Nesfatin-1 inhibits proliferation and enhances apoptosis of human adrenocortical H295R cells

NUCB2/nesfatin and its proteolytically cleaved product nesfatin-1 are recently discovered anorexigenic hypothalamic neuroproteins involved in energy homeostasis. It is expressed both centrally and in peripheral tissues, and appears to have potent metabolic actions. NUCB2/nesfatin neurons are activated in response to stress. Central nesfatin-1 administration elevates circulating ACTH and corticosterone levels. Bilateral adrenalectomy increased NUCB2/nesfatin mRNA levels in rat paraventricular nuclei. To date, studies have not assessed the effects of nesfatin-1 stimulation on human adrenocortical cells. Therefore, we investigated the expression and effects of nesfatin-1 in a human adrenocortical cell model (H295R). Our findings demonstrate that NUCB2 and nesfatin-1 are expressed in human adrenal gland and human adrenocortical cells (H295R). Stimulation with nesfatin-1 inhibits the growth of H295R cells and promotes apoptosis, potentially via the involvement of Bax, BCL-XL and BCL-2 genes as well as ERK1/2, p38 and JNK1/2 signalling cascades. This has implications for understanding the role of NUCB2/nesfatin in adrenal zonal development. NUCB2/nesfatin may also be a therapeutic target for adrenal cancer. However, further studies using in vivo models are needed to clarify these concepts.

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Regulation of dendritic cell migration and adaptive immune response by leukotriene B4 receptors: a role for LTB4 in up-regulation of CCR7 expression and function

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2006-02-003665 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 109 (2) ◽

pp. 626-631 ◽

Cited By ~ 83

Author(s):

Annalisa Del Prete ◽

Wen-Hai Shao ◽

Stefania Mitola ◽

Giuseppe Santoro ◽

Silvano Sozzani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Array ◽

Adaptive Immune Response ◽

Leukotriene B4 ◽

Contact Hypersensitivity ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Peripheral Tissues ◽

Ccr7 Expression ◽

Adaptive Immune

Abstract Trafficking of dendritic cells (DCs) to peripheral tissues and to secondary lymphoid organs depends on chemokines and lipid mediators. Here, we show that bone marrow–derived DCs (BM-DCs) express functional leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptors as observed in dose-dependent chemotaxis and calcium mobilization responses. LTB4, at low concentrations, promoted the migration of immature and mature DCs to CCL19 and CCL21, which was associated with a rapid (30-minute) increase of CCR7 expression at the membrane level. At longer incubation times (6 hours), gene array analysis revealed a promoting role of LTB4, showing a significant increase of CCR7 and CCL19 mRNA levels. BM-DCs cultured from BLT1−/− or BLT1/2−/− mice showed a normal phenotype, but in vivo BLT1/2−/−DCs showed dramatic decrease in migration to the draining lymph nodes relative to wild-type (WT) DCs. Consistent with these observations, BLT1/2−/− mice showed a reduced response in a model of 2,4-dinitro-fluorobenzene (DNFB)–induced contact hypersensitivity. Adoptive transfer of 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)–pulsed DCs directly implicated the defect in DC migration to lymph node with the defect in contact hypersensitivity. These results provide strong evidence for a role of LTB4 in regulating DC migration and the induction of adaptive immune responses.

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PapRIV, a BV-2 microglial cell activating quorum sensing peptide

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-90030-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yorick Janssens ◽

Nathan Debunne ◽

Anton De Spiegeleer ◽

Evelien Wynendaele ◽

Marta Planas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quorum Sensing ◽

Cell Model ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Communication Signals ◽

Gram Positive Bacteria ◽

A Cell ◽

Gastro Intestinal Tract

AbstractQuorum sensing peptides (QSPs) are bacterial peptides produced by Gram-positive bacteria to communicate with their peers in a cell-density dependent manner. These peptides do not only act as interbacterial communication signals, but can also have effects on the host. Compelling evidence demonstrates the presence of a gut-brain axis and more specifically, the role of the gut microbiota in microglial functioning. The aim of this study is to investigate microglial activating properties of a selected QSP (PapRIV) which is produced by Bacillus cereus species. PapRIV showed in vitro activating properties of BV-2 microglia cells and was able to cross the in vitro Caco-2 cell model and reach the brain. In vivo peptide presence was also demonstrated in mouse plasma. The peptide caused induction of IL-6, TNFα and ROS expression and increased the fraction of ameboid BV-2 microglia cells in an NF-κB dependent manner. Different metabolites were identified in serum, of which the main metabolite still remained active. PapRIV is thus able to cross the gastro-intestinal tract and the blood–brain barrier and shows in vitro activating properties in BV-2 microglia cells, hereby indicating a potential role of this quorum sensing peptide in gut-brain interaction.

