Selenium nanoparticles are more efficient than sodium selenite in producing reactive oxygen species and hyper-accumulation of selenium nanoparticles in cancer cells generates potent therapeutic effects

We have previously demonstrated that selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) administered via oral route possess similar capacities of increasing selenoenzyme activities as the extensively examined sodium selenite, selenomethionine and methylselenocysteine, and yet display the lowest toxicity among these selenium compounds in mouse models. However, the low toxicity of SeNPs found in mammalian systems would lead to the interpretation that the punctate distribution of elemental selenium found in cultured cancer cells subjected to selenite treatment that triggers marked cytotoxicity represents a detoxifying mechanism. The present study found that SeNPs could be reduced by the thioredoxin- or glutaredoxin-coupled glutathione system to generate ROS. Importantly, ROS production by SeNPs in these systems was more efficient than by selenite, which has been recognized as the most redox-active selenium compound for ROS production. This is because multiple steps of reduction from selenite to selenide anion are required; whereas only a single step reduction from the elemental selenium atom to selenide anion is needed to trigger redox cycling with oxygen to produce ROS. We thus speculated that accumulation of SeNPs in cancer cells would result in a strong therapeutic effect, rather than serves a detoxification function. Indeed, we showed herein that preformed SeNPs generated a potent therapeutic effect in a mouse model due to rapid, massive and selective accumulation of SeNPs in cancer cells. Overall, for the first time, we demonstrate that SeNPs have a stronger pro-oxidant property than selenite and hyper-accumulation of SeNPs in cancer cells can generate potent therapeutic effects.

Mechanistic characterization of the thioredoxin system in the removal of hydrogen peroxide

The thioredoxin system, which consists of a family of proteins, including thioredoxin (Trx), peroxiredoxin (Prx), and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), plays a critical role in the defense against oxidative stress by removing harmful hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Specifically, Trx donates electrons to Prx to remove H2O2 and then TrxR maintains the reduced Trx concentration with NADPH as the cofactor. Despite a great deal of kinetic information gathered on the removal of H2O2 by the Trx system from various sources/species, a mechanistic understanding of the associated enzymes is still not available. We address this issue by developing a thermodynamically consistent mathematical model of the Trx system which entails mechanistic details and provides quantitative insights into the kinetics of the TrxR and Prx enzymes. Consistent with experimental studies, the model analyses of the available data show that both enzymes operate by a ping-pong mechanism. The proposed mechanism for TrxR, which incorporates substrate inhibition by NADPH and intermediate protonation states, well describes the available data and accurately predicts the bell-shaped behavior of the effect of pH on the TrxR activity. Most importantly, the model also predicts the inhibitory effects of the reaction products (NADP(+) and Trx(SH)2) on the TrxR activity for which suitable experimental data are not available. The model analyses of the available data on the kinetics of Prx from mammalian sources reveal that Prx operates at very low H2O2 concentrations compared to their human parasite counterparts. Furthermore, the model is able to predict the dynamic overoxidation of Prx at high H2O2 concentrations, consistent with the available data. The integrated Prx-TrxR model simulations well describe the NADPH and H2O2 degradation dynamics and also show that the coupling of TrxR- and Prx-dependent reduction of H2O2 allowed ultrasensitive changes in the Trx concentration in response to changes in the TrxR concentration at high Prx concentrations. Thus, the model of this sort is very useful for integration into computational H2O2 degradation models to identify its role in physiological and pathophysiological functions.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate enhances key enzymatic activities of hepatic thioredoxin and glutathione systems in selenium-optimal mice but activates hepatic Nrf2 responses in selenium-deficient mice

