scholarly journals Immunological Development and Cardiovascular Function Are Normal in Annexin VI Null Mutant Mice

1999 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 8028-8032 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim E. Hawkins ◽  
Jürgen Roes ◽  
Daryl Rees ◽  
Jayne Monkhouse ◽  
Stephen E. Moss
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Cardiovascular Function ◽  
Cardiovascular Responses ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Targeted Disruption ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Its Gene ◽  
Annexin Vi ◽  
Null Mutant Mice

ABSTRACT Annexins are calcium-binding proteins of unknown function but which are implicated in important cellular processes, including anticoagulation, ion flux regulation, calcium homeostasis, and endocytosis. To gain insight into the function of annexin VI, we performed targeted disruption of its gene in mice. Matings between heterozygous mice produced offspring with a normal Mendelian pattern of inheritance, indicating that the loss of annexin VI did not interfere with viability in utero. Mice lacking annexin VI reached sexual maturity at the same age as their normal littermates, and both males and females were fertile. Because of interest in the role of annexin VI in cardiovascular function, we examined heart rate and blood pressure in knockout and wild-type mice and found these to be identical in the two groups. Similarly, the cardiovascular responses of both sets of mice to septic shock were indistinguishable. We also examined components of the immune system and found no differences in thymic, splenic, or bone marrow lymphocyte levels between knockout and wild-type mice. This is the first study of annexin knockout mice, and the lack of a clear phenotype has broad implications for current views of annexin function.

scholarly journals Akt2 Regulates Cardiac Metabolism and Cardiomyocyte Survival

2006 ◽  
Vol 281 (43) ◽  
pp. 32841-32851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian DeBosch ◽  
Nandakumar Sambandam ◽  
Carla Weinheimer ◽  
Michael Courtois ◽  
Anthony J. Muslin
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Overload ◽  
Cardiac Metabolism ◽  
Cellular Protein ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Infarct Zone ◽  
Targeted Disruption ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Ligand Stimulation ◽  
And Function

The Akt family of serine-threonine kinases participates in diverse cellular processes, including the promotion of cell survival, glucose metabolism, and cellular protein synthesis. All three known Akt family members, Akt1, Akt2 and Akt3, are expressed in the myocardium, although Akt1 and Akt2 are most abundant. Previous studies demonstrated that Akt1 and Akt3 overexpression results in enhanced myocardial size and function. Yet, little is known about the role of Akt2 in modulating cardiac metabolism, survival, and growth. Here, we utilize murine models with targeted disruption of the akt2 or the akt1 genes to demonstrate that Akt2, but not Akt1, is required for insulin-stimulated 2-[3H]deoxyglucose uptake and metabolism. In contrast, akt2-/- mice displayed normal cardiac growth responses to provocative stimulation, including ligand stimulation of cultured cardiomyocytes, pressure overload by transverse aortic constriction, and myocardial infarction. However, akt2-/- mice were found to be sensitized to cardiomyocyte apoptosis in response to ischemic injury, and apoptosis was significantly increased in the peri-infarct zone of akt2-/- hearts 7 days after occlusion of the left coronary artery. These results implicate Akt2 in the regulation of cardiomyocyte metabolism and survival.

scholarly journals Generation of a Mouse Model for Arginase II Deficiency by Targeted Disruption of the Arginase II Gene

2001 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 811-813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ou Shi ◽  
Sidney M. Morris ◽  
Huda Zoghbi ◽  
Carl W. Porter ◽  
William E. O'Brien
Keyword(s):  
Urea Cycle ◽  
Elevated Plasma ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Targeted Disruption ◽  
Arginase Ii ◽  
Plasma Arginine ◽  
Physiologic Role ◽  
Deficient Mice ◽  
Arginase I

ABSTRACT Mammals express two isoforms of arginase, designated types I and II. Arginase I is a component of the urea cycle, and inherited defects in arginase I have deleterious consequences in humans. In contrast, the physiologic role of arginase II has not been defined, and no deficiencies in arginase II have been identified in humans. Mice with a disruption in the arginase II gene were created to investigate the role of this enzyme. Homozygous arginase II-deficient mice were viable and apparently indistinguishable from wild-type mice, except for an elevated plasma arginine level which indicates that arginase II plays an important role in arginine homeostasis.

