Characterization of the plasma proteomic profile of Fabry disease: Potential sex- and clinical phenotype-specific biomarkers

Fabry disease (FD) is a X-linked rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficient α-galactosidase A (α-GalA) activity. Early diagnosis and the prediction of disease course are complicated by the clinical heterogeneity of FD, as well as by the frequently inconclusive biochemical and genetic test results that do not correlate with clinical course. We sought to identify potential biomarkers of FD to better understand the underlying pathophysiology and clinical phenotypes. We compared the plasma proteomes of 50 FD patients and 50 matched healthy controls using DDA and SWATH-MS. The >30 proteins that were differentially expressed between the 2 groups included proteins implicated in processes such as inflammation, heme and haemoglobin metabolism, oxidative stress, coagulation, complement cascade, glucose and lipid metabolism, and glycocalyx formation. Stratification by sex revealed that certain proteins were differentially expressed in a sex-dependent manner. Apolipoprotein A-IV was upregulated in FD patients with complications, especially those with chronic kidney disease, and apolipoprotein C-III and fetuin-A were identified as possible markers of FD with left ventricular hypertrophy. All these proteins had a greater capacity to identify the presence of complications in FD patients than lyso-GB3, with apolipoprotein A-IV standing out as being more sensitive and effective in differentiating the presence and absence of chronic kidney disease in FD patients than renal markers such as creatinine, glomerular filtration rate and microalbuminuria. Identification of these potential biomarkers can help further our understanding of the pathophysiological processes that underlie the heterogeneous clinical manifestations associated with FD.

dsRNAi-mediated silencing of PIAS2beta specifically kills anaplastic carcinomas by mitotic catastrophe

The E3 SUMO ligase PIAS2 is expressed at high levels in differentiated papillary thyroid carcinomas but at low levels in anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATC), an undifferentiated cancer with high mortality. We show here that depletion of the PIAS2 beta isoform with a transcribed double-stranded RNA-directed RNA interference (PIAS2b-dsRNAi) specifically inhibits growth of ATC cell lines and patient primary cultures in vitro and of orthotopic patient-derived xenografts (oPDX) in vivo. Critically, PIAS2b-dsRNAi does not affect growth of normal or non-anaplastic thyroid tumor cultures (differentiated carcinoma, benign lesions) or cell lines. PIAS2b-dsRNAi also has an anti-cancer effect on other anaplastic human cancers (pancreas, lung, and gastric). Mechanistically, PIAS2b is required for proper mitotic spindle and centrosome assembly, and it is a dosage-sensitive protein in ATC. PIAS2b depletion promotes mitotic catastrophe at prophase. High-throughput proteomics reveals the proteasome (PSMC5) and spindle cytoskeleton (TUBB3) to be direct targets of PIAS2b SUMOylation at mitotic initiation. These results identify PIAS2b-dsRNAi as a promising therapy for ATC and other aggressive anaplastic carcinomas.

Data-independent acquisition-based SWATH-MS proteomics profiling to decipher the impact of farming system and chicken strain and discovery of biomarkers of authenticity in organic versus antibiotic-free chicken meat

In the literature, there is a paucity of methods and tools that allow the identification of biomarkers of authenticity to discriminate organic and non-organic chicken meat products. Shotgun proteomics is a powerful tool that allows the investigation of the entire proteome of a muscle and/or meat sample. In this study, a shotgun proteomics approach using Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectra (SWATH-MS) has been applied for the first time to characterize and identify candidate protein biomarkers of authenticity in post-mortem chicken Pectoralis major muscles produced under organic and non-organic farming systems (antibiotic-free). The proteomics characterization was further performed within two chicken strains, these being Ross 308 and Ranger Classic, which differ in their growth rate. From the candidate protein biomarkers, the bioinformatics enrichment analyses revealed significant differences in the muscle proteome between the two chicken strains, which may be related to their genetic background and rearing conditions. The results further provided novel insights on the potential interconnected pathways at interplay that are associated with the differences as a consequence of farming system of chicken strain, such as muscle contraction and energy metabolism. This study could pave the way to more in-depth investigations in proteomics applications to assess chicken meat authenticity and better understand the impact of farming systems on the chicken muscle and meat quality.

Human recombinant relaxin-2 (serelaxin) regulates the proteome, lipidome, lipid metabolism and inflammatory profile of rat visceral adipose tissue

Recombinant human relaxin-2 (serelaxin) has been widely proven as a novel drug with myriad effects at different cardiovascular levels, which support its potential therapeutic efficacy in several cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Considering these effects, together with the influence of relaxin-2 on adipocyte physiology and adipokine secretion, and the connection between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) dysfunction and the development of CVD, we could hypothesize that relaxin-2 may regulate VAT metabolism. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of a 2-week serelaxin treatment on the proteome and lipidome of VAT from Sprague-Dawley rats. We found that serelaxin increased 1 polyunsaturated fatty acid and 6 lysophosphatidylcholines and decreased 4 triglycerides in VAT employing ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) based platforms, and that regulates 47 phosphoproteins using SWATH/MS analysis. Through RT-PCR, we found that serelaxin treatment also caused an effect on VAT lipolysis through an increase in the mRNA expression of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and a decrease in the expression of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), together with a reduction in the VAT expression of the fatty acid transporter cluster of differentiation 36 (Cd36). Serelaxin also caused an anti-inflammatory effect in VAT by the decrease in the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), chemerin, and its receptor. In conclusion, our results highlight the regulatory role of serelaxin in the VAT proteome and lipidome, lipolytic function, and inflammatory profile, suggesting the implication of several mechanisms supporting the potential benefit of serelaxin for the prevention of obesity and metabolic disorders.

Neddylation orchestrates the complex transcriptional and posttranscriptional program that drives Schwann cell myelination

Myelination is essential for neuronal function and health. In peripheral nerves, >100 causative mutations have been identified that cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a disorder that can affect myelin sheaths. Among these, a number of mutations are related to essential targets of the posttranslational modification neddylation, although how these lead to myelin defects is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that inhibiting neddylation leads to a notable absence of peripheral myelin and axonal loss both in developing and regenerating mouse nerves. Our data indicate that neddylation exerts a global influence on the complex transcriptional and posttranscriptional program by simultaneously regulating the expression and function of multiple essential myelination signals, including the master transcription factor EGR2 and the negative regulators c-Jun and Sox2, and inducing global secondary changes in downstream pathways, including the mTOR and YAP/TAZ signaling pathways. This places neddylation as a critical regulator of myelination and delineates the potential pathogenic mechanisms involved in CMT mutations related to neddylation.