Selenium participates in the antioxidant defense mainly through a class of selenoproteins, including thioredoxin reductase. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant and biologically active catechin in green tea. Depending upon the dose and biological systems, EGCG may function either as an antioxidant or as an inducer of antioxidant defense via its pro-oxidant action or other unidentified mechanisms. By manipulating the selenium status, the present study investigated the interactions of EGCG with antioxidant defense systems including the thioredoxin system comprising of thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase, the glutathione system comprising of glutathione and glutathione reductase coupled with glutaredoxin, and the Nrf2 system. In selenium-optimal mice, EGCG increased hepatic activities of thioredoxin reductase, glutathione reductase and glutaredoxin. These effects of EGCG appeared to be not due to overt pro-oxidant action because melatonin, a powerful antioxidant, did not influence the increase. However, in selenium-deficient mice, with low basal levels of thioredoxin reductase 1, the same dose of EGCG did not elevate the above-mentioned enzymes; intriguingly EGCG in turn activated hepatic Nrf2 response, leading to increased heme oxygenase 1 and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 protein levels and thioredoxin activity. Overall, the present work reveals that EGCG is a robust inducer of the Nrf2 system only in selenium-deficient conditions. Under normal physiological conditions, in selenium-optimal mice, thioredoxin and glutathione systems serve as the first line defense systems against the stress induced by high doses of EGCG, sparing the activation of the Nrf2 system.

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EGCG increases hepatic activities of TrxR, GR and Grx in selenium-optimal mice.

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EGCG fails to manipulate the above-mentioned enzymes in selenium-deficient mice.

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EGCG in turn activates hepatic Nrf2 response in selenium-deficient mice.

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Selenium deficiency does not increase EGCG toxicity due to potent Nrf2 response.

Inhibition of botulinum neurotoxins interchain disulfide bond reduction prevents the peripheral neuroparalysis of botulism

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) form a growing family of metalloproteases with a unique specificity either for VAMP, SNAP25 or syntaxin. The BoNTs are grouped in seven different serotypes indicated by letters from A to G. These neurotoxins enter the cytosol of nerve terminals via a 100 kDa chain which binds to the presynaptic membrane and assists the translocation of a 50 kDa metalloprotease chain. These two chains are linked by a single disulfide bridge which plays an essential role during the entry of the metalloprotease chain in the cytosol, but thereafter it has to be reduced to free the proteolytic activity. Its reduction is mediated by thioredoxin which is continuously regenerated by its reductase. Here we show that inhibitors of thioredoxin reductase or of thioredoxin prevent the specific proteolysis of VAMP by the four VAMP-specific BoNTs: type B, D, F and G. These compounds are effective not only in primary cultures of neurons, but also in preventing the in vivo mouse limb neuroparalysis. In addition, one of these inhibitors, Ebselen, largely protects mice from the death caused by a systemic injection. Together with recent results obtained with BoNTs specific for SNAP25 and syntaxin, the present data demonstrate the essential role of the thioredoxin-thioredoxin reductase system in reducing the interchain disulfide during the nerve intoxication mechanism of all serotypes. Therefore its inhibitors should be considered for a possible use to prevent botulism and for treating infant botulism.

Insights into the fish thioredoxin system: expression profile of thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during infection and in vitro stimulation

Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the first biological response during a disease outbreak and after injury. ROS are highly reactive molecules that can either endanger cell homeostasis or mediate cell signaling in several physiological pathways, including the immune response. Thioredoxin (Trx) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) are the essential components of the thioredoxin system, one of the main intracellular redox systems and are therefore important regulators of ROS accumulation. Through the regulation of the intracellular redox milieu, the thioredoxin system plays a key role within the immune system, linking immunology and free radical science. In this study we have firstly identified TrxRs in fish and used this new sequence information to reevaluate the evolution of the thioredoxin system within the vertebrate lineage. We next measured the expression of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Trx and TrxR transcripts during infection in vivo and in vitro after stimulation of a macrophage cell line and primary macrophage cultures with pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Our results showed that both Trx and TrxR were induced during infection at the transcriptional level, confirming their likely involvement in the innate immune response of fish. Since TrxRs are selenium-containing proteins (selenoproteins), we also measured the modulation of their expression upon organic and inorganic selenium exposure in vitro. TrxR was found to be responsive to selenium exposure in vitro, suggesting that it may represent a key mediator in the selenium modulation of innate immunity. In conclusion, our study highlights the need to investigate the involvement of the cell antioxidant pathways, especially the thioredoxin system, within the immune system of vertebrate species.

