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Khezri H, Mostafavi M, Dabirmanesh B, Khajeh K. Peptibodies: Bridging the gap between peptides and antibodies. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 278:134718. [PMID: 39142490 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134718] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Peptides are a very critical class of pharmaceutical compounds that can control several signaling pathways and thereby affect many physiological and biochemical processes. Previous research suggests that both peptides and antibodies may serve as potent tools for research, diagnostics, vaccination, and therapeutics across diverse domains. The distinct attributes of peptides, like their profound tissue penetration, efficient cellular internalization, reduced immunogenicity, and adaptability to chemical modification, underscore their significance in biomedical applications. However, they also possess drawbacks such as lower affinity, poor absorption, low stability to proteolytic digestion, and rapid clearance. The advent of peptibodies is a significant advance that improves the limitations of both peptides and antibodies. Peptibodies, or Peptide-Fc fusions, represent a promising therapeutic modality comprising biologically active peptides fused to an Fc domain. The stability and efficacy of the peptide are enhanced by this fusion strategy, which overcomes some of the inherent limitations. Many peptibodies have been developed to treat conditions like cancer, diabetes, and lupus. Romiplostim and Dulaglutide are the only ones approved by the EMA and FDA, respectively. Given the growing significance of peptibodies in the pharmaceutical landscape, this investigation aims to explain key aspects encompassing the intrinsic properties of peptides, the intricacies of peptibody production, and their potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidhossein Khezri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdiyeh Mostafavi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Dabirmanesh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khosro Khajeh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Lok S, Lau TNH, Trost B, Tong AHY, Paton T, Wintle RF, Engstrom MD, Gunn A, Scherer SW. Chromosomal-level reference genome assembly of muskox (Ovibos moschatus) from Banks Island in the Canadian Arctic, a resource for conservation genomics. Sci Rep 2024; 14:21023. [PMID: 39284808 PMCID: PMC11405533 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67270-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The muskox (Ovibos moschatus), an integral component and iconic symbol of arctic biocultural diversity, is under threat by rapid environmental disruptions from climate change. We report a chromosomal-level haploid genome assembly of a muskox from Banks Island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The assembly has a contig N50 of 44.7 Mbp, a scaffold N50 of 112.3 Mbp, a complete representation (100%) of the BUSCO v5.2.2 set of 9225 mammalian marker genes and is anchored to the 24 chromosomes of the muskox. Tabulation of heterozygous single nucleotide variants in our specimen revealed a very low level of genetic diversity, which is consistent with recent reports of the muskox having the lowest genome-wide heterozygosity among the ungulates. While muskox populations are currently showing no overt signs of inbreeding depression, environmental disruptions are expected to strain the genomic resilience of the species. One notable impact of rapid climate change in the Arctic is the spread of emerging infectious and parasitic diseases in the muskox, as exemplified by the range expansion of muskox lungworms, and the recent fatal outbreaks of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, a pathogen normally associated with domestic swine and poultry. As a genomics resource for conservation management of the muskox against existing and emerging disease modalities, we annotated the genes of the major histocompatibility complex on chromosome 2 and performed an initial assessment of the genetic diversity of this complex. This resource is further supported by the annotation of the principal genes of the innate immunity system, genes that are rapidly evolving and under positive selection in the muskox, genes associated with environmental adaptations, and the genes associated with socioeconomic benefits for Arctic communities such as wool (qiviut) attributes. These annotations will benefit muskox management and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Lok
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Rm 13.9713, Suite 03-6577, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
| | - Timothy N H Lau
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Rm 13.9713, Suite 03-6577, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Brett Trost
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Rm 13.9713, Suite 03-6577, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Amy H Y Tong
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Tara Paton
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Rm 13.9713, Suite 03-6577, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Richard F Wintle
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Rm 13.9713, Suite 03-6577, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Mark D Engstrom
- Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, ON, M5S 2C6, Canada
| | | | - Stephen W Scherer
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Rm 13.9713, Suite 03-6577, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
- McLaughlin Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
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Tegehall A, Ingvast S, Krogvold L, Dahl-Jørgensen K, Korsgren O. Reduced expression of central innate defense molecules in pancreatic biopsies from subjects with Type 1 diabetes. Acta Diabetol 2024; 61:1117-1127. [PMID: 38717484 PMCID: PMC11379773 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-024-02286-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Defensins play a crucial role in the innate immune system's first defense against microbial threats. However, little is known about the defensin system in the pancreas, especially in relation to Type 1 diabetes. We explore the expression of defensins in different disease stages of Type 1 diabetes and correlated obtained findings to the degree of inflammation, providing new insights into the disease and the innate immune system. MATERIAL AND METHODS Pancreases from non-diabetic human organ donors of different age groups and donors with Type 1 diabetes with different disease duration were examined. Sections from head, body and tail of the pancreas were stained for eight different defensins and for immune cells; CD3+, CD45+, CD68+ and NES+ (granulocytes). RESULTS In non-diabetic adult controls the level of expression for defensins Beta-1,Alpha-1, Cathelicidin and REG3A correlated with the level of inflammation. In contrast, individuals with Type 1 diabetes exhibit a reduction or absence of several central defensins regardless of the level of inflammation in their pancreas. The expression of Cathelicidin is present in neutrophils and macrophages but not in T-cells in subjects with Type 1 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Obtained findings suggest a pancreatic dysfunction in the innate immune system and the bridging to the adaptive system in Type 1 diabetes. Further studies on the role of the local innate immune system in Type 1 diabetes is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angie Tegehall
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Sofie Ingvast
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Krogvold
- Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Knut Dahl-Jørgensen
- Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olle Korsgren
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
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Zhang N, Li L, Mohri M, Siebert S, Lütteke T, Louton H, Bednarikova Z, Gazova Z, Nifantiev N, Jandowsky A, Frölich K, Eckert T, Loers G, Petridis AK, Bhunia A, Mohid SA, Scheidig AJ, Liu G, Zhang R, Lochnit G, Siebert HC. Protein - carbohydrate interaction studies using domestic animals as role models support the search of new glycomimetic molecules. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 279:134951. [PMID: 39179069 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134951] [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: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
The structural dynamics of the interactions between defensins or lysozymes and various saccharide chains that are covalently linked to lipids or proteins were analyzed in relation to the sub-molecular architecture of the carbohydrate binding sites of lectins. Using tissue materials from rare and endangered domestic animals as well as from dogs it was possible to compare these results with data obtained from a human glioblastoma tissue. The binding mechanisms were analyzed on a cellular and a sub-molecular size level using biophysical techniques (e.g. NMR, AFM, MS) which are supported by molecular modeling tools. This leads to characteristic structural patterns being helpful to understand glyco-biochemical pathways in which galectins, defensins or lysozymes are involved. Carbohydrate chains have a distinct impact on cell differentiation, cell migration and immunological processes. The absence or the presence of sialic acids and the conformational dynamics in glycans are often correlated with zoonoses such as influenza- and coronavirus-infections. Receptor-sensitive glycomimetics could be a solution. The new findings concerning the function of galectin-3 in the nucleus in relation to differentiation processes can be understood when the binding specificity of neuroleptic molecules as well as the interactions between proteins and nucleic acids are describable on a sub-molecular size level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China.
| | - Lan Li
- RI-B-NT - Research Institute of Bioinformatics and Nanotechnology, Schauenburgerstr. 116, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Marzieh Mohri
- RI-B-NT - Research Institute of Bioinformatics and Nanotechnology, Schauenburgerstr. 116, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Simone Siebert
- RI-B-NT - Research Institute of Bioinformatics and Nanotechnology, Schauenburgerstr. 116, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Lütteke
- Institut für Veterinärphysiologie und Biochemie, Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Frankfurter Str. 100, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Helen Louton
- Animal Health and Animal Welfare, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 6b, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Zuzana Bednarikova
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Watsonova 47, 04001, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Gazova
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Watsonova 47, 04001, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Nikolay Nifantiev
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Chemistry, N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 47, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anabell Jandowsky
- Tierpark Arche Warder, Zentrum für seltene Nutztierrassen e. V., Langwedeler Weg 11, 24646 Warder, Germany
| | - Kai Frölich
- Tierpark Arche Warder, Zentrum für seltene Nutztierrassen e. V., Langwedeler Weg 11, 24646 Warder, Germany
| | - Thomas Eckert
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Applied Sciences Fresenius, Limburger Str. 2, 65510 Idstein, Germany; RISCC Research Institute for Scientific Computing and Consulting, Heuchelheim, Germany
| | - Gabriele Loers
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, University Medical Center, Hamburg-Eppendorf, University of Hamburg, Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Athanasios K Petridis
- Medical School, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Department of Neurosurgery, St. Lukes Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anirban Bhunia
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Bose Institute, Unified Academic Campus, Sector V, EN 80, Kolkata 700091, India
| | - Sk Abdul Mohid
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Bose Institute, Unified Academic Campus, Sector V, EN 80, Kolkata 700091, India
| | - Axel J Scheidig
- Zoological Institute, Department of Structural Biology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Guiqin Liu
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China
| | - Ruiyan Zhang
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China
| | - Günter Lochnit
- Institut für Biochemie, Fachbereich Humanmedizin, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35390 Gießen, Germany
| | - Hans-Christian Siebert
- RI-B-NT - Research Institute of Bioinformatics and Nanotechnology, Schauenburgerstr. 116, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
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Atalay N, Balci N, Gürsoy M, Gürsoy UK. Systemic Factors Effecting Human Beta-Defensins in Oral Cavity. Pathogens 2024; 13:654. [PMID: 39204254 PMCID: PMC11357671 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13080654] [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: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Human beta-defensins are host defense peptides with broad antimicrobial and inflammatory functions. In the oral cavity, these peptides are produced mainly by the keratinocytes of the epithelium; however, fibroblasts, monocytes, and macrophages also contribute to oral human beta-defensin expressions. The resident and immune cells of the oral cavity come into contact with various microbe-associated molecular patterns continuously and simultaneously. The overall antimicrobial cellular response is highly influenced by local and environmental factors. Recent studies have produced evidence showing that not only systemic chronic diseases but also systemic factors like hyperglycemia, pregnancy, the long-term use of certain vitamins, and aging can modulate oral cellular antimicrobial responses against microbial challenges. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to discuss the role of systemic factors on oral human beta-defensin expressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Atalay
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu 2, 20520 Turku, Finland; (N.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Nur Balci
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Medipol University, Goztepe Mahallesi, Ataturk Caddesi 40, Beykoz, 34815 Istanbul, Turkey;
| | - Mervi Gürsoy
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu 2, 20520 Turku, Finland; (N.A.); (M.G.)
- Welfare Division, Oral Health Care, 20540 Turku, Finland
| | - Ulvi Kahraman Gürsoy
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu 2, 20520 Turku, Finland; (N.A.); (M.G.)
