scholarly journals An optimized method for the isolation and the molecular characterization of cerebral microvessels in vivo

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun-Kyoung Lee ◽  
Helen Smith ◽  
Hui Yuan ◽  
Akira Ito ◽  
Teresa Sanchez
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Characterization ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Disease Model ◽  
Enzymatic Digestion ◽  
Cerebral Microvessels ◽  
Rna Integrity ◽  
Bisulfite Treatment ◽  
Mouse Brain Cortex

ABSTRACTThe molecular characterization of cerebral microvessels in experimental disease models has been hindered by the lack of a standardized method to reproducibly isolate intact cerebral microvessels, with consistent cellular compositions, and without the use of enzymatic digestion, which causes undesirable molecular and metabolic changes. Herein, we describe an optimized method for microvessel isolation from mouse brain cortex, which yields microvessel fragments (diameter <50 μm, 89.3% 3-5 μm) with consistent populations of discrete blood-brain barrier components (endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocyte end feet), retaining high RNA integrity and protein postranslational modifications (e.g. phosphorylation). We demonstrate that this method allows the quantification of changes in gene expression in a disease model (stroke) and the activation of signalling pathways in mice subjected to drug administration. We also describe the isolation of genomic DNA and bisulfite treatment for the assessment of DNA methylation, as well as the optimization of chromatin extraction and shearing from cortical microvessels. Therefore, this protocol will be of great use to improve the understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing cerebrovascular dysfunction, which may help the development of novel therapies for stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases.

scholarly journals Hemolysis in the spleen drives erythrocyte turnover

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas robert leon Klei ◽  
Jill Jasmine Dalimot ◽  
Benjamin Nota ◽  
Martijn Veldthuis ◽  
Erik Mul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Matrix Proteins ◽  
Human Spleen ◽  
Erythrocyte Adhesion ◽  
Subsequent Degradation ◽  
Macrophage Subpopulations ◽  
Senescent Erythrocytes ◽  
Red Pulp

Red pulp macrophages of the spleen mediate turnover of billions of senescent erythrocytes per day. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in sequestration of senescent erythrocytes, their recognition and their subsequent degradation by red pulp macrophages remain unclear. In this study we provide evidence that the splenic environment is of substantial importance in facilitating erythrocyte turnover through induction of hemolysis. Upon isolating human spleen red pulp macrophages we noted a substantial lack of macrophages that were in the process of phagocytosing intact erythrocytes. Detailed characterization of erythrocyte and macrophage subpopulations from human spleen tissue led to the identification of erythrocytes that are devoid of hemoglobin, so-called erythrocyte ghosts. By in vivo imaging and transfusion experiments we further confirmed that senescent erythrocytes that are retained in the spleen are subject to hemolysis. Additionally, we show that erythrocyte adhesion molecules, which are specifically activated on aged erythrocytes, cause senescent erythrocytes to interact with extracellular matrix proteins that are exposed within the splenic architecture. Such adhesion molecule-driven retention of senescent erythrocytes, under low shear conditions, was found to result in steady shrinkage of the cell and ultimately resulted in hemolysis. In contrast to intact senescent erythrocytes, the remnant erythrocyte ghost shells were prone to recognition and breakdown by red pulp macrophages. These data identify hemolysis as a key event in the turnover of senescent erythrocytes, which alters our current understanding of how erythrocyte degradation is regulated.

scholarly journals Molecular Characterization of HOXA2 and HOXA3 Binding Properties

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
Joshua Mallen ◽  
Manisha Kalsan ◽  
Peyman Zarrineh ◽  
Laure Bridoux ◽  
Shandar Ahmad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Molecular Characterization ◽  
Sequence Motif ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Binding Affinities ◽  
Binding Properties ◽  
Functional Consequences

The highly conserved HOX homeodomain (HD) transcription factors (TFs) establish the identity of different body parts along the antero–posterior axis of bilaterian animals. Segment diversification and the morphogenesis of different structures is achieved by generating precise patterns of HOX expression along the antero–posterior axis and by the ability of different HOX TFs to instruct unique and specific transcriptional programs. However, HOX binding properties in vitro, characterised by the recognition of similar AT-rich binding sequences, do not account for the ability of different HOX to instruct segment-specific transcriptional programs. To address this problem, we previously compared HOXA2 and HOXA3 binding in vivo. Here, we explore if sequence motif enrichments observed in vivo are explained by binding affinities in vitro. Unexpectedly, we found that the highest enriched motif in HOXA2 peaks was not recognised by HOXA2 in vitro, highlighting the importance of investigating HOX binding in its physiological context. We also report the ability of HOXA2 and HOXA3 to heterodimerise, which may have functional consequences for the HOX patterning function in vivo.