Genetic linkage analysis of head and neck cancer in a Spanish family

OBJECTIVES

To describe the genetic variants that may be associated with the development of head and neck cancer (HNC) and functionally validating the molecular implications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective observational study was carried out on a family of 3 generations in which 3 members had developed HNC. Peripheral blood sample was taken in a routine procedure for exome sequencing in one relative and genotyping in the remaining twelve relatives. For the functional analysis all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) was extracted from saliva and serum and measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The presence of HPV-DNA.

RESULTS

None of the patients smoked or consumed alcohol. The presence of HPV DNA was not detected in any of the biopsied samples. A total amount of 6 members out of 13 (46.15%) carried out the same mutation of CYP26B1 (2p13.2; G>T). The mean plasma concentration of atRA was 3.3109 ± 1.4791 pg/mL for the study family and 4.7370 ± 1.5992 pg/mL for the controls (p = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

Lower levels of atRA were confirmed in the study family, which may open the way to the possible relationship between the polymorphism CYP26B1 (2p13.2; G>T) and HNC.

p63 controls metabolic activation of hepatic stellate cells and fibrosis via an HER2-ACC1 pathway

The p63 protein has pleiotropic functions and, in the liver, participates in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, its functions in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have not yet been explored. TAp63 is induced in HSCs from animal models and patients with liver fibrosis and its levels positively correlate with NAFLD activity score and fibrosis stage. In mice, genetic depletion of TAp63 in HSCs reduces the diet-induced liver fibrosis. In vitro silencing of p63 blunts TGF-β1-induced HSCs activation by reducing mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, as well as decreasing acetyl CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1). Ectopic expression of TAp63 induces the activation of HSCs and increases the expression and activity of ACC1 by promoting the transcriptional activity of HER2. Genetic inhibition of both HER2 and ACC1 blunt TAp63-induced activation of HSCs. Thus, TAp63 induces HSC activation by stimulating the HER2-ACC1 axis and participates in the development of liver fibrosis.

Semaglutide modulates prothrombotic and atherosclerotic mechanisms, associated with epicardial fat, neutrophils and endothelial cells network

BACKGROUND

Obesity has increased in recent years with consequences on diabetes and other comorbidities. Thus, 1 out of 3 diabetic patients suffers cardiovascular disease (CVD). The network among glucose, immune system, endothelium and epicardial fat has an important role on pro-inflammatory and thrombotic mechanisms of atherogenesis. Since semaglutide, long-acting glucagon like peptide 1- receptor agonist (GLP-1-RA), a glucose-lowering drug, reduces body weight, we aimed to study its effects on human epicardial fat (EAT), aortic endothelial cells and neutrophils as atherogenesis involved-cardiovascular cells.

METHODS

EAT and subcutaneous fat (SAT) were collected from patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Differential glucose consumption and protein cargo of fat-released exosomes, after semaglutide or/and insulin treatment were analyzed by enzymatic and TripleTOF, respectively. Human neutrophils phenotype and their adhesion to aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) or angiogenesis were analyzed by flow cytometry and functional fluorescence analysis. Immune cells and plasma protein markers were determined by flow cytometry and Luminex-multiplex on patients before and after 6 months treatment with semaglutide.

RESULTS

GLP-1 receptor was expressed on fat and neutrophils. Differential exosomes-protein cargo was identified on EAT explants after semaglutide treatment. This drug increased secretion of gelsolin, antithrombotic protein, by EAT, modulated CD11b on neutrophils, its migration and endothelial adhesion, induced by adiposity protein, FABP4, or a chemoattractant. Monocytes and neutrophils phenotype and plasma adiposity, stretch, mesothelial, fibrotic, and inflammatory markers on patients underwent semaglutide treatment for 6 months showed a 20% reduction with statistical significance on FABP4 levels and an 80% increase of neutrophils-CD88.

CONCLUSION

Semaglutide increases endocrine activity of epicardial fat with antithrombotic properties. Moreover, this drug modulates the pro-inflammatory and atherogenic profile induced by the adiposity marker, FABP4, which is also reduced in patients after semaglutide treatment.

Structural Similarities, in Relation with the Cross-Reactivity, of Hymenoptera Allergenic Dipeptidyl Peptidases IV-An Overall Comparison Including a New Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Sequence from Vespa velutina

(1) Background: Dipeptidyl Peptidases IV (DPPIVs), present in many organisms, are minor components in the venoms of Hymenoptera, where they have been identified as cross-reactive allergenic molecules. Considering that the structure of homologous DPPIVs is well characterized, we aimed to explain which regions have higher similarity among these proteins and present a comparison among them, including a new Vespa velutina DPPIV sequence. Moreover, two cases of sensitization to DPPIVs in wasp- and honeybee-sensitized patients are presented. (2) Methods: Proteomic analyses have been performed on the venom of the Asian hornet Vespa velutina to demonstrate the sequence of its DPPIV (allergen named Vesp v 3, with sequence accession number P0DRB8, and with the proteomic data available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD046030). A comparison performed through their alignments and analysis of the three-dimensional structure showed a region with higher similarity among Hymenoptera DPPIVs. Additionally, ImmunoCAP™ determinations (including specific inhibition experiments), as well as IgE immunoblotting, are performed to demonstrate the allergenicity of Api m 5 and Ves v 3. (3) Results and Conclusions: The data presented demonstrate that the similarities among Hymenoptera DPPIVs are most likely localized at the C-terminal region of these enzymes. In addition, a higher similarity of the Vespa/Vespula DPPIVs is shown. The clinical cases analyzed demonstrated the allergenicity of Api m 5 and Ves v 3 in the sera of the allergic patients, as well as the presence of this minor component in the preparations used in venom immunotherapy.

Brain and immune system-derived extracellular vesicles mediate regulation of complement system, extracellular matrix remodeling, brain repair and antigen tolerance in Multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated central nervous system disease whose course is unpredictable. Finding biomarkers that help to better comprehend the disease's pathogenesis is crucial for supporting clinical decision-making. Blood extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound particles secreted by all cell types that contain information on the disease's pathological processes.

PURPOSE

To identify the immune and nervous system-derived EV profile from blood that could have a specific role as biomarker in MS and assess its possible correlation with disease state.

RESULTS

Higher levels of T cell-derived EVs and smaller size of neuron-derived EVs were associated with clinical relapse. The smaller size of the oligodendrocyte-derived EVs was related with motor and cognitive impairment. The proteomic analysis identified mannose-binding lectin serine protease 1 and complement factor H from immune system cell-derived EVs as autoimmune disease-associated proteins. We observed hepatocyte growth factor-like protein in EVs from T cells and inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 2 from neurons as white matter injury-related proteins. In patients with MS, a specific protein profile was found in the EVs, higher levels of alpha-1-microglobulin and fibrinogen β chain, lower levels of C1S and gelsolin in the immune system-released vesicles, and Talin-1 overexpression in oligodendrocyte EVs. These specific MS-associated proteins, as well as myelin basic protein in oligodendrocyte EVs, correlated with disease activity in the patients with MS.