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Sabit H, Pawlik TM, Abdel-Ghany S, Arneth B. Defensins: Exploring Their Opposing Roles in Colorectal Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2622. [PMID: 39123348 PMCID: PMC11311076 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152622] [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: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a significant global healthcare burden, with a particularly concerning rising incidence among younger adults. This trend may highlight potential links between diet, gut microbiome, and CRC risk. Novel therapeutic options have been increasingly based on the understanding of molecular mechanisms and pathways. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, a crucial cell growth regulator, offers a promising target for CRC therapy. mTOR, a key component within this pathway, controls cell growth, survival, and metabolism. Understanding the specific roles of defensins, particularly human β-Defensin 1 (HBD-1), in CRC is crucial. HBD-1 exhibits potent antimicrobial activity and may influence CRC development. Deciphering defensin expression patterns in CRC holds the promise of improved understanding of tumorigenesis, which may pave the way for improved diagnostics and therapies. This article reviews recent advances in understanding regarding how HBD-1 influences CRC initiation and progression, highlighting the molecular mechanisms by which it impacts CRC. Further, we describe the interaction between defensins and mTOR pathway in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein Sabit
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza P.O. Box 77, Egypt;
| | - Timothy M. Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, 250 Cunz Hall, 1841 Neil Ave. Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Shaimaa Abdel-Ghany
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza P.O. Box 77, Egypt;
| | - Borros Arneth
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Hospital of the Universities of Giessen and Marburg (UKGM), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Feulgenstr. 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Hospital of the Universities of Giessen and Marburg (UKGM), Philipps University Marburg, Baldinger Str., 35043 Marburg, Germany
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Garcia-Ovejero D, Beyerer E, Mach O, Leister I, Strowitzki M, Wutte C, Maier D, Kramer JL, Aigner L, Arevalo-Martin A, Grassner L. Untargeted blood serum proteomics identifies novel proteins related to neurological recovery after human spinal cord injury. J Transl Med 2024; 22:666. [PMID: 39020346 PMCID: PMC11256486 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05344-y] [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: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The discovery of new prognostic biomarkers following spinal cord injury (SCI) is a rapidly growing field that could help uncover the underlying pathological mechanisms of SCI and aid in the development of new therapies. To date, this search has largely focused on the initial days after the lesion. However, during the subacute stage of SCI (weeks to months after the injury), there remains potential for sensorimotor recovery, and numerous secondary events develop in various organs. Additionally, the confounding effects of early interventions after the injury are less likely to interfere with the results. METHODS In this study, we conducted an untargeted proteomics analysis to identify biomarkers of recovery in blood serum samples during the subacute phase of SCI patients, comparing those with strong recovery to those with no recovery between 30 and 120 days. We analyzed the fraction of serum that is depleted of the most abundant proteins to unmask proteins that would otherwise go undetected. Linear models were used to identify peptides and proteins related to neurological recovery and we validated changes in some of these proteins using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). RESULTS Our findings reveal that differences in subacute recovery after SCI (from 30 to 120 days) are associated with an enrichment in proteins involved in inflammation, coagulation, and lipid metabolism. Technical validation using commercial ELISAs further confirms that high levels of SERPINE1 and ARHGAP35 are associated with strong neurological recovery, while high levels of CD300a and DEFA1 are associated with a lack of recovery. CONCLUSIONS Our study identifies new candidates for biomarkers of neurological recovery and for novel therapeutic targets after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Garcia-Ovejero
- Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain
| | - Evelyn Beyerer
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Orpheus Mach
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, BG Trauma Center, Murnau, Germany
- ParaMove, SCI Research Unit, BG Tauma Center Murnau, Germany and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Iris Leister
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, BG Trauma Center, Murnau, Germany
- ParaMove, SCI Research Unit, BG Tauma Center Murnau, Germany and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Christof Wutte
- Department of Neurosurgery, BG Trauma Center, Murnau, Germany
| | - Doris Maier
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, BG Trauma Center, Murnau, Germany
- ParaMove, SCI Research Unit, BG Tauma Center Murnau, Germany and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - John Lk Kramer
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, ICORD, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ludwig Aigner
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- ParaMove, SCI Research Unit, BG Tauma Center Murnau, Germany and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Angel Arevalo-Martin
- Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain.
| | - Lukas Grassner
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, BG Trauma Center, Murnau, Germany.
- ParaMove, SCI Research Unit, BG Tauma Center Murnau, Germany and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Christian Doppler Clinic, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
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8
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Wishna-Kadawarage RN, Połtowicz K, Hickey RM, Siwek M. Modulation of gene expression in immune-related organs by in ovo stimulation with probiotics and prophybiotics in broiler chickens. J Appl Genet 2024:10.1007/s13353-024-00891-y. [PMID: 38987456 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-024-00891-y] [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: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
In ovo stimulation has been studied intensively as an alternative to antibiotic use in poultry production. We investigated the potential use of a probiotic in combination with a phytobiotic as a prophybiotic for in ovo stimulation and reported its beneficial effects on the gut microbiome of broiler chickens. The current study further investigates the gene expression in the immune-related organs of these chickens to understand the tissue-specific immunomodulatory effects of the treatments. The selected prophybiotic (Leuconostoc mesenteroides with garlic aqueous extract) and its probiotic component alone were injected into ROSS308 chicken eggs on the 12th day of incubation, and gene expression in cecal tonsils, spleen, and liver at 35 days of age was determined using qPCR method. The relative expression of each treatment was compared to the positive control, chickens injected with physiological saline in ovo. The results displayed a downregulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the cecal tonsils of the probiotic group and the liver of the prophybiotic group. The spleen displayed upregulated AVBD1 in both groups and upregulated IL1-β in the probiotic group. The probiotic group displayed increased expression of genes related to metabolism of energy (COX16), protein (mTOR), and lipids (CYP46A1) whereas the prophybiotic group displayed reduced expression of genes related to cholesterol synthesis (SREBP1) and glucose transportation (SLC2A2) in the liver. In conclusion, Leuconostoc mesenteroides differentially modulated gene expression in chickens when administered in ovo in combination with garlic aqueous extract. Further in ovo studies with different prophybiotic combinations are required to optimize the benefits in broiler chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesha N Wishna-Kadawarage
- Department of Animal Biotechnology and Genetics, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Biology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Mazowiecka 28, 85-084, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Połtowicz
- Department of Poultry Breeding, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1, 32-083, Balice, Poland
| | - Rita M Hickey
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, P61 C996, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Maria Siwek
- Department of Animal Biotechnology and Genetics, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Biology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Mazowiecka 28, 85-084, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Andrés MT, Fierro P, Antuña V, Fierro JF. The Antimicrobial Activity of Human Defensins at Physiological Non-Permeabilizing Concentrations Is Caused by the Inhibition of the Plasma Membrane H +-ATPases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7335. [PMID: 39000442 PMCID: PMC11242853 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Human defensins are cysteine-rich peptides (Cys-rich peptides) of the innate immune system. Defensins contain an ancestral structural motif (i.e., γ-core motif) associated with the antimicrobial activity of natural Cys-rich peptides. In this study, low concentrations of human α- and β-defensins showed microbicidal activity that was not associated with cell membrane permeabilization. The cell death pathway was similar to that previously described for human lactoferrin, also an immunoprotein containing a γ-core motif. The common features were (1) cell death not related to plasma membrane (PM) disruption, (2) the inhibition of microbicidal activity via extracellular potassium, (3) the influence of cellular respiration on microbicidal activity, and (4) the influence of intracellular pH on bactericidal activity. In addition, in yeast, we also observed (1) partial K+-efflux mediated via Tok1p K+-channels, (2) the essential role of mitochondrial ATP synthase in cell death, (3) the increment of intracellular ATP, (4) plasma membrane depolarization, and (5) the inhibition of external acidification mediated via PM Pma1p H+-ATPase. Similar features were also observed with BM2, an antifungal peptide that inhibits Pma1p H+-ATPase, showing that the above coincident characteristics were a consequence of PM H+-ATPase inhibition. These findings suggest, for the first time, that human defensins inhibit PM H+-ATPases at physiological concentrations, and that the subsequent cytosolic acidification is responsible for the in vitro microbicidal activity. This mechanism of action is shared with human lactoferrin and probably other antimicrobial peptides containing γ-core motifs.
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Affiliation(s)
- María T. Andrés
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiology (LMO), University Clinic of Dentistry (CLUO), University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; (M.T.A.); (P.F.); (V.A.)
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- SamerLabs SL, Asturias Technology Park, 33428 Llanera, Spain
| | - Patricia Fierro
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiology (LMO), University Clinic of Dentistry (CLUO), University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; (M.T.A.); (P.F.); (V.A.)
- Primary Care Emergency Service, Cantabrian Health Service, 39000 Santander, Spain
| | - Victoria Antuña
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiology (LMO), University Clinic of Dentistry (CLUO), University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; (M.T.A.); (P.F.); (V.A.)
| | - José F. Fierro
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiology (LMO), University Clinic of Dentistry (CLUO), University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; (M.T.A.); (P.F.); (V.A.)
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Deparment of Functional Biology (Microbiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
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10
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Myers C, Cornwall GA. Host defense amyloids: Biosensors of the immune system? Andrology 2024; 12:973-980. [PMID: 37963844 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13555] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
There is considerable evidence showing that highly ordered aggregate structures known as amyloids carry out essential biological roles in species ranging from bacteria to humans. Indeed, many antimicrobial peptides/proteins form amyloids to carry out their host defense functions and many amyloids are antimicrobial. The similarity of host defense amyloids from bacterial biofilms to the mammalian epididymal amyloid matrix implies highly conserved host defense structures/functions. With an emphasis on the epididymal amyloid matrix, here we review the common properties of host defense amyloids including unique traits that would allow them to function as powerful biosensors of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Myers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gail A Cornwall
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
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11
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Melicherčík P, Mazura M, Hodík M, Dundrová K, Landor I, Jahoda D, Horváth R, Barták V, Kizek R, Klapková E. Synovial fluid alpha-defensins in Lyme arthritis-a useful marker. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2024:10.1007/s12223-024-01173-0. [PMID: 38869776 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-024-01173-0] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Lyme arthritis, one of the possible late manifestations of Lyme borreliosis, predominantly affects the supporting joints and in adults most often occurs in the form of monoarthritis of the knee. Early diagnosis is based on clinical findings and serology. PCR detection of Borrelia in synovial fluid has become an integral part of the laboratory testing algorithm. The clinical presentation and inflammatory markers in Lyme arthritis can resemble septic arthritis. Determining the levels of alpha-defensins (human neutrophil peptide (HNP 1-3)) in synovial fluid by liquid chromatography is a highly sensitive method revealing the presence of inflammatory process. Between 2020 and 2022, we examined eleven patients with Lyme arthritis of the knee. We measured levels of HNP 1-3 from synovial fluid by HPLC in patients, and we compared it with the corresponding C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in paired serum samples. In patients diagnosed with Lyme arthritis, HNP 1-3 levels in synovial fluid ranged from 2.5 to 261 mg/L, with a median of 46.5 mg/L. Average serum CRP was 43 mg/L. The results show that elevated HNP 1-3 can be consistent with not only septic arthritis or systemic disease, but also with Lyme arthritis, especially in patients with negative culture and 16S PCR from synovial fluid. Final diagnosis must be verified by examination for anti-Borrelia antibodies from serum and synovial fluid. The aim of this work is to introduce an HPLC method for the determination of alpha-defensins as one of the possible diagnostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Melicherčík
- Department of Orthopedics, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Matěj Mazura
- Department of Orthopedics, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hodík
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Charles University, Second Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kamila Dundrová
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Charles University, Second Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Landor
- Department of Orthopedics, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - David Jahoda
- Department of Orthopedics, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Rudolf Horváth
- Department of Rheumatology of Children and Adults, Charles University, Second Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vladislav Barták
- Department of Orthopedics, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - René Kizek
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Charles University, Second Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Klapková
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Charles University, Second Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague, Czech Republic.
