Pathophysiological interplay between O-GlcNAc transferase and the Machado–Joseph disease protein ataxin-3

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (47) ◽  
pp. e2025810118
Author(s):  
Priscila Pereira Sena ◽  
Jonasz J. Weber ◽  
Maxinne Watchon ◽  
Katherine J. Robinson ◽  
Zinah Wassouf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Impairment ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Zebrafish Model ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Polyglutamine Disorders ◽  
Neuronal Proteins ◽  
Disease Protein ◽  
Machado Joseph Disease ◽  
Glcnac Transferase

Aberrant O-GlcNAcylation, a protein posttranslational modification defined by the O-linked attachment of the monosaccharide N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc), has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. However, although many neuronal proteins are substrates for O-GlcNAcylation, this process has not been extensively investigated in polyglutamine disorders. We aimed to evaluate the enzyme O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), which attaches O-GlcNAc to target proteins, in Machado–Joseph disease (MJD). MJD is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by ataxia and caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine stretch within the deubiquitinase ataxin-3, which then present increased propensity to aggregate. By analyzing MJD cell and animal models, we provide evidence that OGT is dysregulated in MJD, therefore compromising the O-GlcNAc cycle. Moreover, we demonstrate that wild-type ataxin-3 modulates OGT protein levels in a proteasome-dependent manner, and we present OGT as a substrate for ataxin-3. Targeting OGT levels and activity reduced ataxin-3 aggregates, improved protein clearance and cell viability, and alleviated motor impairment reminiscent of ataxia of MJD patients in zebrafish model of the disease. Taken together, our results point to a direct interaction between OGT and ataxin-3 in health and disease and propose the O-GlcNAc cycle as a promising target for the development of therapeutics in the yet incurable MJD.

A Role for Splicing Factors and the Transcriptional Machinery in the Pathophysiology of Fanconi Anemia,

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 3443-3443
Author(s):  
Allison M Green ◽  
James B Wilson ◽  
Nigel J Jones ◽  
Gary M. Kupfer
Keyword(s):  
Dna Damage ◽  
Fanconi Anemia ◽  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Congenital Defects ◽  
Splicing Factors ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Transcriptional Machinery ◽  
In Cells

Abstract Abstract 3443 Introduction: Fanconi anemia(FA) is an autosomal and X-linked recessive genetic disorder characterized by congenital defects, aplastic anemia, and a predisposition to cancer. At the cellular level, patients with FA display hypersensitivity to DNA crosslinking agents and increased levels of chromosomal instability. Because of these cellular phenotypes, the FA pathway has been thought to function in DNA damage repair response. Our data suggest that one of the ways in which the FA pathway maintains genomic stability within cells is by preventing aberrant transcription following DNA damage. This regulation may be accomplished through a connection to splicing factors or through direct interaction with the transcriptional machinery itself (RNAPII). Methods: siRNA transfections were used to reduce protein levels of splicing factors. Survival assays were performed to determine cell sensitivity to mitomycin C (MMC). Chromatin extractions were performed to determine chromatin loading of proteins. Immunoprecipitations were used to determine protein-protein interactions. Results: Previous studies in our lab have shown that siRNA mediated knock down of the splicing factors ASF/SF2 and SC35 but not SRp55 result in decreased levels of FANCD2 ubiquitylation following MMC treatment and hypersensitivity to MMC. We have since shown that depletion of ASF/SF2 and SC35 but not SRp55 also prevents proper FANCD2 chromatin loading following MMC treatment. As depletion of the splicing factor ASF/SF2 has also been demonstrated to increase cellular genomic instability through the formation of increased levels of R-loop structures, we next wanted to determine what effects increased levels of RNaseH would have on activation of the FA pathway in cells with decreased ASF/SF2 expression. Interestingly, RNaseH overexpression was able to partially rescue the decreased levels of FANCD2 ubiquitylation following MMC treatment and hypersensitivity to MMC seen in cells with decreased protein levels of ASF/SF2. As splicing has been shown to occur co-transcriptionally, we next went on to determine whether transcription occurs normally in cells lacking an intact FA pathway. We discovered that proper degradation of the hyperphosphorylated, transcription competent form of RNAPII in response to DNA damage is dependent upon an intact FA pathway as cells mutant in FANCA or FANCD2 show delayed RNAPII degradation following MMC treatment. Accordingly, we also saw a decrease in the levels of RNAPII interacting with FANCD2 in chromatin after similar, short term MMC treatments. This was accompanied by FANCD2 interaction with RNAPII and BARD1 in a FANCD2 ubiquitylation-dependent manner. Conclusions: These results suggest that the FA pathway may play a part in regulating transcription via a connection to splicing factors and through direct interaction with the transcriptional machinery itself as a means of initiating the DNA damage response. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The Natural Flavonoid Naringenin Inhibits the Cell Growth of WilmsTumorinChildren by Suppressing TLR4/NF-κB Signaling

