Functional Analysis of Phage Display Selected Single-Chain Variable Antibody Fragments (scFvs) Specific for Anti-FVIII Antibodies

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 1499-1499
Author(s):  
Kerstin Brettschneider ◽  
Anja Naumann ◽  
Sonja Neimanis ◽  
Joerg Kahle ◽  
Christine Heller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phage Display ◽  
Hemophilia A ◽  
Antibody Fragments ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Fviii Activity ◽  
Inhibitory Antibodies

Abstract The development of inhibitory antibodies against coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) is currently the most serious complication for hemophilia A patients that undergo FVIII replacement therapy. In addition, non-hemophilia A patients can spontaneously develop inhibitory auto-antibodies to FVIII, which results in acquired haemophilia A. The control of the allo- or autoimmune response to FVIII apparently includes the elicitation of anti-idiotypic antibodies. In this study the capacity of anti-idiotypic single-chain variable antibody fragments (scFvs) for neutralization of inhibitory anti-FVIII antibodies (FVIII inhibitors) was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Anti-idiotypic scFvs were selected from phage-displayed libraries against murine monoclonal FVIII-specific inhibitors. As the majority of inhibitory antibodies is directed against the A2 or C2 domain of FVIII, strongly inhibitory A2- and C2-specific antibodies served as targets. Selected scFvs were expressed as scFv-Fc fusion proteins. Analysis of the scFv-Fcs by ELISA confirmed the specific binding to the cognate targets and binding studies via surface plasmon resonance revealed high affinities within the nanomolar range. Further characterization showed that binding of inhibitors to immobilized FVIII was blocked by specific scFv-Fcs in vitro. The ability of scFv-Fcs to neutralize their corresponding inhibitors was analyzed in a functional clotting assay. By adding scFv-Fcs to plasma spiked with inhibitors, FVIII activity was restored to 80% in a concentration dependent manner. FVIII knockout mice served as model organism for testing the capacity of scFv-Fcs to restore coagulation in vivo. Subsequent injection of FVIII following the injection of the inhibitors resulted in a largely reduced FVIII activity. However, FVIII activity was recovered in a concentration dependent manner by adding cognate anti-idiotypes. The scFv-Fcs were either preincubated with the corresponding inhibitor or added to the FVIII mixture without preincubation. The latter represents an adaption to a therapeutic setting. In conclusion, phage display selected anti-idiotypic scFvs are able to bind and effectively neutralize their target inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. Based on these promising results the potential of anti-idiotypic scFvs for the development of specific cell based immunotherapies for hemophilia A patients with inhibitors is currently under investigation. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Factor VIII Inhibitors: Von Willebrand Factor Makes A Difference In Vitro and In Vivo

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 709-709
Author(s):  
Qizhen Shi ◽  
Erin L. Kuether ◽  
Jocelyn A. Schroeder ◽  
Crystal L. Perry ◽  
Scot A. Fahs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protective Effect ◽  
Hemophilia A ◽  
Inhibitory Antibody ◽  
Chromogenic Assay ◽  
Fviii Activity ◽  
Inhibitory Antibodies ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor