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12
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Zhao C, Porter JM, Burke PC, Arnberg N, Smith JG. Alpha-defensin binding expands human adenovirus tropism. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012317. [PMID: 38900833 PMCID: PMC11230588 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012317] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian α-defensins are a family of abundant effector peptides of the mucosal innate immune system. Although primarily considered to be antimicrobial, α-defensins can increase rather than block infection by certain prominent bacterial and viral pathogens in cell culture and in vivo. We have shown previously that exposure of mouse and human adenoviruses (HAdVs) to α-defensins is able to overcome competitive inhibitors that block cell binding, leading us to hypothesize a defensin-mediated binding mechanism that is independent of known viral receptors. To test this hypothesis, we used genetic approaches to demonstrate that none of several primary receptors nor integrin co-receptors are needed for human α-defensin-mediated binding of HAdV to cells; however, infection remains integrin dependent. Thus, our studies have revealed a novel pathway for HAdV binding to cells that bypasses viral primary receptors. We speculate that this pathway functions in parallel with receptor-mediated entry and contributes to α-defensin-enhanced infection of susceptible cells. Remarkably, we also found that in the presence of α-defensins, HAdV tropism is expanded to non-susceptible cells, even when viruses are exposed to a mixture of both susceptible and non-susceptible cells. Therefore, we propose that in the presence of sufficient concentrations of α-defensins, such as in the lung or gut, integrin expression rather than primary receptor expression will dictate HAdV tropism in vivo. In summary, α-defensins may contribute to tissue tropism not only through the neutralization of susceptible viruses but also by allowing certain defensin-resistant viruses to bind to cells independently of previously described mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jessica M. Porter
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Phillip C. Burke
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Niklas Arnberg
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Division of Virology and Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jason G. Smith
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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13
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Canas JJ, Arregui SW, Zhang S, Knox T, Calvert C, Saxena V, Schwaderer AL, Hains DS. DEFA1A3 DNA gene-dosage regulates the kidney innate immune response during upper urinary tract infection. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302462. [PMID: 38580392 PMCID: PMC10997819 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302462] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are host defense effectors with potent neutralizing and immunomodulatory functions against invasive pathogens. The AMPs α-Defensin 1-3/DEFA1A3 participate in innate immune responses and influence patient outcomes in various diseases. DNA copy-number variations in DEFA1A3 have been associated with severity and outcomes in infectious diseases including urinary tract infections (UTIs). Specifically, children with lower DNA copy numbers were more susceptible to UTIs. The mechanism of action by which α-Defensin 1-3/DEFA1A3 copy-number variations lead to UTI susceptibility remains to be explored. In this study, we use a previously characterized transgenic knock-in of the human DEFA1A3 gene mouse to dissect α-Defensin 1-3 gene dose-dependent antimicrobial and immunomodulatory roles during uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) UTI. We elucidate the relationship between kidney neutrophil- and collecting duct intercalated cell-derived α-Defensin 1-3/DEFA1A3 expression and UTI. We further describe cooperative effects between α-Defensin 1-3 and other AMPs that potentiate the neutralizing activity against UPEC. Cumulatively, we demonstrate that DEFA1A3 directly protects against UPEC meanwhile impacting pro-inflammatory innate immune responses in a gene dosage-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge J Canas
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Samuel W Arregui
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Kidney and Urology Translational Research Center, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Shaobo Zhang
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Kidney and Urology Translational Research Center, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Taylor Knox
- Kidney and Urology Translational Research Center, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Christi Calvert
- Kidney and Urology Translational Research Center, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Vijay Saxena
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Kidney and Urology Translational Research Center, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Andrew L Schwaderer
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Kidney and Urology Translational Research Center, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - David S Hains
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Kidney and Urology Translational Research Center, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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14
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Glenn SJ, Gentry-Lear Z, Shavlik M, Harms MJ, Asaki TJ, Baylink A. Bacterial vampirism mediated through taxis to serum. eLife 2024; 12:RP93178. [PMID: 38820052 PMCID: PMC11142651 DOI: 10.7554/elife.93178] [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] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae are associated with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and bacteremia and are a leading cause of death, from sepsis, for individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases. The bacterial behaviors and mechanisms underlying why these bacteria are prone to bloodstream entry remain poorly understood. Herein, we report that clinical isolates of non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica serovars, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter koseri are rapidly attracted toward sources of human serum. To simulate GI bleeding, we utilized an injection-based microfluidics device and found that femtoliter volumes of human serum are sufficient to induce bacterial attraction to the serum source. This response is orchestrated through chemotaxis and the chemoattractant L-serine, an amino acid abundant in serum that is recognized through direct binding by the chemoreceptor Tsr. We report the first crystal structures of Salmonella Typhimurium Tsr in complex with L-serine and identify a conserved amino acid recognition motif for L-serine shared among Tsr orthologues. We find Tsr to be widely conserved among Enterobacteriaceae and numerous World Health Organization priority pathogens associated with bloodstream infections. Lastly, we find that Enterobacteriaceae use human serum as a source of nutrients for growth and that chemotaxis and the chemoreceptor Tsr provide a competitive advantage for migration into enterohemorrhagic lesions. We define this bacterial behavior of taxis toward serum, colonization of hemorrhagic lesions, and the consumption of serum nutrients as 'bacterial vampirism', which may relate to the proclivity of Enterobacteriaceae for bloodstream infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siena J Glenn
- Washington State University, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and PathologyPullmanUnited States
| | | | - Michael Shavlik
- University of Oregon, Institute of Molecular BiologyEugeneUnited States
| | - Michael J Harms
- University of Oregon, Institute of Molecular BiologyEugeneUnited States
- University of Oregon, Department of Chemistry & BiochemistryEugeneUnited States
| | - Thomas J Asaki
- Washington State University, Department of Mathematics and StatisticsPullmanUnited States
| | - Arden Baylink
- Washington State University, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and PathologyPullmanUnited States
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15
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Zhao C, Porter JM, Burke PC, Arnberg N, Smith JG. Alpha-defensin binding expands human adenovirus tropism. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.30.596681. [PMID: 38854108 PMCID: PMC11160700 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.30.596681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian α-defensins are a family of abundant effector peptides of the mucosal innate immune system. Although primarily considered to be antimicrobial, α-defensins can increase rather than block infection by certain prominent bacterial and viral pathogens in cell culture and in vivo . We have shown previously that exposure of mouse and human adenoviruses (HAdVs) to α-defensins is able to overcome competitive inhibitors that block cell binding, leading us to hypothesize a defensin-mediated binding mechanism that is independent of known viral receptors. To test this hypothesis, we used genetic approaches to demonstrate that none of several primary receptors nor integrin co-receptors are needed for human α-defensin-mediated binding of HAdV to cells; however, infection remains integrin dependent. Thus, our studies have revealed a novel pathway for HAdV binding to cells that bypasses viral primary receptors. We speculate that this pathway functions in parallel with receptor-mediated entry and contributes to α-defensin-enhanced infection of susceptible cells. Remarkably, we also found that in the presence of α-defensins, HAdV tropism is expanded to non-susceptible cells, even when viruses are exposed to a mixture of both susceptible and non-susceptible cells. Therefore, we propose that in the presence of sufficient concentrations of α-defensins, such as in the lung or gut, integrin expression rather than primary receptor expression will dictate HAdV tropism in vivo . In summary, α-defensins may contribute to tissue tropism not only through the neutralization of susceptible viruses but also by allowing certain defensin-resistant viruses to bind to cells independently of previously described mechanisms. Author Summary In this study, we demonstrate a novel mechanism for binding of human adenoviruses (HAdVs) to cells that is dependent upon interactions with α-defensin host defense peptides but is independent of known viral receptors and co-receptors. To block normal receptor-mediated HAdV infection, we made genetic changes to both host cells and HAdVs. Under these conditions, α-defensins restored cell binding; however, infection still required the function of HAdV integrin co-receptors. This was true for multiple types of HAdVs that use different primary receptors and for cells that are either naturally devoid of HAdV receptors or were engineered to be receptor deficient. These observations suggest that in the presence of concentrations of α-defensins that would be found naturally in the lung or intestine, there are two parallel pathways for HAdV binding to cells that converge on integrins for productive infection. Moreover, these binding pathways function independently, and both operate in mixed culture. Thus, we have found that viruses can co-opt host defense molecules to expand their tropism.
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16
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Ma R, Zhou X, Zhai X, Wang C, Hu R, Chen Y, Shi L, Fang X, Liao Y, Ma L, Jiang M, Wu J, Wang R, Chen J, Cao T, Du G, Zhao Y, Wu W, Chen H, Li S, Lian Q, Guo G, Xiao J, Hutchins AP, Yuan P. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals immune cell dysfunction in the peripheral blood of patients with highly aggressive gastric cancer. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13591. [PMID: 38319150 PMCID: PMC11056698 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13591] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Highly aggressive gastric cancer (HAGC) is a gastric cancer characterized by bone marrow metastasis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Information about the disease is limited. Here we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), aiming to unravel the immune response of patients toward HAGC. PBMCs from seven HAGC patients, six normal advanced gastric cancer (NAGC) patients, and five healthy individuals were analysed by single-cell RNA sequencing. The expression of genes of interest was validated by bulk RNA-sequencing and ELISA. We found a massive expansion of neutrophils in PBMCs of HAGC. These neutrophils are activated, but immature. Besides, mononuclear phagocytes exhibited an M2-like signature and T cells were suppressed and reduced in number. Analysis of cell-cell crosstalk revealed that several signalling pathways involved in neutrophil to T-cell suppression including APP-CD74, MIF-(CD74+CXCR2), and MIF-(CD74+CD44) pathways were increased in HAGC. NETosis-associated genes S100A8 and S100A9 as well as VEGF, PDGF, FGF, and NOTCH signalling that contribute to DIC development were upregulated in HAGC too. This study reveals significant changes in the distribution and interactions of the PBMC subsets and provides valuable insight into the immune response in patients with HAGC. S100A8 and S100A9 are highly expressed in HAGC neutrophils, suggesting their potential to be used as novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for HAGC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- Guangdong Institute of GastroenterologyGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseaseThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xuemeng Zhou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Department of BiologySchool of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenChina
| | - Xiaohui Zhai
- Department of Medical OncologyThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Chuyue Wang
- Guangdong Institute of GastroenterologyGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseaseThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Rong Hu
- Guangdong Institute of GastroenterologyGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseaseThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - You Chen
- Guangdong Institute of GastroenterologyGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseaseThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Liyang Shi
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Department of BiologySchool of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenChina
| | - Xing Fang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative MedicineDr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Yuan Liao
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Lifeng Ma
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Mengmeng Jiang
- Liangzhu LaboratoryZhejiang University Medical CenterHangzhouChina
| | - Junqing Wu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Liangzhu LaboratoryZhejiang University Medical CenterHangzhouChina
| | - Renying Wang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Jiao Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Department of BiologySchool of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenChina
| | - Taiyuan Cao
- Department of Medical OncologyThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ge Du
- Department of Medical OncologyThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yingying Zhao
- Guangdong Institute of GastroenterologyGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseaseThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Weili Wu
- Guangdong Institute of GastroenterologyGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseaseThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Haide Chen
- Liangzhu LaboratoryZhejiang University Medical CenterHangzhouChina
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Medical OncologyThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Qizhou Lian
- Faculty of Synthetic BiologyShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
- Guangzhou Institute of Eugenics and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical CenterGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Guoji Guo
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative MedicineDr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineHangzhouChina
- Liangzhu LaboratoryZhejiang University Medical CenterHangzhouChina
- Institute of HematologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Jian Xiao
- Department of Medical OncologyGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Andrew P. Hutchins
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Department of BiologySchool of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenChina
| | - Ping Yuan
- Guangdong Institute of GastroenterologyGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseaseThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of General SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Biomedical Innovation CenterThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
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17
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Ambrogi M, Vezina CM. Roles of airway and intestinal epithelia in responding to pathogens and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1346087. [PMID: 38736751 PMCID: PMC11082347 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1346087] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cells form a resilient barrier and orchestrate defensive and reparative mechanisms to maintain tissue stability. This review focuses on gut and airway epithelia, which are positioned where the body interfaces with the outside world. We review the many signaling pathways and mechanisms by which epithelial cells at the interface respond to invading pathogens to mount an innate immune response and initiate adaptive immunity and communicate with other cells, including resident microbiota, to heal damaged tissue and maintain homeostasis. We compare and contrast how airway and gut epithelial cells detect pathogens, release antimicrobial effectors, collaborate with macrophages, Tregs and epithelial stem cells to mount an immune response and orchestrate tissue repair. We also describe advanced research models for studying epithelial communication and behaviors during inflammation, tissue injury and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chad M. Vezina
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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18
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Monyók Á, Mansour B, Vadnay I, Makra N, Dunai ZA, Nemes-Nikodém É, Stercz B, Szabó D, Ostorházi E. Change in Tissue Microbiome and Related Human Beta Defensin Levels Induced by Antibiotic Use in Bladder Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4562. [PMID: 38674148 PMCID: PMC11050017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084562] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
It is now generally accepted that the success of antitumor therapy can be impaired by concurrent antibiotic therapy, the presence of certain bacteria, and elevated defensin levels around the tumor tissue. The aim of our current investigation was to identify the underlying changes in microbiome and defensin levels in the tumor tissue induced by different antibiotics, as well as the duration of this modification. The microbiome of the tumor tissues was significantly different from that of healthy volunteers. Comparing only the tumor samples, no significant difference was confirmed between the untreated group and the group treated with antibiotics more than 3 months earlier. However, antibiotic treatment within 3 months of analysis resulted in a significantly modified microbiome composition. Irrespective of whether Fosfomycin, Fluoroquinolone or Beta-lactam treatment was used, the abundance of Bacteroides decreased, and Staphylococcus abundance increased. Large amounts of the genus Acinetobacter were observed in the Fluoroquinolone-treated group. Regardless of the antibiotic treatment, hBD1 expression of the tumor cells consistently doubled. The increase in hBD2 and hBD3 expression was the highest in the Beta-lactam treated group. Apparently, antibiotic treatment within 3 months of sample analysis induced microbiome changes and defensin expression levels, depending on the identity of the applied antibiotic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ádám Monyók
- Department of Urology, Markhot Ferenc University Teaching Hospital, 3300 Eger, Hungary; (Á.M.); (B.M.)
| | - Bassel Mansour
- Department of Urology, Markhot Ferenc University Teaching Hospital, 3300 Eger, Hungary; (Á.M.); (B.M.)
| | - István Vadnay
- Department of Pathology, Markhot Ferenc University Teaching Hospital, 3300 Eger, Hungary; (I.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Nóra Makra
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (N.M.); (Z.A.D.); (É.N.-N.); (B.S.)
| | - Zsuzsanna A. Dunai
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (N.M.); (Z.A.D.); (É.N.-N.); (B.S.)
| | - Éva Nemes-Nikodém
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (N.M.); (Z.A.D.); (É.N.-N.); (B.S.)
| | - Balázs Stercz
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (N.M.); (Z.A.D.); (É.N.-N.); (B.S.)
| | - Dóra Szabó
- Department of Pathology, Markhot Ferenc University Teaching Hospital, 3300 Eger, Hungary; (I.V.); (D.S.)
