International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Editorial

7 pages, 161 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Disease

by Gábor Csányi^1,* and Francis J. Miller Jr.^2,*

¹ Vascular Medicine Institute, E1228-1B BST, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA

² Departments of Internal Medicine and Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6002-6008; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046002 - 9 Apr 2014

Cited by 104 | Viewed by 9273

Abstract

In the special issue “Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Disease” authors were invited to submit papers that investigate key questions in the field of cardiovascular free radical biology. The original research articles included in this issue provide important information regarding novel aspects of reactive [...] Read more.

In the special issue “Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Disease” authors were invited to submit papers that investigate key questions in the field of cardiovascular free radical biology. The original research articles included in this issue provide important information regarding novel aspects of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated signaling, which have important implications in physiological and pathophysiological cardiovascular processes. The issue also included a number of review articles that highlight areas of intense research in the fields of free radical biology and cardiovascular medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Disease)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

13 pages, 1114 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Inhaled Nitric Oxide on the Sulfatide Profile of Neonatal Rat Brain Studied by TOF-SIMS Imaging

by Hanane Kadar¹, Hoa Pham², David Touboul^1,*, Alain Brunelle¹

and Olivier Baud^2,3

¹ Centre de Recherche de Gif, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS, Avenue de la Terrasse, Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex 91198, France

² Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1141, Université Paris Diderot, PRES Sorbonne Paris-cité, Hôpital Robert Debré, 48 Boulevard Sérurier, Paris 75019, France

³ Robert Debré, 48 Boulevard Sérurier, Paris 75019, France

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5233-5245; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045233 - 25 Mar 2014

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7289

Abstract

Despite advances in neonatal intensive care leading to an increased survival rate in preterm infants, brain lesions and subsequent neurological handicaps following preterm birth remain a critical issue. To prevent brain injury and/or enhance repair, one of the most promising therapies investigated in [...] Read more.

Despite advances in neonatal intensive care leading to an increased survival rate in preterm infants, brain lesions and subsequent neurological handicaps following preterm birth remain a critical issue. To prevent brain injury and/or enhance repair, one of the most promising therapies investigated in preclinical models is inhaled nitric oxide (iNO). We have assessed the effect of this therapy on brain lipid content in air- and iNO-exposed rat pups by mass spectrometry imaging using a time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) method. This technique was used to map the variations in lipid composition of the rat brain and, particularly, of the white matter. Triplicate analysis showed a significant increase of sulfatides (25%–50%) in the white matter on Day 10 of life in iNO-exposed animals from Day 0–7 of life. These robust, repeatable and semi-quantitative data demonstrate a potent effect of iNO at the molecular level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Lipids and Lipidomics)

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14 pages, 1822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Endothelialization of Novel Magnesium-Rare Earth Alloys with Fluoride and Collagen Coating

by Nan Zhao^†, Benjamin Workman^† and Donghui Zhu^*

¹ Department of Chemical, Biological and Bio-Engineering, NSF Engineering Research Center-Revolutionizing Metallic Biomaterials, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5263-5276; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045263 - 25 Mar 2014

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 7924

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) alloys are promising scaffolds for the next generation of cardiovascular stents because of their better biocompatibility and biodegradation compared to traditional metals. However, insufficient mechanical strength and high degradation rate are still the two main limitations for Mg materials. Hydrofluoric acid [...] Read more.

Magnesium (Mg) alloys are promising scaffolds for the next generation of cardiovascular stents because of their better biocompatibility and biodegradation compared to traditional metals. However, insufficient mechanical strength and high degradation rate are still the two main limitations for Mg materials. Hydrofluoric acid (HF) treatment and collagen coating were used in this research to improve the endothelialization of two rare earth-based Mg alloys. Results demonstrated that a nanoporous film structure of fluoride with thickness of ~20 µm was formed on the Mg material surface, which improved the corrosion resistance. Primary human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) had much better attachment, spreading, growth and proliferation (the process of endothelialization) on HF-treated Mg materials compared to bare- or collagen-coated ones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Magnesium Alloys and Implants)

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15 pages, 475 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibacterial Activity of New Oxazolidin-2-One Analogues in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains

by Jesús Córdova-Guerrero¹, Esteban Hernández-Guevara², Sandy Ramírez-Zatarain², Marco Núñez-Bautista¹, Adrián Ochoa-Terán^2,*, Raquel Muñiz-Salazar^1,*, Julio Montes-Ávila³, Gabriela López-Angulo³, Armando Paniagua-Michel¹ and Gustavo A. Nuño Torres¹

¹ Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada, Baja California 22890, Mexico

² Centro de Graduados e Investigación en Química, Instituto Tecnológico de Tijuana, Tijuana, Baja California 22000, Mexico

³ Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Sinaloa 80010, Mexico

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5277-5291; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045277 - 26 Mar 2014

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 7018

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of nosocomial infections. The purpose of this study was the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity of 10 new 3-oxazolidin-2-one analogues on 12 methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) clinical isolates. S. aureus [...] Read more.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of nosocomial infections. The purpose of this study was the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity of 10 new 3-oxazolidin-2-one analogues on 12 methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) clinical isolates. S. aureus confirmation was achieved via catalase and coagulase test. Molecular characterization of MRSA was performed by amplification of the mecA gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated via the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion susceptibility test protocol, using commonly applied antibiotics and the oxazolidinone analogues. Only (R)-5-((S)-1-dibenzylaminoethyl)-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one (7a) exhibited antibacterial activity at 6.6 μg. These results, allow us to infer that molecules such as 7a can be potentially used to treat infections caused by MRSA strains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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12 pages, 439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beclin 1 Expression in Ovarian Tissues and Its Effects on Ovarian Cancer Prognosis

by Mingbo Cai, Zhenhua Hu, Juanjuan Liu, Jian Gao, Chuan Liu, Dawo Liu, Mingzi Tan, Danye Zhang and Bei Lin^*

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5292-5303; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045292 - 26 Mar 2014

Cited by 61 | Viewed by 8712

Abstract

Beclin 1 is an autophagy-associated protein involved in apoptosis and drug resistance, as well as various malignancies. We investigated the expression of Beclin 1 protein in ovarian epithelial tissues and correlated it with the prognosis of ovarian cancer. Beclin 1 protein expression was [...] Read more.

Beclin 1 is an autophagy-associated protein involved in apoptosis and drug resistance, as well as various malignancies. We investigated the expression of Beclin 1 protein in ovarian epithelial tissues and correlated it with the prognosis of ovarian cancer. Beclin 1 protein expression was determined using immunohistochemistry in 148 patients with ovarian epithelial cancer, 26 with ovarian borderline tumor, 25 with benign ovarian tumor, and 30 with normal ovarian tissue. The relationships between Beclin 1 protein expression and ovarian cancer pathological characteristics were analyzed. The risk factors for ovarian cancer prognosis were analyzed using Cox’s regression model. A survival curve was plotted from the follow-up data of 93 patients with ovarian cancer to analyze the effects of Beclin 1 expression on the prognosis of ovarian cancer. The positive rates of Beclin 1 were significantly higher in ovarian epithelial cancer (148) and borderline tumor (26) than in benign ovarian tumor (25) or normal ovarian tissue (30) (all p < 0.001). The surgical stage and Beclin 1 expression were both independent risk factors for ovarian cancer prognosis (both p < 0.05). Patients with high Beclin 1 levels showed better survival than those with low Beclin 1 levels (p = 0.009). Beclin 1 protein is upregulated in ovarian epithelial cancer and is a prognostic factor of ovarian cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Oncology 2014)

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19 pages, 2120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aerobic Interval Training Attenuates Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Rats Post-Myocardial Infarction: Roles of Mitochondrial Network Dynamics

by Hong-Ke Jiang^1,2, You-Hua Wang¹, Lei Sun¹, Xi He¹, Mei Zhao¹, Zhi-Hui Feng³, Xiao-Jiang Yu¹ and Wei-Jin Zang^1,*

¹ Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China

² Department of Physical Education of Nan Yang Institute of Technology, Nanyang 473000, China

³ Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5304-5322; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045304 - 26 Mar 2014

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 10078

Abstract

Aerobic interval training (AIT) can favorably affect cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of AIT on post-myocardial infarction (MI)—associated mitochondrial dysfunctions remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of AIT on myocardial mitochondria in post-MI rats by focusing on mitochondrial dynamics [...] Read more.

Aerobic interval training (AIT) can favorably affect cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of AIT on post-myocardial infarction (MI)—associated mitochondrial dysfunctions remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of AIT on myocardial mitochondria in post-MI rats by focusing on mitochondrial dynamics (fusion and fission). Mitochondrial respiratory functions (as measured by the respiratory control ratio (RCR) and the ratio of ADP to oxygen consumption (P/O)); complex activities; dynamic proteins (mitofusin (mfn) 1/2, type 1 optic atrophy (OPA1) and dynamin-related protein1 (DRP1)); nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α); and the oxidative signaling of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, c-Jun NH₂-terminal protein kinase (JNK) and P53 were observed. Post-MI rats exhibited mitochondrial dysfunction and adverse mitochondrial network dynamics (reduced fusion and increased fission), which was associated with activated ERK1/2-JNK-P53 signaling and decreased nuclear PGC-1α. After AIT, MI-associated mitochondrial dysfunction was improved (elevated RCR and P/O and enhanced complex I, III and IV activities); in addition, increased fusion (mfn2 and OPA1), decreased fission (DRP1), elevated nuclear PGC-1α and inactivation of the ERK1/2-JNK-P53 signaling were observed. These data demonstrate that AIT may restore the post-MI mitochondrial function by inhibiting dynamics pathological remodeling, which may be associated with inactivation of ERK1/2-JNK-P53 signaling and increase in nuclear PGC-1α expression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Programmed Cell Death and Apoptosis)

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14 pages, 1220 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role of VEGF-A and Its Receptors in Sporadic and MEN2-Associated Pheochromocytoma

by Carla Vaz Ferreira^1,†, Débora Rodrigues Siqueira^1,†, Mírian Romitti¹, Lucieli Ceolin¹, Beatriz Assis Brasil², Luise Meurer², Clarissa Capp¹ and Ana Luiza Maia^1,*

¹ Thyroid Section, Endocrine Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2350, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

² Pathology Department, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2350, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5323-5336; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045323 - 26 Mar 2014

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7090

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma (PHEO), a rare catecholamine producing tumor arising from the chromaffin cells, may occurs sporadically (76%–80%) or as part of inherited syndromes (20%–24%). Angiogenesis is a fundamental step in tumor proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) is the most well-characterized angiogenic factor. [...] Read more.

Pheochromocytoma (PHEO), a rare catecholamine producing tumor arising from the chromaffin cells, may occurs sporadically (76%–80%) or as part of inherited syndromes (20%–24%). Angiogenesis is a fundamental step in tumor proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) is the most well-characterized angiogenic factor. The role of angiogenic markers in PHEO is not fully understood; investigations were therefore made to evaluate the expression of VEGF-A and its receptors in PHEO and correlate to clinical parameters. Twenty-nine samples of PHEO were evaluated for VEGF-A, VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) VEGFR-2 expression and microvessel density (MVD) by immunohistochemistry. Clinical data were reviewed in medical records. The mean age of patients was 38 ± 14 years, and 69% were woman. VEGF-A, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 staining were detected in nearly all PHEO samples. No significant correlation was observed between VEGF-A, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 expression or MVD and age at diagnosis, tumor size or sporadic and hereditary PHEO. However, the levels of expression of these molecules were significantly higher in malignant PHEO samples (p = 0.027, p = 0.003 and p = 0.026, respectively).VEGF-A and its receptors were shown to be up-regulated in malignant PHEO, suggesting that these molecules might be considered as therapeutic targets for unresectable or metastatic tumors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Bases of Cancer Research)

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13 pages, 1098 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Swelling and Shrinking Properties of Thermo-Responsive Polymeric Ionic Liquid Hydrogels with Embedded Linear pNIPAAM

by Simon Gallagher¹, Larisa Florea²

, Kevin J. Fraser² and Dermot Diamond^1,2,*

¹ CLARITY, the Centre for Sensor Web Technologies, National Centre for Sensor Research, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland

² Insight Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5337-5349; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045337 - 27 Mar 2014

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 9489

Abstract

In this study, varying concentrations of linear pNIPAAM have been incorporated for the first time into a thermo-responsive polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) hydrogel, namely tributyl-hexyl phosphonium 3-sulfopropylacrylate (P-SPA), to produce semi-interpenetrating polymer networks. The thermal properties of the resulting hydrogels have been investigated [...] Read more.

In this study, varying concentrations of linear pNIPAAM have been incorporated for the first time into a thermo-responsive polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) hydrogel, namely tributyl-hexyl phosphonium 3-sulfopropylacrylate (P-SPA), to produce semi-interpenetrating polymer networks. The thermal properties of the resulting hydrogels have been investigated along with their thermo-induced shrinking and reswelling capabilities. The semi-interpenetrating networks (IPN) hydrogels were found to have improved shrinking and reswelling properties compared with their PIL counterpart. At elevated temperatures (50–80 °C), it was found that the semi-IPN with the highest concentration of hydrophobic pNIPAAM exhibited the highest shrinking percentage of ~40% compared to the conventional P-SPA, (27%). This trend was also found to occur for the reswelling measurements, with semi-IPN hydrogels producing the highest reswelling percentage of ~67%, with respect to its contracted state. This was attributed to an increase in water affinity due to the presence of hydrophilic pNIPAAM. Moreover, the presence of linear pNIPAAM in the polymer matrix leads to improved shrinking and reswelling response compared to the equivalent PIL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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16 pages, 734 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seed-Specific Expression of a Lysine-Rich Protein Gene, GhLRP, from Cotton Significantly Increases the Lysine Content in Maize Seeds

by Jing Yue, Cong Li, Qian Zhao, Dengyun Zhu and Jingjuan Yu^*

State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5350-5365; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045350 - 27 Mar 2014

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 7418

Abstract

Maize seed storage proteins are a major source of human and livestock consumption. However, these proteins have poor nutritional value, because they are deficient in lysine and tryptophan. Much research has been done to elevate the lysine content by reducing zein content or [...] Read more.

Maize seed storage proteins are a major source of human and livestock consumption. However, these proteins have poor nutritional value, because they are deficient in lysine and tryptophan. Much research has been done to elevate the lysine content by reducing zein content or regulating the activities of key enzymes in lysine metabolism. Using the naturally lysine-rich protein genes, sb401 and SBgLR, from potato, we previously increased the lysine and protein contents of maize seeds. Here, we examined another natural lysine-rich protein gene, GhLRP, from cotton, which increased the lysine content of transgenic maize seeds at levels varying from 16.2% to 65.0% relative to the wild-type. The total protein content was not distinctly different, except in the six transgenic lines. The lipid and starch levels did not differ substantially in Gossypium hirsutum L. lysine-rich protein (GhLRP) transgenic kernels when compared to wild-type. The agronomic characteristics of all the transgenic maize were also normal. GhLRP is a high-lysine protein candidate gene for increasing the lysine content of maize. This study provided a valuable model system for improving maize lysine content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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12 pages, 1078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CHRNA3 Polymorphism Modifies Lung Adenocarcinoma Risk in the Chinese Han Population

by Ping He^1,†, Xue-Xi Yang^2,†, Xuan-Qiu He^3,†, Jun Chen^4,†, Fen-Xia Li⁵, Xia Gu¹, Ju-Hong Jiang¹, Hui-Ying Liang⁶, Guang-Yu Yao⁴ and Jian-Xing He^7,8,*

¹ Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China

² School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China

³ The First Clinical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China

⁴ Breast Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China

⁵ Da An Gene Co., Ltd. of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510665, China

⁶ Department of Primary Public Health, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China

⁷ Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China

⁸ State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5446-5457; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045446 - 28 Mar 2014

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6901

Abstract

Recent genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified 15q25.1 as a lung cancer susceptibility locus. Here, we sought to explore the direct carcinogenic effects of genetic variants in this region on the risk of developing lung adenocarcinoma (ADC). Five common SNPs (rs8034191, rs16969968, rs1051730, [...] Read more.

Recent genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified 15q25.1 as a lung cancer susceptibility locus. Here, we sought to explore the direct carcinogenic effects of genetic variants in this region on the risk of developing lung adenocarcinoma (ADC). Five common SNPs (rs8034191, rs16969968, rs1051730, rs938682, and rs8042374) spanning the 15q25.1 locus were assayed in a case-control study examining a cohort of 301 lung ADCs and 318 healthy controls. Stratification analysis by gender, smoking status, and tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) classification, was performed. In addition, sections from ADC tissue and normal tissue adjacent to tumors were stained with an anti-CHRNA3 (cholinergic receptor nicotinic α3) antibody by immunohistochemistry in 81 cases. Our results demonstrate that rs8042374, a variant of the CHRNA3 gene, is associated with an increased risk of ADC with an OR of 1.76 (95% CI: 1.17–2.65, p = 0.024). This variant was linked to a greater risk of ADC in female nonsmokers (OR (95% CI): 1.81 (1.05–3.12), p = 0.032) and female stage I + II cases (OR (95% CI): 1.92 (1.03–3.57), p = 0.039). Although located within the same gene, rs938682 showed protective effects for smokers, stage III + IV cases, and male stage III + IV cases. Additionally, the CHRNA3 protein level in ADC tissue was slightly higher than in the surrounding normal lung tissue, based on immunohistochemical analysis. Our results suggest that the CHRNA3 polymorphism functions as a genetic modifier of the risk of developing lung ADC in the Chinese population, particularly in nonsmoking females. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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14 pages, 3433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oral Administration of Bovine Milk from Cows Hyperimmunized with Intestinal Bacterin Stimulates Lamina Propria T Lymphocytes to Produce Th1-Biased Cytokines in Mice

by Yuanyuan Wang^1,*, Lianjie Lin², Chunming Yin¹, Satoru Othtani⁵, Katsuhiko Aoyama⁶, Changlong Lu³, Xun Sun^3,* and Yasunobu Yoshikai⁴

¹ Department of Anesthesiology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 4 Chongshan East Road, Huanggu District, Shenyang 110032, China

² Department of Digestive Medicine, Sheng Jing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 100022, China

³ Department of Immunology of China Medical University, 92 Bei'er Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110001, China

⁴ Division of Host Defense, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan

⁵ Stolle Japan Corporation, 1-1-1 Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan

⁶ Orhto Corporation, 1-1-1 Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5458-5471; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045458 - 28 Mar 2014

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 7493

Abstract

The goal of this study was to examine the effects of oral administration of bovine milk from cows hyperimmunized with a proprietary bacterin (immune milk “Sustaina”) on mucosal immunity in the intestine of adult mice. C57BL/6 mice were orally given immune or control [...] Read more.

The goal of this study was to examine the effects of oral administration of bovine milk from cows hyperimmunized with a proprietary bacterin (immune milk “Sustaina”) on mucosal immunity in the intestine of adult mice. C57BL/6 mice were orally given immune or control milk for two weeks, and then lymphocyte population and the cytokine production in lamina propria of colon in normal mice and mice induced colitis by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) were detected. We found that the levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 increased, but the levels of IL-17A and IL-4, decreased in lamina propria of colon in immune milk-fed mice as compared with those in control milk-fed mice. Interestingly, oral administration of immune milk partially improved the acute colitis induced by DSS. The levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ increased, but IL-6, IL-17A and IL-4 decreased in lamina propria (LP) of colon in immune milk-fed mice with DSS-induced colitis. Our results suggest that immune milk may stimulate CD4⁺ T cells to polarize towards a Th1 type response, but contrarily suppress Th17 and Th2 cells responses in large intestinal LP of mice. The results indicate that this kind of immune milk has is able to promote the maintainance of intestinal homeostasis and enhance protection against infection, and could alleviate the symptoms of acute colitis in mice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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24 pages, 6168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Wnt3a on Keratinocytes Utilizing in Vitro and Bioinformatics Analysis

by Ju-Suk Nam^1,†, Chiranjib Chakraborty^1,2,†, Ashish Ranjan Sharma^1,†

, Young Her³, Kee-Jeong Bae¹, Garima Sharma¹, George Priya Doss⁴, Sang-Soo Lee¹, Myung-Sun Hong^1,* and Dong-Keun Song^1,5,*

¹ Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon 200704, Korea

² Department of Bio-Informatics, School of Computer and Information Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida 201308, Uttar Pradesh, India

³ Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon 200722, Korea

⁴ Medical Biotechnology Division, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India

⁵ Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200704, Korea

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5472-5495; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045472 - 28 Mar 2014

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 8385

Abstract

Wingless-type (Wnt) signaling proteins participate in various cell developmental processes. A suppressive role of Wnt5a on keratinocyte growth has already been observed. However, the role of other Wnt proteins in proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of [...] Read more.

Wingless-type (Wnt) signaling proteins participate in various cell developmental processes. A suppressive role of Wnt5a on keratinocyte growth has already been observed. However, the role of other Wnt proteins in proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of the Wnt ligand, Wnt3a, on proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes. Keratinocytes from normal human skin were cultured and treated with recombinant Wnt3a alone or in combination with the inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Furthermore, using bioinformatics, we analyzed the biochemical parameters, molecular evolution, and protein–protein interaction network for the Wnt family. Application of recombinant Wnt3a showed an anti-proliferative effect on keratinocytes in a dose-dependent manner. After treatment with TNFα, Wnt3a still demonstrated an anti-proliferative effect on human keratinocytes. Exogenous treatment of Wnt3a was unable to alter mRNA expression of differentiation markers of keratinocytes, whereas an altered expression was observed in TNFα-stimulated keratinocytes. In silico phylogenetic, biochemical, and protein–protein interaction analysis showed several close relationships among the family members of the Wnt family. Moreover, a close phylogenetic and biochemical similarity was observed between Wnt3a and Wnt5a. Finally, we proposed a hypothetical mechanism to illustrate how the Wnt3a protein may inhibit the process of proliferation in keratinocytes, which would be useful for future researchers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Proteomic Research)

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12 pages, 1375 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Calix[4]arene Derivative Monolayers to Control Orientation of Antibody Immobilization

by Hongxia Chen¹, Feng Liu¹, Fangjie Qi^1,2, Kwangnak Koh³ and Keming Wang^4,*

¹ Laboratory of Biosensing Technology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China

² Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China

³ College of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Pusan National University, Pusan 609-735, Korea

⁴ Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5496-5507; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045496 - 31 Mar 2014

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 8096

Abstract

Three calix[4]arene (Cal-4) derivatives which separately contain ethylester (1), carboxylic acid (2), and crownether (3) at the lower rim with a common reactive thiol at the upper rim were synthesized and constructed to self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au films. After spectroscopic characterization of [...] Read more.

Three calix[4]arene (Cal-4) derivatives which separately contain ethylester (1), carboxylic acid (2), and crownether (3) at the lower rim with a common reactive thiol at the upper rim were synthesized and constructed to self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au films. After spectroscopic characterization of the monolayers, surface coverage and orientation of antibody immobilized on the Cal-4 derivative SAMs were studied by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique. Experimental results revealed that the antibody could be immobilized on the Cal-4 derivatives spontaneously. The orientation of absorbed antibody on the Cal-4 derivative SAMs is related to the SAM’s dipole moment. The possible orientations of the antibody immobilized on the Cal-4 derivative 1 SAM are lying-on or side-on, while on the Cal-4 derivative 2 and Cal-4 derivative 3 head-on and end-on respectively. These experimental results demonstrate the surface dipole moment of Cal-4 derivative appears to be an important factor to antibody orientation. Cal-4 derivatives are useful in developing site direct protein chips. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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14 pages, 694 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transgene IL-6 Enhances DC-Stimulated CTL Responses by Counteracting CD4⁺25⁺Foxp3⁺ Regulatory T Cell Suppression via IL-6-Induced Foxp3 Downregulation

by Kalpana Kalyanasundaram Bhanumathy^1,2,†, Bei Zhang^1,2,†, Khawaja Ashfaque Ahmed^1,2, Mabood Qureshi³, Yufeng Xie⁴, Min Tao⁴, Xin Tan⁵ and Jim Xiang^1,2,*

¹ Cancer Research Unit, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada

² Department of Oncology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada

³ Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada

⁴ Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow 215000, China

⁵ School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5508-5521; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045508 - 31 Mar 2014

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7084

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs), the most potent antigen-presenting cells have been extensively applied in clinical trials for evaluation of antitumor immunity. However, the efficacy of DC-mediated cancer vaccines is still limited as they are unable to sufficiently break the immune tolerance. In this study, [...] Read more.

Dendritic cells (DCs), the most potent antigen-presenting cells have been extensively applied in clinical trials for evaluation of antitumor immunity. However, the efficacy of DC-mediated cancer vaccines is still limited as they are unable to sufficiently break the immune tolerance. In this study, we constructed a recombinant adenoviral vector (AdV_IL-6) expressing IL-6, and generated IL-6 transgene-engineered DC vaccine (DC_OVA/IL-6) by transfection of murine bone marrow-derived ovalbumin (OVA)-pulsed DCs (DC_OVA) with AdV_IL-6. We then assessed DC_OVA/IL-6-stimulated cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses and antitumor immunity in OVA-specific animal tumor model. We demonstrate that DC_OVA/IL-6 vaccine up-regulates expression of DC maturation markers, secretes transgene-encoded IL-6, and more efficiently stimulates OVA-specific CTL responses and therapeutic immunity against OVA-expressing B16 melanoma BL6-10_OVA in vivo than the control DC_OVA/Null vaccine. Moreover, DC_OVA/IL-6-stimulated CTL responses were relatively maintained in mice with transfer of CD4⁺25⁺Foxp3⁺ Tr-cells, but significantly reduced when treated with anti-IL-6 antibody. In addition, we demonstrate that IL-6 down-regulates Foxp3-expression of CD4⁺25⁺Foxp3⁺ Tr-cells in vitro. Taken together, our results demonstrate that AdV-mediated IL-6 transgene-engineered DC vaccine stimulates potent CTL responses and antitumor immunity by counteracting CD4⁺25⁺ Tr immunosuppression via IL-6-induced Foxp3 down-regulation. Thus, IL-6 may be a good candidate for engineering DCs for cancer immunotherapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanism of Action and Applications of Cytokines in Immunotherapy)

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14 pages, 551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Lowering Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) on Vascular Pathology in Atherosclerotic ApoE-Deficient Mice with Reduced Renal Mass

by Johannes Jacobi^1,*, Renke Maas², Michaela Arend¹, Nada Cordasic¹ and Karl F. Hilgers¹

¹ Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-AlexanderUniversity Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany

² Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5522-5535; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045522 - 31 Mar 2014

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 7607

Abstract

The purpose of the work was to study the impact of the endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and its degrading enzyme, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH1), on atherosclerosis in subtotally nephrectomized (SNX) ApoE-deficient mice. Male DDAH1 transgenic mice (TG, n = [...] Read more.

