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Generation of a recombinant version of a biologically active cell-permeant human HAND2 transcription factor from E. coli. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16129. [PMID: 36167810 PMCID: PMC9515176 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19745-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor HAND2 has a significant role in vascularization, angiogenesis, and cardiac neural crest development. It is one of the key cardiac factors crucial for the enhanced derivation of functional and mature myocytes from non-myocyte cells. Here, we report the generation of the recombinant human HAND2 fusion protein from the heterologous system. First, we cloned the full-length human HAND2 gene (only protein-coding sequence) after codon optimization along with the fusion tags (for cell penetration, nuclear translocation, and affinity purification) into the expression vector. We then transformed and expressed it in Escherichia coli strain, BL21(DE3). Next, the effect (in terms of expression) of tagging fusion tags with this recombinant protein at two different terminals was also investigated. Using affinity chromatography, we established the one-step homogeneous purification of recombinant human HAND2 fusion protein; and through circular dichroism spectroscopy, we established that this purified protein had retained its secondary structure. We then showed that this purified human protein could transduce the human cells and translocate to its nucleus. The generated recombinant HAND2 fusion protein showed angiogenic potential in the ex vivo chicken embryo model. Following transduction in MEF2C overexpressing cardiomyoblast cells, this purified recombinant protein synergistically activated the α-MHC promoter and induced GFP expression in the α-MHC-eGFP reporter assay. Prospectively, the purified bioactive recombinant HAND2 protein can potentially be a safe and effective molecular tool in the direct cardiac reprogramming process and other biological applications.
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Bąska P, Norbury LJ. The Role of Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) in the Immune Response against Parasites. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030310. [PMID: 35335634 PMCID: PMC8950322 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system consists of various cells, organs, and processes that interact in a sophisticated manner to defend against pathogens. Upon initial exposure to an invader, nonspecific mechanisms are raised through the activation of macrophages, monocytes, basophils, mast cells, eosinophils, innate lymphoid cells, or natural killer cells. During the course of an infection, more specific responses develop (adaptive immune responses) whose hallmarks include the expansion of B and T cells that specifically recognize foreign antigens. Cell to cell communication takes place through physical interactions as well as through the release of mediators (cytokines, chemokines) that modify cell activity and control and regulate the immune response. One regulator of cell states is the transcription factor Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) which mediates responses to various stimuli and is involved in a variety of processes (cell cycle, development, apoptosis, carcinogenesis, innate and adaptive immune responses). It consists of two protein classes with NF-κB1 (p105/50) and NF-κB2 (p100/52) belonging to class I, and RelA (p65), RelB and c-Rel belonging to class II. The active transcription factor consists of a dimer, usually comprised of both class I and class II proteins conjugated to Inhibitor of κB (IκB). Through various stimuli, IκB is phosphorylated and detached, allowing dimer migration to the nucleus and binding of DNA. NF-κB is crucial in regulating the immune response and maintaining a balance between suppression, effective response, and immunopathologies. Parasites are a diverse group of organisms comprised of three major groups: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites. Each group induces distinct effector immune mechanisms and is susceptible to different types of immune responses (Th1, Th2, Th17). This review describes the role of NF-κB and its activity during parasite infections and its contribution to inducing protective responses or immunopathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Bąska
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Luke J. Norbury
- Department of Biosciences and Food Technology, School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia;
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Wysmołek ME, Długosz E, Wiśniewski M. The Immunological Role of Vascular and Lymphatic Endothelial Cells in Filarial Infections. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040426. [PMID: 35203133 PMCID: PMC8868237 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The endothelium is a monolayer of cells forming a thin membrane that lines the inside of blood vessels. These cells release molecules that regulate vascular relaxation, contraction, and can control blood clotting and the immune response. During infections with filarial nematodes, common parasites of humans and animals, the endothelium is believed to play a key role in the communication between the host and the parasite, since the embryonic stage of filaroids is distributed in the bloodstream. Therefore, this review aims to gather research from different scientists in order to better understand the host immune response in infections with filarial nematodes. Abstract The embryonic stage of filarial nematodes, or microfilariae (Mf), shows daily and seasonal periodicity that requires their migration through blood vessels into the lungs, where they are sequestered when not circulating in the peripheral blood. Therefore, Mf and the host endothelium are likely in a permanent state of hide and seek. Interestingly, filarial nematodes co-cultured in media with a murine endothelial cell line survive eight times longer than those cultured in media alone. This suggests that the endothelium is an important element of the immune response in filarial nematodes, perversely promoting their survival in the host. In this review, we will focus on potential pathways involved in the relationship between filarial nematodes and the host endothelium, including the role of endothelial ICAM/VCAM/PECAM adhesion molecules, surface markers involved in the passage of Mf through host tissue, anti-thrombolic effects caused by the presence of filarial nematodes (including plasmins), endothelial cell proliferation (VEGF), and other aspects of the immune activation of the endothelium. The aim of this review is to merge the knowledge about the cross-talk between Mf of different filarial nematode species and endothelial cells (EC), thus allowing a better understanding of the mechanism of these parasitic infections.
