Cytoplasmic and mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases differentially regulate lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans

Reducing the rate of translation promotes longevity in multiple organisms, representing a conserved mechanism for lifespan extension. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) catalyze the loading of amino acids to their cognate tRNAs, thereby playing an essential role in translation. Mutations in ARS genes are associated with various human diseases. However, little is known about the role of ARSs in aging, particularly whether and how these genes regulate lifespan. Here, using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model, we systematically characterized the role of all three types of ARS genes in lifespan regulation, including mitochondrial, cytoplasmic, and cyto-mito bifunctional ARS genes. We found that, as expected, RNAi knockdown of mitochondrial ARS genes extended lifespan. Surprisingly, knocking down cytoplasmic or cyto-mito bifunctional ARS genes shortened lifespan, though such treatment reduced the rate of translation. These results reveal opposing roles of mitochondrial and cytoplasmic ARSs in lifespan regulation, demonstrating that inhibiting translation may not always extend lifespan.

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RNAi knockdown of mitochondrial ARS genes extends lifespan via UPR^mt

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RNAi knockdown of cytoplasmic or cyto-mito bifunctional ARS genes shortens lifespan

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Inhibiting translation may not always extend lifespan

A Comprehensive Understanding of Dietary Effects on C. elegans Physiology

Diet has been shown to play an important role in human physiology. It is a predominant exogenous factor regulating the composition of gut microbiota, and dietary intervention holds promise for treatment of diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and malnutrition. Furthermore, it was reported that diet has significant effects on physiological processes of C. elegans, including reproduction, fat storage, and aging. To reveal novel signaling pathways responsive to different diets, C. elegans and its bacterial diet were used as an interspecies model system to mimic the interaction between host and gut microbiota. Most signaling pathways identified in C. elegans are highly conserved across different species, including humans. A better understanding of these pathways can, therefore, help to develop interventions for human diseases. In this article, we summarize recent achievements on molecular mechanisms underlying the response of C. elegans to different diets and discuss their relevance to human health.

GABA receptors differentially regulate life span and health span in C. elegans through distinct downstream mechanisms

GABA, a prominent inhibitory neurotransmitter, is best known to regulate neuronal functions in the nervous system. However, much less is known about the role of GABA signaling in other physiological processes. Interestingly, recent work showed that GABA signaling can regulate life span via a metabotropic GABA_B receptor in Caenorhabditis elegans. However, the role of other types of GABA receptors in life span has not been clearly defined. It is also unclear whether GABA signaling regulates health span. Here, using C. elegans as a model, we systematically interrogated the role of various GABA receptors in both life span and health span. We find that mutations in four different GABA receptors extend health span by promoting resistance to stress and pathogen infection and that two such receptor mutants also show extended life span. Different GABA receptors engage distinct transcriptional factors to regulate life span and health span, and even the same receptor regulates life span and health span via different transcription factors. Our results uncover a novel, profound role of GABA signaling in aging in C. elegans, which is mediated by different GABA receptors coupled to distinct downstream effectors.

Note: Magnetic targeting for enhancement of the activation efficiency of G protein-coupled receptor with a two-pair coil system

Insufficient contact of drug with target cells is a primary reason for limited efficiency of G protein-coupled receptor activation. To overcome this limitation, a simple approach based on magnetic targeting for enhancing drug delivery towards the cell surfaces using magnetic nanoparticles and a two-pair coil system consisting of Helmholtz and Maxwell coils was reported. As a proof of the concept, comparative experiments on G protein-coupled receptor activation process were carried out and results show that the efficiency of G protein-coupled receptor activation can be increased about 6 times in the experiments with the aid of the proposed magnetic targeting system.

GABAB receptor subunit GB1 at the cell surface independently activates ERK1/2 through IGF-1R transactivation

Background

Functional GABA_B receptor is believed to require hetero-dimerization between GABA_B1 (GB1) and GABA_B2 (GB2) subunits. The GB1 extracellular domain is required for ligand binding, and the GB2 trans-membrane domain is responsible for coupling to G proteins. Atypical GABA_B receptor responses observed in GB2-deficient mice suggested that GB1 may have activity in the absence of GB2. However the underlying mechanisms remain poorly characterized.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Here, by using cells overexpressing a GB1 mutant (GB1asa) with the ability to translocate to the cell surface in the absence of GB2, we show that GABA_B receptor agonists, such as GABA and Baclofen, can induce ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the absence of GB2. Furthermore, we demonstrate that GB1asa induces ERK1/2 phosphorylation through Gi/o proteins and PLC dependent IGF-1R transactivation.