- Neurosurgery and Neurointervention Clinic, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Ostorházi
- Department of Pathology, Markhot Ferenc University Teaching Hospital, 3300 Eger, Hungary; (I.V.); (D.S.)
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatooncology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
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Oliveira JM, Zenzeluk J, Serrano-Nascimento C, Romano MA, Romano RM. A System Biology Approach Reveals New Targets for Human Thyroid Gland Toxicity in Embryos and Adult Individuals. Metabolites 2024; 14:226. [PMID: 38668354 PMCID: PMC11052307 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14040226] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Compounds of natural or synthetic origin present in personal care products, food additives, and packaging may interfere with hormonal regulation and are called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The thyroid gland is an important target of these compounds. The objective of this study was to analyze public data on the human thyroid transcriptome and investigate potential new targets of EDCs in the embryonic and adult thyroid glands. We compared the public transcriptome data of adult and embryonic human thyroid glands and selected 100 up- or downregulated genes that were subsequently subjected to functional enrichment analysis. In the embryonic thyroid, the most highly expressed gene was PRMT6, which methylates arginine-4 of histone H2A (86.21%), and the downregulated clusters included plasma lipoprotein particles (39.24%) and endopeptidase inhibitory activity (24.05%). For the adult thyroid gland, the most highly expressed genes were related to the following categories: metallothionein-binding metals (56.67%), steroid hormone biosynthetic process (16.67%), and cellular response to vascular endothelial growth factor stimulus (6.67%). Several compounds ranging from antihypertensive drugs to enzyme inhibitors were identified as potentially harmful to thyroid gland development and adult function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeane Maria Oliveira
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, State University of the Midwest (UNICENTRO), Alameda Élio Antonio Dalla Vecchia, nº 838, Guarapuava 85040-167, PR, Brazil; (J.M.O.); (J.Z.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Jamilli Zenzeluk
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, State University of the Midwest (UNICENTRO), Alameda Élio Antonio Dalla Vecchia, nº 838, Guarapuava 85040-167, PR, Brazil; (J.M.O.); (J.Z.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Caroline Serrano-Nascimento
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (ICAQF), Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Professor Arthur Riedel, 275, Diadema 09972-270, SP, Brazil;
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Pedro de Toledo, 669-11º andar-L11E, São Paulo 04039-032, SP, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurelio Romano
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, State University of the Midwest (UNICENTRO), Alameda Élio Antonio Dalla Vecchia, nº 838, Guarapuava 85040-167, PR, Brazil; (J.M.O.); (J.Z.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Renata Marino Romano
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, State University of the Midwest (UNICENTRO), Alameda Élio Antonio Dalla Vecchia, nº 838, Guarapuava 85040-167, PR, Brazil; (J.M.O.); (J.Z.); (M.A.R.)
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20
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Zhao YX, Cui Y, Li XH, Yang WH, An SX, Cui JX, Zhang MY, Lu JK, Zhang X, Wang XM, Bao LL, Zhao PW. Human β-defensin-1 affects the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway and autophagy in colon cancer cells through long non-coding RNA TCONS_00014506. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1465-1478. [PMID: 38660658 PMCID: PMC11037056 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i4.1465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer has a low 5-year survival rate and high mortality. Human β-defensin-1 (hBD-1) may play an integral function in the innate immune system, contributing to the recognition and destruction of cancer cells. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the process of cell differentiation and growth. AIM To investigate the effect of hBD-1 on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and autophagy in human colon cancer SW620 cells. METHODS CCK8 assay was utilized for the detection of cell proliferation and determination of the optimal drug concentration. Colony formation assay was employed to assess the effect of hBD-1 on SW620 cell proliferation. Bioinformatics was used to screen potentially biologically significant lncRNAs related to the mTOR pathway. Additionally, p-mTOR (Ser2448), Beclin1, and LC3II/I expression levels in SW620 cells were assessed through Western blot analysis. RESULTS hBD-1 inhibited the proliferative ability of SW620 cells, as evidenced by the reduction in the colony formation capacity of SW620 cells upon exposure to hBD-1. hBD-1 decreased the expression of p-mTOR (Ser2448) protein and increased the expression of Beclin1 and LC3II/I protein. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis identified seven lncRNAs (2 upregulated and 5 downregulated) related to the mTOR pathway. The lncRNA TCONS_00014506 was ultimately selected. Following the inhibition of the lncRNA TCONS_00014506, exposure to hBD-1 inhibited p-mTOR (Ser2448) and promoted Beclin1 and LC3II/I protein expression. CONCLUSION hBD-1 inhibits the mTOR pathway and promotes autophagy by upregulating the expression of the lncRNA TCONS_00014506 in SW620 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xin Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Inner Mongolia Chest Hospital, The Fourth Hospital, Hohhot 010035, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yan Cui
- College of Humanities and Education, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xin-Hong Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wen-Hong Yang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shi-Xiang An
- School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jia-Xian Cui
- School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Min-Yu Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jing-Kun Lu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiu-Mei Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Li-Li Bao
- School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Peng-Wei Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
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21
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Kennicott K, Liang Y. The immunometabolic function of VGLL3 and female-biased autoimmunity. IMMUNOMETABOLISM (COBHAM, SURREY) 2024; 6:e00041. [PMID: 38726338 PMCID: PMC11078290 DOI: 10.1097/in9.0000000000000041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases exhibit a pronounced yet unexplained prevalence among women. Vestigial-like family member 3 (VGLL3), a female-biased factor that promotes autoimmunity, has recently been discovered to assist cells in sensing and adapting to nutritional stress. This role of VGLL3 may confer a selective advantage during the evolution of placental mammals. However, the excessive activation of the VGLL3-mediated energy-sensing pathway can trigger inflammatory cell death and the exposure of self-antigens, leading to the onset of autoimmunity. These observations have raised the intriguing perspective that nutrient sensing serves as a double-edged sword in immune regulation. Mechanistically, VGLL3 intersects with Hippo signaling and activates multiple downstream, immune-associated genes that play roles in metabolic regulation. Understanding the multifaceted roles of VGLL3 in nutrient sensing and immune modulation provides insight into the fundamental question of sexual dimorphism in immunometabolism and sheds light on potential therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kameron Kennicott
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Yun Liang
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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22
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Demian WL, Cormier O, Mossman K. Immunological features of bats: resistance and tolerance to emerging viruses. Trends Immunol 2024; 45:198-210. [PMID: 38453576 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2024.01.008] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Bats are among the most diverse mammalian species, representing over 20% of mammalian diversity. The past two decades have witnessed a disproportionate spillover of viruses from bats to humans compared with other mammalian hosts, attributed to the viral richness within bats, their phylogenetic likeness to humans, and increased human contact with wildlife. Unique evolutionary adaptations in bat genomes, particularly in antiviral protection and immune tolerance genes, enable bats to serve as reservoirs for pandemic-inducing viruses. Here, we discuss current limitations and advances made in understanding the role of bats as drivers of pandemic zoonoses. We also discuss novel technologies that have revealed spatial, dynamic, and physiological factors driving virus and host coevolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael L Demian
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Olga Cormier
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Mossman
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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23
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Rycyk-Bojarzyńska A, Kasztelan-Szczerbińska B, Cichoż-Lach H, Surdacka A, Roliński J. Human Neutrophil Alpha-Defensins Promote NETosis and Liver Injury in Alcohol-Related Liver Cirrhosis: Potential Therapeutic Agents. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1237. [PMID: 38592082 PMCID: PMC10931661 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051237] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Neutrophils are thought to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases, such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, etc. Activated human neutrophils release human neutrophil peptides (HNP1-3) or alpha-defensins that are antimicrobial peptides in azurophil granules. Furthermore, HNP1-3 build a scaffold of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and promote the process of programmed cell death called NETosis. Our study aimed to investigate the role of alpha-defensins in the pathogenesis of alcohol-related liver cirrhosis (ALC). Methods: The concentrations of alpha-defensins in the plasma of 62 patients with ALC and 24 healthy subjects were measured by ELISA. The patients with ALC were prospectively recruited based on the severity of liver dysfunction according to the Child-Pugh and Model of End-Stage Liver Disease-Natrium (MELD-Na) scores, modified Maddrey's Discriminant Function (mDF), and the presence of ALC complications. Results: The concentrations of alpha-defensins in plasma were significantly higher in the ALC patients than in the controls. The plasma levels of HNP1-3 correlated with the MELD and mDF scores. ALC subgroups with MELD > 20 and mDF > 32 displayed significantly higher HNP1-3 concentrations. The plasma levels of HNP1-3 revealed a good predictive AUC for hepatic encephalopathy and ascites development (0.81 and 0.74, respectively) and for patient survival (0.87) in those over 40 years of age. Conclusion: These findings suggest that alpha-defensins play an important role in the assessment of ALC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rycyk-Bojarzyńska
- Department of Gastroenterology with Endoscopy Unit, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (B.K.-S.); (H.C.-L.)
| | - Beata Kasztelan-Szczerbińska
- Department of Gastroenterology with Endoscopy Unit, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (B.K.-S.); (H.C.-L.)
| | - Halina Cichoż-Lach
- Department of Gastroenterology with Endoscopy Unit, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (B.K.-S.); (H.C.-L.)
| | - Agata Surdacka
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (A.S.); (J.R.)
| | - Jacek Roliński
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (A.S.); (J.R.)
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24
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Šutić M, Dmitrović B, Jakovčević A, Džubur F, Oršolić N, Debeljak Ž, Försti A, Seiwerth S, Brčić L, Madzarac G, Samaržija M, Jakopović M, Knežević J. Transcriptomic Profiling for Prognostic Biomarkers in Early-Stage Squamous Cell Lung Cancer (SqCLC). Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:720. [PMID: 38398111 PMCID: PMC10887138 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040720] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell lung carcinoma (SqCLC) is associated with high mortality and limited treatment options. Identification of therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers is still lacking. This research aims to analyze the transcriptomic profile of SqCLC samples and identify the key genes associated with tumorigenesis, overall survival (OS), and a profile of the tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Differential gene expression analysis, pathway enrichment analysis, and Gene Ontology analysis on RNA-seq data obtained from FFPE tumor samples (N = 23) and healthy tissues (N = 3) were performed (experimental cohort). Validation of the results was conducted on publicly available gene expression data using TCGA LUSC (N = 225) and GTEx healthy donors' cohorts (N = 288). We identified 1133 upregulated and 644 downregulated genes, common for both cohorts. The most prominent upregulated genes were involved in cell cycle and proliferation regulation pathways (MAGEA9B, MAGED4, KRT, MMT11/13), while downregulated genes predominately belonged to immune-related pathways (DEFA1B, DEFA1, DEFA3). Results of the survival analysis, conducted on the validation cohort and commonly deregulated genes, indicated that overexpression of HOXC4 (p < 0.001), LLGL1 (p = 0.0015), and SLC4A3 (p = 0.0034) is associated with worse OS in early-stage SqCLC patients. In contrast, overexpression of GSTZ1 (p = 0.0029) and LILRA5 (p = 0.0086) was protective, i.e., associated with better OS. By applying a single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), we identified four distinct immune subtypes. Immune cell distribution suggests that the memory T cells (central and effector) and follicular helper T cells could serve as important stratification parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Šutić
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Branko Dmitrović
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Clinical Medical Center Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
| | - Antonia Jakovčević
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.J.); (S.S.)
| | - Feđa Džubur
- Clinical Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (F.D.); (M.S.)
| | - Nada Oršolić
- Division of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Željko Debeljak
- Clinical Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Center Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
- Faculty of Medicine, J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Asta Försti
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sven Seiwerth
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.J.); (S.S.)
| | - Luka Brčić
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Goran Madzarac
- Department for Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Miroslav Samaržija
- Clinical Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (F.D.); (M.S.)
| | - Marko Jakopović
- Clinical Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (F.D.); (M.S.)
