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Lynn Crismon M, West-Strum DS, Dowling-McClay K, Drame I, Hastings TJ, Jumbo-Lucioni P, Marwitz KK, Spence A, Farrell D, Walker R. The Report of the 2021-2022 AACP Research and Graduate Affairs Committee. Am J Pharm Educ 2023; 87:ajpe9454. [PMID: 36781185 PMCID: PMC10159606 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe9454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. The work of the 2021-2022 AACP Research and Graduate Affairs Committee (RGAC) focused on barriers to graduate education and research-related careers in pharmacy education. AACP President Stuart Haines charged the RGAC with identifying the critical barriers that hinder current PharmD students/recent graduates as well as under-represented groups (e.g., Black and Latino) from pursuing advanced degrees and research-related career paths in the pharmaceutical, social & behavioral, and clinical sciences and recommending changes that might address these barriers - this may include recommendations to change the fundamental structure of graduate education.The committee began its work with a literature review to survey current perspectives on these barriers and assess the supporting evidence for effective solutions and programs, including their relevance to pharmacy education. Based on the review, the committee was able to identify numerous obstacles to entry into and progression through research training, for both underrepresented learners and student pharmacists. Obstacles are individual, e.g., lack of exposure to and self-efficacy in research, financial constraints, structural, e.g., lengthy training time, programmatic rigidity, and institutional, e.g., implicit and explicit bias. The committee found evidence of effective approaches and programs to address these barriers that could be applied in pharmacy schools. These approaches include improvements to existing practices in recruitment, admissions and hiring practices as well as creation of new programs and structural changes to existing programs to increase accessibility to learners. The committee also recognized a need for more research and development of additional approaches to address these barriers.The committee makes a series of recommendations that AACP develop resource guides and programs to address key issues in the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students and student pharmacists into graduate education and research careers, including as faculty. The committee also proposes new AACP policies to support innovative graduate programs and early, longitudinal engagement of learners from elementary school onward to increase access to graduate education and to support environments and cultures of commitment to accessibility, diversity, equity, inclusiveness, antiracism in pharmacy education.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lynn Crismon
- The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas
| | - Donna S West-Strum
- The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, University, Mississippi
| | | | - Imbi Drame
- Howard University College of Pharmacy, Washington, DC
| | - Tessa J Hastings
- University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, South Carolina
| | | | - Kathryn K Marwitz
- Manchester University College of Pharmacy, Natural and Health Sciences, Fort Wayne, Indiana
| | | | - Dorothy Farrell
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Arlington, Virginia
| | - Rosie Walker
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Arlington, Virginia
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Moano GW, Adunlin G, Boyd K, Jumbo-Lucioni P, Bolaji B, Asare M. Perspectives of Pharmacists on the Structure, Decision-Making, and Communication Practices of Multidisciplinary Cancer Teams in Alabama. Innov Pharm 2022; 13. [PMID: 36304689 PMCID: PMC9598974 DOI: 10.24926/iip.v13i1.4298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: A multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach within cancer care settings is increasingly being adopted to improve patient outcomes due to the rising complexity of diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to explore the perspective of pharmacists on the structure, decision-making process, and communication practices of cancer MDTs. Methods: A 25‐item online questionnaire was distributed to oncology‐related clinical pharmacists in Alabama. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 15 pharmacists completed the survey. More than half of the respondents reported that MDT meetings were held mostly in person on a set schedule. While physicians primarily facilitated the meetings, patients and/or their caregivers were largely not invited to participate in them. The treating physician oversaw delivering and update to the patient and/or their caregivers after the MDT meetings. Most respondents indicated that positron emission and computed tomography were the most common sources of information available at initial case presentations. Overall, respondents strongly agreed that they felt comfortable sharing their opinions with others health professionals during MDT meetings. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that oncology pharmacists are involved in MDT decision-making processes and communications but suggests the need to promote conditions to further their participation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georges Adunlin
- Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Birmingham, AL
- Corresponding author: Georges Adunlin, PhD, MA, MSEd Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy Birmingham, AL
| | - Katie Boyd
- Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Birmingham, AL
| | - Patricia Jumbo-Lucioni
- Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Birmingham, AL
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Bolanle Bolaji
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Matthew Asare
- Department of Public Health, Baylor University, Baylor, TX
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Hernandez AR, Hoffman JM, Hernandez CM, Cortes CJ, Jumbo-Lucioni P, Baxter MG, Esser KA, Liu AC, McMahon LL, Bizon JL, Burke SN, Buford TW, Carter CS. Reuniting the Body "Neck Up and Neck Down" to Understand Cognitive Aging: The Nexus of Geroscience and Neuroscience. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2022; 77:e1-e9. [PMID: 34309630 PMCID: PMC8751793 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abbi R Hernandez
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), USA
| | | | - Caesar M Hernandez
- Department of Cellular, Development, and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
| | - Constanza J Cortes
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Department of Cellular, Development, and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Nathan Shock Center for the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
| | - Patricia Jumbo-Lucioni
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Pharmaceutical, Social, and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama,USA
| | - Mark G Baxter
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karyn A Esser
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA
| | - Andrew C Liu
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA
| | - Lori L McMahon
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Department of Cellular, Development, and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Nathan Shock Center for the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Integrative Center for Aging Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
| | - Jennifer L Bizon
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA
| | - Sara N Burke
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA
| | - Thomas W Buford
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Nathan Shock Center for the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Integrative Center for Aging Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Christy S Carter
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Nathan Shock Center for the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.,UAB Integrative Center for Aging Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
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Smith C, Smith H, Roberts L, Coward L, Gorman G, Verma A, Li Q, Buford TW, Carter CS, Jumbo-Lucioni P. Probiotic Releasing Angiotensin (1-7) in a Drosophila Model of Alzheimer's Disease Produces Sex-Specific Effects on Cognitive Function. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 85:1205-1217. [PMID: 34924372 PMCID: PMC9549527 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While extensive research on the brain has failed to identify effective therapies, using probiotics to target the gut microbiome has shown therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Genetically modified probiotics (GMP) are a promising strategy to deliver key therapeutic peptides with high efficacy and tissue specificity. Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) levels inversely correlate to AD severity, but its administration is challenging. Our group has successfully established a GMP-based method of Ang-(1-7) delivery. OBJECTIVE Since Drosophila represents an excellent model to study the effect of probiotics on complex disorders in a high throughput manner, we tested whether oral supplementation with Lactobacillus paracasei releasing Ang-(1-7) (LP-A) delays memory loss in a Drosophila AD model. METHODS Flies overexpressing the human amyloid-β protein precursor and its β-site cleaving enzyme in neurons were randomized to receive four 24-h doses of Lactobacillus paracasei alone (LP), LP-A or sucrose over 14 days. Memory was assessed via an aversive phototaxic suppression assay. RESULTS Optimal dilution,1:2, was determined based on palatability. LP-A improved memory in trained AD males but worsened cognition in AD females. LP-supplementation experiments confirmed that Ang-(1-7) conferred additional cognitive benefits in males and was responsible for the deleterious cognitive effects in females. Sex-specific differences in the levels of angiotensin peptides and differential activation of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism in response to supplementation may underlie this male-only therapeutic response. CONCLUSION In summary, LP-A ameliorated the memory deficits of a Drosophila AD model, but effects were sex-specific. Dosage optimization may be required to address this differential response.