CONCLUSION

Neural-derived and immune-derived EVs found in blood appear to be good specific biomarkers in MS for reflecting the disease state.

Neddylation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 controls glucose metabolism

Neddylation is a post-translational mechanism that adds a ubiquitin-like protein, namely neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated protein 8 (NEDD8). Here, we show that neddylation in mouse liver is modulated by nutrient availability. Inhibition of neddylation in mouse liver reduces gluconeogenic capacity and the hyperglycemic actions of counter-regulatory hormones. Furthermore, people with type 2 diabetes display elevated hepatic neddylation levels. Mechanistically, fasting or caloric restriction of mice leads to neddylation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) at three lysine residues-K278, K342, and K387. We find that mutating the three PCK1 lysines that are neddylated reduces their gluconeogenic activity rate. Molecular dynamics simulations show that neddylation of PCK1 could re-position two loops surrounding the catalytic center into an open configuration, rendering the catalytic center more accessible. Our study reveals that neddylation of PCK1 provides a finely tuned mechanism of controlling glucose metabolism by linking whole nutrient availability to metabolic homeostasis.

Proteomics in Inherited Metabolic Disorders

Inherited metabolic disorders (IMD) are rare medical conditions caused by genetic defects that interfere with the body's metabolism. The clinical phenotype is highly variable and can present at any age, although it more often manifests in childhood. The number of treatable IMDs has increased in recent years, making early diagnosis and a better understanding of the natural history of the disease more important than ever. In this review, we discuss the main challenges faced in applying proteomics to the study of IMDs, and the key advances achieved in this field using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). This technology enables the analysis of large numbers of proteins in different body fluids (serum, plasma, urine, saliva, tears) with a single analysis of each sample, and can even be applied to dried samples. MS/MS has thus emerged as the tool of choice for proteome characterization and has provided new insights into many diseases and biological systems. In the last 10 years, sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragmentation spectra mass spectrometry (SWATH-MS) has emerged as an accurate, high-resolution technique for the identification and quantification of proteins differentially expressed between healthy controls and IMD patients. Proteomics is a particularly promising approach to help obtain more information on rare genetic diseases, including identification of biomarkers to aid early diagnosis and better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology to guide the development of new therapies. Here, we summarize new and emerging proteomic technologies and discuss current uses and limitations of this approach to identify and quantify proteins. Moreover, we describe the use of proteomics to identify the mechanisms regulating complex IMD phenotypes; an area of research essential to better understand these rare disorders and many other human diseases.

Quantitative proteomics in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a proof-of-concept study

OBJECTIVE

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a paradoxical effect associated with bone modifying agents (BMAs) and other drugs. Currently no valuable diagnostic or prognosis biomarkers exist. This goal of this research was to study MRONJ related salivary proteome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This case-control aimed to study salivary proteome in MRONJ versus control groups i) formed from BMAs consumers and ii) healthy individuals to unravel biomarkers. 38 samples of unstimulated whole saliva (18 MRONJ patients, 10 BMA consumers, and 10 healthy controls) were collected. Proteomic analysis by SWATH-MS coupled to bioinformatics analysis was executed.

RESULTS

586 proteins were identified, 175 proteins showed significant differences among MRONJ versus controls. SWATH-MS revealed differentially expressed proteins among three groups, which have never isolated. These proteins had distinct roles including cell envelope organization, positive regulation of vesicle fusion, positive regulation of receptor binding, or regulation of low-density lipoprotein particle clearance. Integrative analysis prioritised 3 proteins (MMP9, AACT and HBD). Under receiver operating characteristic analysis, this panel discriminated MRONJ with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 78.9%.

CONCLUSION

These findings may inform of a novel biomarker panel for MRONJ prediction or diagnosis. Nonetheless, further research is needed to validate this panel.

Circulating Proteins Associated with Response and Resistance to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

Simple Summary

The goal of this study was to find circulating proteins that can be easily sampled and incorporated into a clinical setting to improve predictive treatment response in HER2-positive breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We looked for potential biomarkers in serum, which we identified using two proteomics techniques: qualitative LC-MS/MS and a quantitative assay that assessed protein expression between responders and non-responders HER2-positive breast cancer patients to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Abstract

Despite the increasing use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) patients, the clinical problem of predicting individual treatment response remains unanswered. Furthermore, the use of ineffective chemotherapeutic regimens should be avoided. Serum biomarker levels are being studied more and more for their ability to predict therapy response and aid in the development of personalized treatment regimens. This study aims to identify effective protein networks and biomarkers to predict response to NAC in HER2-positive BC patients through an exhaustive large-scale LC-MS/MS-based qualitative and quantitative proteomic profiling of serum samples from responders and non-responders. Serum samples from HER2-positive BC patients were collected before NAC and were processed by three methods (with and without nanoparticles). The qualitative analysis revealed differences in the proteomic profiles between responders and non-responders, mainly in proteins implicated in the complement and coagulation cascades and apolipoproteins. Qualitative analysis confirmed that three proteins (AFM, SERPINA1, APOD) were correlated with NAC resistance. In this study, we show that serum biomarker profiles can predict treatment response and outcome in the neoadjuvant setting. If these findings are further developed, they will be of significant clinical utility in the design of treatment regimens for individual BC patients.

Quantitative Proteomic Study Unmasks Fibrinogen Pathway in Polycystic Liver Disease

(1) Background: Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is a heterogeneous group of congenital disorders characterized by bile duct dilatation and cyst development derived from cholangiocytes. Nevertheless, the cystogenesis mechanism is currently unknown and the PLD treatment is limited to liver transplantation. Novel and efficient therapeutic approaches are th6us needed. In this context, the present work has a principal aim to find novel molecular pathways, as well as new therapeutic targets, involved in the hepatic cystogenesis process. (2) Methods: Quantitative proteomics based on SWATH-MS technology were performed comparing hepatic proteomes of Wild Type and mutant/polycystic livers in a polycystic kidney disease (PKD) murine model (Pkd1cond/cond;Tam-Cre-/+). (3) Results: We identified several proteins altered in abundance, with two-fold cut-off up-regulation or down-regulation and an adjusted p-value significantly related to hepatic cystogenesis. Then, we performed enrichment and a protein-protein analysis identifying a cluster focused on hepatic fibrinogens. Finally, we validated a selection of targets by RT-qPCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, finding a high correlation with quantitative proteomics data and validating the fibrinogen complex. (4) Conclusions: This work identified a novel molecular pathway in cystic liver disease, highlighting the fibrinogen complex as a possible new therapeutic target for PLD.