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A Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) and Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF-1R) Signaling Loop Is Involved in Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13153812 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (15) ◽

pp. 3812

Author(s):

Mai-Huong T. Ngo ◽

Sue-Wei Peng ◽

Yung-Che Kuo ◽

Chun-Yen Lin ◽

Ming-Heng Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nuclear Translocation ◽

Combination Index ◽

Specific Inhibitor ◽

In Vivo Model ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Margin Distribution ◽

Related Proteins ◽

Emt Markers

The role of a YAP-IGF-1R signaling loop in HCC resistance to sorafenib remains unknown. Method: Sorafenib-resistant cells were generated by treating naïve cells (HepG2215 and Hep3B) with sorafenib. Different cancer cell lines from databases were analyzed through the ONCOMINE web server. BIOSTORM–LIHC patient tissues (46 nonresponders and 21 responders to sorafenib) were used to compare YAP mRNA levels. The HepG2215_R-derived xenograft in SCID mice was used as an in vivo model. HCC tissues from a patient with sorafenib failure were used to examine differences in YAP and IGF-R signaling. Results: Positive associations exist among the levels of YAP, IGF-1R, and EMT markers in HCC tissues and the levels of these proteins increased with sorafenib failure, with a trend of tumor-margin distribution in vivo. Blocking YAP downregulated IGF-1R signaling-related proteins, while IGF-1/2 treatment enhanced the nuclear translocation of YAP in HCC cells through PI3K-mTOR regulation. The combination of YAP-specific inhibitor verteporfin (VP) and sorafenib effectively decreased cell viability in a synergistic manner, evidenced by the combination index (CI). Conclusion: A YAP-IGF-1R signaling loop may play a role in HCC sorafenib resistance and could provide novel potential targets for combination therapy with sorafenib to overcome drug resistance in HCC.

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Quantitative assessment of CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 expression in aldosterone-producing adenomas

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/eje.0.1470795 ◽

2002 ◽

pp. 795-802 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

F Fallo ◽

V Pezzi ◽

L Barzon ◽

P Mulatero ◽

F Veglio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Secretory Activity ◽

Zona Glomerulosa ◽

Zona Fasciculata ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Pathophysiological Role ◽

Aldosterone Production

BACKGROUND: The presence and pathophysiological role of CYP11B1 (11beta-hydroxylase) gene in the zona glomerulosa of human adrenal cortex is still controversial. METHODS: In order to specifically quantify CYP11B1, CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) and CYP17(17alpha-hydroxylase) mRNA levels, we developed a real-time RT-PCR assay and examined the expression in a series of adrenal tIssues, including six normal adrenals from patients adrenalectomized for renal cancer and twelve aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) from patients with primary aldosteronism. RESULTS: CYP11B1 mRNA levels were clearly detected in normal adrenals, which comprised both zona glomerulosa and fasciculata/reticularis cells, but were also measured at a lower range (P<0.05) in APA. The levels of CYP11B2 mRNA were lower (P<0.005) in normal adrenals than in APA. CYP17 mRNAlevels were similar in normal adrenals and in APA. In patients with APA, CYP11B2 and CYP11B1 mRNA levels were not correlated either with basal aldosterone or with the change from basal aldosterone in response to posture or to dexamethasone. No correlation between CYP11B1 mRNA or CYP11B2 mRNA and the percentage of zona fasciculata-like cells was observed in APA. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time RT-PCR can be reliably used to quantify CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 mRNA levels in adrenal tIssues. Expression of CYP11B1 in hyperfunctioning zona glomerulosa suggests an additional formation of corticosterone via 11beta-hydroxylase, providing further substrate for aldosterone biosynthesis. CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 mRNA levels in APA are not related to the in vivo secretory activity of glomerulosa cells, where post-transcriptional factors might ultimately regulate aldosterone production.

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Targeted disruption of the murine junD gene results in multiple defects in male reproductive function

Development ◽

10.1242/dev.127.1.143 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 127 (1) ◽

pp. 143-153 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

D. Thepot ◽

J.B. Weitzman ◽

J. Barra ◽

D. Segretain ◽

M.G. Stinnakre ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Function ◽

Postnatal Growth ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Targeted Disruption ◽

Male Reproductive Function ◽

Developing Heart ◽

Redundant Functions ◽

Transcription Factor Complex

JunD is one of three mammalian Jun proteins that contribute to the AP-1 transcription factor complex. Distinct regulation and functions have been proposed for each Jun member, but less is known about the biological functions of each of these proteins in vivo. To investigate the role of JunD, we have inactivated the murine gene by replacement with a bacterial lacZ reporter gene. Embryonic JunD expression was initially detected in the developing heart and cardiovascular system. Subsequent broadening phases of JunD expression were observed during embryonic development and expression in the adult was widespread in many tissues and cell lineages. Mutant animals lack JunD mRNA and protein and showed no evidence of upregulation of c-Jun and JunB mRNA levels. In contrast to the other two Jun members, homozygous JunD−/− mutant animals were viable and appeared healthy. However, homozygous JunD−/− animals showed a reduced postnatal growth. Furthermore, JunD−/− males exhibited multiple age-dependent defects in reproduction, hormone imbalance and impaired spermatogenesis with abnormalities in head and flagellum sperm structures. No defects in fertility were observed in JunD−/− female animals. These results provide evidence for redundant functions for members of the Jun family during development and specific functions for JunD in male reproductive function.