The thioredoxin system in the dental caries pathogen Streptococcus mutans and the food-industry bacterium Streptococcus thermophilus

The Streptococcus genus includes the pathogenic species Streptococcus mutans, the main responsible of dental caries, and the safe microorganism Streptococcus thermophilus, used for the manufacture of dairy products. These facultative anaerobes control the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and indeed, both S. mutans and S. thermophilus possess a cambialistic superoxide dismutase, the key enzyme for a preventive action against ROS. To evaluate the properties of a crucial mechanism for repairing ROS damages, the molecular and functional characterization of the thioredoxin system in these streptococci was investigated. The putative genes encoding its protein components in S. mutans and S. thermophilus were analysed and the corresponding recombinant proteins were purified. A single thioredoxin reductase was obtained from either S. mutans (SmTrxB) or S. thermophilus (StTrxB1), whereas two thioredoxins were prepared from either S. mutans (SmTrxA and SmTrxH1) or S. thermophilus (StTrxA1 and StTrxA2). Both SmTrxB and StTrxB1 reduced the synthetic substrate DTNB in the presence of NADPH, whereas only SmTrxA and StTrxA1 accelerated the insulin reduction in the presence of DTT. To reconstitute an in vitro streptococcal thioredoxin system, the combined activity of the thioredoxin components was tested through the insulin precipitation in the absence of DTT. The assay functions with a combination of SmTrxB or StTrxB1 with either SmTrxA or StTrxA1. These results suggest that the streptococcal members of the thioredoxin system display a direct functional interaction between them and that these protein components are interchangeable within the Streptococcus genus. In conclusion, our data prove the existence of a functioning thioredoxin system even in these microaerophiles.

The protective effect of the cardiac thioredoxin system on the heart in the case of iron overload in mice

BACKGROUND

Iron, which is essential for many vital biological processes, causes significant clinical pathologies in the case of its deficiency or excess. Cardiovascular protective pathways are activated by iron therapy. However, determining the appropriate iron concentration is essential to protect heart tissue from iron-induced oxidative stress. The thioredoxin system is one of the antioxidant systems that protect cells against oxidative stress. Moreover, it allows the binding of many transcription factors for apoptosis, myocardial protection, the stimulation of cell proliferation, and angiogenesis processes, especially the regulation of the cardiovascular system. This study's goal was to understand how iron overload affects the gene and protein levels of the thioredoxin system in the mouse heart.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were randomly separated into two groups. The iron overload group was administered with intraperitoneal injections of an iron-dextran solution twice a week for three weeks. In parallel, the control group was intraperitoneally given Dextran 5 solution. The total iron content, the total GSH level, the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio, and thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1) activity were demonstrated spectroscopically. Changes in the iron metabolism marker genes and thioredoxin system genes were examined by qPCR. The quantitative protein expression of TXNRD1 and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) was examined by western blotting.

RESULTS

The iron content of the heart increased in the iron overload group. The expression of hepcidin (Hamp) and ferroportin (Fpn) increased with iron overload. However, decreased expression was observed for ferritin (Fth). No changes were revealed in the GSH level and GSH/GSSG ratio. The gene expression of thioredoxin 1 (Txn1), Txnrd1, and Txnip did not change. TXNRD1 activity and protein expression increased significantly, while the protein expression of TXNIP decreased significantly.

CONCLUSION

In the case of iron overload, the cardiac thioredoxin system is affected by the protein level rather than the gene level. The amount and duration of iron overload used in this study may be considered as a starting point for further studies to determine appropriate conditions for the iron therapy of cardiovascular diseases.

Kinetic and structural characterization of a typical two-cysteine peroxiredoxin from Leptospira interrogans exhibiting redox sensitivity

Little is known about the mechanisms by which Leptospira interrogans, the causative agent of leptospirosis, copes with oxidative stress at the time it establishes persistent infection within its human host. We report the molecular cloning of a gene encoding a 2-Cys peroxiredoxin (LinAhpC) from this bacterium. After bioinformatic analysis we found that LinAhpC contains the characteristic GGIG and YF motifs present in peroxiredoxins that are sensitive to overoxidation (mainly eukaryotic proteins). These motifs are absent in insensitive prokaryotic enzymes. Recombinant LinAhpC showed activity as a thioredoxin peroxidase with sensitivity to overoxidation by H2O2 (Chyp 1% ~30 µM at pH 7.0 and 30°C). So far, Anabaena 2-Cys peroxiredoxin, Helicobacter pylori AhpC, and LinAhpC are the only prokaryotic enzymes studied with these characteristics. The properties determined for LinAhpC suggest that the protein could be critical for the antioxidant defense capacity in L. interrogans.