The purpose of the work was to study the impact of the endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and its degrading enzyme, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH1), on atherosclerosis in subtotally nephrectomized (SNX) ApoE-deficient mice. Male DDAH1 transgenic mice (TG, n = 39) and C57Bl/6J wild-type littermates (WT, n = 27) with or without the deletion of the ApoE gene underwent SNX at the age of eight weeks. Animals were sacrificed at 12 months of age, and blood chemistry, as well as the extent of atherosclerosis within the entire aorta were analyzed. Sham treated (no renal mass reduction) ApoE-competent DDAH1 transgenic and wild-type littermates (n = 11) served as a control group. Overexpression of DDAH1 was associated with significantly lower ADMA levels in all treatment groups. Surprisingly, SNX mice did not exhibit higher ADMA levels compared to sham treated control mice. Furthermore, the degree of atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice with SNX was similar in mice with or without overexpression of DDAH1. Overexpression of the ADMA degrading enzyme, DDAH1, did not ameliorate atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient SNX mice. Furthermore, SNX in mice had no impact on ADMA levels, suggesting a minor role of this molecule in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in this mouse model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue ADMA and Nitrergic System)

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17 pages, 1684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

BMP4 Enhances Foam Cell Formation by BMPR-2/Smad1/5/8 Signaling

by Jun Feng^1,*,†, Jiangfei Gao^2,†, Yuxin Li^3,†, Yanhua Yang⁴, Lili Dang⁵, Yuanpeng Ye¹, Jingyuan Deng⁶ and Antai Li⁷

¹ Department of Cerebral Vessels, First Afﬁliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China

² Department of Neurology, Shangluo Central Hospital, Shangluo 726000, Shaanxi, China

³ Department of Neurology, the Second Afﬁliated Hospital, Xi'an Medical College, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi, China

⁴ Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Armed Police Corps Hospital, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China

⁵ Department of Neurology, Xingyuan Hospital, Yulin 719000, Shaanxi, China

⁶ Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Afﬁliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China

⁷ Department of Neurology, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an 710003, Shaanxi, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5536-5552; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045536 - 31 Mar 2014

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 8794

Abstract

Atherosclerosis and its complications are characterized by lipid-laden foam cell formation. Recently, an obvious up-regulation of BMP4 was observed in atherosclerotic plaque, however, its function and the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In our study, BMP4 pretreatment induced macrophage foam cell formation. Furthermore, a [...] Read more.

Atherosclerosis and its complications are characterized by lipid-laden foam cell formation. Recently, an obvious up-regulation of BMP4 was observed in atherosclerotic plaque, however, its function and the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In our study, BMP4 pretreatment induced macrophage foam cell formation. Furthermore, a dramatic increase in the ratio of cholesteryl ester (CE) to total cholesterol (TC) was observed in BMP4-treated macrophages, accompanied by the reduction of cholesterol outflow. Importantly, BMP4 stimulation inhibited the expression levels of the two most important cellular cholesterol transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1, indicating that BMP4 may induce formation of foam cells by attenuating transporters expression. Further mechanism analysis showed that BMPR-2, one of the BMP4 receptors, was significantly increased in BMP4 treated macrophage foam cells. That blocking its expression using specific siRNA significantly increased ABCA1 and ABCG1 levels. Additionally, BMP4 treatment triggered the activation of Smad1/5/8 pathway by BMPR-2 signaling. After blocking the Smad1/5/8 with its inhibitor, ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression levels were up-regulated significantly, suggesting that BMP4 inhibited the expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1 through the BMPR-2/Smad1/2/8 signaling pathway. Therefore, our results will provide a new insight about how BMP4 accelerate the progressio of atherosclerosis, and it may become a potential target against atherosclerosis and its complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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17 pages, 1358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Dynamics Simulation on the Conformational Transition of the Mad2 Protein from the Open to the Closed State

by Chaoqun Li¹, Yanyan Zhu², Yan Wang^1,* and Guangju Chen^1,*

¹ College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, China

² Department of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5553-5569; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045553 - 31 Mar 2014

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7709

Abstract

The Mad2 protein, with two distinct conformations of open- and closed-states, is a key player in the spindle checkpoint. The closed Mad2 state is more active than the open one. We carried out conventional and targeted molecular dynamics simulations for the two stable [...] Read more.

The Mad2 protein, with two distinct conformations of open- and closed-states, is a key player in the spindle checkpoint. The closed Mad2 state is more active than the open one. We carried out conventional and targeted molecular dynamics simulations for the two stable Mad2 states and their conformational transition to address the dynamical transition mechanism from the open to the closed state. The intermediate structure in the transition process shows exposure of the β6 strand and an increase of space around the binding sites of β6 strand due to the unfolding of the β7/8 sheet and movement of the β6/4/5 sheet close to the αC helix. Therefore, Mad2 binding to the Cdc20 protein in the spindle checkpoint is made possible. The interconversion between these two states might facilitate the functional activity of the Mad2 protein. Motion correlation analysis revealed the allosteric network between the β1 strand and β7/8 sheet via communication of the β5-αC loop and the β6/4/5 sheet in this transition process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physical Chemistry, Theoretical and Computational Chemistry)

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12 pages, 1250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silencing of Ether à Go-Go 1 by shRNA Inhibits Osteosarcoma Growth and Cell Cycle Progression

by Jin Wu^1,†, Daixing Zhong^2,†, Xijin Fu^1,†, Qingjun Liu¹, Liangqi Kang^1,* and Zhenqi Ding^1,*

¹ Department of Orthopaedics, the Affiliated Southeast Hospital of Xiamen University, Zhangzhou 363000, China

² Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Affiliated Tangdu Hospital of Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5570-5581; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045570 - 1 Apr 2014

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6919

Abstract

Recently, a member of the voltage-dependent potassium channel (Kv) family, the Ether à go-go 1 (Eag1) channel was found to be necessary for cell proliferation, cycle progression and tumorigenesis. However, the therapeutic potential of the Eag1 channel in osteosarcoma remains elusive. In the [...] Read more.

Recently, a member of the voltage-dependent potassium channel (Kv) family, the Ether à go-go 1 (Eag1) channel was found to be necessary for cell proliferation, cycle progression and tumorigenesis. However, the therapeutic potential of the Eag1 channel in osteosarcoma remains elusive. In the present study, a recombinant adenovirus harboring shRNA against Eag1 was constructed to silence Eag1 expression in human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. We observed that Eag1-shRNA inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of MG-63 cells due to the induction of G1 phase arrest. Moreover, in vivo experiments showed that Eag1-shRNA inhibited osteosarcoma growth in a xenograft nude mice model. In addition, selective inhibition of Eag1 significantly decreased the expression levels of cyclin D1 and E. Taken together, our data suggest that the Eag1 channel plays a crucial role in regulating the proliferation and cell cycle of osteosarcoma cells, and represents a new and effective therapeutic target for osteosarcoma. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Bases of Cancer Research)

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14 pages, 253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Anti-Breast Cancer Evaluation of Novel N-(Guanidinyl)benzenesulfonamides

by Mostafa M. Ghorab^1,*, Marwa G. El-Gazzar² and Mansour S. Alsaid¹

¹ Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia

² Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Nasr City, Cairo 11371, Egypt

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5582-5595; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045582 - 1 Apr 2014

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6517

Abstract

A series of 4-(substituted)-N-(guanidinyl)benzenesulfonamides bearing biologically active pyrazole, pyrimidine and pyridine moieties were prepared and evaluated for their anticancer activity against human tumor breast cell line (MCF7). These sulfonamides showed promising activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 49.5 to 70.2 [...] Read more.

A series of 4-(substituted)-N-(guanidinyl)benzenesulfonamides bearing biologically active pyrazole, pyrimidine and pyridine moieties were prepared and evaluated for their anticancer activity against human tumor breast cell line (MCF7). These sulfonamides showed promising activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 49.5 to 70.2 μM. The structure-activity relationship of the synthesized compounds was studied. Interestingly, it was found that the most potent compounds in this study were the corresponding 2-cyanoacrylate 3, 3-oxobutanoate 4, pyrazole 6, pyridine 9 and pyrazole 13. Compounds 7 and 8 are nearly as active as Doxorubicin as reference drug with (IC₅₀ values = 70.2, 68.1 μM), while compounds 5, 10 and 11 exhibited a moderate activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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27 pages, 1174 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptional Analysis of Apoptotic Cerebellar Granule Neurons Following Rescue by Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide

by Barbara Maino¹, Maria Teresa Ciotti², Pietro Calissano² and Sebastiano Cavallaro^1,*

¹ Functional Genomics Center, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy

² European Brain Research Institute, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Roma, Italy

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5596-5622; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045596 - 1 Apr 2014

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 8510

Abstract

Apoptosis triggered by exogenous or endogenous stimuli is a crucial phenomenon to determine the fate of neurons, both in physiological and in pathological conditions. Our previous study established that gastric inhibitory polypeptide (Gip) is a neurotrophic factor capable of preventing apoptosis of cerebellar [...] Read more.

Apoptosis triggered by exogenous or endogenous stimuli is a crucial phenomenon to determine the fate of neurons, both in physiological and in pathological conditions. Our previous study established that gastric inhibitory polypeptide (Gip) is a neurotrophic factor capable of preventing apoptosis of cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs), during its pre-commitment phase. In the present study, we conducted whole-genome expression profiling to obtain a comprehensive view of the transcriptional program underlying the rescue effect of Gip in CGNs. By using DNA microarray technology, we identified 65 genes, we named survival related genes, whose expression is significantly de-regulated following Gip treatment. The expression levels of six transcripts were confirmed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The proteins encoded by the survival related genes are functionally grouped in the following categories: signal transduction, transcription, cell cycle, chromatin remodeling, cell death, antioxidant activity, ubiquitination, metabolism and cytoskeletal organization. Our data outline that Gip supports CGNs rescue via a molecular framework, orchestrated by a wide spectrum of gene actors, which propagate survival signals and support neuronal viability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Programmed Cell Death and Apoptosis)

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11 pages, 201 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interleukin-6 Receptor rs7529229 T/C Polymorphism Is Associated with Left Main Coronary Artery Disease Phenotype in a Chinese Population

by Feng He¹, Xiao Teng¹, Haiyong Gu², Hanning Liu¹, Zhou Zhou¹, Yan Zhao¹, Shengshou Hu^1,* and Zhe Zheng^1,*

¹ State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China

² Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5623-5633; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045623 - 2 Apr 2014

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6912

Abstract

Left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) is a particular severe phenotype of coronary artery disease (CAD) and heritability. Interleukin (IL) may play important roles in the pathogenesis of CAD. Although several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in IL related genes have been evaluated [...] Read more.

Left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) is a particular severe phenotype of coronary artery disease (CAD) and heritability. Interleukin (IL) may play important roles in the pathogenesis of CAD. Although several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in IL related genes have been evaluated for their roles in inflammatory diseases and CAD predisposition, the investigations between genetic variants and CAD phenotype are limited. We hypothesized that some of these gene SNPs may contribute to LMCAD phenotype susceptibility compared with more peripheral coronary artery disease (MPCAD). In a hospital-based case-only study, we studied IL-1A rs1800587 C/T, IL-1B rs16944 G/A, IL-6 rs1800796 C/G, IL-6R rs7529229 T/C, IL-8 rs4073 T/A, IL-10 rs1800872 A/C, and IL-10 rs1800896 A/G SNPs in 402 LMCAD patients and 804 MPCAD patients in a Chinese population. Genotyping was done using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and ligation detection reaction (LDR) method. When the IL-6R rs7529229 TT homozygote genotype was used as the reference group, the CC or TC/CC genotypes were associated with the increased risk for LMCAD (CC vs. TT, adjusted odds ratio(OR) = 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–2.11, p = 0.042; CC + TC vs. TT, adjusted OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.02–1.69, p = 0.037). None of the other six SNPs achieved any significant differences between LMCAD and MPCAD. The present study suggests that IL-6R rs7529229 T/C functional SNP may contribute to the risk of LMCAD in a Chinese population. However, our results were limited. Validation by a larger study from a more diverse ethnic population is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mass Spectrometry Application in Biology)

15 pages, 875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Liquid Crystalline Assembly of Coil-Rod-Coil Molecules with Lateral Methyl Groups into 3-D Hexagonal and Tetragonal Assemblies

by Zhuoshi Wang^1,†, Yu Lan^1,†, Keli Zhong², Yongri Liang³, Tie Chen^1,* and Long Yi Jin^1,*

¹ Key Laboratory for Organism Resources of the Changbai Mountain and Functional Molecules, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Yanbian University, No.977 Gongyuan Road, Yanji 133002, China

² College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Food Safety, Bohai University, Jinzhou 121013, China

³ Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Joint Laboratory of Polymer Science and Materials, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5634-5648; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045634 - 2 Apr 2014

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 9327

Abstract

In this paper, we report the synthesis and self-assembly behavior of coil-rod-coil molecules, consisting of three biphenyls linked through a vinylene unit as a conjugated rod segment and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 7, 12 and 17, incorporating [...] Read more.

In this paper, we report the synthesis and self-assembly behavior of coil-rod-coil molecules, consisting of three biphenyls linked through a vinylene unit as a conjugated rod segment and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 7, 12 and 17, incorporating lateral methyl groups between the rod and coil segments as the coil segment. Self-organized investigation of these molecules by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal polarized optical microscopy (POM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals that the lateral methyl groups attached to the surface of rod and coil segments, dramatically influence the self-assembling behavior in the liquid-crystalline mesophase. Molecule 1 with a relatively short PEO coil length (DP = 7) self-assembles into rectangular and oblique 2-dimensional columnar assemblies, whereas molecules 2 and 3 with DP of 12 and 17 respectively, spontaneously self-organize into unusual 3-dimensional hexagonal close-packed or body-centered tetragonal assemblies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Liquid Crystalline Materials: Where Do We Stand after 120 Years?)

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14 pages, 453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Lipoic Acid on Immune Function, the Antioxidant Defense System, and Inflammation-Related Genes Expression of Broiler Chickens Fed Aflatoxin Contaminated Diets

by Yan Li^1,†, Qiu-Gang Ma^1,†

, Li-Hong Zhao¹, Hua Wei², Guo-Xiang Duan¹, Jian-Yun Zhang¹ and Cheng Ji^1,*

¹ State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science & Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China

² Translational Medicine Lab, Chinese National Human Genome Center, Beijing 100176, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this study.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5649-5662; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045649 - 2 Apr 2014

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 8205

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of low level of Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) on oxidative stress, immune reaction and inflammation response and the possible ameliorating effects of dietary alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) in broilers. Birds were randomly allocated into [...] Read more.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of low level of Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) on oxidative stress, immune reaction and inflammation response and the possible ameliorating effects of dietary alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) in broilers. Birds were randomly allocated into three groups and assigned to receive different diets: basal diet, diet containing 74 μg/kg AFB₁, and 300 mg/kg α-LA supplementation in diet containing 74 μg/kg AFB₁ for three weeks. The results showed that the serum levels of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interferon gamma (IFNγ) in the AFB₁-treated group were significantly increased than the control group. In addition, the increased expressions of interleukin 6 (IL6), TNFα and IFNγ were observed in birds exposed to the AFB₁-contaminated diet. These degenerative changes were inhibited by α-LA-supplement. The activities of total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, the levels of humoral immunity, and the expressions of nuclear factor-κB p65 and heme oxygenase-1, however, were not affected by AFB₁. The results suggest that α-LA alleviates AFB₁ induced oxidative stress and immune changes and modulates the inflammatory response at least partly through changes in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines of spleen such as IL6 and TNFα in broiler chickens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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17 pages, 989 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immuno-Expression of Endoglin and Smooth Muscle Actin in the Vessels of Brain Metastases. Is There a Rational for Anti-Angiogenic Therapy?

by Valeria Barresi^1,*, Giovanni Branca¹, Maria Caffo², Rosario Caltabiano³

, Antonio Ieni¹, Enrica Vitarelli¹, Salvatore Lanzafame³ and Giovanni Tuccari¹

¹ Department of Human Pathology "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina 98125, Italy

² Department of Neurosciences, University of Messina, Messina 98125, Italy

³ Department G.F. Ingrassia, Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5663-5679; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045663 - 2 Apr 2014

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6981

Abstract

Despite ongoing clinical trials, the efficacy of anti-angiogenic drugs for the treatment of brain metastases (BM) is still questionable. The lower response rate to anti-angiogenic therapy in the presence of BM than in metastatic disease involving other sites suggests that BM may be [...] Read more.

Despite ongoing clinical trials, the efficacy of anti-angiogenic drugs for the treatment of brain metastases (BM) is still questionable. The lower response rate to anti-angiogenic therapy in the presence of BM than in metastatic disease involving other sites suggests that BM may be insensitive to these drugs, although the biological reasons underlining this phenomenon are still to be clarified. With the aim of assessing whether the targets of anti-angiogenic therapies are actually present in BM, in the present study, we analyzed the microvessel density (MVD), a measure of neo-angiogenesis, and the vascular phenotype (mature vs. immature) in the tumor tissue of a series of BM derived from different primary tumors. By using immunohistochemistry against endoglin, a specific marker for newly formed vessels, we found that neo-angiogenesis widely varies in BM depending on the site of the primary tumor, as well as on its histotype. According to our results, BM from lung cancer displayed the highest MVD counts, while those from renal carcinoma had the lowest. Then, among BM from lung cancer, those from large cell and adenocarcinoma histotypes had significantly higher MVD counts than those originating from squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.0043; p = 0.0063). Of note, MVD counts were inversely correlated with the maturation index of the endoglin-stained vessels, reflected by the coverage of smooth muscle actin (SMA) positive pericytes (r = −0.693; p < 0.0001). Accordingly, all the endoglin-positive vessels in BM from pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma and renal carcinoma, displayed a mature phenotype, while vessels with an immature phenotype were found in highly vascularized BM from pulmonary large cell and adenocarcinoma. The low MVD and mature phenotype observed in BM from some primary tumors may account for their low sensitivity to anti-angiogenic therapies. Although our findings need to be validated in correlative studies with a clinical response, this should be taken into account in therapeutic protocols in order to avoid the adverse effects of useless therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Metastasis 2014)

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19 pages, 680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

LXXLL Peptide Converts Transportan 10 to a Potent Inducer of Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells

by Kairit Tints^1,*, Madis Prink^1,2, Toomas Neuman¹ and Kaia Palm^1,3,*

¹ Protobios LLC, Mäealuse 4, Tallinn 12618, Estonia

² Competence Centre for Cancer Research, Akadeemia tee 15, Tallinn 12618, Estonia

³ Department of Gene Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 15, Tallinn 12618, Estonia

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5680-5698; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045680 - 3 Apr 2014

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7729

Abstract

Degenerate expression of transcription coregulator proteins is observed in most human cancers. Therefore, in targeted anti-cancer therapy development, intervention at the level of cancer-specific transcription is of high interest. The steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) is highly expressed in breast, endometrial, and prostate cancer. [...] Read more.

Degenerate expression of transcription coregulator proteins is observed in most human cancers. Therefore, in targeted anti-cancer therapy development, intervention at the level of cancer-specific transcription is of high interest. The steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) is highly expressed in breast, endometrial, and prostate cancer. It is present in various transcription complexes, including those containing nuclear hormone receptors. We examined the effects of a peptide that contains the LXXLL-motif of the human SRC-1 nuclear receptor box 1 linked to the cell-penetrating transportan 10 (TP10), hereafter referred to as TP10-SRC1_LXXLL, on proliferation and estrogen-mediated transcription of breast cancer cells in vitro. Our data show that TP10-SRC1_LXXLL induced dose-dependent cell death of breast cancer cells, and that this effect was not affected by estrogen receptor (ER) status. Surprisingly TP10-SRC1_LXXLL severely reduced the viability and proliferation of hormone-unresponsive breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, the regulation of the endogenous ERα direct target gene pS2 was not affected by TP10-SRC1_LXXLL in estrogen-stimulated MCF-7 cells. Dermal fibroblasts were similarly affected by treatment with higher concentrations of TP10-SRC1_LXXLL and this effect was significantly delayed. These results suggest that the TP10-SRC1_LXXLL peptide may be an effective drug candidate in the treatment of cancers with minimal therapeutic options, for example ER-negative tumors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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13 pages, 1016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cloning, Expression and Characterization of a Novel Thermophilic Polygalacturonase from Caldicellulosiruptor bescii DSM 6725

by Yanyan Chen^1,2,†, Dejun Sun^2,†, Yulai Zhou², Liping Liu¹, Weiwei Han¹, Baisong Zheng¹, Zhi Wang¹ and Zuoming Zhang^1,*

¹ Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology & Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China

² School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5717-5729; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045717 - 3 Apr 2014

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7126

Abstract

We cloned the gene ACM61449 from anaerobic, thermophilic Caldicellulosiruptor bescii, and expressed it in Escherichia coli origami (DE3). After purification through thermal treatment and Ni-NTA agarose column extraction, we characterized the properties of the recombinant protein (CbPelA). The optimal temperature and pH [...] Read more.

We cloned the gene ACM61449 from anaerobic, thermophilic Caldicellulosiruptor bescii, and expressed it in Escherichia coli origami (DE3). After purification through thermal treatment and Ni-NTA agarose column extraction, we characterized the properties of the recombinant protein (CbPelA). The optimal temperature and pH of the protein were 72 °C and 5.2, respectively. CbPelA demonstrated high thermal-stability, with a half-life of 14 h at 70 °C. CbPelA also showed very high activity for polygalacturonic acid (PGA), and released monogalacturonic acid as its sole product. The V_max and K_m of CbPelA were 384.6 U·mg⁻¹ and 0.31 mg·mL⁻¹, respectively. CbPelA was also able to hydrolyze methylated pectin (48% and 10% relative activity on 20%–34% and 85% methylated pectin, respectively). The high thermo-activity and methylated pectin hydrolization activity of CbPelA suggest that it has potential applications in the food and textile industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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19 pages, 2243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification, Evolution and Expression Analysis of the Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Zinc Finger-Homeodomain Gene Family

by Hao Wang^1,2,†, Xiangjing Yin^1,2,†, Xiaoqin Li^1,2, Li Wang^1,2, Yi Zheng³, Xiaozhao Xu^1,2, Yucheng Zhang⁴ and Xiping Wang^1,2,*

¹ State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China

² Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology and Germplasm Innovation in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China

³ Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA

⁴ Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5730-5748; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045730 - 3 Apr 2014

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 9944

Abstract

Plant zinc finger-homeodomain (ZHD) genes encode a family of transcription factors that have been demonstrated to play an important role in the regulation of plant growth and development. In this study, we identified a total of 13 ZHD genes (VvZHD) in [...] Read more.

Plant zinc finger-homeodomain (ZHD) genes encode a family of transcription factors that have been demonstrated to play an important role in the regulation of plant growth and development. In this study, we identified a total of 13 ZHD genes (VvZHD) in the grape genome that were further classified into at least seven groups. Genome synteny analysis revealed that a number of VvZHD genes were present in the corresponding syntenic blocks of Arabidopsis, indicating that they arose before the divergence of these two species. Gene expression analysis showed that the identified VvZHD genes displayed distinct spatiotemporal expression patterns, and were differentially regulated under various stress conditions and hormone treatments, suggesting that the grape VvZHDs might be also involved in plant response to a variety of biotic and abiotic insults. Our work provides insightful information and knowledge about the ZHD genes in grape, which provides a framework for further characterization of their roles in regulation of stress tolerance as well as other aspects of grape productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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13 pages, 1798 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl)-gallate-induced Differentiation of Human Keratinocytes Involves Klotho-Mediated Regulation of Protein Kinase-cAMP Responsive Element-Binding Protein Signaling

by Hyoung-June Kim^1,2,†, Huikyoung Chang^1,†, Seung Hun Han^2,†, Min Seuk Lee³, Ji-Yong Jung¹, SoonAe An^1,4, Seok-Yun Baek¹, Jin Ho Lee³, John Hwan Lee¹, Tae Ryong Lee¹, Dong Wook Shin^1,* and Hongtae Kim^2,*

¹ Amorepacific Corporation R&D Center, 314-1, Bora-dong, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 446-729, Korea

² Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, 300, Cheoncheon-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon 440-746, Korea

³ Sulloccha Research Center, Jangwon Co., Ltd., Jeju 699-924, Korea

⁴ School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Korea

^† These authors contributed equally to this paper.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5749-5761; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045749 - 4 Apr 2014

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 8038

Abstract

(−)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) has long been known as a potent inducer of keratinocyte differentiation. Although its molecular mechanisms have been extensively studied, its actions on human skin remain to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that methylated EGCG and EGCG increase [...] Read more.

(−)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) has long been known as a potent inducer of keratinocyte differentiation. Although its molecular mechanisms have been extensively studied, its actions on human skin remain to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that methylated EGCG and EGCG increase the expression of klotho, and that klotho functions as a downstream target of EGCG and methylated EGCG in keratinocyte differentiation. We demonstrated that methylated EGCG3 and EGCG induce morphological changes in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) that are related to up-regulation of klotho expression. We also demonstrated that a klotho-induced keratinocyte differentiation marker in NHEKs is inhibited by H-89, a protein kinase (PKA) inhibitor. These results suggest that methylated EGCG and EGCG may function as inducers of keratinocyte differentiation via transcriptional regulation of the klotho protein. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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12 pages, 4528 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fatty Acid Elongation in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

by Sonja M. Kessler^1,2,*, Yvette Simon¹, Katja Gemperlein³, Kathrin Gianmoena⁴, Cristina Cadenas⁴, Vincent Zimmer⁵, Juliane Pokorny⁶, Ahmad Barghash⁷, Volkhard Helms⁷, Nico Van Rooijen⁸, Rainer M. Bohle⁶, Frank Lammert⁵, Jan G. Hengstler⁴, Rolf Mueller³, Johannes Haybaeck² and Alexandra K. Kiemer¹

¹ Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, Campus C2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany

² Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria

³ Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Saarland University and Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany

⁴ Systems Toxicology, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the TU Dortmund, Ardeystr. 67, 44139 Dortmund, Germany

⁵ Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrberger Str., 66421 Homburg, Germany

⁶ Institute of Pathology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str., 66421 Homburg, Germany

⁷ Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland University, Campus E2 1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany

⁸ Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Vrije Universiteit, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5762-5773; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045762 - 4 Apr 2014

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 11403

Abstract

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) represents a risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is characterized by quantitative and qualitative changes in hepatic lipids. Since elongation of fatty acids from C16 to C18 has recently been reported to promote both hepatic lipid [...] Read more.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) represents a risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is characterized by quantitative and qualitative changes in hepatic lipids. Since elongation of fatty acids from C16 to C18 has recently been reported to promote both hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation we aimed to investigate whether a frequently used mouse NASH model reflects this clinically relevant feature and whether C16 to C18 elongation can be observed in HCC development. Feeding mice a methionine and choline deficient diet to model NASH not only increased total hepatic fatty acids and cholesterol, but also distinctly elevated the C18/C16 ratio, which was not changed in a model of simple steatosis (ob/ob mice). Depletion of Kupffer cells abrogated both quantitative and qualitative methionine-and-choline deficient (MCD)-induced alterations in hepatic lipids. Interestingly, mimicking inflammatory events in early hepatocarcinogenesis by diethylnitrosamine-induced carcinogenesis (48 h) increased hepatic lipids and the C18/C16 ratio. Analyses of human liver samples from patients with NASH or NASH-related HCC showed an elevated expression of the elongase ELOVL6, which is responsible for the elongation of C16 fatty acids. Taken together, our findings suggest a detrimental role of an altered fatty acid pattern in the progression of NASH-related liver disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Human Liver Diseases)

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15 pages, 688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Circulating miR-208b and miR-34a Are Associated with Left Ventricular Remodeling after Acute Myocardial Infarction

by Pin Lv^1,2, Mingxia Zhou^3,†, Jing He^3,†, Weiwei Meng¹, Xuehan Ma¹, Shuling Dong¹, Xianchun Meng¹, Xue Zhao¹, Xi Wang⁴ and Fucheng He^1,*

¹ Department of Medical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China

² Institute of Clinical Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China

³ Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China

⁴ Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5774-5788; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045774 - 4 Apr 2014

Cited by 105 | Viewed by 8370

Abstract

Left ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with adverse prognosis. It is becoming increasingly clear that circulating miRNAs could be promising biomarkers for various pathological processes in the heart, including myocardial infarction, myocardial remodeling and progression to heart failure. In [...] Read more.