Inhibition of ATG3 ameliorates liver steatosis by increasing mitochondrial function

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Autophagy-related gene 3 (ATG3) is an enzyme mainly known for its actions in the LC3 lipidation process, which is essential for autophagy. Whether ATG3 plays a role in lipid metabolism or contributes to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unknown.

METHODS

By performing proteomic analysis on livers from mice with genetic manipulation of hepatic p63, a regulator of fatty acid metabolism, we identified ATG3 as a new target downstream of p63. ATG3 was evaluated in liver samples from patients with NAFLD. Further, genetic manipulation of ATG3 was performed in human hepatocyte cell lines, primary hepatocytes and in the livers of mice.

RESULTS

ATG3 expression is induced in the liver of animal models and patients with NAFLD (both steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) compared with those without liver disease. Moreover, genetic knockdown of ATG3 in mice and human hepatocytes ameliorates p63- and diet-induced steatosis, while its overexpression increases the lipid load in hepatocytes. The inhibition of hepatic ATG3 improves fatty acid metabolism by reducing c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase 1 (JNK1), which increases sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT1a), and mitochondrial function. Hepatic knockdown of SIRT1 and CPT1a blunts the effects of ATG3 on mitochondrial activity. Unexpectedly, these effects are independent of an autophagic action.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these findings indicate that ATG3 is a novel protein implicated in the development of steatosis.

LAY SUMMARY

We show that autophagy-related gene 3 (ATG3) contributes to the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in humans and mice. Hepatic knockdown of ATG3 ameliorates the development of NAFLD by stimulating mitochondrial function. Thus, ATG3 is an important factor implicated in steatosis.

O-GlcNAcylated p53 in the liver modulates hepatic glucose production

p53 regulates several signaling pathways to maintain the metabolic homeostasis of cells and modulates the cellular response to stress. Deficiency or excess of nutrients causes cellular metabolic stress, and we hypothesized that p53 could be linked to glucose maintenance. We show here that upon starvation hepatic p53 is stabilized by O-GlcNAcylation and plays an essential role in the physiological regulation of glucose homeostasis. More specifically, p53 binds to PCK1 promoter and regulates its transcriptional activation, thereby controlling hepatic glucose production. Mice lacking p53 in the liver show a reduced gluconeogenic response during calorie restriction. Glucagon, adrenaline and glucocorticoids augment protein levels of p53, and administration of these hormones to p53 deficient human hepatocytes and to liver-specific p53 deficient mice fails to increase glucose levels. Moreover, insulin decreases p53 levels, and over-expression of p53 impairs insulin sensitivity. Finally, protein levels of p53, as well as genes responsible of O-GlcNAcylation are elevated in the liver of type 2 diabetic patients and positively correlate with glucose and HOMA-IR. Overall these results indicate that the O-GlcNAcylation of p53 plays an unsuspected key role regulating in vivo glucose homeostasis.

Tear Proteomics in Keratoconus: A Quantitative SWATH-MS Analysis

Purpose

To elucidate dysregulated proteins in keratoconus (KC) to provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that lead to the development of the disease using sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH-MS) as a protein quantification tool of the tear proteomic profile.

Methods

Prospective cross-sectional study that includes 25 keratoconic eyes and 25 healthy eyes. All participants underwent a clinical, tomographic, and aberrometric exam. Tear sample was collected using Schirmer strips and analyzed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. SWATH-MS was used as a quantification tool of the tear proteomic profile. The expression of the quantified proteins was compared between groups, and the biological and molecular functions of the dysregulated proteins as well as their functional relationships were studied by in silico analysis.

Results

A total of 203 proteins were quantified in tear samples of patients with KC and control participants, of which 18 showed differential expression between groups (P < 0.05). An increase in the expression of 7 proteins and a decrease in the expression of 11 proteins were observed. Protein–protein interactions and gene ontology analysis showed the involvement of these dysregulated proteins in structural, inflammatory-immune, iron homeostasis, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix proteolysis processes.

Conclusions

Tear protein quantification has revealed the dysregulation of proteins involved in biological processes previously associated with KC. Among them, iron homeostasis should be highlighted as a relevant pathway in the KC pathophysiology, and it should be taken into account in the development of therapeutic targets to cope with tissue damage derived from iron accumulation and toxicity.

Protein Extraction From FFPE Kidney Tissue Samples: A Review of the Literature and Characterization of Techniques

Most tissue biopsies from patients in hospital environments are formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) for long-term storage. This fixation process produces a modification in the proteins called “crosslinks”, which improves protein stability necessary for their conservation. Currently, these samples are mainly used in clinical practice for performing immunohistochemical analysis, since these modifications do not suppose a drawback for this technique; however, crosslinks difficult the protein extraction process. Accordingly, these modifications make the development of a good protein extraction protocol necessary. Due to the specific characteristics of each tissue, the same extraction buffers or deparaffinization protocols are not equally effective in all cases. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain a specific protocol for each tissue. The present work aims to establish a deparaffinization and protein extraction protocol from FFPE kidney samples to obtain protein enough of high quality for the subsequent proteomic analysis. Different deparaffination, protocols and protein extraction buffers will be tested in FFPE kidney samples. The optimized conditions will be applied in the identification by LC-MS/MS analysis of proteins extracted from 5, 10, and 15 glomeruli obtained through the microdissection of FFPE renal samples.

SWATH-MS Protocols in Human Diseases

Identification of molecular biomarkers for human diseases is one of the most important disciplines in translational science as it helps to elucidate their origin and early progression. Thus, it is a key factor in better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Proteomics can help to solve the problem of sample complexity when the most common primary sample specimens were analyzed: organic fluids of easy access. The latest developments in high-throughput and label-free quantitative proteomics (SWATH-MS), together with more advanced liquid chromatography, have enabled the analysis of large sample sets with the sensitivity and depth needed to succeed in this task. In this chapter, we show different sample processing methods (major protein depletion, digestion, etc.) and a micro LC-SWATH-MS protocol to identify/quantify several proteins in different types of samples (serum/plasma, saliva, urine, tears).

Characterization of New Proteomic Biomarker Candidates in Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IVA

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA (MPS IVA) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase (GALNS) gene. Skeletal dysplasia and the related clinical features of MPS IVA are caused by disruption of the cartilage and its extracellular matrix, leading to a growth imbalance. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human GALNS has yielded positive results in activity of daily living and endurance tests. However, no data have demonstrated improvements in bone lesions and bone grow thin MPS IVA after ERT, and there is no correlation between therapeutic efficacy and urine levels of keratan sulfate, which accumulates in MPS IVA patients. Using qualitative and quantitative proteomics approaches, we analyzed leukocyte samples from healthy controls (n = 6) and from untreated (n = 5) and ERT-treated (n = 8, sampled before and after treatment) MPS IVA patients to identify potential biomarkers of disease. Out of 690 proteins identified in leukocytes, we selected a group of proteins that were dysregulated in MPS IVA patients with ERT. From these, we identified four potential protein biomarkers, all of which may influence bone and cartilage metabolism: lactotransferrin, coronin 1A, neutral alpha-glucosidase AB, and vitronectin. Further studies of cartilage and bone alterations in MPS IVA will be required to verify the validity of these proteins as potential biomarkers of MPS IVA.

