scholarly journals Microbiota-dependent and independent production of L-Dopa in the gut of Daphnia magna

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rehab El-Shehawy ◽  
Sandra Luecke-Johansson ◽  
Anton Ribbenstedt ◽  
Elena Gorokhova
Keyword(s):  
Tyrosine Hydroxylase ◽  
Daphnia Magna ◽  
Gut Bacteria ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Dopa Decarboxylase ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Molt Cycle ◽  
Model Species ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Ecological Performance

The host-microbiome interactions are essential for the physiological and ecological performance of the host, yet these interactions are challenging to identify. Neurotransmitters are commonly implicated in these interactions, but we know very little about the mechanisms of their involvement, especially in invertebrates. Here, we report a peripheral Catecholamine (CA) pathway involving the gut microbiome of the model species Daphnia magna. We demonstrate that: (1) tyrosine hydroxylase and dopa decarboxylase enzymes are present in the gut wall; (2) DOPA decarboxylase gene is expressed in the gut by the host, and its expression follows the molt cycle peaking after ecdysis; (3) biologically active L-Dopa, but not Dopamine, is present in the gut lumen; and (4) gut bacteria produce L-Dopa in a concentration-dependent manner when provided L-Tyrosine as a substrate. Impinging on gut bacteria involvement in host physiology and ecologically relevant traits, we suggest L-Dopa as a communication agent in the host-microbiome interactions in daphnids and, possibly, other crustaceans.

Beta-adrenergic agonists attenuate fibroblast-mediated contraction of released collagen gels

1996 ◽  
Vol 270 (5) ◽  
pp. L829-L835 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Mio ◽  
Y. Adachi ◽  
S. Carnevali ◽  
D. J. Romberger ◽  
J. R. Spurzem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Collagen Gels ◽  
Adrenergic Agonists ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Beta Adrenergic ◽  
Cyclic Monophosphate ◽  
Beta Adrenergic Agonists ◽  
Collagen Gel Contraction

The effects of beta-adrenergic agonists on fibroblast-mediated collagen gel contraction were investigated. beta-Agonists isoproterenol and epinephrine significantly attenuated fibroblast-mediated gel contraction in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas alpha-agonist norepinephrine had no effect. The biologically active form of isoproterenol, (-)-isoproterenol, was 10-fold more effective than the optical isoform, (+)-isoproterenol. beta-Antagonists sotalol and propranolol reversed the attenuation caused by 10(-7) M isoproterenol or epinephrine at the concentration of 10(-7) M or 10(-6) M, but the alpha-antagonist phentolamine did not. However, beta1- or beta2-specificity of these effects is not clear. Isobutyl methylxanthine augmented the effect of isoproterenol and also prolonged the duration. Two reagents which are known to increase intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), prostaglandin E2 and dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, attenuated gel contraction in a concentration-dependent manner. These data suggest that the fibroblast-mediated collagen gel contraction can be modulated by beta-adrenergic agonists and that the effect depends on cAMP.

scholarly journals Panax quinquefolium L. Ginsenosides from Hairy Root Cultures and Their Clones Exert Cytotoxic, Genotoxic and Pro-Apoptotic Activity towards Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cell Line Caco-2

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 2262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewa Kochan ◽  
Adriana Nowak ◽  
Małgorzata Zakłos-Szyda ◽  
Daria Szczuka ◽  
Grażyna Szymańska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Line ◽  
Hairy Root ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Hairy Root Cultures ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Root Cultures ◽  
Panax Quinquefolium ◽  
Adenocarcinoma Cell Line ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Adenocarcinoma Cell

