantage of single-worm resolution automated analysis for bacterial load studies and anticipate that the methods described in our work can be easily implemented in existing microfluidic solutions to enable thorough studies of bacterial proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Rezaeianaran
- Laboratory of Microsystems, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne CH-1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Martin A M Gijs
- Laboratory of Microsystems, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne CH-1015 Lausanne Switzerland
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30
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Yokoyama I, Setoyama O, Jia Y, Fujita N, Waki A, Komiya Y, Nagasao J, Arihara K. Effects of the dipeptides comprising leucine and lysine on lifespan and age-related stress in Caenorhabditis elegans. Food Sci Nutr 2023; 11:2776-2786. [PMID: 37324921 PMCID: PMC10261761 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The aging process is affected by various stressors. An increase in oxidative stress is related to the impairment of physiological functions and enhancement of glycative stress. Food-derived bioactive peptides have various physiological functions, including antioxidant activities. Dipeptides comprising Leu and Lys (LK and KL, respectively) have been isolated from foods; however, their physiological properties remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant/antiglycation activity of dipeptides and their antiaging effects using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Both dipeptides showed antioxidant activities against several reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro. In particular, the scavenging activity of LK against superoxide radicals was higher than KL did. Moreover, dipeptides suppressed advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation in the BSA-glucose model. In the lifespan assays using wild-type C. elegans, both LK and KL significantly prolonged the mean lifespan by 20.9% and 11.7%, respectively. In addition, LK decreased intracellular ROS and superoxide radical levels in C. elegans. Blue autofluorescence, an indicator of glycation in C. elegans with age, was also suppressed by LK. These results suggest that dipeptides, notably LK, show an antiaging effect by suppressing oxidative and glycative stress. Our findings suggest that such dipeptides can be used as a novel functional food ingredient. Food-derived dipeptide Leu-Lys (LK) and Lys-Leu (KL) exert antioxidant and antiglycation activity in vitro. Treatment with LK prolonged the mean lifespan and maximum lifespan of C. elegans more than that of KL. Intracellular ROS and blue autofluorescence levels (indicator of aging) were suppressed by LK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issei Yokoyama
- School of Veterinary MedicineKitasato UniversityTowadaJapan
- College of Bioresource SciencesNihon UniversityFujisawaJapan
| | - Ou Setoyama
- Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and TechnologyEbinaJapan
| | - Yaqi Jia
- School of Veterinary MedicineKitasato UniversityTowadaJapan
| | - Nana Fujita
- School of Veterinary MedicineKitasato UniversityTowadaJapan
| | - Akane Waki
- School of Veterinary MedicineKitasato UniversityTowadaJapan
| | - Yusuke Komiya
- School of Veterinary MedicineKitasato UniversityTowadaJapan
| | - Jun Nagasao
- School of Veterinary MedicineKitasato UniversityTowadaJapan
| | - Keizo Arihara
- School of Veterinary MedicineKitasato UniversityTowadaJapan
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31
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Starr LA, McKay LE, Peter KN, Seyfarth LM, Berkowitz LA, Caldwell KA, Caldwell GA. Attenuation of Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration in a C. elegans Parkinson's Model through Regulation of Xanthine Dehydrogenase (XDH-1) Expression by the RNA Editase, ADR-2. J Dev Biol 2023; 11:jdb11020020. [PMID: 37218814 DOI: 10.3390/jdb11020020] [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: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Differential RNA editing by adenosine deaminases that act on RNA (ADARs) has been implicated in several neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we report results of a RNAi screen of genes differentially regulated in adr-2 mutants, normally encoding the only catalytically active ADAR in Caenorhabditis elegans, ADR-2. Subsequent analysis of candidate genes that alter the misfolding of human α-synuclein (α-syn) and dopaminergic neurodegeneration, two PD pathologies, reveal that reduced expression of xdh-1, the ortholog of human xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), is protective against α-synuclein-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Further, RNAi experiments show that WHT-2, the worm ortholog of the human ABCG2 transporter and a predicted interactor of XDH-1, is the rate-limiting factor in the ADR-2, XDH-1, WHT-2 system for dopaminergic neuroprotection. In silico structural modeling of WHT-2 indicates that the editing of one nucleotide in the wht-2 mRNA leads to the substitution of threonine with alanine at residue 124 in the WHT-2 protein, changing hydrogen bonds in this region. Thus, we propose a model where wht-2 is edited by ADR-2, which promotes optimal export of uric acid, a known substrate of WHT-2 and a product of XDH-1 activity. In the absence of editing, uric acid export is limited, provoking a reduction in xdh-1 transcription to limit uric acid production and maintain cellular homeostasis. As a result, elevation of uric acid is protective against dopaminergic neuronal cell death. In turn, increased levels of uric acid are associated with a decrease in ROS production. Further, downregulation of xdh-1 is protective against PD pathologies because decreased levels of XDH-1 correlate to a concomitant reduction in xanthine oxidase (XO), the form of the protein whose by-product is superoxide anion. These data indicate that modifying specific targets of RNA editing may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A Starr