Redox requirements for ubiquitin-like urmylation of Ahp1, a 2-Cys peroxiredoxin from yeast

The yeast peroxiredoxin Ahp1, like related anti-oxidant enzymes in other species, undergoes urmylation, a lysine-directed conjugation to ubiquitin-like modifier Urm1. Ahp1 assembles into a homodimer that detoxifies peroxides via forming intersubunit disulfides between peroxidatic and resolving cysteines that are subsequently reduced by the thioredoxin system. Although urmylation coincides with oxidative stress, it is unclear how this modification happens on a molecular level and whether it affects peroxiredoxin activity. Here, we report that thioredoxin mutants decrease Ahp1 urmylation in yeast and each subunit of the oxidized Ahp1 dimer is modified by Urm1 suggesting coupling of urmylation to dimerization. Consistently, Ahp1 mutants unable to form dimers, fail to be urmylated as do mutants that lack the peroxidatic cysteine. Moreover, Ahp1 urmylation involves at least two lysine residues close to the catalytic cysteines and can be prevented in yeast cells exposed to high organic peroxide concentrations. Our results elucidate redox requirements and molecular determinants critical for Ahp1 urmylation, thus providing insights into a potential link between oxidant defense and Urm1 utilization in cells.

(1-4)-Thiodisaccharides as anticancer agents. Part 5. Evaluation of anticancer activity and investigation of mechanism of action

(1-4)-Thiodisaccharides, thiosugars with the 1-4-thio bridge, were recently shown to induce oxidative stress, as well as, apoptosis in cancer cells in the low micromolar range; however, the detailed mechanism of their anticancer action still remains unknown. In order to clarify the mechanism of (1-4)- thiodisaccharides action, we performed a series of tests including cytotoxic, clonogenic and apoptosis assays using an in vitro glioma cancer model with one ATCC cell line U87 and two novel glioma cell lines derived from cancer patients - H6PX and H7PX. We also evaluated the ability of (1-4)-thiodisaccharides to interfere with protein folding and synthesis processes, as well as, the thioredoxin system. (1-4)-thiodisaccharides induced glioma cell death, which were found to be accompanied with endoplasmic reticulum stress, inhibition of global protein synthesis, reduced overall cellular thiol level and thioredoxin reductase activity. We also performed a RT-PCR and Elisa analysis of (1-4)-thiodisaccharides-treated glioma cells to identify any changes within the pathway affected by (1-4)-thiodisaccharides. We observed a significant increase of expression in key markers of endoplasmic reticulum stress and pro-apoptotic protein, FASLG. We proposed that (1-4)-thiodisaccharides react with cellular thiols and disturb any cellular thiol-depended processes like thioredoxin system or protein folding.

Biochemical and physiological analyses of NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase isozymes in Euglena gracilis

At least four peroxiredoxins that are coupled with the thioredoxin (Trx) system have been shown to play a key role in redox metabolism in the unicellular phytoflagellate Euglena gracilis. In order to clarify Trx-mediated redox regulation in this alga, we herein identified three NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductases (NTRs) using a homologous search and characterized their enzymatic properties and physiological roles. Each Euglena NTR protein belonged to the small, large, and NTRC types, and were named EgNTR1, EgNTR2, and EgNTRC, respectively. EgNTR2 was phylogenetically different from the known NTRs in eukaryotic algae. EgNTR1 was predicted to be localized in mitochondria, EgNTR2 in the cytosol, and EgNTRC in plastids. The catalytic efficiency of EgNTR2 for NADPH was 30-46-fold higher than those of EgNTR1 and truncated form of EgNTRC, suggested that large type EgNTR2 reduced Trx more efficiently. The silencing of EgNTR2 gene expression resulted in significant growth inhibition and cell hypertrophy in Euglena cells. These results suggest that EgNTRs function in each cellular compartment and are physiologically important, particularly in the cytosol.

