scholarly journals Choline Induces Transcriptional Repression and Proteasomal Degradation of the Malarial Phosphoethanolamine Methyltransferase

2007 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 1618-1624 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Harold Witola ◽  
Choukri Ben Mamoun
Keyword(s):  
Transcriptional Repression ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Active Synthesis ◽  
Rapid Multiplication ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
Transgenic Parasites ◽  
Dose Dependent

ABSTRACT During its intraerythrocytic life cycle, the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum undergoes dramatic metabolic and morphological changes and multiplies to produce up to 36 new daughter parasites. This rapid multiplication of the parasite requires an active synthesis of new membranes. The major component of these membranes, phosphatidylcholine, is synthesized via two metabolic routes, the CDP-choline pathway, which uses host choline as a precursor, and the plant-like serine decarboxylase-phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase (SDPM) pathway, which uses host serine as a precursor. Here we provide evidence indicating that the activity of the SDPM pathway is regulated by the CDP-choline precursor, choline. We show that the phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase, Pfpmt, a critical enzyme in the SDPM pathway, is down-regulated at the transcriptional level as well as targeted for degradation by the proteasome in the presence of choline. Transcript analysis revealed that PfPMT transcription is repressed by choline in a dose-dependent manner. Immunoblotting, pulse-chase experiments, and immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that Pfpmt degradation occurs not only in wild-type but also in transgenic parasites constitutively expressing Pfpmt. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib inhibited choline-mediated Pfpmt degradation. These data provide the first evidence for metabolite-mediated transcriptional and proteasomal regulation in Plasmodium and will set the stage for the use of this system for conditional gene and protein expression in this organism.

scholarly journals Use of a model to understand the synergies underlying the antibacterial mechanism of H2O2-producing honeys

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Masoura ◽  
Paolo Passaretti ◽  
Tim W. Overton ◽  
Pete A. Lund ◽  
Konstantinos Gkatzionis
Keyword(s):  
Gluconic Acid ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Antibacterial Mechanism ◽  
General Stress Response ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Simple Model System ◽  
Ancient Times ◽  
K 12 ◽  
Dose Dependent

Abstract Honey has been valued as a powerful antimicrobial since ancient times. However, the understanding of the underlying antibacterial mechanism is incomplete. The complexity and variability of honey composition represent a challenge to this scope. In this study, a simple model system was used to investigate the antibacterial effect of, and possible synergies between, the three main stressors present in honey: sugars, gluconic acid, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which result from the enzymatic conversion of glucose on honey dilution. Our results demonstrated that the synergy of H2O2 and gluconic acid is essential for the antibacterial activity of honey. This synergy caused membrane depolarization, destruction of the cell wall, and eventually growth inhibition of E. coli K-12. The presence of H2O2 stimulated the generation of other long-lived ROS in a dose-dependent manner. Sugars caused osmosis-related morphological changes, however, decreased the toxicity of the H2O2/gluconic acid. The susceptibility of catalase and general stress response sigma factor mutants confirmed the synergy of the three stressors, which is enhanced at higher H2O2 concentrations. By monitoring cellular phenotypic changes caused by model honey, we explained how this can be bactericidal even though the antimicrobial compounds which it contains are at non-inhibitory concentrations.

scholarly journals Piquiá Shells (Caryocar villosum): A Fruit by-Product with Antioxidant and Antiaging Properties in Caenorhabditis elegans

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Roxo ◽  
Herbenya Peixoto ◽  
Pille Wetterauer ◽  
Emerson Lima ◽  
Michael Wink
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Lethal Dose ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Fluorescent Reporter ◽  
Triterpenoid Saponins ◽  
Promising Source