| | - Jelena Knežević
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
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25
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Pfäffle SP, Herz C, Brombacher E, Proietti M, Gigl M, Hofstetter CK, Mittermeier-Kleßinger VK, Claßen S, Tran HTT, Dawid C, Kreutz C, Günther S, Lamy E. A 14-Day Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Crossover Intervention Study with Anti-Bacterial Benzyl Isothiocyanate from Nasturtium ( Tropaeolum majus) on Human Gut Microbiome and Host Defense. Nutrients 2024; 16:373. [PMID: 38337658 PMCID: PMC10857499 DOI: 10.3390/nu16030373] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite substantial heterogeneity of studies, there is evidence that antibiotics commonly used in primary care influence the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota in terms of changing their composition and/or diversity. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) from the food and medicinal plant nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is known for its antimicrobial activity and is used for the treatment of infections of the draining urinary tract and upper respiratory tract. Against this background, we raised the question of whether a 14 d nasturtium intervention (3 g daily, N = 30 healthy females) could also impact the normal gut microbiota composition. Spot urinary BITC excretion highly correlated with a weak but significant antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli. A significant increase in human beta defensin 1 as a parameter for host defense was seen in urine and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) upon verum intervention. Pre-to-post analysis revealed that mean gut microbiome composition did not significantly differ between groups, nor did the circulating serum metabolome. On an individual level, some large changes were observed between sampling points, however. Explorative Spearman rank correlation analysis in subgroups revealed associations between gut microbiota and the circulating metabolome, as well as between changes in blood markers and bacterial gut species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon P. Pfäffle
- Molecular Preventive Medicine, University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Engesserstrasse 4, D-79108 Freiburg, Germany
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 9, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Herz
- Molecular Preventive Medicine, University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Engesserstrasse 4, D-79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva Brombacher
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 26, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 19A, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies (CIBSS), University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 18, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michele Proietti
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Microbiome Core Facility, Breisacher Strasse 115, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Gigl
- Chair of Food Chemistry and Molecular Sensory Science, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 34, D-85354 Freising, Germany
- Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Gregor-Mendel-Strasse 4, D-85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Christoph K. Hofstetter
- Chair of Food Chemistry and Molecular Sensory Science, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 34, D-85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Verena K. Mittermeier-Kleßinger
- Chair of Food Chemistry and Molecular Sensory Science, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 34, D-85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Sophie Claßen
- Molecular Preventive Medicine, University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Engesserstrasse 4, D-79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hoai T. T. Tran
- Molecular Preventive Medicine, University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Engesserstrasse 4, D-79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Dawid
- Chair of Food Chemistry and Molecular Sensory Science, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 34, D-85354 Freising, Germany
- Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Gregor-Mendel-Strasse 4, D-85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Clemens Kreutz
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 26, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies (CIBSS), University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 18, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Günther
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 9, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Evelyn Lamy
- Molecular Preventive Medicine, University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Engesserstrasse 4, D-79108 Freiburg, Germany
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26
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Glenn SJ, Gentry-Lear Z, Shavlik M, Harms MJ, Asaki TJ, Baylink A. Bacterial vampirism mediated through taxis to serum. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.07.07.548164. [PMID: 37461633 PMCID: PMC10350070 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.07.548164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae are associated with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and bacteremia and are a leading cause of death, from sepsis, for individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases. The bacterial behaviors and mechanisms underlying why these bacteria are prone to bloodstream entry remains poorly understood. Herein, we report that clinical isolates of non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica serovars, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter koseri are rapidly attracted toward sources of human serum. To simulate GI bleeding, we utilized a custom injection-based microfluidics device and found that femtoliter volumes of human serum are sufficient to induce the bacterial population to swim toward and aggregate at the serum source. This response is orchestrated through chemotaxis, and a major chemical cue driving chemoattraction is L-serine, an amino acid abundant in serum that is recognized through direct binding by the chemoreceptor Tsr. We report the first crystal structures of Salmonella Typhimurium Tsr in complex with L-serine and identify a conserved amino acid recognition motif for L-serine shared among Tsr orthologues. By mapping the phylogenetic distribution of this chemoreceptor we found Tsr to be widely conserved among Enterobacteriaceae and numerous World Health Organization priority pathogens associated with bloodstream infections. Lastly, we find that Enterobacteriaceae use human serum as a source of nutrients for growth and that chemotaxis and the chemoreceptor Tsr provides a competitive advantage for migration into enterohaemorrhagic lesions. We term this bacterial behavior of taxis toward serum, colonization of hemorrhagic lesions, and the consumption of serum nutrients, as 'bacterial vampirism' which may relate to the proclivity of Enterobacteriaceae for bloodstream infections.
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27
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Su G, Huang S, Jiang S, Chen L, Yang F, Liu Z, Wang G, Huang J. Porcine β-Defensin 114: Creating a Dichotomous Response to Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1016. [PMID: 38256090 PMCID: PMC10816359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021016] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The immunity-related functions of defensins seem to be dependent on environmental stimuli, the cell type, and the concentration of peptides. However, the function and mechanism of porcine β-defensin 114 (pBD114) in regulating the inflammatory response to macrophages are unclear. Therefore, the modulatory effects of porcine pBD114 on the inflammatory response were investigated by treating the mouse monocyte macrophage cell line RAW264.7 with different concentrations of pBD114 with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS). RNA-seq analysis was performed to investigate the mechanisms underlying pBD114's regulation of inflammatory responses in macrophages. In addition, the inflammatory response-modulating effects of pBD114 were also further verified with a mouse assay. The results showed that 100 μg/mL of pBD114 significantly promoted the secretion of TNF-α and IL-10 in RAW264.7. However, the LPS-induced increase in TNFα in the RAW264.7 cell cultures was significantly decreased with 10 μg/mL of pBD114. These results suggest that pBD114 can exhibit pro-inflammatory activities under normal physiological conditions with 100 μg/mL of pBD114, and anti-inflammatory activities during an excessive inflammatory response with 10 μg/mL of pBD114. RNA-seq analysis was performed to gain further insights into the effects of pBD114 on the inflammatory response. Among the pBD114-promoting RAW264.7 pro-inflammatory responses, pBD114 significantly up-regulated 1170 genes and down-regulated 724 genes. KEGG enrichment showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in the immune- and signal-transduction-related signaling pathways. Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) and key driver analysis (KDA) analyses revealed that Bcl10 and Bcl3 were the key genes. In addition, pBD114 significantly up-regulated 12 genes and down-regulated 38 genes in the anti-inflammatory response. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in the "Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction" signaling pathway, and PPI and KDA analyses showed that Stat1 and Csf2 were the key genes. The results of qRT-PCR verified those of RNA-seq. In vivo mouse tests also confirmed the pro- or anti-inflammatory activities of pBD114. Although the inflammatory response is a rapid and complex physiological reaction to noxious stimuli, this study found that pBD114 plays an essential role mainly by acting on the genes related to immunity, signal transduction, signaling molecules, and interactions. In conclusion, this study provides a certain theoretical basis for the research and application of defensins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqi Su
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing 402460, China; (G.S.); (L.C.)
- National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Sheng Huang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing 402460, China; (G.S.); (L.C.)
- National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing 402460, China; (G.S.); (L.C.)
- National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Li Chen
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing 402460, China; (G.S.); (L.C.)
- National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Feiyun Yang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing 402460, China; (G.S.); (L.C.)
- National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Zuohua Liu
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing 402460, China; (G.S.); (L.C.)
- National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Guixue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science & Technology, Ministry of Education, State & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Jinxiu Huang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing 402460, China; (G.S.); (L.C.)
- National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
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Navarro-Pérez M, Capera J, Benavente-Garcia A, Cassinelli S, Colomer-Molera M, Felipe A. Kv1.3 in the spotlight for treating immune diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:67-82. [PMID: 38316438 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2315021] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Kv1.3 is the main voltage-gated potassium channel of leukocytes from both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Channel function is required for common processes such as Ca2+ signaling but also for cell-specific events. In this context, alterations in Kv1.3 are associated with multiple immune disorders. Excessive channel activity correlates with numerous autoimmune diseases, while reduced currents result in increased cancer prevalence and immunodeficiencies. AREAS COVERED This review offers a general view of the role of Kv1.3 in every type of leukocyte. Moreover, diseases stemming from dysregulations of the channel are detailed, as well as current advances in their therapeutic research. EXPERT OPINION Kv1.3 arises as a potential immune target in a variety of diseases. Several lines of research focused on channel modulation have yielded positive results. However, among the great variety of specific channel blockers, only one has reached clinical trials. Future investigations should focus on developing simpler administration routes for channel inhibitors to facilitate their entrance into clinical trials. Prospective Kv1.3-based treatments will ensure powerful therapies while minimizing undesired side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Navarro-Pérez
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesusa Capera
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anna Benavente-Garcia
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Cassinelli
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magalí Colomer-Molera
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Felipe
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Basta D, Latinovic OS, Tagaya Y, Silvestri G. Potential Advantages of a Well-balanced Nutrition Regimen for People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type -1. JOURNAL OF AIDS AND HIV TREATMENT 2024; 6:11-27. [PMID: 38845818 PMCID: PMC11155617 DOI: 10.33696/aids.6.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
This review underscores the important role of nutrition in enhancing the management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1). Highlighting the efficacy of dietary interventions, including, the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins D and B-12, and the Mediterranean diet, we delineate how these beneficial nutritional strategies can improve the effectiveness of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), mitigate its side effects, and ameliorate metabolic disorders in people living with HIV-1 (PLWH). Our review advocates for the integration and implementation of personalized nutritional assessments into the care plan for PLWH, proposing actionable strategies for healthcare providers in HIV-1 field. Summarizing the current standing of the relevance of the nutritional and well-planned diet recommended for the PLWH and emphasizing on the future research directions, this review establishes a foundation for nutrition as a cornerstone in comprehensive HIV-1 management. Our review aims to improve patients' health outcomes and overall quality of life for PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Basta
- Green Home scarl, Scientific Committee, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Olga S. Latinovic
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Yutaka Tagaya
- Division of Virology, Pathogenesis, and Cancer, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Giovannino Silvestri
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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Haratian K, Borjian Boroujeni P, Sabbaghian M, Maghareh Abed E, Moazenchi M, Mohseni Meybodi A. DEFB126 2-nt Deletion (rs11467417) as a Potential Risk Factor for Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection and Subsequent Infertility in Iranian Men. J Reprod Infertil 2024; 25:20-27. [PMID: 39157277 PMCID: PMC11330205 DOI: 10.18502/jri.v25i1.15195] [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] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections, causing genital tract infections and infertility. Defensins have an immunomodulatory function and play an important role in sperm maturation, motility, and fertilization. DEFB126 is present on ejaculated spermatozoa and is essential for them to pass through the female reproductive tract. The purpose of the study was to determine the frequency of the 2-nt deletion of the DEFB126 (rs11467417) in Iranian infertile males with a recurrent history of CT. Methods Semen samples of 1080 subfertile males were investigated. Among patients who had CT-positive results, sperm DNA from 50 symptomatic and 50 asymptomatic patients were collected for the DEFB126 genotype analysis. Additionally, a control group comprising 100 DNA samples from individuals with normal spermogram and testing negative for CT was included in the study. The PCR-sequencing for detecting the 2-nt deletion of the second exon of the DEFB126 was performed. Results The Chi-squared test comparing all three groups revealed no significant difference across the different genotypes. Moreover, no significant difference between the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups was seen. However, analysis within CT-positive patients and controls demonstrated significant difference between the frequencies of homozygous del/del. Conclusion The higher frequency of the 2-nt deletion of the DEFB126 in CT- positive patients suggests that the occurrence of mutations in the DEFB-126 may cause the impairment of the antimicrobial activity of the DEFB126 protein and consequently makes individuals more susceptible to infections such as CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Haratian
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, Ontario, Canada
| | - Parnaz Borjian Boroujeni
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjan Sabbaghian
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Maghareh Abed
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maedeh Moazenchi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anahita Mohseni Meybodi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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Hackert NS, Radtke FA, Exner T, Lorenz HM, Müller-Tidow C, Nigrovic PA, Wabnitz G, Grieshaber-Bouyer R. Human and mouse neutrophils share core transcriptional programs in both homeostatic and inflamed contexts. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8133. [PMID: 38065997 PMCID: PMC10709367 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43573-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are frequently studied in mouse models, but the extent to which findings translate to humans remains poorly defined. In an integrative analysis of 11 mouse and 13 human datasets, we find a strong correlation of neutrophil gene expression across species. In inflammation, neutrophils display substantial transcriptional diversity but share a core inflammation program. This program includes genes encoding IL-1 family members, CD14, IL-4R, CD69, and PD-L1. Chromatin accessibility of core inflammation genes increases in blood compared to bone marrow and further in tissue. Transcription factor enrichment analysis implicates members of the NF-κB family and AP-1 complex as important drivers, and HoxB8 neutrophils with JunB knockout show a reduced expression of core inflammation genes in resting and activated cells. In independent single-cell validation data, neutrophil activation by type I or type II interferon, G-CSF, and E. coli leads to upregulation in core inflammation genes. In COVID-19 patients, higher expression of core inflammation genes in neutrophils is associated with more severe disease. In vitro treatment with GM-CSF, LPS, and type II interferon induces surface protein upregulation of core inflammation members. Together, we demonstrate transcriptional conservation in neutrophils in homeostasis and identify a core inflammation program shared across heterogeneous inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolaj S Hackert
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Felix A Radtke
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Centre for Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tarik Exner
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hanns-Martin Lorenz
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carsten Müller-Tidow
- Department of Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter A Nigrovic
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Guido Wabnitz
- Institute for Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ricardo Grieshaber-Bouyer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Institute for Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
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Fitzpatrick AM, Mohammad AF, Huang M, Stephenson ST, Patrignani J, Kamaleswaran R, Grunwell JR. Functional immunophenotyping of blood neutrophils identifies novel endotypes of viral response in preschool children with recurrent wheezing. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 152:1433-1443. [PMID: 37604313 PMCID: PMC10841272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.08.010] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preschool children with recurrent wheezing are heterogeneous, with differing responses to respiratory viral infections. Although neutrophils are crucial for host defense, their function has not been studied in this population. OBJECTIVE We performed functional immunophenotyping on isolated blood neutrophils from 52 preschool children with recurrent wheezing (aeroallergen sensitization, n = 16; no sensitization, n = 36). METHODS Blood neutrophils were purified and cultured overnight with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] as a viral analog stimulus. Neutrophils underwent next-generation sequencing with Reactome pathway analysis and were analyzed for cytokine secretion, apoptosis, myeloperoxidase, and extracellular DNA release. CD14+ monocytes were also exposed to neutrophil culture supernatant and analyzed for markers of M1 and M2 activation. RESULTS A total of 495 genes, related largely to the innate immune system and neutrophil degranulation, were differently expressed in children with versus without aeroallergen sensitization. Functional experiments identified more neutrophil degranulation and extracellular trap formation (ie, more myeloperoxidase and extracellular DNA) and less neutrophil proinflammatory cytokine secretion in children with aeroallergen sensitization. Neutrophils also shifted CD14+ monocytes to a more anti-inflammatory (ie, M2) phenotype in sensitized children and a more proinflammatory (ie, M1) phenotype in nonsensitized children. Although both groups experienced viral exacerbations, annualized exacerbation rates prompting unscheduled health care were also higher in children without aeroallergen sensitization after enrollment. CONCLUSIONS Systemic neutrophil responses to viral infection differ by allergic phenotype and may be less effective in preschool children without allergic inflammation. Further studies of neutrophil function are needed in this population, which often has less favorable therapeutic responses to inhaled corticosteroids and other therapies directed at type 2-high inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Fitzpatrick
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Ga.