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Convergent Biomedicine, Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Luke E McKay
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Convergent Biomedicine, Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Kylie N Peter
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Convergent Biomedicine, Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Lena M Seyfarth
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Convergent Biomedicine, Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Laura A Berkowitz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Convergent Biomedicine, Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Kim A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Convergent Biomedicine, Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Nathan Shock Center of Excellence for the Basic Biology of Aging, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Guy A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Convergent Biomedicine, Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Nathan Shock Center of Excellence for the Basic Biology of Aging, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Martínez-Rodríguez P, Guerrero-Rubio MA, Hernández-García S, Henarejos-Escudero P, García-Carmona F, Gandía-Herrero F. Characterization of betalain-loaded liposomes and its bioactive potential in vivo after ingestion. Food Chem 2023; 407:135180. [PMID: 36521390 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.135180] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Betalains are plant pigments characterized by showing a wide range of beneficial properties for health. Its bioactive potential has been studied for the first time after its encapsulation in liposomes and subsequent administration to the animal model Caenorhabditis elegans. Phenylalanine-betaxanthin and indoline carboxylic acid-betacyanin encapsulated at concentrations of 25 and 500 μM managed to reduce lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in the nematodes. Highly antioxidant betalains dopaxanthin and betanidin were also included in the survival analyses. The results showed that phenylalanine-betaxanthin was the most effective betalain by increasing the lifespan of C. elegans by 21.8%. In addition, the administration of encapsulated natural betanidin increased the nematodes' survival rate by up to 13.8%. The preservation of the bioactive properties of betalains manifested in this study means that the stabilization of the plant pigments through encapsulation in liposomes can be postulated as a new way for administration in pharmacological and food applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Martínez-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Unidad Docente de Biología, Facultad de Veterinaria. Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - M Alejandra Guerrero-Rubio
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Unidad Docente de Biología, Facultad de Veterinaria. Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Samanta Hernández-García
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Unidad Docente de Biología, Facultad de Veterinaria. Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Paula Henarejos-Escudero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Unidad Docente de Biología, Facultad de Veterinaria. Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Francisco García-Carmona
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Unidad Docente de Biología, Facultad de Veterinaria. Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Fernando Gandía-Herrero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Unidad Docente de Biología, Facultad de Veterinaria. Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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Costa I, Barbosa DJ, Silva V, Benfeito S, Borges F, Remião F, Silva R. Research Models to Study Ferroptosis's Impact in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051369. [PMID: 37242612 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death promoted by the appearance of oxidative perturbations in the intracellular microenvironment constitutively controlled by glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). It is characterized by increased production of reactive oxygen species, intracellular iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, inhibition of system Xc-, glutathione depletion, and decreased GPX4 activity. Several pieces of evidence support the involvement of ferroptosis in distinct neurodegenerative diseases. In vitro and in vivo models allow a reliable transition to clinical studies. Several in vitro models, including differentiated SH-SY5Y and PC12 cells, among others, have been used to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms of distinct neurodegenerative diseases, including ferroptosis. In addition, they can be useful in the development of potential ferroptosis inhibitors that can be used as disease-modifying drugs for the treatment of such diseases. On the other hand, in vivo models based on the manipulation of rodents and invertebrate animals, such as Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, and zebrafish, have been increasingly used for research in neurodegeneration. This work provides an up-to-date review of the main in vitro and in vivo models that can be used to evaluate ferroptosis in the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases, and to explore potential new drug targets and novel drug candidates for effective disease-modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Costa
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniel José Barbosa
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vera Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CIQUP-IMS-Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia Benfeito
- CIQUP-IMS-Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Borges
- CIQUP-IMS-Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Remião