American ginseng, Panax quinquefolium (L.), is traditionally used in folk medicine. It exhibits a range of anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-carcinogenic effects. Its main components are ginsenosides, also known as panaxosides or triterpene saponins. In order to obtain high yields of ginsenosides, different methods of controlled production are involved, i.e., with hairy root cultures. However, they are still employed under in vitro conditions. Our studies revealed that hairy root cultures subjected to an elicitation process can be considered as a potent source of ginsenosides. The present study examines the biological activity of ginseng hairy root cultures against the Caco-2 human adenocarcinoma cell line. Among our six different clones of P. quinquefolium hairy roots, extracts B and Be (treated with elicitor) were the strongest inhibitors of the cellular metabolic activity. While all extracts induced DNA damage, B and Be also generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a concentration-dependent manner, which was correlated with the depletion of the mitochondrial membrane potential and induction of apoptosis. These findings indicate that further research concerning P. quinquefolium hairy root cultures should focus on the activity of rare ginsenosides and other biologically active compound profiles (i.e., phenolic compounds).

scholarly journals Targeted Delivery of Gene Silencing in Fungi Using Genetically Engineered Bacteria

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 125
Author(s):  
Jonatan Niño-Sánchez ◽  
Li-Hung Chen ◽  
Jorge Teodoro De Souza ◽  
Sandra Mosquera ◽  
Ioannis Stergiopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Targeted Delivery ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Thaw Cycle ◽  
Living Bacteria

Exploiting RNA interference (RNAi) in disease control through non-transformative methods that overcome the hurdle of producing transgenic plants has attracted much attention over the last years. Here, we explored such a method and used non-pathogenic bacteria as a versatile system for delivering RNAi to fungi. Specifically, the RNaseIII-null mutant strain of Escherichia coli HT115(DE3) was transformed with two plasmid vectors that enabled the constitutive or IPTG-inducible production of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) against genes involved in aflatoxins production in Aspergillus flavus (AflC) or virulence of Botrytis cinerea (BcSAS1). To facilitate the release of the dsRNAs, the bacterial cells were further genetically engineered to undergo a bacteriophage endolysin R-mediated autolysis, following a freeze-thaw cycle. Exposure under in vitro conditions of A. flavus or B. cinerea to living bacteria or their whole-cell autolysates induced silencing of AflC and BcSAS1 in a bacteria concentration-dependent manner, and instigated a reduction in aflatoxins production and mycelial growth, respectively. In planta applications of the living bacteria or their crude whole-cell autolysates produced similar results, thus creating a basis for translational research. These results demonstrate that bacteria can produce biologically active dsRNA against target genes in fungi and that bacteria-mediated RNAi can be used to control fungal pathogens.

scholarly journals Brevinin-1 and multiple insulin-releasing peptides in the skin of the frog Rana palustris

2004 ◽  
Vol 181 (2) ◽  
pp. 347-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Marenah ◽  
PR Flatt ◽  
DF Orr ◽  
S McClean ◽  
C Shaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Amino Acid Sequence ◽  
Insulin Release ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Mass Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Bicarbonate Buffer ◽  
Skin Secretions

Few studies have comprehensively examined amphibian granular gland secretions for novel insulinotropic peptides. This study involved isolation and characterisation of biologically active peptides from the skin secretions of Rana palustris frogs. Crude secretions obtained by mild electrical stimulation from the dorsal skin surface were purified by reversed-phase HPLC on a semipreparative Vydac C18 column, yielding 80 fractions. These fractions were assayed for insulin-releasing activity using glucose-responsive BRIN-BD11 cells. Acute 20 min incubations were performed in Krebs Ringer bicarbonate buffer supplemented with 5.6 mmol/l glucose in the absence (control) and presence of various fractions. Fractions 29-54 and fractions 68-75 showed significant 2.0-6.5-fold increases in insulin-releasing activity (P<0.001). The fractions showing most prominent insulinotropic activity were further purified to single homogeneous peaks, which, on testing, evoked 1.5-2.8-fold increases in insulin release (P<0.001). The structures of the purified peptides were determined by mass spectrometry and N-terminal amino acid sequencing. Electrospray ionisation ion-trap mass spectrometry analysis revealed molecular masses of 2873.5-8560.4 Da. Sufficient material was isolated to determine the primary amino acid sequence of the 2873.5 Da peptide, revealing a 27 amino acid sequence, ALSILRGLEKLAKMGIALTNCKATKKC, repressing palustrin-1c. The database search for this peptide showed a 48% homology with brevinin-1, an antimicrobial peptide isolated from various Rana species, which itself stimulated insulin release from BRIN-BD11 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, the skin secretions of R. palustris frogs contain a novel class of peptides with insulin-releasing activity that merit further investigation.