| | | | - Min Huang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga
| | | | | | | | - Jocelyn R Grunwell
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga; Division of Critical Care Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Ga
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Steffen D, Mienaltowski M, Baar K. Spatial gene expression in the adult rat patellar tendon. Matrix Biol Plus 2023; 19-20:100138. [PMID: 38124714 PMCID: PMC10731370 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2023.100138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Tendons are dense connective tissues with relatively few cells which makes studying the molecular profile of the tissue challenging. There is not a consensus on the spatial location of various cell types within a tendon, nor the accompanying transcriptional profile. In the present study, we used two male rat patellar tendon samples for sequencing-based spatial transcriptomics to determine the gene expression profile. We integrated our data with a mouse Achilles single cell dataset to predict the cell type composition of the patellar tendon as a function of location within the tissue. The spatial location of the predicated cell types suggested that there were two populations of tendon fibroblasts, one located in the tendon midsubstance, while the other localized with red blood cells, pericytes, and immune cells to the tendon peripheral connective tissue. Of the highest expressed spatially variable genes, there were multiple genes with known function in tendon: Col1a1, Col1a2, Dcn, Fmod, Sparc, and Comp. Further, a novel spatially regulated gene (AABR07000398.1) with no known function was identified. The spatial gene expression of tendon associated genes (Scx, Thbs4, Tnmd, Can, Bgn, Lum, Adamts2, Lox, Ppib, Col2a1, Col3a1, Col6a2) was also visualized. Both patellar tendon samples had similar expression patterns for all these genes. This dataset provides new spatial insights into gene expression in a healthy tendon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Steffen
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Michael Mienaltowski
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Keith Baar
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- VA Northern California Health Care System, Mather, CA 95655, United States
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Chu M, He S, Zhao H, Yin S, Liu Z, Zhang W, Liu X, Bao H. Increasing expression of STING by ERα antagonizes LCN2 downregulation during chronic endometritis. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 160:104167. [PMID: 37952294 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.104167] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Chronic endometritis has a high incidence in infertile women, which is caused by endometrial microbiome infection. In response to microbial infection, the role of defensins during chronic endometritis need explored. Besides, the expression of estrogen and its receptors vary in different menstrual cycles, but their roles in chronic endometritis are still unclear. In this study, we used the human endometrial tissues to examine the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) α-defensin hNP-1 and β-defensins hBD-1, hBD-2, hBD-3, hBD-4 and LCN2. We found the expression of hBD-1 and LCN2 were downregulated in endometritis tissues, while the expressions of hBD-2, hBD-3, hBD-4, hNP-1, and estrogen and ERα were upregulated in chronic endometritis tissues compared to normal tissues. The expression and phosphorylation of STING, which is a crucial mediator of mammalian innate immunity in response to pathogens, was regulated with the treatment of ERα inhibitor raloxifene (Rx). Furthermore, using with the estrogen receptor inhibitor Rx and STING inhibitor H-151 significantly decreases the LCN2 expression. Taken together, these results suggested ERα was upregulated to modulate STING expression inducing LCN2 antimicrobial peptide expression to modulate the mucosal immunity during chronic endometritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding Estern Road, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shunzhi He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding Estern Road, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China
| | - Huishan Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding Estern Road, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyuan Yin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding Estern Road, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenteng Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding Estern Road, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding Estern Road, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding Estern Road, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongchu Bao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding Estern Road, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China.
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Larsen MC, Rondelli CM, Almeldin A, Song YS, N’Jai A, Alexander DL, Forsberg EC, Sheibani N, Jefcoate CR. AhR and CYP1B1 Control Oxygen Effects on Bone Marrow Progenitor Cells: The Enrichment of Multiple Olfactory Receptors as Potential Microbiome Sensors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16884. [PMID: 38069208 PMCID: PMC10706615 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollutants and microbiome products converge on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) to redirect selective rapid adherence of isolated bone marrow (BM) cells. In young adult mice, Cyp1b1-deficiency and AhR activation by PAH, particularly when prolonged by Cyp1a1 deletion, produce matching gene stimulations in these BM cells. Vascular expression of Cyp1b1 lowers reactive oxygen species (ROS), suppressing NF-κB/RelA signaling. PAH and allelic selectivity support a non-canonical AhR participation, possibly through RelA. Genes stimulated by Cyp1b1 deficiency were further resolved according to the effects of Cyp1b1 and Cyp1a1 dual deletions (DKO). The adherent BM cells show a cluster of novel stimulations, including select developmental markers; multiple re-purposed olfactory receptors (OLFR); and α-Defensin, a microbial disruptor. Each one connects to an enhanced specific expression of the catalytic RNA Pol2 A subunit, among 12 different subunits. Mesenchymal progenitor BMS2 cells retain these features. Cyp1b1-deficiency removes lymphocytes from adherent assemblies as BM-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSC) expand. Cyp1b1 effects were cell-type specific. In vivo, BM-MSC Cyp1b1 expression mediated PAH suppression of lymphocyte progenitors. In vitro, OP9-MSC sustained these progenitors, while Csf1 induced monocyte progenitor expansion to macrophages. Targeted Cyp1b1 deletion (Cdh5-Cre; Cyp1b1fl/fl) established endothelium control of ROS that directs AhR-mediated suppression of B cell progenitors. Monocyte Cyp1b1 deletion (Lyz2-Cre; Cyp1b1fl/fl) selectively attenuated M1 polarization of expanded macrophages, but did not enhance effects on basal M2 polarization. Thus, specific sources of Cyp1b1 link to AhR and to an OLFR network to provide BM inflammatory modulation via diverse microbiome products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele C. Larsen
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (M.C.L.); (A.A.)
| | | | - Ahmed Almeldin
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (M.C.L.); (A.A.)
| | - Yong-Seok Song
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Alhaji N’Jai
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - David L. Alexander
- Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA; (D.L.A.); (E.C.F.)
| | - E. Camilla Forsberg
- Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA; (D.L.A.); (E.C.F.)
| | - Nader Sheibani
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (M.C.L.); (A.A.)
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Colin R. Jefcoate
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (M.C.L.); (A.A.)
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Rani K, Pal A, Gurnani B, Agarwala P, Sasmal DK, Jain N. An Innate Host Defense Protein β 2-Microglobulin Keeps a Check on α-Synuclein amyloid Assembly: Implications in Parkinson's Disease. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168285. [PMID: 37741548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid formation due to protein misfolding has gained significant attention due to its association with neurodegenerative diseases. α-Synuclein (α-syn) is one such protein that undergoes a profound conformational switch to form higher order cross-β-sheet structures, resulting in amyloid formation, which is linked to the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). The present status of research on α-syn aggregation and PD reveals that the disease progression may be linked with many other diseases, such as kidney-related disorders. Unraveling the link between PD and non-neurological diseases may help in early detection and a better understanding of PD progression. Herein, we investigated the modulation of α-syn in the presence of β2-microglobulin (β2m), a structural protein associated with dialysis-related amyloidosis. We took a multi-disciplinary approach to establish that β2m mitigates amyloid formation by α-syn. Our fluorescence, microscopy and toxicity data demonstrated that sub-stoichiometric ratio of β2m drives α-syn into off-pathway non-toxic aggregates incompetent of transforming into amyloids. Using AlphaFold2 and all-atom MD simulation, we showed that the β-strand segments (β1 and β2) of α-synuclein, which frequently engage in interactions within amyloid fibrils, interact with the last β-strand at the C-terminal of β2m. The outcome of this study will unravel the yet unknown potential linkage of PD with kidney-related disorders. Insights from the cross-talk between two amyloidogenic proteins will lead to early diagnosis and new therapeutic approaches for treating Parkinson's disease. Finally, disruption of the nucleation process of α-syn amyloids by targeting the β1-β2 region will constitute a potential therapeutic approach for inhibiting amyloid formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushboo Rani
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, NH 62, Nagaur Road, Karwar 342030, Rajasthan, India. https://twitter.com/khushboo251995
| | - Arumay Pal
- School of Bioengineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Bhopal, India. https://twitter.com/Arumay_Pal
| | - Bharat Gurnani
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, NH 62, Nagaur Road, Karwar 342030, Rajasthan, India. https://twitter.com/bgurnani05
| | - Pratibha Agarwala
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, NH 62, Nagaur Road, Karwar 342030, Rajasthan, India
| | - Dibyendu K Sasmal
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, NH 62, Nagaur Road, Karwar 342030, Rajasthan, India
| | - Neha Jain
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, NH 62, Nagaur Road, Karwar 342030, Rajasthan, India; Centre for Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development (CETSD), Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Nagaur Road, Karwar 342030, Rajasthan, India.