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongtao Li ◽  
Peng Chen ◽  
Lei Chen ◽  
Xinning Wang
Keyword(s):  
Cell Growth ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Wilms Tumor ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Luciferase Assay ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Tlr4 Expression ◽  
Protein Levels

Background: Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is usually activated in Wilms tumor (WT) cells and plays a critical role in WT development. Objective: The study purpose was to screen a NF-κB inhibitor from natural product library and explore its effects on WT development. Methods: Luciferase assay was employed to assess the effects of natural chemical son NF-κB activity. CCK-8 assay was conducted to assess cell growth in response to naringenin. WT xenograft model was established to analyze the effect of naringenin in vivo. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were performed to examine the mRNA and protein levels of relative genes, respectively. Results: Naringenin displayed significant inhibitory effect on NF-κB activation in SK-NEP-1 cells. In SK-NEP-1 and G-401 cells, naringenin inhibited p65 phosphorylation. Moreover, naringenin suppressed TNF-α-induced p65 phosphorylation in WT cells. Naringenin inhibited TLR4 expression at both mRNA and protein levels in WT cells. CCK-8 staining showed that naringenin inhibited cell growth of the two above WT cells in dose-and time-dependent manner, whereas Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) over expression partially reversed the above phenomena. Besides, naringenin suppressed WT tumor growth in dose-and time-dependent manner in vivo. Western blot found that naringenin inhibited TLR4 expression and p65 phosphorylation in WT xenograft tumors. Conclusion: Naringenin inhibits WT development viasuppressing TLR4/NF-κB signaling

Platelet-Rich and Platelet-Poor Plasma Might Play Supportive Roles in Cancer Cell Culture: A Replacement for Fetal Bovine Serum?

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehdi Talebi ◽  
Mousa Vatanmakanian ◽  
Ali Mirzaei ◽  
Yaghoub Barfar ◽  
Maryam Hemmatzadeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Culture ◽  
Cell Growth ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
High Price ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Platelet Poor Plasma ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Healthy Donors ◽  
Regulatory Functions

Background: Platelet-rich (PRP) and Platelet-poor plasma (PPP) are widely used in research and clinical platforms mainly due to their capacities to enhance cell growth. Although short half-life (5 days) and the high price of platelet products pose challenges regarding their usage, they maintain the growth regulatory functions for weeks. Thus, we aimed to assess the supplementary values of these products in human CCRF-CEM cancer cells. Mechanistically, we also checked if the PRP/PPP treatment enhances YKL-40 expression as a known protein regulating cell growth. Methods: The PRP/PPP was prepared from healthy donors using manual stepwise centrifugation and phase separation. The viability of the cells treated with gradient PRP/PPP concentrations (2, 5, 10, and 15%) was measured by the MTT assay. The YKL-40 mRNA and protein levels were assessed using qRT-PCR and western blotting. The data were compared to FBS-treated cells. Result: Our findings revealed that the cells treated by PRP/PPP not only were morphologically comparable to those treated by FBS but also, they showed greater viability at the concentrations of 10 and 15%. Moreover, it was shown that PRP/PPP induce cell culture support, at least in part, via inducing YKL-40 expression at both mRNA and protein levels in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Collectively, by showing cell culture support comparable to FBS, the PRP/PPP might be used as good candidates to supplement the cancer cell culture and overcome concerns regarding the use of FBS as a non-human source in human cancer research.