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Affiliation(s)
- C.Aaron Smith
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL
| | - Haddon Smith
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL
| | - Lisa Roberts
- Department of Medicine; Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Lori Coward
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Institute, Samford University, Birmingham, AL
| | - Gregory Gorman
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL,Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Institute, Samford University, Birmingham, AL
| | - Amrisha Verma
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida Gainesville, FL
| | - Qiuhong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida Gainesville, FL
| | - Thomas W. Buford
- Department of Medicine; Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL,Corresponding authors: Thomas W. Buford, Phone: (205) 975-9042; ; Patricia Jumbo-Lucioni, Phone: (205) 726-4170;
| | - Christy S. Carter
- Department of Medicine; Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Patricia Jumbo-Lucioni
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL,Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.,Corresponding authors: Thomas W. Buford, Phone: (205) 975-9042; ; Patricia Jumbo-Lucioni, Phone: (205) 726-4170;
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Thomas J, Smith H, Smith CA, Coward L, Gorman G, De Luca M, Jumbo-Lucioni P. The Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Lisinopril Mitigates Memory and Motor Deficits in a Drosophila Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Pathophysiology 2021; 28:307-319. [PMID: 35366264 PMCID: PMC8830455 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology28020020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) has been reported to reduce symptoms of cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Yet, the protective role of ACEis against AD symptoms is still controversial. Here, we aimed at determining whether oral treatment with the ACEi lisinopril has beneficial effects on cognitive and physical functions in a Drosophila melanogaster model of AD that overexpresses the human amyloid precursor protein and the human β-site APP-cleaving enzyme in neurons. We found a significant impairment in learning and memory as well as in climbing ability in young AD flies compared to control flies. After evaluation of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism, we also found that AD flies displayed a >30-fold increase in the levels of the neurotoxic 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) in their heads. Furthermore, compared to control flies, AD flies had significantly higher levels of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) hydrogen peroxide in their muscle-enriched thoraces. Lisinopril significantly improved deficits in learning and memory and climbing ability in AD flies. The positive impact of lisinopril on physical function might be, in part, explained by a significant reduction in ROS levels in the thoraces of the lisinopril-fed AD flies. However, lisinopril did not affect the levels of 3-HK. In conclusion, our findings provide novel and relevant insights into the therapeutic potential of ACEis in a preclinical AD model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimiece Thomas
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL 35229, USA; (J.T.); (H.S.); (C.A.S.)
| | - Haddon Smith
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL 35229, USA; (J.T.); (H.S.); (C.A.S.)
| | - C. Aaron Smith
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL 35229, USA; (J.T.); (H.S.); (C.A.S.)
| | - Lori Coward
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Institute, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL 35229, USA; (L.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Gregory Gorman
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Institute, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL 35229, USA; (L.C.); (G.G.)
- Pharmaceutical, Social, and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL 35229, USA
| | - Maria De Luca
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
| | - Patricia Jumbo-Lucioni
- Pharmaceutical, Social, and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL 35229, USA
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- Correspondence:
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Sun Y, Baptista LC, Roberts LM, Jumbo-Lucioni P, McMahon LL, Buford TW, Carter CS. The Gut Microbiome as a Therapeutic Target for Cognitive Impairment. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2020; 75:1242-1250. [PMID: 31811292 PMCID: PMC7302188 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glz281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Declining cognitive functions in older individuals have enormous emotional, clinical, and public health consequences. Thus, therapeutics for preserving function and keeping older adults living independently are imperative. Aging is associated dysbiosis, defined as a loss of number and diversity in gut microbiota, which has been linked with various aspects of cognitive functions. Therefore, the gut microbiome has the potential to be an important therapeutic target for symptoms of cognitive impairment. In this review, we summarize the current literature regarding the potential for gut-targeted therapeutic strategies for prevention/treatment of the symptoms of cognitive impairment. Specifically, we discuss four primary therapeutic strategies: wild-type and genetically modified probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, physical exercise, and high-fiber diets and specifically link these therapies to reducing inflammation. These strategies may hold promise as treatment paradigm symptoms related to cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sun
