scholarly journals Cr(VI)-Induced Autophagy Protects L-02 Hepatocytes from Apoptosis Through the ROS-AKT-mTOR Pathway

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 1863-1878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi Liang ◽  
Yuanyuan Xiao ◽  
Kaihua Liu ◽  
Caigao Zhong ◽  
Ming Zeng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Fluorescein Isothiocyanate ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Mtor Pathway ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Autophagy Induction ◽  
Ros Scavenger ◽  
Green Fluorescent

Background/Aims: Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] pollution has become a global concern for both ecosystems and human health. Our previous study revealed Cr(VI) could induce both apoptosis and autophagy in L-02 hepatocytes. Here, we sought to explore the underlying mechanism of Cr(VI)-induced autophagy and its exact role in cell death. Methods: Autophagy ultrastructure was observed under transmission electron microscope (TEM), autophagy flux was measured with double-tagged mCherry-green fluorescent protein (GFP)-microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) assay, long-lived protein degradation assay, and LC3II expression assay in the presence of lysosomal inhibitor, bafilomycin A1 (BafA1). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was determined using fluorescent probe dichloro-dihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). The expression levels of Beclin-1, LC3, p62/ SQSTM1, and AKT-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway-related molecules including phosphorylation (p)-AKT, AKT, p-mTOR, and mTOR were examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting. Apoptosis was determined using Annexin V- fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium iodide (PI) staining. Results: Our results demonstrated Cr(VI) exposure activated autophagy in L-02 hepatocytes, as evidenced by the accumulation of autophagosomes, the increase of LC3-II and degradation of p62/ SQSTM1, and the enhanced overall degradation of proteins. We also confirmed Cr(VI)-induced LC3-II elevation mainly came from autophagy induction rather than lysosomal degradation impairment. ROS-AKT-mTOR pathway was associated with Cr(VI)-induced autophagy, and ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) pretreatment inhibited Cr(VI)-induced autophagy by alleviating the inhibition of the AKT-mTOR pathway. Autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine diphosphate (CDP) promoted Cr(VI)-induced apoptotic death. Conclusion: These findings indicated Cr(VI)-induced autophagy protected L-02 hepatocytes from apoptosis through the ROS-AKT-mTOR pathway.

scholarly journals In comparison to progenitor platelets, microparticles are deficient in GpIb, GpIb-derived carbohydrates, glycerophospholipids, glycosphingolipids, and ceramides.

1998 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 417-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Zdebska ◽  
J Woźniak ◽  
A Dzieciatkowska ◽  
J Kościelak
Keyword(s):  
Blood Platelets ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Fluorescein Isothiocyanate ◽  
Platelet Glycoprotein ◽  
Double Labeling ◽  
Glycoprotein Complex ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Normal Hemostasis ◽  
Almost All

Activated blood platelets shed microparticles with procoagulant activity that probably participate in normal hemostasis. We have isolated spontaneously formed microparticles from human blood and analysed them for ultrastructure, antigenic profile, and biochemical composition. In transmission electron microscopy microparticles appeared as regular vesicles with a mean diameter of 300 nm (50-600 nm). In flow cytometry almost all microparticles reacted with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled antibody to platelet glycoprotein complex IIb-IIIa (GpIIb-IIIa) and with FITC-annexin V but only 40-50% of microparticles reacted with FITC-antibody to platelet glycoprotein Ib (GpIb). The latter result was confirmed by double labeling of microparticles with FITC-antibody to GpIIb-IIIa and phycoerythrin (PE) labeled antibody to GpIb. Large microparticles reacted better with anti-GpIb than the small ones. A decreased level of GpIb was also demonstrated by SDS/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of microparticles. Compositional studies indicated, that in terms of cholesterol and protein contents, microparticles resembled platelets rather than platelet membranes as previously thought. They are, however, deficient in certain components. Thus, in comparison to platelets, microparticles had reduced contents of sialic acid (by 56.4%), galactosamine (by 48.2%), glucosamine (by 22.4%), galactose by (11.8%) and fucose (by 21.6%). Mannose content was increased by 11.8%. Total phospholipids in microplatelets were lower by 17.8%. Glycerophospholipids only were affected with phosphatidylserine being decreased as much as by 43.2%. Neutral glycosphingolipids, gangliosides and ceramides in microparticles were reduced by half.