scholarly journals Colorectal Cancer Apoptosis Induced by Dietary δ-Valerobetaine Involves PINK1/Parkin Dependent-Mitophagy and SIRT3

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 8117
Author(s):  
Nunzia D’Onofrio ◽  
Elisa Martino ◽  
Luigi Mele ◽  
Antonino Colloca ◽  
Martina Maione ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Colon Cancer ◽  
Mitochondrial Dysfunction ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Colon Cancer Cells ◽  
Protein Levels

Understanding the mechanisms of colorectal cancer progression is crucial in the setting of strategies for its prevention. δ-Valerobetaine (δVB) is an emerging dietary metabolite showing cytotoxic activity in colon cancer cells via autophagy and apoptosis. Here, we aimed to deepen current knowledge on the mechanism of δVB-induced colon cancer cell death by investigating the apoptotic cascade in colorectal adenocarcinoma SW480 and SW620 cells and evaluating the molecular players of mitochondrial dysfunction. Results indicated that δVB reduced cell viability in a time-dependent manner, reaching IC50 after 72 h of incubation with δVB 1.5 mM, and caused a G2/M cell cycle arrest with upregulation of cyclin A and cyclin B protein levels. The increased apoptotic cell rate occurred via caspase-3 activation with a concomitant loss in mitochondrial membrane potential and SIRT3 downregulation. Functional studies indicated that δVB activated mitochondrial apoptosis through PINK1/Parkin pathways, as upregulation of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3B protein levels was observed (p < 0.0001). Together, these findings support a critical role of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis induced by δVB in SW480 and SW620 colon cancer cells.

scholarly journals Silencing of Vangl2 attenuates the inflammation promoted by Wnt5a via MAPK and NF-κB pathway in chondrocytes

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ke Zhang ◽  
Zhuoying Li ◽  
Yunyang Lu ◽  
Linyi Xiang ◽  
Jiadong Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blotting ◽  
Planar Cell Polarity ◽  
Type Ii Collagen ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Inflammatory Microenvironment ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Oa Chondrocytes

Abstract Background The Wnt planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway is implicated in osteoarthritis (OA) both in animals and in humans. Van Gogh-like 2 (Vangl2) is a key PCP protein that is required for the orientation and alignment of chondrocytes in the growth plate. However, its functional roles in OA still remain undefined. Here, we explored the effects of Vangl2 on OA chondrocyte in vitro and further elucidated the molecular mechanism of silencing Vangl2 in Wnt5a-overexpressing OA chondrocytes. Methods Chondrocytes were treated with IL-1β (10 ng/mL) to simulate the inflammatory microenvironment of OA. The expression levels of Vangl2, Wnt5a, MMPs, and related proinflammatory cytokines were measured by RT-qPCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) of Vangl2 and the plasmid targeting Wnt5a were constructed and transfected into ATDC5 cells. Then, the functional roles of silencing Vangl2 in the OA chondrocytes were investigated by Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and immunocytochemistry (ICC). Transfected OA chondrocytes were subjected to Western blotting to analyze the relationship between Vangl2 and related signaling pathways. Results IL-1β induced the production of Vangl2, Wnt5a, and MMPs in a time-dependent manner and the significantly increased expression of Vangl2. Vangl2 silencing effectively suppressed the expression of MMP3, MMP9, MMP13, and IL-6 at both gene and protein levels and upregulated the expression of type II collagen and aggrecan. Moreover, knockdown of Vangl2 inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPK signaling molecules (P38, ERK, and JNK) and P65 in Wnt5a-overexpressing OA chondrocytes. Conclusions For the first time, we demonstrate that Vangl2 is involved in the OA process. Vangl2 silencing can notably alleviate OA progression in vitro by inhibiting the expression of MMPs and increasing the formation of the cartilage matrix and can inhibit the proinflammatory effects of Wnt5a via MAPK and NF-κB pathway. This study provides new insight into the mechanism of cartilage inflammation.

scholarly journals Epigenetic Modulation of TLR4 Expression by Sulforaphane Increases Anti-Inflammatory Capacity in Porcine Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 490
Author(s):  
Xueqi Qu ◽  
Christiane Neuhoff ◽  
Mehmet Ulas Cinar ◽  
Maren Pröll ◽  
Ernst Tholen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Dendritic Cells ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Dna Demethylation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Hdac Activity ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Epigenetic Modulation