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Renata Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Moreno A, Taffet A, Tjahjono E, Anderson QL, Kirienko NV. Examining Sporadic Cancer Mutations Uncovers a Set of Genes Involved in Mitochondrial Maintenance. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1009. [PMID: 37239369 PMCID: PMC10218105 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051009] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are key organelles for cellular health and metabolism and the activation of programmed cell death processes. Although pathways for regulating and re-establishing mitochondrial homeostasis have been identified over the past twenty years, the consequences of disrupting genes that regulate other cellular processes, such as division and proliferation, on affecting mitochondrial function remain unclear. In this study, we leveraged insights about increased sensitivity to mitochondrial damage in certain cancers, or genes that are frequently mutated in multiple cancer types, to compile a list of candidates for study. RNAi was used to disrupt orthologous genes in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, and a series of assays were used to evaluate these genes' importance for mitochondrial health. Iterative screening of ~1000 genes yielded a set of 139 genes predicted to play roles in mitochondrial maintenance or function. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that these genes are statistically interrelated. Functional validation of a sample of genes from this set indicated that disruption of each gene caused at least one phenotype consistent with mitochondrial dysfunction, including increased fragmentation of the mitochondrial network, abnormal steady-state levels of NADH or ROS, or altered oxygen consumption. Interestingly, RNAi-mediated knockdown of these genes often also exacerbated α-synuclein aggregation in a C. elegans model of Parkinson's disease. Additionally, human orthologs of the gene set showed enrichment for roles in human disorders. This gene set provides a foundation for identifying new mechanisms that support mitochondrial and cellular homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Natalia V. Kirienko
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, 6100 Main St, MS140, Houston, TX 77005, USA; (A.M.); (A.T.); (E.T.); (Q.L.A.)
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Jushaj A, Churgin M, De La Torre M, Kieswetter A, Driesschaert B, Dhondt I, Braeckman BP, Fang-Yen C, Temmerman L. Adult-restricted gene knock-down reveals candidates that affect locomotive healthspan in C. elegans. Biogerontology 2023; 24:225-233. [PMID: 36662373 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-022-10009-8] [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: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how we can age healthily is a challenge at the heart of biogerontological interest. Whereas myriad genes are known to affect the lifespan of model organisms, effects of such interventions on healthspan-the period of life where an animal is considered healthy, rather than merely alive-are less clear. To understand relationships between life- and healthspan, in recent years several platforms were developed with the purpose of assessing both readouts simultaneously. We here relied on one such platform, the WorMotel, to study effects of adulthood-restricted knock-down of 130 Caenorhabditis elegans genes on the locomotive health of the animals along their lifespans. We found that knock-down of six genes affected healthspan while lifespan remained unchanged. For two of these, F26A3.4 and chn-1, knock-down resulted in an improvement of healthspan. In follow-up experiments we showed that knockdown of F26A3.4 indeed improves locomotive health and muscle structure at old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areta Jushaj
- Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthew Churgin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Miguel De La Torre
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Amanda Kieswetter
- Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Brecht Driesschaert
- Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ineke Dhondt
- Laboratory of Aging Physiology and Molecular Evolution, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart P Braeckman
- Laboratory of Aging Physiology and Molecular Evolution, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Liesbet Temmerman
- Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Nanda S, Jacques MA, Wang W, Myers CL, Yilmaz LS, Walhout AJ. Systems-level transcriptional regulation of Caenorhabditis elegans metabolism. Mol Syst Biol 2023; 19:e11443. [PMID: 36942755 PMCID: PMC10167481 DOI: 10.15252/msb.202211443] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolism is controlled to ensure organismal development and homeostasis. Several mechanisms regulate metabolism, including allosteric control and transcriptional regulation of metabolic enzymes and transporters. So far, metabolism regulation has mostly been described for individual genes and pathways, and the extent of transcriptional regulation of the entire metabolic network remains largely unknown. Here, we find that three-quarters of all metabolic genes are transcriptionally regulated in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We find that many annotated metabolic pathways are coexpressed, and we use gene expression data and the iCEL1314 metabolic network model to define coregulated subpathways in an unbiased manner. Using a large gene expression compendium, we determine the conditions where subpathways exhibit strong coexpression. Finally, we develop "WormClust," a web application that enables a gene-by-gene query of genes to view their association with metabolic (sub)-pathways. Overall, this study sheds light on the ubiquity of transcriptional regulation of metabolism and provides a blueprint for similar studies in other organisms, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Nanda
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Marc-Antoine Jacques
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Chad L Myers