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, School of Medicine.,Integrative Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Liliana C Baptista
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, School of Medicine.,Integrative Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Lisa M Roberts
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, School of Medicine.,Integrative Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Patricia Jumbo-Lucioni
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Homewood, Alabama
| | - Lori L McMahon
- Integrative Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine.,Comprehensive Neuroscience Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Thomas W Buford
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, School of Medicine.,Integrative Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Christy S Carter
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, School of Medicine.,Integrative Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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Warren JL, Hoxha E, Jumbo-Lucioni P, De Luca M. Reduction of Syndecan Transcript Levels in the Insulin-Producing Cells Affects Glucose Homeostasis in Adult Drosophila melanogaster. DNA Cell Biol 2017; 36:959-965. [PMID: 28945109 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2017.3912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling by direct cell-matrix interactions has been shown to impact the transcription, secretion, and storage of insulin in mammalian β cells. However, more research is still needed in this area. Syndecans are transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycans that function independently and in synergy with integrin-mediated signaling to mediate cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix. In this study, we used the model organism Drosophila melanogaster to determine whether knockdown of the Syndecan (Sdc) gene expression specifically in the insulin-producing cells (IPCs) might affect insulin-like peptide (ILP) production and secretion. IPCs of adult flies produce three ILPs (ILP2, ILP3, and ILP5), which have significant homology to mammalian insulin. We report that flies with reduced Sdc expression in the IPCs did not show any difference in the expression of ilp genes compared to controls. However, they had significantly reduced levels of the circulating ILP2 protein, higher circulating carbohydrates, and were less glucose tolerant than control flies. Finally, we found that IPCs-specific Sdc knockdown led to reduced levels of head Glucose transporter1 gene expression, extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation, and reactive oxygen species. Taken together, our findings suggest a cell autonomous role for Sdc in insulin release in D. melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan L Warren
- 1 Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Eneida Hoxha
- 1 Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama.,2 Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria , Rende, Italy
| | - Patricia Jumbo-Lucioni
- 1 Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama.,3 Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University , Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Maria De Luca
- 1 Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
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Jumbo-Lucioni P, Parkinson W, Broadie K. Overelaborated synaptic architecture and reduced synaptomatrix glycosylation in a Drosophila classic galactosemia disease model. Dis Model Mech 2014; 7:1365-78. [PMID: 25326312 PMCID: PMC4257005 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.017137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Classic galactosemia (CG) is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from loss of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT), which catalyzes conversion of galactose-1-phosphate and uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucose to glucose-1-phosphate and UDP-galactose, immediately upstream of UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine synthesis. These four UDP-sugars are essential donors for driving the synthesis of glycoproteins and glycolipids, which heavily decorate cell surfaces and extracellular spaces. In addition to acute, potentially lethal neonatal symptoms, maturing individuals with CG develop striking neurodevelopmental, motor and cognitive impairments. Previous studies suggest that neurological symptoms are associated with glycosylation defects, with CG recently being described as a congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG), showing defects in both N- and O-linked glycans. Here, we characterize behavioral traits, synaptic development and glycosylated synaptomatrix formation in a GALT-deficient Drosophila disease model. Loss of