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Li W, Yin Y, Li T, Wang Y, Shi W. Licochalcone A Protects Vaginal Epithelial Cells Against Candida albicans Infection Via the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway. J Microbiol 2024; 62:525-533. [PMID: 38819759 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-024-00134-z] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent condition affecting a significant portion of women worldwide. Licochalcone A (LA), a natural compound with diverse biological activities, holds promise as a protective agent against Candida albicans (C. albicans) infection. This study aims to investigate the potential of LA to safeguard vaginal epithelial cells (VECs) from C. albicans infection and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. To simulate VVC in vitro, VK2-E6E7 cells were infected with C. albicans. Candida albicans biofilm formation, C. albicans adhesion to VK2-E6E7 cells, and C. albicans-induced cell damage and inflammatory responses were assessed by XTT reduction assay, fluorescence assay, LDH assay, and ELISA. CCK-8 assay was performed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of LA on VK2-E6E7 cells. Western blotting assay was performed to detect protein expression. LA dose-dependently hindered C. albicans biofilm formation and adhesion to VK2-E6E7 cells. Furthermore, LA mitigated cell damage, inhibited the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and attenuated the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in C. albicans-induced VK2-E6E7 cells. The investigation into LA's impact on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway revealed that LA downregulated TLR4 expression and inhibited NF-κB activation in C. albicans-infected VK2-E6E7 cells. Furthermore, TLR4 overexpression partially abated LA-mediated protection, further highlighting the role of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. LA holds the potential to safeguard VECs against C. albicans infection, potentially offering therapeutic avenues for VVC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujun Yin
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Taoqiong Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiqun Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyin Shi
- Department of Gynecology, Jiaxing Maternity and Children Health Care Hospital, Jiaxing Women and Children's Hospital Wenzhou Medical University, Jiaxing, 314000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Zlatanova M, Nešić A, Trbojević-Ivić J, Četić D, Gavrović-Jankulović M. Targeting NF-κB Signaling: Selected Small Molecules Downregulate Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Both Food Allergen and LPS-Induced Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5798. [PMID: 38891984 PMCID: PMC11172266 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115798] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Although inflammation is primarily a protective response guarding the human body, it can result in a variety of chronic diseases such as allergies, auto-immune, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. In NF-κB-mediated inflammation, many small molecules and food compounds characterized as nutraceuticals have shown positive effects associated with immunomodulatory properties. We investigated the effects of selected bioactive small molecules, commonly found in food components, vanillyl alcohol (VA) and lauric acid (LA), on different cell lines exposed to pro-inflammatory stimuli, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the food allergen actinidin (Act d 1). Pro-inflammatory cytokines were downregulated in response to both VA and LA, and this downregulation was caused by a decrease in the activation of the NF-κB pathway and the translocation of p65, the pathway's major component. Small nutraceutical molecules, VA and LA, showed not only inhibition of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, but also inhibition of the NF-κB activation, and reduced translocation of the p65 component. The present study may contribute to the therapeutic use of these molecules for various inflammatory diseases, which have in common an increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB-mediated inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Zlatanova
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.Z.); (A.N.)
| | - Andrijana Nešić
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.Z.); (A.N.)
- Institute for Translational Medicine (ITM), Medical School Hamburg (MSH), 20457 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Danilo Četić
- Department for Metabolism, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Marija Gavrović-Jankulović
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.Z.); (A.N.)