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - L Safak Yilmaz
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Albertha Jm Walhout
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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Shi C, Wang C, Zeng L, Peng Y, Li Y, Hao H, Zheng Y, Chen C, Chen H, Zhang J, Xiang M, Huang Y, Li H. Triphenyl phosphate induced reproductive toxicity through the JNK signaling pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 446:130643. [PMID: 36586333 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) is a widely used aryl organophosphate flame retardant (OPFR) that has attracted attention due to its frequent detection in the environment and living organisms. To date, the reproductive toxicity of TPHP has been investigated in organisms, but its molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is the ideal animal for the study of reproductive toxicity following environmental pollutants, with short generation times, intact reproductive structures, and hermaphroditic fertilization. This study aimed to explore the reproductive dysfunction and molecular mechanisms induced by TPHP exposure in C. elegans. Specifically, exposure to TPHP resulted in a reduction in the number of eggs laid and developing embryos in utero, an increase in the number of apoptotic gonadal cells, and germ cell cycle arrest. The JNK signaling pathway is a potential pathway inducing reproductive toxicity following TPHP exposure based on transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). Moreover, TPHP exposure induced down-regulation of vhp-1 and kgb-2 gene transcription levels, and the knockout of vhp-1 and kgb-2 in the mutant strains exhibited more severe toxicity in apoptotic gonad cells, embryos, and eggs developing in utero, suggesting that vhp-1 and kgb-2 genes play a crucial role in TPHP-induced reproductive toxicity. Our data provide convergent evidence showing that TPHP exposure results in reproductive dysfunction through the JNK signaling pathway and improve our understanding of the ecotoxicity and toxicological mechanisms of aryl-OPFRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongli Shi
- Institute of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Institute of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Lingjun Zeng
- Institute of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yi Peng
- Institute of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yeyong Li
- Institute of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Haibin Hao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Institute of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Biomedical Nanotechnology Center, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Haibo Chen
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences. Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Minghui Xiang
- Institute of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Institute of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Hui Li
- Institute of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
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Genome Editing of C. elegans. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2637:389-396. [PMID: 36773162 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3016-7_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans, a 1 mm long free-living nematode, is a traditional model animal for genetic investigations of various biological processes. Characteristic features that make C. elegans a powerful model of choice for eukaryotic genetic studies include its rapid life cycle, well-annotated genome, simple morphology, and transparency. Recently, genome editing technologies have been increasingly used in C. elegans, thereby facilitating their genetic analyses. Here, I introduce a protocol frequently used in C. elegans genome editing.
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Zhang W, Li Z, Li G, Kong L, Jing H, Zhang N, Ning J, Gao S, Zhang Y, Wang X, Tao J. PM 2.5 induce lifespan reduction, insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway disruption and lipid metabolism disorder in Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1055175. [PMID: 36817915 PMCID: PMC9932997 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1055175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM), especially PM2.5, can induce various adverse health effects in populations, including diseases and premature death, but the mechanism of its toxicity is largely unknown. Methods Water-soluble components of PM2.5 (WS-PM2.5) were collected in the north of China in winter, and combined in two groups with the final concentrations of 94 μg/mL (CL group, AQI ≤ 100) and 119 μg/mL (CH group, 100 < AQI ≤ 200), respectively. The acute and long-term toxic effects of WS-PM2.5 samples were evaluated in several aspects such as development, lifespan, healthspan (locomotion behavior, heat stress tolerance, lipofucin). DAF mutants and genes were applied to verify the action of IIS pathway in WS-PM2.5 induced-effects. RNA-Sequencing was performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms, as well as ROS production and Oil red O staining were also served as means of mechanism exploration. Results Body length and lifespan were shortened by exposure to WS-PM2.5. Healthspan of nematodes revealed adverse effects evaluated by head thrash, body bend, pharyngeal pump, as well as intestinal lipofuscin accumulation and survival time under heat stress. The abbreviated lifespan of daf-2(e1370) strain and reduced expression level of daf-16 and hsp-16.2 indicated that IIS pathway might be involved in the mechanism. Thirty-five abnormally expressed genes screened out by RNA-Sequencing techniques, were functionally enriched in lipid/lipid metabolism and transport, and may contribute substantially to the regulation of PM2.5 induced adverse effects in nematodes. Conclusion WS-PM2.5 exposure induce varying degrees of toxic effects, such as body development, shorten lifespan and healthspan. The IIS pathway and lipid metabolism/transport were disturbed by WS-PM2.5 during WS-PM2.5 exposure, suggesting their regulatory role in lifespan determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Zhang