Drosophila GALT (dGALT) greatly impairs coordinated movement and results in structural overelaboration and architectural abnormalities at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Dietary galactose and mutation of galactokinase (dGALK) or UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (sugarless) genes are identified, respectively, as critical environmental and genetic modifiers of behavioral and cellular defects. Assaying the NMJ extracellular synaptomatrix with a broad panel of lectin probes reveals profound alterations in dGALT mutants, including depletion of galactosyl, N-acetylgalactosamine and fucosylated horseradish peroxidase (HRP) moieties, which are differentially corrected by dGALK co-removal and sugarless overexpression. Synaptogenesis relies on trans-synaptic signals modulated by this synaptomatrix carbohydrate environment, and dGALT-null NMJs display striking changes in heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) co-receptor and Wnt ligand levels, which are also corrected by dGALK co-removal and sugarless overexpression. These results reveal synaptomatrix glycosylation losses, altered trans-synaptic signaling pathway components, defective synaptogenesis and impaired coordinated movement in a CG neurological disease model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Jumbo-Lucioni
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - William Parkinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kendal Broadie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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Jumbo-Lucioni P, Bu S, Harbison ST, Slaughter JC, Mackay TFC, Moellering DR, De Luca M. Nuclear genomic control of naturally occurring variation in mitochondrial function in Drosophila melanogaster. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:659. [PMID: 23171078 PMCID: PMC3526424 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mitochondria are organelles found in nearly all eukaryotic cells that play a crucial role in cellular survival and function. Mitochondrial function is under the control of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. While the latter has been the focus of most genetic research, we remain largely ignorant about the nuclear-encoded genomic control of inter-individual variability in mitochondrial function. Here, we used Drosophila melanogaster as our model organism to address this question. Results We quantified mitochondrial state 3 and state 4 respiration rates and P:O ratio in mitochondria isolated from the thoraces of 40 sequenced inbred lines of the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel. We found significant within-population genetic variability for all mitochondrial traits. Hence, we performed genome-wide association mapping and identified 141 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with differences in mitochondrial respiration and efficiency (P ≤1 × 10-5). Gene-centered regression models showed that 2–3 SNPs can explain 31, 13, and 18% of the phenotypic variation in state 3, state 4, and P:O ratio, respectively. Most of the genes tagged by the SNPs are involved in organ development, second messenger-mediated signaling pathways, and cytoskeleton remodeling. One of these genes, sallimus (sls), encodes a component of the muscle sarcomere. We confirmed the direct effect of sls on mitochondrial respiration using two viable mutants and their coisogenic wild-type strain. Furthermore, correlation network analysis revealed that sls functions as a transcriptional hub in a co-regulated module associated with mitochondrial respiration and is connected to CG7834, which is predicted to encode a protein with mitochondrial electron transfer flavoprotein activity. This latter finding was also verified in the sls mutants. Conclusions Our results provide novel insights into the genetic factors regulating natural variation in mitochondrial function in D. melanogaster. The integrative genomic approach used in our study allowed us to identify sls as a novel hub gene responsible for the regulation of mitochondrial respiration in muscle sarcomere and to provide evidence that sls might act via the electron transfer flavoprotein/ubiquinone oxidoreductase complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Jumbo-Lucioni
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE We evaluated the ability of the ketogenic diet (KD) to improve thresholds to flurothyl-induced seizures in two mouse lines with Scn1a mutations: one that models Dravet syndrome (DS) and another that models genetic (generalized) epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). METHODS At postnatal day 21, mouse models of DS and GEFS+ were fasted for 12-14 h and then placed on either a 6:1 (fats to proteins and carbohydrates) KD or a standard diet (SD) for 2 weeks. At the end of the 2-week period, we measured thresholds to seizures induced by the chemiconvulsant flurothyl. Body weight, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels, and glucose levels were also recorded every 2 days over a 2-week period in separate cohorts of mutant and wild-type mice that were either on the KD or the SD. KEY FINDINGS Mice on the KD gained less weight and exhibited significantly higher BHB levels compared to mice on the SD. It is notable that thresholds to flurothyl-induced seizures were restored to more normal levels in both mouse lines after 2 weeks on the KD. SIGNIFICANCE These results indicate that the KD may be an effective treatment for refractory patients with SCN1A mutations. The availability of mouse models of DS and GEFS+ also provides an opportunity to better understand the mechanism of action of the KD, which may facilitate the development of improved treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey B B Dutton