Abstract Abstract 709 The important association between von Willebrand factor (VWF) and factor VIII (FVIII) has been investigated for decades, but the effect of VWF on FVIII inhibitors is still controversial. Studies have demonstrated that some anti-FVIII inhibitory antibodies inhibit VWF-FVIII interaction, while others rely on the presence of VWF to inhibit FVIII activities. The influence of VWF on the Bethesda assay, which is routinely used in the clinic to determine the titer of FVIII-neutralizing inhibitors, is still uncertain because the plasma from hemophilia A patients with inhibitors contains normal levels of VWF. To explore the effect of VWF on the reactivity of FVIII inhibitors, we immunized VWF and FVIII double knockout (VWFnullFVIIInull) mice with recombinant human B-domain deleted FVIII (rhFVIII) to induce anti-FVIII inhibitory antibody development. Inhibitory plasma was collected and the titer of inhibitors was determined by Bethesda assay. Murine plasma-derived VWF (from FVIIInull mice) or recombinant human VWF (rhVWF) was used to study the influence of VWF on inhibitor inactivation of FVIII activity (FVIII:C). The remaining FVIII:C after inactivation was determined by chromogenic assay. When inhibitory plasma was incubated with rhFVIII in the presence of 1 U/ml VWF, the residual FVIII activity recovered was higher than in the absence of VWF, resulting in 6.82 ± 1.12 (n = 27) fold lower apparent inhibitor titers. This protective effect is VWF dose dependent. The source of VWF (plasma-derived murine VWF vs. rhVWF) did not affect its protection of FVIII from inhibitor inactivation and VWF does not affect FVIII:C measured in the chromogenic assay in the absence of inhibitors. Interestingly, we found that inhibitor inactivation of FVIII:C in the absence of VWF occurred much faster than in its presence. When the usual 2 hr. incubation at 37°C was omitted from the Bethesda assay, adding rhVWF to rFVIII before mixing with inhibitory plasma resulted in 67.29 ± 20.18 (n = 5) fold lower apparent inhibitor titers than without added VWF. In contrast, if VWF was added to inhibitory plasma first and then mixed with rhFVIII, the inhibitor titers were only 11.04 ± 3.56 (n = 5) fold lower than without added VWF. These results indicate that rhFVIII present in a preformed VWF-FVIII complex is protected from inhibitory antibody inactivation. Conversely, when VWF and inhibitory plasma are added to rhFVIII at the same time, the VWF and inhibitors appear to compete to bind to rhFVIII. Inhibitor titers were lower than in the absence of VWF, but the protective effect is not as efficient as when VWF and rhFVIII were already associated with one another before encountering inhibitors. To confirm the protective effect of VWF on FVIII from inhibitor inactivation, we infused FVIIInull or VWFnullFVIIInull mice with inhibitory plasma and rhFVIII followed by a tail clip survival test. When rhFVIII was infused into FVIIInull mice to 2% followed by inhibitory plasma infusion, all mice with inhibitor titer of 2.5 BU/ml (n = 4) survived tail clipping, and 2 of 4 survived with either 25 BU/ml or 250 BU/ml. If inhibitory plasma was infused first followed by rhFVIII infusion, then only 2 of 6 mice with inhibitor titers of 2.5 BU/ml survived tail clip challenge and none survived with 25 BU/ml and 250 BU/ml. In the first set of mice the infused FVIII was able to form a protective complex with endogenous VWF before encountering inhibitors, while in the second set FVIII is exposed to VWF and pre-infused inhibitory antibodies at the same time, a competitive binding that appears to reduce VWF's protective effect. In contrast, when rhFVIII was infused into VWFnullFVIIInull mice followed by inhibitory plasma infusion, no animals (n = 4 for each group) survived tail clipping with inhibitor titers of 2.5 BU/ml or higher. In summary, our studies demonstrate that VWF exerts a protective effect, reducing inhibitor inactivation of FVIII, both in vitro and in vivo. While the role of VWF in stabilizing plasma FVIII in a milieu rich in proteases has been appreciated for decades, our results indicate that treatment utilizing products containing a complex of FVIII with VWF may be especially beneficial in hemophilia A patients with inhibitors. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

An Aptamer Antagonist of Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor Improves Coagulation in Hemophilia A and FVIII Antibody-Treated Plasma.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 544-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily K. Waters ◽  
Jeffrey C. Kurz ◽  
Ryan Genga ◽  
Jennifer A Nelson ◽  
Kathleen E. McGinness ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Factor ◽  
Whole Blood ◽  
Hemophilia A ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Antibody Treatment ◽  
Fviii Activity ◽  
R Value ◽  
Dose Dependent

