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Zhu H, Yuan Z, Xu H, Sun L. Characterization of the Apoptotic and Antimicrobial Activities of Two Initiator Caspases of Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:540. [PMID: 38790170 PMCID: PMC11121444 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050540] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Caspase (CASP) is a protease family that plays a vital role in apoptosis, development, and immune response. Herein, we reported the identification and characterization of two CASPs, AjCASPX1 and AjCASPX2, from the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, an important aquaculture species. AjCASPX1/2 share similar domain organizations with the vertebrate initiator caspases CASP2/9, including the CARD domain and the p20/p10 subunits with conserved functional motifs. However, compared with human CASP2/9, AjCASPX1/2 possess unique structural features in the linker region between p20 and p10. AjCASPX1, but not AjCASPX2, induced marked apoptosis of human cells by activating CASP3/7. The recombinant proteins of AjCASPX2 and the CARD domain of AjCASPX2 were able to bind to a wide range of bacteria, as well as bacterial cell wall components, and inhibit bacterial growth. AjCASPX1, when expressed in Escherichia coli, was able to kill the host bacteria. Under normal conditions, AjCASPX1 and AjCASPX2 expressions were most abundant in sea cucumber muscle and coelomocytes, respectively. After bacterial infection, both AjCASPX1 and AjCASPX2 expressions were significantly upregulated in sea cucumber tissues and cells. Together, these results indicated that AjCASPX1 and AjCASPX2 were initiator caspases with antimicrobial activity and likely functioned in apoptosis and immune defense against pathogen infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanshuo Zhu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266404, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
- College of Marine Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Zihao Yuan
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266404, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
- College of Marine Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Hang Xu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Li Sun
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266404, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
- College of Marine Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266404, China
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2
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Rajagopalan K, Selvan Christyraj JD, Chelladurai KS, Kalimuthu K, Das P, Chandrasekar M, Balamurugan N, Murugan K. Understanding the molecular mechanism of regeneration through apoptosis-induced compensatory proliferation studies - updates and future aspects. Apoptosis 2024:10.1007/s10495-024-01958-1. [PMID: 38581530 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01958-1] [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] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
AICP is a crucial process that maintaining tissue homeostasis and regeneration. In the past, cell death was perceived merely as a means to discard cells without functional consequences. However, during regeneration, effector caspases orchestrate apoptosis, releasing signals that activate stem cells, thereby compensating for tissue loss across various animal models. Despite significant progress, the activation of Wnt3a by caspase-3 remains a focal point of research gaps in AICP mechanisms, spanning from lower to higher regenerative animals. This inquiry into the molecular intricacies of caspase-3-induced Wnt3a activation contributes to a deeper understanding of the links between regeneration and cancer mechanisms. Our report provides current updates on AICP pathways, delineating research gaps and highlighting the potential for future investigations aimed at enhancing our comprehension of this intricate process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamarajan Rajagopalan
- Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Research Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jackson Durairaj Selvan Christyraj
- Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Research Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Karthikeyan Subbiahanadar Chelladurai
- Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Research Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Puja Das
- Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Research Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Meikandan Chandrasekar
- Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Research Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nivedha Balamurugan
- Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Research Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, International Research Centre, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Karthikeyan Murugan
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, India