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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Jumbo-Lucioni P, Ayroles JF, Chambers MM, Jordan KW, Leips J, Mackay TF, De Luca M. Systems genetics analysis of body weight and energy metabolism traits in Drosophila melanogaster. BMC Genomics 2010; 11:297. [PMID: 20459830 PMCID: PMC2880307 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-11-297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2010] [Accepted: 05/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Obesity and phenotypic traits associated with this condition exhibit significant heritability in natural populations of most organisms. While a number of genes and genetic pathways have been implicated to play a role in obesity associated traits, the genetic architecture that underlies the natural variation in these traits is largely unknown. Here, we used 40 wild-derived inbred lines of Drosophila melanogaster to quantify genetic variation in body weight, the content of three major metabolites (glycogen, triacylglycerol, and glycerol) associated with obesity, and metabolic rate in young flies. We chose these lines because they were previously screened for variation in whole-genome transcript abundance and in several adult life-history traits, including longevity, resistance to starvation stress, chill-coma recovery, mating behavior, and competitive fitness. This enabled us not only to identify candidate genes and transcriptional networks that might explain variation for energy metabolism traits, but also to investigate the genetic interrelationships among energy metabolism, behavioral, and life-history traits that have evolved in natural populations. Results We found significant genetically based variation in all traits. Using a genome-wide association screen for single feature polymorphisms and quantitative trait transcripts, we identified 337, 211, 237, 553, and 152 novel candidate genes associated with body weight, glycogen content, triacylglycerol storage, glycerol levels, and metabolic rate, respectively. Weighted gene co-expression analyses grouped transcripts associated with each trait in significant modules of co-expressed genes and we interpreted these modules in terms of their gene enrichment based on Gene Ontology analysis. Comparison of gene co-expression modules for traits in this study with previously determined modules for life-history traits identified significant modular pleiotropy between glycogen content, body weight, competitive fitness, and starvation resistance. Conclusions Combining a large phenotypic dataset with information on variation in genome wide transcriptional profiles has provided insight into the complex genetic architecture underlying natural variation in traits that have been associated with obesity. Our findings suggest that understanding the maintenance of genetic variation in metabolic traits in natural populations may require that we understand more fully the degree to which these traits are genetically correlated with other traits, especially those directly affecting fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Jumbo-Lucioni
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-3360, USA
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Cope MB, Li X, Jumbo-Lucioni P, DiCostanzo CA, Jamison WG, Kesterson RA, Allison DB, Nagy TR. Risperidone alters food intake, core body temperature, and locomotor activity in mice. Physiol Behav 2008; 96:457-63. [PMID: 19084548 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2008.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2008] [Revised: 11/06/2008] [Accepted: 11/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Risperidone induces significant weight gain in female mice; however, the underlying mechanisms related to this effect are unknown. We investigated the effects of risperidone on locomotor activity, core body temperature, and uncoupling protein (UCP) and hypothalamic orexin mRNA expression. Female C57BL/6J mice were acclimated to individual housing and randomly assigned to either risperidone (4 mg/kg BW day) or placebo (PLA). Activity and body temperature were measured over 48-hour periods twice a week for 3 weeks. Food intake and body weights were measured weekly. UCP1 (BAT), UCP3 (gastrocnemius), and orexin (hypothalamus) mRNA expressions were measured using RT-PCR. Risperidone-treated mice consumed more food (p=0.050) and gained more weight (p=0.0001) than PLA-treated mice after 3 weeks. During the initial 2 days of treatment, there was an acute effect of treatment on activity (p=0.046), but not body temperature (p=0.290). During 3 weeks of treatment, average core body temperatures were higher in risperidone-treated mice compared to controls during the light phase (p=0.0001), and tended to be higher during the dark phase (p=0.057). Risperidone-treated mice exhibited lower activity levels than controls during the dark phase (p=0.006); there were no differences in activity during the light phase (p=0.47). UCP1 (p<0.01) and UCP3 (p<0.05) mRNA expressions were greater in risperidone-treated mice compared to controls, whereas, orexin mRNA expression was lower in risperidone-treated mice (p<0.01). These results suggest that risperidone-induced weight gain in mice is a consequence of increased energy intake and reduced activity, while the elevation in body temperature may be a result of thermogenic effect of food intake and elevated UCP1, UCP3, and a reduced hypothalamic orexin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark B Cope