310 PRODUCTION OF TRANSGENIC CLONED PORCINE EMBRYOS EXPRESSING EGFP OR LacZ GENE THROUGH REPLICATION DEFECTIVE RETROVIRAL VECTOR

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 235
Author(s):  
S. J. Uhm ◽  
M. K. Gupta ◽  
T. Kim ◽  
H. T. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Leukemia Virus ◽  
Fluorescein Isothiocyanate ◽  
Retroviral Vectors ◽  
Retroviral Vector ◽  
Lacz Gene ◽  
Cell Stage ◽  
Uv Illumination ◽  
Green Fluorescent

We have demonstrated previously that retroviral-mediated gene transfer is a promising method to produce transgenic avian, porcine, and bovine embryos. This study was designed to evaluate the development potential of transgenic porcine embryos produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) of fetal fibroblast (pFF) cells transfected by a robust replication-defective retroviral vector harboring enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or β-galactosidase (LacZ) gene. Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV)-based retroviral vectors encapsidated with VSV-G (vesicular stomatitis virus G) glycoprotein and harboring EGFP or LacZ under the control of β-actin promoter were produced and used to transfect primary pFF cells that were subsequently used for SCNT of enucleated porcine oocytes matured in vitro. Our results showed that all surviving cells after transfection and antibiotic selection expressed the genes without any evidence of replication-competent retrovirus. The fusion, cleavage, and blastocyst rates were 85.6 � 6.5, 53.6 � 6.4, and 12.0 � 5.7% for EGFP; 83.5 � 8.2, 57.5 � 6.3 and 10.1 � 4.1% for LacZ; and 80.5 � 4.2, 60.9 � 8.2 and 12.3 � 4.0% for controls, respectively. Mosaicism was not observed in any of the group as evidenced by the expression of LacZ or EGFP in individual blastomeres of all embryos upon staining with β-galactosidase (for LacZ) or when visualized under UV illumination of an epifluorescent microscope using the fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) filter set (for EGFP). Further recloning of EGFP-expressing blastomeres, obtained from 4-cell-stage cloned embryos produced by SCNT of pFF cells infected with EGFP harboring vector, into enucleated metaphase II (MII) oocytes resulted in consistent expression of EGFP in recloned blastocysts. Interspecies SCNT (iSCNT) of transfected pFF into enucleated bovine oocytes could also result in consistent gene expression without any adverse effect on blastocyst rate (5.5 v. 4.9%) compared with non-transfected pFF. These data indicate that the replication-defective retroviral vector used in the present study is robust and independent of the genes inserted. Furthermore, introduction of transgenes by this method does not influence the in vitro development rate of cloned embryos. This work was supported by a grant from Biogreen 21 Program, RDA, Republic of Korea.

scholarly journals Massive Ca-induced Membrane Fusion and Phospholipid Changes Triggered by Reverse Na/Ca Exchange in BHK Fibroblasts

2008 ◽  
Vol 132 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alp Yaradanakul ◽  
Tzu-Ming Wang ◽  
Vincenzo Lariccia ◽  
Mei-Jung Lin ◽  
Chengcheng Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Membrane Fusion ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Hill Coefficient ◽  
Induced Membrane ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Green Fluorescent

Baby hamster kidney (BHK) fibroblasts increase their cell capacitance by 25–100% within 5 s upon activating maximal Ca influx via constitutively expressed cardiac Na/Ca exchangers (NCX1). Free Ca, measured with fluo-5N, transiently exceeds 0.2 mM with total Ca influx amounting to ∼5 mmol/liter cell volume. Capacitance responses are half-maximal when NCX1 promotes a free cytoplasmic Ca of 0.12 mM (Hill coefficient ≈ 2). Capacitance can return to baseline in 1–3 min, and responses can be repeated several times. The membrane tracer, FM 4-64, is taken up during recovery and can be released at a subsequent Ca influx episode. Given recent interest in signaling lipids in membrane fusion, we used green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) and diacylglycerol (DAG) binding domains to analyze phospholipid changes in relation to these responses. PI(4,5)P2 is rapidly cleaved upon activating Ca influx and recovers within 2 min. However, PI(4,5)P2 depletion by activation of overexpressed hM1 muscarinic receptors causes only little membrane fusion, and subsequent fusion in response to Ca influx remains massive. Two results suggest that DAG may be generated from sources other than PI(4,5)P in these protocols. First, acylglycerols are generated in response to elevated Ca, even when PI(4,5)P2 is metabolically depleted. Second, DAG-binding C1A-GFP domains, which are brought to the cell surface by exogenous ligands, translocate rapidly back to the cytoplasm in response to Ca influx. Nevertheless, inhibitors of PLCs and cPLA2, PI(4,5)P2-binding peptides, and PLD modification by butanol do not block membrane fusion. The cationic agents, FM 4-64 and heptalysine, bind profusely to the extracellular cell surface during membrane fusion. While this binding might reflect phosphatidylserine (PS) “scrambling” between monolayers, it is unaffected by a PS-binding protein, lactadherin, and by polylysine from the cytoplasmic side. Furthermore, the PS indicator, annexin-V, binds only slowly after fusion. Therefore, we suggest that the luminal surfaces of membrane vesicles that fuse to the plasmalemma may be rather anionic. In summary, our results provide no support for any regulatory or modulatory role of phospholipids in Ca-induced membrane fusion in fibroblasts.

