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Nakada M, Kanda J, Uchiyama H, Matsumura K. Nanoscale intracellular ultrastructures affected by osmotic pressure using small-angle X-ray scattering. Biophys Chem 2024; 312:107287. [PMID: 38981174 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2024.107287] [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: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Although intracellular ultrastructures have typically been studied using microscopic techniques, it is difficult to observe ultrastructures at the submicron scale of living cells due to spatial resolution (fluorescence microscopy) or high vacuum environment (electron microscopy). We investigate the nanometer scale intracellular ultrastructures of living CHO cells in various osmolality using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and especially the structures of ribosomes, DNA double helix, and plasma membranes in-cell environment are observed. Ribosomes expand and contract in response to osmotic pressure, and the inter-ribosomal correlation occurs under isotonic and hyperosmolality. The DNA double helix is not dependent on the osmotic pressure. Under high osmotic pressure, the plasma membrane folds into form a multilamellar structure with a periodic length of about 6 nm. We also study the ultrastructural changes caused by formaldehyde fixation, freezing and heating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Nakada
- Toray Research Center, Inc., 2-11 Sonoyama 3-chome, Otsu, Shiga 520-8567, Japan.
| | - Junko Kanda
- Toray Research Center, Inc., 2-11 Sonoyama 3-chome, Otsu, Shiga 520-8567, Japan
| | - Hironobu Uchiyama
- Toray Research Center, Inc., 2-11 Sonoyama 3-chome, Otsu, Shiga 520-8567, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Matsumura
- School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan
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2
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Eljebbawi A, Hutin S, Zubieta C, Stahl Y. Environmental signals driving liquid-liquid phase separation - a molecular memory in plants? FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1391043. [PMID: 38736449 PMCID: PMC11082374 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1391043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Eljebbawi
- Institute for Developmental Genetics, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hutin
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Commissariat à l’énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, Institut National de Recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement, Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire de Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Chloe Zubieta
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Commissariat à l’énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, Institut National de Recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement, Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire de Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Yvonne Stahl
- Institute for Developmental Genetics, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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3
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Sang CC, Moore G, Tereshchenko M, Nosella ML, Zhang H, Alderson TR, Dasovich M, Leung A, Finkelstein IJ, Forman-Kay JD, Lee HO. PARP1 condensates differentially partition DNA repair proteins and enhance DNA ligation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.20.575817. [PMID: 38328070 PMCID: PMC10849519 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.20.575817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is one of the first responders to DNA damage and plays crucial roles in recruiting DNA repair proteins through its activity - poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation). The enrichment of DNA repair proteins at sites of DNA damage has been described as the formation of a biomolecular condensate. However, it is not understood how PARP1 and PARylation contribute to the formation and organization of DNA repair condensates. Using recombinant human PARP1 in vitro, we find that PARP1 readily forms viscous biomolecular condensates in a DNA-dependent manner and that this depends on its three zinc finger (ZnF) domains. PARylation enhances PARP1 condensation in a PAR chain-length dependent manner and increases the internal dynamics of PARP1 condensates. DNA and single-strand break repair proteins XRCC1, LigIII, Polβ, and FUS partition in PARP1 condensates, although in different patterns. While Polβ and FUS are both homogeneously mixed within PARP1 condensates, FUS enrichment is greatly enhanced upon PARylation whereas Polβ partitioning is not. XRCC1 and LigIII display an inhomogeneous organization within PARP1 condensates; their enrichment in these multiphase condensates is enhanced by PARylation. Functionally, PARP1 condensates concentrate short DNA fragments and facilitate compaction of long DNA and bridge DNA ends. Furthermore, the presence of PARP1 condensates significantly promotes DNA ligation upon PARylation. These findings provide insight into how PARP1 condensation and PARylation regulate the assembly and biochemical activities in DNA repair foci, which may inform on how PARPs function in other PAR-driven condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gaelen Moore
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Maria Tereshchenko
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Michael L. Nosella
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Hongshan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
| | - T. Reid Alderson
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Morgan Dasovich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Anthony Leung
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Oncology, and Department of Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ilya J. Finkelstein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
| | - Julie D. Forman-Kay
