scholarly journals 6S RNA Function Enhances Long-Term Cell Survival

2004 ◽  
Vol 186 (15) ◽  
pp. 4978-4985 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy E. Trotochaud ◽  
Karen M. Wassarman
Keyword(s):  
Stationary Phase ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Rna Regulation ◽  
Competitive Fitness ◽  
Growth Defects ◽  
6S Rna ◽  
Rna Inhibition

ABSTRACT 6S RNA was identified in Escherichia coli >30 years ago, but the physiological role of this RNA has remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate that 6S RNA-deficient cells are at a disadvantage for survival in stationary phase, a time when 6S RNA regulates transcription. Growth defects were most apparent as a decrease in the competitive fitness of cells lacking 6S RNA. To decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying the growth defects, we have expanded studies of 6S RNA effects on transcription. 6S RNA inhibition of σ70-dependent transcription was not ubiquitous, in spite of the fact that the vast majority of σ70-RNA polymerase is bound by 6S RNA during stationary phase. The σ70-dependent promoters inhibited by 6S RNA contain an extended −10 promoter element, suggesting that this feature may define a class of 6S RNA-regulated genes. We also discovered a secondary effect of 6S RNA in the activation of σS-dependent transcription at several promoters. We conclude that 6S RNA regulation of both σ70 and σS activities contributes to increased cell persistence during nutrient deprivation.

scholarly journals 6S RNA regulation of relA alters ppGpp levels in early stationary phase

Microbiology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 156 (12) ◽  
pp. 3791-3800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy T. Cavanagh ◽  
Pete Chandrangsu ◽  
Karen M. Wassarman
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Stationary Phase ◽  
Regulation Of Transcription ◽  
Early Stationary Phase ◽  
Rna Regulation ◽  
Global Regulators ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Non Coding Rna ◽  
6S Rna ◽  
Altered Regulation

6S RNA is a small, non-coding RNA that interacts directly with σ 70-RNA polymerase and regulates transcription at many σ 70-dependent promoters. Here, we demonstrate that 6S RNA regulates transcription of relA, which encodes a ppGpp synthase. The 6S RNA-dependent regulation of relA expression results in increased ppGpp levels during early stationary phase in cells lacking 6S RNA. These changes in ppGpp levels, although modest, are sufficient to result in altered regulation of transcription from σ 70-dependent promoters sensitive to ppGpp, including those promoting expression of genes involved in amino acid biosynthesis and rRNA. These data place 6S RNA as another player in maintaining appropriate gene expression as cells transition into stationary phase. Independent of this ppGpp-mediated 6S RNA-dependent regulation, we also demonstrate that in later stationary phase, 6S RNA continues to downregulate transcription in general, and specifically at a subset of the amino acid promoters, but through a mechanism that is independent of ppGpp and which we hypothesize is through direct regulation. In addition, 6S RNA-dependent regulation of σ S activity is not mediated through observed changes in ppGpp levels. We suggest a role for 6S RNA in modulating transcription of several global regulators directly, including relA, to downregulate expression of key pathways in response to changing environmental conditions.

Structure, Function, Involvement in Diseases and Targeting of 14-3-3 Proteins: An Update

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ylenia Cau ◽  
Daniela Valensin ◽  
Mattia Mori ◽  
Sara Draghi ◽  
Maurizio Botta
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Protein Partners ◽  
High Sequence Homology ◽  
Small Molecule Modulators

14-3-3 is a class of proteins able to interact with a multitude of targets by establishing protein-protein interactions (PPIs). They are usually found in all eukaryotes with a conserved secondary structure and high sequence homology among species. 14-3-3 proteins are involved in many physiological and pathological cellular processes either by triggering or interfering with the activity of specific protein partners. In the last years, the scientific community has collected many evidences on the role played by seven human 14-3-3 isoforms in cancer or neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, these proteins regulate the molecular mechanisms associated to these diseases by interacting with (i) oncogenic and (ii) pro-apoptotic proteins and (iii) with proteins involved in Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases. The discovery of small molecule modulators of 14-3-3 PPIs could facilitate complete understanding of the physiological role of these proteins, and might offer valuable therapeutic approaches for these critical pathological states.