Abstract Abstract 544 Hemophilia A is a bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency in coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) rendering the body incapable of maintaining hemostasis. Abnormally prolonged bleeding can occur either spontaneously or after an injury or surgery. The most effective treatment for hemophilia A is FVIII replacement therapy; however, for patients with FVIII inhibitors, this therapy is not possible. In these patients, expensive bypassing agents such as recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) are the only currently availabel treatment. We have developed an aptamer that binds to and inhibits tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) as a novel therapeutic strategy to treat hemophilia A patients. TFPI inhibits factor Xa and is the primary regulator of the FVIIa:tissue factor complex, the initiator of blood coagulation. By blocking TFPI, sufficient thrombin could be generated through the extrinsic pathway to bypass the defect in clot propagation caused by the deficiency of FVIII. We compared our anti-TFPI aptamer to rFVIIa in a number of in vitro and in vivo assays, including a plasma-based thrombin generation assay–the calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) assay–initiated with 1 pM tissue factor. These experiments were carried out with normal plasma from healthy volunteers, plasma from severe hemophilia A patients, and plasma from hemophilia A patients containing high titers of inhibitory antibodies. We also measured activity using tissue factor-initiated thromboelastography (TEG), in whole blood from healthy volunteers depleted of FVIII by preincubation with a polyclonal anti-FVIII antibody. In the CAT assay, the aptamer demonstrated a dose-dependent improvement in both endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak thrombin similar to that achieved with rFVIIa in hemophilia A plasma, either with or without inhibitors. In the TEG assay, R-values–a measure of clotting time–were prolonged in the whole blood upon FVIII antibody treatment, and then restored in a dose-dependent manner with both the aptamer and rFVIIa, to levels similar to untreated whole blood. The rate of clot development, measured by the TEG angle, was also improved in a dose-dependent manner in response to both aptamer and rFVIIa. We also tested the effectiveness of our aptamer in a non-human primate model of hemophilia A that mimics the inhibitor patient. In this model, cynomolgus monkeys are treated with a single intravenous (IV) bolus of a purified polyclonal antibody against human FVIII. The antibody treatment was followed by an IV bolus of aptamer, rFVIIa, or saline. The effects of these agents on hemostasis were analyzed by TEG in plasma obtained from blood samples drawn at various times prior to or following treatment. Other measures included prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and FVIII activity. Upon treatment with the FVIII antibody, FVIII activity in the monkey plasma was reduced to less than 1%. The administration of the polyclonal antibody had no effect on the PT of the monkey plasma, but did prolong the aPTT. In the TEG, 2.5 hours after administration of the antibody, there was a prolongation in clotting time (R-value) from a baseline R-value of 5-10 minutes to an R-value of ≥ 25 minutes. Within 15 minutes after IV bolus administration of either aptamer or rFVIIa, there was an improvement in the TEG R-value to levels similar to baseline, pre-study measurements. Infusion of rFVIIa subsequently shortened the PT by 2 seconds and shortened the aPTT by 20 seconds. These changes were not observed with aptamer infusion. These in vitro and in vivo studies suggest we have developed a TFPI inhibitory aptamer that could be a novel procoagulant therapeutic in the treatment of inhibitor and non-inhibitor hemophilia A patients. Disclosures: Waters: Archemix Corporation: Employment. Kurz:Archemix Corporation: Employment. Genga:Archemix Corporation: Employment. Nelson:Archemix Corporation: Employment. McGinness:Archemix Corporation: Employment. Schaub:Archemix Corporation: Employment.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Lectin Exhibit Inhibition of ACE-I, α-amylase and α-glucosidase Activity

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 494-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sameer Suresh Bhagyawant ◽  
Dakshita Tanaji Narvekar ◽  
Neha Gupta ◽  
Amita Bhadkaria ◽  
Ajay Kumar Gautam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effects ◽  
Exchange Chromatography ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Carbohydrate Binding ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Ic50 Values ◽  
Chickpea Lectin

Background: Diabetes and hypertension are the major health concern and alleged to be of epidemic proportions. This has made it a numero uno subject at various levels of investigation. Glucosidase inhibitor provides the reasonable option in treatment of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) as it specifically targets post prandial hyperglycemia. The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) plays an important role in hypertension. Therefore, inhibition of ACE in treatment of elevated blood pressure attracts special interest of the scientific community. Chickpea is a food legume and seeds contain carbohydrate binding protein- a lectin. Some of the biological properties of this lectin hitherto been elucidated. Methods: Purified by ion exchange chromatography, chickpea lectin was tested for its in vitro antioxidant, ACE-I inhibitory and anti-diabetic characteristic. Results: Lectin shows a characteristic improvement over the synthetic drugs like acarbose (oral anti-diabetic drug) and captopril (standard antihypertensive drug) when, their IC50 values are compared. Lectin significantly inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase in a concentration dependent manner with IC50 values of 85.41 ± 1.21 ҝg/ml and 65.05 ± 1.2 µg/ml compared to acarbose having IC50 70.20 ± 0.47 value of µg/ml and 50.52 ± 1.01 µg/ml respectively. β-Carotene bleaching assay showed antioxidant activity of lectin (72.3%) to be as active as Butylated Hydroxylanisole (BHA). In addition, lectin demonstrated inhibition against ACE-I with IC50 value of 57.43 ± 1.20 µg/ml compared to captopril. Conclusion: Lectin demonstrated its antioxidant character, ACE-I inhibition and significantly inhibitory for α-glucosidase and α-amylase seems to qualify as an anti-hyperglycemic therapeutic molecule. The biological effects of chickpea lectin display potential for reducing the parameters of medically debilitating conditions. These characteristics however needs to be established under in vivo systems too viz. animals through to humans.