Conclusions/Significance

Our data suggest that GB1 may form a functional receptor at the cell surface in the absence of GB2.

Mass segmentation using a combined method for cancer detection

Background

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death for women all over the world and mammography is thought of as one of the main tools for early detection of breast cancer. In order to detect the breast cancer, computer aided technology has been introduced. In computer aided cancer detection, the detection and segmentation of mass are very important. The shape of mass can be used as one of the factors to determine whether the mass is malignant or benign. However, many of the current methods are semi-automatic. In this paper, we investigate fully automatic segmentation method.

Results

In this paper, a new mass segmentation algorithm is proposed. In the proposed algorithm, a fully automatic marker-controlled watershed transform is proposed to segment the mass region roughly, and then a level set is used to refine the segmentation. For over-segmentation caused by watershed, we also investigated different noise reduction technologies. Images from DDSM were used in the experiments and the results show that the new algorithm can improve the accuracy of mass segmentation.

Conclusions

The new algorithm combines the advantages of both methods. The combination of the watershed based segmentation and level set method can improve the efficiency of the segmentation. Besides, the introduction of noise reduction technologies can reduce over-segmentation.

A robust detail preserving anisotropic diffusion for speckle reduction in ultrasound images

Background

Speckles in ultrasound imaging affect image quality and can make the post-processing difficult. Speckle reduction technologies have been employed for removing speckles for some time. One of the effective speckle reduction technologies is anisotropic diffusion. Anisotropic diffusion technology can remove the speckles effectively while preserving the edges of the image and thus has drawn great attention from image processing scientists. However, the proposed methods in the past have different disadvantages, such as being sensitive to the number of iterations or low capability of preserving the details of the ultrasound images. Thus a detail preserved anisotropic diffusion speckle reduction with less sensitive to the number of iterations is needed. This paper aims to develop this kind of technologies.

Results

In this paper, we propose a robust detail preserving anisotropic diffusion filter (RDPAD) for speckle reduction. In order to get robust diffusion, the proposed method integrates Tukey error norm function into the detail preserving anisotropic diffusion filter (DPAD) developed recently. The proposed method could prohibit over-diffusion and thus is less sensitive to the number of iterations

Conclusions

The proposed anisotropic diffusion can preserve the important structure information of the original image while reducing speckles. It is also less sensitive to the number of iterations. Experimental results on real ultrasound images show the effectiveness of the proposed anisotropic diffusion filter.

Rectourethral fistula following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE

To review the outcome of rectourethral fistula sustained during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all cases managed at a tertiary referral center. Data abstracted included demographics, presenting symptoms, additional interventions, healing, and long-term functional outcome.

RESULTS

Between 2004 and 2009, 10 patients were treated for rectourethral fistula following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Mean age was 60 years. Two patients were converted to open prostatectomy for primary repair of the rectal laceration without fecal diversion. The remaining 8 patients (80%) had unrecognized injury at the time of prostatectomy and presented postoperatively. Mean time from radical prostatectomy to presentation with fistula symptoms was 9.5 days. Seven patients (70%) required 1 or more operations to treat or control the symptoms of the rectourethral fistula (median 2.3, mean 2, range 1-4 operations). Three patients (30%) required colostomy within 1 month of radical prostatectomy due to severity of symptoms. Spontaneous healing of the fistula was noted in 6 patients (60%) following diversion (urinary ± fecal diversion), and a minority of patients (30%) required an operation to close the fistula. One patient (10%) required cystectomy for positive margins. During a mean follow-up of 27 months, no recurrent fistula was observed in any of the patients. All patients had normal anal continence, but the majority of patients were incontinent of urine.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who develop a rectourethral fistula following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy often require additional operations for symptoms control and/or healing of the fistula. Urinary continence is affected in the majority of patients.

Growth response of Pinus densiflora seedlings inoculated with three indigenous ectomycorrhizal fungi in combination

Pinus densiflora seedlings were inoculated with three indigenous ectomycorrhizal fungi (Cenococcum geophilum, Rhizopogon roseolus and Russula densifolia) in single-, two-, and three-species treatments. After 8 months, the colonization rates of each ectomycorrhizal species, seedling growth and the nutrition were assessed in each treatment. P. densiflora seedlings inoculated with different ECM species composition showed an increase in height and basal diameter and improved seedling root and shoot nutrition concentrations compared to control treatment. Generally, combined inoculation had a more positive influence on the seedlings than the single inoculation. The three-species inoculation presented the highest growth and basal diameter and concentration of most nutrients except potassium. In conclusion, the results provided strong evidence for benefits of combined inoculation with the indigenous ectomycorrhizal fungi on P. densiflora seedlings under controlled conditions.