Potential Role of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Traumatic Brain Injury

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Alexandre Santos Marzano ◽  
Fabyolla Lúcia Macedo de Castro ◽  
Caroline Amaral Machado ◽  
João Luís Vieira Monteiro de Barros ◽  
Thiago Macedo e Cordeiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Hippocampal Neurogenesis ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis ◽  
The Brain

: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious cause of disability and death among young and adult individuals, displaying complex pathophysiology including cellular and molecular mechanisms that are not fully elucidated. Many experimental and clinical studies investigated the potential relationship between TBI and the process by which neurons are formed in the brain, known as neurogenesis. Currently, there are no available treatments for TBI’s long-term consequences being the search for novel therapeutic targets, a goal of highest scientific and clinical priority. Some studies evaluated the benefits of treatments aimed at improving neurogenesis in TBI. In this scenario, herein, we reviewed current pre-clinical studies that evaluated different approaches to improving neurogenesis after TBI while achieving better cognitive outcomes, which may consist in interesting approaches for future treatments.

scholarly journals Neuroinflammation and Its Impact on the Pathogenesis of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed M. Almutairi ◽  
Farzane Sivandzade ◽  
Thamer H. Albekairi ◽  
Faleh Alqahtani ◽  
Luca Cucullo
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Cell Infiltration ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Cytokine Levels

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 include dry cough, difficult breathing, fever, fatigue, and may lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure. There are significant gaps in the current understanding of whether SARS-CoV-2 attacks the CNS directly or through activation of the peripheral immune system and immune cell infiltration. Although the modality of neurological impairments associated with COVID-19 has not been thoroughly investigated, the latest studies have observed that SARS-CoV-2 induces neuroinflammation and may have severe long-term consequences. Here we review the literature on possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 induced-neuroinflammation. Activation of the innate immune system is associated with increased cytokine levels, chemokines, and free radicals in the SARS-CoV-2-induced pathogenic response at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). BBB disruption allows immune/inflammatory cell infiltration into the CNS activating immune resident cells (such as microglia and astrocytes). This review highlights the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in COVID-19-induced neuroinflammation, which may lead to neuronal death. A better understanding of these mechanisms will help gain substantial knowledge about the potential role of SARS-CoV-2 in neurological changes and plan possible therapeutic intervention strategies.

scholarly journals Molecular Mechanisms of Oxytocin Signaling at the Synaptic Connection

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Bakos ◽  
Annamaria Srancikova ◽  
Tomas Havranek ◽  
Zuzana Bacova
Keyword(s):  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Neuronal Excitability ◽  
Molecular Level ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Oxytocin Receptors ◽  
Potential Therapeutic Intervention ◽  
Early Alteration

Aberrant regulation of oxytocin signaling is associated with the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Synaptic dysfunctions in neurodevelopmental disorders are becoming increasingly known, and their pathogenic mechanisms could be a target of potential therapeutic intervention. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the role of oxytocin and its receptor in synapse structure, function, and neuron connectivity. An early alteration in oxytocin signaling may disturb neuronal maturation and may have short-term and long-term pathological consequences. At the molecular level, neurodevelopmental disorders include alterations in cytoskeletal rearrangement and neuritogenesis resulting in a diversity of synaptopathies. The presence of oxytocin receptors in the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes and the direct effects of oxytocin on neuronal excitability by regulating the activity of ion channels in the cell membrane implicate that alterations in oxytocin signaling could be involved in synaptopathies. The ability of oxytocin to modulate neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and certain parameters of cytoskeletal arrangement is discussed in the present review.

scholarly journals Role of LAMP1 Binding and pH Sensing by the Spike Complex of Lassa Virus

2016 ◽  
Vol 90 (22) ◽  
pp. 10329-10338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadas Cohen-Dvashi ◽  
Hadar Israeli ◽  
Orly Shani ◽  
Aliza Katz ◽  
Ron Diskin
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Fusion ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cell Entry ◽  
Lassa Virus ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Acidic Ph ◽  
Ph Sensing ◽  
Positively Charged

