scholarly journals Molecular analysis of external genitalia formation: the role of fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) genes during genital tubercle formation

Development ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 127 (11) ◽  
pp. 2471-2479 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Haraguchi ◽  
K. Suzuki ◽  
R. Murakami ◽  
M. Sakai ◽  
M. Kamikawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Gene Knockout ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Protein S ◽  
Limb Bud ◽  
Urethral Plate ◽  
Genital Tubercle

The molecular mechanisms underlying the development of the external genitalia in mammals have been very little examined. Recent gene knockout studies have suggested that the developmental processes of its anlage, the genital tubercle (GT), have much in common with those of limb buds. The Fgf genes have been postulated as regulating several downstream genes during organogenesis. Fgf8 was expressed in the distal urethral plate epithelium of the genital tubercle (GT) together with other markers such as the Msx1, Fgf10, Hoxd13 and Bmp4 expressed in the mesenchyme. To analyze the role of the FGF system during GT formation, an in vitro organ culture system was utilized. It is suggested that the distal urethral plate epithelium of GT, the Fgf8-expressing region, regulates the outgrowth of GT. Ectopic application of FGF8 beads to the murine GT induced mesenchymal gene expression, and also promoted the outgrowth of the GT. Experiments utilizing anti-FGF neutralizing antibody suggested a growth-promoting role for FGF protein(s) in GT outgrowth. In contrast, despite its vital role during limb-bud formation, Fgf10 appears not to be primarily essential for initial outgrowth of GT, as extrapolated from Fgf10(−/−) GTs. However, the abnormal external genitalia development of Fgf10(−/−) perinatal mice suggested the importance of Fgf10 in the development of the glans penis and the glans clitoridis. These results suggest that the FGF system is a key element in orchestrating GT development.

scholarly journals Microfluidic tumor-on-a-chip model to evaluate the role of tumor environmental stress on NK cell exhaustion

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. eabc2331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose M. Ayuso ◽  
Shujah Rehman ◽  
Maria Virumbrales-Munoz ◽  
Patrick H. McMinn ◽  
Peter Geiger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Waste Product ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Cell Exhaustion

Solid tumors generate a suppressive environment that imposes an overwhelming burden on the immune system. Nutrient depletion, waste product accumulation, hypoxia, and pH acidification severely compromise the capacity of effector immune cells such as T and natural killer (NK) cells to destroy cancer cells. However, the specific molecular mechanisms driving immune suppression, as well as the capacity of immune cells to adapt to the suppressive environment, are not completely understood. Thus, here, we used an in vitro microfluidic tumor-on-a-chip platform to evaluate how NK cells respond to the tumor-induced suppressive environment. The results demonstrated that the suppressive environment created by the tumor gradually eroded NK cell cytotoxic capacity, leading to compromised NK cell surveillance and tumor tolerance. Further, NK cell exhaustion persisted for an extended period of time after removing NK cells from the microfluidic platform. Last, the addition of checkpoint inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents alleviated NK cell exhaustion.

scholarly journals Analysis of a Preliminary microRNA Expression Signature in a Human Telangiectatic Osteogenic Sarcoma Cancer Cell Line

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 1163
Author(s):  
Gaia Palmini ◽  
Cecilia Romagnoli ◽  
Simone Donati ◽  
Roberto Zonefrati ◽  
Gianna Galli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Line ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Osteogenic Sarcoma ◽  
Cancer Cell Line ◽  
Microscopic Features ◽  
In Vitro Establishment ◽  
Profile Characteristic ◽  
First Time

Telangiectatic osteosarcoma (TOS) is an aggressive variant of osteosarcoma (OS) with distinctive radiographic, gross, microscopic features, and prognostic implications. Despite several studies on OS, we are still far from understanding the molecular mechanisms of TOS. In recent years, many studies have demonstrated not only that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in OS tumorigenesis, development, and metastasis, but also that the presence in high-grade types of OS of cancer stem cells (CSCs) plays an important role in tumor progression. Despite these findings, nothing has been described previously about the expression of miRNAs and the presence of CSCs in human TOS. Therefore, we have isolated/characterized a putative CSC cell line from human TOS (TOS-CSCs) and evaluated the expression levels of several miRNAs in TOS-CSCs using real-time quantitative assays. We show, for the first time, the existence of CSCs in human TOS, highlighting the in vitro establishment of this unique stabilized cell line and an identification of a preliminary expression of the miRNA profile, characteristic of TOS-CSCs. These findings represent an important step in the study of the biology of one of the most aggressive variants of OS and the role of miRNAs in TOS-CSC behavior.