scholarly journals The PACAP-Regulated Gene Selenoprotein T Is Abundantly Expressed in Mouse and Human β-Cells and Its Targeted Inactivation Impairs Glucose Tolerance

Endocrinology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 154 (10) ◽  
pp. 3796-3806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaëtan Prevost ◽  
Arnaud Arabo ◽  
Long Jian ◽  
Eddy Quelennec ◽  
Dorthe Cartier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glucose Tolerance ◽  
Redox Status ◽  
Human Islets ◽  
Mutant Mice ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Β Cells ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Insulin Promoter ◽  
Selenoprotein T

Selenoproteins are involved in the regulation of redox status, which affects several cellular processes, including cell survival and homeostasis. Considerable interest has arisen recently concerning the role of selenoproteins in the regulation of glucose metabolism. Here, we found that selenoprotein T (SelT), a new thioredoxin-like protein of the endoplasmic reticulum, is present at high levels in human and mouse pancreas as revealed by immunofluorescence and quantitative PCR. Confocal immunohistochemistry studies revealed that SelT is mostly confined to insulin- and somatostatin-producing cells in mouse and human islets. To elucidate the role of SelT in β-cells, we generated, using a Cre-Lox strategy, a conditional pancreatic β-cell SelT-knockout C57BL/6J mice (SelT-insKO) in which SelT gene disruption is under the control of the rat insulin promoter Cre gene. Glucose administration revealed that male SelT-insKO mice display impaired glucose tolerance. Although insulin sensitivity was not modified in the mutant mice, the ratio of glucose to insulin was significantly higher in the SelT-insKO mice compared with wild-type littermates, pointing to a deficit in insulin production/secretion in mutant mice. In addition, morphometric analysis showed that islets from SelT-insKO mice were smaller and that their number was significantly increased compared with islets from their wild-type littermates. Finally, we found that SelT is up-regulated by pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in β-pancreatic cells and that SelT could act by facilitating a feed-forward mechanism to potentiate insulin secretion induced by the neuropeptide. Our findings are the first to show that the PACAP-regulated SelT is localized in pancreatic β- and δ-cells and is involved in the control of glucose homeostasis.

scholarly journals Annexins and their role in the control of symbioses development of plants with nitrogen-fixing bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Anatolyevna Dolgikh ◽  
Darya Vladimirovna Kustova
Keyword(s):  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Structural Organization ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal ◽  
Structural Similarity ◽  
Binding Motifs ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
Cellular Processes

Annexins belong to the superfamily of calcium-dependent phospholipid binding proteins. The participation of these proteins in the regulation of structural organization of membranes, vesicular transport and a variety of signal transduction pathways is important for many cellular processes. Despite the structural similarity with animal annexins, plant annexins are characterized by significant variability of the N-terminal region and modification of calcium-binding motifs in II and III repeats, while calcium-binding motifs in I and IV repetitions remain conservative. However, the physiological role of animal and plant annexins, as well as mechanisms of their influence on calcium metabolism, may be similar. This review focused on the latest data about the structure and functioning of plant annexins.

scholarly journals Usp14 is required for spermatogenesis and ubiquitin stress responses in Drosophila melanogaster

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Levente Kovács ◽  
Ágota Nagy ◽  
Margit Pál ◽  
Peter Deák
Keyword(s):  
Male Sterility ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Protein Conjugates ◽  
Covalently Linked ◽  
Mutant Phenotypes

ABSTRACTDeubiquitinating (DUB) enzymes free covalently linked ubiquitins from ubiquitin-ubiquitin and ubiquitin-protein conjugates, and thereby maintain the equilibrium between free and conjugated ubiquitins and regulate ubiquitin-mediated cellular processes. The present genetic analyses of mutant phenotypes demonstrate that loss of Usp14 function results in male sterility, with defects in spermatid individualization and reduced testicular free monoubiquitin levels. These phenotypes were rescued by germline specific overexpression of wild type Usp14. Synergistic genetic interactions with Ubi-p63E and cycloheximide sensitivity suggest that ubiquitin shortage is a primary cause of male sterility. In addition, Usp14 is predominantly expressed in testes in Drosophila, and differential expression patterns may be causative of testis-specific loss of function Usp14 phenotypes. Collectively, these results suggest a major role of Usp14 in maintaining normal steady state free monoubiquitin levels during the later stages of Drosophila spermatogenesis.