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3
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Tahara U, Matsui T, Atsugi T, Fukuda K, Terooatea TW, Minoda A, Kubo A, Amagai M. Keratinocytes of the Upper Epidermis and Isthmus of Hair Follicles Express Hemoglobin mRNA and Protein. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:2346-2355.e10. [PMID: 37981423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The epidermis, the keratinized stratified squamous epithelium surrounding the body surface, offers a valuable framework to investigate how terrestrial animals overcome environmental stresses. However, the mechanisms underlying epidermal barrier function remain nebulous. In this study, we examined genes highly expressed in the human and mouse upper epidermis, the outer frontier that induces various barrier-related genes. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the messenger RNA level of hemoglobin α (HBA), an oxygen carrier in erythroid cells, was enriched in the upper epidermis compared with that in the whole epidermis. Immunostaining analysis confirmed HBA protein expression in human and mouse keratinocytes (KCs) of the stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum. HBA was also expressed in hair follicle KCs in the isthmus region; its expression levels were more prominent than those in interfollicular KCs. HBA expression was not observed in noncutaneous keratinized stratified squamous epithelia of mice, for example, the vagina, esophagus, and forestomach. HBA expression was upregulated in human epidermal KC cultures after UV irradiation, a major cause of skin-specific oxidative stress. Furthermore, HBA knockdown increased UV-induced production of ROS in primary KCs. Our findings suggest that epidermal HBA expression is induced by oxidative stress and acts as an antioxidant, contributing to skin barrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umi Tahara
- Laboratory for Skin Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan; Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Matsui
- Laboratory for Skin Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan; Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Laboratory for Evolutionary Cell Biology of the Skin, School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Toru Atsugi
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keitaro Fukuda
- Laboratory for Skin Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan; Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tommy W Terooatea
- Laboratory for Cellular Epigenomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Aki Minoda
- Laboratory for Cellular Epigenomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan; Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Akiharu Kubo
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Related, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masayuki Amagai
- Laboratory for Skin Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan; Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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4
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Iarovaia OV, Ulianov SV, Ioudinkova ES, Razin SV. Segregation of α- and β-Globin Gene Cluster in Vertebrate Evolution: Chance or Necessity? BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:1035-1049. [PMID: 36180994 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922090140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The review is devoted to the patterns of evolution of α- and β-globin gene domains. A hypothesis is presented according to which segregation of the ancestral cluster of α/β-globin genes in Amniota occurred due to the performance by α-globins and β-globins of non-canonical functions not related to oxygen transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V Iarovaia
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia.
| | - Sergey V Ulianov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Elena S Ioudinkova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Sergey V Razin
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
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5
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Zheng R, Yan Y, Pu J, Zhang B. Physiological and Pathological Functions of Neuronal Hemoglobin: A Key Underappreciated Protein in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169088. [PMID: 36012351 PMCID: PMC9408843 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of Hemoglobin (Hb) is not restricted to erythrocytes but is also present in neurons. Hb is selectively enriched in vulnerable mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons of Parkinson's disease (PD) instead of resistant neurons. Controversial results of neuronal Hb levels have been reported in postmortem brains of PD patients: although neuronal Hb levels may decline in PD patients, elderly men with higher Hb levels have an increased risk of developing PD. α-synuclein, a key protein involved in PD pathology, interacts directly with Hb protein and forms complexes in erythrocytes and brains of monkeys and humans. These complexes increase in erythrocytes and striatal cytoplasm, while they decrease in striatal mitochondria with aging. Besides, the colocalization of serine 129-phosphorylated (Pser129) α-synuclein and Hb β chains have been found in the brains of PD patients. Several underlying molecular mechanisms involving mitochondrial homeostasis, α-synuclein accumulation, iron metabolism, and hormone-regulated signaling pathways have been investigated to assess the relationship between neuronal Hb and PD development. The formation of fibrils with neuronal Hb in various neurodegenerative diseases may indicate a common fibrillization pathway and a widespread target that could be applied in neurodegeneration therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jiali Pu
- Correspondence: (J.P.); (B.Z.); Fax: +86-571-8778-4752 (J.P. & B.Z.)
| | - Baorong Zhang
- Correspondence: (J.P.); (B.Z.); Fax: +86-571-8778-4752 (J.P. & B.Z.)