Expression and localisation of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) in dairy goat mammary gland at different physiological stages

Glucose is the major energy source for mammary epithelial cells, as well as an important substrate for lactose synthesis. Mammary epithelial cells take up glucose from extracellular fluid into the cell through glucose transporter (GLUT). This study was aimed at investigating the expression of GLUT1 glucose transporter in dairy goat mammary gland during puberty, pregnancy, lactation, and involution. Using real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, we analyzed the expression of GLUT1 mRNA and protein in dairy goat mammary gland. GLUT1 mRNA and protein expression increased during pregnancy and lactation, especially at peak lactation, and decreased strongly after weaning. Furthermore, the location of GLUT1 protein was determined by immunofluorescence laser confocal microscopy. GLUT1 protein localised to the basal and apical plasma membrane of epithelial cells, and also in the cytoplasm. The results from this study showed that GLUT1 is expressed in the dairy goat mammary gland with the greatest expression found in mammary epithelial cells during pregnancy and lactation.Key words: Expression, glucose transporter, goat, mammary gland

[Cloning and expression in Escherichia coli of secondary lymphoid-tissue chemokine (SLC) gene]

Secondary lymphoid-tissue chemokine (SLC) is a type of CC chemokine identified by searching the Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) database. The full-length SLC gene was synthesized based on human SLC sequence using SOE-PCR. The sequenced SLC gene was cloned into expression vector pTMF and pALM, which used to transform Escherichia coli. Then the E. coli was cultured and induced according to protocol. The expressed target protein was identified by Western blotting. The target protein was expressed as soluble protein as well as inclusion bodies, the ratio of these two forms target protein varied with the difference conditions of culture and induction. The target protein was purified with the methods of nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) metal-affinity chromatography. The results of electrophoresis of the purified target protein showed that the molecular weight was larger than the predicted molecular weight.

Soluble Expression of Recombinant Human Secondary Lymphoid Chemokine (SLC) in E. coli and Research on Its In Vitro and In Vivo Bioactivity

Secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine (SLC) is a CC chemokine that plays an important role in leukocytes homing to lymphoid tissues. The ability of SLC to co-localize both T cells and dendritic cells formed the rationale to evaluate its utility in cancer immunotherapy. The in vivo antitumor effect of murine SLC (mSLC) has been well documented, but little is known about that of human SLC (hSLC). To investigate the antitumor efficiency in vivo of hSLC, the hSLC gene was artificially synthesized and induced to express as a soluble form in Escherichia coli. After purification, the purity of the recombinant human SLC (rhSLC) protein was above 95% by SDS-PAGE analysis. The K(d) of rhSLC binding to peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) was 0.2186 +/- 0.02675 microM as assessed by FACS, and the maximal chemotactic index of rhSLC was 9.49 at 100 nM as assessed by in vitro chemotaxis assay. Then genomic sequences of hSLC and mSLC, and of human CCR7 (hCCR7) and murine CCR7 (mCCR7), the receptor for SLC, were aligned. It was found that hSLC and mSLC share 70.72% identity and hCCR7 and mCCR7share 86.77% identity. Furthermore, we found that rhSLC could chemoattract murine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro. On the basis of these facts, immune competent mice inoculated with S180 sarcoma cells were chosen as an in vivo model. Intratumoral injections of rhSLC inhibited tumor growth and increased survival. These findings suggest that, despite its incapability to bind to either human or murine CXCR3, which is related to angiostasis, rhSLC can induce an antitumor response in vivo by another route. This report proves that rhSLC has a potent tumor-inhibition ability that makes it a promising candidate agent in cancer immunotherapy.

Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor is present in human amniotic fluid and breast milk

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family that has been implicated in the healing of various organ injuries. Endogenous HB-EGF production is upregulated in response to injury to the kidney, liver, brain, skin, and intestine. Exogenous administration of HB-EGF protects against intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and necrosis and intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. This study examines the presence of endogenous HB-EGF in human amniotic fluid and breast milk, fluids that are in intimate contact with the developing and neonatal gastrointestinal tract.