In a context of rising demand for sustainable antiaging interventions, fruit processing by-products are a promising source of bioactive compounds for the production of antiaging dietary supplements. Piquiá (Caryocar villosum) is a native Amazonian fruit consisting of 65% nonedible shells. In the present study, the phytochemical profile of a hydroalcoholic extract of piquiá shells (CV) was characterized by LC-MS/MS analysis. Its antioxidant and antiaging activities were investigated using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo model. CV is mainly composed by hydrolysable tannins and triterpenoid saponins. The extract enhanced stress resistance of wild-type and mutant worms by reducing the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and by increasing their survival against a lethal dose of the prooxidant juglone. These effects involved the upregulation of sod-3 and downregulation of gst-4 and hsp-16.2, studied through the GFP fluorescent reporter intensity and at the transcriptional level by qRT-PCR analysis. CV extended the lifespan of wild-type worms in a DAF-16/FoxO- and SKN-1/Nrf-dependent manner. Taken together, our findings indicate piquiá shells as potential candidates for nutraceutical applications. Further studies are needed to validate the relevance of our findings to antiaging interventions in humans.

scholarly journals Anticancer Potential of Fruit Extracts from Vatica diospyroides Symington Type SS and Their Effect on Program Cell Death of Cervical Cancer Cell Lines

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atchara Chothiphirat ◽  
Kesara Nittayaboon ◽  
Kanyanatt Kanokwiroon ◽  
Theera Srisawat ◽  
Raphatphorn Navakanitworakul
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Siha Cell ◽  
Caspase 8 ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Cervical Cancer Cells ◽  
Dose Dependent

Vatica diospyroides Symington is locally known as Chan-Ka-Pho in Thailand. Ancient people have used it as therapeutic plant for cardiac and blood tonic cure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential cytotoxicity and selectivity of the extracts from V. diospyroides type SS fruit on cervical cancer HeLa and SiHa cell lines and to examine its underlying mechanism of action. MTT assay revealed that the extracts showed inhibition of cell survival in a dose-dependent manner and exhibited highly cytotoxic activity against both HeLa and SiHa cells with IC50 value less than 20 μg/mL along with less toxicity against L929 cells. Acetone cotyledon extract (ACE) showed the best selectivity index value of 4.47 (HeLa) and 3.51 (SiHa). Distinctive morphological changes were observed in ACE-treated cervical cancer cells contributing to apoptosis action. Flow cytometry analysis with Annexin V-FITC and PI staining precisely indicated that ACE induced apoptosis in HeLa and SiHa cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of ACE with half IC50 caused DNA fragmentation and also activated increasing of bax and cleaved caspase-8 protein in HeLa cells after 48 h exposure. The results suggest that ACE has potent and selective cytotoxic effect against cervical cancer cells and the potential to induce bax and caspase-8-dependent apoptosis. Hence, the ACE could be further exploited as a potential lead in cancer treatment.

scholarly journals Green Tea Seed Isolated Theasaponin E1 Ameliorates AD Promoting Neurotoxic Pathogenesis by Attenuating Aβ Peptide Levels in SweAPP N2a Cells

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (10) ◽  
pp. 2334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Imran Khan ◽  
Jin Hyuk Shin ◽  
Min Yong Kim ◽  
Tai Sun Shin ◽  
Jong Deog Kim
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Green Tea ◽  
Neuroblastoma Cells ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Insulin Degrading Enzyme ◽  
App Processing ◽  
N2a Cells ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
Dose Dependent

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most frequent type of dementia affecting memory, thinking and behaviour. The major hallmark of the disease is pathological neurodegeneration due to abnormal aggregation of Amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides generated by β- and γ-secretases via amyloidogenic pathway. Purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of theasaponin E1 on the inhibition of Aβ producing β-, γ-secretases (BACE1, PS1 and NCT) and acetylcholinesterase and activation of the non-amyloidogenic APP processing α-secretase (ADAM10). Additionally, theasaponin E1 effects on Aβ degrading and clearing proteins neprilysin and insulin degrading enzyme (IDE). The effect of theasaponin E1 on these crucial enzymes was investigated by RT-PCR, ELISA, western blotting and fluorometric assays using mouse neuroblastoma cells (SweAPP N2a). theasaponin E1 was extracted and purified from green tea seed extract via HPLC, and N2a cells were treated with different concentrations for 24 h. Gene and protein expression in the cells were measured to determine the effects of activation and/or inhibition of theasaponin E1 on β- and γ-secretases, neprilysin and IDE. Results demonstrated that theasaponin E1 significantly reduced Aβ concentration by activation of the α-secretase and neprilysin. The activities of β- and γ-secretase were reduced in a dose-dependent manner due to downregulation of BACE1, presenilin, and nicastrin. Similarly, theasaponin E1 significantly reduced the activity of acetylcholinesterase. Overall, from the results it is concluded that green tea seed extracted saponin E1 possess therapeutic significance as a neuroprotective natural product recommended for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

scholarly journals Nephrotoxicity of vancomycin and drug interaction study with cilastatin in rabbits.