Biochemical characterization of thioredoxin reductase from Babesia bovis

This paper addresses the identification, cloning, expression, purification and functional characterization of thioredoxin reductase from Babesia bovis, the etiological agent of babesiosis. The work deals with in vitro steady state kinetic studies and other complementary analyses of the thioredoxin reductase found in the pathogenic protist. Thioredoxin reductase from B. bovis was characterized as a homodimeric flavoprotein that catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of Trx with a high catalytic efficiency. Moreover, the enzyme exhibited a disulfide reductase activity using DTNB as substrate, being this activity highly sensitive to inhibition by Eosin B. The thioredoxin reductase/thioredoxin system can reduce oxidized glutathione and S-nitrosoglutathione. Our in vitro data suggest that antioxidant defense in B. bovis could be supported by this enzyme. We have performed an enzymatic characterization, searching for targets for rational design of inhibitors. This work contributes to the better understanding of the redox biochemistry occurring in the parasite.

Low-dose arsenite causes overexpression of EGF, TGFα, and HSP90 through Trx1-TXNIP-NLRP3 axis mediated signaling pathways in the human bladder epithelial cells

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an increased incidence of bladder cancer in arseniasis- endemic areas; however, the precise molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Our previous results have shown that the protein levels of EGF, TGFα, and HSP90 in arsenite-treated bladder uroepithelial cells increased markedly and contributed to hyperactivation of EGF receptors. The aim of this study was to further explore the regulatory ways underlying overexpression of EGF, TGFα, and HSP90 in these cells. The present results showed that both Trx and GSH systems were stimulated in arsenite-treated cells, and ROS levels in 2 μM arsenite-treated cells did not changed obviously; however, ROS levels in 4 μM arsenite-treated cells increased significantly. By using the antioxidant and specific inhibitors, we found that in 2 μM arsenite-treated cells, JNK/NF-κB signaling pathway was involved in overexpression of EGF and TGFα, and ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway contributed to HSP90 overexpression, however in 4 μM arsenite-treated cells, both ERK/ and JNK/NF-κB signaling pathways were involved in overexpression of EGF, TGFα, and HSP90, and PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway contributed to overexpression of EGF and TGFα. Furthermore, our results also showed that the Trx1-TXNIP-NLRP3 axis was activated in arsenite-treated cells, and played a pivotal role in activation of the signaling pathways involved in overexpression of EGF, TGFα, and HSP90. In conclusion, the Trx1-TXNIP-NLRP3 axis might be activated by arsenite-induced redox imbalance in bladder uroepithelial cells, and mediate the activation of signaling pathways involved in overexpression of EGF, TGFα, and HSP90.

Role and mechanism of homocysteine in affecting hepatic protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B

BACKGROUND

Elevated homocysteine is epidemiologically related to insulin resistance. Protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a negative regulator of insulin signaling. However, the effect of homocysteine on PTP1B remains unclear.

METHODS

S-homocysteinylated PTP1B was identified by LC-ESI-MS/MS. The ability of thioredoxin system to recover active PTP1B from S-homocysteinylated PTP1B was confirmed by RNA interference. To address the mechanism for homocysteine to affect PTP1B activity, we performed 5-IAF insertion, activity assays, Western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation and glucose uptake experiments.

RESULTS

The thiol-containing form of homocysteine (HcySH) suppressed phosphorylation of insulin receptor-β subunit, but enhanced PTP1B activity. This phenomenon was partially related to the fact that HcySH promoted PTP1B expression. Although the disulfide-bonded form of homocysteine (HSSH) modified PTP1B to form an inactive S-homocysteinylated PTP1B, HcySH-induced increase in the activities of cellular thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase, components of thioredoxin system, could recover active PTP1B from S-homocysteinylated PTP1B. Thioredoxin system transferred electrons from NADPH to S-homocysteinylated PTP1B, regenerating active PTP1B in vitro and in hepatocytes. The actions of HcySH were also related with decrease in hepatic glucose uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of HcySH/HSSH on PTP1B activity depends, at least partially, on the ratio of active PTP1B and S-homocysteinylated PTP1B. High HcySH-induced an increase in thioredoxin system activity is beneficial to de-S-homocysteinylation and is good for PTP1B activity.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Our data provide a novel insight into post-translational regulation of PTP1B, and expand the biological functions of thioredoxin system.

