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Hanada K. Metabolic channeling of lipids via the contact zones between different organelles. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2400045. [PMID: 38932642 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202400045] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Various lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) mediate the inter-organelle transport of lipids. By working at membrane contact zones between donor and acceptor organelles, LTPs achieve rapid and accurate inter-organelle transfer of lipids. This article will describe the emerging paradigm that the action of LTPs at organelle contact zones generates metabolic channeling events in lipid metabolism, mainly referring to how ceramide synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum is preferentially metabolized to sphingomyelin in the distal Golgi region, how cholesterol and phospholipids receive specific metabolic reactions in mitochondria, and how the hijacking of host LTPs by intracellular pathogens may generate new channeling-like events. In addition, the article will discuss how the function of LTPs is regulated, exemplified by a few representative LTP systems, and will briefly touch on experiments that will be necessary to establish the paradigm that LTP-mediated inter-organelle transport of lipids is one of the mechanisms of compartmentalization-based metabolic channeling events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Hanada
- Center for Quality Management Systems, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
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2
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Li A, Wang R, Zhao Y, Zhao P, Yang J. Crosstalk between Epigenetics and Metabolic Reprogramming in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A New Sight. Metabolites 2024; 14:325. [PMID: 38921460 PMCID: PMC11205353 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14060325] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming alterations are two important features of tumors, and their reversible, spatial, and temporal regulation is a distinctive hallmark of carcinogenesis. Epigenetics, which focuses on gene regulatory mechanisms beyond the DNA sequence, is a new entry point for tumor therapy. Moreover, metabolic reprogramming drives hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation and progression, highlighting the significance of metabolism in this disease. Exploring the inter-regulatory relationship between tumor metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modification has become one of the hot directions in current tumor metabolism research. As viral etiologies have given way to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-induced HCC, it is urgent that complex molecular pathways linking them and hepatocarcinogenesis be explored. However, how aberrant crosstalk between epigenetic modifications and metabolic reprogramming affects MASLD-induced HCC lacks comprehensive understanding. A better understanding of their linkages is necessary and urgent to improve HCC treatment strategies. For this reason, this review examines the interwoven landscape of molecular carcinogenesis in the context of MASLD-induced HCC, focusing on mechanisms regulating aberrant epigenetic alterations and metabolic reprogramming in the development of MASLD-induced HCC and interactions between them while also updating the current advances in metabolism and epigenetic modification-based therapeutic drugs in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Li
- College of Basic Medical Science, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; (A.L.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.)
| | - Rui Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China;
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yuqiang Zhao
- College of Basic Medical Science, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; (A.L.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.)
| | - Peiran Zhao
- College of Basic Medical Science, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; (A.L.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.)
| | - Jing Yang
- College of Basic Medical Science, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; (A.L.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.)
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Huber HF, Li C, Xie D, Gerow KG, Register TC, Shively CA, Cox LA, Nathanielsz PW. Female baboon adrenal zona fasciculata and zona reticularis regulatory and functional proteins decrease across the life course. GeroScience 2024; 46:3405-3417. [PMID: 38311700 PMCID: PMC11009170 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01080-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Debate exists on life-course adrenocortical zonal function trajectories. Rapid, phasic blood steroid concentration changes, such as circadian rhythms and acute stress responses, complicate quantification. To avoid pitfalls and account for life-stage changes in adrenocortical activity indices, we quantified zonae fasciculata (ZF) and reticularis (ZR) across the life-course, by immunohistochemistry of key regulatory and functional proteins. In 28 female baboon adrenals (7.5-22.1 years), we quantified 12 key proteins involved in cell metabolism, division, proliferation, steroidogenesis (including steroid acute regulatory protein, StAR), oxidative stress, and glucocorticoid and mitochondrial function. Life-course abundance of ten ZF proteins decreased with age. Cell cycle inhibitor and oxidative stress markers increased. Seven of the 12 proteins changed in the same direction for ZR and ZF. Importantly, ZF StAR decreased, while ZR StAR was unchanged. Findings indicate ZF function decreased, and less markedly ZR function, with age. Causes and aging consequences of these changes remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary Fries Huber
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 W. Military, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA.