Protein Corona Gold Nanoparticles Fingerprinting Reveals a Profile of Blood Coagulation Proteins in the Serum of HER2-Overexpressing Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer (BC) is a molecularly heterogeneous disease that encompasses five major molecular subtypes (luminal A (LA), luminal B HER2 negative (LB-), luminal B HER2 positive (LB+), HER2 positive (HER2+) and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)). BC treatment mainly depends on the identification of the specific subtype. Despite the correct identification, therapies could fail in some patients. Thus, further insights into the genetic and molecular status of the different BC subtypes could be very useful to improve the response of BC patients to the range of available therapies. In this way, we used gold nanoparticles (AuNPs, 12.96 ± 0.72 nm) as a scavenging tool in combination with Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectra (SWATH-MS) to quantitatively analyze the serum proteome alterations in the different breast cancer intrinsic subtypes. The differentially regulated proteins specific of each subtype were further analyzed with the bioinformatic tools STRING and PANTHER to identify the major molecular function, biological processes, cellular origin, protein class and biological pathways altered due to the heterogeneity in proteome of the different BC subtypes. Importantly, a profile of blood coagulation proteins was identified in the serum of HER2-overexpressing BC patients.

Enhanced oxidative stress and damage in glycated erythrocytes

Diabetes is associated with a dramatic mortality rate due to its vascular complications. Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes leads to enhanced glycation of erythrocytes and oxidative stress. Even though erythrocytes play a determining role in vascular complications, very little is known about how erythrocyte structure and functionality can be affected by glycation. Our objective was to decipher the impact of glycation on erythrocyte structure, oxidative stress parameters and capacity to interact with cultured human endothelial cells. In vitro glycated erythrocytes were prepared following incubation in the presence of different concentrations of glucose. To get insight into the in vivo relevance of our results, we compared these data to those obtained using red blood cells purified from diabetics or non-diabetics. We measured erythrocyte deformability, susceptibility to hemolysis, reactive oxygen species production and oxidative damage accumulation. Altered structures, redox status and oxidative modifications were increased in glycated erythrocytes. These modifications were associated with reduced antioxidant defence mediated by enzymatic activity. Enhanced erythrocyte phagocytosis by endothelial cells was observed when cultured with glycated erythrocytes, which was associated with increased levels of phosphatidylserine-likely as a result of an eryptosis phenomenon triggered by the hyperglycemic treatment. Most types of oxidative damage identified in in vitro glycated erythrocytes were also observed in red blood cells isolated from diabetics. These results bring new insights into the impact of glycation on erythrocyte structure, oxidative damage and their capacity to interact with endothelial cells, with a possible relevance to diabetes.

CD5L, Macrophage Apoptosis Inhibitor, Was Identified in Epicardial Fat-Secretome and Regulated by Isoproterenol From Patients With Heart Failure

Objectives

Neurohormonal dysfunction, which can regulate epicardial fat activity, is one of the main promoters of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure (HF). Our aim was to study the epicardial fat mediators for AF in patients with HF and its catecholaminergic regulation.

Methods

We have included 29 patients with HF who underwent cardiac surgery and were followed up for 5 years. Released proteins by epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) after isoproterenol treatment were identified by nano-high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and triple time-of-flight (TOF) analysis. Common and differential identified proteins in groups of patients with AF before and after surgery were determined by the FunRich tool. Plasma and epicardial fat biopsy proteins were quantified by western blot.

Results

Our results identified 17 common released proteins by EAT, after isoproterenol treatment, from HF patients who suffered AF or developed new-onset AF during follow-up. Mostly, they were involved on inflammatory response and extracellular matrix. One of them was CD5L, a macrophage apoptosis inhibitor. Its secretion by isoproterenol treatment was validated on western blot. The CD5L levels on epicardial fat were also higher in the group of male patients who present or develop AF (0.44 ± 0.05 vs. 0.18 ± 0.15; p < 0.016). However, there were no differences regarding plasma levels.

Conclusion

Our results suggest the role of epicardial fat CD5L as a mediator of AF and its possible paracrine effect by catecholaminergic activity.

Antirhea borbonica Aqueous Extract Protects Albumin and Erythrocytes from Glycoxidative Damages

Diabetes constitutes a major health problem associated with severe complications. In hyperglycemic conditions, chronically increased oxidation and glycation of circulating components lead to advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) formation, a key contributor in diabetes complication progression. In line with literature documenting the beneficial properties of herbal teas, this study evaluates the antioxidant/glycant properties of Antirhea borbonica (Ab). Ab aqueous extract effects were tested on human albumin or erythrocytes submitted to methyl glyoxal-mediated glycoxidative damages. By using mass spectrometry, Ab aqueous extracts revealed to be rich in polyphenols. All tested biomarkers of oxidation and glycation, such as AGE, ketoamine, oxidized thiol groups, were decreased in albumin when glycated in the presence of Ab aqueous extract. Ab extract preserve erythrocyte from methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced damages in terms of restored membrane deformability, reduced oxidative stress and eryptosis phenomenon. Antioxidant capacities of Ab extract on erythrocytes were retrieved in vivo in zebrafish previously infused with MGO. These results bring new evidences on the deleterious impacts of glycation on albumin and erythrocyte in diabetes. Furthermore, it reveals antioxidant and antiglycant properties of Ab that could be used for the dietary modulation of oxidative stress and glycation in hyperglycemic situations.