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Cellular Distribution, Regulated Expression, and Functional Role of the Anorexigenic Peptide, NUCB2/Nesfatin-1, in the Testis

Endocrinology ◽

10.1210/en.2011-2032 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 153 (4) ◽

pp. 1959-1971 ◽

Cited By ~ 55

Author(s):

D. García-Galiano ◽

R. Pineda ◽

T. Ilhan ◽

J. M. Castellano ◽

F. Ruiz-Pino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Leydig Cell ◽

Functional Role ◽

Energy Homeostasis ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Whole Body ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Gonadal Function ◽

Human Choriogonadotropin ◽

Puberty Onset

Nesfatin-1, product of the precursor NEFA/nucleobindin2 (NUCB2), was initially identified as anorectic hypothalamic neuropeptide, acting in a leptin-independent manner. In addition to its central role in the control of energy homeostasis, evidence has mounted recently that nesfatin-1 is also produced in peripheral metabolic tissues, such as pancreas, adipose, and gut. Moreover, nesfatin-1 has been shown to participate in the control of body functions gated by whole-body energy homeostasis, including puberty onset. Yet, whether, as is the case for other metabolic neuropeptides, NUCB2/nesfatin-1 participates in the direct control of gonadal function remains unexplored. We document here for the first time the expression of NUCB2 mRNA in rat, mouse, and human testes, where NUCB2/nesfatin-1 protein was identified in interstitial mature Leydig cells. Yet in rats, NUCB2/nesfatin-1 became expressed in Sertoli cells upon Leydig cell elimination and was also detected in Leydig cell progenitors. Although NUCB2 mRNA levels did not overtly change in rat testis during pubertal maturation and after short-term fasting, NUCB2/nesfatin-1 content significantly increased along the puberty-to-adult transition and was markedly suppressed after fasting. In addition, testicular NUCB2/nesfatin-1 expression was up-regulated by pituitary LH, because hypophysectomy decreased, whereas human choriogonadotropin (super-agonist of LH receptors) replacement enhanced, NUCB2/nesfatin-1 mRNA and peptide levels. Finally, nesfatin-1 increased human choriogonadotropin-stimulated testosterone secretion by rat testicular explants ex vivo. Our data are the first to disclose the presence and functional role of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 in the testis, where its expression is regulated by developmental, metabolic, and hormonal cues as well as by Leydig cell-derived factors. Our observations expand the reproductive dimension of nesfatin-1, which may operate directly at the testicular level to link energy homeostasis, puberty onset, and gonadal function.

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Role of Untranslated Regions of the Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase Gene in Replication and Pathogenicity of Newcastle Disease Virus

Journal of Virology ◽

10.1128/jvi.00188-09 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 83 (11) ◽

pp. 5943-5946 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Yongqi Yan ◽

Subrat N. Rout ◽

Shin-Hee Kim ◽

Siba K. Samal

Keyword(s):

Newcastle Disease Virus ◽

Disease Virus ◽

Newcastle Disease ◽

Untranslated Regions ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Recombinant Viruses ◽

Virus Particles

ABSTRACT To determine the role of untranslated regions (UTRs) in replication and pathogenesis of Newcastle disease virus (NDV), we generated recombinant viruses with deletions in 5′ and 3′ UTRs of the HN mRNA. Deletion of any HN UTR did not noticeably affect in vitro replication of these viruses. However, complete deletion of the 5′ UTR of the HN gene decreased the HN mRNA levels and HN protein contents in virus particles, resulting in attenuation of the virus in chickens. This indicates that the 5′ UTR of HN mRNA plays an important role in replication and pathogenicity of NDV in vivo.