| | - Cun Li
- Texas Pregnancy & Life-Course Health Research Center, Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Dongbin Xie
- Texas Pregnancy & Life-Course Health Research Center, Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | | | - Thomas C Register
- Pathology-Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Carol A Shively
- Pathology-Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Laura A Cox
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 W. Military, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Peter W Nathanielsz
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 W. Military, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA
- Texas Pregnancy & Life-Course Health Research Center, Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
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Afzal A, Zhang Y, Afzal H, Saddozai UAK, Zhang L, Ji XY, Khawar MB. Functional role of autophagy in testicular and ovarian steroidogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1384047. [PMID: 38827527 PMCID: PMC11140113 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1384047] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular recycling process that maintains cellular homeostasis. Despite extensive research in endocrine contexts, the role of autophagy in ovarian and testicular steroidogenesis remains elusive. The significant role of autophagy in testosterone production suggests potential treatments for conditions like oligospermia and azoospermia. Further, influence of autophagy in folliculogenesis, ovulation, and luteal development emphasizes its importance for improved fertility and reproductive health. Thus, investigating autophagy in gonadal cells is clinically significant. Understanding these processes could transform treatments for endocrine disorders, enhancing reproductive health and longevity. Herein, we provide the functional role of autophagy in testicular and ovarian steroidogenesis to date, highlighting its modulation in testicular steroidogenesis and its impact on hormone synthesis, follicle development, and fertility therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Afzal
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 988 Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hanan Afzal
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Umair Ali Khan Saddozai
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Xin-Ying Ji
- Faculty of Basic Medical Subjects, Shu-Qing Medical College of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Medicine, Huaxian County People’s Hospital, Huaxian, Henan, China
| | - Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Applied Molecular Biology and Biomedicine Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan
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Niu H, Li C, Zhang H, Liu H, Shang C, Jia Y, Wuenjiya, Li Z, Wang A, Jin Y, Lin P. Androgen synthesis cell-specific CREBZF deficiency alters adrenal cortex steroid secretion and develops behavioral abnormalities in adult male mice. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23650. [PMID: 38696238 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400130r] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
The global challenge of male infertility is escalating, notably due to the decreased testosterone (T) synthesis in testicular Leydig cells under stress, underscoring the critical need for a more profound understanding of its regulatory mechanisms. CREBZF, a novel basic region-leucine zipper transcription factor, regulates testosterone synthesis in mouse Leydig cells in vitro; however, further validation through in vivo experiments is essential. Our study utilized Cyp17a1-Cre to knock out CREBZF in androgen-synthesis cells and explored the physiological roles of CREBZF in fertility, steroid hormone synthesis, and behaviors in adult male mice. Conditional knockout (cKO) CREBZF did not affect fertility and serum testosterone level in male mice. Primary Leydig cells isolated from CREBZF-cKO mice showed impaired testosterone secretion and decreased mRNA levels of Star, Cyp17a1, and Hsd3b1. Loss of CREBZF resulted in thickening of the adrenal cortex, especially X-zone, with elevated serum corticosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone levels and decreased serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels. Immunohistochemical staining revealed increased expression of StAR, Cyp11a1, and 17β-Hsd3 in the adrenal cortex of CREBZF-cKO mice, while the expression of AR was significantly reduced. Along with the histological changes and abnormal steroid levels in the adrenal gland, CREBZF-cKO mice showed higher anxiety-like behavior and impaired memory in the elevated plus maze and Barnes maze, respectively. In summary, CREBZF is dispensable for fertility, and CREBZF deficiency in Leydig cells promotes adrenal function in adult male mice. These results shed light on the requirement of CREBZF for fertility, adrenal steroid synthesis, and stress response in adult male mice, and contribute to understanding the crosstalk between testes and adrenal glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Niu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chao Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hexin Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haokun Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunmei Shang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanni Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wuenjiya