Proteomic investigation on bio-corona of Au, Ag and Fe nanoparticles for the discovery of triple negative breast cancer serum protein biomarkers

Nowadays, there are no targeted therapeutic modalities for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). This disease is associated with poor prognosis and worst clinical outcome because of the aggressive nature of the tumor, delayed diagnosis, and non-specific symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, identification of novel specific TNBC serum biomarkers for screening and therapeutic purposes remains an urgent clinical requirement. New user-friendly and cheap methods for biomarker identification are needed, and nanotechnology offers new opportunities. When dispersed in blood, nanoparticles (NPs) are covered by a protein shell termed "protein corona" (PC). While alterations in protein patterns are challeging to detect by conventional blood analyses, PC acts as a "nano-concentrator" of serum proteins with affinity for NPs' surface. So, the characterization of PC could allow the detection of otherwise undetectable changes in protein concentration at an early stage of the disease or after chemotherapy or surgery. To explore this research idea, serum samples from 8 triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients and 8 patients without malignancy were allowed to interact with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs: 10.02 ± 0.91 nm), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs: 9.73 ± 1.70 nm) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs: (9.30 ± 0.67 nm). Here, in order to identify biomarker candidates in serum of TNBC patients, these nanomaterials were combined with electrophoretic separation (SDS-PAGE) to performed qualitative and quantitative comparisons of the serum proteomes of TNBC patients (n = 8) and healthy controls (n = 8) by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. The results were validated through a sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH) analysis, performed in total serum samples (patients and controls) using this approach as a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) analysis. SIGNIFICANCE: It is well known that several proteins presented in human serum are important biomarkers for the diagnosis or prognosis of different diseases, as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Determining how nanomaterials as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs: 10.02 ± 0.91 nm), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs: 9.73 ± 1.70 nm) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs: (9.30 ± 0.67 nm) interact with human serum will assist not only in understanding their effects on the biological system (biocompability and toxicity), but also to obtain information for developing novel nanomaterials with high specificity and selectivity towards proteins with an important biological function (prognostic and diagnostic protein biomarkers).

Proteomic Analysis in Morquio A Cells Treated with Immobilized Enzymatic Replacement Therapy on Nanostructured Lipid Systems

Morquio A syndrome, or mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA (MPS IVA), is a lysosomal storage disease due to mutations in the N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase (GALNS) gene. Systemic skeletal dysplasia and the related clinical features of MPS IVA are due to disruption of cartilage and its extracellular matrix, leading to an imbalance of growth. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human GALNS, alpha elosulfase, provides a systemic treatment. However, this therapy has a limited impact on skeletal dysplasia because the infused enzyme cannot penetrate cartilage and bone. Therefore, an alternative therapeutic approach to reach the cartilage is an unmet challenge. We have developed a new drug delivery system based on a nanostructure lipid carrier with the capacity to immobilize enzymes used for ERT and to target the lysosomes. This study aimed to assess the effect of the encapsulated enzyme in this new delivery system, using in vitro proteomic technology. We found a greater internalization of the enzyme carried by nanoparticles inside the cells and an improvement of cellular protein routes previously impaired by the disease, compared with conventional ERT. This is the first qualitative and quantitative proteomic assay that demonstrates the advantages of a new delivery system to improve the MPS IVA ERT.

Advanced glycation end-products disrupt human endothelial cells redox homeostasis: new insights into reactive oxygen species production

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) trigger multiple metabolic disorders in the vessel wall that may in turn lead to endothelial dysfunction. The molecular mechanisms by which AGEs generate these effects are not completely understood. Oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of deleterious effects that occur in endothelium during diabetes. Our main objectives were to further understand how AGEs contribute to reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction in endothelial cells and to evaluate the protective effect of an antioxidant plant extract. The human endothelial cell line EA.hy926 was treated with native or modified bovine serum albumin (respectively BSA and BSA-AGEs). To monitor free radicals formation, we used H₂DCF-DA, dihydroethidium (DHE), DAF-FM-DA and MitoSOX Red dyes. To investigate potential sources of ROS, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and mitochondrial inhibitors were used. The regulation of different types of ROS by the polyphenol-rich extract from the medicinal plant Doratoxylon apetalum was also studied for a therapeutic perspective. BSA-AGEs exhibited not only less antioxidant properties than BSA, but also pro-oxidant effects. The degree of albumin glycoxidation directly influenced oxidative stress through a possible communication between NADPH oxidase and mitochondria. D. apetalum significantly decreased intracellular hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anions mainly detected by H₂DCF-DA and DHE respectively. Our results suggest that BSA-AGEs promote a marked oxidative stress mediated at least by NADPH oxidase and mitochondria. D. apetalum plant extract appeared to be an effective antioxidant compound to protect endothelial cells.

Cholinergic activity regulates the secretome of epicardial adipose tissue: Association with atrial fibrillation

Botulinum toxin injection on epicardial fat, which inhibits acetylcholine (ACh) release, reduced the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients after heart surgery. Thus, we wanted to study the profile of the released proteins of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) under cholinergic activity (ACh treatment) and their value as AF predictors. Biopsies, explants, or primary cultures were obtained from the EAT of 85 patients that underwent open heart surgery. The quantification of muscarinic receptors (mAChR) by real-time polymerase chain reaction or western blot showed their expression in EAT. Moreover, mAChR Type 3 was upregulated after adipogenesis induction (p < 0.05). Cholinergic fibers in EAT were detected by vesicular ACh transporter levels and/or acetylcholinesterase activity. ACh treatment modified the released proteins by EAT, which were identified by nano-high-performance liquid chromatography and TripleTOF analysis. These differentially released proteins were involved in cell structure, inflammation, or detoxification. After testing the plasma levels of alpha-defensin 3 (inflammation-involved protein) of patients who underwent open heart surgery ( n = 24), we observed differential levels between the patients who developed or did not develop postsurgery AF (1.58 ± 1.61 ng/ml vs. 6.2 ± 5.6 ng/ml; p < 0.005). The cholinergic activity on EAT might suggest a new mechanism for studying the interplay among EAT, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and AF.

Protein-Based Salivary Profiles as Novel Biomarkers for Oral Diseases

The Global Burden of Oral Diseases affects 3.5 billion people worldwide, representing the number of people affected by the burden of untreated dental caries, severe periodontal disease, and edentulism. Thus, much more efforts in terms of diagnostics and treatments must be provided in the fight of these outcomes. In this sense, recently, the study of saliva as biological matrix has been identified as a new landmark initiative in the search of novel and useful biomarkers to prevent and diagnose these conditions. Specifically, saliva is a rich reservoir of different proteins and peptides and accessible due to recent advances in molecular biology and specially in targeted and unbiased proteomics technologies. Nonetheless, emerging barriers are an obstacle to the study of the salivary proteome in an effective way. This review aims at giving an overall perspective of salivary biomarkers identified in several oral diseases by means of molecular biology approaches.

Glycation of human serum albumin impairs binding to the glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue liraglutide

The long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue liraglutide has proven efficiency in the management of type 2 diabetes and also has beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases. Liraglutide's protracted action highly depends on its capacity to bind to albumin via its palmitic acid part. However, in diabetes, albumin can undergo glycation, resulting in impaired drug binding. Our objective in this study was to assess the impact of human serum albumin (HSA) glycation on liraglutide affinity. Using fluorine labeling of the drug and ¹⁹F NMR, we determined HSA affinity for liraglutide in two glycated albumin models. We either glycated HSA in vitro by incubation with glucose (G25- or G100-HSA) or methylglyoxal (MGO-HSA) or purified in vivo glycated HSA from the plasma of diabetic patients with poor glycemic control. Nonglycated commercial HSA (G0-HSA) and HSA purified from plasma of healthy individuals served as controls. We found that glycation decreases affinity for liraglutide by 7-fold for G100-HSA and by 5-fold for MGO-HSA compared with G0-HSA. A similarly reduced affinity was observed for HSA purified from diabetic individuals compared with HSA from healthy individuals. Our results reveal that glycation significantly impairs HSA affinity to liraglutide and confirm that glycation contributes to liraglutide's variable therapeutic efficiency, depending on diabetes stage. Because diabetes is a progressive disease, the effect of glycated albumin on liraglutide affinity found here is important to consider when diabetes is managed with this drug.