scholarly journals The Role of Sonic Hedgehog-Gli2 Pathway in the Masculinization of External Genitalia

Endocrinology ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 152 (7) ◽  
pp. 2894-2903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinichi Miyagawa ◽  
Daisuke Matsumaru ◽  
Aki Murashima ◽  
Akiko Omori ◽  
Yoshihiko Satoh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Sonic Hedgehog ◽  
Hedgehog Signaling ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Hedgehog Signaling Pathway ◽  
Initial Development ◽  
Urethral Plate ◽  
Male External Genitalia

During embryogenesis, sexually dimorphic organogenesis is achieved by hormones produced in the gonad. The external genitalia develop from a single primordium, the genital tubercle, and their masculinization processes depend on the androgen signaling. In addition to such hormonal signaling, the involvement of nongonadal and locally produced masculinization factors has been unclear. To elucidate the mechanisms of the sexually dimorphic development of the external genitalia, series of conditional mutant mouse analyses were performed using several mutant alleles, particularly focusing on the role of hedgehog signaling pathway in this manuscript. We demonstrate that hedgehog pathway is indispensable for the establishment of male external genitalia characteristics. Sonic hedgehog is expressed in the urethral plate epithelium, and its signal is mediated through glioblastoma 2 (Gli2) in the mesenchyme. The expression level of the sexually dimorphic genes is decreased in the glioblastoma 2 mutant embryos, suggesting that hedgehog signal is likely to facilitate the masculinization processes by affecting the androgen responsiveness. In addition, a conditional mutation of Sonic hedgehog at the sexual differentiation stage leads to abnormal male external genitalia development. The current study identified hedgehog signaling pathway as a key factor not only for initial development but also for sexually dimorphic development of the external genitalia in coordination with androgen signaling.

scholarly journals Cathepsin B Localizes in the Caveolae and Participates in the Proteolytic Cascade in Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Potential New Drug Target for the Treatment of Glaucoma

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 78
Author(s):  
April Nettesheim ◽  
Myoung Sup Shim ◽  
Angela Dixon ◽  
Urmimala Raychaudhuri ◽  
Haiyan Gong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trabecular Meshwork ◽  
Cathepsin B ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Ecm Remodeling ◽  
Trabecular Meshwork Cells ◽  
Proteolytic Cascade

Extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the trabecular meshwork (TM) is one of the hallmarks of glaucoma, a group of human diseases and leading cause of permanent blindness. The molecular mechanisms underlying ECM deposition in the glaucomatous TM are not known, but it is presumed to be a consequence of excessive synthesis of ECM components, decreased proteolytic degradation, or both. Targeting ECM deposition might represent a therapeutic approach to restore outflow facility in glaucoma. Previous work conducted in our laboratory identified the lysosomal enzyme cathepsin B (CTSB) to be expressed on the cellular surface and to be secreted into the culture media in trabecular meshwork (TM) cells. Here, we further investigated the role of CTSB on ECM remodeling and outflow physiology in vitro and in CSTBko mice. Our results indicate that CTSB localizes in the caveolae and participates in the pericellular degradation of ECM in TM cells. We also report here a novel role of CTSB in regulating the expression of PAI-1 and TGFβ/Smad signaling in TM cells vitro and in vivo in CTSBko mice. We propose enhancing CTSB activity as a novel therapeutic target to attenuate fibrosis and ECM deposition in the glaucomatous outflow pathway.

scholarly journals Low Intensity Shockwave Treatment Modulates Macrophage Functions Beneficial to Healing Chronic Wounds