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, United States
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Johnson MS, Jumbo-Lucioni P, Watts AJ, Allison DB, Nagy TR. Effect of dairy supplementation on body composition and insulin resistance in mice. Nutrition 2007; 23:836-43. [PMID: 17826954 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2007.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2007] [Accepted: 08/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined whether yogurt supplementation attenuated the weight gain and insulin resistance in mice fed a moderate-fat diet. METHODS Nine-week-old male mice (F1 BTBR x C57Bl6/J) were housed individually for the duration of the study. After initial measurements of body weight and composition, mice were randomly assigned to receive one of two isocaloric diets (19.4% kcal protein, 45.5% kcal carbohydrate, and 35.1% kcal fat). One diet was supplemented with dried yogurt powder (10.75 g/100 g of diet). In the first experiment, mice received the diets for 4 wk, after which body weight and body composition were reassessed. In the second experiment, an insulin tolerance test was performed at week 4 and glucose uptake in gonadal fat was assessed at week 5. RESULTS Baseline body weight was not significantly different between control and yogurt mice (P = 0.85). Body weight and fat mass increased significantly over time (P < 0.001) and there was a significant effect of diet on the increase in body weight (P < 0.05) and fat mass (P < 0.001), with the yogurt mice gaining less weight and fat than the control mice. Food intake was not significantly affected by the yogurt supplementation (P = 0.906). Digestive efficiency was significantly lower in the yogurt mice (P < 0.05) due to greater fecal production (P < 0.01). There was no significant effect of diet on the glucose area under the curve during the insulin tolerance test (P = 0.24). Glucose uptake in the gonadal fat was significantly higher in the yogurt mice than in controls under basal (P < 0.05) and insulin-stimulated (P < 0.05) conditions. CONCLUSION Yogurt supplementation resulted in less weight and fat gain in mice fed isocaloric diets due to a decrease in digestive efficiency. Yogurt also enhanced the uptake of glucose in fat but did not significantly improve insulin sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria S Johnson
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
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Cope MB, Jumbo-Lucioni P, Walton RG, Kesterson RA, Allison DB, Nagy TR. No effect of dietary fat on short-term weight gain in mice treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs. Int J Obes (Lond) 2007; 31:1014-22. [PMID: 17224931 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ijo.0803533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Atypical antipsychotic drugs (AAD) induce significant weight gain in female C57BL/6J mice. The effect of dietary fat on weight gain and serum lipids in this model is unknown. OBJECTIVES Test the hypothesis that the obesigenic effects of these drugs are greater in the presence of a high-fat diet. METHODS Female C57BL/6J mice were treated with atypical antipsychotics for 3 weeks and fed either a low-fat or high-fat diet (4.6 vs 15.6% fat by wt). Food intake (FI), body weight (BW), body composition, and serum lipids were measured during treatment with optimized doses of olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone. Energy intake (EI) and feed efficiency (FE) were calculated. Group differences in change were analyzed via repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Serum lipid concentrations, EI and FE were compared using two-way ANOVA. RESULTS AAD-treated mice gained significantly more weight than controls after 3 weeks (P<0.001). Treatment and diet had significant effects on FI and EI over time (P<0.001). AAD-treated mice had significantly higher FE than controls (P<0.05); however, there was no significant drug by diet interaction (P=0.65). Risperidone low-fat mice gained significantly more absolute fat mass than placebo low-fat mice (P<0.05). All treatment groups, except quetiapine low-fat and olanzapine high-fat, gained significantly more absolute lean mass than placebo controls (P<0.05). Cholesterol levels were significantly lower in quetiapine and risperidone than placebo (P<0.05). Risperidone low-fat mice had significantly higher triglyceride levels than placebo and risperidone high-fat mice (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS A high-fat diet does not increase AAD-induced BW gain in female mice during a 3-week treatment period.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Cope
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-3360, USA
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