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Celik E, Tunali S, Gezginci-Oktayoglu S, Bolkent S, Can A, Yanardag R. Vitamin U prevents valproic acid-induced liver injury through supporting enzymatic antioxidant system and increasing hepatocyte proliferation triggered by inflammation and apoptosis. Toxicol Mech Methods 2021; 31:600-608. [PMID: 34420476 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2021.1943089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular mechanisms that cause valproic acid (VPA)-induced liver damage and the therapeutic effect of Vitamin U (Vit U) on these mechanisms. Female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: intact control animals, animals that received Vit U (50 mg/kg/day), animals given VPA (500 mg/kg/day), and animals given both VPA and Vit U. The rats in the Vit U + VPA group were administered Vit U by gavage an hour before VPA administration every day for 15 days. Liver tissues were evaluated through histopathological, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and Western blotting techniques. Administration of Vit U with VPA resulted in (i) prevention of histopathological changes caused by VPA; (ii) blockage of the decrease in catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities; prevention of the elevation in gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) level; (iii) increased in the levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), active caspase-3, and cytoplasmic cytochrome c; (iv) increase in cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) level and decrease in LC3B (II/I) ratio; (v) increase in the number of proliferating cells nuclear antigen (PCNA) positive hepatocytes. These findings show that Vit U prevents liver damage caused by VPA through increasing the antioxidant enzyme capacity and hepatocyte proliferation by triggering inflammation and apoptosis. These findings suggest that Vit U provides its protective effects against VPA-induced liver damage by stimulating homeostasis and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ertan Celik
- Biology Section, Molecular Biology Program, Institute of Science, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevim Tunali
- Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Division, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selda Gezginci-Oktayoglu
- Biology Department, Molecular Biology Division, Faculty of Science, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sehnaz Bolkent
- Biology Department, Molecular Biology Division, Faculty of Science, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayse Can
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Refiye Yanardag
- Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Division, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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4
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Fu S, Ding M, Wang J, Yin X, Zhou E, Kong L, Tu X, Guo Z, Wang A, Huang Y, Ye J. Identification and functional characterization of three caspases in Takifugu obscurus in response to bacterial infection. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 106:252-262. [PMID: 32735858 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Caspases are evolutionarily conserved proteases, which are inextricably linked with the apoptosis and immune system in mammals. However, the expression pattern and function of some caspases remain largely unknown in pufferfish. In this study, three different pufferfish caspases (caspase-2 (Pfcasp-2), caspase-3 (Pfcasp-3), and caspase-8 (Pfcasp-8)) were characterized, and their expression patterns and functions were determined following Aeromonas hydrophila infection. The open reading frames of Pfcasp-2, -3, and -8 are 1,320, 846, and 1455 bp, respectively. Analyses of sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree showed that casp-2, -3, and -8 share 52%-65%, 33%-40%, 63%-78% overall sequence identities with those of other vertebrates, respectively. 3D structures of Pfcasp-2, -3, and -8 enjoy conservation in core area together, while each owns a distinctive profile. Comparisons of deduced amino acid sequences indicated that Pfcaspases possessed the caspase domain and conserved active sites like 'HG' and 'QACXG' (X for R or G). qRT-PCR results revealed that Pfcasp-2, -3, and -8 were expressed constitutively in a wide range of organs, especially in immune-related organs including whole blood and kidney. In vitro, the expressions of the three caspases (Pfcasp-2, 3, and -8) and immune-related genes (IgM and IL-8) were significantly up-regulated in kidney leukocytes after A. Hydrophila challenge and inhibitors treatment. The expressions of Pfcasp-2 and Pfcasp-3 were successfully inhibited in the kidney leukocytes by Ac-DEVD-CHO (an inhibitor to caspase-3), but the expression of Pfcasp-8 was not affected. Cellular localization analysis showed that the distribution of Pfcasp-2, -3, and -8 was in cytoplasm. Further, overexpression of Pfcasp-2, -3, or -8 was found to cause DNA damage and apoptosis, suggesting that three caspases may be related to apoptosis and mediate different apoptosis pathways in pufferfish. Moreover, the expressions of these caspases were also up-regulated in whole blood and kidney after A. hydrophila challenge, indicating their possible involvement in the immune response against A. hydrophia stimulation. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that the caspase-2,-3, and -8 may play an important role in the apoptosis and immune response in pufferfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengli Fu
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China; Guangdong South China Sea Key Laboratory of Aquaculture for Aquatic Economic Animals, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China
| | - Mingmei Ding
- School of medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Junru Wang
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China
| | - Xiaoxue Yin
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China
| | - Enxu Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China
| | - Linghe Kong
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China
| | - Xiao Tu
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China
| | - Zheng Guo
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China
| | - Anli Wang
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China
| | - Yu Huang
- Guangdong South China Sea Key Laboratory of Aquaculture for Aquatic Economic Animals, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China
| | - Jianmin Ye
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China.