A new thioredoxin reductase with additional glutathione reductase activity in Haemonchus contortus

We report, herein, the purification to homogeneity and the biochemical and kinetic characterization of HcTrxR3, a new isoform of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) from Haemonchus contortus. HcTrxR3 was found to have a relative molecular weight of 134,000, while the corresponding value per subunit obtained under denaturing conditions, was of 67,000. By peptide mass spectrophotometric analysis, HcTrxR3 was determined to have 99% identity with the H. contortus HcTrxR1 although, and most importantly, they are different in their amino acid sequence in two amino acid positions: 48 (isoleucine instead of leucine) and 460 (leucine instead of proline). The enzyme catalyzes NADPH-dependent reduction of DTNB and, unexpectedly, it follows the pattern of glutathione reductases (GR) performing the reduction of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) to reduced glutathione using NADPH as the reducing cofactor. Hence, it is important to highlight this enzyme's new and unexpected condition that makes so special and one our main finding. Enzyme K_cat values for DTNB, GSSG and NADPH were 12, 3 and 8 s^-1, respectively. HcTrxR3 developed, into specific TrxR substrates: ebselen and sodium selenite, with activity at 0.5 and 0.068 (U/mg), respectively; and 0.044 (U/mg) for S-nitrosoglutathione through its GR activity. The enzyme was inhibited by gold compound auranofin (AU), a selective inhibitor of thiol-dependent flavoreductases. Although HcTrxR3 has both TrxR and GR activity as thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR) does, it is a TrxR because it has no glutaredoxin domain and it does not develop any hysteretic behavior as does TGR. The importance of this new enzyme is potential to further clarify the detoxification and haemostasis redox mechanism in H. contortus. Likewise, this enzyme could also be a protein model to recognize more differences between TrxR and GR.

Cytotoxic and Radiosensitising Effects of a Novel Thioredoxin Reductase Inhibitor in Brain Cancers

The thioredoxin (Trx) system, a key antioxidant pathway, represents an attractive target for cancer therapy. This study investigated the chemotherapeutic and radiosensitising effects of a novel Trx reductase (TrxR) inhibitor, IQ10, on brain cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms of action. Five brain cancer cell lines and a normal cell type were used. TrxR activity and expression were assessed by insulin reduction assay and Western blotting, respectively. IQ10 cytotoxicity was evaluated using growth curve, resazurin reduction and clonogenic assays. Radiosensitivity was examined using clonogenic assay. Reactive oxygen species levels were examined by flow cytometry and DNA damage assessed by immunofluorescence. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related gene expression was examined by RT-PCR array. IQ10 significantly inhibited TrxR activity but did not affect Trx system protein expression in brain cancer cells. The drug exhibited potent anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects against brain cancer cells under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions in both 2D and 3D systems, with IC₅₀s in the low micromolar range. It was up to ~ 1000-fold more potent than temozolomide. IQ10 substantially sensitised various brain cancer cells to radiation, with such effect being due, in part, to functional inhibition of TrxR, making cells less able to deal with oxidative stress and leading to increased oxidative DNA damage. IQ10 significantly downregulated EMT-associated gene expression suggesting potential anti-invasive and antimetastatic properties. This study suggests that IQ10 is a potent anticancer agent and could be used as either a single agent or combined with radiation, to treat brain cancers.

Transcriptional changes of proteins of the thioredoxin and glutathione systems in Acanthamoeba spp. under oxidative stress - an RNA approach

The thioredoxin (Trx) and the glutathione (GSH) systems represent important antioxidant systems in cells and in particular thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) has been shown to constitute a promising drug target in parasites. For the facultative protozoal pathogen Acanthamoeba, it was demonstrated that a bacterial TrxR as well as a TrxR, characteristic of higher eukaryotes, mammals and humans is expressed on the protein level. However, only bacterial TrxR is strongly induced by oxidative stress in Acanthamoeba castellanii. In this study, the impact of oxidative stress on key enzymes involved in the thioredoxin and the glutathione system of A. castellanii under different culture conditions and of clinical Acanthamoeba isolates was evaluated on the RNA level employing RT-qPCR. Additionally, the effect of auranofin, a thioredoxin reductase inhibitor, already established as a potential drug in other parasites, on target enzymes in A. castellanii was investigated. Oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide led to significant stimulation of bacterial TrxR and thioredoxin, while diamide had a strong impact on all investigated enzymes. Different strains displayed distinct transcriptional responses, rather correlating to sensitivity against the respective stressor than to respective pathogenic potential. Culture conditions appear to have a major effect on transcriptional changes in A. castellanii. Treatment with auranofin led to transcriptional activation of the GSH system, indicating its role as a potential backup for the Trx system. Altogether, our data provide more profound insights into the complex redox system of Acanthamoeba, preparing the ground for further investigations on this topic.