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6
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Wang Y, Wang X, Zhu M, Ge L, Liu X, Su K, Chen Z, Zhao W. The Interplay Between Cervicovaginal Microbial Dysbiosis and Cervicovaginal Immunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:857299. [PMID: 35359942 PMCID: PMC8960256 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.857299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The cervicovaginal microbiota plays a key role in the health and reproductive outcomes of women. In reality epidemiological studies have demonstrated that there is an association between the structure of cervicovaginal microbiota and reproductive health, although key mechanistic questions regarding these effects remain unanswered and understanding the interplay between the immune system and the structure of the cervicovaginal microbiota. Here, we review existing literature relating to the potential mechanisms underlying the interaction between vaginal microbes and the immune system; we also describe the composition and function of the microbiome and explain the mechanisms underlying the interactions between these microbial communities and various aspects of the immune system. Finally, we also discuss the diseases that are caused by disorders of the reproductive tract and how the immune system is involved. Finally, based on the data presented in this review, the future perspectives in research directions and therapeutic opportunities are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Meiling Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Li Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaochen Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Kaikai Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhengzheng Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Weidong Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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7
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Keller TCS, Lechauve C, Keller AS, Brooks S, Weiss MJ, Columbus L, Ackerman H, Cortese-Krott MM, Isakson BE. The role of globins in cardiovascular physiology. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:859-892. [PMID: 34486392 PMCID: PMC8799389 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00037.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Globin proteins exist in every cell type of the vasculature, from erythrocytes to endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and peripheral nerve cells. Many globin subtypes are also expressed in muscle tissues (including cardiac and skeletal muscle), in other organ-specific cell types, and in cells of the central nervous system (CNS). The ability of each of these globins to interact with molecular oxygen (O2) and nitric oxide (NO) is preserved across these contexts. Endothelial α-globin is an example of extraerythrocytic globin expression. Other globins, including myoglobin, cytoglobin, and neuroglobin, are observed in other vascular tissues. Myoglobin is observed primarily in skeletal muscle and smooth muscle cells surrounding the aorta or other large arteries. Cytoglobin is found in vascular smooth muscle but can also be expressed in nonvascular cell types, especially in oxidative stress conditions after ischemic insult. Neuroglobin was first observed in neuronal cells, and its expression appears to be restricted mainly to the CNS and the peripheral nervous system. Brain and CNS neurons expressing neuroglobin are positioned close to many arteries within the brain parenchyma and can control smooth muscle contraction and thus tissue perfusion and vascular reactivity. Overall, reactions between NO and globin heme iron contribute to vascular homeostasis by regulating vasodilatory NO signals and scavenging reactive species in cells of the mammalian vascular system. Here, we discuss how globin proteins affect vascular physiology, with a focus on NO biology, and offer perspectives for future study of these functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Stevenson Keller
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Christophe Lechauve
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Alexander S Keller
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Steven Brooks
- Physiology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Mitchell J Weiss
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Linda Columbus
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Hans Ackerman
- Physiology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Miriam M Cortese-Krott
- Myocardial Infarction Research Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Angiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brant E Isakson
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
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8
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Saki J, Sabaghan M, Arjmand R, Teimoori A, Rashno M, Saki G, Shojaee S. Curcumin as an indirect methylation inhibitor modulates the effects of Toxoplasma gondii on genes involved in male fertility. EXCLI JOURNAL 2020; 19:1196-1207. [PMID: 33013270 PMCID: PMC7527515 DOI: 10.17179/excli2020-2052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a common protozoan parasite, which infects warm-blooded mammals, including mice and humans, throughout the world. The negative effects of T. gondii infection on the human reproductive system have been documented, especially in females. However, only few studies have examined the effects of T. gondii infection on the male reproductive system. Previous research shows that T. gondii can induce DNA methylation in some gene promoters, which are key regulators of spermatogenesis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of curcumin on the activity of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), as well as selected genes, involved in spermatogenesis in spermatogenic cells. In the spermatogenic cells exposed to T. gondii, there was a significant increase in DNMT1 and DNMT3A gene expression and a significant reduction in HSPA1A, MTHR, and DAZL gene expression, compared to the controls. The present results showed that curcumin could regulate changes in T. gondii-mediated gene expression. The effect of T. gondii on DNMT activity was also investigated in this study. A 40 % increase in DNMT activity was observed due to T. gondii infection. However, DNMT activity was restored by treatment with 20 μM curcumin for eight hours. The results revealed that T. gondii increases the NF-κB activity, compared to the control group. The increase in NF-κB activity, induced by T. gondii, was inhibited by curcumin. In conclusion, T. gondii, by increasing DNMT expression and activity, leads to an increase in NF-κB activity in cells. On the other hand, curcumin reduced DNA methylation, induced by T. gondii, owing to its NF-κB-inhibiting properties. Therefore, curcumin, as a hypomethylating agent, can be potentially used to alleviate the negative effects of T. gondii on the male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasem Saki