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Hyun O. Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
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4
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Peng M, Hutin S, Mironova A, Zubieta C, Wigge PA. Analysis of Phase Separation of EARLY FLOWERING 3. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2795:123-134. [PMID: 38594534 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3814-9_13] [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] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Phase separation is an important mechanism for regulating various cellular functions. The EARLY FLOWERING 3 (ELF3) protein, an essential element of the EVENING COMPLEX (EC) involved in circadian clock regulation, has been shown to undergo phase separation. ELF3 is known to significantly influence elongation growth and flowering time regulation, and this is postulated to be due to whether the protein is in the dilute or phase-separated state. Here, we present a brief overview of methods for analyzing ELF3 phase separation in vitro, including the generation of phase diagrams as a function of pH and salt versus protein concentrations, optical microscopy, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), and turbidity assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maolin Peng
- Leibniz-Institut für Gemüse-und Zierpflanzenbau, Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, Großbeeren, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hutin
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire and Végétale, Univ. Grenoble Alpes/CNRS/CEA/INRA/IRIG, Grenoble, France
| | - Aleksandra Mironova
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire and Végétale, Univ. Grenoble Alpes/CNRS/CEA/INRA/IRIG, Grenoble, France
| | - Chloe Zubieta
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire and Végétale, Univ. Grenoble Alpes/CNRS/CEA/INRA/IRIG, Grenoble, France
| | - Philip A Wigge
- Leibniz-Institut für Gemüse-und Zierpflanzenbau, Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, Großbeeren, Germany.
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5
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Gusev E, Sarapultsev A. Atherosclerosis and Inflammation: Insights from the Theory of General Pathological Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097910. [PMID: 37175617 PMCID: PMC10178362 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances have greatly improved our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind atherosclerosis pathogenesis. However, there is still a need to systematize this data from a general pathology perspective, particularly with regard to atherogenesis patterns in the context of both canonical and non-classical inflammation types. In this review, we analyze various typical phenomena and outcomes of cellular pro-inflammatory stress in atherosclerosis, as well as the role of endothelial dysfunction in local and systemic manifestations of low-grade inflammation. We also present the features of immune mechanisms in the development of productive inflammation in stable and unstable plaques, along with their similarities and differences compared to canonical inflammation. There are numerous factors that act as inducers of the inflammatory process in atherosclerosis, including vascular endothelium aging, metabolic dysfunctions, autoimmune, and in some cases, infectious damage factors. Life-critical complications of atherosclerosis, such as cardiogenic shock and severe strokes, are associated with the development of acute systemic hyperinflammation. Additionally, critical atherosclerotic ischemia of the lower extremities induces paracoagulation and the development of chronic systemic inflammation. Conversely, sepsis, other critical conditions, and severe systemic chronic diseases contribute to atherogenesis. In summary, atherosclerosis can be characterized as an independent form of inflammation, sharing similarities but also having fundamental differences from low-grade inflammation and various variants of canonical inflammation (classic vasculitis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Gusev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Alexey Sarapultsev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia
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6
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Brownsword MJ, Locker N. A little less aggregation a little more replication: Viral manipulation of stress granules. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1741. [PMID: 35709333 PMCID: PMC10078398 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Recent exciting studies have uncovered how membrane-less organelles, also known as biocondensates, are providing cells with rapid response pathways, allowing them to re-organize their cellular contents and adapt to stressful conditions. Their assembly is driven by the phase separation of their RNAs and intrinsically disordered protein components into condensed foci. Among these, stress granules (SGs) are dynamic cytoplasmic biocondensates that form in response to many stresses, including activation of the integrated stress response or viral infections. SGs sit at the crossroads between antiviral signaling and translation because they concentrate signaling proteins and components of the innate immune response, in addition to translation machinery and stalled mRNAs. Consequently, they have been proposed to contribute to antiviral activities, and therefore are targeted by viral countermeasures. Equally, SGs components can be commandeered by viruses for their own efficient replication. Phase separation processes are an important component of the viral life cycle, for example, driving the assembly of replication factories or inclusion bodies. Therefore, in this review, we will outline the recent understanding of this complex interplay and tug of war between viruses, SGs, and their components. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease Translation > Regulation RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Brownsword