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Salles FJ, Frydas IS, Papaioannou N, Schultz DR, Luz MS, Rogero MM, Sarigiannis DA, Olympio KPK. Occupational exposure to potentially toxic elements alters gene expression profiles in formal and informal Brazilian workers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116835. [PMID: 37543127 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemical elements, such as toxic metals, have previously demonstrated their ability to alter gene expression in humans and other species. In this study, microarray analysis was used to compare the gene expression profiles of different occupational exposure populations: a) informal workers who perform soldering of jewelry inside their houses (n = 22) in São Paulo (SP) State; and b) formal workers from a steel company (n = 10) in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) state, Brazil. Control participants were recruited from the same neighborhoods without occupational chemical exposure (n = 19 in SP and n = 8 in RJ). A total of 68 blood samples were collected and RNA was extracted and hybridized using an Agilent microarray platform. Data pre-processing, statistical and pathway analysis were performed using GeneSpring software. Different expression was detected by fold-change analysis resulting in 16 up- and 33 down-regulated genes in informal workers compared to the control group. Pathway analysis revealed genes enriched in MAPK, Toll-like receptor, and NF-kappa B signaling pathways, involved in inflammatory and immune responses. In formal workers, 20 up- and 50 down-regulated genes were found related to antimicrobial peptides, defensins, neutrophil degranulation, Fc-gamma receptor-dependent phagocytosis, and pathways associated with atherosclerosis development, which is one of the main factors involved in the progression of cardiovascular diseases. The gene IFI27 was the only one commonly differentially expressed between informal and formal workers and is known to be associated with various types of cancer. In conclusion, differences in gene expression related to occupational exposure are mainly associated with inflammation and immune response. Previous research has identified a link between inflammation and immune responses and the development of chronic diseases, suggesting that prolonged occupational exposures to potentially toxic elements in Brazilian metal workers could lead to negative health outcomes. Further analysis should be carried out to investigate its direct effects and to validate causal associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Junqueira Salles
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira Cesar, CEP 01246-904, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; The Human Exposome Research Group/ Expossoma e Saúde do Trabalhador - eXsat, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, Sao Paulo, SP, 01246-000, Brazil.
| | - Ilias S Frydas
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece; HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001, Greece.
| | - Nafsika Papaioannou
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece; HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001, Greece.
| | - Dayna R Schultz
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece; HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001, Greece.
| | - Maciel Santos Luz
- Laboratory of Metallurgical Process, Institute for Technological Research, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo Macedo Rogero
- Nutritional Genomics and Inflammation Laboratory, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, 01246-904 São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Dimosthenis A Sarigiannis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece; HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001, Greece; National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece; Environmental Health Engineering, Science, Technology and Society Department, School for Advanced Study (IUSS), Pavia, Italy.
| | - Kelly Polido Kaneshiro Olympio
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira Cesar, CEP 01246-904, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; The Human Exposome Research Group/ Expossoma e Saúde do Trabalhador - eXsat, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, Sao Paulo, SP, 01246-000, Brazil.
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Hu CT, Diaz K, Yang LC, Sharma A, Greenberg HB, Smith JG. Corrected and republished from: "VP4 Is a Determinant of Alpha-Defensin Modulation of Rotaviral Infection". J Virol 2023; 97:e0096223. [PMID: 37787534 PMCID: PMC10617384 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00962-23] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhea in young children. Like other fecal-oral pathogens, rotaviruses encounter abundant, constitutively expressed defensins in the small intestine. These peptides are a vital part of the vertebrate innate immune system. By investigating the impact that defensins from multiple species have on the infectivity of different strains of rotavirus, we show that some rotaviral infections can be inhibited by defensins. We also found that rotaviruses may have evolved resistance to defensins in the intestine of their host species, and some even appropriate defensins to increase their infectivity. Because rotaviruses infect a broad range of animals and rotaviral infections are highly prevalent in children, identifying immune defenses against infection and how they vary across species and among viral genotypes is important for our understanding of the evolution, transmission, and zoonotic potential of these viruses as well as the improvement of vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara T. Hu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Karina Diaz
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Linda C. Yang
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Harry B. Greenberg
- Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jason G. Smith
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Blancas-Luciano BE, Zamora-Chimal J, da Silva-de Rosenzweig PG, Ramos-Mares M, Fernández-Presas AM. Macrophages immunomodulation induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis and oral antimicrobial peptides. Odontology 2023; 111:778-792. [PMID: 36897441 PMCID: PMC10492884 DOI: 10.1007/s10266-023-00798-w] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Porphyromonas gingivalis is a keystone pathogen associated with periodontitis development, a chronic inflammatory pathology characterized by the destruction of the supporting teeth structure. Macrophages are recruited cells in the inflammatory infiltrate from patients with periodontitis. They are activated by the P. gingivalis virulence factors arsenal, promoting an inflammatory microenvironment characterized by cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), prostaglandins, and metalloproteinases (MMPs) that foster the tissular destruction characteristic of periodontitis. Furthermore, P. gingivalis suppresses the generation of nitric oxide, a potent antimicrobial molecule, through its degradation, and incorporating its byproducts as a source of energy. Oral antimicrobial peptides can contribute to controlling the disease due to their antimicrobial and immunoregulatory activity, which allows them to maintain homeostasis in the oral cavity. This study aimed to analyze the immunopathological role of macrophages activated by P. gingivalis in periodontitis and suggested using antimicrobial peptides as therapeutic agents to treat the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Esther Blancas-Luciano
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Col. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, CP 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Ciudad Universitaria, Edificio D, 1° Piso, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jaime Zamora-Chimal
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Hospital General de México, Dr. Balmis, 148 Col. Doctores, Del. Cuauhtémoc, C.P. 06726, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pablo Gomes da Silva-de Rosenzweig
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan, State of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Mariana Ramos-Mares
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan, State of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Ana María Fernández-Presas
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Col. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, CP 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Zhao S, Li Y, Su C. Assessment of common risk factors of diabetes and chronic kidney disease: a Mendelian randomization study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1265719. [PMID: 37780623 PMCID: PMC10535100 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1265719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The increasing prevalence of diabetes and its significant impact on mortality and morbidity rates worldwide has led to a growing interest in understanding its common risk factors, particularly in relation to chronic kidney disease (CKD). This research article aims to investigate the shared risk factors between type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and CKD using a Mendelian randomization (MR) design. Methods The study utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets for T1D, T2D, and CKD from the FinnGen research project. GWAS summary statistics datasets for 118 exposure traits were obtained from the IEU OpenGWAS database. MR analyses were conducted to examine the causal relationships between exposure traits and each of the three outcomes. Multiple methods, including inverse-variance weighted, weighted median, and MR-Egger, were employed for the MR studies. Results Phenome-wide MR analyses revealed that eosinophil percentage exhibited a significant and suggestive causal association with T1D and CKD, respectively, suggesting its potential as a shared risk factor for T1D and CKD. For T2D, 34 traits demonstrated significant associations. Among these 34 traits, 14 were also significantly associated with CKD, indicating the presence of common risk factors between T2D and CKD, primarily related to obesity, height, blood lipids and sex hormone binding globulin, blood pressure, and walking pace. Conclusion This research has uncovered the eosinophil percentage as a potential common risk factor for both T1D and CKD, while also identifying several traits, such as obesity and blood lipids, as shared risk factors for T2D and CKD. This study contributes to the understanding of the common risk factors between diabetes and CKD, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to reduce the risk of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwu Zhao
- Department of Pain, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yiming Li
- School of Basic Medicine Science, Naval Medical University/Second Military University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Su
- Department of Pain, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Mhlongo JT, Waddad AY, Albericio F, de la Torre BG. Antimicrobial Peptide Synergies for Fighting Infectious Diseases. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2300472. [PMID: 37407512 PMCID: PMC10502873 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential elements of thehost defense system. Characterized by heterogenous structures and broad-spectrumaction, they are promising candidates for combating multidrug resistance. Thecombined use of AMPs with other antimicrobial agents provides a new arsenal ofdrugs with synergistic action, thereby overcoming the drawback of monotherapiesduring infections. AMPs kill microbes via pore formation, thus inhibitingintracellular functions. This mechanism of action by AMPs is an advantage overantibiotics as it hinders the development of drug resistance. The synergisticeffect of AMPs will allow the repurposing of conventional antimicrobials andenhance their clinical outcomes, reduce toxicity, and, most significantly,prevent the development of resistance. In this review, various synergies ofAMPs with antimicrobials and miscellaneous agents are discussed. The effect ofstructural diversity and chemical modification on AMP properties is firstaddressed and then different combinations that can lead to synergistic action,whether this combination is between AMPs and antimicrobials, or AMPs andmiscellaneous compounds, are attended. This review can serve as guidance whenredesigning and repurposing the use of AMPs in combination with other antimicrobialagents for enhanced clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica T. Mhlongo
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP)School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical SciencesCollege of Health SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurban4041South Africa
- Peptide Science LaboratorySchool of Chemistry and PhysicsUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalWestvilleDurban4000South Africa
| | - Ayman Y. Waddad
- Peptide Science LaboratorySchool of Chemistry and PhysicsUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalWestvilleDurban4000South Africa
| | - Fernando Albericio
- Peptide Science LaboratorySchool of Chemistry and PhysicsUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalWestvilleDurban4000South Africa
- CIBER‐BBNNetworking Centre on BioengineeringBiomaterials and Nanomedicineand Department of Organic ChemistryUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelona08028Spain
| | - Beatriz G. de la Torre
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP)School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical SciencesCollege of Health SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurban4041South Africa
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Vanders RL, Gomez HM, Hsu AC, Daly K, Wark PAB, Horvat JC, Hansbro PM. Inflammatory and antiviral responses to influenza A virus infection are dysregulated in pregnant mice with allergic airway disease. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2023; 325:L385-L398. [PMID: 37463835 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00232.2022] [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: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus (IAV) infections are increased during pregnancy especially with asthma as a comorbidity, leading to asthma exacerbations, secondary bacterial infections, intensive care unit admissions, and mortality. We aimed to define the processes involved in increased susceptibility and severity of IAV infections during pregnancy, especially with asthma. We sensitized mice to house dust mite (HDM), induced pregnancy, and challenged with HDM to induce allergic airway disease (AAD). At midpregnancy, we induced IAV infection. We assessed viral titers, airway inflammation, lung antiviral responses, mucus hypersecretion, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). During early IAV infection, pregnant mice with AAD had increased mRNA expression of the inflammatory markers Il13 and IL17 and reduced mRNA expression of the neutrophil chemoattractant marker Kc. These mice had increased mucous hyperplasia and increased AHR. miR155, miR574, miR223, and miR1187 were also reduced during early infection, as was mRNA expression of the antiviral β-defensins, Bd1, Bd2, and Spd and IFNs, Ifnα, Ifnβ, and Ifnλ. During late infection, Il17 was still increased as was eosinophil infiltration in the lungs. mRNA expression of Kc was reduced, as was neutrophil infiltration and mRNA expression of the antiviral markers Ifnβ, Ifnλ, and Ifnγ and Ip10, Tlr3, Tlr9, Pkr, and Mx1. Mucous hyperplasia was still significantly increased as was AHR. Early phase IAV infection in pregnancy with asthma heightens underlying inflammatory asthmatic phenotype and reduces antiviral responses.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Influenza A virus (IAV) infection during pregnancy with asthma is a major health concern leading to increased morbidity for both mother and baby. Using murine models, we show that IAV infection in pregnancy with allergic airway disease is associated with impaired global antiviral and antimicrobial responses, increased lung inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Targeting specific β-defensins or microRNAs (miRNAs) may prove useful in future treatments for IAV infection during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Vanders
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Vaccines, Infection, Viruses and Asthma Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Henry M Gomez
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Vaccines, Infection, Viruses and Asthma Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alan C Hsu
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Vaccines, Infection, Viruses and Asthma Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katie Daly
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Vaccines, Infection, Viruses and Asthma Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter A B Wark
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Vaccines, Infection, Viruses and Asthma Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jay C Horvat
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Vaccines, Infection, Viruses and Asthma Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Vaccines, Infection, Viruses and Asthma Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Fu J, Zong X, Jin M, Min J, Wang F, Wang Y. Mechanisms and regulation of defensins in host defense. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:300. [PMID: 37574471 PMCID: PMC10423725 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As a family of cationic host defense peptides, defensins are mainly synthesized by Paneth cells, neutrophils, and epithelial cells, contributing to host defense. Their biological functions in innate immunity, as well as their structure and activity relationships, along with their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential, have been of great interest in recent years. To highlight the key research into the role of defensins in human and animal health, we first describe their research history, structural features, evolution, and antimicrobial mechanisms. Next, we cover the role of defensins in immune homeostasis, chemotaxis, mucosal barrier function, gut microbiota regulation, intestinal development and regulation of cell death. Further, we discuss their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential in various diseases, including infectious disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and obesity, chronic inflammatory lung disease, periodontitis and cancer. Finally, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the nutrient-dependent regulation of defensins, including fatty acids, amino acids, microelements, plant extracts, and probiotics, while considering the clinical application of such regulation. Together, the review summarizes the various biological functions, mechanism of actions and potential clinical significance of defensins, along with the challenges in developing defensins-based therapy, thus providing crucial insights into their biology and potential clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xin Zong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mingliang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Junxia Min
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fudi Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Basic Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.
| | - Yizhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Çobanoğlu Ş, Arslan E, Yazıcı A, Örtücü S. Expression of Human β-defensin 2 (hBD-2) in Pichia Pastoris and Investigation of Its Binding Efficiency with ACE-2. Protein J 2023; 42:399-407. [PMID: 37291459 PMCID: PMC10250178 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-023-10130-8] [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] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is a disease that have affected the entire world, and it continues to spread with new variants. A patient's innate immune system plays a critical role in the mild and severe transition of COVID-19. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are important components of the innate immune system, are potential molecules to fight pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Human β-defensin 2 (hBD-2), a 41-amino-acid antimicrobial peptide, is one of the defensins inducibly expressed in the skin, lungs, and trachea in humans. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the interaction of hBD-2 produced recombinantly in Pichia pastoris with the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) under in vitro conditions. First, hBD-2 was cloned in P. pastoris X-33 via the pPICZαA vector, a yeast expression platform, and its expression was confirmed by SDS-PAGE, western blotting, and qRT-PCR. Then, the interaction between recombinant hBD-2 and ACE-2 proteins was revealed by a pull-down assay. In light of these preliminary experiments, we suggest that the recombinantly produced hBD-2 may be protective against SARS-CoV-2 and be used as a supplement in treatment. However, current findings need to be supported by cell culture studies, toxicity analyses, and in vivo experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şeymanur Çobanoğlu
- Faculty of Science, Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey
- High Technology Research and Application Centre (YUTAM), Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Elif Arslan
- Faculty of Science, Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey
- High Technology Research and Application Centre (YUTAM), Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ayşenur Yazıcı
- Faculty of Science, Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey.