Inhibition of the thioredoxin system for radiosensitization therapy of cancer

Radiotherapy (RT) stands as a cornerstone in the clinical armamentarium against various cancers due to its proven efficacy. However, the intrinsic radiation resistance exhibited by cancer cells, coupled with the adverse effects of RT on normal tissues, often compromises its therapeutic potential and leads to unwanted side effects. This comprehensive review aims to consolidate our understanding of how radiosensitizers inhibit the thioredoxin (Trx) system in cellular contexts. Notable radiosensitizers, including gold nanoparticles (GNPs), gold triethylphosphine cyanide ([Au(SCN) (PEt3)]), auranofin, ceria nanoparticles (CONPs), curcumin and its derivatives, piperlongamide, indolequinone derivatives, micheliolide, motexafin gadolinium, and ethane selenide selenidazole derivatives (SeDs), are meticulously elucidated in terms of their applications in radiotherapy. In this review, the sensitization mechanisms and the current research progress of these radiosensitizers are discussed in detail, with the overall aim of providing valuable insights for the judicious application of Trx system inhibitors in the field of cancer radiosensitization therapy.

The role of thioredoxin system in cancer: strategy for cancer therapy

PURPOSE

Cancer, a major public health problem, exhibits significant redox alteration. Thioredoxin (Trx) system, including Trx and Trx reductase (TrxR), as well as Trx-interacting protein (TXNIP) play important roles in controlling the cellular redox balance in cancer cells. In most cancers, Trx and TrxR are usually overexpressed and TXNIP is underexpressed. In recent years, some agents targeting Trx, TrxR, and TXNIP were used to explore a therapy approach for cancer patients.

METHODS

A systematic search of PMC and the PubMed Database was conducted to summarize the potential of Trx system inhibitors for cancer treatment.

RESULTS

In this article, we first summarize the functions of Trx, TrxR, and TXNIP in cancers. We also review some small molecule inhibitors of Trx/TrxR and D-allose (TXNIP inducer) and discuss their antitumor mechanisms. We highlight the combined inhibition of Trx system and GSH system in cancer therapy. We expect that a highly specific and selective antitumor agent with no cytotoxicity on human normal cells could be developed in the future.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Trx system may be very promising for clinical therapy of cancer in the future.

Thioredoxin A of Streptococcus suis Serotype 2 Contributes to Virulence by Inhibiting the Expression of Pentraxin 3 to Promote Survival Within Macrophages

Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) is an important zoonotic pathogen that can infect humans in contact with infected pigs or their byproducts. It can employ different types of genes to defend against oxidative stress and ensure its survival. The thioredoxin (Trx) system is a key antioxidant system that contributes adversity adaptation and pathogenicity. SS2 has been shown to encode putative thioredoxin genes, but the biological roles, coding sequence, and underlying mechanisms remains uncharacterized. Here, we demonstrated that SSU05_0237-ORF, from a clinical SS2 strain, ZJ081101, encodes a protein of 104 amino acids with a canonical CGPC active motif and an identity 70-85% similar to the thioredoxin A (TrxA) in other microorganisms. Recombinant TrxA efficiently catalyzed the thiol-disulfide oxidoreduction of insulin. The deletion of TrxA led to a significantly slow growth and markedly compromised tolerance of the pathogen to temperature stress, as well as impaired adhesion ability to pig intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). However, it was not involved in H2O2 and paraquat-induced oxidative stress. Compared with the wild-type strain, the ΔTrxA strain was more susceptible to killing by macrophages through increasing NO production. Treatment with TrxA mutant strain also significantly attenuated cytotoxic effects on RAW 264.7 cells by inhibiting inflammatory response and apoptosis. Knockdown of pentraxin 3 in RAW 264.7 cells was more vulnerable to phagocytic activity, and TrxA promoted SS2 survival in phagocytic cells depending on pentraxin 3 activity compared with the wild-type strain. Moreover, a co-inoculation experiment in mice revealed that TrxA mutant strain is far more easily cleared from the body than the wild type strain in the period from 8-24 h, and exhibits significantly attenuated oxidative stress and liver injury. In summary, we reveal the important role of TrxA in the pathogenesis of SS2.