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Nitric oxide enhancement of erythropoietin production in the isolated perfused rat kidney

AJP Cell Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpcell.1995.269.4.c917 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 269 (4) ◽

pp. C917-C922 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

K. Yoshioka ◽

J. W. Fisher

Keyword(s):

Nitric Oxide ◽

Rat Kidney ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Isolated Perfused Rat Kidney ◽

Intracellular Cgmp ◽

Perfused Rat Kidney ◽

Arterial Po2

We have previously reported that nitric oxide (NO) and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) may be involved in the regulation of erythropoietin (Epo) production in response to hypoxia both in vivo and in vitro (20). In the present studies, we have used the isolated perfused rat kidney to assess the role of NO in oxygen sensing and Epo production. When arterial PO2 was reduced from 100 mmHg (normoxemic) to 30 mmHg (hypoxemic) in the perfusate of this system, perfusate levels of Epo were significantly increased. This hypoxia-induced increase in Epo production was significantly decreased by the addition of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 1 mM) to the perfusates. Hypoxemic perfusion also produced a significant increase, and L-NAME significantly inhibited this increase, in intracellular cGMP levels in the kidney when compared with normoxemic perfused kidneys. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction also revealed that hypoxemic perfusion produced significant increases in Epo mRNA levels in the kidney, which was blocked by L-NAME. Our findings further support an important role for the NO/cGMP system in hypoxic regulation of Epo production.

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The role of ZNF395 in renal cell carcinoma proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2016.34.2_suppl.592 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 34 (2_suppl) ◽

pp. 592-592 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Chen Zhao ◽

Christopher G. Wood ◽

Jose A. Karam ◽

Tapati Maity ◽

Lei Wang

Keyword(s):

Renal Cell Carcinoma ◽

Tumor Growth ◽

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Renal Cell ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Mrna Levels

592 Background: Zinc finger protein 395 (ZNF395) is frequently altered in several tumor types. However, the role of ZNF395 remains poorly studied in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo role of ZNF395 in ccRCC. Methods: cBioPortal For Cancer Genomics was used to correlate the expression of ZNF395 with RCC patient clinical, pathological and molecular profiles. ZNF395 protein and mRNA levels were studied in several RCC cell lines in vitro. Subsequently, ZNF395 knockdown was performed in 786-O and UMRC3 RCC cells and overexpression was done in Caki-1 and 769-P RCC cells. We then evaluated ZNF395 modulation in these cell lines by in vitro MTT, migration and invasion assays. Finally, we studied the effect of ZNF395 knockout and overexpression in vivo using SCID xenograft models. Results: Patients with higher expression of ZNF395 experienced longer disease-free survival and overall survival. Using in vitro models, we confirmed that knockdown of ZNF395 decreased ZNF395 expression, and increased proliferation, migration and invasiveness of 786-O and UMRC3, while overexpression of ZNF395 increased ZNF395 expression, and reduced proliferation, migration and invasiveness of Caki-1 and 769-P. Using in vivo mouse models, knockdown of ZNF395 expression in 786-O promoted tumor growth while its overexpression in Caki-1 resulted in tumor growth inhibition. We are currently performing experiments to understand the process by which ZNF395 regulates ccRCC pathogenesis. Conclusions: Our data support the role of ZNF395 as an important tumor suppressor gene in the pathogenesis of RCC.

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Characterization of the Potent Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Activity of KiSS-1 Peptide, the Natural Ligand of GPR54

Endocrinology ◽

10.1210/en.2004-0836 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 146 (1) ◽

pp. 156-163 ◽

Cited By ~ 298

Author(s):

V. M. Navarro ◽

J. M. Castellano ◽

R. Fernández-Fernández ◽

S. Tovar ◽

J. Roa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Excitatory Amino Acid ◽

Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Central Administration ◽

Experimental Conditions ◽

Gonadotropin Secretion ◽

Neuroendocrine Control ◽

Lh Secretion

Loss-of-function mutations of the gene encoding GPR54, the putative receptor for the KiSS-1-derived peptide metastin, have been recently associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, in both rodents and humans. Yet the actual role of the KiSS-1/GPR54 system in the neuroendocrine control of gonadotropin secretion remains largely unexplored. To initiate such analysis, the effects of KiSS-1 peptide on LH secretion were monitored using in vivo and in vitro settings under different experimental conditions. Central intracerebroventricular administration of KiSS-1 peptide potently elicited LH secretion in vivo over a range of doses from 10 pmol to 1 nmol. The effect of centrally injected KiSS-1 appeared to be mediated via the hypothalamic LHRH. However, no effect of central administration of KiSS-1 was detected on relative LHRH mRNA levels. Likewise, systemic (ip and iv) injection of KiSS-1 markedly stimulated LH secretion. This effect was similar in terms of maximum response to that of central administration of KiSS-1 and might be partially attributed to its ability to stimulate LH secretion directly at the pituitary. Finally, the LH-releasing activity of KiSS-1 was persistently observed after blockade of endogenous excitatory amino acid and nitric oxide pathways, i.e. relevant neurotransmitters in the neuroendocrine control of LH secretion. In summary, our results provide solid evidence for a potent stimulatory effect of KiSS-1 on LH release, acting at central levels (likely the hypothalamus) and eventually at the pituitary, and further document a novel role of the KiSS-1/GPR54 system as a relevant downstream element in the neuroendocrine network governing LH secretion.

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