- High Technology Research and Application Centre (YUTAM), Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey.
| | - Serkan Örtücü
- Faculty of Science, Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey
- High Technology Research and Application Centre (YUTAM), Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey
- EcoTech Biotechnology, Ata Teknokent, Erzurum, Turkey
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Raileanu M, Borlan R, Campu A, Janosi L, Turcu I, Focsan M, Bacalum M. No country for old antibiotics! Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as next-generation treatment for skin and soft tissue infection. Int J Pharm 2023:123169. [PMID: 37356506 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the unprecedented rise of bacterial antibiotic resistance together with the lack of adequate therapies have made the treatment of skin infections and chronic wounds challenging, urging the scientific community to focus on the development of new and more efficient treatment strategies. In this context, there is a growing interest in the use of natural molecules with antimicrobial features, capable of supporting wound healing i.e., antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections. In this review, we give a short overview of the bacterial skin infections as well as some of the classic treatments used for topical application. We then summarize the AMPs classes, stressing the importance of the appropriate selection of the peptides based on their characteristics and physicochemical properties in order to maximize the antibacterial efficacy of the therapeutic systems against multi-drug resistant pathogens. Additionally, the present paper provides a comprehensive and rigorous assessment of the latest clinical trials investigating the efficacy of AMPs in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, highlighting the relevant outcomes. Seeking to obtain novel and improved compounds with synergistic activity, while also decreasing some of the known side effects of AMPs, we present two employed strategies using AMPs: (i) AMPs-conjugated nanosystems for systemic and topical drug delivery systems and (ii) antibiotics-peptide conjugates as a strategy to overcome antibiotics resistance. Finally, an important property of some of the AMPs used in wound treatment is highlighted: their ability to help in wound healing by generally promoting cell proliferation and migration, and in some cases re-epithelialization and angiogenesis among others. Thus, as the pursuit of improvement is an ongoing effort, this work presents the advances made in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections along with their advantages and limitations, while the still remaining challenges are addressed by providing future prospects and strategies to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Raileanu
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, Horia Hulubei National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Reactorului 30, Măgurele 077125, Romania
| | - Raluca Borlan
- Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microspectroscopy Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Treboniu Laurian No. 42, 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andreea Campu
- Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microspectroscopy Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Treboniu Laurian No. 42, 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lorant Janosi
- Molecular and Biomolecular Physics Department, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 65-103 Donath Street, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioan Turcu
- Molecular and Biomolecular Physics Department, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 65-103 Donath Street, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Monica Focsan
- Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microspectroscopy Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Treboniu Laurian No. 42, 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Mihaela Bacalum
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, Horia Hulubei National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Reactorului 30, Măgurele 077125, Romania.
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Pokharel SM, Mohanty I, Mariasoosai C, Miura TA, Maddison LA, Natesan S, Bose S. Human beta defensin-3 mediated activation of β-catenin during human respiratory syncytial virus infection: interaction of HBD3 with LDL receptor-related protein 5. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1186510. [PMID: 37426017 PMCID: PMC10324619 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1186510] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a non-segmented negative-sense RNA virus belonging to the paramyxovirus family. RSV infects the respiratory tract to cause pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants, elderly, and immunocompromised patients. Effective clinical therapeutic options and vaccines to combat RSV infection are still lacking. Therefore, to develop effective therapeutic interventions, it is imperative to understand virus-host interactions during RSV infection. Cytoplasmic stabilization of β-catenin protein results in activation of canonical Wingless (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathway that culminates in transcriptional activation of various genes regulated by T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) transcription factors. This pathway is involved in various biological and physiological functions. Our study shows RSV infection of human lung epithelial A549 cells triggering β-catenin protein stabilization and induction of β-catenin mediated transcriptional activity. Functionally, the activated β-catenin pathway promoted a pro-inflammatory response during RSV infection of lung epithelial cells. Studies with β-catenin inhibitors and A549 cells lacking optimal β-catenin activity demonstrated a significant loss of pro-inflammatory chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) release from RSV-infected cells. Mechanistically, our studies revealed a role of extracellular human beta defensin-3 (HBD3) in interacting with cell surface Wnt receptor LDL receptor-related protein-5 (LRP5) to activate the non-canonical Wnt independent β-catenin pathway during RSV infection. We showed gene expression and release of HBD3 from RSV-infected cells and silencing of HBD3 expression resulted in reduced stabilization of β-catenin protein during RSV infection. Furthermore, we observed the binding of extracellular HBD3 with cell surface localized LRP5 protein, and our in silico and protein-protein interaction studies have highlighted a direct interaction of HBD3 with LRP5. Thus, our studies have identified the β-catenin pathway as a key regulator of pro-inflammatory response during RSV infection of human lung epithelial cells. This pathway was induced during RSV infection via a non-canonical Wnt-independent mechanism involving paracrine/autocrine action of extracellular HBD3 activating cell surface Wnt receptor complex by directly interacting with the LRP5 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swechha M. Pokharel
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Indira Mohanty
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Charles Mariasoosai
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Tanya A. Miura
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Lisette A. Maddison
- Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Senthil Natesan
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Santanu Bose
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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Lee M, Lee SY, Bae YS. Functional roles of sphingolipids in immunity and their implication in disease. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1110-1130. [PMID: 37258585 PMCID: PMC10318102 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01018-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids, which are components of cellular membranes and organ tissues, can be synthesized or degraded to modulate cellular responses according to environmental cues, and the balance among the different sphingolipids is important for directing immune responses, regardless of whether they originate, as intra- or extracellular immune events. Recent progress in multiomics-based analyses and methodological approaches has revealed that human health and diseases are closely related to the homeostasis of sphingolipid metabolism, and disease-specific alterations in sphingolipids and related enzymes can be prognostic markers of human disease progression. Accumulating human clinical data from genome-wide association studies and preclinical data from disease models provide support for the notion that sphingolipids are the missing pieces that supplement our understanding of immune responses and diseases in which the functions of the involved proteins and nucleotides have been established. In this review, we analyze sphingolipid-related enzymes and reported human diseases to understand the important roles of sphingolipid metabolism. We discuss the defects and alterations in sphingolipid metabolism in human disease, along with functional roles in immune cells. We also introduce several methodological approaches and provide summaries of research on sphingolipid modulators in this review that should be helpful in studying the roles of sphingolipids in preclinical studies for the investigation of experimental and molecular medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Lee
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 06355, Republic of Korea
| | - Suh Yeon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoe-Sik Bae
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 06355, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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Maraga E, Safadi R, Amer J, Higazi AAR, Fanne RA. Alleviation of Hepatic Steatosis by Alpha-Defensin Is Associated with Enhanced Lipolysis. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59050983. [PMID: 37241215 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The neutrophilic peptide, alpha-defensin, is considered an evolving risk factor intimately linked with lipid mobilization. It was previously linked to augmented liver fibrosis. Here, we assess a potential association between alpha-defensin and fatty liver. Materials and Methods: A cohort of transgenic C57BL/6JDef+/+ male mice that overexpress the human neutrophil-derived alpha-defensin in their polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) were assessed for liver steatosis and fibrosis development. Wild type (C57BL/6JDef.Wt) and transgenic (C57BL/6JDef+/+) mice were maintained on a standard rodent chow diet for 8.5 months. At the termination of the experiment, systemic metabolic indices and hepatic immunological cell profiling were assessed. Results: The Def+/+ transgenic mice exhibited lower body and liver weights, lower serum fasting glucose and cholesterol, and significantly lower liver fat content. These results were associated with impaired liver lymphocytes count and function (lower CD8, NK cells, and killing marker CD107a). The metabolic cage demonstrated dominant fat utilization with a comparable food intake in the Def+/+ mice. Conclusions: Chronic physiological expression of alpha-defensin induces favorable blood metabolic profile, increased systemic lipolysis, and decreased hepatic fat accumulation. Further studies are needed to characterize the defensin net liver effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Maraga
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem IL-91120, Israel
| | - Rifaat Safadi
- Liver Unit, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem IL-91120, Israel
| | - Johnny Amer
- Liver Unit, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem IL-91120, Israel
| | - Abd Al-Roof Higazi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem IL-91120, Israel
| | - Rami Abu Fanne
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem IL-91120, Israel
- Department of Cardiology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
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Choi KY, Cheung JKW, Wong GTK, Li PH, Chan SSH, Lam TC, Chan HHL. Myopia Control Efficacy and Long-Term Safety of a Novel Orthokeratology Lens (MESOK Study)-A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Combining Clinical and Tear Proteomics Data. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093210. [PMID: 37176650 PMCID: PMC10179394 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Myopia control efficacy and long-term safety of the Breath-O-Correct orthokeratology (OK) lens was evaluated in a 2-year randomized, single vision (SV) spectacle lens-controlled, single-blind clinical trial combining clinical and tear proteomics data. A total of 71 children (43 OK, 9.8 ± 1.3 years; 28 SV, 9.5 ± 1.4 years) completed the 2-year study. Axial length (AL), cycloplegic refraction, clinical safety parameters (best-corrected visual acuity, central cornea thickness, corneal endothelial health, ocular surface disease index), and quantitative tear proteomics were evaluated by masked examiners. Mean 2-year-normalized AL elongations in the OK and SV groups differed significantly (p = 0.03) and were 0.37 ± 0.37 mm and 0.60 ± 0.41 mm, respectively. OK-mediated myopia control efficacy was 37.1%. No significant difference was found in clinical safety parameters of both groups (p > 0.10), except for a thinner central corneal thickness in the OK group (p = 0.01). Proteomics revealed modest OK lens-mediated effects on immune response proteins, including an increased abundance of haptoglobin at 6 and 12 months and a decreased abundance of two proteins (neutrophil defensin 3 and histone 4) at 6 months. The changes were further validated using a high-resolution multiple-reaction monitoring (MRMHR) mass spectrometry. In summary, the Breath-O-Correct OK lens significantly reduced AL elongation in schoolchildren without adverse clinical effects or subclinical inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yip Choi
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jimmy K W Cheung
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), 17W Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Gigi T K Wong
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Peter H Li
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), 17W Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sonia S H Chan
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Thomas C Lam
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), 17W Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Henry H L Chan
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), 17W Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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50
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Lima WG, de Lima ME. Therapeutic Prospection of Animal Venoms-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides against Infections by Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: A Systematic Review of Pre-Clinical Studies. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15040268. [PMID: 37104206 PMCID: PMC10143903 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-Ab) have become a public health emergency. Due to the small therapeutic arsenal available to treat these infections, health agencies have highlighted the importance of developing new antimicrobials against MDR-Ab. In this context, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) stand out, and animal venoms are a rich source of these compounds. Here, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the use of animal venom-derived AMPs in the treatment of MDR-Ab infections in vivo. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The eight studies included in this review identified the antibacterial activity of eleven different AMPs against MDR-Ab. Most of the studied AMPs originated from arthropod venoms. In addition, all AMPs are positively charged and rich in lysine residues. In vivo assays showed that the use of these compounds reduces MDR-Ab-induced lethality and bacterial load in invasive (bacteremia and pneumonia) and superficial (wounds) infection models. Moreover, animal venom-derived AMPs have pleiotropic effects, such as pro-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, that help treat infections. Animal venom-derived AMPs are a potential source of prototype molecules for the development of new therapeutic agents against MDR-Ab.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Gustavo Lima
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina-Biomedicina, Faculdade Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte 30150-250, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena de Lima
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina-Biomedicina, Faculdade Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte 30150-250, MG, Brazil
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