scholarly journals Modulatory Effects of Osthole on Lipopolysaccharides-Induced Inflammation in Caco-2 Cell Monolayer and Co-Cultures with THP-1 and THP-1-Derived Macrophages

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Natalia K. Kordulewska ◽  
Justyna Topa ◽  
Małgorzata Tańska ◽  
Anna Cieślińska ◽  
Ewa Fiedorowicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Inflammatory Reaction ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Cell Monolayer ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Tnf Α

Lipopolysaccharydes (LPS) are responsible for the intestinal inflammatory reaction, as they may disrupt tight junctions and induce cytokines (CKs) secretion. Osthole has a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects, thus its anti-inflammatory potential in the LPS-treated Caco-2 cell line as well as in Caco-2/THP-1 and Caco-2/macrophages co-cultures was investigated. In brief, Caco-2 cells and co-cultures were incubated with LPS to induce an inflammatory reaction, after which osthole (150–450 ng/mL) was applied to reduce this effect. After 24 h, the level of secreted CKs and changes in gene expression were examined. LPS significantly increased the levels of IL-1β, -6, -8, and TNF-α, while osthole reduced this effect in a concentration-dependent manner, with the most significant decrease when a 450 ng/mL dose was applied (p < 0.0001). A similar trend was observed in changes in gene expression, with the significant osthole efficiency at a concentration of 450 ng/μL for IL1R1 and COX-2 (p < 0.01) and 300 ng/μL for NF-κB (p < 0.001). Osthole increased Caco-2 monolayer permeability, thus if it would ever be considered as a potential drug for minimizing intestinal inflammatory symptoms, its safety should be confirmed in extended in vitro and in vivo studies.

Effect of Auraptene on angiogenesis in Xenograft model of breast cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Shiran ◽  
Elham Mahmoudian ◽  
Abolghasem Ajami ◽  
Seyed Mostafa Hosseini ◽  
Ayjamal Khojasteh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Gene Expression ◽  
Animal Model ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner

Abstract Objectives Angiogenesis is the most important challenge in breast cancer treatment. Recently, scientists become interesting in rare natural products and intensive researches was performed to identify their pharmacological profile. Auraptene shows helpful effects such as cancer chemo-preventive, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immuno-modulatory. In this regard, we investigated the anti-angiogenesis effect of Auraptene in in-vitro and in-vivo model of breast cancer. Methods In this study, 4T, MDA-MB-231 and HUVEC cell lines were used. The proliferation study was done by MTT assay. For tube formation assay, 250 matrigel, 1 × 104 HUVEC treated with Auraptene, 20 ng/mL EGF, 20 ng/mL bFGF and 20 ng/mL VEGF were used. Gene expression of important gene related to angiogenesis in animal model of breast cancer was investigated by Real-time PCR. Protein expression of VCAM-1 and TNFR-1 gene related to angiogenesis in animal model of breast cancer was investigated by western-blot. Results Auraptene treatment led to reduction in cell viability of MDA-MB-231 in a concentration-dependent manner. Also, we observed change in the number of tubes or branches formed by cells incubated with 40 and 80 μM Auraptene. Auraptene effect the gene expression of important gene related to angiogenesis (VEGF, VEGFR2, COX2, IFNɣ). Moreover, the western blot data exhibited that Auraptene effect the protein expression of VCAM-1 and TNFR-1. Conclusions Overall, this study shows that Auraptene significantly suppressed angiogenesis via down-regulation of VEGF, VEGFR2, VCAM-1, TNFR-1, COX-2 and up-regulation of IFNγ.