1997 ◽  
Vol 41 (9) ◽  
pp. 1985-1990 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Toyoguchi ◽  
S Takahashi ◽  
J Hosoya ◽  
Y Nakagawa ◽  
H Watanabe
Keyword(s):  
Renal Function ◽  
Drug Interaction ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Intravenous Bolus ◽  
Potential Drug ◽  
Interaction Study ◽  
Drug Interaction Study ◽  
Dose Dependent

The nephrotoxic effects of vancomycin hydrochloride (VCM) and the potential drug-drug interaction with cilastatin sodium (CS) were examined in rabbits. The aim of the study was to measure the possible dose-related suppressive effects or elimination by cilastatin of the adverse reactions generated by vancomycin in the kidneys of rabbits. To clarify the interactions of these two drugs, we examined the nephrotoxicity and pharmacokinetics of VCM in the rabbit when administered alone and when coadministered with CS. VCM administered alone (300 mg/kg of body weight as an intravenous bolus; n = 5) caused typical symptoms of nephrotoxicity, such as increases in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, as well as morphological changes in the kidneys. A lack of such signs of nephrotoxicity was observed in the groups administered VCM plus CS (i.e., CS at 150 mg/kg plus VCM at 300 mg/kg or CS at 300 mg/kg plus VCM at 300 mg/kg, intravenous bolus; n = 5/group). At a reduced combination ratio of VCM plus CS (4:1 ratio, VCM at 300 mg/kg plus CS at 75 mg/kg, intravenous bolus; n = 5) some symptoms of nephrotoxicity induced by VCM were present, but the degree of this effect was much reduced and was significantly different from preadministration values by only modest increases of the BUN and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase levels (P < 0.05). Overall clearance of VCM was accelerated by coadministration of CS and was found to be dose dependent upon CS. No changes in renal function values from the preadministration values were observed for animals receiving CS alone (300 mg/kg, intravenous bolus; n = 3). These results suggest that CS has the ability to reduce or eliminate in a dose-dependent manner the nephrotoxic effects caused by VCM administration in rabbits.

scholarly journals Expression of Wild-Type p53 by Curcumin, Alpinetin and Flavokawain B in Colorectal Cancer cells Expressing R273H Mutant p53

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-94
Author(s):  
I. Malami ◽  
A. Muhammad ◽  
I.B. Abubakar ◽  
A.M. Alhassan
Keyword(s):  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Mutant P53 ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
P53 Expression ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Cells ◽  
Binding Core ◽  
Wild Type P53 ◽  
Dose Dependent

A mutation in p53 is frequently reported in nearly 50% of all of human cancers arising from DNA-binding core domain of p53. DNA-contact mutant R273H rendered p53 at dysfunctional state due to the substitution of single residue Arg273 for His273. Here, natural bioactive compounds curcumin, alpinetin and flavokawain B were investigated for possible stabilisation of wild-type p53 expression in vitro using HT-29 cells harbouring R273H rendered p53. Accordingly, all the bioactive compounds were able to induce the expression of wild-type p53 both at the levels of gene and protein expression. A dose-dependent induction of p53 was evident at 12.5, 25 and 50 μM concentration. The present study has shown that the bioactive compounds may have restored the wild-type p53 functional activity in tumour cells expressing R273H mutant p53. Keywords: Curcumin, Alpinetin, Flavokawain B, p53, R273H

scholarly journals Lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis-related genes are required for colony pigmentation of Porphyromonas gingivalis