Molecular characterization of the in vivo alkylating agent resistant murine EMT-6 mammary carcinoma tumors

1995 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 423-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Devasis Chatterjee ◽  
Chou Jui-Tsai Liu ◽  
David Northey ◽  
Beverly A. Teicher
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Characterization ◽  
Mammary Carcinoma ◽  
Alkylating Agent

scholarly journals Molecular characterization of the grape seeds extract’s effect against chemically induced liver cancer: In vivo and in vitro analyses

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alaaeldin Ahmed Hamza ◽  
Gehan Hussein Heeba ◽  
Hanan Mohamed Elwy ◽  
Chandraprabha Murali ◽  
Raafat El-Awady ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Cancer ◽  
Molecular Characterization ◽  
Grape Seeds ◽  
Chemically Induced

Molecular characterization of the in vivo effects of the hemorrhagic metalloproteinase HF3: analysis of the proteome of mice muscle tissue

Toxicon ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 168 ◽  
pp. S21
Author(s):  
Eric Junqueira Brito Pereira ◽  
Dilza Trevisan Silva ◽  
Solange Maria De Toledo Serrano
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Characterization ◽  
Muscle Tissue ◽  
In Vivo Effects

scholarly journals AAV9-mediated delivery of miR-23a reduces disease severity in Smn2B/−SMA model mice

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (19) ◽  
pp. 3199-3210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin A Kaifer ◽  
Eric Villalón ◽  
Benjamin S O'Brien ◽  
Samantha L Sison ◽  
Caley E Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Neuron ◽  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Viral Vector ◽  
Muscular Atrophy ◽  
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell ◽  
Survival Motor Neuron ◽  
Virus Serotype

Abstract Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by deletions or mutations in survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1). The molecular mechanisms underlying motor neuron degeneration in SMA remain elusive, as global cellular dysfunction obscures the identification and characterization of disease-relevant pathways and potential therapeutic targets. Recent reports have implicated microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation as a potential contributor to the pathological mechanism in SMA. To characterize miRNAs that are differentially regulated in SMA, we profiled miRNA levels in SMA induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons. From this array, miR-23a downregulation was identified selectively in SMA motor neurons, consistent with previous reports where miR-23a functioned in neuroprotective and muscle atrophy-antagonizing roles. Reintroduction of miR-23a expression in SMA patient iPSC-derived motor neurons protected against degeneration, suggesting a potential miR-23a-specific disease-modifying effect. To assess this activity in vivo, miR-23a was expressed using a self-complementary adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (scAAV9) viral vector in the Smn2B/− SMA mouse model. scAAV9-miR-23a significantly reduced the pathology in SMA mice, including increased motor neuron size, reduced neuromuscular junction pathology, increased muscle fiber area, and extended survival. These experiments demonstrate that miR-23a is a novel protective modifier of SMA, warranting further characterization of miRNA dysfunction in SMA.

Molecular mechanisms driving the in vivo development of OXA-10-mediated resistance to ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam during treatment of XDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections

2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-100
Author(s):  
Jorge Arca-Suárez ◽  
Cristina Lasarte-Monterrubio ◽  
Bruno-Kotska Rodiño-Janeiro ◽  
Gabriel Cabot ◽  
Juan Carlos Vázquez-Ucha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Genomic Analysis ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
Development Of Resistance ◽  
Structural Impact ◽  
Genetic Context