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Cohen J, DeSimone A, Lek M, Lek A. Therapeutic Approaches in Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy. Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:123-137. [PMID: 33092966 PMCID: PMC8048701 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is one of the most common types of muscular dystrophy, affecting roughly one in 8000 individuals. The complex underlying genetics and poor mechanistic understanding has caused a bottleneck in therapeutic development. Until the discovery of DUX4 and its causal role in FSHD, most trials were untargeted with limited results. Emerging approaches can learn from these early trials to increase their chance of success. Here, we explore the evolution of FSHD clinical trials from nonspecific anabolic or anti-inflammatory/oxidant strategies to cutting-edge molecular therapies targeting DUX4, and we discuss the importance of clinical outcome measures. With combined advances across multiple facets of FSHD research, the field is now poised to accelerate the process of therapeutic discovery and testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Cohen
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alec DeSimone
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Monkol Lek
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Angela Lek
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Fercoq F, Remion E, Vallarino-Lhermitte N, Alonso J, Raveendran L, Nixon C, Le Quesne J, Carlin LM, Martin C. Microfilaria-dependent thoracic pathology associated with eosinophilic and fibrotic polyps in filaria-infected rodents. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:551. [PMID: 33160409 PMCID: PMC7648300 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04428-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary manifestations are regularly reported in both human and animal filariasis. In human filariasis, the main known lung manifestations are the tropical pulmonary eosinophilia syndrome. Its duration and severity are correlated with the presence of microfilariae. Litomosoides sigmodontis is a filarial parasite residing in the pleural cavity of rodents. This model is widely used to understand the immune mechanisms that are established during infection and for the screening of therapeutic molecules. Some pulmonary manifestations during the patent phase of infection with L. sigmodontis have been described in different rodent hosts more or less permissive to infection. METHODS Here, the permissive Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) was infected with L. sigmodontis. Prevalence and density of microfilariae and adult parasites were evaluated. Lungs were analyzed for pathological signatures using immunohistochemistry and 3D imaging techniques (two-photon and light sheet microscopy). RESULTS Microfilaremia in gerbils was correlated with parasite load, as amicrofilaremic individuals had fewer parasites in their pleural cavities. Fibrotic polypoid structures were observed on both pleurae of infected gerbils. Polyps were of variable size and developed from the visceral mesothelium over the entire pleura. The larger polyps were vascularized and strongly infiltrated by immune cells such as eosinophils, macrophages or lymphocytes. The formation of these structures was induced by the presence of adult filariae since small and rare polyps were observed before patency, but they were exacerbated by the presence of gravid females and microfilariae. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these data emphasize the role of host-specific factors in the pathogenesis of filarial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Fercoq
- Unité Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM UMR 7245), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, P52, 61 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Estelle Remion
- Unité Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM UMR 7245), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, P52, 61 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Nathaly Vallarino-Lhermitte
- Unité Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM UMR 7245), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, P52, 61 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Joy Alonso
- Unité Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM UMR 7245), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, P52, 61 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Lisy Raveendran
- Unité Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM UMR 7245), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, P52, 61 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Colin Nixon
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - John Le Quesne
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Leo M Carlin
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1GH, UK
| | - Coralie Martin
- Unité Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM UMR 7245), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, P52, 61 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France.