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zuhui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Aihua Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaping Jin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pengfei Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Nicholson KR, Cronin RM, Prest RJ, Menon AR, Yang Y, Jennisch MK, Champion MM, Tobin DM, Champion PA. The antagonistic transcription factors, EspM and EspN, regulate the ESX-1 secretion system in M. marinum. mBio 2024; 15:e0335723. [PMID: 38445877 PMCID: PMC11005418 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03357-23] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens use protein secretion systems to transport virulence factors and regulate gene expression. Among pathogenic mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium marinum, the ESAT-6 system 1 (ESX-1) secretion is crucial for host interaction. Secretion of protein substrates by the ESX-1 secretion system disrupts phagosomes, allowing mycobacteria cytoplasmic access during macrophage infections. Deletion or mutation of the ESX-1 system attenuates mycobacterial pathogens. Pathogenic mycobacteria respond to the presence or absence of the ESX-1 system in the cytoplasmic membrane by altering transcription. Under laboratory conditions, the EspM repressor and WhiB6 activator control transcription of specific ESX-1-responsive genes, including the ESX-1 substrate genes. However, deleting the espM or whiB6 gene does not phenocopy the deletion of the ESX-1 substrate genes during macrophage infection by M. marinum. In this study, we identified EspN, a critical transcription factor whose activity is masked by the EspM repressor under laboratory conditions. In the absence of EspM, EspN activates transcription of whiB6 and ESX-1 genes during both laboratory growth and macrophage infection. EspN is also independently required for M. marinum growth within and cytolysis of macrophages, similar to the ESX-1 genes, and for disease burden in a zebrafish larval model of infection. These findings suggest that EspN and EspM coordinate to counterbalance the regulation of the ESX-1 system and support mycobacterial pathogenesis.IMPORTANCEPathogenic mycobacteria, which are responsible for tuberculosis and other long-term diseases, use the ESX-1 system to transport proteins that control the host response to infection and promote bacterial survival. In this study, we identify an undescribed transcription factor that controls the expression of ESX-1 genes and is required for both macrophage and animal infection. However, this transcription factor is not the primary regulator of ESX-1 genes under standard laboratory conditions. These findings identify a critical transcription factor that likely controls expression of a major virulence pathway during infection, but whose effect is not detectable with standard laboratory strains and growth conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen R. Nicholson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Rachel M. Cronin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Rebecca J. Prest
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Aruna R. Menon
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yuwei Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Madeleine K. Jennisch
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Matthew M. Champion
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - David M. Tobin
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Patricia A. Champion
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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Jia R, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Wang Y, Sun G, Jiang Y. Toxic effects on ciliates under nano-/micro-plastics coexist with silver nanoparticles. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133058. [PMID: 38006860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the degradation of plastics, microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have remained the focus of global attention. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) could adversely affect marine organisms due to their broad application. So far, the combined effects of MPs/NPs (strong adsorbents) with AgNPs on marine organisms are scant. Thus, four sizes polystyrene beads (80 nm, 220 nm, 1.07 µm, and 2.14 µm) combined with AgNPs (30 nm) were assessed using ciliated protozoa Uronema marinum. Results showed that MPs/NPs dramatically decrease the abundance, biovolume, and carbon biomass of U. marinum. And, exposure could cause changes of antioxidant enzyme activity and antioxidant content on U. marinum. The combined toxicity of MPs/NPs with AgNPs to ciliates showed an enhanced effect compared to exposure alone. Additionally, the negative effects under exposure of NPs plus AgNPs were more significant than those of MPs plus AgNPs. Transcriptome sequencing showed that co-exposure could affect the energy metabolism and lipid metabolism of ciliates, even cause DNA and protein damage. Our study provided a novel insight and first-hand basic data for the understanding of combined toxicity of MPs /NPs with AgNPs on the basic trophic level ciliated protozoa in marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Jia
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yaxin Wang
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yunlong Wang
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Gaojingwen Sun
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; MoE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