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Biosciences and MedicineUniversity of SurreyGuildfordSurreyUK
| | - Nicolas Locker
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Biosciences and MedicineUniversity of SurreyGuildfordSurreyUK
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7
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Rothzerg E, Feng W, Song D, Li H, Wei Q, Fox A, Wood D, Xu J, Liu Y. Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Paraspeckles Expression in Osteosarcoma Tissues. Cancer Inform 2022; 21:11769351221140101. [PMID: 36507075 PMCID: PMC9730017 DOI: 10.1177/11769351221140101] [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: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear paraspeckles are subnuclear bodies contracted by nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) long non-coding RNA, localised in the interchromatin space of mammalian cell nuclei. Paraspeckles have been critically involved in tumour progression, metastasis and chemoresistance. To this date, there are limited findings to suggest that paraspeckles, NEAT1 and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) directly or indirectly play roles in osteosarcoma progression. Herein, we analysed NEAT1, paraspeckle proteins (SFPQ, PSPC1 and NONO) and hnRNP members (HNRNPK, HNRNPM, HNRNPR and HNRNPD) gene expression in 6 osteosarcoma tumour tissues using the single-cell RNA-sequencing method. The normalised data highlighted that the paraspeckles transcripts were highly abundant in osteoblastic OS cells, except NEAT1, which was highly expressed in myeloid cell 1 and 2 subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emel Rothzerg
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Wenyu Feng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Dezhi Song
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia,Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Hengyuan Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia,Department of Orthopedics, Centre for Orthopedic Research, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Orthopedics Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingjun Wei
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Archa Fox
- School of Human Sciences and Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - David Wood
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jiake Xu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia,Jiake Xu, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Yun Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia,Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China,Yun Liu, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
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8
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A brief guideline for studies of phase-separated biomolecular condensates. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:1307-1318. [DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01204-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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9
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Loh D, Reiter RJ. Melatonin: Regulation of Viral Phase Separation and Epitranscriptomics in Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8122. [PMID: 35897696 PMCID: PMC9368024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The relentless, protracted evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus imposes tremendous pressure on herd immunity and demands versatile adaptations by the human host genome to counter transcriptomic and epitranscriptomic alterations associated with a wide range of short- and long-term manifestations during acute infection and post-acute recovery, respectively. To promote viral replication during active infection and viral persistence, the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein regulates host cell microenvironment including pH and ion concentrations to maintain a high oxidative environment that supports template switching, causing extensive mitochondrial damage and activation of pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling cascades. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial distress induce dynamic changes to both the host and viral RNA m6A methylome, and can trigger the derepression of long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE1), resulting in global hypomethylation, epigenetic changes, and genomic instability. The timely application of melatonin during early infection enhances host innate antiviral immune responses by preventing the formation of "viral factories" by nucleocapsid liquid-liquid phase separation that effectively blockades viral genome transcription and packaging, the disassembly of stress granules, and the sequestration of DEAD-box RNA helicases, including DDX3X, vital to immune signaling. Melatonin prevents membrane depolarization and protects cristae morphology to suppress glycolysis via antioxidant-dependent and -independent mechanisms. By restraining the derepression of LINE1 via multifaceted strategies, and maintaining the balance in m6A RNA modifications, melatonin could be the quintessential ancient molecule that significantly influences the outcome of the constant struggle between virus and host to gain transcriptomic and epitranscriptomic dominance over the host genome during acute infection and PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Loh
- Independent Researcher, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA;
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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10