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Zinan Li
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China,School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guojun Li
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China,School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Guojun Li ✉
| | - Ling Kong
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Haiming Jing
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China,School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Junyu Ning
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China,School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Tao
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
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Anupom T, Vanapalli SA. A Compact Imaging Platform for Conducting C. elegans Phenotypic Assays on Earth and in Spaceflight. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:200. [PMID: 36676149 PMCID: PMC9862956 DOI: 10.3390/life13010200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The model organism Caenorhabditis elegans is used in a variety of applications ranging from fundamental biological studies, to drug screening, to disease modeling, and to space-biology investigations. These applications rely on conducting whole-organism phenotypic assays involving animal behavior and locomotion. In this study, we report a 3D printed compact imaging platform (CIP) that is integrated with a smart-device camera for the whole-organism phenotyping of C. elegans. The CIP has no external optical elements and does not require mechanical focusing, simplifying the optical configuration. The small footprint of the system powered with a standard USB provides capabilities ranging from plug-and-play, to parallel operation, and to housing it in incubators for temperature control. We demonstrate on Earth the compatibility of the CIP with different C. elegans substrates, including agar plates, liquid droplets on glass slides and microfluidic chips. We validate the system with behavioral and thrashing assays and show that the phenotypic readouts are in good agreement with the literature data. We conduct a pilot study with mutants and show that the phenotypic data collected from the CIP distinguishes these mutants. Finally, we discuss how the simplicity and versatility offered by CIP makes it amenable to future C. elegans investigations on the International Space Station, where science experiments are constrained by system size, payload weight and crew time. Overall, the compactness, portability and ease-of-use makes the CIP desirable for research and educational outreach applications on Earth and in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taslim Anupom
- Electrical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
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Lockery SR, Pop S, Jussila B. Microinjection in C. elegans by direct penetration of elastomeric membranes. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:014103. [PMID: 36647539 PMCID: PMC9840533 DOI: 10.1063/5.0130806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The nematode worm C. elegans is widely used in basic and translational research. The creation of transgenic strains by injecting DNA constructs into the worm's gonad is an essential step in many C. elegans research projects. This paper describes the fabrication and use of a minimalist microfluidic chip for performing microinjections. The worm is immobilized in a tight-fitting microchannel, one sidewall of which is a thin elastomeric membrane through which the injection pipet penetrates to reach the worm. The pipet is neither broken nor clogged by passing through the membrane, and the membrane reseals when the pipet is withdrawn. Rates of survival and transgenesis are similar to those in the conventional method. Novice users found injections using the device easier to learn than the conventional method. The principle of direct penetration of elastomeric membranes is adaptable to microinjections in a wide range of organisms including cells, embryos, and other small animal models. It could, therefore, lead to a new generation of microinjection systems for basic, translational, and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stelian Pop
- InVivo Biosystems, Inc., Eugene, Oregon 97402, USA
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Akhtar A, Gupta SM, Dwivedi S, Kumar D, Shaikh MF, Negi A. Preclinical Models for Alzheimer's Disease: Past, Present, and Future Approaches. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:47504-47517. [PMID: 36591205 PMCID: PMC9798399 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
A robust preclinical disease model is a primary requirement to understand the underlying mechanisms, signaling pathways, and drug screening for human diseases. Although various preclinical models are available for several diseases, clinical models for Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain underdeveloped and inaccurate. The pathophysiology of AD mainly includes the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT). Furthermore, neuroinflammation and free radical generation also contribute to AD. Currently, there is a wide gap in scientific approaches to preventing AD progression. Most of the available drugs are limited to symptomatic relief and improve deteriorating cognitive functions. To mimic the pathogenesis of human AD, animal models like 3XTg-AD and 5XFAD are the primarily used mice models in AD therapeutics. Animal models for AD include intracerebroventricular-streptozotocin (ICV-STZ), amyloid beta-induced, colchicine-induced, etc., focusing on parameters such as cognitive decline and dementia. Unfortunately, the translational rate of the potential drug candidates in clinical trials is poor due to limitations in imitating human AD pathology in animal models. Therefore, the available preclinical models possess a gap in AD modeling. This paper presents an outline that critically assesses the applicability and limitations of the current approaches in disease modeling for AD. Also, we attempted to provide key suggestions for the best-fit model to evaluate potential therapies, which might improve therapy translation from preclinical studies to patients with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansab Akhtar