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Bo T, Nohara H, Yamada KI, Miyata S, Fujii J. Ascorbic Acid Protects Bone Marrow from Oxidative Stress and Transient Elevation of Corticosterone Caused by X-ray Exposure in Akr1a-Knockout Mice. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:152. [PMID: 38397750 PMCID: PMC10886414 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13020152] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow cells are the most sensitive to exposure to X-rays in the body and are selectively damaged even by doses that are generally considered permissive in other organs. Ascorbic acid (Asc) is a potent antioxidant that is reported to alleviate damages caused by X-ray exposure. However, rodents can synthesize Asc, which creates difficulties in rigorously assessing its effects in such laboratory animals. To address this issue, we employed mice with defects in their ability to synthesize Asc due to a genetic ablation of aldehyde reductase (Akr1a-KO). In this study, concentrations of white blood cells (WBCs) were decreased 3 days after exposure to X-rays at 2 Gy and then gradually recovered. At approximately one month, the recovery rate of WBCs was delayed in the Akr1a-KO mouse group, which was reversed via supplementation with Asc. Following exposure to X-rays, Asc levels decreased in plasma, bone marrow cells, and the liver during an early period, and then started to increase. X-ray exposure stimulated the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulated corticosterone secretion. Asc released from the liver, which was also stimulated by ACTH, appeared to be recruited to the bone marrow. Since corticosterone in high doses is injurious, these collective results imply that Asc protects bone marrow via its antioxidant capacity against ROS produced via exposure to X-rays and the cytotoxic action of transiently elevated corticosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Bo
- Laboratory Animal Center, Institute for Promotion of Medical Science Research, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Nohara
- Laboratory Animal Center, Institute for Promotion of Medical Science Research, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Ken-ichi Yamada
- Physical Chemistry for Life Science Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan;
| | - Satoshi Miyata
- Miyata Diabetes and Metabolism Clinic, 5-17-21 Fukushima, Fukushima-ku, Osaka 553-0003, Japan
| | - Junichi Fujii
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
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Manna PR, Kshirsagar S, Pradeepkiran JA, Rawat P, Kumar S, Reddy AP, Reddy PH. Protective function of StAR in amyloid-β accumulated hippocampal neurotoxicity and neurosteroidogenesis: Mechanistic insights into Alzheimer's disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166738. [PMID: 37142132 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein principally mediates steroid hormone biosynthesis by governing the transport of intramitochondrial cholesterol. Neurosteroids progressively decrease during aging, the key risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is triggered by brain-region specific accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) precursor protein (APP), a key pathological factor. We demonstrate that hippocampal neuronal cells overexpressing wild-type (WtAPP) and mutant APP (mAPP) plasmids, conditions mimetic to AD, resulted in decreases in StAR mRNA, free cholesterol, and pregnenolone levels. The magnitude of suppression of the steroidogenic response was more pronounced with mAPP than that of WtAPP. While mAPP-waned assorted anomalies correlate to AD pathology, deterioration of APP/Aβ laden StAR expression and neurosteroid biosynthesis was enhanced by retinoid signaling. An abundance of mitochondrially targeted StAR expression partially restored APP/Aβ accumulated diverse neurodegenerative vulnerabilities. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed that overexpression of StAR diminishes mAPP provoked Aβ aggregation. Co-expression of StAR and mAPP in hippocampal neurons substantially reversed the declines in mAPP mediated cell survival, mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate, and ATP production. Concurrently, induction of mAPP induced Aβ loading showed an increase in cholesterol esters, but decrease in free cholesterol, concomitant with pregnenolone biosynthesis, events that were inversely regulated by StAR. Moreover, retinoid signaling was found to augment cholesterol content for facilitating neurosteroid biosynthesis in an AD mimetic condition. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular events by which StAR acts to protect mAPP-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurosteroidogenesis, and these measures are fundamental for ameliorating and/or delaying dementia in individuals with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pulak R Manna
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
| | - Sudhir Kshirsagar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | | | - Priyanka Rawat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Subodh Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Center of Emphasis in Neuroscience, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Arubala P Reddy
- Nutritional Sciences Department, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, 1301 Akron Ave, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Nutritional Sciences Department, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, 1301 Akron Ave, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; Neurology, Departments of School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Public Health Department of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, School Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
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10