METHODS

Breast milk samples were collected from lactating women and amniotic fluid was gathered from full-term uteri (cesarian sections) or preterm uteri (amniocentesis). Crude and partially purified breast milk and amniotic fluid samples were analyzed for HB-EGF levels using an HB-EGF-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Analysis results showed detectable HB-EGF levels in human amniotic fluid and breast milk, ranging from 0.2 to 230 pg/mL. Breast milk and amniotic fluid subjected to heparin affinity or HB-EGF-affinity column chromatography showed bioactivity eluting at positions consistent with those known for native HB-EGF.

CONCLUSIONS

This study represents the first report of detectable HB-EGF in human amniotic fluid and breast milk. The presence of HB-EGF in these fluids may serve a role in the development of the gastrointestinal tract in utero, and in protection against gut mucosal injury after birth.

Phytochrome A mediates blue light and UV-A-dependent chloroplast gene transcription in green leaves

We characterized the photobiology of light-activated chloroplast transcription and transcript abundance in mature primary leaves by using the following two systems: transplastomic promoter-reporter gene fusions in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), and phytochrome (phyA, phyB, and hy2) and cryptochrome (cry1) mutants of Arabidopsis. In both dicots, blue light and UV-A radiation were the major signals that activated total chloroplast and psbA, rbcL, and 16S rrn transcription. In contrast, transcription activities in plants exposed to red and far-red light were 30% to 85% less than in blue light/UV-A, depending on the gene and plant species. Total chloroplast, psbA, and 16S rrn transcription were 60% to 80% less in the Arabidopsis phyA mutant exposed to blue light/UV-A relative to wild type, thus definitively linking phyA signaling to these photoresponses. To our knowledge, the major role of phyA in mediating the blue light/UV-A photoresponses is a new function for phyA in chloroplast biogenesis at this stage of leaf development. Although rbcL expression in plants exposed to UV-A was 50% less in the phyA mutant relative to wild type, blue light-induced rbcL expression was not significantly affected in the phyA, phyB, and cry1 mutants. However, rbcL expression in blue light was 60% less in the phytochrome chromophore mutant, hy2, relative to wild type, indicating that another phytochrome species (phyC, D, or E) was involved in blue light-induced rbcL transcription. Therefore, at least two different phytochromes, as well as phytochrome-independent photosensory pathways, mediated blue light/UV-A-induced transcription of chloroplast genes in mature leaves.

Effects of local infusion of TGFbeta on bone ingrowth in rabbit chambers

The local delivery of exogenous growth factors may help achieve a stable, long-lasting prosthetic interface around primary and revision joint replacements. This study examines the effects of local infusion of transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) in an in vivo model of tissue differentiation within bone. The Drug Test Chamber was implanted in the proximal medial tibial metaphysis of 8 mature rabbits unilaterally. The chamber contained a 1 x 1 x 5 mm canal for tissue ingrowth. The chamber was connected to an osmotic diffusion pump via polyvinyl tubing. 3.5 microg of recombinant TGFbeta1 was infused for 1 day or 1 week with subsequent harvesting of the ingrown tissue after 3 weeks. Each TGFbeta treatment was followed by two, 3-week infusions of carrier alone and harvesting of the ingrown tissue. TGFbeta for 1 day increased, and TGFbeta for 1 week decreased the percentage of bone in the chamber, compared to the initial control harvest after carrier alone. These changes, however, did not reach statistical significance. The number of vitronectin receptor positive cells in total, adjacent to bone and away from bone was higher after treatment with TGFbeta for 1 day, compared to 1 week. In an "unperturbed" bone ingrowth system (i.e., if bone ingrowth is not initially suppressed by other stimuli), this dose of TGFbeta did not enhance bone ingrowth using the DTC model.

The characterization of macrophages and osteoclasts in tissues harvested from revised total hip prostheses