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Shraddha M. Gupta
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Shubham Dwivedi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Devendra Kumar
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, DIT University, Uttarakhand, Dehradun 248009, India
| | - Mohd. Farooq Shaikh
- Neuropharmacology
Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Arvind Negi
- Department
of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
- E-mail:
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43
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Arena AF, Escudero J, Shaye DD. A metazoan-specific C-terminal motif in EXC-4 and Gα-Rho/Rac signaling regulate cell outgrowth during tubulogenesis in C. elegans. Development 2022; 149:285944. [PMID: 36398726 PMCID: PMC10108608 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Chloride intracellular channels (CLICs) are conserved proteins for which the cellular and molecular functions remain mysterious. An important insight into CLIC function came from the discovery that Caenorhabditis elegans EXC-4/CLIC regulates morphogenesis of the excretory canal (ExCa) cell, a single-cell tube. Subsequent work showed that mammalian CLICs regulate vascular development and angiogenesis, and human CLIC1 can rescue exc-4 mutants, suggesting conserved function in biological tube formation (tubulogenesis) and maintenance. However, the cell behaviors and signaling pathways regulated by EXC-4/CLICs during tubulogenesis in vivo remain largely unknown. We report a new exc-4 mutation, affecting a C-terminal residue conserved in virtually all metazoan CLICs, that reveals a specific role for EXC-4 in ExCa outgrowth. Cell culture studies suggest a function for CLICs in heterotrimeric G protein (Gα/β/γ)-Rho/Rac signaling, and Rho-family GTPases are common regulators of cell outgrowth. Using our new exc-4 mutant, we describe a previously unknown function for Gα-encoding genes (gpa-12/Gα12/13, gpa-7/Gαi, egl-30/Gαq and gsa-1/Gαs), ced-10/Rac and mig-2/RhoG in EXC-4-mediated ExCa outgrowth. Our results demonstrate that EXC-4/CLICs are primordial players in Gα-Rho/Rac-signaling, a pathway that is crucial for tubulogenesis in C. elegans and in vascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony F Arena
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago - College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences program, University of Illinois at Chicago - College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Julianna Escudero
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago - College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Daniel D Shaye
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago - College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Center for Cardiovascular Research, University of Illinois at Chicago - College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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44
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Bioactive potential and spectroscopical characterization of a novel family of plant pigments betalains derived from dopamine. Food Res Int 2022; 162:111956. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Yamakawa T, Yuslimatin Mujizah E, Matsuno K. Notch Signalling Under Maternal-to-Zygotic Transition. Fly (Austin) 2022; 16:347-359. [PMID: 36346359 PMCID: PMC9645253 DOI: 10.1080/19336934.2022.2139981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of all animal embryos is initially directed by the gene products supplied by their mothers. With the progression of embryogenesis, the embryo's genome is activated to command subsequent developments. This transition, which has been studied in many model animals, is referred to as the Maternal-to-Zygotic Transition (MZT). In many organisms, including flies, nematodes, and sea urchins, genes involved in Notch signaling are extensively influenced by the MZT. This signaling pathway is highly conserved across metazoans; moreover, it regulates various developmental processes. Notch signaling defects are commonly associated with various human diseases. The maternal contribution of its factors was first discovered in flies. Subsequently, several genes were identified from mutant embryos with a phenotype similar to Notch mutants only upon the removal of the maternal contributions. Studies on these maternal genes have revealed various novel steps in the cascade of Notch signal transduction. Among these genes, pecanex and almondex have been functionally characterized in recent studies. Therefore, in this review, we will focus on the roles of these two maternal genes in Notch signaling and discuss future research directions on its maternal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Yamakawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan,CONTACT Tomoko Yamakawa Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Kenji Matsuno