Microbiology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 155 (4) ◽  
pp. 1282-1293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keiko Sato ◽  
Nobuo Kido ◽  
Yukitaka Murakami ◽  
Charles I. Hoover ◽  
Koji Nakayama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Porphyromonas Gingivalis ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Lipopolysaccharide Biosynthesis ◽  
Ladder Pattern ◽  
Surface Polysaccharides ◽  
Culture Supernatants ◽  
Dose Dependent

The periodontopathic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis forms pigmented colonies when incubated on blood agar plates as a result of accumulation of μ-oxo haem dimer on the cell surface. Gingipain–adhesin complexes are responsible for production of μ-oxo haem dimer from haemoglobin. Non-pigmented mutants (Tn6-5, Tn7-1, Tn7-3 and Tn10-4) were isolated from P. gingivalis by Tn4351 transposon mutagenesis [Hoover & Yoshimura (1994), FEMS Microbiol Lett 124, 43–48]. In this study, we found that the Tn6-5, Tn7-1 and Tn7-3 mutants carried Tn4351 DNA in a gene homologous to the ugdA gene encoding UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase, a gene encoding a putative group 1 family glycosyltransferase and a gene homologous to the rfa gene encoding ADP heptose-LPS heptosyltransferase, respectively. The Tn10-4 mutant carried Tn4351 DNA at the same position as that for Tn7-1. Gingipain activities associated with cells of the Tn7-3 mutant (rfa) were very weak, whereas gingipain activities were detected in the culture supernatants. Immunoblot and mass spectrometry analyses also revealed that gingipains, including their precursor forms, were present in the culture supernatants. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS) fraction of the rfa deletion mutant did not show the ladder pattern that was usually seen for the LPS of the wild-type P. gingivalis. A recombinant chimera gingipain was able to bind to an LPS fraction of the wild-type P. gingivalis in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that the rfa gene product is associated with biosynthesis of LPS and/or cell-surface polysaccharides that can function as an anchorage for gingipain–adhesin complexes.

scholarly journals UL54-Null Pseudorabies Virus Is Attenuated in Mice but Productively Infects Cells in Culture

2006 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 769-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer A. Schwartz ◽  
Elizabeth E. Brittle ◽  
Ashley E. Reynolds ◽  
Lynn W. Enquist ◽  
Saul J. Silverstein
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Pseudorabies Virus ◽  
Host Protein ◽  
Wild Type Virus ◽  
Cell Protein ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Type Virus ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
In Cells

ABSTRACT The pseudorabies virus (PRV) UL54 homologs are important multifunctional proteins with roles in shutoff of host protein synthesis, transactivation of virus and cellular genes, and regulation of splicing and translation. Here we describe the first genetic characterization of UL54. We constructed UL54 null mutations in a PRV bacterial artificial chromosome using sugar suicide and λRed allele exchange systems. Surprisingly, UL54 is dispensable for growth in tissue culture but exhibits a small-plaque phenotype that can be complemented in trans by both the herpes simplex virus type 1 ICP27 and varicella-zoster virus open reading frame 4 proteins. Deletion of UL54 in the virus vJSΔ54 had no effect on the ability of the virus to shut off host cell protein synthesis but did affect virus gene expression. The glycoprotein gC accumulated to lower levels in cells infected with vJSΔ54 compared to those infected with wild-type virus, while gK levels were undetectable. Other late gene products, gB, gE, and Us9, accumulated to higher levels than those seen in cells infected with wild-type virus in a multiplicity-dependent manner. DNA replication is also reduced in cells infected with vJSΔ54. UL54 appears to regulate UL53 and UL52 at the transcriptional level as their respective RNAs are decreased in cells infected with vJSΔ54. Interestingly, vJSΔ54 is highly attenuated in a mouse model of PRV infection. Animals infected with vJSΔ54 survive twice as long as animals infected with wild-type virus, and this results in delayed accumulation of virus-specific antigens in skin, dorsal root ganglia, and spinal cord tissues.

scholarly journals Genetic or Enzymatic Disruption of Aromatase Inhibits the Growth of Ectopic Uterine Tissue