Diabetes-induced hepatic oxidative stress: a new pathogenic role for glycated albumin

Increased oxidative stress and advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation are major contributors to the development of type 2 diabetes. Here plasma proteins e.g. albumin can undergo glycoxidation and play a key role in diabetes onset and related pathologies. However, despite recent progress linking albumin-AGE to increased oxidative stress and downstream effects, its action in metabolic organs such as the liver remains to be elucidated. The current study therefore investigated links between oxidative perturbations and biochemical/structural modifications of plasma albumin, and subsequent downstream effects in transgenic db/db mouse livers and HepG2 cells, respectively. Our data reveal increased oxidative stress biomarkers and lipid accumulation in plasma and livers of diabetic mice, together with albumin glycoxidation. Purified mouse albumin modifications resembled those typically found in diabetic patients, i.e. degree of glycation, carbonylation, AGE levels and in terms of chemical composition. Receptor for AGE expression and reactive oxygen species production were upregulated in db/db mouse livers, together with impaired proteolytic, antioxidant and mitochondrial respiratory activities. In parallel, acute exposure of HepG2 cells to glycated albumin also elicited intracellular free radical formation. Together this study demonstrates that AGE-modified albumin can trigger damaging effects on the liver, i.e. by increasing oxidative stress, attenuating antioxidant capacity, and by impairment of hepatic proteolytic and respiratory chain enzyme activities.

Sea cucumbers with an anti-inflammatory effect on endothelial cells and subcutaneous but not on epicardial adipose tissue

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) contains higher levels of inflammatory proteins and lower adiponectin levels than subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), enhancing the progression of atherosclerosis.

Differential behaviour of epicardial adipose tissue-secretomes with high and low orosomucoid levels from patients with cardiovascular disease in H9C2 cells

Epicardial adipose tissue releases orosomucoid (ORM), an acute phase protein with multiple modulatory and protective properties. We aimed to identify the effect of EAT-supernatants according to their ORM levels on H9C2 cells. H9C2 were cultured with EAT-secretomes or ORM protein itself on a Real-Time Cell Analyser. Secretome proteins identification was performed by LC-mass spectrometry according to their ORM levels. Two of them were validated by ELISA in EAT-supernatants from 42 patients. ORM effect on H9C2 and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes apoptosis under hypoxia with or without fatty acid treatment was determined by Annexin-V flow cytometry measurement. Caspase-3 expression levels were determined by western blot in H9C2. Our results showed a differential effect of EAT-secretomes according their ORM levels. Although additional secreted proteins can contribute to their beneficial effects, ORM reduced hypoxia-induced apoptosis through caspase-3 inhibition. Our data showed the cardioprotective role of ORM and suggest that its quantification on EAT secretomes might help us to find new secreted factors with a cardioprotective role.

Humanized medium (h7H) allows long-term primary follicular thyroid cultures from human normal thyroid, benign neoplasm, and cancer

CONTEXT

Mechanisms of thyroid physiology and cancer are principally studied in follicular cell lines. However, human thyroid cancer lines were found to be heavily contaminated by other sources, and only one supposedly normal-thyroid cell line, immortalized with SV40 antigen, is available. In primary culture, human follicular cultures lose their phenotype after passage. We hypothesized that the loss of the thyroid phenotype could be related to culture conditions in which human cells are grown in medium optimized for rodent culture, including hormones with marked differences in its affinity for the relevant rodent/human receptor.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to define conditions that allow the proliferation of primary human follicular thyrocytes for many passages without losing phenotype.

METHODS

Concentrations of hormones, transferrin, iodine, oligoelements, antioxidants, metabolites, and ethanol were adjusted within normal homeostatic human serum ranges. Single cultures were identified by short tandem repeats. Human-rodent interspecies contamination was assessed.

RESULTS

We defined an humanized 7 homeostatic additives medium enabling growth of human thyroid cultures for more than 20 passages maintaining thyrocyte phenotype. Thyrocytes proliferated and were grouped as follicle-like structures; expressed Na+/I- symporter, pendrin, cytokeratins, thyroglobulin, and thyroperoxidase showed iodine-uptake and secreted thyroglobulin and free T3. Using these conditions, we generated a bank of thyroid tumors in culture from normal thyroids, Grave's hyperplasias, benign neoplasms (goiter, adenomas), and carcinomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Using appropriate culture conditions is essential for phenotype maintenance in human thyrocytes. The bank of thyroid tumors in culture generated under humanized humanized 7 homeostatic additives culture conditions will provide a much-needed tool to compare similarly growing cells from normal vs pathological origins and thus to elucidate the molecular basis of thyroid disease.

Serum chemerin levels during normal human pregnancy

During gestation there are important changes in maternal metabolism and an increase in insulin resistance, coinciding with an increase in adiposity. Chemerin is an adipocytokine which is expressed and secreted in various tissues, including placenta, and may play an important role in metabolic regulation during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine serum levels of chemerin during gestation and compare them to other indicators of insulin resistance. A cross-sectional study was carried out analyzing serum chemerin levels of 20 pregnant women during three gestational periods, early, middle, and late (between the 10th and 14th, the 23rd and 26th, and the 34th and 37th week) and 20 non-pregnant women were used as a control group. An analysis of chemerin levels during the menstrual cycle was performed in an eumenorrheic group (n=16) in the early follicular (cycle day 4±1) and the midluteal phase (cycle day 22±1), demonstrating that serum chemerin levels did not fluctuate significantly. Serum levels of chemerin were significantly elevated during late gestation when compared to early (P<0.001) and middle (P=0.001) gestation and a negative correlation between serum chemerin and adiponectin levels (r=-0.1643) became more significant when the non-pregnant group was included in the calculations (r=-0.2471). There was no significant association of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, insulin, and HOMA levels with chemerin. Although chemerin rose significantly and is negatively associated with adiponectin levels, it is not correlated with other markers of insulin sensitivity, suggesting that more study is needed to determine whether chemerin is useful in predicting insulin resistance during gestation.