ABSTRACTTo effectively infect cells, Lassa virus needs to switch in an endosomal compartment from its primary receptor, α-dystroglycan, to a protein termed LAMP1. A unique histidine triad on the surface of the receptor-binding domain from the glycoprotein spike complex of Lassa virus is important for LAMP1 binding. Here we investigate mutated spikes that have an impaired ability to interact with LAMP1 and show that although LAMP1 is important for efficient infectivity, it is not required for spike-mediated membrane fusionper se. Our studies reveal important regulatory roles for histidines from the triad in sensing acidic pH and preventing premature spike triggering. We further show that LAMP1 requires a positively charged His230 residue to engage with the spike complex and that LAMP1 binding promotes membrane fusion. These results elucidate the molecular role of LAMP1 binding during Lassa virus cell entry and provide new insights into how pH is sensed by the spike.IMPORTANCELassa virus is a devastating disease-causing agent in West Africa, with a significant yearly death toll and severe long-term complications associated with its infection in survivors. In recent years, we learned that Lassa virus needs to switch receptors in a pH-dependent manner to efficiently infect cells, but neither the molecular mechanisms that allow switching nor the actual effects of switching were known. Here we investigate the activity of the viral spike complex after abrogation of its ability to switch receptors. These studies inform us about the role of switching receptors and provide new insights into how the spike senses acidic pH.

Essential Roles for Mef2c in Lymphoid Commitment and B-Cell Function.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 377-377
Author(s):  
Sandra Stehling-Sun ◽  
Rebecca Jimenez ◽  
Andrew Hu ◽  
Fernando D. Camargo
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Muscle Development ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Erythroid Differentiation ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Interleukin 7

Abstract MEF2 transcription factors are well-established regulators of muscle development. Recently, work in murine models has identified one of these factors, Mef2c, as an important regulator in the pathogenesis and the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, little is know about the molecular mechanism and physiological role of Mef2c in hematopoiesis. Using conditional gene ablation, we have discovered an unexpected role for MEF2c in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), where it is required for pan-lymphoid commitment. Competitive repopulation experiments using Mef2c-null HSCs deleted by means of the Mx1-Cre/poly(IC) approach, revealed completely normal monocytic, granulocytic and erythroid differentiation capacities by mutant cells. Generation and renewal of myeloid progenitors and HSCs was also normal. However, contribution to lymphoid lineages (T-cells, B-cells and natural killer cells) was dramatically reduced. Mef2c-deleted HSCs were able to generate lymphoid primed multipotent progenitors (LMPPs) and expressed normal levels of Flt-3 and the master lymphoid regulator ikaros. However, expression of the interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) and the number of phenotypically defined common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) were substantially reduced. We have found two conserved Mef2c-binding sites in the promoter of the Il-7R gene, indicating that Mef2c could directly regulate Il-7R transcription. This and other potential molecular mechanisms of Mef2c-mediated lymphoid commitment will be discussed. We have also studied the effects of lineage-specific deletion of Mef2c in both myeloid and lymphoid populations. Whereas deletion in myelomonocytic cells using the LysM-Cre strain resulted in no anomalies, B-cell specific ablation with the CD19-Cre line revealed major phenotypical and functional abnormalities. CD19-Cre:Mef2cf/f mice show impaired germinal center formation and reduced antibody production in response to T-cell dependent antigens. In addition Mef2c-null mature B-cells fail to express the mature marker CD23, the low affinity receptor for IgE, which we show is a direct transcriptional target. As a consequence of CD23 reduction, CD19-Cre:Mef2cf/f mice have increased IgE production, thus indicating a potential role of Mef2c in allergic disease. Our work here sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms of lymphopoiesis and identifies MEF2 factors as critical hematopoietic transcriptional regulators.

Therapeutic Advances in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: The Role of New-Small Molecule Inhibitors

2012 ◽  
pp. 406-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srdan Verstovsek
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms ◽  
Janus Kinase ◽  
Treatment Focus ◽  
Rational Combination ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Jak2 Inhibitors