(-)-Epigallocatechin Gallate Promotes MicroRNA 145 Expression against Myocardial Hypoxic Injury through Dab2/Wnt3a/β-catenin

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (02) ◽  
pp. 341-356
Author(s):  
Chiu-Mei Lin ◽  
Wei-Jen Fang ◽  
Bao-Wei Wang ◽  
Chun-Ming Pan ◽  
Su-Kiat Chua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Myocardial Infarct ◽  
Epigallocatechin Gallate ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Rat Cardiomyocytes

MicroRNA 145 (miR-145) is a critical modulator of cardiovascular diseases. The downregulation of myocardial miR-145 is followed by an increase in disabled-2 (Dab2) expression in cardiomyocytes. (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a flavonoid that has been evaluated extensively due to its diverse pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective effects of EGCG under hypoxia-induced stress in vitro and in vivo. The hypoxic insult led to the suppression of miR-145 expression in cultured rat cardiomyocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blotting and real-time PCR were performed. In rat myocardial infarction study, in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescent analyses were adopted. The western blot and real-time PCR data revealed that hypoxic stress with 2.5% O2 suppressed the expression of miR-145 and Wnt3a/[Formula: see text]-catenin in cultured rat cardiomyocytes but augmented Dab2. Treatment with EGCG attenuated Dab2 expression, but increased Wnt3a and [Formula: see text]-catenin in hypoxic cultured cardiomyocytes. Following in vivo myocardial infarction (MI) study, the data revealed the myocardial infarct area reduced by 48.5%, 44.6%, and 48.5% in EGCG (50[Formula: see text]mg/kg) or miR-145 dominant or Dab2 siRNA groups after myocardial infarction for 28 days, respectively. This study demonstrated that EGCG increased miR-145, Wnt3a, and [Formula: see text]-catenin expression but attenuated Dab2 expression. Moreover, EGCG ameliorated myocardial ischemia in vivo. The novel suppressive effect was mediated through the miR-145 and Dab2/Wnt3a/[Formula: see text]-catenin pathways.

scholarly journals Quercetin Is a Flavonoid Breast Cancer Resistance Protein Inhibitor with an Impact on the Oral Pharmacokinetics of Sulfasalazine in Rats

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 397
Author(s):  
Yoo-Kyung Song ◽  
Jin-Ha Yoon ◽  
Jong Kyu Woo ◽  
Ju-Hee Kang ◽  
Kyeong-Ryoon Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Breast Cancer Resistance Protein ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Cancer Resistance ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Resistance Protein

The potential inhibitory effect of quercetin, a major plant flavonol, on breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) activity was investigated in this study. The presence of quercetin significantly increased the cellular accumulation and associated cytotoxicity of the BCRP substrate mitoxantrone in human cervical cancer cells (HeLa cells) in a concentration-dependent manner. The transcellular efflux of prazosin, a stereotypical BCRP substrate, was also significantly reduced in the presence of quercetin in a bidirectional transport assay using human BCRP-overexpressing cells; further kinetic analysis revealed IC50 and Ki values of 4.22 and 3.91 μM, respectively. Moreover, pretreatment with 10 mg/kg quercetin in rats led to a 1.8-fold and 1.5-fold increase in the AUC8h (i.e., 44.5 ± 11.8 min∙μg/mL vs. 25.7 ± 9.98 min∙μg/mL, p < 0.05) and Cmax (i.e., 179 ± 23.0 ng/mL vs. 122 ± 23.2 ng/mL, p < 0.05) of orally administered sulfasalazine, respectively. Collectively, these results provide evidence that quercetin acts as an in vivo as well as in vitro inhibitor of BCRP. Considering the high dietary intake of quercetin as well as its consumption as a dietary supplement, issuing a caution regarding its food–drug interactions should be considered.

scholarly journals Human C5-specific single-chain variable fragment ameliorates brain injury in a model of NMOSD

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. e561 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenli Zhu ◽  
Zhen Wang ◽  
Suying Hu ◽  
Ye Gong ◽  
Yuanchu Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Phage Display ◽  
Membrane Attack Complex ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Inflammatory Infiltration ◽  
Transfected Cells ◽  
Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity ◽  
Test Specificity