Left ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with adverse prognosis. It is becoming increasingly clear that circulating miRNAs could be promising biomarkers for various pathological processes in the heart, including myocardial infarction, myocardial remodeling and progression to heart failure. In the present study, a total of 359 consecutive patients were recruited. Plasma samples were collected on admission. Echocardiographic studies were performed during the admission and at six months follow-up after AMI. Remodeling was defined as an at least 10% increase from baseline in the left ventricular end-diastolic volume. Plasma miRNA levels were assessed for association with six months mortality or development of heart failure. Results showed that levels of plasma miR-208b and miR-34a were significantly higher in patients with remodeling than those without. Increased miRNA levels were strongly associated with increased risk of mortality or heart failure within six months for miR-208b (OR 17.91, 95% confidence interval = 2.07–98.81, p = 0.003), miR-34a (OR 4.18, 95% confidence interval = 1.36–12.83, p = 0.012) and combination of the two miRNAs (OR 18.73, 95% confidence interval = 1.96–101.23, p = 0.000). The two miRNA panels reclassified a significant proportion of patients with a net reclassification improvement of 11.7% (p = 0.025) and an integrated discrimination improvement of 7.7% (p = 0.002). These results demonstrated that circulating miR-208b and miR-34a could be useful biomarkers for predicting left ventricular remodeling after AMI, and the miRNA levels are associated with increased risk of mortality or heart failure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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18 pages, 764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Frataxin Silencing Inactivates Mitochondrial Complex I in NSC34 Motoneuronal Cells and Alters Glutathione Homeostasis

by Barbara Carletti^1,†, Emanuela Piermarini^1,†, Giulia Tozzi¹, Lorena Travaglini¹

, Alessandra Torraco¹, Anna Pastore²

, Marco Sparaco³, Sara Petrillo¹, Rosalba Carrozzo¹, Enrico Bertini¹

and Fiorella Piemonte^1,*

¹ Unit for Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Children's Hospital and Research Institute "Bambino Gesù", Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy

² Biochemistry Laboratory, Children's Hospital and Research Institute "Bambino Gesù", Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy

³ Division of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliera, "G. Rummo", Via Pacevecchia 53, 82100 Benevento, Italy

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5789-5806; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045789 - 4 Apr 2014

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 8457

Abstract

Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease characterized by a reduced synthesis of the mitochondrial iron chaperon protein frataxin as a result of a large GAA triplet-repeat expansion within the first intron of the frataxin gene. Despite neurodegeneration being the prominent feature [...] Read more.

Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease characterized by a reduced synthesis of the mitochondrial iron chaperon protein frataxin as a result of a large GAA triplet-repeat expansion within the first intron of the frataxin gene. Despite neurodegeneration being the prominent feature of this pathology involving both the central and the peripheral nervous system, information on the impact of frataxin deficiency in neurons is scant. Here, we describe a neuronal model displaying some major biochemical and morphological features of FRDA. By silencing the mouse NSC34 motor neurons for the frataxin gene with shRNA lentiviral vectors, we generated two cell lines with 40% and 70% residual amounts of frataxin, respectively. Frataxin-deficient cells showed a specific inhibition of mitochondrial Complex I (CI) activity already at 70% residual frataxin levels, whereas the glutathione imbalance progressively increased after silencing. These biochemical defects were associated with the inhibition of cell proliferation and morphological changes at the axonal compartment, both depending on the frataxin amount. Interestingly, at 70% residual frataxin levels, the in vivo treatment with the reduced glutathione revealed a partial rescue of cell proliferation. Thus, NSC34 frataxin silenced cells could be a suitable model to study the effect of frataxin deficiency in neurons and highlight glutathione as a potential beneficial therapeutic target for FRDA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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14 pages, 1226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cystatin C Has a Dual Role in Post-Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery

by Marina Martinez-Vargas¹, Maribel Soto-Nuñez², Erika Tabla-Ramon¹, Barbara Solis¹, Ruben Gonzalez-Rivera¹, Adan Perez-Arredondo¹, Francisco Estrada-Rojo¹, Andres Castell³, Juan Molina-Guarneros² and Luz Navarro^1,*

¹ Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Apdo. Postal 70-250, Mexico, D.F. 04510, Mexico

² Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Apdo. Postal 70-250, Mexico, D.F. 04510, Mexico

³ Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, School of Medicine Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Apdo. Postal 70-250, Mexico, D.F. 04510, Mexico

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5807-5820; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045807 - 4 Apr 2014

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 7558

Abstract

Cathepsin B is one of the major lysosomal cysteine proteases involved in neuronal protein catabolism. This cathepsin is released after traumatic injury and increases neuronal death; however, release of cystatin C, a cathepsin inhibitor, appears to be a self-protective brain response. Here we [...] Read more.

Cathepsin B is one of the major lysosomal cysteine proteases involved in neuronal protein catabolism. This cathepsin is released after traumatic injury and increases neuronal death; however, release of cystatin C, a cathepsin inhibitor, appears to be a self-protective brain response. Here we describe the effect of cystatin C intracerebroventricular administration in rats prior to inducing a traumatic brain injury. We observed that cystatin C injection caused a dual response in post-traumatic brain injury recovery: higher doses (350 fmoles) increased bleeding and mortality, whereas lower doses (3.5 to 35 fmoles) decreased bleeding, neuronal damage and mortality. We also analyzed the expression of cathepsin B and cystatin C in the brains of control rats and of rats after a traumatic brain injury. Cathepsin B was detected in the brain stem, cerebellum, hippocampus and cerebral cortex of control rats. Cystatin C was localized to the choroid plexus, brain stem and cerebellum of control rats. Twenty-four hours after traumatic brain injury, we observed changes in both the expression and localization of both proteins in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and brain stem. An early increase and intralysosomal expression of cystatin C after brain injury was associated with reduced neuronal damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuroprotective Strategies 2014)

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17 pages, 543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pharmacological Evaluation and Preparation of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Containing an N-Acyl Hydrazone Subunit

by Thais Regina Ferreira De Melo¹, Rafael Consolin Chelucci¹, Maria Elisa Lopes Pires¹, Luiz Antonio Dutra¹, Karina Pereira Barbieri¹, Priscila Longhin Bosquesi¹, Gustavo Henrique Goulart Trossini², Man Chin Chung¹ and Jean Leandro Dos Santos^1,*

¹ School of Pharmaceutical Science, State University of São Paulo (UNESP), Rodovia Araraquara Jaú Km. 01, Araraquara, São Paulo 14801-902, Brazil

² Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes 580, São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5821-5837; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045821 - 4 Apr 2014

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 9385

Abstract

A series of anti-inflammatory derivatives containing an N-acyl hydrazone subunit (4a–e) were synthesized and characterized. Docking studies were performed that suggest that compounds 4a–e bind to cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 isoforms, but with higher affinity for [...] Read more.

A series of anti-inflammatory derivatives containing an N-acyl hydrazone subunit (4a–e) were synthesized and characterized. Docking studies were performed that suggest that compounds 4a–e bind to cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 isoforms, but with higher affinity for COX-2. The compounds display similar anti-inflammatory activities in vivo, although compound 4c is the most effective compound for inhibiting rat paw edema, with a reduction in the extent of inflammation of 35.9% and 52.8% at 2 and 4 h, respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity of N-acyl hydrazone derivatives was inferior to their respective parent drugs, except for compound 4c after 5 h. Ulcerogenic studies revealed that compounds 4a–e are less gastrotoxic than the respective parent drug. Compounds 4b–e demonstrated mucosal damage comparable to celecoxib. The in vivo analgesic activities of the compounds are higher than the respective parent drug for compounds 4a–b and 4d–e. Compound 4a was more active than dipyrone in reducing acetic-acid-induced abdominal constrictions. Our results indicate that compounds 4a–e are anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds with reduced gastrotoxicity compared to their respective parent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Recognition)

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14 pages, 2021 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cetuximab-Induced MET Activation Acts as a Novel Resistance Mechanism in Colon Cancer Cells

by Na Song, Shizhou Liu, Jingdong Zhang, Jing Liu, Ling Xu, Yunpeng Liu^* and Xiujuan Qu^*

Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5838-5851; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045838 - 4 Apr 2014

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 12872

Abstract

Aberrant MET expression and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling are implicated in promoting resistance to targeted agents; however, the induced MET activation by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors mediating resistance to targeted therapy remains elusive. In this study, we identified that cetuximab-induced [...] Read more.

Aberrant MET expression and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling are implicated in promoting resistance to targeted agents; however, the induced MET activation by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors mediating resistance to targeted therapy remains elusive. In this study, we identified that cetuximab-induced MET activation contributed to cetuximab resistance in Caco-2 colon cancer cells. MET inhibition or knockdown sensitized Caco-2 cells to cetuximab-mediated growth inhibition. Additionally, SRC activation promoted cetuximab resistance by interacting with MET. Pretreatment with SRC inhibitors abolished cetuximab-mediated MET activation and rendered Caco-2 cells sensitive to cetuximab. Notably, cetuximab induced MET/SRC/EGFR complex formation. MET inhibitor or SRC inhibitor suppressed phosphorylation of MET and SRC in the complex, and MET inhibitor singly led to disruption of complex formation. These results implicate alternative targeting of MET or SRC as rational strategies for reversing cetuximab resistance in colon cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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10 pages, 708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Neuropeptides and Mechanical Loading on Bone Cell Resorption in Vitro

by Yeong-Min Yoo

, Ji Hyun Kwag, Kyung Hwan Kim and Chi Hyun Kim^*

Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Health Science, Yonsei University, Wonju, Gangwon-do 220-710, Korea

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5874-5883; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045874 - 8 Apr 2014

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 7800

Abstract

Neuropeptides such as vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are present in nerve fibers of bone tissues and have been suggested to potentially regulate bone remodeling. Oscillatory fluid flow (OFF)-induced shear stress is a potent signal in mechanotransduction that is [...] Read more.

Neuropeptides such as vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are present in nerve fibers of bone tissues and have been suggested to potentially regulate bone remodeling. Oscillatory fluid flow (OFF)-induced shear stress is a potent signal in mechanotransduction that is capable of regulating both anabolic and catabolic bone remodeling. However, the interaction between neuropeptides and mechanical induction in bone remodeling is poorly understood. In this study, we attempted to quantify the effects of combined neuropeptides and mechanical stimuli on mRNA and protein expression related to bone resorption. Neuropeptides (VIP or CGRP) and/or OFF-induced shear stress were applied to MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cells and changes in receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA and protein levels were quantified. Neuropeptides and OFF-induced shear stress similarly decreased RANKL and increased OPG levels compared to control. Changes were not further enhanced with combined neuropeptides and OFF-induced shear stress. These results suggest that neuropeptides CGRP and VIP have an important role in suppressing bone resorptive activities through RANKL/OPG pathway, similar to mechanical loading. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Signalling Molecules and Signal Transduction in Cells 2014)

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23 pages, 659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Single and Binge Methamphetamine Administrations Have Different Effects on the Levels of Dopamine D2 Autoreceptor and Dopamine Transporter in Rat Striatum

by Heli Chauhan, Bryan A. Killinger, Cheryl V. Miller and Anna Moszczynska^*

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Wayne State University, 259 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5884-5906; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045884 - 8 Apr 2014

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 10044

Abstract

Methamphetamine (METH) is a central nervous system psychostimulant with a high potential for abuse. At high doses, METH causes a selective degeneration of dopaminergic terminals in the striatum. Dopamine D2 receptor antagonists and dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitors protect against neurotoxicity of the drug [...] Read more.

Methamphetamine (METH) is a central nervous system psychostimulant with a high potential for abuse. At high doses, METH causes a selective degeneration of dopaminergic terminals in the striatum. Dopamine D2 receptor antagonists and dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitors protect against neurotoxicity of the drug by decreasing intracellular dopamine content and, consequently, dopamine autoxidation and production of reactive oxygen species. In vitro, amphetamines regulate D2 receptor and DAT functions via regulation of their intracellular trafficking. No data exists on axonal transport of both proteins and there is limited data on their interactions in vivo. The aim of the present investigation was to examine synaptosomal levels of presynaptic D2 autoreceptor and DAT after two different regimens of METH and to determine whether METH affects the D2 autoreceptor-DAT interaction in the rat striatum. We found that, as compared to saline controls, administration of single high-dose METH decreased D2 autoreceptor immunoreactivity and increased DAT immunoreactivity in rat striatal synaptosomes whereas binge high-dose METH increased immunoreactivity of D2 autoreceptor and had no effect on DAT immunoreactivity. Single METH had no effect on D2 autoreceptor-DAT interaction whereas binge METH increased the interaction between the two proteins in the striatum. Our results suggest that METH can affect axonal transport of both the D2 autoreceptor and DAT in an interaction-dependent and -independent manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling and Regulation)

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12 pages, 816 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Radioprotective and Antioxidant Effect of Resveratrol in Hippocampus by Activating Sirt1

by Jianguo Li^1,2, Li Feng¹, Yonghua Xing¹, Yan Wang¹, Liqing Du¹, Chang Xu¹, Jia Cao¹, Qin Wang¹, Saijun Fan¹, Qiang Liu^1,* and Feiyue Fan^1,*

¹ Tianjin Key Lab of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China

² Department of Human Anatomy, The Medical School of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Tongliao 028041, Neimenggu, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5928-5939; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045928 - 9 Apr 2014

Cited by 89 | Viewed by 9547

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species can lead to functional alterations in lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, and an accumulation of ROS (Reactive oxygen species) is considered to be one factor that contributes to neurodegenerative changes. An increase in ROS production occurs following irradiation. Neuronal tissue [...] Read more.

Reactive oxygen species can lead to functional alterations in lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, and an accumulation of ROS (Reactive oxygen species) is considered to be one factor that contributes to neurodegenerative changes. An increase in ROS production occurs following irradiation. Neuronal tissue is susceptible to oxidative stress because of its high oxygen consumption and modest antioxidant defenses. As a polyphenolic compound, resveratrol is frequently used as an activator of Sirt1 (Sirtuin 1). The present study was designed to explore the radioprotective and antioxidant effect of resveratrol on Sirt1 expression and activity induced by radiation and to provide a new target for the development of radiation protection drugs. Our results demonstrate that resveratrol inhibits apoptosis induced by radiation via the activation of Sirt1. We demonstrated an increase in Sirt1 mRNA that was present on 21 days of resveratrol treatment following irradiation in a concentration-dependent manner. Such mRNA increase was accompanied by an increase of Sirt1 protein and activity. Resveratrol effectively antagonized oxidation induced by irradiation, supporting its cellular ROS-scavenging effect. These results provide evidence that the mitochondrial protection and the antioxidant effect of resveratrol contribute to metabolic activity. These data suggest that Sirt1 may play an important role to protect neurons from oxidative stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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12 pages, 2441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neuroprotective Effect of Melatonin against Kainic Acid-Induced Oxidative Injury in Hippocampal Slice Culture of Rats

by Hyung A Kim¹, Kyung Hee Lee² and Bae Hwan Lee^1,*

¹ Department of Physiology, Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea

² Division of Health Science, Department of Dental Hygiene, Dongseo University, Busan 617-716, Korea

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5940-5951; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045940 - 9 Apr 2014

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7439

Abstract

Endogenous melatonin is a known free radical scavenger that removes reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus, alleviating oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate its effect against kainic acid (KA)-induced oxidative stress in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs). To observe neuroprotective [...] Read more.

Endogenous melatonin is a known free radical scavenger that removes reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus, alleviating oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate its effect against kainic acid (KA)-induced oxidative stress in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs). To observe neuroprotective effects of melatonin, different concentrations (0.01, 0.1 and 1 mM) of melatonin were administrated after KA treatment for 18 h in OHSCs of rat pups. Dose-response studies showed that neuronal cell death was significantly reduced after 0.1 and 1 mΜ melatonin treatments based on propidium iodide (PI) uptake and cresyl violet staining. The dichlorofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence which indicates ROS formation decreased more in the melatonin-treated group than in the KA group. The expression of 5-lipoxigenase (5-LO) and caspase-3 were reduced in the melatonin-treated groups compared to the KA group. These results suggest that melatonin may be an effective agent against KA-induced oxidative stress in the OHSC model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuroprotective Strategies 2014)

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18 pages, 686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leucyl-tRNA Synthetase Regulates Lactation and Cell Proliferation via mTOR Signaling in Dairy Cow Mammary Epithelial Cells

by Lina Wang, Ye Lin, Yanjie Bian, Lili Liu, Li Shao, Lin Lin, Bo Qu, Feng Zhao, Xuejun Gao and Qingzhang Li^*

Key Laboratory of Dairy Science of Ministry of Education, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5952-5969; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045952 - 9 Apr 2014

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 8824

Abstract

The role of LeuRS, an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, as an intracellular l-leucine sensor for the mTORC1 pathway has been the subject of much research recently. Despite this, the association between LeuRS and lactation in dairy cow mammary epithelial cells (DCMECs) remains unknown. In this [...] Read more.

The role of LeuRS, an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, as an intracellular l-leucine sensor for the mTORC1 pathway has been the subject of much research recently. Despite this, the association between LeuRS and lactation in dairy cow mammary epithelial cells (DCMECs) remains unknown. In this study, we found that LeuRS expression in mammary gland tissue was significantly higher during lactation than pregnancy. Moreover, our data demonstrates that LeuRS is localized in the cytoplasm. Treatment with leucine increased DCMECs viability and proliferation, as well as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p-mTOR, ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), p-S6K1, β-Casein, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), and Cyclin D1 mRNA and protein expression. Secretion of lactose and triglyceride were also increased. siRNA-mediated knockdown of LeuRS led to reduction in all of these processes. Based on these data, LeuRS up-regulates the mTOR pathway to promote proliferation and lactation of DCMECs in response to changes in the intracellular leucine concentration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Signalling Molecules and Signal Transduction in Cells 2014)

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Graphical abstract

18 pages, 884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Triterpenoid Saponin Biosynthetic Pathway Profiling and Candidate Gene Mining of the Ilex asprella Root Using RNA-Seq

by Xiasheng Zheng, Hui Xu^*, Xinye Ma, Ruoting Zhan and Weiwen Chen^*

Research Center of Chinese Herbal Resource Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resource from Lingnan, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5970-5987; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045970 - 9 Apr 2014

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 11211

Abstract

Ilex asprella, which contains abundant α-amyrin type triterpenoid saponins, is an anti-influenza herbal drug widely used in south China. In this work, we first analysed the transcriptome of the I. asprella root using RNA-Seq, which provided a dataset for functional gene mining. [...] Read more.

Ilex asprella, which contains abundant α-amyrin type triterpenoid saponins, is an anti-influenza herbal drug widely used in south China. In this work, we first analysed the transcriptome of the I. asprella root using RNA-Seq, which provided a dataset for functional gene mining. mRNA was isolated from the total RNA of the I. asprella root and reverse-transcribed into cDNA. Then, the cDNA library was sequenced using an Illumina HiSeq™ 2000, which generated 55,028,452 clean reads. De novo assembly of these reads generated 51,865 unigenes, in which 39,269 unigenes were annotated (75.71% yield). According to the structures of the triterpenoid saponins of I. asprella, a putative biosynthetic pathway downstream of 2,3-oxidosqualene was proposed and candidate unigenes in the transcriptome data that were potentially involved in the pathway were screened using homology-based BLAST and phylogenetic analysis. Further amplification and functional analysis of these putative unigenes will provide insight into the biosynthesis of Ilex triterpenoid saponins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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14 pages, 690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cardiac Fas-Dependent and Mitochondria-Dependent Apoptosis after Chronic Cocaine Abuse

by Cher-Ming Liou^1,2, Shiow-Chwen Tsai³, Chia-Hua Kuo⁴, Hua Ting^2,5,† and Shin-Da Lee^6,7,8,*,†

¹ Department of Anesthesiology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 402, Taiwan

² Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan

³ Department of Sports Sciences, University of Taipei, Taipei 111, Taiwan

⁴ Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry, University of Taipei, Taipei 111, Taiwan

⁵ Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 402, Taiwan

⁶ Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan

⁷ Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan

⁸ School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 201203, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5988-6001; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045988 - 9 Apr 2014

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 8539

Abstract

To evaluate whether chronic cocaine abuse will increase cardiac Fas-dependent and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways, thirty-two male Wistar rats at 3–4 months of age were randomly divided into a vehicle-treated group (phosphate-buffered saline, PBS, 0.5 mL, SQ per day) and a cocaine-treated group (Cocaine, [...] Read more.

To evaluate whether chronic cocaine abuse will increase cardiac Fas-dependent and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways, thirty-two male Wistar rats at 3–4 months of age were randomly divided into a vehicle-treated group (phosphate-buffered saline, PBS, 0.5 mL, SQ per day) and a cocaine-treated group (Cocaine, 10 mg/kg, SQ per day). After 3 months of treatment, the excised left ventricles were measured by H&E staining, Western blotting, DAPI staining and TUNEL assays. More cardiac TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells were observed in the Cocaine group than the PBS group. Protein levels of TNF-alpha, Fas ligand, Fas death receptor, FADD, activated caspase-8, and activated caspase-3 (Fas-dependent apoptosis) extracted from excised hearts in the Cocaine group were significantly increased, compared to the PBS group. Protein levels of cardiac Bax, cytosolic cytochrome c, t-Bid-to-Bid, Bak-to-Bcl-xL, Bax-to-Bcl-2 ratio, activated caspase-9, and activated caspase-3 (mitochondria-dependent apoptosis) were significantly increased in the Cocaine group, compared to the PBS group. Chronic cocaine exposure appeared to activate the cardiac Fas-dependent and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, which may indicate a possible mechanism for the development of cardiac abnormalities in humans with chronic cocaine abuse. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Programmed Cell Death and Apoptosis)

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10 pages, 1087 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Hydraulic Mechanism of the Unfolding of Hind Wings in Dorcus titanus platymelus (Order: Coleoptera)

by Jiyu Sun^1,2,*, Mingze Ling¹, Wei Wu¹, Bharat Bhushan^2,* and Jin Tong¹

¹ Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China

² Nanoprobe Laboratory for Bio- & Nanotechnology and Biomimetics (NLB2), the Ohio State University, 201 W. 19th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1142, USA

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6009-6018; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046009 - 9 Apr 2014

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 9606

Abstract

In most beetles, the hind wings are thin and fragile; when at rest, they are held over the back of the beetle. When the hind wing unfolds, it provides the necessary aerodynamic forces for flight. In this paper, we investigate the hydraulic mechanism [...] Read more.

In most beetles, the hind wings are thin and fragile; when at rest, they are held over the back of the beetle. When the hind wing unfolds, it provides the necessary aerodynamic forces for flight. In this paper, we investigate the hydraulic mechanism of the unfolding process of the hind wings in Dorcus titanus platymelus (Oder: Coleoptera). The wing unfolding process of Dorcus titanus platymelus was examined using high speed camera sequences (400 frames/s), and the hydraulic pressure in the veins was measured with a biological pressure sensor and dynamic signal acquisition and analysis (DSA) during the expansion process. We found that the total time for the release of hydraulic pressure during wing folding is longer than the time required for unfolding. The pressure is proportional to the length of the wings and the body mass of the beetle. A retinal camera was used to investigate the fluid direction. We found that the peak pressures correspond to two main cross-folding joint expansions in the hind wing. These observations strongly suggest that blood pressure facilitates the extension of hind wings during unfolding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic and Functional Materials)

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12 pages, 1126 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vasostatin Inhibits VEGF-Induced Endothelial Cell Proliferation, Tube Formation and Induces Cell Apoptosis under Oxygen Deprivation

by Qun Shu^1,*, Wenjiao Li¹, Haichuan Li¹ and Gang Sun²

¹ Shanghai Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, 773 Wuyi Road, Shanghai 200051, China

² School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6019-6030; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046019 - 9 Apr 2014

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 8116

Abstract

Anti-angiogenesis treatment has been a promising new form of cancer therapy. Endothelial cells are critical for vascular homeostasis and play important roles in angiogenesis, vascular and tissue remodeling. Vasostatin, the 180 amino acid N-terminal fragment of the calreticulin protein, is reported to [...] Read more.

Anti-angiogenesis treatment has been a promising new form of cancer therapy. Endothelial cells are critical for vascular homeostasis and play important roles in angiogenesis, vascular and tissue remodeling. Vasostatin, the 180 amino acid N-terminal fragment of the calreticulin protein, is reported to be a potent endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis, suppressing tumor growth. However, the mechanism of these effects has not been sufficiently investigated. This study was performed to investigate the possible mechanism of vasostatin effects on primary cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). We found that vasostatin could inhibit the cell viability of HUVEC and induce cell apoptosis through mitochondrial pathways via activation of caspase-3 under oxygen deprivation conditions. Meanwhile, vasostatin also inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor-induced proliferation and tube formation of HUVEC. The possible mechanism of vasostatin-inhibited proliferation of HUVEC could be through down-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. These findings suggest that vasostatin could regulate endothelial cell function and might be used in anti-angiogenesis treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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15 pages, 348 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Activity of Nodules of the Supernodulating Mutant Mt_sunn Is not Limited by Photosynthesis under Optimal Growth Conditions

by Ricardo A. Cabeza^1,2, Annika Lingner¹, Rebecca Liese¹, Saad Sulieman³, Mehmet Senbayram⁴, Merle Tränkner⁴, Klaus Dittert^1,4 and Joachim Schulze^1,*

¹ Department for Crop Science, Section for Plant Nutrition and Crop Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Goettingen, Carl-Sprengel-Weg 1, Goettingen 37075, Germany

² Departamento de Ingeniería y Suelos, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad de Chile, Av. Santa Rosa, La Pintana, Santiago de Chile 11315, Chile

³ Signaling Pathway Research Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan

⁴ Institute for Applied Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Goettingen, Carl-Sprengel-Weg 1, Goettingen 37075, Germany

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6031-6045; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046031 - 10 Apr 2014

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 8656

Abstract

Legumes match the nodule number to the N demand of the plant. When a mutation in the regulatory mechanism deprives the plant of that ability, an excessive number of nodules are formed. These mutants show low productivity in the fields, mainly due to [...] Read more.

Legumes match the nodule number to the N demand of the plant. When a mutation in the regulatory mechanism deprives the plant of that ability, an excessive number of nodules are formed. These mutants show low productivity in the fields, mainly due to the high carbon burden caused through the necessity to supply numerous nodules. The objective of this study was to clarify whether through optimal conditions for growth and CO₂ assimilation a higher nodule activity of a supernodulating mutant of Medicago truncatula (M. truncatula) can be induced. Several experimental approaches reveal that under the conditions of our experiments, the nitrogen fixation of the supernodulating mutant, designated as sunn (super numeric nodules), was not limited by photosynthesis. Higher specific nitrogen fixation activity could not be induced through short- or long-term increases in CO₂ assimilation around shoots. Furthermore, a whole plant P depletion induced a decline in nitrogen fixation, however this decline did not occur significantly earlier in sunn plants, nor was it more intense compared to the wild-type. However, a distinctly different pattern of nitrogen fixation during the day/night cycles of the experiment indicates that the control of N₂ fixing activity of the large number of nodules is an additional problem for the productivity of supernodulating mutants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation in Legume Nodules: Metabolism and Regulatory Mechanisms)

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16 pages, 1557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PSMA, EpCAM, VEGF and GRPR as Imaging Targets in Locally Recurrent Prostate Cancer after Radiotherapy

by Maxim Rybalov^1,†, Hildo J. K. Ananias^1,†, Hilde D. Hoving¹, Henk G. Van der Poel², Stefano Rosati³ and Igle J. De Jong^1,*

¹ Department of Urology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, Groningen 9700 RB NL, The Netherlands

² Department of Urology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Plesmanlaan 121, Amsterdam 1066 CX, The Netherlands

³ Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, Groningen 9700 RB NL, The Netherlands

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6046-6061; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046046 - 10 Apr 2014

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 9715

Abstract

In this retrospective pilot study, the expression of the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in locally recurrent prostate cancer after brachytherapy or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) [...] Read more.