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 7844
Author(s):  
Jason S. Holsapple ◽  
Ben Cooper ◽  
Susan H. Berry ◽  
Aleksandra Staniszewska ◽  
Bruce M. Dickson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Macrophage Activation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Chronic Wounds ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
Extracorporeal Shock Wave

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is used clinically in various disorders including chronic wounds for its pro-angiogenic, proliferative, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms driving therapeutic effects are not well characterized. Macrophages play a key role in all aspects of healing and their dysfunction results in failure to resolve chronic wounds. We investigated the role of ESWT on macrophage activity in chronic wound punch biopsies from patients with non-healing venous ulcers prior to, and two weeks post-ESWT, and in macrophage cultures treated with clinical shockwave intensities (150–500 impulses, 5 Hz, 0.1 mJ/mm2). Using wound area measurements and histological/immunohistochemical analysis of wound biopsies, we show ESWT enhanced healing of chronic ulcers associated with improved wound angiogenesis (CD31 staining), significantly decreased CD68-positive macrophages per biopsy area and generally increased macrophage activation. Shockwave treatment of macrophages in culture significantly boosted uptake of apoptotic cells, healing-associated cytokine and growth factor gene expressions and modulated macrophage morphology suggestive of macrophage activation, all of which contribute to wound resolution. Macrophage ERK activity was enhanced, suggesting one mechanotransduction pathway driving events. Collectively, these in vitro and in vivo findings reveal shockwaves as important regulators of macrophage functions linked with wound healing. This immunomodulation represents an underappreciated role of clinically applied shockwaves, which could be exploited for other macrophage-mediated disorders.

Abstract P780: Myosin Light Chain Dephosphorylation by Ppp1r12c Promotes Atrial Hypocontractility in Atrial Fibrillation

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco J Gonzalez-Gonzalez ◽  
Perike Srikanth ◽  
Andrielle E Capote ◽  
Alsina Katherina M ◽  
Benjamin Levin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Myosin Light Chain ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Contractile Function ◽  
Right Atrial ◽  
Western Blots

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, with an estimated prevalence in the U.S.of 6.1 million. AF increases the risk of a thromboembolic stroke in five-fold. Although atrial hypocontractility contributes to stroke risk in AF, the molecular mechanisms reducing myofilament contractile function in AF remains unknown. We have recently identified protein phosphatase 1 subunit 12c (PPP1R12C) as a key molecule targeting myosin light-chain phosphorylation in AF. Objective: We hypothesize that the overexpression of PPP1R12C causes hypophosphorylation of atrial myosin light-chain 2 (MLC2a), thereby decreasing atrial contractility in AF. Methods and Results: Left and right atrial appendage tissues were isolated from AF patients versus sinus rhythm (SR). To evaluate the role of the PP1c-PPP1R12C interaction in MLC2a de-phosphorylation, we utilized Western blots, co-immunoprecipitation, and phosphorylation assays. In patients with AF, PPP1R12C expression was increased 3.5-fold versus SR controls with an 88% reduction in MLC2a phosphorylation. PPP1R12C-PP1c binding and PPP1R12C-MLC2a binding were significantly increased in AF. In vitro studies of either pharmacologic (BDP5290) or genetic (T560A), PPP1R12C activation demonstrated increased PPP1R12C binding with both PP1c and MLC2a, and dephosphorylation of MLC2a. Additionally, to evaluate the role of PPP1R12C expression in cardiac function, mice with lentiviral cardiac-specific overexpression of PPP1R12C (Lenti-12C) were evaluated for atrial contractility using echocardiography, versus wild-type and Lenti-controls. Lenti-12C mice demonstrated a 150% increase in left atrium size versus controls, with reduced atrial strain and atrial ejection fraction. Also, programmed electrical stimulation was performed to evaluate AF inducibility in vivo. Pacing-induced AF in Lenti-12C mice was significantly higher than controls. Conclusion: The overexpression of PPP1R12C increases PP1c targeting to MLC2a and provokes dephosphorylation, associated with a reduction in atrial contractility and an increase in AF inducibility. All these discoveries suggest that PP1 regulation of sarcomere function at MLC2a is a main regulator of atrial contractility in AF.