scholarly journals Activity of Antioxidants from Crocus sativus L. Petals: Potential Preventive Effects towards Cardiovascular System

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1102
Author(s):  
Keti Zeka ◽  
Pasquale Marrazzo ◽  
Matteo Micucci ◽  
Ketan C. Ruparelia ◽  
Randolph R. J. Arroo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Viability ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Crocus Sativus ◽  
Intrinsic Activity ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Biological Assays ◽  
Crocus Sativus L

The petals of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus L.) are considered a waste material in saffron production, but may be a sustainable source of natural biologically active substances of nutraceutical interest. The aim of this work was to study the cardiovascular effects of kaempferol and crocin extracted from saffron petals. The antiarrhythmic, inotropic, and chronotropic effects of saffron petal extract (SPE), kaempferol, and crocin were evaluated through in vitro biological assays. The antioxidant activity of kaempferol and crocin was investigated through the 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay using rat cardiomyoblast cell line H9c2. The MTT assay was applied to assess the effects of kaempferol and crocin on cell viability. SPE showed weak negative inotropic and chronotropic intrinsic activities but a significant intrinsic activity on smooth muscle with a potency on the ileum greater than on the aorta: EC50 = 0.66 mg/mL versus EC50 = 1.45 mg/mL. Kaempferol and crocin showed a selective negative inotropic activity. In addition, kaempferol decreased the contraction induced by KCl (80 mM) in guinea pig aortic and ileal strips, while crocin had no effect. Furthermore, following oxidative stress, both crocin and kaempferol decreased intracellular ROS formation and increased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. The results indicate that SPE, a by-product of saffron cultivation, may represent a good source of phytochemicals with a potential application in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

scholarly journals Caseinolytic Proteins (Clp) in the Genus Klebsiella: Special Focus on ClpK

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 200
Author(s):  
Tehrim Motiwala ◽  
Blessing Oluebube Akumadu ◽  
Sbahle Zuma ◽  
Mbalenhle Sizamile Mfeka ◽  
Wanping Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Protein Quality ◽  
Exchange Chromatography ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Cell Protein ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Dynamic Simulations ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner

Caseinolytic proteins (Clp), which are present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, play a major role in cell protein quality control and survival of bacteria in harsh environmental conditions. Recently, a member of this protein family, ClpK was identified in a pathogenic strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae which was responsible for nosocomial infections. ClpK is linked to the thermal stress survival of this pathogen. The genome wide analysis of Clp proteins in Klebsiella spp. indicates that ClpK is present in only 34% of the investigated strains. This suggests that the uptake of the clpk gene is selective and may only be taken up by a pathogen that needs to survive harsh environmental conditions. In silico analyses and molecular dynamic simulations show that ClpK is mainly α-helical and is highly dynamic. ClpK was successfully expressed and purified to homogeneity using affinity and anion exchange chromatography. Biophysical characterization of ClpK showed that it is predominantly alpha-helical, and this is in agreement with in silico analysis of the protein structure. Furthermore, the purified protein is biologically active and hydrolyses ATP in a concentration- dependent manner.