In this retrospective pilot study, the expression of the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in locally recurrent prostate cancer after brachytherapy or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) was investigated, and their adequacy for targeted imaging was analyzed. Prostate cancer specimens were collected of 17 patients who underwent salvage prostatectomy because of locally recurrent prostate cancer after brachytherapy or EBRT. Immunohistochemistry was performed. A pathologist scored the immunoreactivity in prostate cancer and stroma. Staining for PSMA was seen in 100% (17/17), EpCAM in 82.3% (14/17), VEGF in 82.3% (14/17) and GRPR in 100% (17/17) of prostate cancer specimens. Staining for PSMA, EpCAM and VEGF was seen in 0% (0/17) and for GRPR in 100% (17/17) of the specimens’ stromal compartments. In 11.8% (2/17) of cases, the GRPR staining intensity of prostate cancer was higher than stroma, while in 88.2% (15/17), the staining was equal. Based on the absence of stromal staining, PSMA, EpCAM and VEGF show high tumor distinctiveness. Therefore, PSMA, EpCAM and VEGF can be used as targets for the bioimaging of recurrent prostate cancer after EBRT to exclude metastatic disease and/or to plan local salvage therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Urology 2014)

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10 pages, 428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (ADMA in COPD)

by Jeremy A. Scott¹, MyLinh Duongh², Aaron W. Young³, Padmaja Subbarao⁴, Gail M. Gauvreau² and Hartmut Grasemann^4,*

¹ Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada

² Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada

³ Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St., Boston, MA 02118, USA

⁴ Program in Physiology and Experimental Medicine, SickKids Research Institute, and Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6062-6071; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046062 - 10 Apr 2014

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 8794

Abstract

l-Arginine metabolism including the nitric oxide (NO) synthase and arginase pathways is important in the maintenance of airways function. We have previously reported that accumulation of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in airways, resulting in changes in l-arginine metabolism, contributes to airways obstruction in asthma [...] Read more.

l-Arginine metabolism including the nitric oxide (NO) synthase and arginase pathways is important in the maintenance of airways function. We have previously reported that accumulation of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in airways, resulting in changes in l-arginine metabolism, contributes to airways obstruction in asthma and cystic fibrosis. Herein, we assessed l-arginine metabolism in airways of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lung function testing, measurement of fractional exhaled NO (FeNO) and sputum NO metabolites, as well as quantification of l-arginine metabolites (l-arginine, l-ornithine, l-citrulline, ADMA and symmetric dimethylarginine) using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were performed. Concentrations of l-ornithine, the product of arginase activity, correlated directly with l-arginine and ADMA sputum concentrations. FeNO correlated directly with pre- and post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁). Sputum arginase activity correlated inversely with total NO metabolite (NO_x) and nitrite concentrations in sputum, and with pre- and post-bronchodilator FEV₁. These findings suggest that ADMA in COPD airways results in a functionally relevant shift of l-arginine breakdown by the NO synthases towards the arginase pathway, which contributes to airway obstruction in these patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue ADMA and Nitrergic System)

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14 pages, 2072 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Pulmonary Toxicity of Two Ceria Nanoparticles with the Same Primary Size

by Lu Peng¹, Xiao He^2,*, Peng Zhang², Jing Zhang³, Yuanyuan Li², Junzhe Zhang⁴, Yuhui Ma², Yayun Ding², Zhenqiang Wu^1,*, Zhifang Chai² and Zhiyong Zhang^2,*

¹ School of Biological Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China

² CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Key Laboratory of Nuclear Radiation and Nuclear Energy Technology, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China

³ Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China

⁴ College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6072-6085; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046072 - 10 Apr 2014

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 8232

Abstract

Ceria nanoparticles (nano-ceria) have recently gained a wide range of applications, which might pose unwanted risks to both the environment and human health. The greatest potential for the environmental discharge of nano-ceria appears to be in their use as a diesel fuel additive. [...] Read more.

Ceria nanoparticles (nano-ceria) have recently gained a wide range of applications, which might pose unwanted risks to both the environment and human health. The greatest potential for the environmental discharge of nano-ceria appears to be in their use as a diesel fuel additive. The present study was designed to explore the pulmonary toxicity of nano-ceria in mice after a single exposure via intratracheal instillation. Two types of nano-ceria with the same distribution of a primary size (3–5 nm), but different redox activity, were used: Ceria-p, synthesized by a precipitation route, and Ceria-h, synthesized by a hydrothermal route. Both Ceria-p and Ceria-h induced oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and cytotoxicity in mice, but their toxicological profiles were quite different. The mean size of Ceria-p agglomerates was much smaller compared to Ceria-h, thereby causing a more potent acute inflammation, due to their higher number concentration of agglomerates and higher deposition rate in the deep lung. Ceria-h had a higher reactivity to catalyzing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and caused two waves of lung injury: bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) inflammation and cytotoxicity in the early stage and redox-activity-evoked lipid peroxidation and pro-inflammation in the latter stage. Therefore, the size distribution of ceria-containing agglomerates in the exhaust, as well as their surface chemistry are essential characteristics to assess the potential risks of using nano-ceria as a fuel additive. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotoxicology and Lung Diseases)

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10 pages, 455 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

DNA Comet Giemsa Staining for Conventional Bright-Field Microscopy

by Andreyan Osipov^1,*

, Ekaterina Arkhangelskaya¹, Alexei Vinokurov², Nadezhda Smetaninа¹, Alex Zhavoronkov² and Dmitry Klokov³

¹ State Research Center—Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency (SRC-FMBC), 46, Zhivopisnaya Str., Moscow 123098, Russia

² Dima Rogachev Federal Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, 1, Samora Machel Str., Moscow 117997, Russia

³ Chalk River Laboratories, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Stn 51 Plant Road, Chalk River, ON K0J1P0, Canada

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6086-6095; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046086 - 10 Apr 2014

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 11319

Abstract

This study was undertaken to evaluate the compatibility of Giemsa staining protocol with the comet assay. We showed, for the first time, that DNA comets can be visualized and analyzed using Giemsa staining. We generated DNA damage dose response curves for human peripheral [...] Read more.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the compatibility of Giemsa staining protocol with the comet assay. We showed, for the first time, that DNA comets can be visualized and analyzed using Giemsa staining. We generated DNA damage dose response curves for human peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed to X-ray radiation using the comet assay with either SybrGreen I or Giemsa stain. The dose response curves were fitted by linear regressions (R² > 0.977). The SybrGreen I results showed only ~1.2-fold higher slope coefficient (method sensitivity) compared to the Giemsa results. The unexpectedly high sensitivity of Giemsa staining for the comet assay is due to the Romanowsky-Giemsa effect, the stain photo-stability and the higher resolution of bright-field imaging compared to fluorescence imaging. Our results demonstrate that Giemsa staining can effectively be used for measuring DNA damage by the comet assay. The low cost and availability of Giemsa stain makes this method affordable for any low budget research and will facilitate new applications of the comet assay in biology and medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)

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15 pages, 5361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Are Resistant to HBV Infection during Differentiation into Hepatocytes in Vitro

by Ying Wang^1,2,†, Feng Wang^1,*, Hongchang Zhao^3,†, Xiaohe Zhang², Haiying Chen¹ and Kaiyu Zhang¹

¹ Infection Department, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China

² Central Laboratory, Hepatobiliary Disease Hospital of Jilin Province, Changchun 130062, Jilin, China

³ Biochemical Laborarory, Changchun Medical Emergency Center, Changchun 130062, Jilin, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6096-6110; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046096 - 10 Apr 2014

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 9047

Abstract

The therapeutic methods for chronic hepatitis B are limited. The shortage of organ donors and hepatitis B virus (HBV) reinfection obstruct the clinical application of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). In the present study, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem [...] Read more.

The therapeutic methods for chronic hepatitis B are limited. The shortage of organ donors and hepatitis B virus (HBV) reinfection obstruct the clinical application of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). In the present study, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were isolated from chronic hepatitis B patients and characterized for morphology, growth potency, surface phenotype and the differentiation potential. The results showed that both MSCs had adipogenic, osteogenic and neuron differentiation potential, and nearly all MSCs expressed CD105, CD44 and CD29. Compared with AD-MSCs, BM-MSCs of chronic hepatitis B patients proliferated defectively. In addition, the ability of AD-MSCs to differentiate into hepatocyte was evaluated and the susceptibility to HBV infection were assessed. AD-MSCs could differentiate into functional hepatocyte-like cells. These cells express the hepatic-specific markers and have glycogen production and albumin secretion function. AD-MSCs and hepatic differentiation AD-MSCs were not susceptible to infection by HBV in vitro. Compared with BM-MSCs, AD-MSCs may be alternative stem cells for chronic hepatitis B patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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26 pages, 758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Imprinted Polymer of Methacrylic Acid Functionalised β-Cyclodextrin for Selective Removal of 2,4-Dichlorophenol

by Hemavathy Surikumaran, Sharifah Mohamad^* and Norazilawati Muhamad Sarih

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6111-6136; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046111 - 10 Apr 2014

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 7859

Abstract

This work describes methacrylic acid functionalized β-cyclodextrin (MAA-βCD) as a novel functional monomer in the preparation of molecular imprinted polymer (MIP MAA-βCD) for the selective removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). The polymer was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Field [...] Read more.

This work describes methacrylic acid functionalized β-cyclodextrin (MAA-βCD) as a novel functional monomer in the preparation of molecular imprinted polymer (MIP MAA-βCD) for the selective removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). The polymer was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) techniques. The influence of parameters such as solution pH, contact time, temperature and initial concentrations towards removal of 2,4-DCP using MIP MAA-βCD have been evaluated. The imprinted material shows fast kinetics and the optimum pH for removal of 2,4-DCP is pH 7. Compared with the corresponding non-imprinted polymer (NIP MAA-βCD), the MIP MAA-βCD exhibited higher adsorption capacity and outstanding selectivity towards 2,4-DCP. Freundlich isotherm best fitted the adsorption equilibrium data of MIP MAA-βCD and the kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model. The calculated thermodynamic parameters showed that adsorption of 2,4-DCP was spontaneous and exothermic under the examined conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Recognition)

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24 pages, 2086 KiB

Open AccessArticle

RNA Sequencing Analysis Reveals Transcriptomic Variations in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) Leaves Affected by Climate, Soil, and Tillage Factors

by Bo Lei^1,†, Kun Lu^2,*,†

, Fuzhang Ding¹, Kai Zhang², Yi Chen¹, Huina Zhao¹, Lin Zhang², Zhu Ren¹, Cunmin Qu²

, Wenjing Guo², Jing Wang² and Wenjie Pan^1,*

¹ Key Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, China National Tobacco Corporation, Guizhou Academy of Tobacco Science, Longbatan Road 29, Guanshanhu District, Guiyang 550081, China

² Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Tiansheng Road 2, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6137-6160; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046137 - 11 Apr 2014

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 10147

Abstract

The growth and development of plants are sensitive to their surroundings. Although numerous studies have analyzed plant transcriptomic variation, few have quantified the effect of combinations of factors or identified factor-specific effects. In this study, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis on tobacco [...] Read more.

The growth and development of plants are sensitive to their surroundings. Although numerous studies have analyzed plant transcriptomic variation, few have quantified the effect of combinations of factors or identified factor-specific effects. In this study, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis on tobacco leaves derived from 10 treatment combinations of three groups of ecological factors, i.e., climate factors (CFs), soil factors (SFs), and tillage factors (TFs). We detected 4980, 2916, and 1605 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were affected by CFs, SFs, and TFs, which included 2703, 768, and 507 specific and 703 common DEGs (simultaneously regulated by CFs, SFs, and TFs), respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that genes involved in abiotic stress responses and secondary metabolic pathways were overrepresented in the common and CF-specific DEGs. In addition, we noted enrichment in CF-specific DEGs related to the circadian rhythm, SF-specific DEGs involved in mineral nutrient absorption and transport, and SF- and TF-specific DEGs associated with photosynthesis. Based on these results, we propose a model that explains how plants adapt to various ecological factors at the transcriptomic level. Additionally, the identified DEGs lay the foundation for future investigations of stress resistance, circadian rhythm and photosynthesis in tobacco. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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8 pages, 417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Cellulose-2,3-bis(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) in an Ionic Liquid and Its Chiral Separation Efficiency as Stationary Phase

by Runqiang Liu^1,2, Yijun Zhang², Lianyang Bai^1,3,*, Mingxian Huang², Jun Chen² and Yuping Zhang^2,*

¹ College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China

² College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China

³ Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6161-6168; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046161 - 11 Apr 2014

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 8729

Abstract

A chiral selector of cellulose-2,3-bis(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (CBDMPC) was synthesized by reacting 3,5-dimethylphenyl isocyanate with microcrystalline cellulose dissolved in an ionic liquid of 1-allyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride (AMIMCl). The obtained chiral selector was effectively characterized by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and ¹H NMR. The selector was [...] Read more.

A chiral selector of cellulose-2,3-bis(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (CBDMPC) was synthesized by reacting 3,5-dimethylphenyl isocyanate with microcrystalline cellulose dissolved in an ionic liquid of 1-allyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride (AMIMCl). The obtained chiral selector was effectively characterized by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and ¹H NMR. The selector was reacted with 3-aminopropylsilanized silica gel and the CBDMPC bonded chiral stationary phase (CSP) was obtained. Chromatographic evaluation of the prepared CSPs was conducted by high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) and baseline separation of three typical fungicides including hexaconazole, metalaxyl and myclobutanil was achieved using n-hexane/isopropanol as the mobile phase with a flow rate 1.0 mL/min. Experimental results also showed that AMIMCl could be recycled easily and reused in the preparation of CSPs as an effective reaction media. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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17 pages, 3062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Substance P Activates the Wnt Signal Transduction Pathway and Enhances the Differentiation of Mouse Preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Cells

by Gang Mei¹, Zhenlv Zou¹, Su Fu¹, Liheng Xia¹, Jian Zhou¹, Yongtao Zhang¹, Yonghua Tuo², Zhao Wang³ and Dan Jin^1,*

¹ Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China

² Department of Orthopaedic, Wuzhou Red Cross Hospital, Wuzhou 543002, Guangxi, China

³ School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End, London E1 4NS, UK

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6224-6240; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046224 - 11 Apr 2014

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 10421

Abstract

Recent experiments have explored the impact of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and Substance P (SP) on the regulation of osteogenesis. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of SP on the formation of osteoblasts is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the impact of SP on [...] Read more.

Recent experiments have explored the impact of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and Substance P (SP) on the regulation of osteogenesis. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of SP on the formation of osteoblasts is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the impact of SP on the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. The osteogenic effect of SP was observed at different SP concentrations (ranging from 10⁻¹⁰ to 10⁻⁸ M). To unravel the underlying mechanism, the MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with SP after the pretreatment by neurokinin-1 (NK1) antagonists and Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and gene expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway components, as well as osteoblast differentiation markers (collagen type I, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and Runx2), were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Furthermore, protein levels of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were detected using Western blotting and the effects of SP, NK1 antagonist, and DKK1 on β-catenin activation were investigated by immunofluorescence staining. Our data indicated that SP (10⁻⁹ to 10⁻⁸ M) significantly up-regulated the expressions of osteoblastic genes. SP (10⁻⁸ M) also elevated the mRNA level of c-myc, cyclin D1, and lymphocyte enhancer factor-1 (Lef1), as well as c-myc and β-catenin protein levels, but decreased the expression of Tcf7 mRNA. Moreover, SP (10⁻⁸ M) promoted the transfer of β-catenin into nucleus. The effects of SP treatment were inhibited by the NK1 antagonist and DKK1. These findings suggest that SP may enhance differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells via regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Signalling Molecules and Signal Transduction in Cells 2014)

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11 pages, 504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Lung-Targeting, Emodin-Loaded Polylactic Acid Microspheres and Their Properties

by Xiaohong Chen^1,2, Zifeng Yang¹, Renshan Sun⁴, Ziyao Mo¹, Guangyao Jin¹, Fenghuan Wei³, Jianmin Hu¹, Wenda Guan¹ and Nanshan Zhong^1,*

¹ State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510230, China

² Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China

³ School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China

⁴ Department of Dematology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6241-6251; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046241 - 11 Apr 2014

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 7166

Abstract

Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) has been identified to have the potential to improve lung fibrosis and lung cancer. To avoid the liver and kidney toxicities and the fast metabolism of emodin, emodin-loaded polylactic acid microspheres (ED-PLA-MS) were prepared and their characteristics were studied. ED-PLA-MS were [...] Read more.

Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) has been identified to have the potential to improve lung fibrosis and lung cancer. To avoid the liver and kidney toxicities and the fast metabolism of emodin, emodin-loaded polylactic acid microspheres (ED-PLA-MS) were prepared and their characteristics were studied. ED-PLA-MS were prepared by the organic phase dispersion-solvent diffusion method. By applying an orthogonal design, our results indicated that the optimal formulation was 12 mg/mL PLA, 0.5% gelatin, and an organic phase:glycerol ratio of 1:20. Using the optimal experimental conditions, the drug loading and encapsulation efficiencies were (19.0 ± 1.8)% and (62.2 ± 2.6)%, respectively. The average particle size was 9.7 ± 0.7 μm. In vitro studies indicated that the ED-PLA-MS demonstrated a well-sustained release efficacy. The microspheres delivered emodin, primarily to the lungs of mice, upon intravenous injection. It was also detected by microscopy that partial lung inflammation was observed in lung tissues and no pathological changes were found in other tissues of the ED-PLA-MS-treated animals. These results suggested that ED-PLA-MS are of potential value in treating lung diseases in animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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13 pages, 719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Rapid and Efficient Immunoenzymatic Assay to Detect Receptor Protein Interactions: G Protein-Coupled Receptors

by Elisa Zappelli¹, Simona Daniele¹, Maria P. Abbracchio², Claudia Martini^1,*

and Maria Letizia Trincavelli¹

¹ Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy

² Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6252-6264; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046252 - 11 Apr 2014

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 11230

Abstract

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent one of the largest families of cell surface receptors, and are the target of at least one-third of the current therapeutic drugs on the market. Along their life cycle, GPCRs are accompanied by a range of specialized GPCR-interacting [...] Read more.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent one of the largest families of cell surface receptors, and are the target of at least one-third of the current therapeutic drugs on the market. Along their life cycle, GPCRs are accompanied by a range of specialized GPCR-interacting proteins (GIPs), which take part in receptor proper folding, targeting to the appropriate subcellular compartments and in receptor signaling tasks, and also in receptor regulation processes, such as desensitization and internalization. The direction of protein-protein interactions and multi-protein complexes formation is crucial in understanding protein function and their implication in pathological events. Although several methods have been already developed to assay protein complexes, some of them are quite laborious, expensive, and, more important, they do not generate fully quantitative results. Herein, we show a rapid immunoenzymatic assay to quantify GPCR interactionswith its signaling proteins. The recently de-orphanized GPCR, GPR17, was chosen as a GPCR prototype to optimize the assay. In a GPR17 transfected cell line and primary oligodendrocyte precursor cells, GPR17 interaction with proteins involved in the typical GPCR regulation, such as desensitization and internalization machinery, was investigated. The obtained results were validated by co-immunoprecipitation experiments, confirming this new method as a rapid and quantitative assay to study protein-protein interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling and Regulation)

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21 pages, 1556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of a Method for Nitrotyrosine Site Identification and Relative Quantitation Using a Stable Isotope-Labeled Nitrated Spike-In Standard and High Resolution Fourier Transform MS and MS/MS Analysis

by Kent W. Seeley^1,†, Alison R. Fertig¹, Craig P. Dufresne², Joao P. C. Pinho¹ and Stanley M. Stevens Jr.^1,*

¹ Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA

² Training Institute, Thermo Fisher Scientific, 1400 Northpoint Parkway, Ste 10., West Palm Beach, FL 33407, USA

^† Current address: Center for Drug Discovery and Innovation, Proteomics Facility, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6265-6285; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046265 - 14 Apr 2014

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7531

Abstract

The overproduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) can have deleterious effects in the cell, including structural and possible activity-altering modifications to proteins. Peroxynitrite is one such RNS that can result in a specific protein modification, nitration of tyrosine residues [...] Read more.

The overproduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) can have deleterious effects in the cell, including structural and possible activity-altering modifications to proteins. Peroxynitrite is one such RNS that can result in a specific protein modification, nitration of tyrosine residues to form nitrotyrosine, and to date, the identification of nitrotyrosine sites in proteins continues to be a major analytical challenge. We have developed a method by which ¹⁵N-labeled nitrotyrosine groups are generated on peptide or protein standards using stable isotope-labeled peroxynitrite (O¹⁵NOO⁻), and the resulting standard is mixed with representative samples in which nitrotyrosine formation is to be measured by mass spectrometry (MS). Nitropeptide MS/MS spectra are filtered using high mass accuracy Fourier transform MS (FTMS) detection of the nitrotyrosine immonium ion. Given that the nitropeptide pair is co-isolated for MS/MS fragmentation, the nitrotyrosine immonium ions (at m/z = 181 or 182) can be used for relative quantitation with negligible isotopic interference at a mass resolution of greater than 50,000 (FWHM, full width at half-maximum). Furthermore, the standard potentially allows for the increased signal of nitrotyrosine-containing peptides, thus facilitating selection for MS/MS in a data-dependent mode of acquisition. We have evaluated the methodology in terms of nitrotyrosine site identification and relative quantitation using nitrated peptide and protein standards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry in Molecular Sciences)

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12 pages, 2745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neuroprotective Effects of Citicoline in in Vitro Models of Retinal Neurodegeneration

by Andrea Matteucci¹, Monica Varano², Lucia Gaddini¹, Cinzia Mallozzi¹, Marika Villa², Flavia Pricci¹ and Fiorella Malchiodi-Albedi^1,*

¹ Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, Rome 00161, Italy

² GB Bietti Eye Foundation IRCCS, Via Livenza, 3, Rome 00198, Italy

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6286-6297; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046286 - 14 Apr 2014

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 8590

Abstract

In recent years, citicoline has been the object of remarkable interest as a possible neuroprotectant. The aim of this study was to investigate if citicoline affected cell survival in primary retinal cultures and if it exerted neuroprotective activity in conditions modeling retinal neurodegeneration. [...] Read more.

In recent years, citicoline has been the object of remarkable interest as a possible neuroprotectant. The aim of this study was to investigate if citicoline affected cell survival in primary retinal cultures and if it exerted neuroprotective activity in conditions modeling retinal neurodegeneration. Primary retinal cultures, obtained from rat embryos, were first treated with increasing concentrations of citicoline (up to 1000 µM) and analyzed in terms of apoptosis and caspase activation and characterized by immunocytochemistry to identify neuronal and glial cells. Subsequently, excitotoxic concentration of glutamate or High Glucose-containing cell culture medium (HG) was administered as well-known conditions modeling neurodegeneration. Glutamate or HG treatments were performed in the presence or not of citicoline. Neuronal degeneration was evaluated in terms of apoptosis and loss of synapses. The results showed that citicoline did not cause any damage to the retinal neuroglial population up to 1000 µM. At the concentration of 100 µM, it was able to counteract neuronal cell damage both in glutamate- and HG-treated retinal cultures by decreasing proapoptotic effects and contrasting synapse loss. These data confirm that citicoline can efficiently exert a neuroprotective activity. In addition, the results suggest that primary retinal cultures, under conditions inducing neurodegeneration, may represent a useful system to investigate citicoline neuroprotective mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuroprotective Strategies 2014)

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16 pages, 701 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal High Folic Acid Supplement Promotes Glucose Intolerance and Insulin Resistance in Male Mouse Offspring Fed a High-Fat Diet

by Yifan Huang¹, Yonghan He²

, Xiaowei Sun¹, Yujie He¹, Ying Li¹ and Changhao Sun^1,*

¹ Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China

² State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6298-6313; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046298 - 14 Apr 2014

Cited by 81 | Viewed by 9630

Abstract

Maternal nutrition may influence metabolic profiles in offspring. We aimed to investigate the effect of maternal folic acid supplement on glucose metabolism in mouse offspring fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Sixty C57BL/6 female mice were randomly assigned into three dietary groups and fed [...] Read more.

Maternal nutrition may influence metabolic profiles in offspring. We aimed to investigate the effect of maternal folic acid supplement on glucose metabolism in mouse offspring fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Sixty C57BL/6 female mice were randomly assigned into three dietary groups and fed the AIN-93G diet containing 2 (control), 5 (recommended folic acid supplement, RFolS) or 40 (high folic acid supplement, HFolS) mg folic acid/kg of diet. All male offspring were fed HFD for eight weeks. Physiological, biochemical and genetic variables were measured. Before HFD feeding, developmental variables and metabolic profiles were comparable among each offspring group. However, after eight weeks of HFD feeding, the offspring of HFolS dams (Off-HFolS) were more vulnerable to suffer from obesity (p = 0.009), glucose intolerance (p < 0.001) and insulin resistance (p < 0.001), compared with the controls. Off-HFolS had reduced serum adiponectin concentration, accompanied with decreased adiponectin mRNA level but increased global DNA methylation level in white adipose tissue. In conclusion, our results suggest maternal HFolS exacerbates the detrimental effect of HFD on glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in male offspring, implying that HFolS during pregnancy should be adopted cautiously in the general population of pregnant women to avoid potential deleterious effect on the metabolic diseases in their offspring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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14 pages, 1150 KiB

Open AccessArticle

GPC1 Regulated by miR-96-5p, Rather than miR-182-5p, in Inhibition of Pancreatic Carcinoma Cell Proliferation

by Chunlong Li¹, Xuefei Du², Sheng Tai¹, Xiangyu Zhong¹, Zhidong Wang¹, Zhanliang Hu¹, Lei Zhang¹, Pengcheng Kang¹, Daolin Ji¹, Xingming Jiang¹, Qingxin Zhou¹, Ming Wan¹, Guixing Jiang³ and Yunfu Cui^1,*

¹ Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China

² Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China

³ Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6314-6327; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046314 - 14 Apr 2014

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 8251

Abstract

To determine the relationships between miR-96-5p/-182-5p and GPC1 in pancreatic cancer (PC), we conducted the population and in vitro studies. We followed 38 pancreatic cancer patients, measured and compared the expression of miR-96-5p/-182-5p, GPC1, characteristics and patients’ [...] Read more.

To determine the relationships between miR-96-5p/-182-5p and GPC1 in pancreatic cancer (PC), we conducted the population and in vitro studies. We followed 38 pancreatic cancer patients, measured and compared the expression of miR-96-5p/-182-5p, GPC1, characteristics and patients’ survival time of different miR-96-5p/-182-5p expression levels in PC tissues. In an in vitro study, we investigated the proliferation, cycle and apotosis in cells transfected with mimics/inhibitors of the two miRNAs, and determine their effects on GPC1 by dual-luciferase assay. In the follow-up study, we found that the expressions of miR-96-5p/-182-5p were lower/higher in PC tissues; patients with lower/higher levels of miR-96-5p/-182-5p suffered poorer characteristics and decreased survival time. In the in vitro study, the expressions of miR-96-5p/-182-5p were different in cells. Proliferation of cells transfected with miR-96-5p mimics/inhibitors was lower/higher in Panc-1/BxPC-3; when transfected with miR-182-5p mimics/inhibitors, proliferation of cells were higher/lower in AsPC-1/Panc-1. In a cell cycle study, panc-1 cells transfected with miR-96-5p mimics was arrested at G0/G1; BxPC-3 cells transfected with miR-96-5p inhibitors showed a significantly decrease at G0/G1; AsPC-1 cells transfected with miR-182-5p mimics was arrested at S; Panc-1 cells transfected with miR-182-5p inhibitors showed a decrease at S. MiR-96-5p mimics increased the apoptosis rate in Panc-1 cells, and its inhibitors decreased the apoptosis rate in BxPC-3. Dual luciferase assay revealed that GPC1 was regulated by miR-96-5p, not -182-5p. We found that miR-96-5p/-182-5p as good markers for PC; miR-96-5p, rather than -182-5p, inhibits GPC1 to suppress proliferation of PC cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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15 pages, 882 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation of the Autoinducer-Quenching Strain that Inhibits LasR in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

by Lixing Weng^1,*, Yuqian Zhang², Yuxiang Yang³ and Lianhui Wang^2,*

¹ School of Geography and Biological Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210046, Jiangsu, China

² Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics & Information Displays and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, 9 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210046, Jiangsu, China

³ Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6328-6342; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046328 - 14 Apr 2014

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7107

Abstract

Quorum sensing (QS) has been recognized as a general phenomenon in microorganisms and plays an important role in many pathogenic bacteria. In this report, we used the Agrobacterium tumefaciens biosensor strain NT1 to rapidly screen for autoinducer-quenching inhibitors from bacteria. After initial screening [...] Read more.