Abstract P458: Myosin Light Chain Dephosphorylation By Ppp1r12c Promotes Atrial Hypocontractility In Atrial Fibrillation

2021 ◽  
Vol 129 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco J Gonzalez-Gonzalez ◽  
Srikanth Perike ◽  
Frederick Damen ◽  
Andrielle Capote ◽  
Katherina M Alsina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Myosin Light Chain ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Contractile Function ◽  
Right Atrial ◽  
Western Blots

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF), is the most common sustained arrhythmia, with an estimated prevalence in the U.S. of 2.7 million to 6.1 million and is predictive to increase to 12.1 million in 2030. AF increases the chances of a thromboembolic stroke in five-fold. Although atrial hypocontractility contributes to stroke risk in AF, the molecular mechanisms reducing myofilament contractile function in AF remains unknown. Objective: The overexpression of PPP1R12C, causes hypophosphorylation of atrial myosin light chain 2 (MLC2a), decreasing atrial contractility. Methods and Results: Left and right atrial appendage tissues were isolated from AF patients versus sinus rhythm (SR). To evaluated the role of PP1c-PPP1R12C interaction in MLC2a de-phosphorylation we used Western blots, coimmunoprecipitation, and phosphorylation assays. In patients with AF, PPP1R12C expression was increased 3.5-fold versus SR controls with an 88% reduction in MLC2a phosphorylation. PPP1R12C-PP1c binding and PPP1R12C-MLC2a binding were significantly increased in AF. In vitro studies of either pharmacologic (BDP5290) or genetic (T560A) PPP1R12C activation demonstrated increased PPP1R12C binding with both PP1c and MLC2a, and dephosphorylation of MLC2a. Additionally, to evaluate the role of PPP1R12C expression in cardiac function, mice with lentiviral cardiac-specific overexpression of PPP1R12C (Lenti-12C) were evaluated for atrial contractility using echocardiography, versus wild-type and Lenti-controls. Lenti-12C mice demonstrated a 150% increase in left atrium size versus controls, with reduced atrial strain and atrial ejection fraction. Also, programmed electrical stimulation was performed to evaluate AF inducibility in vivo. Pacing-induced AF in Lenti-12C mice was significantly higher than controls. Conclusion: The Overexpression of PPP1R12C increases PP1c targeting to MLC2a and provokes dephosphorylation, that cause a reduction in atrial contractility and increases AF inducibility. All these discoveries advocate that PP1 regulation of sarcomere function at MLC2a is a main regulator of atrial contractility in AF.

scholarly journals BAG3 contributes to HGF-mediated cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via the Egr1 pathway in gastric cancer

2018 ◽  
Vol 105 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-75
Author(s):  
Jae Chang Lee ◽  
Sung Ae Koh ◽  
Kyung Hee Lee ◽  
Jae-Ryong Kim
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cell Invasion ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Human Gastric Cancer ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Dependent Pathway

Introduction: Bcl2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) is elevated in several types of cancers. However, the role of BAG3 in progression of gastric cancer is unknown. Therefore, the present study aims to find out the role of BAG3 in hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)–mediated tumor progression and the molecular mechanisms by which HGF regulates BAG3 expression. Methods: BAG3 mRNA and protein were measured using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot in the 2 human gastric cancer cell lines, NUGC3 and MKN28, treated with or without HGF. The effects of BAG3 knockdown on cell proliferation, cell invasion, and apoptosis were analyzed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the in vitro 2-chamber invasion assay, and flow cytometry in BAG3 short hairpin RNA (shRNA)–transfected cells and control cells. The signaling pathways involved in BAG3 that are regulated by HGF were analyzed. The chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was used to determine binding of Egr1 to the BAG3 promoter. Results: BAG3 mRNA and protein levels were increased following treatment with HGF. HGF-mediated BAG3 upregulation increased cell proliferation and cell invasion; however, it decreased apoptosis. HGF-mediated BAG3 upregulation is regulated by an ERK and Egr1-dependent pathway. BAG3 may have an important role in HGF-mediated cell proliferation and metastasis in gastric cancer through an ERK and Egr1-dependent pathway. Conclusion: This pathway may provide novel therapeutic targets and provide information for further identification of other targets of therapeutic significance in gastric cancer.