Defining stem cell types: understanding the therapeutic potential of ESCs, ASCs, and iPS cells

Embryonic, adult, artificially reprogrammed, and cancer…- there are various types of cells associated with stemness. Do they have something fundamental in common? Are we applying a common name to very different entities? In this review, we will revisit the characteristics that define 'pluripotency', the main property of stem cells (SCs). For each main type of physiological (embryonic and adult) or synthetic (induced pluripotent) SCs, markers and functional behavior in vitro and in vivo will be described. We will review the pioneering work that has led to obtaining human SC lines, together with the problems that have arisen, both in a biological context (DNA alterations, heterogeneity, tumors, and immunogenicity) and with regard to ethical concerns. Such problems have led to proposals for new operative procedures for growing human SCs of sufficiently high quality for use as models of disease and in human therapy. Finally, we will review the data from the first clinical trials to use various types of SCs.

Identification of a paired box gene 8-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PAX8-PPARgamma) rearrangement mosaicism in a patient with an autonomous functioning follicular thyroid carcinoma bearing an activating mutation in the TSH receptor

Our main objective was to search for mutations in candidate genes and for paired box gene 8-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PAX8-PPARgamma) rearrangement in a well-differentiated angioinvasive follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) causing hyperthyroidism. DNA and RNA were extracted from the patient's thyroid tumor, as well as 'normal' thyroid tissue, and from peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) of the patient, her daughter, and two siblings. Nuclear isolation was extracted from the patient's tumor, 'normal' thyroid tissue, PBLs, and uterine leiomyoma tissue. TSH receptor (TSHR), RAS, and BRAF genes were sequenced. We searched for PAX8-PPARgamma in thyroid, PBL, and uterine leiomyoma samples from the patient and family members. Proliferative effects of detected mutants on non-transformed human thyrocytes cultures. An activating TSHR mutation, M453T, was detected in the tumor. PAX8 (exons 1-8+10)-PPARgamma was found in all tested patient's tissues. A second rearrangement, PAX8 (exons 1-8)-PPARgamma, was detected in the patient's normal thyroid tissue. Under deprived medium condition, co-transfection of PAX8-PPARgamma and TSHR-M453T dramatically increased the number of thyrocytes, an effect that it was not observed with TSHR wild-type (WT); under complete medium conditions, co-transfection of PAX8-PPARgamma with either TSHR-M453T or TSHR-WT inhibited cell proliferation. We report a patient with hyperthyroidism due to a FTC bearing an activating TSHR mutation and PAX8-PPARgamma rearrangements. PAX8-PPARgamma was present as a mosaicism affecting tissues from endodermal and mesodermal origin. PAX8-PPARgamma and TSHR-M453T inhibited or promoted thyrocyte proliferation depending on medium conditions. The activating TSHR mutation could promote in vivo FTC development in PAX8-PPARgamma-positive thyrocytes under poor blood supply with deprivation of growth factors but restraint the tumor growth when growth factors are supplied.

Functional role of the RET dependence receptor, GFRa co-receptors and ligands in the pituitary

The RET receptor is a tyrosine kinase receptor implicated in kidney and neural development. In the adenopituitary RET and the co-receptor GFRa1 are expressed exclusively in the somatotrophs secreting GH. RET is implicated in a clever pathway to maintain at physiological levels the number of somatotrophs and the GH production. Thus, in absence of its ligand GDNF, RET induces apoptosis through massive expression of Pit-1 leading to p53 accumulation. In the presence of the ligand GDNF, RET activates its tyrosine kinase and promotes survival at the expense of reducing Pit-1 expression and downregulating GH. Recent data suggest that RET can also have a second role in pituitary plasticity through a second co-receptor GFRa2.

New insights into thyroglobulin pathophysiology revealed by the study of a family with congenital goiter

CONTEXT

Thyroglobulin (TG) gene mutations cause congenital hypothyroidism (CH) with goiter. A founder effect has been proposed for some frequent mutations. Mutated proteins have a defect in intracellular transport causing intracellular retention with ultrastructural changes that resemble an endoplasmic reticulum storage disease.

OBJECTIVE

To reveal new aspects of thyroglobulin pathophysiology through clinical, cellular, molecular, and genetic studies in a family presenting with CH due to TG mutations from Galicia, an iodine-deficient area of Spain.

DESIGN

The included clinical evaluation of family members, DNA sequencing for TG gene mutation and haplotyping analysis, ultrastructural analysis of thyroid tissue specimens from affected subjects, analysis of effects of mutations found on TG gene transcription, and in vitro studies of cellular production and secretion of mutated proteins.

SETTING

Locations included primary care and university hospitals.

RESULTS

Family members with CH, mental retardation, and goiter were compound heterozygous for c.886C-->T (p.R277X) and g.IVS35+1delG. For c.886C-->T, a founder effect cannot be excluded, and its transcription was hardly detectable. g.IVS35+1delG caused an in-frame deletion in exon 35 and produced a protein that, although synthesized, could not be secreted. Ultrastructural analyses showed morphological changes consistent with an endoplasmic reticulum storage disease.

CONCLUSION

The shorter thyroglobulin resulting from the novel g.IVS35+1delG was retained within the endoplasmic reticulum of thyrocytes, and together with p.R227X caused severe hypothyroidism with goiter. p.R277X, the most commonly described TG mutation, is caused by a TG exon-7 highly mutation-prone region, and the possibility that some cases were introduced to South America from Galicia cannot be excluded.

Vaspin and amylin are expressed in human and rat placenta and regulated by nutritional status

Amylin (islet amyloid polypeptide) and vaspin (visceral adipose tissue specific serpin) are gut and adipocyte hormones involved in the regulation of body weight homeostasis. The aim of this study was to examine whether amylin and vaspin are expressed in human and rat placenta, as well as their regulation by nutritional status. Our results demonstrate that amylin and vaspin are localized in both human and rat placenta. In the rat term placenta vaspin was demonstrated in the trophoblast of the fetal villi, the labyrinth. Vaspin immunostaining in human placenta was localized in cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast in the first trimester placentas while in the third trimester vaspin was localized in the syncytiotrophoblast. Regarding amylin, rat placenta of 16 days of gestational age showed an intense immunostaining, mainly localized in the labyrinth. On the other hand, in the human third trimester placenta amylin immunoreactivity was intense in the syncytiotrophoblast of the chorionic villi and in decidual cells. Furthermore, placental amylin and vaspin showed an opposite pattern of expression during pregnancy, with vaspin showing the highest expression level at the end and amylin at the beginning of pregnancy. Finally, food restriction also has contrary effects on their expression, increasing vaspin but decreasing amylin placental mRNA and protein levels. Taken together, our results demonstrate that vaspin and amylin are modulated by energy status in the placenta, which suggests that these proteins may be involved in the regulation of placental metabolic functions.