scholarly journals Phosphatidylserine dynamics in cellular membranes

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 2198-2212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason G. Kay ◽  
Mirkka Koivusalo ◽  
Xiaoxiao Ma ◽  
Thorsten Wohland ◽  
Sergio Grinstein
Keyword(s):  
Secretory Pathway ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Single Particle Tracking ◽  
Correlation Spectroscopy ◽  
Optical Methods ◽  
Live Cells ◽  
Cortical Actin ◽  
Limited Mobility ◽  
Green Fluorescent

Much has been learned about the role of exofacial phosphatidylserine (PS) in apoptosis and blood clotting using annexin V. However, because annexins are impermeant and unable to bind PS at low calcium concentration, they are unsuitable for intracellular use. Thus little is known about the topology and dynamics of PS in the endomembranes of normal cells. We used two new probes—green fluorescent protein (GFP)–LactC2, a genetically encoded fluorescent PS biosensor, and 1-palmitoyl-2-(dipyrrometheneboron difluoride)undecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-l-serine (TopFluor-PS), a synthetic fluorescent PS analogue—to examine PS distribution and dynamics inside live cells. The mobility of PS was assessed by a combination of advanced optical methods, including single-particle tracking and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Our results reveal the existence of a sizable fraction of PS with limited mobility, with cortical actin contributing to the confinement of PS in the plasma membrane. We were also able to measure the dynamics of PS in endomembrane organelles. By targeting GFP-LactC2 to the secretory pathway, we detected the presence of PS in the luminal leaflet of the endoplasmic reticulum. Our data provide new insights into properties of PS inside cells and suggest mechanisms to account for the subcellular distribution and function of this phospholipid.

scholarly journals Stratified Growth in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms

2004 ◽  
Vol 70 (10) ◽  
pp. 6188-6196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin Werner ◽  
Frank Roe ◽  
Amandine Bugnicourt ◽  
Michael J. Franklin ◽  
Arne Heydorn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Anaerobic Growth ◽  
Synthetic Activity ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Rate Dependent ◽  
Air Interface ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Green Fluorescent

ABSTRACT In this study, stratified patterns of protein synthesis and growth were demonstrated in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. Spatial patterns of protein synthetic activity inside biofilms were characterized by the use of two green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene constructs. One construct carried an isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)-inducible gfpmut2 gene encoding a stable GFP. The second construct carried a GFP derivative, gfp-AGA, encoding an unstable GFP under the control of the growth-rate-dependent rrnBp 1 promoter. Both GFP reporters indicated that active protein synthesis was restricted to a narrow band in the part of the biofilm adjacent to the source of oxygen. The zone of active GFP expression was approximately 60 μm wide in colony biofilms and 30 μm wide in flow cell biofilms. The region of the biofilm in which cells were capable of elongation was mapped by treating colony biofilms with carbenicillin, which blocks cell division, and then measuring individual cell lengths by transmission electron microscopy. Cell elongation was localized at the air interface of the biofilm. The heterogeneous anabolic patterns measured inside these biofilms were likely a result of oxygen limitation in the biofilm. Oxygen microelectrode measurements showed that oxygen only penetrated approximately 50 μm into the biofilm. P. aeruginosa was incapable of anaerobic growth in the medium used for this investigation. These results show that while mature P. aeruginosa biofilms contain active, growing cells, they can also harbor large numbers of cells that are inactive and not growing.

scholarly journals Pathogenesis of Yersinia pestis Infection in BALB/c Mice: Effects on Host Macrophages and Neutrophils

2005 ◽  
Vol 73 (11) ◽  
pp. 7142-7150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman A. Lukaszewski ◽  
Dermot J. Kenny ◽  
Rosa Taylor ◽  
D. G. Cerys Rees ◽  
M. Gill Hartley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Yersinia Pestis ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Virulent Strain ◽  
Late Phase ◽  
Flow Cytometric Analysis ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Intracellular Bacteria ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Green Fluorescent