scholarly journals EDEM2 stably disulfide-bonded to TXNDC11 catalyzes the first mannose trimming step in mammalian glycoprotein ERAD

eLife ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ginto George ◽  
Satoshi Ninagawa ◽  
Hirokazu Yagi ◽  
Taiki Saito ◽  
Tokiro Ishikawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Gene Knockout ◽  
Covalent Bonding ◽  
Cxxc Motif ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum Associated Degradation ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum Protein ◽  
Hct116 Cells

Sequential mannose trimming of N-glycan (Man9GlcNAc2 -> Man8GlcNAc2 -> Man7GlcNAc2) facilitates endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation of misfolded glycoproteins (gpERAD). Our gene knockout experiments in human HCT116 cells have revealed that EDEM2 is required for the first step. However, it was previously shown that purified EDEM2 exhibited no α1,2-mannosidase activity toward Man9GlcNAc2 in vitro. Here, we found that EDEM2 was stably disulfide-bonded to TXNDC11, an endoplasmic reticulum protein containing five thioredoxin (Trx)-like domains. C558 present outside of the mannosidase homology domain of EDEM2 was linked to C692 in Trx5, which solely contains the CXXC motif in TXNDC11. This covalent bonding was essential for mannose trimming and subsequent gpERAD in HCT116 cells. Furthermore, EDEM2-TXNDC11 complex purified from transfected HCT116 cells converted Man9GlcNAc2 to Man8GlcNAc2(isomerB) in vitro. Our results establish the role of EDEM2 as an initiator of gpERAD, and represent the first clear demonstration of in vitro mannosidase activity of EDEM family proteins.

Insights in the molecular mechanisms of an azole stress adapted laboratory-generated Aspergillus fumigatus strain

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Aruanno ◽  
Samantha Gozel ◽  
Isabelle Mouyna ◽  
Josie E Parker ◽  
Daniel Bachmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Drug Transporters ◽  
Major Facilitator Superfamily ◽  
Ergosterol Biosynthesis ◽  
Azole Resistance ◽  
Drug Transporter

Abstract Aspergillus fumigatus is the main cause of invasive aspergillosis, for which azole drugs are the first-line therapy. Emergence of pan-azole resistance among A. fumigatus is concerning and has been mainly attributed to mutations in the target gene (cyp51A). However, azole resistance may also result from other mutations (hmg1, hapE) or other adaptive mechanisms. We performed microevolution experiment exposing an A. fumigatus azole-susceptible strain (Ku80) to sub-minimal inhibitory concentration of voriconazole to analyze emergence of azole resistance. We obtained a strain with pan-azole resistance (Ku80R), which was partially reversible after drug relief, and without mutations in cyp51A, hmg1, and hapE. Transcriptomic analyses revealed overexpression of the transcription factor asg1, several ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and major facilitator superfamily transporters and genes of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway in Ku80R. Sterol analysis showed a significant decrease of the ergosterol mass under voriconazole exposure in Ku80, but not in Ku80R. However, the proportion of the sterol compounds was similar between both strains. To further assess the role of transporters, we used the ABC transporter inhibitor milbemycine oxime (MLB). MLB inhibited transporter activity in both Ku80 and Ku80R and demonstrated some potentiating effect on azole activity. Criteria for synergism were reached for MLB and posaconazole against Ku80. Finally, deletion of asg1 revealed some role of this transcription factor in controlling drug transporter expression, but had no impact on azole susceptibility. This work provides further insight in mechanisms of azole stress adaptation and suggests that drug transporters inhibition may represent a novel therapeutic target. Lay Summary A pan-azole-resistant strain was generated in vitro, in which drug transporter overexpression was a major trait. Analyses suggested a role of the transporter inhibitor milbemycin oxime in inhibiting drug transporters and potentiating azole activity.

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