ObjectiveUsing phage display, we sought to screen single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) against complement C5 to treat neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).MethodsAfter 5 rounds of phage display, we isolated individual clones and identified phage clones specifically binding to C5 using ELISA. Using aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-transfected cells in vitro, we confirmed whether these scFvs prevented complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) caused by the serum of patients with NMOSD and human complement (hC). We selected an NMOSD mouse model, in which intracerebral NMOSD immunoglobulin G (IgG) and hC injections induce NMOSD-like lesions in vivo.ResultsWe obtained scFvs to test specificity and blocking efficiency. The scFv C5B3 neutralized C5 in the complement activation pathway, which prevented AQP4-IgG–mediated CDC in AQP4-transfected cells. In an NMOSD mouse model, C5B3 prevented AQP4 and astrocyte loss, decreased demyelination, and reduced inflammatory infiltration and membrane attack complex formation in lesions.ConclusionsWe used phage display to screen C5B3 against C5, which was effective in inhibiting cytotoxicity in vitro and preventing CNS pathology in vivo.

scholarly journals The concentration of B52, an essential splicing factor and regulator of splice site choice in vitro, is critical for Drosophila development.

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 5360-5370 ◽  
Author(s):  
M E Kraus ◽  
J T Lis
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Splice ◽  
Splice Site ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Immunoblot Analysis ◽  
Splicing Factor ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Alternative Splice Site

B52 is a Drosophila melanogaster protein that plays a role in general and alternative splicing in vitro. It is homologous to the human splicing factor ASF/SF2 which is essential for an early step(s) in spliceosome assembly in vitro and also regulates 5' and 3' alternative splice site choice in a concentration-dependent manner. In vitro, B52 can function as both a general splicing factor and a regulator of 5' alternative splice site choice. Its activity in vivo, however, is largely uncharacterized. In this study, we have further characterized B52 in vivo. Using Western blot (immunoblot) analysis and whole-mount immunofluorescence, we demonstrate that B52 is widely expressed throughout development, although some developmental stages and tissues appear to have higher B52 levels than others do. In particular, B52 accumulates in ovaries, where it is packaged into the developing egg and is localized to nuclei by the late blastoderm stage of embryonic development. We also overexpressed this protein in transgenic flies in a variety of developmental and tissue-specific patterns to examine the effects of altering the concentration of this splicing factor in vivo. We show that, in many cell types, changing the concentration of B52 adversely affects the development of the organism. We discuss the significance of these observations with regard to previous in vitro results.

Protective Effects on Mitochondria and Anti-Aging Activity of Polysaccharides from Cultivated Fruiting Bodies of Cordyceps militaris

2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (06) ◽  
pp. 1093-1106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xing-Tai Li ◽  
Hong-Cheng Li ◽  
Chun-Bin Li ◽  
De-Qiang Dou ◽  
Ming-Bo Gao
Keyword(s):  
Hydroxyl Radicals ◽  
Cordyceps Militaris ◽  
Mitochondrial Swelling ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Fruiting Bodies ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Mitochondrial Injury

Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link is an entomopathogenic fungus parasitic to Lepidoptera larvae, and is widely used as a folk tonic or invigorant for longevity in China. Although C. militaris has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia, there is still a lack convincing evidence for its anti-aging activities. This study was performed to investigate the effects of polysaccharides from cultivated fruiting bodies of C. militaris (CMP) on mitochondrial injury, antioxidation and anti-aging activity. Fruiting bodies of C. militaris were cultivated artificially under optimized conditions. The spectrophotometric method was used to measure thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), mitochondrial swelling, and activities of scavenging superoxide anions in vitro. D-galactose (100 mg/kg/day) was injected subcutaneously into back of the neck of mice for 7 weeks to induce an aging model. The effects of CMP on the activities of catalase (CAT), surperoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and anti-hydroxyl radicals were assayed in vivo using commercial monitoring kits. The results showed that CMP could inhibit mitochondrial injury and swelling induced by Fe2+ -L-Cysteine in a concentration- dependent manner and it also had a significant superoxide anion scavenging effect. Moreover, the activities of CAT, SOD, GPx and anti-hydroxyl radicals in mice liver were increased significantly by CMP. These results indicate that CMP protects mitochondria by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibiting mitochondrial swelling, and increasing the activities of antioxidases. Therefore, CMP may have pharmaceutical values for mitochondrial protection and anti-aging. CMP was the major bioactive component in C. militaris.

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