Thioredoxin System and miR-21, miR-23a/b and let-7a as Potential Biomarkers for Brain Tumor Progression: Preliminary Case Data

BACKGROUND

The thioredoxin system and microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential targets for both cancer progression and treatment. However, the role of miRNAs and their relation with the expression profile of thioredoxin system in brain tumor progression remains unclear.

METHODS

In this study, we aimed to determine the expression profiles of redox components Trx-1, TrxR-1 and PRDX-1, and oncogenic miR-21, miR-23a/b and let-7a and oncosuppressor miR-125 in different brain tumor tissues and their association with increasing tumor grade. We studied Trx-1, TrxR-1, and PRDX-1 messenger RNA expression levels by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and protein levels by Western blot and miR-23a, miR-23b, miR-125a, miR-21, and let-7a miRNA expression levels by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in 16 glioma, 15 meningioma, 5 metastatic, and 2 benign tumor samples. We also examined Trx-1, TrxR-1, and PRDX-1 protein levels in serum samples of 36 patients with brain tumor and 37 healthy volunteers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

We found that Trx-1, TrxR-1, and PRDX-1 presented high messenger RNA expression but low protein expression in low-grade brain tumor tissues, whereas they showed higher protein expression in sera of patients with low-grade brain tumors. miR-23b, miR-21, miR-23a, and let-7a were highly expressed in low-grade brain tumor tissues and positively correlated with the increase in thioredoxin system activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed that Trx-1, TrxR-1, miR-21, miR-23a/b, and let-7a might be used for brain tumor diagnosis in the clinic. Further prospective studies including molecular pathway analyses are required to validate the miRNA/Trx system regulatory axis in brain tumor progression.

Essential components of the xanthophyll cycle differ in high and low toxin Karenia brevis

The dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, blooms annually in the Gulf of Mexico, producing a suite of neurotoxins known as the brevetoxins. The cellular toxin content of K. brevis, however, is highly variable between or even within strains. Herein, we investigate physiological differences between high (KbHT) and low (KbLT) toxin producing cultures both derived from the Wilson strain, related to energy-dependent quenching (qE) by photosystem II, and reduced thiol content of the proteome. We demonstrate that gene and protein expression of the xanthophyll cycle enzyme diadinoxanthin de-epoxidase (Dde) and monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) synthase are not significantly different in the two cultures. Using redox proteomics, we report a significantly higher reduced cysteine content in the low toxin proteome, including plastid localized thioredoxin reductase (Trx) which can result in inactivation of Dde and activation of MGDG synthase. We also report significant differences in the lipidomes of KbHT and KbLT with respect to MGDG, which facilitates the xanthophyll cycle.

Comparison of the efficacy of the mouse hepatic and renal antioxidant systems against inflammation-induced oxidative stress

This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of the mouse hepatic and renal antioxidant systems against inflammation-induced oxidative stress. Increased Il-1 and Il-6 expressions, markers of inflammation, were represented by inflammation models in mouse liver and kidney tissues injected intraperitoneally with LPS. After establishing the model, the GSH level and the GSH/GSSG ratio, which are oxidative stress markers, were investigated in both tissues treated with LPS and the control group. The expression of Trx1, TrxR, and Txnip genes increased in the liver tissues of LPS-treated mice. In the kidney tissue, while Trx1 expression decreased, no change was observed in TrxR1 expression, and Txnip expression increased. In the kidneys, TRXR1 and GR activities decreased, whereas GPx activity increased. In both tissues, the TRXR1 protein expression decreased significantly, while TXNIP expression increased. In conclusion, different behaviors of antioxidant system members were observed during acute inflammation in both tissues. Additionally, it can be said that the kidney tissue is more sensitive and takes earlier measures than the liver tissue against cellular damage caused by inflammation and inflammation-induced oxidative stress.