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Mohagheghzadeh A, Badr P, Mohagheghzadeh A, Hemmati S. Hypericum perforatum L. and the Underlying Molecular Mechanisms for Its Choleretic, Cholagogue, and Regenerative Properties. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:887. [PMID: 37375834 PMCID: PMC10300974 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Any defects in bile formation, secretion, or flow may give rise to cholestasis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. As the pathogenesis of hepatic disorders is multifactorial, targeting parallel pathways potentially increases the outcome of therapy. Hypericum perforatum has been famed for its anti-depressive effects. However, according to traditional Persian medicine, it helps with jaundice and acts as a choleretic medication. Here, we will discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms of Hypericum for its use in hepatobiliary disorders. Differentially expressed genes retrieved from microarray data analysis upon treatment with safe doses of Hypericum extract and intersection with the genes involved in cholestasis are identified. Target genes are located mainly at the endomembrane system with integrin-binding ability. Activation of α5β1 integrins, as osmo-sensors in the liver, activates a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, c-SRC, which leads to the insertion of bile acid transporters into the canalicular membrane to trigger choleresis. Hypericum upregulates CDK6 that controls cell proliferation, compensating for the bile acid damage to hepatocytes. It induces ICAM1 to stimulate liver regeneration and regulates nischarin, a hepatoprotective receptor. The extract targets the expression of conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) and facilitates the movement of bile acids toward the canalicular membrane via Golgi-derived vesicles. In addition, Hypericum induces SCP2, an intracellular cholesterol transporter, to maintain cholesterol homeostasis. We have also provided a comprehensive view of the target genes affected by Hypericum's main metabolites, such as hypericin, hyperforin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, quercetin, kaempferol, rutin, and p-coumaric acid to enlighten a new scope in the management of chronic liver disorders. Altogether, standard trials using Hypericum as a neo-adjuvant or second-line therapy in ursodeoxycholic-acid-non-responder patients define the future trajectories of cholestasis treatment with this product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala Mohagheghzadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71468-64685, Iran;
| | - Parmis Badr
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71468-64685, Iran; (P.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Abdolali Mohagheghzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71468-64685, Iran; (P.B.); (A.M.)
- Department of Phytopharmaceuticals (Traditional Pharmacy), School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71468-64685, Iran
| | - Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71468-64685, Iran;
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71468-64685, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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The EspN transcription factor is an infection-dependent regulator of the ESX-1 system in M. marinum. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.15.528779. [PMID: 36824794 PMCID: PMC9948972 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.15.528779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens use protein secretion systems to translocate virulence factors into the host and to control bacterial gene expression. The ESX-1 (ESAT-6 system 1) secretion system facilitates disruption of the macrophage phagosome during infection, enabling access to the cytoplasm, and regulates widespread gene expression in the mycobacterial cell. The transcription factors contributing to the ESX-1 transcriptional network during mycobacterial infection are not known. We showed that the EspM and WhiB6 transcription factors regulate the ESX-1 transcriptional network in vitro but are dispensable for macrophage infection by Mycobacterium marinum . In this study, we used our understanding of the ESX-1 system to identify EspN, a critical transcription factor that controls expression of the ESX-1 genes during infection, but whose effect is not detectable under standard laboratory growth conditions. Under laboratory conditions, EspN activity is masked by the EspM repressor. In the absence of EspM, we found that EspN is required for ESX-1 function because it activates expression of the whiB6 transcription factor gene, and specific ESX-1 substrate and secretory component genes. Unlike the other transcription factors that regulate ESX-1, EspN is required for M. marinum growth within and cytolysis of macrophages, and for disease burden in a zebrafish larval model of infection. These findings demonstrate that EspN is an infection-dependent regulator of the ESX-1 transcriptional network, which is essential for mycobacterial pathogenesis. Moreover, our findings suggest that ESX-1 expression is controlled by a genetic switch that responds to host specific signals. Importance Pathogenic mycobacteria cause acute and long-term diseases, including human tuberculosis. The ESX-1 system transports proteins that control the host response to infection and promotes bacterial survival. Although ESX-1 transports proteins, it also controls gene expression in the bacteria. In this study, we identify an undescribed transcription factor that controls the expression of ESX-1 genes, and is required for both macrophage and animal infection. However, this transcription factor is not the primary regulator of ESX-1 genes under standard laboratory conditions. These findings identify a critical transcription factor that controls expression of a major virulence pathway during infection, but whose effect is not detectable with standard laboratory strains and growth conditions.
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