2002 ◽  
Vol 87 (7) ◽  
pp. 3460-3466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zongjuan Fang ◽  
Sijun Yang ◽  
Bilgin Gurates ◽  
Mitsutoshi Tamura ◽  
Evan Simpson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enzyme Activity ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Uterine Tissue ◽  
Abdominal Organs ◽  
Letrozole Treatment ◽  
Key Enzyme ◽  
Dose Dependent

Aromatase P450 (P450arom) is the key enzyme for the biosynthesis of estrogen that is essential for the growth of human endometriosis, a pathology characterized by endometrium-like tissue on the peritoneal surfaces of abdominal organs manifest by pelvic pain and infertility. Surgically transplanted autologous uterine tissue to ectopic sites on the peritoneum in mice has been used as an animal model to study endometriosis. Using this mouse model, we evaluated the roles of the P450arom gene and aromatase enzyme activity in the growth of endometriosis represented by ectopic uterine tissues in mice. Endometriosis was induced surgically in the following groups of mice: 1) untreated transgenic mice with disrupted P450arom gene (ArKO); 2) ArKO mice treated with systemic estrogen; 3) untreated wild-type (WT) mice; 4) WT mice treated with estrogen; 5) WT mice treated with the aromatase inhibitor, letrozole; and 6) WT mice treated with letrozole and estrogen. Each group contained eight mice; +/+ littermates of ArKO mice were used as WT controls. Treatment with estrogen increased the size of ectopic uterine tissues in ArKO and WT mice significantly. The ectopic uterine lesions in untreated and estrogen-treated ArKO mice were strikingly smaller than those in untreated and estrogen-treated WT controls, respectively. Systemic treatment of WT mice with letrozole significantly decreased the lesion size in a dose-dependent manner. The addition of estrogen to letrozole treatment increased the ectopic lesion size, although these lesions were significantly smaller than those in mice treated with estrogen only. As tissue controls, the effects of these conditions on normally located (eutopic) uterine tissue were evaluated. The effects of disruption of the P450arom gene and treatments with letrozole and estrogen seemed to be more profound on ectopic tissues, suggesting that ectopic tissues might be more sensitive to estrogen for growth. We conclude that both an intact P450arom gene and the presence of aromatase enzyme activity are essential for the growth of ectopic uterine tissue in a mouse model of endometriosis.

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 is a negative regulator of platelet-collagen interactions

Blood ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 1456-1463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen L. Jones ◽  
Sascha C. Hughan ◽  
Sacha M. Dopheide ◽  
Richard W. Farndale ◽  
Shaun P. Jackson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Collagen Matrix ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion ◽  
Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
Deficient Mice ◽  
Endothelial Cell Adhesion

The functional importance of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31) in platelets is unclear. Because PECAM-1 represents a newly assigned immunoglobulin–ITIM superfamily member expressed on the surface of platelets, it was hypothesized that it may play an important regulatory role in modulating ITAM-bearing receptors such as collagen (GP)VI receptor and FcγRIIA. To examine the functional role of PECAM-1 in regulating platelet-collagen interactions, 2 different approaches were applied using recombinant human PECAM-1–immunoglobulin chimeras and platelets derived from PECAM-1–deficient mice. Stimulation of platelets by collagen-, (GP)VI-selective agonist, collagen-related peptide (CRP)–, and PECAM-1–immunoglobulin chimera induced tyrosine phosphorylation of PECAM-1 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Activation of PECAM-1 directly through the addition of soluble wild-type PECAM-1–immunoglobulin chimera, but not mutant K89A PECAM-1–immunoglobulin chimera that prevents homophilic binding, was found to inhibit collagen- and CRP-induced platelet aggregation. PECAM-1–deficient platelets displayed enhanced platelet aggregation and secretion responses on stimulation with collagen and CRP, though the response to thrombin was unaffected. Under conditions of flow, human platelet thrombus formation on a collagen matrix was reduced in a dose-dependent manner by human PECAM-1–immunoglobulin chimera. Platelets derived from PECAM-1–deficient mice form larger thrombi when perfused over a collagen matrix under flow at a shear rate of 1800 seconds−1 compared to wild-type mice. Collectively, these results indicate that PECAM-1 serves as a physiological negative regulator of platelet-collagen interactions that may function to negatively limit growth of platelet thrombi on collagen surfaces.

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