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Williams FN, Scaglione KM. Insights on Microsatellite Characteristics, Evolution, and Function From the Social Amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:886837. [PMID: 35769695 PMCID: PMC9234386 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.886837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsatellites are repetitive sequences commonly found in the genomes of higher organisms. These repetitive sequences are prone to expansion or contraction, and when microsatellite expansion occurs in the regulatory or coding regions of genes this can result in a number of diseases including many neurodegenerative diseases. Unlike in humans and other organisms, the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum contains an unusually high number of microsatellites. Intriguingly, many of these microsatellites fall within the coding region of genes, resulting in nearly 10,000 homopolymeric repeat proteins within the Dictyostelium proteome. Surprisingly, among the most common of these repeats are polyglutamine repeats, a type of repeat that causes a class of nine neurodegenerative diseases in humans. In this minireview, we summarize what is currently known about homopolymeric repeats and microsatellites in Dictyostelium discoideum and discuss the potential utility of Dictyostelium for identifying novel mechanisms that utilize and regulate regions of repetitive DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia N. Williams
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - K. Matthew Scaglione
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration and Neurotherapeutics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: K. Matthew Scaglione,
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11
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Inflammation: A New Look at an Old Problem. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094596. [PMID: 35562986 PMCID: PMC9100490 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory stress is inherent in any cells that are subject to damage or threat of damage. It is defined by a number of universal components, including oxidative stress, cellular response to DNA damage, unfolded protein response to mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress, changes in autophagy, inflammasome formation, non-coding RNA response, formation of an inducible network of signaling pathways, and epigenetic changes. The presence of an inducible receptor and secretory phenotype in many cells is the cause of tissue pro-inflammatory stress. The key phenomenon determining the occurrence of a classical inflammatory focus is the microvascular inflammatory response (exudation, leukocyte migration to the alteration zone). This same reaction at the systemic level leads to the development of life-critical systemic inflammation. From this standpoint, we can characterize the common mechanisms of pathologies that differ in their clinical appearance. The division of inflammation into alternative variants has deep evolutionary roots. Evolutionary aspects of inflammation are also described in the review. The aim of the review is to provide theoretical arguments for the need for an up-to-date theory of the relationship between key human pathological processes based on the integrative role of the molecular mechanisms of cellular and tissue pro-inflammatory stress.
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12
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Igelmann S, Lessard F, Ferbeyre G. Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in Cancer Signaling, Metabolism and Anticancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071830. [PMID: 35406602 PMCID: PMC8997759 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The cancer state is thought to be maintained by genetic and epigenetic changes that drive a cancer-promoting gene expression program. However, recent results show that cellular states can be also stably maintained by the reorganization of cell structure leading to the formation of biological condensates via the process of liquid-liquid phase separation. Here, we review the data showing cancer-specific biological condensates initiated by mutant oncoproteins, RNA-binding proteins, or lincRNAs that regulate oncogenic gene expression programs and cancer metabolism. Effective anticancer drugs may specifically partition into oncogenic biological condensates (OBC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Igelmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada;
- Montreal Cancer Institute, CR-CHUM, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Frédéric Lessard
- Laboratory of Growth and Development, St-Patrick Research Group in Basic Oncology, Cancer Division of the Quebec University Hospital Research Centre, Québec, QC G1R 2J6, Canada;
| | - Gerardo Ferbeyre
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada;
- Montreal Cancer Institute, CR-CHUM, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-514-343-7571
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Loh D, Reiter RJ. Melatonin: Regulation of Prion Protein Phase Separation in Cancer Multidrug Resistance. Molecules 2022; 27:705. [PMID: 35163973 PMCID: PMC8839844 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique ability to adapt and thrive in inhospitable, stressful tumor microenvironments (TME) also renders cancer cells resistant to traditional chemotherapeutic treatments and/or novel pharmaceuticals. Cancer cells exhibit extensive metabolic alterations involving hypoxia, accelerated glycolysis, oxidative stress, and increased extracellular ATP that may activate ancient, conserved prion adaptive response strategies that exacerbate multidrug resistance (MDR) by exploiting cellular stress to increase cancer metastatic potential and stemness, balance proliferation and differentiation, and amplify resistance to apoptosis. The regulation of prions in MDR is further complicated by important, putative physiological functions of ligand-binding and signal transduction. Melatonin is capable of both enhancing physiological functions and inhibiting oncogenic properties of prion proteins. Through regulation of phase separation of the prion N-terminal domain which targets and interacts with lipid rafts, melatonin may prevent conformational changes that can result in aggregation and/or conversion to pathological, infectious isoforms. As a cancer therapy adjuvant, melatonin could modulate TME oxidative stress levels and hypoxia, reverse pH gradient changes, reduce lipid peroxidation, and protect lipid raft compositions to suppress prion-mediated, non-Mendelian, heritable, but often reversible epigenetic adaptations that facilitate cancer heterogeneity, stemness, metastasis, and drug resistance. This review examines some of the mechanisms that may balance physiological and pathological effects of prions and prion-like proteins achieved through the synergistic use of melatonin to ameliorate MDR, which remains a challenge in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Loh