Abstract Background The development of resistance to ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam during treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections is concerning. Objectives Characterization of the mechanisms leading to the development of OXA-10-mediated resistance to ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam during treatment of XDR P. aeruginosa infections. Methods Four paired ceftolozane/tazobactam- and ceftazidime/avibactam-susceptible/resistant isolates were evaluated. MICs were determined by broth microdilution. STs, resistance mechanisms and genetic context of β-lactamases were determined by genotypic methods, including WGS. The OXA-10 variants were cloned in PAO1 to assess their impact on resistance. Models for the OXA-10 derivatives were constructed to evaluate the structural impact of the amino acid changes. Results The same XDR ST253 P. aeruginosa clone was detected in all four cases evaluated. All initial isolates showed OprD deficiency, produced an OXA-10 enzyme and were susceptible to ceftazidime, ceftolozane/tazobactam, ceftazidime/avibactam and colistin. During treatment, the isolates developed resistance to all cephalosporins. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the evolved resistant isolates had acquired mutations in the OXA-10 enzyme: OXA-14 (Gly157Asp), OXA-794 (Trp154Cys), OXA-795 (ΔPhe153-Trp154) and OXA-824 (Asn143Lys). PAO1 transformants producing the evolved OXA-10 derivatives showed enhanced ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam resistance but decreased meropenem MICs in a PAO1 background. Imipenem/relebactam retained activity against all strains. Homology models revealed important changes in regions adjacent to the active site of the OXA-10 enzyme. The blaOXA-10 gene was plasmid borne and acquired due to transposition of Tn6746 in the pHUPM plasmid scaffold. Conclusions Modification of OXA-10 is a mechanism involved in the in vivo acquisition of resistance to cephalosporin/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations in P. aeruginosa.

scholarly journals Molecular characterization of centerin, a germinal centre cell serpin

2007 ◽  
Vol 405 (3) ◽  
pp. 489-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda A. Paterson ◽  
Anita J. Horvath ◽  
Robert N. Pike ◽  
Paul B. Coughlin
Keyword(s):  
B Cell ◽  
Serine Protease ◽  
Molecular Characterization ◽  
Good Prognosis ◽  
Germinal Centre ◽  
Lymphoid Malignancies ◽  
B Cell Maturation ◽  
Absolute Requirement

Centerin [SERPINA9/GCET1 (germinal centre B-cell-expressed transcript 1)] is a serpin (serine protease inhibitor) whose expression is restricted to germinal centre B-cells and lymphoid malignancies with germinal centre B-cell maturation. Expression of centerin, together with bcl-6 and GCET2, constitutes a germinal centre B-cell signature, which is associated with a good prognosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, but the molecular basis for this remains to be elucidated. We report here the cloning, expression and molecular characterization of bacterial recombinant centerin. Biophysical studies demonstrated that centerin was able to undergo the ‘stressed to relaxed’ conformational change which is an absolute requirement for protease inhibitory activity. Kinetic analysis showed that centerin rapidly inhibited the serine protease trypsin (ka=1.9×105 M−1·s−1) and also demonstrated measurable inhibition of thrombin (ka=1.17×103 M−1·s−1) and plasmin (ka=1.92×103 M−1·s−1). Centerin also bound DNA and unfractionated heparin, although there was no functionally significant impact on the rate of inhibition. These results suggest that centerin is likely to function in vivo in the germinal centre as an efficient inhibitor of a trypsin-like protease.

scholarly journals Molecular insights into regulation of JAK2 in myeloproliferative neoplasms

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 125 (22) ◽  
pp. 3388-3392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olli Silvennoinen ◽  
Stevan R. Hubbard
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Characterization ◽  
Human Disease ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Hematologic Malignancies ◽  
Janus Kinase ◽  
Constitutive Activation

Abstract The critical role of Janus kinase-2 (JAK2) in regulation of myelopoiesis was established 2 decades ago, but identification of mutations in the pseudokinase domain of JAK2 in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and in other hematologic malignancies highlighted the role of JAK2 in human disease. These findings have revolutionized the diagnostics of MPNs and led to development of novel JAK2 therapeutics. However, the molecular mechanisms by which mutations in the pseudokinase domain lead to hyperactivation of JAK2 and clinical disease have been unclear. Here, we describe recent advances in the molecular characterization of the JAK2 pseudokinase domain and how pathogenic mutations lead to constitutive activation of JAK2.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document