A possible role for calmodulin in human thyroid cell metabolism

1983 ◽  
Vol 99 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Ollis ◽  
S. MacNeil ◽  
S. W. Walker ◽  
B. L. Brown ◽  
R. M. Sharrard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cyclic Amp ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Human Thyroid ◽  
Thyroid Cell ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Thyroid Cells ◽  
Cell Extracts

A protein which shared several characteristics with authentic calmodulin was extracted from human thyroid homogenates. The protein bound to fluphenazine–Sepharose and could be specifically eluted using EGTA. The eluted protein had a u.v. spectrum characteristic of calmodulin and migrated like authentic calmodulin with a calcium-dependent shift on sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Calmodulin in thyroid cell extracts was shown to be biologically active, measured by its ability to activate a calmodulin-deficient cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase; this activation could be inhibited by trifluoperazine. A possible role for calmodulin in the action of TSH on the thyroid was demonstrated by studying the effects of phenothiazines and the naphthalene sulphonamide, W7, a more specific calmodulin inhibitor, on TSH-stimulated cyclic AMP levels in cultured thyroid cells. The phenothiazines and W7 were found to inhibit the accumulation of cyclic AMP in response to TSH in a concentration-dependent manner although low concentrations of W7 enhanced TSH-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation.

scholarly journals Daphnoretin, a new protein kinase C activator isolated from Wikstroemia indica C.A. Mey

1993 ◽  
Vol 295 (1) ◽  
pp. 321-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
F N Ko ◽  
Y L Chang ◽  
Y H Kuo ◽  
Y L Lin ◽  
C M Teng
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase C ◽  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Atp Release ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Kinase C ◽  
Rabbit Platelets ◽  
Induced Aggregation

Daphnoretin, a biologically active principle isolated from Wikstroemia indica C.A. Mey., caused platelet aggregation in washed rabbit platelets, platelet-rich plasma and whole blood. The aggregation of and ATP release from platelets induced by daphnoretin were similar to phorbol ester- and diacylglycerol-induced aggregation and release. The EC50 values of daphnoretin-, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu)- and 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG)-induced platelet aggregation in washed rabbit platelets were 17.2 +/- 2.8 microM, 20.6 +/- 2.1 nM and 38.6 +/- 1.7 microM respectively. Platelet aggregation induced by daphnoretin and PDBu was not inhibited by indomethacin, BN52021 or sodium nitroprusside. ADP-scavenging systems, apyrase and phosphocreatine/creatine kinase, showed weak inhibition of the aggregation, and EGTA, triflavin, verapamil and prostaglandin E1 markedly inhibited the aggregation. Staurosporine, a potent protein kinase C inhibitor, suppressed daphnoretin-, PDBu- and OAG-induced aggregation and ATP release in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50 values of staurosporine on daphnoretin (50 microM)-, PDBu (100 nM)- and OAG (50 microM)-induced aggregation were 37.7 +/- 8.3, 52.2 +/- 6.3 and 42.8 +/- 8.9 nM respectively. Daphnoretin did not cause significant thromboxane B2 formation in rabbit platelets. Neither daphnoretin nor PDBu caused [3H]inositol monophosphate formation or an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in myo-[3H]inositol-labelled and Fura-2-loaded platelets. Platelet cytosolic protein kinase C was activated by daphnoretin and PDBu in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 12.4 +/- 1.2 microM and 18.7 +/- 1.4 nM respectively. Membrane-associated protein kinase C activity was increased by either daphnoretin or PDBu. [3H]PDBu binding to washed rabbit platelets was inhibited by daphnoretin in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 45.2 +/- 5.2 microM. These results indicate that daphnoretin is a protein kinase C activator in rabbit platelets.