- Independent Researcher, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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14
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Williams FN, Wu Y, Scaglione KM. Development of a Positive Selection High Throughput Genetic Screen in Dictyostelium discoideum. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:725678. [PMID: 34490273 PMCID: PMC8418117 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.725678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum is a powerful model organism that can be utilized to investigate human health and disease. One particular strength of Dictyostelium is that it can be utilized for high throughput genetic screens. For many phenotypes, one limitation of utilizing Dictyostelium is that screening can be an arduous and time-consuming process, limiting the genomic depth one can cover. Previously, we utilized a restriction enzyme-mediated integration screen to identify suppressors of polyglutamine aggregation in Dictyostelium. However, due to the time required to perform the screen, we only obtained ∼4% genome coverage. Here we have developed an efficient screening pipeline that couples chemical mutagenesis with the 5-fluoroorotic acid counterselection system to enrich for mutations in genes of interest. Here we describe this new screening methodology and highlight how it can be utilized for other biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia N. Williams
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Yumei Wu
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - K. Matthew Scaglione
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration and Neurotherapeutics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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Fijen C, Rothenberg E. The evolving complexity of DNA damage foci: RNA, condensates and chromatin in DNA double-strand break repair. DNA Repair (Amst) 2021; 105:103170. [PMID: 34256335 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2021.103170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Formation of biomolecular condensates is increasingly recognized as a mechanism employed by cells to deal with stress and to optimize enzymatic reactions. Recent studies have characterized several DNA repair foci as phase-separated condensates, behaving like liquid droplets. Concomitantly, the apparent importance of long non-coding RNAs and RNA-binding proteins for the repair of double-strand breaks has raised many questions about their exact contribution to the repair process. Here we discuss how RNA molecules can participate in condensate formation and how RNA-binding proteins can act as molecular scaffolds. We furthermore summarize our current knowledge about how properties of condensates can influence the choice of repair pathway (homologous recombination or non-homologous end joining) and identify the open questions in this field of emerging importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carel Fijen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA.
| | - Eli Rothenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA.
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Wang X, Zhang P, Tian L. Spatiotemporal organization of coacervate microdroplets. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2021.101420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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17
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Symmetry Breaking as an Interdisciplinary Concept Unifying Cell and Developmental Biology. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010086. [PMID: 33430209 PMCID: PMC7825676 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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18
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Oamen HP, Lau Y, Caudron F. Prion-like proteins as epigenetic devices of stress adaptation. Exp Cell Res 2020; 396:112262. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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19
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Rukhlenko O, Kholodenko BN, Kolch W. Systems biology approaches to macromolecules: the role of dynamic protein assemblies in information processing. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2020; 67:61-68. [PMID: 33126139 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Macromolecular protein assemblies govern many cellular processes and are disturbed in many diseases including cancer. Often seen as static molecular machines, protein complexes involved in signal transduction networks exhibit intricate dynamics that are critical for their function. Using the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway as example we discuss recent progress in our understanding of protein complex dynamics achieved through mathematical modelling, computational simulations and structural studies. The emerging picture highlights that both spatial and temporal dynamics cooperate to enable correct signal processing and the fine tuning of timing, duration and strengths of signalling. These dynamic processes are subverted by oncogenic mutations and contribute to tumorigenesis and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksii Rukhlenko
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Boris N Kholodenko
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Walter Kolch
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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