scholarly journals Calcium Binding Is Required for Calmodulin Function in Aspergillus nidulans

2002 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
James D. Joseph ◽  
Anthony R. Means
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Aspergillus Nidulans ◽  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Endogenous Protein ◽  
Chimeric Molecules ◽  
Overlay Assay

ABSTRACT To explore the structural basis for the essential role of calmodulin (CaM) in Aspergillus nidulans, we have compared the biochemical and in vivo properties of A. nidulans CaM (AnCaM) with those of heterologous CaMs. Neither Saccharomyces cerevisiae CaM (ScCaM) nor a Ca2+ binding mutant of A. nidulans CaM (1234) interacts appreciably with A. nidulans CaM binding proteins by an overlay assay or activates two essential CaMKs, CMKA and CMKB. In contrast, although vertebrate CaM (VCaM) binds a spectrum of proteins similar to that for AnCaM, it is unable to fully activate CMKA and CMKB, displaying a higher K CaM and reduced V max for both enzymes. In correlation with the biochemical analysis, neither ScCaM nor 1234 can support A. nidulans growth in the absence of the endogenous protein, whereas VCaM only partially complements the absence of wild-type CaM. Analysis of VCaM and AnCaM chimeras demonstrates that amino acid variations in both N- and C-terminal domains contribute to the inability of VCaM to activate CMKB, but differences in the N terminus are largely responsible for the reduced activity towards CMKA. In vivo, the chimeric molecules support growth equivalently, but only to levels intermediate between those of VCaM and AnCaM, suggesting that the reduced ability to activate the CaMKs is not solely responsible for the inability of VCaM to complement the absence of the wild-type protein. Thus, not only is Ca2+ binding required for CaM function in A. nidulans, but the essential in vivo functions of A. nidulans CaM are uniquely sensitive to the subtle amino acid variations present in vertebrate CaM.

scholarly journals Oestrogen at the neonatal stage is critical for the reproductive ability of male mice as revealed by supplementation with 17beta-oestradiol to aromatase gene (Cyp19) knockout mice

2001 ◽  
Vol 168 (3) ◽  
pp. 455-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Toda ◽  
T Okada ◽  
K Takeda ◽  
S Akira ◽  
T Saibara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Targeted Disruption ◽  
Subcutaneous Injections ◽  
Reproductive Ability ◽  
Neonatal Life ◽  
Neonatal Stage ◽  
Sexually Mature

Aromatase P450 (CYP19) is an enzyme responsible for the conversion of androgens to oestrogens. We generated CYP19 knockout (ArKO) mice by targeted disruption of Cyp19 and studied the role of oestrogens in male reproductive ability. Approximately 85% of ArKO males were unable to sire offspring. However, no obvious difference was found in testicular and epididymal weights, numbers of sperm in the epididymis or the ability of sperm to fertilize eggs in vitro between wild-type and ArKO males. An examination of mating behaviour demonstrated that ArKO males showed an impairment in mounting behaviour against sexually mature females. The inability of more than 90% of ArKO males to sire offspring was reversed by repeated subcutaneous injections of 17beta-oestradiol when initiated on the day of birth. The effects of 17beta-oestradiol on reproduction were concentration dependent and evident when supplementation was initiated on day 7, but not on day 15 after birth. These findings suggest that oestrogens acting during neonatal life are required for normal mating behaviour in adulthood.

scholarly journals Amyloid-β Processing in Aged S100B Transgenic Mice Is Sex Dependent

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (19) ◽  
pp. 10823
Author(s):  
Krista Minéia Wartchow ◽  
Leticia Rodrigues ◽  
Izabela Swierzy ◽  
Michael Buchfelder ◽  
Diogo Onofre de Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Behavioral Responses ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
One Year ◽  
Protein S100b