Overview: The discovery that a somatic point mutation (JAK2V617F) in the Janus kinase 2 ( JAK2) is highly prevalent in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) has been a crucial breakthrough in our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of these diseases. Therefore, preclinical and clinical research in recent years has focused intensely on the development of new therapies targeted to JAK2. These efforts culminated in recent approval of ruxolitinib as the first official therapy for patients with intermediate- or high-risk myelofibrosis (MF). Therapy with JAK2 inhibitors substantially improves quality of life and reduces organomegaly in MF with or without JAKV617F mutation. Recent results suggest that patients with advanced MF may live longer when receiving therapy with ruxolitinib. However, JAK2 inhibitors do not eliminate the disease and new medications are needed to expand on the benefits seen with JAK2 inhibitors. Although many agents are still in the early stages of development, the wealth of publications and presentations has continued to support our growing understanding of the pathophysiology of MF as well as the potential short- and long-term outcomes of these new and diverse approaches to treatment. Focus of ongoing efforts is particularly on the improvements in anemia and fibrosis, as well as on rational combination trials of JAK2 inhibitors and other potentially active agents. Therapeutic potential and limitations of JAK2 inhibitors and other novel medications in clinical studies are reviewed.

scholarly journals 6S RNA Regulation of pspF Transcription Leads to Altered Cell Survival at High pH

2006 ◽  
Vol 188 (11) ◽  
pp. 3936-3943 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy E. Trotochaud ◽  
Karen M. Wassarman
Keyword(s):  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Rna Regulation ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
High Ph ◽  
6S Rna ◽  
Altered Cell ◽  
Similar Growth ◽  
Better Than

ABSTRACT 6S RNA is a highly abundant small RNA that regulates transcription through direct interaction with RNA polymerase. Here we show that 6S RNA directly inhibits transcription of pspF, which subsequently leads to inhibition of pspABCDE and pspG expression. Cells without 6S RNA are able to survive at elevated pH better than wild-type cells due to loss of 6S RNA-regulation of pspF. This 6S RNA-dependent phenotype is eliminated in pspF-null cells, indicating that 6S RNA effects are conferred through PspF. Similar growth phenotypes are seen when PspF levels are increased in a 6S RNA-independent manner, signifying that changes to pspF expression are sufficient. Changes in survival at elevated pH most likely result from altered expression of pspABCDE and/or pspG, both of which require PspF for transcription and are indirectly regulated by 6S RNA. 6S RNA provides another layer of regulation in response to high pH during stationary phase. We propose that the normal role of 6S RNA at elevated pH is to limit the extent of the psp response under conditions of nutrient deprivation, perhaps facilitating appropriate allocation of diminishing resources.

scholarly journals Transcriptome signature of E. coli under a prolonged starvation environment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sotaro Takano ◽  
Hiromi Takahashi ◽  
Yoshie Yama ◽  
Ryo Miyazaki ◽  
Saburo Tsuru
Keyword(s):  
Stationary Phase ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Physiological State ◽  
Exponential Growth Phase ◽  
Transcriptional Responses ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Viable Cells ◽  
Genome Wide

ABSTRACTBackground“Non-growing” is a dominant life form of microorganisms in nature, where available nutrients and resources are extremely limited. However, the knowledge of the manner in which microorganisms resist nutrient deficiency is still rudimentary compared to those of the growing cells. In laboratory culture, Escherichia coli can survive for several years under starvation, denoted as long-term stationary phase (LSP), where a small fraction of the cells survive by recycling resources released from the starved nonviable cells and constitute a model system for understanding survival mechanisms under long-term starvation. Although the physiology by which viable cells in LSP adapt to long-term starvation is of great interest, their genome-wide response has not yet been fully understood.ResultsTo understand the physiological state of viable cells in the LSP environment, we analyzed the transcriptional profiles of cells exposed to the supernatant of LSP culture. We found that high expression of transporter genes and low expression of biosynthesis genes are the primary responses of the cells in the LSP supernatant compared to growing cells, which display similar responses to cells entering the stationary phase from the exponential growth phase. We also revealed some specific transcriptional responses in the LSP supernatant, such as higher expression of stress-response genes and lower expression of translation-related genes, compared to other non-growing conditions. This suggests that cells in LSP are highly efficient in terms of cellular survival and maintenance functions under starvation conditions. We also found population-density-dependent gene expression profiles in LSP, which are also informative to understand the survival mechanism of bacterial population.ConclusionOur current comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome of E. coli cells provides an overview of the genome-wide response to the long-term starvation environment. We detected both common and distinctive responses in the primary transcriptional changes between the short- and long-term stationary phase cultures, which could provide clues to understand the possible molecular mechanisms underlying survivability in the starved environment.

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