Quorum sensing (QS) has been recognized as a general phenomenon in microorganisms and plays an important role in many pathogenic bacteria. In this report, we used the Agrobacterium tumefaciens biosensor strain NT1 to rapidly screen for autoinducer-quenching inhibitors from bacteria. After initial screening 5389 isolates obtained from land and beach soil, 53 putative positive strains were identified. A confirmatory bioassay was carried out after concentrating the putative positive culture supernatant, and 22 strains were confirmed to have anti-LasR activity. Finally, we determined the strain JM2, which could completely inhibit biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, belonged to the genus Pseudomonas by analysis of 16S rDNA. Partially purified inhibitor factor(s) F5 derived from culture supernatants specifically inhibited LasR-controlled elastase and protease in wild type P. aeruginosa PAO1 by 68% and 73%, respectively, without significantly affecting growth; the rhl-controlled pyocyanin and rhamnolipids were inhibited by 54% and 52% in the presence of 100 µg/mL of F5. The swarming motility and biofilm of PAO1 were also inhibited by F5. Real time RT-PCR on samples from 100 µg/mL F5-treated P. aeruginosa showed downregulation of autoinducer synthase (LasRI and rhlI) and cognate receptor (lasR and rhlR) genes by 50%, 28%, 48%, and 29%, respectively. These results provide compelling evidence that the F5 inhibitor(s) interferes with the las system and significantly inhibits biofilm formation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quorum Sensing Research in Microbial Systems)

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13 pages, 572 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cadmium Toxicity Induced Alterations in the Root Proteome of Green Gram in Contrasting Response towards Iron Supplement

by Sowbiya Muneer^1,†, Khalid Rehman Hakeem^2,*,†, Rozi Mohamed² and Jeong Hyun Lee¹

¹ Department of Horticulture, College of Agricultural Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, 300 Young Bong-Dong Buk-Gu, Gwangju 500-757, Korea

² Faculty of Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6343-6355; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046343 - 15 Apr 2014

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 7914

Abstract

Cadmium signifies a severe threat to crop productivity and green gram is a notably iron sensitive plant which shows considerable variation towards cadmium stress. A gel-based proteomics analysis was performed with the roots of green gram exposed to iron and cadmium combined treatments. [...] Read more.

Cadmium signifies a severe threat to crop productivity and green gram is a notably iron sensitive plant which shows considerable variation towards cadmium stress. A gel-based proteomics analysis was performed with the roots of green gram exposed to iron and cadmium combined treatments. The resulting data show that twenty three proteins were down-regulated in iron-deprived roots either in the absence (−Fe/−Cd) or presence (−Fe/+Cd) of cadmium. These down-regulated proteins were however well expressed in roots under iron sufficient conditions, even in the presence of cadmium (+Fe/+Cd). The functional classification of these proteins determined that 21% of the proteins are associated with nutrient metabolism. The other proteins in higher quantities are involved in either transcription or translation regulation, and the rest are involved in biosynthesis metabolism, antioxidant pathways, molecular chaperones and stress response. On the other hand, several protein spots were also absent in roots in response to iron deprivation either in absence (−Fe/−Cd) or presence (−Fe/+Cd) of cadmium but were well expressed in the presence of iron (+Fe/+Cd). Results suggest that green gram plants exposed to cadmium stress are able to change the nutrient metabolic balance in roots, but in the mean time regulate cadmium toxicity through iron supplements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Proteomic Research)

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13 pages, 2205 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Expression of S100A6 in Rat Hippocampus after Traumatic Brain Injury Due to Lateral Head Acceleration

by Bo Fang^1,†, Ming Liang^1,†, Guitao Yang^2,†, Yuqin Ye¹, Hongyu Xu¹, Xiaosheng He^1,* and Jason H. Huang³

¹ Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China

² Department of Medical, Teaching and Research Administration, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China

³ Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6378-6390; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046378 - 15 Apr 2014

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7207

Abstract

In a rat model of traumatic brain injury (TBI), we investigated changes in cognitive function and S100A6 expression in the hippocampus. TBI-associated changes in this protein have not previously been reported. Rat S100A6 was studied via immunohistochemical staining, Western blot, and reverse transcription-polymerase [...] Read more.

In a rat model of traumatic brain injury (TBI), we investigated changes in cognitive function and S100A6 expression in the hippocampus. TBI-associated changes in this protein have not previously been reported. Rat S100A6 was studied via immunohistochemical staining, Western blot, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after either lateral head acceleration or sham. Reduced levels of S100A6 protein and mRNA were observed 1 h after TBI, followed by gradual increases over 6, 12, 24, and 72 h, and then a return to sham level at 14 day. Morris water maze (MWM) test was used to evaluate animal spatial cognition. TBI- and sham-rats showed an apparent learning curve, expressed as escape latency. Although TBI-rats displayed a relatively poorer cognitive ability than sham-rats, the disparity was not significant early post-injury. Marked cognitive deficits in TBI-rats were observed at 72 h post-injury compared with sham animals. TBI-rats showed decreased times in platform crossing in the daily MWM test; the performance at 72 h post-injury was the worst. In conclusion, a reduction in S100A6 may be one of the early events that lead to secondary cognitive decline after TBI, and its subsequent elevation is tightly linked with cognitive improvement. S100A6 may play important roles in neuronal degeneration and regeneration in TBI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neurological Injuries’ Monitoring, Tracking and Treatment)

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8 pages, 212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ADMA/SDMA in Elderly Subjects with Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis: Values and Site-Specific Association

by Graziano Riccioni^1,*, Luca Scotti², Nicolantonio D'Orazio², Sabina Gallina³, Giuseppe Speziale⁴, Lorenza Speranza⁵ and Tonino Bucciarelli²

¹ Cardiology Unit, San Camillo de Lellis, "San Camillo De Lellis", Manfredonia, 71043 Foggia, Italy

² Department of Experimental and Clinical Science, University G. D'Annunzio, 61013 Chieti, Italy

³ Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, University G. D'Annunzio, 61013 Chieti, Italy

⁴ Cardiac Surgery Unit, Anthea Hospital, GVM Care & Research, 71024 Bari, Italy

⁵ Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University G. D'Annunzio, 66013 Chieti, Italy

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6391-6398; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046391 - 15 Apr 2014

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6289

Abstract

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor known as a mediator of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Circulating ADMA levels are correlated with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperhomocysteinemia, age and smoking. We assessed the [...] Read more.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor known as a mediator of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Circulating ADMA levels are correlated with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperhomocysteinemia, age and smoking. We assessed the relationship between ADMA values and site-specific association of asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis (intima-media thickness (CIMT) and plaque) in elderly subjects. One hundred and eighty subjects underwent a complete history and physical examination, determination of serum chemistries and ADMA levels, and carotid ultrasound investigation (CUI). All subjects had no acute or chronic symptoms of carotid atherosclerosis. Statistical analyses showed that high plasma levels of ADMA/SDMA were positively correlated to carotid atherosclerosis (CIMT and plaque) (p < 0.001), with significant site-specific association. Total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and C-reactive protein plasma concentrations were significantly associated with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis (p < 0.001). High serum concentrations of ADMA and SDMA were associated with carotid atherosclerotic lesions as measured by CIMT ad plaque and may represent a new marker of asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis in elderly subjects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue ADMA and Nitrergic System)

13 pages, 2441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality Control and Stability Studies with the Monoclonal Antibody, Trastuzumab: Application of 1D- vs. 2D-Gel Electrophoresis

by Dashnor Nebija¹, Christian R. Noe², Ernst Urban² and Bodo Lachmann^2,*

¹ Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Rr. Bulevardi i Deshmoreve, n.n. 10000 Pristina, Kosovo

² Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6399-6411; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046399 - 15 Apr 2014

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 10318

Abstract

Recombinant monoclonal antibodies (rmAbs) are medicinal products obtained by rDNA technology. Consequently, like other biopharmaceuticals, they require the extensive and rigorous characterization of the quality attributes, such as identity, structural integrity, purity and stability. The aim of this work was to study the [...] Read more.

Recombinant monoclonal antibodies (rmAbs) are medicinal products obtained by rDNA technology. Consequently, like other biopharmaceuticals, they require the extensive and rigorous characterization of the quality attributes, such as identity, structural integrity, purity and stability. The aim of this work was to study the suitability of gel electrophoresis for the assessment of charge heterogeneity, post-translational modifications and the stability of the therapeutic, recombinant monoclonal antibody, trastuzumab. One-dimensional, SDS-PAGE, under reducing and non-reducing conditions, and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis were used for the determination of molecular mass (Mr), the isoelectric point (pI), charge-related isoform patterns and the stability of trastuzumab, subjected to stressed degradation and long-term conditions. For the assessment of the influence of glycosylation in the charge heterogeneity pattern of trastuzumab, an enzymatic deglycosylation study has been performed using N-glycosidase F and sialidase, whereas carboxypeptidase B was used for the lysine truncation study. Experimental data documented that 1D and 2D gel electrophoresis represent fast and easy methods to evaluate the quality of biological medicinal products. Important stability parameters, such as the protein aggregation, can be assessed, as well. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Proteomic Research)

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11 pages, 640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study of Electroless Copper Film on Different Self-Assembled Monolayers Modified ABS Substrate

by Jiushuai Xu¹, Ruibin Fan¹, Jiaolong Wang¹, Mengke Jia¹, Xuanrui Xiong² and Fang Wang^1,*

¹ College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Xinong Road No. 22, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China

² Graduate School of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, N10W5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6412-6422; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046412 - 15 Apr 2014

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7994

Abstract

Copper films were grown on (3-Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS), (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and 6-(3-(triethoxysilyl)propylamino)-1,3,5- triazine-2,4-dithiol monosodium (TES) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) modified acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) substrate via electroless copper plating. The copper films were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Their individual deposition rate [...] Read more.

Copper films were grown on (3-Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS), (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and 6-(3-(triethoxysilyl)propylamino)-1,3,5- triazine-2,4-dithiol monosodium (TES) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) modified acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) substrate via electroless copper plating. The copper films were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Their individual deposition rate and contact angle were also investigated to compare the properties of SAMs and electroless copper films. The results indicated that the formation of copper nuclei on the TES-SAMs modified ABS substrate was faster than those on the MPTMS-SAMs and APTES-SAMs modified ABS substrate. SEM images revealed that the copper film on TES-SAM modified ABS substrate was smooth and uniform, and the density of copper nuclei was much higher. Compared with that of TES-SAMs modified resin, the coverage of copper nuclei on MPTMS and APTES modified ABS substrate was very limited and the copper particle size was too big. The adhesion property test demonstrated that all the SAMs enhanced the interfacial interaction between copper plating and ABS substrate. XRD analysis showed that the copper film deposited on SAM-modified ABS substrate had a structure with Cu(111) preferred orientation, and the copper film deposited on TES-SAMs modified ABS substrate is better than that deposited on MPTMS-SAMs or APTES-SAMs modified ABS resins in electromigrtion resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Anisotropic and Smart Materials)

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18 pages, 6985 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Dimensional Microstructural Properties of Nanofibrillated Cellulose Films

by Arttu Miettinen^1,*, Gary Chinga-Carrasco² and Markku Kataja¹

¹ Department of Physics, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35 (YFL) FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland

² Paper and Fibre Research Institute (PFI), Høgskoleringen 6 B, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6423-6440; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046423 - 16 Apr 2014

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 7952

Abstract

Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) films have potential as oxygen barriers for, e.g., food packaging applications, but their use is limited by their hygroscopic characteristics. The three-dimensional microstructure of NFC films made of Pinus radiata (Radiata Pine) kraft pulp fibres has been assessed in this [...] Read more.

Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) films have potential as oxygen barriers for, e.g., food packaging applications, but their use is limited by their hygroscopic characteristics. The three-dimensional microstructure of NFC films made of Pinus radiata (Radiata Pine) kraft pulp fibres has been assessed in this study, considering the structural development as a function of relative humidity (RH). The surface roughness, micro-porosity, thickness and their correlations were analyzed using X-ray microtomography (X–μCT) and computerized image analysis. The results are compared to those from scanning electron microscopy and laser profilometry. Based on a series of films having varying amounts of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-mediated oxidated nanofibrils, it was demonstrated that X–μCT is suitable for assessing the surface and bulk 3D microstructure of the cellulose films. Additionally, one of the series was assessed at varying humidity levels, using the non-destructive capabilities of X–μCT and a newly developed humidity chamber for in-situ characterization. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the films (20 g=m2) was below 3:7mLm^-2 day^-1 at humidity levels below 60% RH. However, the OTR increased considerably to 12:4mLm^-2 day^-1 when the humidity level increased to 80% RH. The increase in OTR was attributed to a change of the film porosity, which was reflected as an increase in local thickness. Hence, the characterization techniques applied in this study shed more light on the structures of NFC films and how they are affected by varying humidity levels. It was demonstrated that in increasing relative humidity the films swelled and the oxygen barrier properties decreased. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Materials)

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12 pages, 465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of the CCR6/CCL20 Biological Axis on the Invasion and Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

by Dongshu Du¹, Yeliu Liu^2,*, Haixin Qian³, Bo Zhang⁴, Xiaojun Tang², Ti Zhang² and Weidong Liu²

¹ College of Life Science, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China

² Department of General Surgery, Huai'an First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 6 Beijing Road West, Huai'an 223300, Jiangsu, China

³ Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 188, Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China

⁴ Department of General Surgery, Zhangjiagang Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Zhangjiagang 215600, Jiangsu, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6441-6452; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046441 - 16 Apr 2014

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 6751

Abstract

Chemokines and their receptors have recently been shown to play major roles in cancer metastasis. Chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) and its ligand, CCL20, were highly expressed in a variety of human cancers. In our present study, we aimed to clarify whether CCR6/CCL20 was [...] Read more.

Chemokines and their receptors have recently been shown to play major roles in cancer metastasis. Chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) and its ligand, CCL20, were highly expressed in a variety of human cancers. In our present study, we aimed to clarify whether CCR6/CCL20 was correlated with the migration of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RT-PCR and Western blot results showed that CCR6 was overexpressed in different invasive potential HCC cell lines (p < 0.05), while the expression of CCL20 had no obvious difference (p > 0.05). CCR6 was suppressed by siRNA in HCCLM6, and then the biological behaviors of HCCLM6 cells were observed. The results showed that the CCR6/CCL20 biological axis increased the capacity of proliferation and adhesion, as well as the chemotactic migration and the level of cytokines related to degraded extracellular matrix. In conclusion, these findings indicate that CCR6 indeed participates in regulating the migration and invasion of HCC, and it might become a prognostic factor of HCC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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13 pages, 748 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Analysis of the Dioxin Response Elements (DREs) of the Murine CYP1A1 Gene Promoter: Beyond the Core DRE Sequence

by Shuaizhang Li^1,†, Xinhui Pei^1,†, Wen Zhang², Heidi Qunhui Xie¹ and Bin Zhao^1,*

¹ Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China

² Foreign Economic Cooperation Office, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Beijing 100035, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6475-6487; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046475 - 16 Apr 2014

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 8291

Abstract

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that mediates the biological and toxicological effects of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). When activated by dioxin, the cytosolic AhR protein complex translocates into the nucleus and dimerizes with [...] Read more.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that mediates the biological and toxicological effects of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). When activated by dioxin, the cytosolic AhR protein complex translocates into the nucleus and dimerizes with the ARNT (Ah receptor nuclear translocator) protein. The heteromeric ligand:AhR/Arnt complex then recognizes and binds to its specific DNA recognition site, the dioxin response element (DRE). DREs are located upstream of cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) and other AhR-responsive genes, and binding of the AhR complex stimulates their transcription. Although CYP1A1 expression has been used as the model system to define the biochemical and molecular mechanism of AhR action, there is still limited knowledge about the roles of each of the seven DREs located in the CYP1A1 promoter. These seven DREs are conserved in mouse, human and rat. Deletion analysis showed that a single DRE at -488 was enough to activate the transcription. Truncation analysis demonstrated that the DRE at site -981 has the highest transcriptional efficiency in response to TCDD. This result was verified by mutation analysis, suggesting that the conserved DRE at site -981 could represent a significant and universal AhR regulatory element for CYP1A1. The reversed substituted intolerant core sequence (5'-GCGTG-3' or 5'-CACGC-3') of seven DREs reduced the transcriptional efficiency, which illustrated that the adjacent sequences of DRE played a vital role in activating transcription. The core DRE sequence (5'-TNGCGTG-3') tends to show a higher transcriptional level than that of the core DRE sequence (5'-CACGCNA-3') triggered by TCDD. Furthermore, in the core DRE (5'-TNGCGTG-3') sequence, when “N” is thymine or cytosine (T or C), the transcription efficiency was stronger compared with that of the other nucleotides. The effects of DRE orientation, DRE adjacent sequences and the nucleotide “N” in the core DRE (5'-TNGCGTG-3') sequence on the AhR-regulated CYP1A1 transcription in response to TCDD were studied systematically, and our study laid a good foundation for further investigation into the AhR-dependent transcriptional regulation triggered by dioxin and dioxin-like compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms of Toxicity of Dioxins and Related Compounds)

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16 pages, 1330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Protic Ionic Liquid on the Reaction Pathway during Non-Aqueous Sol–Gel Synthesis of Silica: A Raman Spectroscopic Investigation

by Anna Martinelli

Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 4, 41296 Göteborg, Sweden

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6488-6503; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046488 - 16 Apr 2014

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 8609

Abstract

The reaction pathway during the formation of silica via a two-component “non-aqueou” sol-gel synthesis is studied by in situ time-resolved Raman spectroscopy. This synthetic route is followed with and without the addition of the protic ionic liquid 1-ethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (C2HImTFSI) in order to [...] Read more.

The reaction pathway during the formation of silica via a two-component “non-aqueou” sol-gel synthesis is studied by in situ time-resolved Raman spectroscopy. This synthetic route is followed with and without the addition of the protic ionic liquid 1-ethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (C2HImTFSI) in order to investigate its effect on the reaction pathway. We demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy is suitable to discriminate between different silica intermediates, which are produced and consumed at different rates with respect to the point of gelation. We find that half-way to gelation monomers and shorter chains are the most abundant silica species, while the formation of silica rings strongly correlates to the sol-to-gel transition. Thus, curling up of linear chains is here proposed as a plausible mechanism for the formation of small rings. These in turn act as nucleation sites for the condensation of larger rings and thus the formation of the open and polymeric silica network. We find that the protic ionic liquid does not change the reaction pathway per se, but accelerates the cyclization process, intermediated by the faster inclusion of monomeric species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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13 pages, 205 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Reliability and Predictive Ability of a Biomarker of Oxidative DNA Damage on Functional Outcomes after Stroke Rehabilitation

by Yu-Wei Hsieh^1,2, Keh-Chung Lin^3,4, Mallikarjuna Korivi^1,2

, Tsong-Hai Lee⁵, Ching-Yi Wu^1,2,* and Kuen-Yuh Wu⁶

¹ Department of Occupational Therapy and Graduate Institute of Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan

² Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan

³ School of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan

⁴ Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan

⁵ Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan

⁶ Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6504-6516; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046504 - 16 Apr 2014

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 8095

Abstract

We evaluated the reliability of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and determined its ability to predict functional outcomes in stroke survivors. The rehabilitation effect on 8-OHdG and functional outcomes were also assessed. Sixty-one stroke patients received a 4-week rehabilitation. Urinary 8-OHdG levels were determined by liquid [...] Read more.

We evaluated the reliability of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and determined its ability to predict functional outcomes in stroke survivors. The rehabilitation effect on 8-OHdG and functional outcomes were also assessed. Sixty-one stroke patients received a 4-week rehabilitation. Urinary 8-OHdG levels were determined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The test-retest reliability of 8-OHdG was good (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.76). Upper-limb motor function and muscle power determined by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Medical Research Council (MRC) scales before rehabilitation showed significant negative correlation with 8-OHdG (r = −0.38, r = −0.30; p < 0.05). After rehabilitation, we found a fair and significant correlation between 8-OHdG and FMA (r = −0.34) and 8-OHdG and pain (r = 0.26, p < 0.05). Baseline 8-OHdG was significantly correlated with post-treatment FMA, MRC, and pain scores (r = −0.34, −0.31, and 0.25; p < 0.05), indicating its ability to predict functional outcomes. 8-OHdG levels were significantly decreased, and functional outcomes were improved after rehabilitation. The exploratory study findings conclude that 8-OHdG is a reliable and promising biomarker of oxidative stress and could be a valid predictor of functional outcomes in patients. Monitoring of behavioral indicators along with biomarkers may have crucial benefits in translational stroke research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neurological Injuries’ Monitoring, Tracking and Treatment)

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17 pages, 1164 KiB

Open AccessArticle

MALDI Q-TOF CID MS for Diagnostic Ion Screening of Human Milk Oligosaccharide Samples

by Marko Jovanović^1,*, Richard Tyldesley-Worster², Gottfried Pohlentz³ and Jasna Peter-Katalinić^1,4

¹ Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 2, Rijeka 51000, Croatia

² Waters Corporation, Stamford Avenue, Altrincham Road, Wilmslow SK9 4AX, UK

³ Institute for Hygiene, University of Muenster, Robert-Koch-Strasse 41, Muenster D-48149, Germany

⁴ Institute for medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Muenster, Robert-Koch-Strasse 31, Muenster D-48149, Germany

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6527-6543; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046527 - 16 Apr 2014

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 9251

Abstract

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) represent the bioactive components of human milk, influencing the infant’s gastrointestinal microflora and immune system. Structurally, they represent a highly complex class of analyte, where the main core oligosaccharide structures are built from galactose and N-acetylglucosamine, linked by [...] Read more.

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) represent the bioactive components of human milk, influencing the infant’s gastrointestinal microflora and immune system. Structurally, they represent a highly complex class of analyte, where the main core oligosaccharide structures are built from galactose and N-acetylglucosamine, linked by 1-3 or 1-4 glycosidic linkages and potentially modified with fucose and sialic acid residues. The core structures can be linear or branched. Additional structural complexity in samples can be induced by endogenous exoglycosidase activity or chemical procedures during the sample preparation. Here, we show that using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) quadrupole-time-of-flight (Q-TOF) collision-induced dissociation (CID) as a fast screening method, diagnostic structural information about single oligosaccharide components present in a complex mixture can be obtained. According to sequencing data on 14 out of 22 parent ions detected in a single high molecular weight oligosaccharide chromatographic fraction, 20 different oligosaccharide structure types, corresponding to over 30 isomeric oligosaccharide structures and over 100 possible HMO isomers when biosynthetic linkage variations were taken into account, were postulated. For MS/MS data analysis, we used the de novo sequencing approach using diagnostic ion analysis on reduced oligosaccharides by following known biosynthetic rules. Using this approach, de novo characterization has been achieved also for the structures, which could not have been predicted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mass Spectrometry Application in Biology)

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12 pages, 474 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Elevation of microRNA-196a and microRNA-196b in Sera Predicts Unfavorable Prognosis in Patients with Osteosarcomas

by Chun Zhang^1,†, Cong Yao^2,†, Haopeng Li¹, Guoyu Wang¹ and Xijng He^1,*

¹ Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Second Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, China

² Department of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Second Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6544-6555; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046544 - 17 Apr 2014

Cited by 61 | Viewed by 7238

Abstract

Aim: To investigate whether the aberrant expression of microRNA (miR)-196a and miR-196b can be used as potential prognostic markers of human osteosarcoma. Methods: Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to detect the expression levels of miR-196a and miR-196b in [...] Read more.

Aim: To investigate whether the aberrant expression of microRNA (miR)-196a and miR-196b can be used as potential prognostic markers of human osteosarcoma. Methods: Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to detect the expression levels of miR-196a and miR-196b in osteosarcoma tissues and patients’ sera. Results: Expression levels of miR-196a and miR-196b in osteosarcoma tissues were both significantly higher than those in noncancerous bone tissues (both p < 0.001), in line with which, the serum levels of the two miRNAs were also markedly upregulated in patients with osteosarcomas compared with healthy controls (both p < 0.001). Then, the elevation of serum miR-196a and miR-196b levels both more frequently occurred in osteosarcoma patients with high tumor grade (p = 0.008 and 0.01, respectively), positive metastasis (p = 0.001 and 0.006, respectively) and recurrence (p = 0.001 and 0.006, respectively). Moreover, high serum miR-196a, high serum miR-196b and conjoined expression of miR-196a/miR-196b were all independent prognostic factors for OS (overall survival) and DFS (disease-free survival) of osteosarcoma patients. Conclusion: Our present data indicate the involvement of miR-196a and miR-196b upregulation in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma. More importantly, the altered levels of circulating miR-196a and miR-196b might have great potential to serve as novel and non-invasive prognostic factors for this malignancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Oncology 2014)

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13 pages, 838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Expression of Aldo-Keto Reductase Family 1 Member B10 in the Early Stages of Human Hepatocarcinogenesis

by Hironori Tsuzura¹, Takuya Genda^1,*, Shunsuke Sato¹, Ayato Murata¹, Yoshio Kanemitsu¹, Yutaka Narita¹, Sachiko Ishikawa¹, Tetsu Kikuchi¹, Masashi Mori¹, Katsuharu Hirano¹, Katsuyori Iijima¹, Ryo Wada² and Takafumi Ichida¹

¹ Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, 1129 Nagaoka, Izunokuni-shi, Shizuoka 410-2295, Japan

² Department of Pathology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, 1129 Nagaoka, Izunokuni-shi, Shizuoka 410-2295, Japan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6556-6568; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046556 - 17 Apr 2014

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 8442

Abstract

Aldo-keto reductase family 1, member B10 (AKR1B10), a cancer-related oxidoreductase, is expressed in well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). However, AKR1B10 levels are minimal in normal liver tissues (NLs), similar to the 70-kilodalton heat shock protein (HSP70) and glypican-3. Moreover, the role of AKR1B10 in [...] Read more.