ABSTRACT The pathogenesis of infection with Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, was examined following subcutaneous infection of BALB/c mice with a fully virulent strain expressing green fluorescent protein. Plate culturing, flow cytometry, and laser confocal microscopy of spleen homogenates throughout infection revealed three discernible stages of infection. The early phase was characterized by the presence of a small number of intracellular bacteria mostly within CD11b+ macrophages and Ly-6G+ neutrophils. These bacteria were not viable, as determined by plate culturing of spleen homogenates, until day 2 postinfection. Between days 2 and 4 postinfection, a plateau phase was observed, with bacterial burdens of 103 to 104 CFU per spleen. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that there was even distribution of Y. pestis within both CD11b+ macrophage and Ly-6G+ neutrophil populations on day 2 postinfection. However, from day 3 postinfection onward, intracellular bacteria were observed exclusively within splenic CD11b+ macrophages. The late phase of infection, between days 4 and 5 postinfection, was characterized by a rapid increase in bacterial numbers, as well as escape of bacteria into the extracellular compartment. Annexin V staining of spleens indicated that a large proportion of splenic neutrophils underwent rapid apoptosis on days 1 and 2 postinfection. Fewer macrophages underwent apoptosis during the same period. Our data suggest that during the early stages of Y. pestis infection, splenic neutrophils are responsible for limiting the growth of Y. pestis and that splenic macrophages provide safe intracellular shelters within which Y. pestis is able to grow and escape during the later stages of infection. This macrophage compliance can be overcome in vitro by stimulation with a combination of gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor alpha.

scholarly journals Fluorescent Labels Influence Phagocytosis ofBordetella pertussis by Human Neutrophils

1999 ◽  
Vol 67 (8) ◽  
pp. 4264-4267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine L. Weingart ◽  
Gina Broitman-Maduro ◽  
Gary Dean ◽  
Simon Newman ◽  
Mark Peppler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adenylate Cyclase ◽  
Virulence Factor ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Fluorescein Isothiocyanate ◽  
Immune Serum ◽  
Human Neutrophils ◽  
Ofbordetella Pertussis ◽  
Adenylate Cyclase Toxin ◽  
Green Fluorescent

ABSTRACT To explore the role of neutrophil phagocytosis in host defense against Bordetella pertussis, bacteria were labeled extrinsically with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) or genetically with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and incubated with adherent human neutrophils in the presence or absence of heat-inactivated human immune serum. In the absence of antibodies, FITC-labeled bacteria were located primarily on the surface of the neutrophils with few bacteria ingested. However, after opsonization, about seven times more bacteria were located intracellularly, indicating that antibodies promoted phagocytosis. In contrast, bacteria labeled intrinsically with GFP were not efficiently phagocytosed even in the presence of opsonizing antibodies, suggesting that FITC interfered with a bacterial defense. Because FITC covalently modifies proteins and could affect their function, we tested the effect of FITC on adenylate cyclase toxin activity, an important extracellular virulence factor. FITC-labeled bacteria had fivefold-less adenylate cyclase toxin activity than did unlabeled wild-type bacteria or GFP-expressing bacteria, suggesting that FITC compromised adenylate cyclase toxin activity. These data demonstrated that at least one extracellular virulence factor was affected by FITC labeling and that GFP is a more appropriate label forB. pertussis.

scholarly journals CD26 upregulates proliferation and invasion in keloid fibroblasts through an IGF-1-induced PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Xin ◽  
Peiru Min ◽  
Heng Xu ◽  
Zheng Zhang ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Mtor Pathway ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Aberrant Expression ◽  
Proliferation And Invasion ◽  
Keloid Fibroblasts

Abstract Background Keloid is a fibrotic dermal disease characterized by an abnormal increase in fibroblast proliferation and invasion. These pathological behaviours may be related to the heterogeneity of keloid fibroblasts (KFs); however, because of a lack of effective biomarkers for KFs it is difficult to study the underlying mechanism. Our previous studies revealed that the expansion of CD26+ KFs was responsible for increased keloid proliferation and invasion capabilities; the intrinsic relationship and mechanism between CD26 and keloid is therefore worthy of further investigation. The aim of this study was to explore molecular mechanisms in the process of CD26 upregulated KFs proliferation and invasion abilities, and provide more evidence for CD26 as an effective biomarker of keloid and a new clinical therapeutic target. Methods Flow cytometry was performed to isolate CD26+/CD26− fibroblasts from KFs and normal fibroblasts. To generate stably silenced KFs for CD26 and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), lentiviral particles encoding shRNA targeting CD26 and IGF-1R were used for transfection. Cell proliferations were analysed by cell counting kit-8 assay and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay. Scratching assay and transwell assay were used to assess cell migration and invasion abilities. To further quantify the regulatory role of CD26 expression in the relevant signalling pathway, RT-qPCR, western blot, ELISA, PI3K activity assay and immunofluorescence were used. Results Aberrant expression of CD26 in KFs was proven to be associated with increased proliferation and invasion of KFs. Furthermore, the role of the IGF-1/IGF-1 receptor axis was also studied in CD26 and was found to upregulate KF proliferation and invasion. The PI3K/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway was shown to affect CD26-regulated KF proliferation and invasion by increasing phosphorylation levels of S6 kinase and 4E-binding protein. Conclusions CD26 can be the effective biomarker for KFs, and its expression is closely related to proliferation and invasion in keloids through the IGF-1-induced PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. This work provides a novel perspective on the pathological mechanisms affecting KFs and therapeutic strategies against keloids.

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