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Wu DJ, Aktipis A, Pepper JW. Energy oversupply to tissues: a single mechanism possibly underlying multiple cancer risk factors. Evol Med Public Health 2019; 2019:9-16. [PMID: 31893122 PMCID: PMC6379718 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoz004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Several major risk factors for cancer involve vascular oversupply of energy to affected tissues. These include obesity, diabetes and chronic inflammation. Here, we propose a potential mechanistic explanation for the association between energy oversupply and cancer risk, which we call the metabolic cancer suppression hypothesis: We hypothesize that oncogenesis is normally suppressed by organismal physiology that regulates and strictly limits normal energy supply to somatic cells, and that this protection is removed by abnormal oversupply of energy. METHODOLOGY We evaluate this hypothesis using a computational model of somatic cell evolution to simulate experimental manipulation of the vascular energy supply to a tissue. The model simulates the evolutionary dynamics of somatic cells during oncogenesis. RESULTS In our simulation experiment, we found that under plausible biological assumptions, elevated energy supply to a tissue led to the evolution of elevated energy uptake by somatic cells, leading to the rapid evolution of both defining traits of cancer cells: hyperproliferation, and tissue invasion. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results support the hypothesis of metabolic cancer suppression, suggesting that vascular oversupply of energetic resources to somatic cells removes normal energetic limitations on cell proliferation, and that this accelerates cellular evolution toward cancer. Various predictions of this hypothesis are amenable to empirical testing, and have promising implications for translational research toward clinical cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Wu
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Athena Aktipis
- Arizona State University, Biodesign Institute, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - John W Pepper
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM, USA
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Hameed A, Natarajan M, Jabbar S, Dhanasekaran JJ, Kumar K, Sivanesan S, Kron M, Dhanasekaran A. Immune Response to Brugia malayi Asparaginyl-tRNA Synthetase in Balb/c Mice and Human Clinical Samples of Lymphatic Filariasis. Lymphat Res Biol 2018; 17:447-456. [PMID: 30570354 DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2018.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a global health problem, with a peculiar nature of parasite-specific immunosuppression that promotes long-term pathology and disability. Immune modulation in the host by parasitic antigens is an integral part of this disease. The current study attempts to dissect the immune responses of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARS) with emphasis on Brugia malayi asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase (BmAsnRS), since it is one among the highly expressed excretory/secretory proteins expressed in all stages of the parasite life cycle, whereas its role in filarial pathology has not been elaborately studied. Methods and Results: In this study, recombinant BmAsnRS (rBmAsnRS) immunological effects were studied in semipermissive filarial animal model Balb/c mice and on clinically defined human samples for LF. In mice study, humoral responses showed considerable titer levels with IgG2a isotype followed by IgG2b and IgG1. Immunoreactivity studies with clinical samples showed significant humoral responses especially in endemic normal with marked levels of IgG1 and IgG2 followed by IgG3. The cell-mediated immune response, evaluated by splenocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation, did not yield significant difference when compared with control groups. Cytokine profiling and qRT-PCR analysis of mice samples immunized with rBmAsnRS showed elevated levels of IFN-γ, IL-10, inhibitory factor-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein-A (CTLA-4) and Treg cell marker-Forkhead Box P3 (FoxP3). Conclusions: These observations suggest that rBmAsnRS has immunomodulatory effects with modified Th2 response along with suppressed cellular proliferation indicating the essence of this molecule for immune evasion by the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afaq Hameed
- 1Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, India.,2Department of Biomedical Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Thi-Qar University, Thi-Qar, Iraq
| | | | - Salih Jabbar
- 3Bint Al-Huda Teaching Hospital, Health Ministry, Thi-Qar, Iraq
| | | | - Krishna Kumar
- 1Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, India
| | | | - Michael Kron
- 5Department of Biomedical Engineering and Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.,6Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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D JJ, Dhanraj M, Solaiappan S, Sivanesan S, Kron M, Dhanasekaran A. Correction: Brugia malayi Asparaginyl-tRNA Synthetase Stimulates Endothelial Cell Proliferation, Vasodilation and Angiogenesis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171402. [PMID: 28152101 PMCID: PMC5289596 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146132.].
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Blei F. Update June 2016. Lymphat Res Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2016.29007.fb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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