Capacitation of mouse spermatozoa. II. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation and capacitation are regulated by a cAMP-dependent pathway

Development ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 121 (4) ◽  
pp. 1139-1150 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.E. Visconti ◽  
G.D. Moore ◽  
J.L. Bailey ◽  
P. Leclerc ◽  
S.A. Connors ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bovine Serum Albumin ◽  
Serum Albumin ◽  
Tyrosine Phosphorylation ◽  
Bovine Serum ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Protein Tyrosine Phosphorylation ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Mouse Sperm ◽  
Protein Tyrosine

In the accompanying report (Visconti, P.E., Bailey, J.L., Moore, G.D., Pan, D., Olds-Clarke, P. and Kopf, G.S. (1995) Development, 121, 1129–1137) we demonstrated that the tyrosine phosphorylation of a subset of mouse sperm proteins of M(r) 40,000-120,000 was correlated with the capacitation state of the sperm. The mechanism by which protein tyrosine phosphorylation is regulated in sperm during this process is the subject of this report. Cauda epididymal sperm, when incubated in media devoid of NaHCO3, CaCl2 or bovine serum albumin do not display the capacitation-associated increases in protein tyrosine phosphorylation of this subset of proteins. This NaHCO3, CaCl2 or bovine serum albumin requirement for protein tyrosine phosphorylation can be completely overcome by the addition of biologically active, but not inactive, cAMP analogues. Addition of the active cAMP analogues to sperm incubated in media devoid of NaHCO3, CaCl2 or bovine serum albumin overcomes the inability of these media to support capacitation, as assessed by the ability of the cells to acquire the pattern B chlortetracycline fluorescence, to undergo the zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction and, in some cases, to fertilize metaphase II-arrested eggs in vitro. The effects of the cAMP analogues to enhance protein tyrosine phosphorylation and to promote capacitation appears to be at the level of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), since two specific inhibitors of this enzyme (H-89 and Rp-cAMPS) block the capacitation-dependent increases in protein tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm incubated in media supporting capacitation. Capacitation, as assessed by the aforementioned endpoints, also appears to be inhibited by H-89 in a concentration-dependent manner. These results provide further evidence for the interrelationship between protein tyrosine phosphorylation and the appearance of the capacitated state in mouse sperm. They also demonstrate that both protein tyrosine phosphorylation and capacitation appear to be regulated by cAMP/PKA. Up-regulation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation by cAMP/PKA in sperm is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of such an interrelationship between tyrosine kinase/phosphatase and PKA signaling pathways.

The Anti-Atherogenic Properties of Sesamin are Mediated via Improved Macrophage Cholesterol Efflux Through PPARγ1-LXRα and MAPK Signaling

2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 79-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin F. Majdalawieh ◽  
Hyo-Sung Ro
Keyword(s):  
Cholesterol Efflux ◽  
Transcriptional Activity ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Macrophage Cholesterol Efflux

Background: Foam cell formation resulting from disrupted macrophage cholesterol efflux, which is triggered by PPARγ1 and LXRα, is a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Sesamin and sesame oil exert anti-atherogenic effects in vivo. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying such effects are not fully understood. Aim: This study examines the potential effects of sesamin (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 μM) on PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity as well as macrophage cholesterol efflux. Methods: PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity are assessed by luciferase reporter assays. Macrophage cholesterol efflux is evaluated by ApoAI-specific cholesterol efflux assays. Results: The 50 μM, 75 μM, and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin up-regulated the expression of PPARγ1 (p< 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) and LXRα (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, 75 μM and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin led to 5.2-fold (p < 0.001) and 6.0-fold (p<0.001) increases in PPAR transcriptional activity and 3.9-fold (p< 0.001) and 4.2-fold (p < 0.001) increases in LXR transcriptional activity, respectively, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner via MAPK signaling. Consistently, 50 μM, 75 μM, and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin improved macrophage cholesterol efflux by 2.7-fold (p < 0.001), 4.2-fold (p < 0.001), and 4.2-fold (p < 0.001), respectively, via MAPK signaling. Conclusion: Our findings shed light on the molecular mechanism(s) underlying sesamin’s anti-atherogenic effects, which seem to be due, at least in part, to its ability to up-regulate PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity, improving macrophage cholesterol efflux. We anticipate that sesamin may be used as a therapeutic agent for treating atherosclerosis.

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