(1) Background: Calcium-binding protein S100B is involved in neuroregeneration but has also been associated with neurodegeneration. These contrasting effects may result from concentration or duration of exposure. We investigated the effect of long-term increased S100B levels on amyloid-β processing in one-year-old transgenic (tg) mice with 12 copies of the murine S100B gene with specific consideration of sex and specific brain regions. (2) Methods: S100B and amyloid-β 42 (Aβ42) were quantified in serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), adipose tissue, and different brain regions by ELISA in wild-type (wt) and S100Btg mice (each n = 7 per group). Thioflavin T (ThT) and Aβ immunostaining were performed for visualization of Aβ deposition. (3) Results: S100B in serum, CSF, and brain was significantly increased in S100Btg mice of both sexes. Aβ42 was significantly increased in the hippocampus of male S100Btg mice (p = 0.0075), and the frontal cortex of female S100Btg mice (p = 0.0262). ThT and Aβ immunostaining demonstrated Aβ deposition in different brain regions in S100Btg mice of both sexes and female wt. (4) Conclusion: Our data validate this experimental model for studying the role of S100B in neurodegeneration and indicate that Aβ processing is sex-dependent and brain region-specific, which deserves further investigation of signaling pathways and behavioral responses.

scholarly journals Phenotypic Characterization and Determination of Gene expression of Genetically Modified Rice Strains Using CRISPR-CAS9 Technology With Sodium Chloride Effect

2021 ◽  
Vol 923 (1) ◽  
pp. 012046
Author(s):  
Eman Noaman Ismail ◽  
Duha mysier Majeed ◽  
Fouad Razzaq A. Al-Burki ◽  
Laila Aldahak
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Gus Activity ◽  
Phenotypic Characterization ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Its Gene ◽  
Chloride Effect ◽  
Different Tissues ◽  
Toxic Ions

Abstract This study was conducted with the target of determine the role of OsHKT4 and OsHKT6 genes in rice plants under salt stress and observe its gene expression by GUS technology, as well as studying the Na+ and K+ accumulation in different tissues. The results obtained show that OsHKT4::GUS appeared strong GUS activity, expressed mainly in vascular tissues. In contrast, the GUS activity of the OsHKT6 promoters in NaCl-treated leaves was greater than that in water-treated leaves. Also in wild type plants, increasing the Na+ concentration has the effect of increasing the Na+ content of the tissues generally, the old leaves accumulating more Na+ which reduced the K+ content in roots and old leaves (Na+ levels are higher in the leaf lower parts). These results suggest that OsHKT4 and OsHKT6 genes plays a role in the accumulation of Na+ in old leaves, by adopting the mechanical exclusion of toxic ions in the old leaves of the plant.

Myosin IB from Entamoeba histolytica is involved in phagocytosis of human erythrocytes

1999 ◽  
Vol 112 (8) ◽  
pp. 1191-1201 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Voigt ◽  
J.C. Olivo ◽  
P. Sansonetti ◽  
N. Guillen
Keyword(s):  
Entamoeba Histolytica ◽  
Wild Type Strain ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Human Parasite ◽  
Myosin I

Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that causes amoebic dysentery in humans. The disease is prevalent worldwide. Infection with E. histolytica results in invasion of the intestine by the parasite, followed by tissue damage and inflammation. During this invasive process, parasites kill and phagocytose human epithelial cells, immune cells and erythrocytes. Expression of amoebic pathogenicity requires a dynamic cytoskeleton that allows movement, tissue penetration and changes in parasite morphology. Myosin IB is a member of the myosin I family of motor proteins. Studies conducted both with Dictyostelium discoideum, a non-pathogenic amoeba, and with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae indicate the involvement of myosin IB in cellular processes including movement, phagocytosis and endocytosis. Recently, we isolated the gene encoding myosin IB from E. histolytica. Thus, we decided to analyze the role of myosin IB in pathogenesis of amoeba. Using a specific anti-myosin IB antibody, this protein was localized in cell regions including the pseudopod, vesicles and underneath the plasma membrane. When E. histolytica was activated for erythrophagocytosis, myosin IB was markedly recruited to both the phagocytic cup and around internalized phagosomes. To analyze the role of myosin IB in phagocytosis, a strain overexpressing the myosin IB gene was constructed. This strain synthesizes threefold more myosin IB than the wild-type strain. Challenge of the transfected cell line with erythrocytes showed that these amoebae were deficient in erythrophagocytosis mainly in the uptake step, suggesting a role for myosin IB in the pathogenic activity of a human parasite.

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