Inflammation is regulated by epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone acetylation. Sulforaphane (SFN), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, is also a potent immunomodulatory agent, but its anti-inflammatory functions through epigenetic modifications remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the epigenetic effects of SFN in maintaining the immunomodulatory homeostasis of innate immunity during acute inflammation. For this purpose, SFN-induced epigenetic changes and expression levels of immune-related genes in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) were analyzed. These results demonstrated that SFN inhibited HDAC activity and caused histone H3 and H4 acetylation. SFN treatment also induced DNA demethylation in the promoter region of the MHC-SLA1 gene, resulting in the upregulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), MHC-SLA1, and inflammatory cytokines’ expression at 6 h of LPS stimulation. Moreover, the protein levels of cytokines in the cell culture supernatants were significantly inhibited by SFN pre-treatment followed by LPS stimulation in a time-dependent manner, suggesting that inhibition of HDAC activity and DNA methylation by SFN may restrict the excessive inflammatory cytokine availability in the extracellular environment. We postulate that SFN may exert a protective and anti-inflammatory function by epigenetically influencing signaling pathways in experimental conditions employing porcine moDCs.

scholarly journals Aggregated Tau-PHF6 (VQIVYK) Potentiates NLRP3 Inflammasome Expression and Autophagy in Human Microglial Cells

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1652
Author(s):  
Chinmaya Panda ◽  
Clara Voelz ◽  
Pardes Habib ◽  
Christian Mevissen ◽  
Thomas Pufe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tau Protein ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Microglial Cells ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Progressive Dementia ◽  
Microglial Polarization ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Pyrin Domain

Intra-neuronal misfolding of monomeric tau protein to toxic β-sheet rich neurofibrillary tangles is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Tau pathology correlates not only with progressive dementia but also with microglia-mediated inflammation in AD. Amyloid-beta (Aβ), another pathogenic peptide involved in AD, has been shown to activate NLRP3 inflammasome (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3), triggering the secretion of proinflammatory interleukin-1β (IL1β) and interleukin-18 (IL18). However, the effect of tau protein on microglia concerning inflammasome activation, microglial polarization, and autophagy is poorly understood. In this study, human microglial cells (HMC3) were stimulated with the unaggregated and aggregated forms of the tau-derived PHF6 peptide (VQIVYK). Modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome was examined by qRT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, and Western blot. We demonstrate that fibrillar aggregates of VQIVYK upregulated the NLRP3 expression at both mRNA and protein levels in a dose- and time-dependent manner, leading to increased expression of IL1β and IL18 in HMC3 cells. Aggregated PHF6-peptide also activated other related inflammation and microglial polarization markers. Furthermore, we also report a time-dependent effect of the aggregated PHF6 on BECN1 (Beclin-1) expression and autophagy. Overall, the PHF6 model system-based study may help to better understand the complex interconnections between Alzheimer’s PHF6 peptide aggregation and microglial inflammation, polarization, and autophagy.

scholarly journals Lamellipodin and the Scar/WAVE complex cooperate to promote cell migration in vivo

2013 ◽  
Vol 203 (4) ◽  
pp. 673-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ah-Lai Law ◽  
Anne Vehlow ◽  
Maria Kotini ◽  
Lauren Dodgson ◽  
Daniel Soong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Neural Crest ◽  
Neural Crest Cell ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Border Cell ◽  
Promote Cell Migration ◽  
Wave Complex

Cell migration is essential for development, but its deregulation causes metastasis. The Scar/WAVE complex is absolutely required for lamellipodia and is a key effector in cell migration, but its regulation in vivo is enigmatic. Lamellipodin (Lpd) controls lamellipodium formation through an unknown mechanism. Here, we report that Lpd directly binds active Rac, which regulates a direct interaction between Lpd and the Scar/WAVE complex via Abi. Consequently, Lpd controls lamellipodium size, cell migration speed, and persistence via Scar/WAVE in vitro. Moreover, Lpd knockout mice display defective pigmentation because fewer migrating neural crest-derived melanoblasts reach their target during development. Consistently, Lpd regulates mesenchymal neural crest cell migration cell autonomously in Xenopus laevis via the Scar/WAVE complex. Further, Lpd’s Drosophila melanogaster orthologue Pico binds Scar, and both regulate collective epithelial border cell migration. Pico also controls directed cell protrusions of border cell clusters in a Scar-dependent manner. Taken together, Lpd is an essential, evolutionary conserved regulator of the Scar/WAVE complex during cell migration in vivo.