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohamad Sabaghan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reza Arjmand
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Teimoori
- Virology Department, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rashno
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ghasem Saki
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Physiology Research Center, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Shojaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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9
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Lim M, Brown HM, Kind KL, Thompson JG, Dunning KR. Hemoglobin: potential roles in the oocyte and early embryo†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:262-270. [PMID: 31058953 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemoglobin (Hb) is commonly known for its capacity to bind and transport oxygen and carbon dioxide in erythroid cells. However, it plays additional roles in cellular function and health due to its capacity to bind other gases including nitric oxide. Further, Hb acts as a potent antioxidant, quenching reactive oxygen species. Despite its potential roles in cellular function, the preponderance of Hb research remains focused on its role in oxygen regulation. There is increasing evidence that Hb expression is more ubiquitous than previously thought, with Hb and its variants found in a myriad of cell types ranging from macrophages to spermatozoa. The majority of nonerythroid cell types that express Hb are situated within hypoxic environments, suggesting Hb may play a role in hypoxia-inducible factor-regulated gene expression by controlling the level of oxygen available or as an adaptation to low oxygen providing a mechanism to store oxygen. Oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development occur within the low oxygen environments of the antral follicle and oviduct/uterus, respectively. Interestingly, Hb was recently found in human cumulus and granulosa cells and murine cumulus-oocyte complexes and preimplantation embryos. Here, we consolidate and analyze the research generated todate on Hb expression in nonerythroid cells with a particular focus on reproductive cell types. We outline future directions of this research to elucidate the role of Hb during oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development and finally, we explore the potential clinical applications and benefits of Hb supplementation during the in vitro culture of gametes and embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Lim
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics.,Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hannah M Brown
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Karen L Kind
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics.,Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kylie R Dunning
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics.,Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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10
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Lessons from the post-genomic era: Globin diversity beyond oxygen binding and transport. Redox Biol 2020; 37:101687. [PMID: 32863222 PMCID: PMC7475203 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin (Mb) were among the first proteins whose structures and sequences were determined over 50 years ago. In the subsequent pregenomic period, numerous related proteins came to light in plants, invertebrates and bacteria, that shared the myoglobin fold, a signature sequence motif characteristic of a 3-on-3 α-helical sandwich. Concomitantly, eukaryote and bacterial globins with a truncated 2-on-2 α-helical fold were discovered. Genomic information over the last 20 years has dramatically expanded the list of known globins, demonstrating their existence in a limited number of archaeal genomes, a majority of bacterial genomes and an overwhelming majority of eukaryote genomes. In vertebrates, 6 additional globin types were identified, namely neuroglobin (Ngb), cytoglobin (Cygb), globin E (GbE), globin X (GbX), globin Y (GbY) and androglobin (Adgb). Furthermore, functions beyond the familiar oxygen transport and storage have been discovered within the vertebrate globin family, including NO metabolism, peroxidase activity, scavenging of free radicals, and signaling functions. The extension of the knowledge on globin functions suggests that the original roles of bacterial globins must have been enzymatic, involved in defense against NO toxicity, and perhaps also as sensors of O2, regulating taxis away or towards high O2 concentrations. In this review, we aimed to discuss the evolution and remarkable functional diversity of vertebrate globins with particular focus on the variety of non-canonical expression sites of mammalian globins and their according impressive variability of atypical functions.
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11
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Lukowski SW, Patel J, Andersen SB, Sim SL, Wong HY, Tay J, Winkler I, Powell JE, Khosrotehrani K. Single-Cell Transcriptional Profiling of Aortic Endothelium Identifies a Hierarchy from Endovascular Progenitors to Differentiated Cells. Cell Rep 2020; 27:2748-2758.e3. [PMID: 31141696 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.04.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular and molecular profiles that govern the endothelial heterogeneity of the circulatory system have yet to be elucidated. Using a data-driven approach to study the endothelial compartment via single-cell RNA sequencing, we characterized cell subpopulations within and assigned them to a defined endothelial hierarchy. We show that two transcriptionally distinct endothelial populations exist within the aorta and, using two independent trajectory analysis methods, confirm that they represent transitioning cells rather than discrete cell types. Gene co-expression analysis revealed crucial regulatory networks underlying each population, including significant metabolic gene networks in progenitor cells. Using mitochondrial activity assays and phenotyping, we confirm that endovascular progenitors display higher mitochondrial content compared to differentiated endothelial cells. The identities of these populations were further validated against bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data obtained from normal and tumor-derived vasculature. Our findings validate the heterogeneity of the aortic endothelium and previously suggested hierarchy between progenitor and differentiated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Lukowski