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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Chen L, Roake CM, Maccallini P, Bavasso F, Dehghannasiri R, Santonicola P, Mendoza-Ferreira N, Scatolini L, Rizzuti L, Esposito A, Gallotta I, Francia S, Cacchione S, Galati A, Palumbo V, Kobin MA, Tartaglia G, Colantoni A, Proietti G, Wu Y, Hammerschmidt M, De Pittà C, Sales G, Salzman J, Pellizzoni L, Wirth B, Di Schiavi E, Gatti M, Artandi S, Raffa GD. TGS1 impacts snRNA 3'-end processing, ameliorates survival motor neuron-dependent neurological phenotypes in vivo and prevents neurodegeneration. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:12400-12424. [PMID: 35947650 PMCID: PMC9757054 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Trimethylguanosine synthase 1 (TGS1) is a highly conserved enzyme that converts the 5'-monomethylguanosine cap of small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) to a trimethylguanosine cap. Here, we show that loss of TGS1 in Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster and Danio rerio results in neurological phenotypes similar to those caused by survival motor neuron (SMN) deficiency. Importantly, expression of human TGS1 ameliorates the SMN-dependent neurological phenotypes in both flies and worms, revealing that TGS1 can partly counteract the effects of SMN deficiency. TGS1 loss in HeLa cells leads to the accumulation of immature U2 and U4atac snRNAs with long 3' tails that are often uridylated. snRNAs with defective 3' terminations also accumulate in Drosophila Tgs1 mutants. Consistent with defective snRNA maturation, TGS1 and SMN mutant cells also exhibit partially overlapping transcriptome alterations that include aberrantly spliced and readthrough transcripts. Together, these results identify a neuroprotective function for TGS1 and reinforce the view that defective snRNA maturation affects neuronal viability and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Cancer Signaling and Epigenetics Program and Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Caitlin M Roake
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Paolo Maccallini
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bavasso
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roozbeh Dehghannasiri
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Natalia Mendoza-Ferreira
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Livia Scatolini
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovico Rizzuti
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ivan Gallotta
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, IGB-ABT, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Sofia Francia
- IFOM-The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, CNR-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Cacchione
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Galati
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Palumbo
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marie A Kobin
- Cancer Signaling and Epigenetics Program and Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Gian Gaetano Tartaglia
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome 00161, Italy
- Center for Human Technology, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genoa 16152, Italy
| | - Alessio Colantoni
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome 00161, Italy
- Center for Human Technology, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genoa 16152, Italy
| | - Gabriele Proietti
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome 00161, Italy
- Center for Human Technology, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genoa 16152, Italy
| | - Yunming Wu
- Cancer Signaling and Epigenetics Program and Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
- Department of Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Matthias Hammerschmidt
- Institute for Zoology, Developmental Biology, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Gabriele Sales
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Julia Salzman
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Livio Pellizzoni
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, NY 10032, USA
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Elia Di Schiavi
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, IBBR, CNR, Naples, Italy
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, IGB-ABT, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Gatti
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari (IBPM) del CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Steven E Artandi
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Grazia D Raffa
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Soni P, Anupom T, Lesanpezeshki L, Rahman M, Hewitt JE, Vellone M, Stodieck L, Blawzdziewicz J, Szewczyk NJ, Vanapalli SA. Microfluidics-integrated spaceflight hardware for measuring muscle strength of Caenorhabditis elegans on the International Space Station. NPJ Microgravity 2022; 8:50. [PMID: 36344513 PMCID: PMC9640571 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-022-00241-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans is a low-cost genetic model that has been flown to the International Space Station to investigate the influence of microgravity on changes in the expression of genes involved in muscle maintenance. These studies showed that genes that encode muscle attachment complexes have decreased expression under microgravity. However, it remains to be answered whether the decreased expression leads to concomitant changes in animal muscle strength, specifically across multiple generations. We recently reported the NemaFlex microfluidic device for the measurement of muscle strength of C. elegans (Rahman et al., Lab Chip, 2018). In this study, we redesign our original NemaFlex device and integrate it with flow control hardware for spaceflight investigations considering mixed animal culture, constraints on astronaut time, crew safety, and on-orbit operations. The technical advances we have made include (i) a microfluidic device design that allows animals of a given size to be sorted from unsynchronized cultures and housed in individual chambers, (ii) a fluid handling protocol for injecting the suspension of animals into the microfluidic device that prevents channel clogging, introduction of bubbles, and crowding of animals in the chambers, and (iii) a custom-built worm-loading apparatus interfaced with the microfluidic device that allows easy manipulation of the worm suspension and prevents fluid leakage into the surrounding environment. Collectively, these technical advances enabled the development of new microfluidics-integrated hardware for spaceflight studies in C. elegans. Finally, we report Earth-based validation studies to test this new hardware, which has led to it being flown to the International Space Station.