The differentiation and maturation of macrophages and osteoclasts at the prosthetic interface in cases of implant loosening are poorly understood. Using histochemical and immunohistochemical staining methods, we compare macrophage differentiation in tissues from revised hip replacements in patients with specific clinical-radiological appearances. Periprosthetic tissues were harvested from 12 cemented acetabular and 12 cemented femoral components in 24 patients undergoing revision hip replacement. The prostheses were all radiographically and clinically loose. Six acetabular and six femoral components demonstrated radiographic ballooning osteolysis. Serial 6 microm frozen sections of the periprosthetic tissues were processed with hematoxylin and eosin for general tissue morphology, and analyzed for the presence of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP, an osteoclast marker). Immunoperoxidase staining using monoclonal antibodies to CD68 (macrophages and osteoclasts) and CD51 (the alpha chain of the vitronectin receptor, an osteoclast marker) was also performed. Approximately 8-30% of the total cells in the tissues were positive for TRAP and the vitronectin receptor, and comprised a subset of the CD68 positive macrophages and macrophage polykaryons. However, there were no statistically significant differences between specific groups (femoral vs. acetabular, osteolysis vs. no osteolysis) for the numbers or percentages of macrophages or osteoclast-like cells. Once prosthetic loosening has occurred, few differences in the macrophage-osteoclast profile of tissues from different periprosthetic locations, with and without osteolysis, are noted. This suggests a final common biologic pathway for periprosthetic bone resorption, once implant loosening has transpired.

Effects of TGFβ on bone ingrowth in the presence of polyethylene particles

We implanted bone harvest chambers (BHCs) bilaterally in ten mature male New Zealand white rabbits. Polyethylene particles (0.3 ± 0.1 −m in diameter, 6.4×1012 particles/ml) were implanted for two, four or six weeks bilaterally in the BHCs, with subsequent removal of the ingrown tissue after each treatment. In addition to the particles, one side also received 1.5 −g of recombinant transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFβ1).

At two weeks, the bone area as a percentage of total area was less in chambers containing TGFβ compared with those with particles alone (7.8 ± 1.3% v 16.9 ± 2.7% respectively; 95% confidence interval (CI) for difference -14.0 to -4.30; p = 0.002). At four weeks, the percentage area of bone was greater in chambers containing TGFβ compared with those with particles alone (31.2 ± 3.4% v 22.5 ± 2.0% respectively; 95% CI for difference 1.0 to 16.4; p = 0.03). There were no statistical differences at six weeks, despite a higher mean value with TGFβ treatment (38.2 ± 3.9% v 28.8 ± 3.5%; 95% CI for difference -4.6 to 23.3; p = 0.16). The number of vitronectin-receptor-positive cells (osteoclast-like cells) was greater in the treatment group with TGFβ compared with that with particles alone; most of these positive cells were located in the interstitium, rather than adjacent to bone.

TGFβ1 is a pleotropic growth factor which can modulate cellular events in the musculoskeletal system in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Our data suggest that there is an early window at between two and six weeks, in which TGFβ may favourably affect bone ingrowth in the BHC model. Exogenous growth factors such as TGFβ may be a useful adjunct in obtaining osseointegration and bone ingrowth, especially in revisions when there is compromised bone stock and residual particulate debris.

Effects of TGFbeta on bone ingrowth in the presence of polyethylene particles

We implanted bone harvest chambers (BHCs) bilaterally in ten mature male New Zealand white rabbits. Polyethylene particles (0.3+/-0.1 microm in diameter, 6.4 x 10(12) particles/ml) were implanted for two, four or six weeks bilaterally in the BHCs, with subsequent removal of the ingrown tissue after each treatment. In addition to the particles, one side also received 1.5 microg of recombinant transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1). At two weeks, the bone area as a percentage of total area was less in chambers containing TGFbeta compared with those with particles alone (7.8+/-1.3% v 16.9+/-2.7% respectively; 95% confidence interval (CI) for difference -14.0 to -4.30; p = 0.002). At four weeks, the percentage area of bone was greater in chambers containing TGFbeta compared with those with particles alone (31.2+/-3.4% v 22.5+/-2.0% respectively; 95% CI for difference 1.0 to 16.4; p = 0.03). There were no statistical differences at six weeks, despite a higher mean value with TGFbeta treatment (38.2+/-3.9% v 28.8 +/-3.5%; 95% CI for difference -4.6 to 23.3; p = 0.16). The number of vitronectin-receptor-positive cells (osteoclast-like cells) was greater in the treatment group with TGFbeta compared with that with particles alone; most of these positive cells were located in the interstitium, rather than adjacent to bone. TGFbeta1 is a pleotropic growth factor which can modulate cellular events in the musculoskeletal system in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Our data suggest that there is an early window at between two and six weeks, in which TGFbeta may favourably affect bone ingrowth in the BHC model. Exogenous growth factors such as TGFbeta may be a useful adjunct in obtaining osseointegration and bone ingrowth, especially in revisions when there is compromised bone stock and residual particulate debris.