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jatin Patel
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Stacey B Andersen
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Seen-Ling Sim
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Ho Yi Wong
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Joshua Tay
- Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Ingrid Winkler
- Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Joseph E Powell
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
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Ottolini M, Daneva Z, Chen YL, Cope EL, Kasetti RB, Zode GS, Sonkusare SK. Mechanisms underlying selective coupling of endothelial Ca 2+ signals with eNOS vs. IK/SK channels in systemic and pulmonary arteries. J Physiol 2020; 598:3577-3596. [PMID: 32463112 DOI: 10.1113/jp279570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Endothelial cell TRPV4 (TRPV4EC ) channels exert a dilatory effect on the resting diameter of resistance mesenteric and pulmonary arteries. Functional intermediate- and small-conductance K+ (IK and SK) channels and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) are present in the endothelium of mesenteric and pulmonary arteries. TRPV4EC sparklets preferentially couple with IK/SK channels in mesenteric arteries and with eNOS in pulmonary arteries. TRPV4EC channels co-localize with IK/SK channels in mesenteric arteries but not in pulmonary arteries, which may explain TRPV4EC -IK/SK channel coupling in mesenteric arteries and its absence in pulmonary arteries. The presence of the nitric oxide-scavenging protein, haemoglobin α, limits TRPV4EC -eNOS signalling in mesenteric arteries. Spatial proximity of TRPV4EC channels with eNOS and the absence of haemoglobin α favour TRPV4EC -eNOS signalling in pulmonary arteries. ABSTRACT Spatially localized Ca2+ signals activate Ca2+ -sensitive intermediate- and small-conductance K+ (IK and SK) channels in some vascular beds and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in others. The present study aimed to uncover the signalling organization that determines selective Ca2+ signal to vasodilatory target coupling in the endothelium. Resistance-sized mesenteric arteries (MAs) and pulmonary arteries (PAs) were used as prototypes for arteries with predominantly IK/SK channel- and eNOS-dependent vasodilatation, respectively. Ca2+ influx signals through endothelial transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4EC ) channels played an important role in controlling the baseline diameter of both MAs and PAs. TRPV4EC channel activity was similar in MAs and PAs. However, the TRPV4 channel agonist GSK1016790A (10 nm) selectively activated IK/SK channels in MAs and eNOS in PAs, revealing preferential TRPV4EC -IK/SK channel coupling in MAs and TRPV4EC -eNOS coupling in PAs. IK/SK channels co-localized with TRPV4EC channels at myoendothelial projections (MEPs) in MAs, although they lacked the spatial proximity necessary for their activation by TRPV4EC channels in PAs. Additionally, the presence of the NO scavenging protein haemoglobin α (Hbα) within nanometer proximity to eNOS limits TRPV4EC -eNOS signalling in MAs. By contrast, co-localization of TRPV4EC channels and eNOS at MEPs, and the absence of Hbα, favour TRPV4EC -eNOS coupling in PAs. Thus, our results reveal that differential spatial organization of signalling elements determines TRPV4EC -IK/SK vs. TRPV4EC -eNOS coupling in resistance arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Ottolini
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Zdravka Daneva
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Yen-Lin Chen
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Eric L Cope
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ramesh B Kasetti
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and the North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Gulab S Zode
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and the North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Swapnil K Sonkusare
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Paquette AG, Brockway HM, Price ND, Muglia LJ. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of human placentae at term and preterm delivery. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:89-101. [PMID: 29228154 PMCID: PMC5803773 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth affects 1 out of every 10 infants in the United States, resulting in substantial neonatal morbidity and mortality. Currently, there are few predictive markers and few treatment options to prevent preterm birth. A healthy, functioning placenta is essential to positive pregnancy outcomes. Previous studies have suggested that placental pathology may play a role in preterm birth etiology. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that preterm placentae may exhibit unique transcriptomic signatures compared to term samples reflective of their abnormal biology leading to this adverse outcome. We aggregated publicly available placental villous microarray data to generate a preterm and term sample dataset (n = 133, 55 preterm placentae and 78 normal term placentae). We identified differentially expressed genes using the linear regression for microarray (LIMMA) package and identified perturbations in known biological networks using Differential Rank Conservation (DIRAC). We identified 129 significantly differentially expressed genes between term and preterm placenta with 96 genes upregulated and 33 genes downregulated (P-value <0.05). Significant changes in gene expression in molecular networks related to Tumor Protein 53 and phosphatidylinositol signaling were identified using DIRAC. We have aggregated a uniformly normalized transcriptomic dataset and have identified novel and established genes and pathways associated with developmental regulation of the placenta and potential preterm birth pathology. These analyses provide a community resource to integrate with other high-dimensional datasets for additional insights in normal placental development and its disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heather M Brockway
- Division of Human Genetics, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Cincinnati Children's, Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Louis J Muglia
- Division of Human Genetics, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Cincinnati Children's, Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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