scholarly journals Galanin inhibits leptin expression and secretion in rat adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 adipocytes

2004 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
RY Li ◽  
HD Song ◽  
WJ Shi ◽  
SM Hu ◽  
YS Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Orexigenic Peptide ◽  
Fat Depot ◽  
Rat Adipose Tissue ◽  
Leptin Expression

In addition to serving as a fat depot, adipose tissue is also considered as an important endocrine organ that synthesizes and secretes a number of factors. Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that plays a vital role in energy balance. Expression of leptin is regulated by dietary status and hormones. In the present study, we report that galanin, an orexigenic peptide, inhibits leptin expression and secretion in rat adipose tissue and in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Treatment with galanin (25 micro g/animal) induced approximately 46% down-regulation of leptin secretion at 15 min, followed by 40, 37 and 47% decreases in leptin secretion at 1, 2 and 4 h respectively. Although Northern blot analysis of adipose tissue from the same animals showed that leptin mRNA expression in adipose tissue was unaffected by galanin treatment for 2 h, galanin treatment for 4 h led to decline of leptin mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, treating the rats with galanin had no effect on leptin mRNA expression in the hypothalamus. The inhibitory action of the galanin on leptin mRNA and protein levels was also observed in vitro. When incubated with 10 nM galanin for 48 h, leptin mRNA expression and protein secretion also decreased in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. On the other hand, galanin was found not only to express in rat adipose tissue, but also to increase about 8-fold after fasting. Based on these data, we speculate that increased galanin expression in rat adipose tissue after fasting may be involved in reducing leptin expression and secretion in fasting rats.

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal dynamics of OCT4 protein localization during preimplantation development in mice

Reproduction ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 152 (5) ◽  
pp. 417-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsushi Fukuda ◽  
Atsushi Mitani ◽  
Toshiyuki Miyashita ◽  
Hisato Kobayashi ◽  
Akihiro Umezawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Splice Variants ◽  
Protein Localization ◽  
Preimplantation Development ◽  
Preimplantation Embryos ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Cell Stage ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Oct4 Protein

Spatiotemporal expression of transcription factors is crucial for genomic reprogramming. Pou5f1 (Oct4) is an essential transcription factor for reprogramming. A recent study reported that OCT4A, which is crucial for establishment and maintenance of pluripotent cells, is expressed in oocytes, but maternal OCT4A is dispensable for totipotency induction. Whereas another study reported that OCT4B, which is not related to pluripotency, is predominantly expressed instead of OCT4A during early preimplantation phases in mice. To determine the expression states of OCT4 in murine preimplantation embryos, we conducted in-depth expression and functional analyses. We found that pluripotency-related OCT4 mainly localizes to the cytoplasm in early preimplantation phases, with no major nuclear localization until the 8–16-cell stage despite high expression in both oocytes and early embryos. RNA-sequencing analysis using oocytes and early preimplantation embryos could not identify the splice variants creating alternative forms of OCT4 protein. Forced expression of OCT4 in zygotes by the injection of polyadenylated mRNA clearly showed nuclear localization of OCT4 protein around 3–5-fold greater than physiological levels and impaired developmental competency in a dose-dependent manner. Embryos with modest overexpression of OCT4 could develop to the 16-cell stage; however, more than 50% of the embryos were arrested at this stage, similar to the results for OCT4 depletion. In contrast, extensive overexpression of OCT4 resulted in complete arrest at the 2-cell stage accompanied by downregulation of zygotically activated genes and repetitive elements related to the totipotent state. These results demonstrated that OCT4 protein localization was spatiotemporally altered during preimplantation development, and strict control of Oct4 protein levels was essential for proper totipotential reprogramming.

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