Aldo-keto reductase family 1, member B10 (AKR1B10), a cancer-related oxidoreductase, is expressed in well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). However, AKR1B10 levels are minimal in normal liver tissues (NLs), similar to the 70-kilodalton heat shock protein (HSP70) and glypican-3. Moreover, the role of AKR1B10 in chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, which are considered preneoplastic conditions for HCC, has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of AKR1B10, HSP70, and glypican-3 in 61 HCC tissue samples compared to corresponding non-tumorous liver tissues (NTs), comprising 42 chronic hepatitis and 19 cirrhosis cases to clarify the significance of molecular changes at the preneoplastic stages of HCC. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the median expression levels of AKR1B10 were higher in HCCs than in NTs (p < 0.001) and higher in NTs than NLs (p < 0.001) with 54.8%, 2.1%, and 0.3% expression in HCCs, NTs, and NLs, respectively. HSP70 and glypican-3 were expressed in HCCs, but minimally in NTs and NLs with no significant difference between expression in NTs and NLs. Furthermore, a multivariate analysis identified an association between hepatic steatosis and AKR1B10 expression in NTs (p = 0.020). Of the three protein expressed in well-differentiated HCCs, only AKR1B10 was upregulated in preneoplastic conditions, and a steatosis-related factor might influence its expression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Human Liver Diseases)

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17 pages, 474 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A20 Overexpression Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced NF-κB Activation, TRAF6 and CD40 Expression in Rat Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells

by Xun-Liang Zou^1,*,†, De-An Pei^2,†, Ju-Zhen Yan¹, Gang Xu¹ and Ping Wu¹

¹ Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, Zhejiang, China

² Division of Cardiology, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6592-6608; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046592 - 17 Apr 2014

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7897

Abstract

Zinc finger protein A20 is a key negative regulator of inflammation. However, whether A20 may affect inflammation during peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis is still unclear. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of A20 overexpression on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in rat [...] Read more.

Zinc finger protein A20 is a key negative regulator of inflammation. However, whether A20 may affect inflammation during peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis is still unclear. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of A20 overexpression on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in rat peritoneal mesothelial cells (RPMCs). Isolated and cultured RPMCs in vitro. Plasmid pGEM-T easy-A20 was transfected into RPMCs by Lipofectamine™2000. The protein expression of A20, phospho-IκBα, IκBα, TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF) 6 and CD40 were analyzed by Western blot. The mRNA expression of TRAF6, CD40, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by real time-PCR. NF-κB p65 DNA binding activity, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in cells culture supernatant were determined by ELISA. Our results revealed that RPMCs overexpression of A20 lead to significant decrease of LPS-induced IκBα phosphorylation and NF-κB DNA binding activity (all p < 0.01). In addition, A20 also attenuated the expression of TRAF6, CD40, IL-6 and TNF-α as well as levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in cells culture supernatant (all p < 0.05). However, A20 only partly inhibited CD40 expression. Our study indicated that A20 overexpression may depress the inflammatory response induced by LPS in cultured RPMCs through negatively regulated the relevant function of adaptors in LPS signaling pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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16 pages, 927 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Radiation-Induced Changes in Serum Lipidome of Head and Neck Cancer Patients

by Karol Jelonek^1,*, Monika Pietrowska¹, Malgorzata Ros^1,2, Adam Zagdanski^3,5, Agnieszka Suchwalko^4,5, Joanna Polanska⁶

, Michal Marczyk⁶, Tomasz Rutkowski¹, Krzysztof Skladowski¹, Malcolm R. Clench⁷ and Piotr Widlak¹

¹ Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeze Armii Krajowej 15, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland

² Polish-Japanese Institute of Information Technologies, Koszykowa 86, 02-008 Warszawa, Poland

³ Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, Wroclaw University of Technology, Janiszewskiego 14a, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland

⁴ Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Instrumentation, Wroclaw University of Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland

⁵ MedicWave AB, Kristian IV:s vag 3, 302 50 Halmstad, Sweden

⁶ Faculty of Automatic Control, Electronics and Computer Science, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 16, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland

⁷ Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6609-6624; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046609 - 17 Apr 2014

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 8351

Abstract

Cancer radiotherapy (RT) induces response of the whole patient’s body that could be detected at the blood level. We aimed to identify changes induced in serum lipidome during RT and characterize their association with doses and volumes of irradiated tissue. Sixty-six patients treated [...] Read more.

Cancer radiotherapy (RT) induces response of the whole patient’s body that could be detected at the blood level. We aimed to identify changes induced in serum lipidome during RT and characterize their association with doses and volumes of irradiated tissue. Sixty-six patients treated with conformal RT because of head and neck cancer were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were collected before, during and about one month after the end of RT. Lipid extracts were analyzed using MALDI-oa-ToF mass spectrometry in positive ionization mode. The major changes were observed when pre-treatment and within-treatment samples were compared. Levels of several identified phosphatidylcholines, including (PC34), (PC36) and (PC38) variants, and lysophosphatidylcholines, including (LPC16) and (LPC18) variants, were first significantly decreased and then increased in post-treatment samples. Intensities of changes were correlated with doses of radiation received by patients. Of note, such correlations were more frequent when low-to-medium doses of radiation delivered during conformal RT to large volumes of normal tissues were analyzed. Additionally, some radiation-induced changes in serum lipidome were associated with toxicity of the treatment. Obtained results indicated the involvement of choline-related signaling and potential biological importance of exposure to clinically low/medium doses of radiation in patient’s body response to radiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mass Spectrometry Application in Biology)

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16 pages, 1635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Melatonin Prevents Chemical-Induced Haemopoietic Cell Death

by Sara Salucci^1,*, Sabrina Burattini¹, Michela Battistelli¹, Valentina Baldassarri¹, Davide Curzi¹, Aurelio Valmori² and Elisabetta Falcieri^1,2

¹ DiSTeVA, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino 61029, Italy

² IGM, CNR, Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Bologna 40136, Italy

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6625-6640; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046625 - 17 Apr 2014

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 9750

Abstract

Melatonin (MEL), a methoxyindole synthesized by the pineal gland, is a powerful antioxidant in tissues as well as within cells, with a fundamental role in ameliorating homeostasis in a number of specific pathologies. It acts both as a direct radical scavenger and by [...] Read more.

Melatonin (MEL), a methoxyindole synthesized by the pineal gland, is a powerful antioxidant in tissues as well as within cells, with a fundamental role in ameliorating homeostasis in a number of specific pathologies. It acts both as a direct radical scavenger and by stimulating production/activity of intracellular antioxidant enzymes. In this work, some chemical triggers, with different mechanisms of action, have been chosen to induce cell death in U937 hematopoietic cell line. Cells were pre-treated with 100 µM MEL and then exposed to hydrogen peroxide or staurosporine. Morphological analyses, TUNEL reaction and Orange/PI double staining have been used to recognize ultrastructural apoptotic patterns and to evaluate DNA behavior. Chemical damage and potential MEL anti-apoptotic effects were quantified by means of Tali^® Image-Based Cytometer, able to monitor cell viability and apoptotic events. After trigger exposure, chromatin condensation, micronuclei formation and DNA fragmentation have been observed, all suggesting apoptotic cell death. These events underwent a statistically significant decrease in samples pre-treated with MEL. After caspase inhibition and subsequent assessment of cell viability, we demonstrated that apoptosis occurs, at least in part, through the mitochondrial pathway and that MEL interacts at this level to rescue U937 cells from death. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Programmed Cell Death and Apoptosis)

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16 pages, 1066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relaxation of Rat Aorta by Farrerol Correlates with Potency to Reduce Intracellular Calcium of VSMCs

by Xiaojiang Qin^1,2,†, Xiaomin Hou^3,†, Mingsheng Zhang³, Taigang Liang¹, Jianmin Zhi⁴, Lingge Han¹ and Qingshan Li^1,*

¹ School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shanxi Medical University, No. 56, Xinjian Road, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China

² School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, No. 56, Xinjian Road, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China

³ Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, No. 56, Xinjian Road, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China

⁴ School of Physiology Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 280, Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200240, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6641-6656; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046641 - 17 Apr 2014

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 9251

Abstract

Farrerol, isolated from Rhododendron dauricum L., has been proven to be an important multifunctional physiologically active component, but its vasoactive mechanism is not clear. The present study was performed to observe the vasoactive effects of farrerol on rat aorta and to investigate the [...] Read more.

Farrerol, isolated from Rhododendron dauricum L., has been proven to be an important multifunctional physiologically active component, but its vasoactive mechanism is not clear. The present study was performed to observe the vasoactive effects of farrerol on rat aorta and to investigate the possible underlying mechanisms. Isolated aortic rings of rat were mounted in an organ bath system and the myogenic effects stimulated by farrerol were studied. Intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_in) was measured by molecular probe fluo-4-AM and the activities of L-type voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (LVGC) were studied with whole-cell patch clamp in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The results showed that farrerol significantly induced dose-dependent relaxation on aortic rings, while this vasorelaxation was not affected by N^G-nitro-l-arginine methylester ester or endothelium denudation. In endothelium-denuded aortas, farrerol also reduced Ca²⁺-induced contraction on the basis of the stable contraction induced by KCl or phenylephrine (PE) in Ca²⁺-free solution. Moreover, after incubation with verapamil, farrerol can induce relaxation in endothelium-denuded aortas precontracted by PE, and this effect can be enhanced by ruthenium red, but not by heparin. With laser scanning confocal microscopy method, the farrerol-induced decline of [Ca²⁺]_in in cultured VSMCs was observed. Furthermore, we found that farrerol could suppress Ca²⁺ influx via LVGC by patch clamp technology. These findings suggested that farrerol can regulate the vascular tension and could be developed as a practicable vasorelaxation drug. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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17 pages, 2568 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Survivin in Podocyte Injury Induced by Puromycin Aminonucleoside

by Xuejuan Li, Xiaoyan Zhang, Xiaoyan Li, Fangrui Ding and Jie Ding^*

Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, No.1 Xi An Men Da Jie, Beijing 100034, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6657-6673; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046657 - 17 Apr 2014

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7941

Abstract

Objective: Survivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, which uniquely promotes mitosis and regulates apoptosis in cancer cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that survivin also expresses in several normal adult cells. In the present study, we aimed to investigate [...] Read more.

Objective: Survivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, which uniquely promotes mitosis and regulates apoptosis in cancer cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that survivin also expresses in several normal adult cells. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the function of survivin in the terminally differentiated epithelial cells, podocytes. Methods: Survivin expression and location were detected by Quantitative Real-Time PCR, western blot and fluorescence confocal microscopy methods in normal and injured mouse podocytes. Cyto-protection function of survivin was also studied in cultured podocyte injured by puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN), transfected with survivin siRNA to down-regulate survivin expression, or with survivin plasmid to transiently over-express survivin. Results: In podocytes, PAN stimulated expressions of survivin and the apoptosis related molecule caspase 3. Knockdown of survivin expression by siRNA increased the activation of caspase 3, induced podocyte apoptosis and remarkable rearrangement of actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, over-expression of survivin inhibited PAN-induced podocyte apoptosis and cytoskeleton rearrangement. Conclusion: Our data provides the evidence that survivin plays an important role in protecting podocytes from apoptosis induced by PAN. The mechanism of survivin related anti-apoptosis may, at least partially, be through the activation of caspase 3. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Programmed Cell Death and Apoptosis)

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15 pages, 1197 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proteomic Analysis of Etiolated Juvenile Tetraploid Robinia pseudoacacia Branches during Different Cutting Periods

by Nan Lu^1,†, Zhaohe Xu^2,†, Bingnan Meng^1,3,†, Yuhan Sun¹, Jiangtao Zhang⁴, Shaoming Wang⁵ and Yun Li^1,*

¹ National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China

² Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China

³ Beijing Municipal Bureau of Landscaping, Beijing 100029, China

⁴ Henan Academy of Forestry Science, Zhengzhou 450008, Henan, China

⁵ The State-Owned Luoning County Lv Cun Forest Farm, Luoning 471711, Henan, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6674-6688; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046674 - 21 Apr 2014

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6722

Abstract

The propagation of hard-branch cuttings of tetraploid Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust) is restricted by the low rooting rate; however, etiolated juvenile tetraploid black locust branches result in a significantly higher rooting rate of cuttings compared with non-etiolated juvenile tetraploid branches. To identify proteins [...] Read more.

The propagation of hard-branch cuttings of tetraploid Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust) is restricted by the low rooting rate; however, etiolated juvenile tetraploid black locust branches result in a significantly higher rooting rate of cuttings compared with non-etiolated juvenile tetraploid branches. To identify proteins that influence the juvenile tetraploid branch rooting process, two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectra (MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS) were used to analyze proteomic differences in the phloem of tetraploid R. pseudoacacia etiolated and non-etiolated juvenile branches during different cutting periods. A total of 58 protein spots differed in expression level, and 16 protein spots were only expressed in etiolated branches or non-etiolated ones. A total of 40 highly expressed protein spots were identified by mass spectrometry, 14 of which were accurately retrieved. They include nucleoglucoprotein metabolic proteins, signaling proteins, lignin synthesis proteins and phyllochlorin. These results help to reveal the mechanism of juvenile tetraploid R. pseudoacacia etiolated branch rooting and provide a valuable reference for the improvement of tetraploid R. pseudoacacia cutting techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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14 pages, 1471 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Identification of Proteus mirabilis eptC Gene Encoding a Core Lipopolysaccharide Phosphoethanolamine Transferase

by Eleonora Aquilini^1,2, Susana Merino²

, Yuriy A. Knirel³, Miguel Regué^1,† and Juan M. Tomás^2,*

¹ Department Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain

² Department Microbiology, Faculty Biology, University Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08071 Barcelona, Spain

³ N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia

^† In memoriam.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6689-6702; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046689 - 21 Apr 2014

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 8041

Abstract

By comparison of the Proteus mirabilis HI4320 genome with known lipopolysaccharide (LPS) phosphoethanolamine transferases, three putative candidates (PMI3040, PMI3576, and PMI3104) were identified. One of them, eptC (PMI3104) was able to modify the LPS of two defined non-polar core LPS mutants of Klebsiella [...] Read more.

By comparison of the Proteus mirabilis HI4320 genome with known lipopolysaccharide (LPS) phosphoethanolamine transferases, three putative candidates (PMI3040, PMI3576, and PMI3104) were identified. One of them, eptC (PMI3104) was able to modify the LPS of two defined non-polar core LPS mutants of Klebsiella pneumoniae that we use as surrogate substrates. Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance showed that eptC directs the incorporation of phosphoethanolamine to the O-6 of l-glycero-d-mano-heptose II. The eptC gene is found in all the P. mirabilis strains analyzed in this study. Putative eptC homologues were found for only two additional genera of the Enterobacteriaceae family, Photobacterium and Providencia. The data obtained in this work supports the role of the eptC (PMI3104) product in the transfer of PEtN to the O-6 of l,d-HepII in P. mirabilis strains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Proteomic Research)

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14 pages, 211 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polymorphisms in DNA Repair Genes and MDR1 and the Risk for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

by Hee Nam Kim¹, Nan Young Kim², Li Yu², Yeo-Kyeoung Kim³, Il-Kwon Lee², Deok-Hwan Yang³, Je-Jung Lee³, Min-Ho Shin^1,4, Kyeong-Soo Park⁵, Jin-Su Choi⁴ and Hyeoung-Joon Kim^2,3,*

¹ Center for Creative Biomedical Scientists, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 501-746, Korea

² Environmental Health Center for Childhood Leukemia and Cancer, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Jeollanamdo 519-763, Korea

³ Department of Hematology/Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital 160 Ilsim-ri, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun, Jellanam-do 519-809, Korea

⁴ Department of Preventive Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 501-746, Korea

⁵ Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Seonam University, Namwon 590-711, Korea

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6703-6716; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046703 - 21 Apr 2014

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6846

Abstract

The damage caused by oxidative stress and exposure to cigarette smoke and alcohol necessitate DNA damage repair and transport by multidrug resistance-1 (MDR1). To explore the association between polymorphisms in these genes and non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk, we analyzed 15 polymorphisms of 12 genes [...] Read more.

The damage caused by oxidative stress and exposure to cigarette smoke and alcohol necessitate DNA damage repair and transport by multidrug resistance-1 (MDR1). To explore the association between polymorphisms in these genes and non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk, we analyzed 15 polymorphisms of 12 genes in a population-based study in Korea (694 cases and 1700 controls). Four genotypes of DNA repair pathway genes (XRCC1 399 GA, OGG1 326 GG, BRCA1 871 TT, and WRN 787 TT) were associated with a decreased risk for NHL [odds ratio (OR)_{XRCC1 GA} = 0.80, p = 0.02; OR_{OGG1 GG} = 0.70, p = 0.008; OR_{BRCA1 TT} = 0.71, p = 0.048; OR_{WRN TT} = 0.68, p = 0.01]. Conversely, the MGMT 115 CT genotype was associated with an increased risk for NHL (OR = 1.25, p = 0.04). In the MDR1 gene, the 1236 CC genotype was associated with a decreased risk for NHL (OR = 0.74, p = 0.04), and the 3435 CT and TT genotypes were associated with an increased risk (OR_3435CT = 1.50, p < 0.0001; OR_3435TT = 1.43, p = 0.02). These results suggest that polymorphisms in the DNA repair genes XRCC1, OGG1, BRCA1, WRN1, and MGMT and in the MDR1 gene may affect the risk for NHL in Korean patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)

16 pages, 483 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design, Synthesis and Bioactivity of N-Glycosyl-N'-(5-substituted phenyl-2-furoyl) Hydrazide Derivatives

by Zining Cui^1,2,4,*, Hang Su³, Jiazhen Jiang^3,*, Xinling Yang³ and Yoshihiro Nishida²

¹ Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Department of Plant Pathology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China

² Division of Nanobiology, Advanced Integrated Science, Chiba University, Matsudo, Chiba 271-0092, Japan

³ Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China

⁴ State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6741-6756; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046741 - 21 Apr 2014

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6873

Abstract

Condensation products of 5-substituted phenyl-2-furoyl hydrazide with different monosaccharides d-glucose, d-galactose, d-mannose, d-fucose and d-arabinose were prepared. The anomerization and cyclic-acyclic isomers were investigated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The results showed that, except for the d-glucose derivatives, which were in the presence [...] Read more.

Condensation products of 5-substituted phenyl-2-furoyl hydrazide with different monosaccharides d-glucose, d-galactose, d-mannose, d-fucose and d-arabinose were prepared. The anomerization and cyclic-acyclic isomers were investigated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The results showed that, except for the d-glucose derivatives, which were in the presence of β-anomeric forms, all derivatives were in an acyclic Schiff base form. Their antifungal and antitumor activities were studied. The bioassay results indicated that some title compounds showed superior effects over the commercial positive controls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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15 pages, 1049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gentamicin Blocks the ACh-Induced BK Current in Guinea Pig Type II Vestibular Hair Cells by Competing with Ca²⁺ at the l-Type Calcium Channel

by Hong Yu^1,†, Chang-Kai Guo^1,†, Yi Wang¹, Tao Zhou¹ and Wei-Jia Kong^1,2,3,*

¹ Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Hua-Zhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China

² Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Hua-Zhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China

³ Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease, Ministry of Education, Tongji Medical College, Hua-Zhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6757-6771; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046757 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6835

Abstract

Type II vestibular hair cells (VHCs II) contain big-conductance Ca²⁺-dependent K⁺ channels (BK) and L-type calcium channels. Our previous studies in guinea pig VHCs II indicated that acetylcholine (ACh) evoked the BK current by triggering the influx of Ca²⁺ [...] Read more.

Type II vestibular hair cells (VHCs II) contain big-conductance Ca²⁺-dependent K⁺ channels (BK) and L-type calcium channels. Our previous studies in guinea pig VHCs II indicated that acetylcholine (ACh) evoked the BK current by triggering the influx of Ca²⁺ ions through l-type Ca²⁺ channels, which was mediated by M2 muscarinic ACh receptor (mAChRs). Aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as gentamicin (GM), are known to have vestibulotoxicity, including damaging effects on the efferent nerve endings on VHCs II. This study used the whole-cell patch clamp technique to determine whether GM affects the vestibular efferent system at postsynaptic M2-mAChRs or the membrane ion channels. We found that GM could block the ACh-induced BK current and that inhibition was reversible, voltage-independent, and dose-dependent with an IC₅₀ value of 36.3 ± 7.8 µM. Increasing the ACh concentration had little influence on GM blocking effect, but increasing the extracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_o) could antagonize it. Moreover, 50 µM GM potently blocked Ca²⁺ currents activated by (-)-Bay-K8644, but did not block BK currents induced by NS1619. These observations indicate that GM most likely blocks the M2 mAChR-mediated response by competing with Ca²⁺ at the l-type calcium channel. These results provide insights into the vestibulotoxicity of aminoglycoside antibiotics on mammalian VHCs II. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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25 pages, 4844 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of RNAi-Mediated Knockdown of Histone Methyltransferases on the Sex-Specific mRNA Expression of Imp in the Silkworm Bombyx mori

by Masataka G. Suzuki^*, Haruka Ito and Fugaku Aoki

Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, the University of Tokyo, 302 Bioscience-Bldg, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8562, Japan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6772-6796; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046772 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 8782

Abstract

Sexual differentiation in Bombyx mori is controlled by sex-specific splicing of Bmdsx, which results in the omission of exons 3 and 4 in a male-specific manner. In B. mori, insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein (Imp) is a male-specific factor involved [...] Read more.

Sexual differentiation in Bombyx mori is controlled by sex-specific splicing of Bmdsx, which results in the omission of exons 3 and 4 in a male-specific manner. In B. mori, insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein (Imp) is a male-specific factor involved in male-specific splicing of Bmdsx. Male-specific Imp mRNA results from the male-specific inclusion of exon 8. To verify the link between histone methylation and alternative RNA processing in Imp, we examined the effects of RNAi-mediated knockdown of several histone methyltransferases on the sex-specific mRNA expression of Imp. As a result, male-specific expression of Imp mRNA was completely abolished when expression of the H3K79 methyltransferase DOT1L was repressed to <10% of that in control males. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR analysis revealed a higher distribution of H3K79me2 in normal males than in normal females across Imp. RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) processivity assays indicated that RNAi knockdown of DOT1L in males caused a twofold decrease in RNAP II processivity compared to that in control males, with almost equivalent levels to those observed in normal females. Inhibition of RNAP II-mediated elongation in male cells repressed the male-specific splicing of Imp. Our data suggest the possibility that H3K79me2 accumulation along Imp is associated with the male-specific alternative processing of Imp mRNA that results from increased RNAP II processivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pre-mRNA Splicing)

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18 pages, 1049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling and Docking Studies on Novel Mutants (K71L and T204V) of the ATPase Domain of Human Heat Shock 70 kDa Protein 1

by Asita Elengoe^*, Mohammed Abu Naser^† and Salehhuddin Hamdan^†

¹ Faculty of Bioscience and Medical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor 81310, Malaysia

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6797-6814; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046797 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 10150

Abstract

The purpose of exploring protein interactions between human adenovirus and heat shock protein 70 is to exploit a potentially synergistic interaction to enhance anti-tumoral efficacy and decrease toxicity in cancer treatment. However, the protein interaction of Hsp70 with E1A32 kDa of human adenovirus [...] Read more.

The purpose of exploring protein interactions between human adenovirus and heat shock protein 70 is to exploit a potentially synergistic interaction to enhance anti-tumoral efficacy and decrease toxicity in cancer treatment. However, the protein interaction of Hsp70 with E1A32 kDa of human adenovirus serotype 5 remains to be elucidated. In this study, two residues of ATPase domain of human heat shock 70 kDa protein 1 (PDB: 1 HJO) were mutated. 3D mutant models (K71L and T204V) using PyMol software were then constructed. The structures were evaluated by PROCHECK, ProQ, ERRAT, Verify 3D and ProSA modules. All evidence suggests that all protein models are acceptable and of good quality. The E1A32 kDa motif was retrieved from UniProt (P03255), as well as subjected to docking interaction with NBD, K71L and T204V, using the Autodock 4.2 program. The best lowest binding energy value of −9.09 kcal/mol was selected for novel T204V. Moreover, the protein-ligand complex structures were validated by RMSD, RMSF, hydrogen bonds and salt bridge analysis. This revealed that the T204V-E1A32 kDa motif complex was the most stable among all three complex structures. This study provides information about the interaction between Hsp70 and the E1A32 kDa motif, which emphasizes future perspectives to design rational drugs and vaccines in cancer therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proteins and Protein-Ligand Interactions)

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16 pages, 2346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Size on Ag Nanosphere Toxicity in Macrophage Cell Models and Lung Epithelial Cell Lines Is Dependent on Particle Dissolution

by Raymond F. Hamilton^†, Sarah Buckingham^† and Andrij Holian^*

¹ Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Environmental Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6815-6830; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046815 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 74 | Viewed by 10165

Abstract

Silver (Ag) nanomaterials are increasingly used in a variety of commercial applications. This study examined the effect of size (20 and 110 nm) and surface stabilization (citrate and PVP coatings) on toxicity, particle uptake and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in a variety of macrophage [...] Read more.

Silver (Ag) nanomaterials are increasingly used in a variety of commercial applications. This study examined the effect of size (20 and 110 nm) and surface stabilization (citrate and PVP coatings) on toxicity, particle uptake and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in a variety of macrophage and epithelial cell lines. The results indicated that smaller Ag (20 nm), regardless of coating, were more toxic in both cell types and most active in the THP-1 macrophages. TEM imaging demonstrated that 20 nm Ag nanospheres dissolved more rapidly than 110 nm Ag nanospheres in acidic phagolysosomes consistent with Ag ion mediated toxicity. In addition, there were some significant differences in epithelial cell line in vitro exposure models. The order of the epithelial cell lines’ sensitivity to Ag was LA4 > MLE12 > C10. The macrophage sensitivity to Ag toxicity was C57BL/6 AM > MARCO null AM, which indicated that the MARCO receptor was involved in uptake of the negatively charged Ag particles. These results support the idea that Ag nanosphere toxicity and NLRP3 inflammasome activation are determined by the rate of surface dissolution, which is based on relative surface area. This study highlights the importance of utilizing multiple models for in vitro studies to evaluate nanomaterials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotoxicology and Lung Diseases)

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12 pages, 633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Type I Peritrophic Membrane Protein from Larval Holotrichia oblita (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) Binds to Chitin

by Xiaomin Liu^1,3

, Jie Li⁴, Wei Guo^2,3,*, Ruijun Li³, Dan Zhao³ and Xinna Li³

¹ Institute of Cereal and Oil Crops, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050035, Hebei, China

² Plant Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China

³ College of Plant Protection, Agricultural University of Hebei/Biological Control Centre of Plant Pathogens and Plant Pests of Hebei Province, Baoding 071001, Hebei, China

⁴ Shijiazhuang Development and Reform Commission, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6831-6842; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046831 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6565

Abstract

Peritrophic membranes (PMs) are composed of chitin and protein. Chitin and protein play important roles in the structural formation and function of the PM. A new type I PM protein, HoCBP76, was identified from the Holotrichia oblita. HoCBP76 was shown as a [...] Read more.

Peritrophic membranes (PMs) are composed of chitin and protein. Chitin and protein play important roles in the structural formation and function of the PM. A new type I PM protein, HoCBP76, was identified from the Holotrichia oblita. HoCBP76 was shown as a 62.3 kDa protein by SDS-PAGE analysis and appeard to be associated with the PM throughout its entire length. In H. oblita larvae, the midgut is the only tissue where HoCBP76 could be detected during the feeding period of the larvae. The predicted amino acid sequence indicates that it contains seven tandem chitin binding domains belonging to the peritrophin-A family. HoCBP76 has chitin binding activity and is strongly associated with the PM. The HoCBP76 was not a mucin-like glycoprotein, and the consensus of conserved cysteines appeared to be CX_13–17CX₅CX₉CX₁₂CX₇C. Western blot analysis showed that the abundance of HoCBP76 in the anterior, middle and posterior regions of the midgut was similar, indicating that HoCBP76 was secreted by the whole midgut epithelium, and confirmed the H. oblita PM belonged to the Type I PM. Immunolocalization analysis showed that HoCBP76 was mainly localized in the PM. The HoCBP76 is the first PM protein found in the H. oblita; however, its biochemical and physiological functions require further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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14 pages, 1583 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Block of the Mevalonate Pathway Triggers Oxidative and Inflammatory Molecular Mechanisms Modulated by Exogenous Isoprenoid Compounds

by Paola Maura Tricarico¹

, Giulio Kleiner², Erica Valencic², Giuseppina Campisciano¹, Martina Girardelli², Sergio Crovella^1,2, Alessandra Knowles² and Annalisa Marcuzzi^2,*

¹ Department of Medicine and Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa, 1, 34128 Trieste, Italy

² Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", 34137 Trieste, Italy

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6843-6856; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046843 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 9502

Abstract

Deregulation of the mevalonate pathway is known to be involved in a number of diseases that exhibit a systemic inflammatory phenotype and often neurological involvements, as seen in patients suffering from a rare disease called mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD). One of the molecular [...] Read more.