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Azorín-Vega E, Rojas-Calderón E, Martínez-Ventura B, Ramos-Bernal J, Serrano-Espinoza L, Jiménez-Mancilla N, Ordaz-Rosado D, Ferro-Flores G. Assessment of cell death mechanisms triggered by 177 Lu-anti-CD20 in lymphoma cells. Appl Radiat Isot 2018; 138:73-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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6
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Santos NFGD, Silva RF, Pinto MMPL, Silva EBDA, Tasat DR, Amaral A. Active caspase-3 expression levels as bioindicator of individual radiosensitivity. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2017; 89:649-659. [PMID: 28492727 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201720160697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Several molecules and events involved in cell response to radiation-induced damage have been investigated towards a personalized radiotherapy. Considering the importance of active caspase-3 in the proteolytic cascade that ensures radiation-induced apoptosis execution, this research was designed to evaluate the expression levels of this protein as a bioindicator of individual radiosensitivity. Peripheral blood samples of 10 healthy individuals were gamma-irradiated (cobalt-60 source) with 1, 2 and 4 Gy (control: non-irradiated samples), and active caspase-3 expression levels were measured in lymphocytes, by flow cytometry, ex vivo and after different times of in vitro incubation (24, 48 and 72 hours). Short-term incubation of 24 h was the most adequate condition to evidence correlations between dose radiation and active caspase-3 expression. For each radiation dose, it was observed a significant inter-individual variation in active caspase-3 expression intensity, suggesting that this parameter may be suitable for evidence individual radiosensitivity. The methodology presented and discussed in this work may help to predict healthy tissues response to radiation exposure toward the better patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neyliane F G Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Modelagem e Biodosimetria Aplicada, Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Rafael F Silva
- Departamento de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade de Pernambuco, Garanhuns, PE, Brazil
| | - Marcela M P L Pinto
- Laboratório de Modelagem e Biodosimetria Aplicada, Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Edvane B DA Silva
- Laboratório de Modelagem e Biodosimetria Aplicada, Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Deborah R Tasat
- Laboratory of Lung Cell Biology, National University of General San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ademir Amaral
- Laboratório de Modelagem e Biodosimetria Aplicada, Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
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7
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Ledvina V, Janečková E, Matalová E, Klepárník K. Parallel single-cell analysis of active caspase-3/7 in apoptotic and non-apoptotic cells. Anal Bioanal Chem 2016; 409:269-274. [PMID: 27757513 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-9998-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Analysing the chemical content of individual cells has already been proven to reveal unique information on various biological processes. Single-cell analysis provides more accurate and reliable results for biology and medicine than analyses of extracts from cell populations, where a natural heterogeneity is averaged. To meet the requirements in the research of important biologically active molecules, such as caspases, we have developed a miniaturized device for simultaneous analyses of individual cells. A stainless steel body with a carousel holder enables high-sensitivity parallel detections in eight microvials. The holder is mounted in front of a photomultiplier tube with cooled photocathode working in photon counting mode. The detection of active caspase-3/7, central effector caspases in apoptosis, in single cells is based on the bioluminescence chemistry commercially available as Caspase-Glo® 3/7 reagent developed by Promega. Individual cells were captured from a culture medium under microscope and transferred by micromanipulator into detection microvial filled with the reagent. As a result of testing, the limits of detection and quantification were determined to be 0.27/0.86 of active caspase-3/7 content in an average apoptotic cell and 0.46/2.92 for non-apoptotic cells. Application potential of this technology in laboratory diagnostics and related medical research is discussed. Graphical abstract Miniaturized device for simultaneous analyses of individual cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vojtěch Ledvina
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, v.v.i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Veveří 97, 60200, Brno, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Janečková
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, v.v.i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Veveří 97, 60200, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Matalová
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, v.v.i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Veveří 97, 60200, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Physiology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého 1/3, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Klepárník
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, v.v.i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Veveří 97, 60200, Brno, Czech Republic.
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