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48
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Hooper FW, Morrow J, Rodriguez J, Webb C. Teaching the Applications of CRISPR/Cas9: Using the African Turquoise Killifish as a Novel Model of Aging and Age-Related Diseases. JOURNAL OF UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE EDUCATION : JUNE : A PUBLICATION OF FUN, FACULTY FOR UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 20:R5-R8. [PMID: 39036719 PMCID: PMC11256378 DOI: 10.59390/xzql5300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The development of genome editing technologies, including the novel CRISPR/Cas9 technique, has advanced scientific research concerning the contribution of genetics to disease through the creation of new model organisms. The subject of this review is a 2015 study done by Harel et al. from the journal Cell. This study is a prime example of using CRISPR/Cas9 to create a new model organism to accurately model the effects of aging and age-related diseases on a short-lived vertebrate. This study found that the African turquoise killifish is a reliable model to study the physiological process of aging due to its compressed lifespan. In addition, it provides a genotype-to-phenotype platform to study genes related to the hallmarks of aging and age-related diseases. This paper demonstrates this by showing that killifish deficient in the protein subunit of telomerase display telomerase-related pathologies faster than other established vertebrate models. From a teaching perspective, this paper could be used as a resource for educators to teach students about new technologies emerging in the field of neuroscience and the importance of model organisms. Specifically, for upper-level undergraduate students, this paper could serve as a real-world example of how scientific techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 could be used to answer scientific questions. Further, it shows how these techniques could bring forward new model organisms better suited to answer the scientific questions being asked. Learning these techniques and being open minded to new approaches will be advantageous to students' future careers in science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances W Hooper
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK KY16 9JP
| | - Jonathan Morrow
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK KY16 9JP
| | - Jasmine Rodriguez
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK KY16 9JP
| | - Claire Webb
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK KY16 9JP
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49
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Egan BM, Scharf A, Pohl F, Kornfeld K. Control of aging by the renin–angiotensin system: a review of C. elegans, Drosophila, and mammals. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:938650. [PMID: 36188619 PMCID: PMC9518657 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.938650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The free-living, non-parasitic nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a premier model organism for the study of aging and longevity due to its short lifespan, powerful genetic tools, and conservation of fundamental mechanisms with mammals. Approximately 70 percent of human genes have homologs in C. elegans, including many that encode proteins in pathways that influence aging. Numerous genetic pathways have been identified in C. elegans that affect lifespan, including the dietary restriction pathway, the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway, and the disruption of components of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. C. elegans is also a powerful system for performing drug screens, and many lifespan-extending compounds have been reported; notably, several FDA-approved medications extend the lifespan in C. elegans, raising the possibility that they can also extend the lifespan in humans. The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in mammals is an endocrine system that regulates blood pressure and a paracrine system that acts in a wide range of tissues to control physiological processes; it is a popular target for drugs that reduce blood pressure, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Emerging evidence indicates that this system influences aging. In C. elegans, decreasing the activity of the ACE homolog acn-1 or treatment with the ACE-inhibitor Captopril significantly extends the lifespan. In Drosophila, treatment with ACE inhibitors extends the lifespan. In rodents, manipulating the RAS with genetic or pharmacological interventions can extend the lifespan. In humans, polymorphisms in the ACE gene are associated with extreme longevity. These results suggest the RAS plays a conserved role in controlling longevity. Here, we review studies of the RAS and aging, emphasizing the potential of C. elegans as a model for understanding the mechanism of lifespan control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M. Egan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Andrea Scharf
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, United States
| | - Franziska Pohl
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Kerry Kornfeld
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Kerry Kornfeld,
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50
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Rumley JD, Preston EA, Cook D, Peng FL, Zacharias AL, Wu L, Jileaeva I, Murray JI. pop-1/TCF, ref-2/ZIC and T-box factors regulate the development of anterior cells in the C. elegans embryo. Dev Biol 2022; 489:34-46. [PMID: 35660370 PMCID: PMC9378603 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Patterning of the anterior-posterior axis is fundamental to animal development. The Wnt pathway plays a major role in this process by activating the expression of posterior genes in animals from worms to humans. This observation raises the question of whether the Wnt pathway or other regulators control the expression of the many anterior-expressed genes. We found that the expression of five anterior-specific genes in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos depends on the Wnt pathway effectors pop-1/TCF and sys-1/β-catenin. We focused further on one of these anterior genes, ref-2/ZIC, a conserved transcription factor expressed in multiple anterior lineages. Live imaging of ref-2 mutant embryos identified defects in cell division timing and position in anterior lineages. Cis-regulatory dissection identified three ref-2 transcriptional enhancers, one of which is necessary and sufficient for anterior-specific expression. This enhancer is activated by the T-box transcription factors TBX-37 and TBX-38, and surprisingly, concatemerized TBX-37/38 binding sites are sufficient to drive anterior-biased expression alone, despite the broad expression of TBX-37 and TBX-38. Taken together, our results highlight the diverse mechanisms used to regulate anterior expression patterns in the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Rumley
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Elicia A Preston
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Dylan Cook
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Felicia L Peng
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Amanda L Zacharias
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Lucy Wu
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ilona Jileaeva
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - John Isaac Murray
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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