Deregulation of the mevalonate pathway is known to be involved in a number of diseases that exhibit a systemic inflammatory phenotype and often neurological involvements, as seen in patients suffering from a rare disease called mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD). One of the molecular mechanisms underlying this pathology could depend on the shortage of isoprenoid compounds and the subsequent mitochondrial damage, leading to oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines’ release. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that cellular death results from the balance between apoptosis and pyroptosis, both driven by mitochondrial damage and the molecular platform inflammasome. In order to rescue the deregulated pathway and decrease inflammatory markers, exogenous isoprenoid compounds were administered to a biochemical model of MKD obtained treating a murine monocytic cell line with a compound able to block the mevalonate pathway, plus an inflammatory stimulus. Our results show that isoprenoids acted in different ways, mainly increasing the expression of the evaluated markers [apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, nucleotide-binding oligomerization-domain protein-like receptors 3 (NALP3), cytokines and nitric oxide (NO)]. Our findings confirm the hypothesis that inflammation is triggered, at least partially, by the shortage of isoprenoids. Moreover, although further studies are necessary, the achieved results suggest a possible role for exogenous isoprenoids in the treatment of MKD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Redox Signaling in Biology and Patho-Biology)

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23 pages, 1212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of Gelatin Nanofibers Containing Silver Nanoparticles

by Lim Jeong and Won Ho Park^*

Department of Advanced Organic Materials and Textile System Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 305-764, Korea

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6857-6879; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046857 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 80 | Viewed by 12569

Abstract

Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized in formic acid aqueous solutions through chemical reduction. Formic acid was used for a reducing agent of Ag precursor and solvent of gelatin. Silver acetate, silver tetrafluoroborate, silver nitrate, and silver phosphate were used as Ag precursors. Ag [...] Read more.

Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized in formic acid aqueous solutions through chemical reduction. Formic acid was used for a reducing agent of Ag precursor and solvent of gelatin. Silver acetate, silver tetrafluoroborate, silver nitrate, and silver phosphate were used as Ag precursors. Ag⁺ ions were reduced into Ag NPs by formic acid. The formation of Ag NPs was characterized by a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Ag NPs were quickly generated within a few minutes in silver nitrate (AgNO₃)/formic acid solution. As the water content of formic acid aqueous solution increased, more Ag NPs were generated, at a higher rate and with greater size. When gelatin was added to the AgNO₃/formic acid solution, the Ag NPs were stabilized, resulting in smaller particles. Moreover, gelatin limits further aggregation of Ag NPs, which were effectively dispersed in solution. The amount of Ag NPs formed increased with increasing concentration of AgNO₃ and aging time. Gelatin nanofibers containing Ag NPs were fabricated by electrospinning. The average diameters of gelatin nanofibers were 166.52 ± 32.72 nm, but these decreased with the addition of AgNO₃. The average diameters of the Ag NPs in gelatin nanofibers ranged between 13 and 25 nm, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Nanoparticles 2014)

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17 pages, 1397 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The lethal giant larvae Gene in Tribolium castaneum: Molecular Properties and Roles in Larval and Pupal Development as Revealed by RNA Interference

by Da Xiao^1,2, Xiao Liang², Xiwu Gao¹, Jianxiu Yao² and Kun Yan Zhu^2,*

¹ Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China

² Department of Entomology, 123 Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6880-6896; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046880 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6824

Abstract

We identified and characterized the TcLgl gene putatively encoding lethal giant larvae (Lgl) protein from the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). Analyses of developmental stage and tissue-specific expression patterns revealed that TcLgl was constitutively expressed. To examine the role of TcLgl [...] Read more.

We identified and characterized the TcLgl gene putatively encoding lethal giant larvae (Lgl) protein from the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). Analyses of developmental stage and tissue-specific expression patterns revealed that TcLgl was constitutively expressed. To examine the role of TcLgl in insect development, RNA interference was performed in early (1-day) larvae, late (20-day) larvae, and early (1-day) pupae. The early larvae injected with double-stranded RNA of TcLgl (dsTcLgl) at 100, 200, and 400 ng/larva failed to pupate, and 100% mortality was achieved within 20 days after the injection or before the pupation. The late larvae injected with dsTcLgl at these doses reduced the pupation rates to only 50.3%, 36.0%, and 18.2%, respectively. The un-pupated larvae gradually died after one week, and visually unaffected pupae failed to emerge into adults and died during the pupal stage. Similarly, when early pupae were injected with dsTcLgl at these doses, the normal eclosion rates were reduced to only 22.5%, 18.0%, and 11.2%, respectively, on day 7 after the injection, and all the adults with abnormal eclosion died in two days after the eclosion. These results indicate that TcLgl plays an essential role in insect development, especially during their metamorphosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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13 pages, 267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Environmentally Benign Protocol for Aqueous Synthesis of Tetrahydrobenzo[b]Pyrans Catalyzed by Cost-Effective Ionic Liquid

by Huanan Hu^1,2, Fangli Qiu^1,2, Anguo Ying^1,2,*, Jianguo Yang^1,2,* and Haiping Meng²

¹ Institute of Applied Chemistry, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China

² School of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6897-6909; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046897 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 82 | Viewed by 9146

Abstract

A mild, efficient, and environmentally benign protocol for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives in the presence of readily accessible, biodegradable, and choline hydroxide based ionic liquid as catalyst has been established. The key features of the reported methodology include good to [...] Read more.

A mild, efficient, and environmentally benign protocol for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives in the presence of readily accessible, biodegradable, and choline hydroxide based ionic liquid as catalyst has been established. The key features of the reported methodology include good to excellent yields of desired products, simple work-up procedure and good recyclability of catalysts, which may be a practical alternative to the existing conventional processes for the preparation of 4-H pyrans to cater to the requirements of academia as well as industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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15 pages, 805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Treatment of Single or Multiple Brain Metastases by Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy Using Helical Tomotherapy

by Aiko Nagai^1,2,*, Yuta Shibamoto², Masanori Yoshida¹, Koichi Wakamatsu³ and Yuzo Kikuchi¹

¹ Radiation Therapy Center, Fukui Saiseikai Hospital, 7-1, Funabashi, Wadanaka-cho, Fukui 918-8503, Japan

² Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan

³ Department of Neurosurgery, Fukui Saiseikai Hospital, 7-1, Funabashi, Wadanaka-cho, Fukui 918-8503, Japan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6910-6924; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046910 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 8910

Abstract

This study investigated the clinical outcomes of a 4-fraction stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) study using helical tomotherapy for brain metastases. Between August 2009 and June 2013, 54 patients with a total of 128 brain metastases underwent SRT using tomotherapy. A total dose of 28 [...] Read more.

This study investigated the clinical outcomes of a 4-fraction stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) study using helical tomotherapy for brain metastases. Between August 2009 and June 2013, 54 patients with a total of 128 brain metastases underwent SRT using tomotherapy. A total dose of 28 or 28.8 Gy at 80% isodose was administered in 4 fractions for all tumors. The mean gross tumor volume (GTV) was 1.9 cc. Local control (LC) rates at 6, 12, and 18 months were 96%, 91%, and 88%, respectively. The 12-month LC rates for tumors with GTV ≤0.25, >0.25 and ≤1, and >1 cc were 98%, 82%, and 93%, respectively; the rates were 92% for tumors >3 cc and 100% for >10 cc. The 6-month rates for freedom from distant brain failure were 57%, 71%, and 55% for patients with 1, 2, and >3 brain metastases, respectively. No differences were significant. No major complications were observed. The 4-fraction SRT protocol provided excellent tumor control with minimal toxicity. Distant brain failure was not so frequent, even in patients with multiple tumors. The results of the current study warrant a prospective randomized study comparing single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with SRT in this patient population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Metastasis 2014)

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16 pages, 577 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effect of Resveratrol against IL-1β-Induced Inflammatory Response on Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes Partly via the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway: An “in Vitro Study”

by Li Liu^1,*, Hailun Gu², Huimin Liu¹, Yongliang Jiao¹, Keyu Li¹, Yue Zhao¹, Li An¹ and Jun Yang¹

¹ Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 92 Beier Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, China

² Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Sanhao District, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6925-6940; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046925 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 88 | Viewed by 8446

Abstract

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound that prevents inflammation in chondrocytes and animal models of osteoarthritis (OA) via yet to be defined mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the protective effect of resveratrol on IL-1β-induced human articular chondrocytes was [...] Read more.

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound that prevents inflammation in chondrocytes and animal models of osteoarthritis (OA) via yet to be defined mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the protective effect of resveratrol on IL-1β-induced human articular chondrocytes was associated with the TLR4/MyD88/NF-кB signaling pathway by incubating human articular chondrocytes (harvested from osteoarthritis patients) with IL-1β before treatment with resveratrol. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and TNFα levels in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA(Enzymelinked immunosorbent assay). The levels of TLR4 and its downstream signaling targets (MyD88 and TRAF6) and IL-1β were assessed by measuring the levels of mRNA and protein expression by real-time RT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively, in addition to assessing NF-кB activation. In addition, TLR4 siRNA was used to block TLR4 expression in chondrocytes further demonstrating that resveratrol prevented IL-1β-mediated inflammation by TLR4 inhibition. We found that resveratrol prevented IL-1β-induced reduction in cell viability. Stimulation of chondrocytes with IL-1β caused a significant up-regulation of TLR4 and its downstream targets MyD88 and TRAF6 resulting in NF-кB activation associated with the synthesis of IL-1β and TNFα. These IL-1β-induced inflammatory responses were all effectively reversed by resveratrol. Furthermore, activation of NF-кB in chondrocytes treated with TLR4 siRNA was significantly attenuated, but not abolished, and exposure to resveratrol further reduced NF-кB translocation. These data suggested that resveratrol prevented IL-1β-induced inflammation in human articular chondrocytes at least in part by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-кB signaling pathway suggesting that resveratrol has the potential to be used as a nutritional supplement to counteract OA symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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20 pages, 1636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Doublecortin May Play a Role in Defining Chondrocyte Phenotype

by Dongxia Ge^1,†, Qing-Song Zhang^1,2,†, Jovanny Zabaleta³, Qiuyang Zhang¹, Sen Liu¹, Brendan Reiser¹, Bruce A. Bunnell⁴, Stephen E. Braun⁴, Michael J. O'Brien⁵, Felix H. Savoie⁵ and Zongbing You^1,5,*

¹ Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, Tulane Center for Aging and Tulane Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

² Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Pu Ai Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430033, China

³ Department of Pediatrics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

⁴ Department of Pharmacology, Tulane Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine and Division of Regenerative Medicine of Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

⁵ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6941-6960; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046941 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 7244

Abstract

Embryonic development of articular cartilage has not been well understood and the role of doublecortin (DCX) in determination of chondrocyte phenotype is unknown. Here, we use a DCX promoter-driven eGFP reporter mouse model to study the dynamic gene expression profiles in [...] Read more.

Embryonic development of articular cartilage has not been well understood and the role of doublecortin (DCX) in determination of chondrocyte phenotype is unknown. Here, we use a DCX promoter-driven eGFP reporter mouse model to study the dynamic gene expression profiles in mouse embryonic handplates at E12.5 to E13.5 when the condensed mesenchymal cells differentiate into either endochondral chondrocytes or joint interzone cells. Illumina microarray analysis identified a variety of genes that were expressed differentially in the different regions of mouse handplate. The unique expression patterns of many genes were revealed. Cytl1 and 3110032G18RIK were highly expressed in the proximal region of E12.5 handplate and the carpal region of E13.5 handplate, whereas Olfr538, Kctd15, and Cited1 were highly expressed in the distal region of E12.5 and the metacarpal region of E13.5 handplates. There was an increasing gradient of Hrc expression in the proximal to distal direction in E13.5 handplate. Furthermore, when human DCX protein was expressed in human adipose stem cells, collagen II was decreased while aggrecan, matrilin 2, and GDF5 were increased during the 14-day pellet culture. These findings suggest that DCX may play a role in defining chondrocyte phenotype. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Chondrocyte Phenotype in Cartilage Biology)

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13 pages, 733 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Systemic Immune Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles after Repeated Intratracheal Instillation in Rat

by Yanyun Fu¹, Yanqiu Zhang¹, Xuhong Chang², Yingjian Zhang¹, Shumei Ma¹, Jing Sui¹, Lihong Yin¹, Yuepu Pu¹ and Geyu Liang^1,*

¹ Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China

² Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6961-6973; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046961 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 8501

Abstract

The potential immune effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO₂) are raising concern. Our previous study verified that nano-TiO₂ induce local immune response in lung tissue followed by intratracheal instillation administration. In this study, we aim to evaluate the systemic immune [...] Read more.

The potential immune effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO₂) are raising concern. Our previous study verified that nano-TiO₂ induce local immune response in lung tissue followed by intratracheal instillation administration. In this study, we aim to evaluate the systemic immune effects of nano-TiO₂. Sprague Dawley rats were treated by intratracheal instillation with nano-TiO₂ at doses of 0.5, 4, and 32 mg/kg body weight, micro-TiO₂ with 32 mg/kg body weight and 0.9% NaCl, respectively. The exposure was conducted twice a week, for four consecutive weeks. Histopathological immune organs from exposed animals showed slight congestion in spleen, generally brown particulate deposition in cervical and axillary lymph node. Furthermore, immune function response was characterized by increased proliferation of T cells and B cells following mitogen stimulation and enhanced natural killer (NK) cell killing activity in spleen, accompanying by increased number of B cells in blood. No significant changes of Th1-type cytokines (IL-2 and INF-γ) and Th2-type cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) were observed. Intratracheal exposure to nano-TiO₂ may be one of triggers to be responsible for the systemic immune response. Further study is needed to confirm long-lasting lymphocyte responses and the potential mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Toxicology)

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16 pages, 744 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Environmentally Friendly Highly Dispersed Magnetite Nanoparticles Based on Rosin Cationic Surfactants as Thin Film Coatings of Steel

by Ayman M. Atta^1,2,†, Gamal A. El-Mahdy^1,3,*,†

, Hamad A. Al-Lohedan^1,† and Sami A. Al-Hussain^1,†

¹ Surfactant Research Chair, Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box-2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia

² Petroleum Application Department, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute, Cairo 11795, Egypt

³ Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, Cairo 11727, Egypt

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6974-6989; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046974 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 11509

Abstract

This work presents a new method to prepare monodisperse magnetite nanoparticles capping with new cationic surfactants based on rosin. Core/shell type magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized using bis-N-(3-levopimaric maleic acid adduct-2-hydroxy) propyl-triethyl ammonium chloride (LPMQA) as capping agent. Fourier transform infrared [...] Read more.

This work presents a new method to prepare monodisperse magnetite nanoparticles capping with new cationic surfactants based on rosin. Core/shell type magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized using bis-N-(3-levopimaric maleic acid adduct-2-hydroxy) propyl-triethyl ammonium chloride (LPMQA) as capping agent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to characterize the nanoparticles chemical structure. Transmittance electron microscopies (TEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) were used to examine the morphology of the modified magnetite nanoparticles. The magnetite dispersed aqueous acid solution was evaluated as an effective anticorrosion behavior of a hydrophobic surface on steel. The inhibition effect of magnetite nanoparticles on steel corrosion in 1 M HCl solution was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results obtained from both potentiodynamic polarisation and EIS measurements reveal that the magnetite nanoparticle is an effective inhibitor for the corrosion of steel in 1.0 M HCl solution. Polarization data show that magnetite nanoparticles behave as a mixed type inhibitor. The inhibition efficiencies obtained from potentiodynamic polarization and EIS methods are in good agreement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Materials Science)

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25 pages, 7471 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Hepatocytes Improve the Mouse Liver after Acute Acetaminophen Intoxication by Preventing Progress of Injury

by Peggy Stock¹, Sandra Brückner¹, Sandra Winkler¹, Matthias M. Dollinger² and Bruno Christ^1,*

¹ Department of Visceral, Transplantation, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Applied Molecular Hepatology Laboratory, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstraße 21, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany

² Clinics for Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, D-89081 Ulm, Germany

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 7004-7028; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15047004 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 11019

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells from human bone marrow (hMSC) have the potential to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells in vitro and continue to maintain important hepatocyte functions in vivo after transplantation into host mouse livers. Here, hMSC were differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells in vitro (hMSC-HC) [...] Read more.

Mesenchymal stem cells from human bone marrow (hMSC) have the potential to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells in vitro and continue to maintain important hepatocyte functions in vivo after transplantation into host mouse livers. Here, hMSC were differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells in vitro (hMSC-HC) and transplanted into livers of immunodeficient Pfp/Rag2^−/− mice treated with a sublethal dose of acetaminophen (APAP) to induce acute liver injury. APAP induced a time- and dose-dependent damage of perivenous areas of the liver lobule. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased to similar levels irrespective of hMSC-HC transplantation. Yet, hMSC-HC resided in the damaged perivenous areas of the liver lobules short-term preventing apoptosis and thus progress of organ destruction. Disturbance of metabolic protein expression was lower in the livers receiving hMSC-HC. Seven weeks after APAP treatment, hepatic injury had completely recovered in groups both with and without hMSC-HC. Clusters of transplanted cells appeared predominantly in the periportal portion of the liver lobule and secreted human albumin featuring a prominent quality of differentiated hepatocytes. Thus, hMSC-HC attenuated the inflammatory response and supported liver regeneration after acute injury induced by acetaminophen. They hence may serve as a novel source of hepatocyte-like cells suitable for cell therapy of acute liver diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Human Liver Diseases)

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8 pages, 207 KiB

Open AccessShort Note

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Growth Hormone Gene and Their Association with Growth Traits in Siniperca chuatsi (Basilewsky)

by Changxu Tian, Min Yang, Liyuan Lv, Yongchao Yuan^*, Xufang Liang^*, Wenjie Guo, Yi Song and Cheng Zhao

Key Lab of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 7029-7036; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15047029 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 6031

Abstract

Growth hormone (GH) has been considered as a candidate gene for growth traits in fish. In this study, polymorphisms of the GH gene were evaluated for associations with growth traits in 282 Siniperca chuatsi individuals. Using directly sequencing, four single nucleotide [...] Read more.

Growth hormone (GH) has been considered as a candidate gene for growth traits in fish. In this study, polymorphisms of the GH gene were evaluated for associations with growth traits in 282 Siniperca chuatsi individuals. Using directly sequencing, four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in GH gene, with two mutations in intron 4 (g.4940A>C, g.4948A>T), one mutation in exon 5 (g.5045T>C) and one in intron 5 (g.5234T>G). Notably, three of them were significantly associated with growth performance, particularly for g.4940A>C which was highly correlated with all the four growth traits. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that these SNPs in GH gene could influence growth performance of S.chuatsi and could be used for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

12 pages, 1616 KiB

Open AccessArticle

LIM Mineralization Protein-1 Inhibits the Malignant Phenotypes of Human Osteosarcoma Cells

by Huiwen Liu^1,2,†, Lu Huang^3,†, Zhongzu Zhang^1,†

, Zhanming Zhang⁴, Zhiming Yu¹, Xiang Chen¹, Zhuo Chen¹, Yongping Zen¹, Dong Yang¹, Zhimin Han¹, Yong Shu¹, Min Dai¹ and Kai Cao^1,*

¹ Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China

² Department of Orthopedics, the First People's Hospital of Jingdezhen, Jingdezhen 333000, China

³ Department of Children Health and Care, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang 330006, China

⁴ Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 7037-7048; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15047037 - 23 Apr 2014

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6511

Abstract

Osteosarcoma (OS), also known as osteogenic sarcoma, is the most common primary malignancy of bone tumor in children and adolescents. However, its underlying molecular pathogenesis is still only vaguely understood. Recently, LIM mineralization protein-1 (LMP-1) was reported to be an essential [...] Read more.

Osteosarcoma (OS), also known as osteogenic sarcoma, is the most common primary malignancy of bone tumor in children and adolescents. However, its underlying molecular pathogenesis is still only vaguely understood. Recently, LIM mineralization protein-1 (LMP-1) was reported to be an essential positive regulator of osteoblast differentiation. In the present study, we found that the expression of LMP-1 is downregulated in OS tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Moreover, we restored the expression of LMP-1 through a recombinant adenovirus. Overexpression of LMP-1 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion, arrested cell cycle progression, and induced apoptosis in vitro. Finally, ectopic LMP-1 expression suppressed the expression of Runx2 and BMP-2 in OS cells. These data demonstrate that LMP-1 is an essential tumor suppressor in the OS pathological process, which will provide a new opportunity for discovering and identifying novel effective treatment strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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Review

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22 pages, 416 KiB

Open AccessReview

Potential Roles of Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-9 in Human Liver Diseases

by Blanca Herrera¹, Steven Dooley² and Katja Breitkopf-Heinlein^2,*

¹ Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, San Carlos Clinical Hospital Health Research Institute (IdISSC), Madrid 28040, Spain

² Department of Medicine II, Section Molecular Hepatology—Alcohol Associated Diseases, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim 68167, Germany

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5199-5220; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045199 - 25 Mar 2014

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 10805

Abstract

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP-2 to BMP-15) belong to the Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β superfamily and, besides their well-documented roles during embryogenesis and bone formation, some of them have recently been described to be involved in the pathogenesis of different organs, including the liver. [...] Read more.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP-2 to BMP-15) belong to the Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β superfamily and, besides their well-documented roles during embryogenesis and bone formation, some of them have recently been described to be involved in the pathogenesis of different organs, including the liver. The role of BMPs in liver damage responses including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development has only begun to be addressed and strong evidence supports the concept of a pro-tumorigenic role of BMP signaling in HCC cells. BMP-9 (also termed Growth and Differentiation Factor (GDF)-2) represents the most recently discovered member of the BMP family. We have previously demonstrated that in HCC patient samples BMP-9 expression was positively associated with the tumor seize (“T stage”) and that it enhanced cell migration and induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC cells in vitro. In another study we recently found that BMP-9 promotes growth in HCC cells, but not in non-transformed hepatocytes. Published as well as unpublished results obtained with primary hepatocytes support the concept of a dual function of BMP-9 in the liver: while in primary, non-malignant cells BMP-9 stabilizes the epithelial phenotype and inhibits proliferation, in HCC cells it induces cell growth and the acquisition of a migratory phenotype. In this review article we summarize current knowledge about BMPs in liver diseases, with special focus on the role of BMP-9 in HCC development and progression, that may provide new clues for a better understanding of the contribution of BMP-signaling to chronic liver diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Human Liver Diseases)

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12 pages, 527 KiB

Open AccessReview

Terminal Protection of Small Molecule-Linked DNA for Small Molecule–Protein Interaction Assays

by Cui Hu, Zhan Wu, Hao Tang, Li-Juan Tang^*, Ru-Qin Yu and Jian-Hui Jiang^*

State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5221-5232; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045221 - 25 Mar 2014

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 8571

Abstract

Methods for the detection of specific interactions between diverse proteins and various small-molecule ligands are of significant importance in understanding the mechanisms of many critical physiological processes of organisms. The techniques also represent a major avenue to drug screening, molecular diagnostics, [...] Read more.

Methods for the detection of specific interactions between diverse proteins and various small-molecule ligands are of significant importance in understanding the mechanisms of many critical physiological processes of organisms. The techniques also represent a major avenue to drug screening, molecular diagnostics, and public safety monitoring. Terminal protection assay of small molecule-linked DNA is a demonstrated novel methodology which has exhibited great potential for the development of simple, sensitive, specific and high-throughput methods for the detection of small molecule–protein interactions. Herein, we review the basic principle of terminal protection assay, the development of associated methods, and the signal amplification strategies adopted for performance improving in small molecule–protein interaction assay. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proteins and Protein-Ligand Interactions)

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17 pages, 360 KiB

Open AccessReview

Solar Light Photocatalytic CO₂ Reduction: General Considerations and Selected Bench-Mark Photocatalysts

by Ștefan Neațu^†, Juan Antonio Maciá-Agulló^† and Hermenegildo Garcia^*

¹ Instituto Universitario de Tecnología Química CSIC-UPV, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Av. De los Naranjos s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5246-5262; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045246 - 25 Mar 2014

Cited by 137 | Viewed by 16800

Abstract

The reduction of carbon dioxide to useful chemicals has received a great deal of attention as an alternative to the depletion of fossil resources without altering the atmospheric CO₂ balance. As the chemical reduction of CO₂ is energetically uphill due to [...] Read more.

The reduction of carbon dioxide to useful chemicals has received a great deal of attention as an alternative to the depletion of fossil resources without altering the atmospheric CO₂ balance. As the chemical reduction of CO₂ is energetically uphill due to its remarkable thermodynamic stability, this process requires a significant transfer of energy. Achievements in the fields of photocatalysis during the last decade sparked increased interest in the possibility of using sunlight to reduce CO₂. In this review we discuss some general features associated with the photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ for the production of solar fuels, with considerations to be taken into account of the photocatalyst design, of the limitations arising from the lack of visible light response of titania, of the use of co-catalysts to overcome this shortcoming, together with several strategies that have been applied to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of CO₂ reduction. The aim is not to provide an exhaustive review of the area, but to present general aspects to be considered, and then to outline which are currently the most efficient photocatalytic systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Materials Science)

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22 pages, 263 KiB

Open AccessReview

Searching for the Perfect Wave: The Effect of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields on Cells

by Lisa Gherardini¹, Gastone Ciuti², Selene Tognarelli² and Caterina Cinti^1,*

¹ Institute of Clinical Physiology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Siena, Strada Petriccio e Belriguardo, Siena 53100, Italy

² The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pisa 56025, Italy

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5366-5387; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045366 - 27 Mar 2014

Cited by 80 | Viewed by 14247

Abstract

There is a growing concern in the population about the effects that environmental exposure to any source of “uncontrolled” radiation may have on public health. Anxiety arises from the controversial knowledge about the effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure to cells and organisms [...] Read more.

There is a growing concern in the population about the effects that environmental exposure to any source of “uncontrolled” radiation may have on public health. Anxiety arises from the controversial knowledge about the effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure to cells and organisms but most of all concerning the possible causal relation to human diseases. Here we reviewed those in vitro and in vivo and epidemiological works that gave a new insight about the effect of radio frequency (RF) exposure, relating to intracellular molecular pathways that lead to biological and functional outcomes. It appears that a thorough application of standardized protocols is the key to reliable data acquisition and interpretation that could contribute a clearer picture for scientists and lay public. Moreover, specific tuning of experimental and clinical RF exposure might lead to beneficial health effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

22 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessReview

Tug of War between Survival and Death: Exploring ATM Function in Cancer

by Venturina Stagni^1,2, Veronica Oropallo^1,2, Giulia Fianco^1,2, Martina Antonelli^1,2, Irene Cinà^1,2 and Daniela Barilà^1,2,*

¹ Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy

² Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5388-5409; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045388 - 27 Mar 2014

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 7886

Abstract

Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase is a one of the main guardian of genome stability and plays a central role in the DNA damage response (DDR). The deregulation of these pathways is strongly linked to cancer initiation and progression as well as to the [...] Read more.

Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase is a one of the main guardian of genome stability and plays a central role in the DNA damage response (DDR). The deregulation of these pathways is strongly linked to cancer initiation and progression as well as to the development of therapeutic approaches. These observations, along with reports that identify ATM loss of function as an event that may promote tumor initiation and progression, point to ATM as a bona fide tumor suppressor. The identification of ATM as a positive modulator of several signalling networks that sustain tumorigenesis, including oxidative stress, hypoxia, receptor tyrosine kinase and AKT serine-threonine kinase activation, raise the question of whether ATM function in cancer may be more complex. This review aims to give a complete overview on the work of several labs that links ATM to the control of the balance between cell survival, proliferation and death in cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Programmed Cell Death and Apoptosis)

14 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessReview

Signal Transduction of Platelet-Induced Liver Regeneration and Decrease of Liver Fibrosis

by Soichiro Murata, Takehito Maruyama, Takeshi Nowatari, Kazuhiro Takahashi and Nobuhiro Ohkohchi^*

Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5412-5425; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045412 - 28 Mar 2014

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 10321

Abstract

Platelets contain three types of granules: alpha granules, dense granules, and lysosomal granules. Each granule contains various growth factors, cytokines, and other physiological substances. Platelets trigger many kinds of biological responses, such as hemostasis, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. This review presents experimental [...] Read more.

Platelets contain three types of granules: alpha granules, dense granules, and lysosomal granules. Each granule contains various growth factors, cytokines, and other physiological substances. Platelets trigger many kinds of biological responses, such as hemostasis, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. This review presents experimental evidence of platelets in accelerating liver regeneration and improving liver fibrosis. The regenerative effect of liver by platelets consists of three mechanisms; i.e., the direct effect on hepatocytes, the cooperative effect with liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, and the collaborative effect with Kupffer cells. Many signal transduction pathways are involved in hepatocyte proliferation. One is activation of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, which are derived from direct stimulation from growth factors in platelets. The other is signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) activation by interleukin (IL)-6 derived from liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and Kupffer cells, which are stimulated by contact with platelets during liver regeneration. Platelets also improve liver fibrosis in rodent models by inactivating hepatic stellate cells to decrease collagen production. The level of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) is increased by adenosine through its receptors on hepatic stellate cells, resulting in inactivation of these cells. Adenosine is produced by the degradation of adenine nucleotides such as adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP), which are stored in abundance within the dense granules of platelets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Signal Transduction of Tissue Repair)

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20 pages, 376 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current Strategies to Improve the Bioactivity of PEEK

by Rui Ma and Tingting Tang^*

Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Implants, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5426-5445; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045426 - 28 Mar 2014

Cited by 425 | Viewed by 18222

Abstract

The synthetic thermoplastic polymer polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is becoming a popular component of clinical orthopedic and spinal applications, but its practical use suffers from several limitations. Although PEEK is biocompatible, chemically stable, radiolucent and has an elastic modulus similar to that of normal human [...] Read more.

The synthetic thermoplastic polymer polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is becoming a popular component of clinical orthopedic and spinal applications, but its practical use suffers from several limitations. Although PEEK is biocompatible, chemically stable, radiolucent and has an elastic modulus similar to that of normal human bone, it is biologically inert, preventing good integration with adjacent bone tissues upon implantation. Recent efforts have focused on increasing the bioactivity of PEEK to improve the bone-implant interface. Two main strategies have been used to overcome the inert character of PEEK. One approach is surface modification to activate PEEK through surface treatment alone or in combination with a surface coating. Another strategy is to prepare bioactive PEEK composites by impregnating bioactive materials into PEEK substrate. Researchers believe that modified bioactive PEEK will have a wide range of orthopedic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biologic Coatings for Orthopaedic Implant)

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18 pages, 230 KiB

Open AccessReview

Isolation, Bioactivity, and Production of ortho-Hydroxydaidzein and ortho-Hydroxygenistein

by Te-Sheng Chang

Department of Biological Science and Technology, National University of Tainan, 33 Sec. 2 Su-Lin St., Tainan 702, Taiwan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5699-5716; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045699 - 3 Apr 2014

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 14342

Abstract

Daidzein and genistein are two major components of soy isoflavones. They exist abundantly in plants and possess multiple bioactivities. In contrast, ortho-hydroxydaidzein (OHD) and ortho-hydroxygenistein (OHG), including 6-hydroxydaidzein (6-OHD), 8-hydroxydaidzein (8-OHD), 3'-hydroxydaidzein (3'-OHD), 6-hydroxygenistein (6-OHG), 8-hydroxygenistein (8-OHG), and 3'-hydroxygenistein (3'-OHG), are [...] Read more.

Daidzein and genistein are two major components of soy isoflavones. They exist abundantly in plants and possess multiple bioactivities. In contrast, ortho-hydroxydaidzein (OHD) and ortho-hydroxygenistein (OHG), including 6-hydroxydaidzein (6-OHD), 8-hydroxydaidzein (8-OHD), 3'-hydroxydaidzein (3'-OHD), 6-hydroxygenistein (6-OHG), 8-hydroxygenistein (8-OHG), and 3'-hydroxygenistein (3'-OHG), are rarely found in plants. Instead, they are usually isolated from fermented soybean foods or microbial fermentation broth feeding with soybean meal. Accordingly, the bioactivity of OHD and OHG has been investigated less compared to that of soy isoflavones. Recently, OHD and OHG were produced by genetically engineering microorganisms through gene cloning of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme systems. This success opens up bioactivity investigation and industrial applications of OHD and OHG in the future. This article reviews isolation of OHD and OHG from non-synthetic sources and production of the compounds by genetically modified microorganisms. Several bioactivities, such as anticancer and antimelanogenesis-related activities, of OHD and OHG, are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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22 pages, 377 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanoparticle-Mediated Pulmonary Drug Delivery: A Review

by Mukta Paranjpe and Christel C. Müller-Goymann^*

Institute for Pharmaceutical Technology, TU Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstr. 1, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5852-5873; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045852 - 8 Apr 2014

Cited by 409 | Viewed by 21313

Abstract

Colloidal drug delivery systems have been extensively investigated as drug carriers for the application of different drugs via different routes of administration. Systems, such as solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes, have been investigated for a long time for the treatment of [...] Read more.

Colloidal drug delivery systems have been extensively investigated as drug carriers for the application of different drugs via different routes of administration. Systems, such as solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes, have been investigated for a long time for the treatment of various lung diseases. The pulmonary route, owing to a noninvasive method of drug administration, for both local and systemic delivery of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) forms an ideal environment for APIs acting on pulmonary diseases and disorders. Additionally, this route offers many advantages, such as a high surface area with rapid absorption due to high vascularization and circumvention of the first pass effect. Aerosolization or inhalation of colloidal systems is currently being extensively studied and has huge potential for targeted drug delivery in the treatment of various diseases. Furthermore, the surfactant-associated proteins present at the interface enhance the effect of these formulations by decreasing the surface tension and allowing the maximum effect. The most challenging part of developing a colloidal system for nebulization is to maintain the critical physicochemical parameters for successful inhalation. The following review focuses on the current status of different colloidal systems available for the treatment of various lung disorders along with their characterization. Additionally, different in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo cell models developed for the testing of these systems with studies involving cell culture analysis are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotoxicology and Lung Diseases)

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12 pages, 4362 KiB

Open AccessReview

Toxicity and Metabolism of Layered Double Hydroxide Intercalated with Levodopa in a Parkinson’s Disease Model

by Aminu Umar Kura¹, Nooraini Mohd Ain², Mohd Zobir Hussein³, Sharida Fakurazi^1,4,* and Samer Hasan Hussein-Al-Ali^5,6

¹ Laboratory of Vaccine and Immunotherapeutic, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor 43400, Malaysia

² UPM MAKNA Cancer Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor 43400, Malaysia

³ Materials Synthesis and Characterization Laboratory, Institute of Advanced Technology (ITMA), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor 43400, Malaysia

⁴ Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Pharmacology Unit, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor 43400, Malaysia

⁵ Laboratory of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor 43400, Malaysia

⁶ Faculty of pharmacy, Isra'a University, P.O. Box 22, Amman 11622, Jordan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5916-5927; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045916 - 9 Apr 2014

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 7979

Abstract

Layered hydroxide nanoparticles are generally biocompatible, and less toxic than most inorganic nanoparticles, making them an acceptable alternative drug delivery system. Due to growing concern over animal welfare and the expense of in vivo experiments both the public and the government are interested [...] Read more.

Layered hydroxide nanoparticles are generally biocompatible, and less toxic than most inorganic nanoparticles, making them an acceptable alternative drug delivery system. Due to growing concern over animal welfare and the expense of in vivo experiments both the public and the government are interested to find alternatives to animal testing. The toxicity potential of zinc aluminum layered hydroxide (ZAL) nanocomposite containing anti-Parkinsonian agent may be determined using a PC 12 cell model. ZAL nanocomposite demonstrated a decreased cytotoxic effect when compared to levodopa on PC12 cells with more than 80% cell viability at 100 µg/mL compared to less than 20% cell viability in a direct levodopa exposure. Neither levodopa-loaded nanocomposite nor the un-intercalated nanocomposite disturbed the cytoskeletal structure of the neurogenic cells at their IC₅₀ concentration. Levodopa metabolite (HVA) released from the nanocomposite demonstrated the slow sustained and controlled release character of layered hydroxide nanoparticles unlike the burst uptake and release system shown with pure levodopa treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Materials Science)

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15 pages, 372 KiB

Open AccessReview

Differential Signaling by Protease-Activated Receptors: Implications for Therapeutic Targeting

by Tejminder S. Sidhu^†, Shauna L. French^† and Justin R. Hamilton^*

¹ Australian Centre for Blood Diseases & Department of Clinical Haematology, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6169-6183; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046169 - 11 Apr 2014

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 10253

Abstract

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are a family of four G protein-coupled receptors that exhibit increasingly appreciated differences in signaling and regulation both within and between the receptor class. By nature of their proteolytic self-activation mechanism, PARs have unique processes of receptor activation, “ligand” binding, [...] Read more.

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are a family of four G protein-coupled receptors that exhibit increasingly appreciated differences in signaling and regulation both within and between the receptor class. By nature of their proteolytic self-activation mechanism, PARs have unique processes of receptor activation, “ligand” binding, and desensitization/resensitization. These distinctive aspects have presented both challenges and opportunities in the targeting of PARs for therapeutic benefit—the most notable example of which is inhibition of PAR1 on platelets for the prevention of arterial thrombosis. However, more recent studies have uncovered further distinguishing features of PAR-mediated signaling, revealing mechanisms by which identical proteases elicit distinct effects in the same cell, as well as how distinct proteases produce different cellular consequences via the same receptor. Here we review this differential signaling by PARs, highlight how important distinctions between PAR1 and PAR4 are impacting on the progress of a new class of anti-thrombotic drugs, and discuss how these more recent insights into PAR signaling may present further opportunities for manipulating PAR activation and signaling in the development of novel therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling and Regulation)

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40 pages, 3149 KiB

Open AccessReview

Obesity and Its Metabolic Complications: The Role of Adipokines and the Relationship between Obesity, Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, Dyslipidemia and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

by Un Ju Jung and Myung-Sook Choi^*

Center for Food and Nutritional Genomics Research, Kyungpook National University, 1370 Sankyuk Dong Puk-ku, Daegu 702-701, Korea

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6184-6223; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046184 - 11 Apr 2014

Cited by 1508 | Viewed by 66063

Abstract

Accumulating evidence indicates that obesity is closely associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Obesity results from an imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure, which leads to an [...] Read more.

Accumulating evidence indicates that obesity is closely associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Obesity results from an imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure, which leads to an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue. Adipose tissue is now recognized not only as a main site of storage of excess energy derived from food intake but also as an endocrine organ. The expansion of adipose tissue produces a number of bioactive substances, known as adipocytokines or adipokines, which trigger chronic low-grade inflammation and interact with a range of processes in many different organs. Although the precise mechanisms are still unclear, dysregulated production or secretion of these adipokines caused by excess adipose tissue and adipose tissue dysfunction can contribute to the development of obesity-related metabolic diseases. In this review, we focus on the role of several adipokines associated with obesity and the potential impact on obesity-related metabolic diseases. Multiple lines evidence provides valuable insights into the roles of adipokines in the development of obesity and its metabolic complications. Further research is still required to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the metabolic actions of a few newly identified adipokines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Research)

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22 pages, 656 KiB

Open AccessReview

Importance of N-Glycosylation on CD147 for Its Biological Functions

by Yang Bai^†, Wan Huang^†, Li-Tian Ma

, Jian-Li Jiang^* and Zhi-Nan Chen^*

¹ Cell Engineering Research Centre and Department of Cell Biology, State Key Discipline of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6356-6377; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046356 - 15 Apr 2014

Cited by 92 | Viewed by 12005

Abstract

Glycosylation of glycoproteins is one of many molecular changes that accompany malignant transformation. Post-translational modifications of proteins are closely associated with the adhesion, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells. CD147, a tumor-associated antigen that is highly expressed on the cell surface of various [...] Read more.

Glycosylation of glycoproteins is one of many molecular changes that accompany malignant transformation. Post-translational modifications of proteins are closely associated with the adhesion, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells. CD147, a tumor-associated antigen that is highly expressed on the cell surface of various tumors, is a potential target for cancer diagnosis and therapy. A significant biochemical property of CD147 is its high level of glycosylation. Studies on the structure and function of CD147 glycosylation provide valuable clues to the development of targeted therapies for cancer. Here, we review current understanding of the glycosylation characteristics of CD147 and the glycosyltransferases involved in the biosynthesis of CD147 N-glycans. Finally, we discuss proteins regulating CD147 glycosylation and the biological functions of CD147 glycosylation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Glycosylation and Glycoproteins)

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22 pages, 719 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Pericytes in Neurovascular Unit Remodeling in Brain Disorders

by Ayman ElAli^*, Peter Thériault and Serge Rivest

Neuroscience Laboratory, CHU de Québec Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier boul., Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6453-6474; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046453 - 16 Apr 2014

Cited by 105 | Viewed by 17142

Abstract

Neurons are extremely vulnerable cells that tightly rely on the brain’s highly dynamic and complex vascular network that assures an accurate and adequate distribution of nutrients and oxygen. The neurovascular unit (NVU) couples neuronal activity to vascular function, controls brain homeostasis, and maintains [...] Read more.

Neurons are extremely vulnerable cells that tightly rely on the brain’s highly dynamic and complex vascular network that assures an accurate and adequate distribution of nutrients and oxygen. The neurovascular unit (NVU) couples neuronal activity to vascular function, controls brain homeostasis, and maintains an optimal brain microenvironment adequate for neuronal survival by adjusting blood-brain barrier (BBB) parameters based on brain needs. The NVU is a heterogeneous structure constituted by different cell types that includes pericytes. Pericytes are localized at the abluminal side of brain microvessels and contribute to NVU function. Pericytes play essential roles in the development and maturation of the neurovascular system during embryogenesis and stability during adulthood. Initially, pericytes were described as contractile cells involved in controlling neurovascular tone. However, recent reports have shown that pericytes dynamically respond to stress induced by injury upon brain diseases, by chemically and physically communicating with neighboring cells, by their immune properties and by their potential pluripotent nature within the neurovascular niche. As such, in this paper, we would like to review the role of pericytes in NVU remodeling, and their potential as targets for NVU repair strategies and consequently neuroprotection in two pathophysiologically distinct brain disorders: ischemic stroke and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Signal Transduction of Tissue Repair)

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10 pages, 1252 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Biomolecular Basis of Adipogenic Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

by Maria Giovanna Scioli¹, Alessandra Bielli¹, Pietro Gentile²

, Donatella Mazzaglia¹, Valerio Cervelli² and Augusto Orlandi^1,*

¹ Institute of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier, 00133 Rome, Italy

² Institute of Plastic Surgery, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier, 00133 Rome, Italy

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6517-6526; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046517 - 16 Apr 2014

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 10027

Abstract

There is considerable attention regarding the role of receptor signaling and downstream-regulated mediators in the homeostasis of adipocytes, but less information is available concerning adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) biology. Recent studies revealed that the pathways regulating ASC differentiation involve the activity of receptor [...] Read more.

There is considerable attention regarding the role of receptor signaling and downstream-regulated mediators in the homeostasis of adipocytes, but less information is available concerning adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) biology. Recent studies revealed that the pathways regulating ASC differentiation involve the activity of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), including fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, ErbB receptors and the downstream-regulated serine/threonine protein kinase B (Akt) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) activity. RTKs are cell surface receptors that represent key regulators of cellular homeostasis but also play a critical role in the progression of cancer. Many of the metabolic effects and other consequences of activated RTKs are mediated by the modulation of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 (Erk-1) signaling. Akt activity sustains survival and the adipogenic differentiation of ASCs, whereas Erk-1 appears downregulated. The inhibition of FGFR-1, EGFR and ErbB2 reduced proliferation, but only FGFR-1 inihibition reduced Akt activity and adipogenesis. Adipogenesis and neovascularization are also chronologically and spatially coupled processes and RTK activation and downstream targets are also involved in ASC-mediated angiogenesis. The potentiality of ASCs and the possibility to modulate specific molecular pathways underlying ASC biological processes and, in particular, those shared with cancer cells, offer new exciting strategies in the field of regenerative medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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23 pages, 366 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vitamin D: Link between Osteoporosis, Obesity, and Diabetes?

by Flávia Galvão Cândido^* and Josefina Bressan

Laboratory of Body Composition and Energy Metabolism, Departamento de Nutrição e Saúde-CCB II, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Avenida PH Rolfs, s/n, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6569-6591; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046569 - 17 Apr 2014

Cited by 87 | Viewed by 16275

Abstract

Vitamin D (1,25(OH)₂D₃) is a steroid hormone that has a range of physiological functions in skeletal and nonskeletal tissues, and can contribute to prevent and/or treat osteoporosis, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In bone metabolism, vitamin D [...] Read more.

Vitamin D (1,25(OH)₂D₃) is a steroid hormone that has a range of physiological functions in skeletal and nonskeletal tissues, and can contribute to prevent and/or treat osteoporosis, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In bone metabolism, vitamin D increases the plasma levels of calcium and phosphorus, regulates osteoblast and osteoclast the activity, and combats PTH hypersecretion, promoting bone formation and preventing/treating osteoporosis. This evidence is supported by most clinical studies, especially those that have included calcium and assessed the effects of vitamin D doses (≥800 IU/day) on bone mineral density. However, annual megadoses should be avoided as they impair bone health. Recent findings suggest that low serum vitamin D is the consequence (not the cause) of obesity and the results from randomized double-blind clinical trials are still scarce and inconclusive to establish the relationship between vitamin D, obesity, and T2DM. Nevertheless, there is evidence that vitamin D inhibits fat accumulation, increases insulin synthesis and preserves pancreatic islet cells, decreases insulin resistance and reduces hunger, favoring obesity and T2DM control. To date, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of vitamin D as a pathway to prevent and/or treat obesity and T2DM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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8 pages, 302 KiB

Open AccessReview

Towards Personalized Medicine Mediated by in Vitro Virus-Based Interactome Approaches

by Hiroyuki Ohashi and Etsuko Miyamoto-Sato^*

Division of Interactome Medical Sciences, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6717-6724; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046717 - 21 Apr 2014

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6825

Abstract

We have developed a simple in vitro virus (IVV) selection system based on cell-free co-translation, using a highly stable and efficient mRNA display method. The IVV system is applicable to the high-throughput and comprehensive analysis of proteins and protein–ligand interactions. Huge amounts of [...] Read more.

We have developed a simple in vitro virus (IVV) selection system based on cell-free co-translation, using a highly stable and efficient mRNA display method. The IVV system is applicable to the high-throughput and comprehensive analysis of proteins and protein–ligand interactions. Huge amounts of genomic sequence data have been generated over the last decade. The accumulated genetic alterations and the interactome networks identified within cells represent a universal feature of a disease, and knowledge of these aspects can help to determine the optimal therapy for the disease. The concept of the “integrome” has been developed as a means of integrating large amounts of data. We have developed an interactome analysis method aimed at providing individually-targeted health care. We also consider future prospects for this system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proteins and Protein-Ligand Interactions)

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16 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessReview

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction of Carotenoids from Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.): A Review

by Miriana Durante^1,*, Marcello Salvatore Lenucci²

and Giovanni Mita¹

¹ Istituto di Scienze delle Produzioni Alimentari–Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (ISPA-CNR), Via Prov. le Lecce-Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy

² Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali (Di.S.Te.B.A.), Università del Salento, Via Prov. le Lecce-Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6725-6740; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046725 - 21 Apr 2014

Cited by 110 | Viewed by 19760

Abstract

Carotenoids are well known for their nutritional properties and health promoting effects representing attractive ingredients to develop innovative functional foods, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical preparations. Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) flesh has an intense yellow/orange color owing to the high level of carotenoids, mainly α-carotene, [...] Read more.

Carotenoids are well known for their nutritional properties and health promoting effects representing attractive ingredients to develop innovative functional foods, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical preparations. Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) flesh has an intense yellow/orange color owing to the high level of carotenoids, mainly α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin. There is considerable interest in extracting carotenoids and other bioactives from pumpkin flesh. Extraction procedures able to preserve nutritional and pharmacological properties of carotenoids are essential. Conventional extraction methods, such as organic solvent extraction (CSE), have been used to extract carotenoids from plant material for a long time. In recent years, supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) extraction has received a great deal of attention because it is a green technology suitable for the extraction of lipophylic molecules and is able to give extracts of high quality and totally free from potentially toxic chemical solvents. Here, we review the results obtained so far on SC-CO₂ extraction efficiency and quali-quantitative composition of carotenoids from pumpkin flesh. In particular, we consider the effects of (1) dehydration pre-treatments; (2) extraction parameters (temperature and pressure); the use of water, ethanol and olive oil singularly or in combination as entrainers or pumpkin seeds as co-matrix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

14 pages, 196 KiB

Open AccessReview

Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity: Metabolic, Genetic and Immunological Basis

by Dolores B. Njoku

Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Pediatrics and Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, 1800 Orleans Street, Suite 6349, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6990-7003; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046990 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 63 | Viewed by 11635

Abstract

Drug-induced hepatotoxicity is a significant cause of acute liver failure and is usually the primary reason that therapeutic drugs are removed from the commercial market. Multiple mechanisms can culminate in drug hepatotoxicity. Metabolism, genetics and immunology separately and in concert play distinct and [...] Read more.

Drug-induced hepatotoxicity is a significant cause of acute liver failure and is usually the primary reason that therapeutic drugs are removed from the commercial market. Multiple mechanisms can culminate in drug hepatotoxicity. Metabolism, genetics and immunology separately and in concert play distinct and overlapping roles in this process. This review will cover papers we feel have addressed these mechanisms of drug-induced hepatotoxicity in adults following the consumption of commonly used medications. The aim is to generate discussion around “trigger point” papers where the investigators generated new science or provided additional contribution to existing science. Hopefully these discussions will assist in uncovering key areas that need further attention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Xenobiotic Metabolism)

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6 pages, 167 KiB

Open AccessShort Communication

Early Diagnosis of Irkut Virus Infection Using Magnetic Bead-Based Serum Peptide Profiling by MALDI-TOF MS in a Mouse Model

by Nan Li^†, Ye Liu^†, Zhuo Hao, Shoufeng Zhang, Rongliang Hu^* and Jiping Li^*

¹ Military Veterinary Research Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 666 Liuying West Road, Jingyue Economic Development Zone, Changchun 130122, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5193-5198; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045193 - 25 Mar 2014

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5291

Abstract

Early diagnosis is important for the prompt post-exposure prophylaxis of lyssavirus infections. To diagnose Irkut virus (IRKV) infection during incubation in mice, a novel method using magnetic bead-based serum peptide profiling by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been established. [...] Read more.

Early diagnosis is important for the prompt post-exposure prophylaxis of lyssavirus infections. To diagnose Irkut virus (IRKV) infection during incubation in mice, a novel method using magnetic bead-based serum peptide profiling by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been established. For this test, serum peptides were concentrated by adsorption to and elution from the magnetic bead-based weak cation ion exchanger. Mass spectrograms obtained by MALDI-TOF MS were analyzed using ClinProTools bioinformatics software. Construction of the diagnostic model was performed using serum samples from mice infected with IRKV and rabies virus (RABV) BD06, Flury-LEP, and SRV₉ (as controls). The method accurately diagnosed sera 2, 4 and 8 days after IRKV and RABV infections. The sensitivity, specificity, and total accuracy of diagnosis were 86.7%, 95.2%, and 92.9%, respectively. However, IRKV could not be differentiated from RABV 1 day after infection. The results of the present study indicate that serum peptide profiling by MALDI-TOF MS is a promising technique for the early clinical diagnosis of lyssavirus infections and needs to be further tested in humans and farm animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)

2 pages, 166 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Kikuchi, K., et al., Potential of the Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) Telmisartan, Irbesartan, and Candesartan for Inhibiting the HMGB1/RAGE Axis in Prevention and Acute Treatment of Stroke. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2013, 14, 18899–18924.

by Kiyoshi Kikuchi^1,2,3, Salunya Tancharoen¹, Takashi Ito⁴, Yoko Morimoto-Yamashita⁵, Naoki Miura⁶, Ko-ichi Kawahara⁷, Ikuro Maruyama⁴, Yoshinaka Murai² and Eiichiro Tanaka^2,*

¹ Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, 6 Yothe Road, Rajthevee, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

² Division of Brain Science, Department of Physiology, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume 830-0011, Japan

³ Department of Neurosurgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume 830-0011, Japan

⁴ Department of Systems Biology in Thromboregulation, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan

⁵ Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan

⁶ Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan

⁷ Laboratory of Functional Foods, Department of Biomedical Engineering Osaka Institute of Technology, 5-16-1 Omiya, Asahi Ward, Osaka 535-8585, Japan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5410-5411; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045410 - 27 Mar 2014

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5282

Abstract

The original version of the paper [1] reports that "This ACTIVE I study was supported by Pfizer" (Page 18905). However, the sponsors of the ACTIVE I study were actually Bristol-Myers Squibb and Sanofi-Aventis rather than Pfizer. [...] Full article

9 pages, 357 KiB

Open AccessShort Communication

Microarray-Based Gene Expression Profiling to Elucidate Effectiveness of Fermented Codonopsis lanceolata in Mice

by Woon Yong Choi¹, Ji Seon Kim¹, Sung Jin Park², Choong Je Ma¹ and Hyeon Yong Lee^3,*

¹ Department of Medical Biomaterials Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Korea

² Department of Tourism Food Service Cuisine, Hallym Polytechnic University, Gangwon 200-711, Korea

³ Department of Food Science and Technology, Seowon University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-742, Korea

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5907-5915; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045907 - 8 Apr 2014

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5621

Abstract

In this study, the effect of Codonopsis lanceolata fermented by lactic acid on controlling gene expression levels related to obesity was observed in an oligonucleotide chip microarray. Among 8170 genes, 393 genes were up regulated and 760 genes were down regulated in feeding [...] Read more.

In this study, the effect of Codonopsis lanceolata fermented by lactic acid on controlling gene expression levels related to obesity was observed in an oligonucleotide chip microarray. Among 8170 genes, 393 genes were up regulated and 760 genes were down regulated in feeding the fermented C. lanceolata (FCL). Another 374 genes were up regulated and 527 genes down regulated without feeding the sample. The genes were not affected by the FCL sample. It was interesting that among those genes, Chytochrome P450, Dmbt1, LOC76487, and thyroid hormones, etc., were mostly up or down regulated. These genes are more related to lipid synthesis. We could conclude that the FCL possibly controlled the gene expression levels related to lipid synthesis, which resulted in reducing obesity. However, more detailed protein expression experiments should be carried out. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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Int. J. Mol. Sci., Volume 15, Issue 4 (April 2014) – 121 articles , Pages 5193-7048

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