scholarly journals A thorny pathway of macrophage activating factor (GcMAF): from bench to bedside

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 624-631 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. A. Ostanin ◽  
S. S. Kirikovich ◽  
E. V. Dolgova ◽  
А. S. Proskurina ◽  
E. R. Chernykh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D3 ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Antitumor Drug ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Surface Receptors ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Elevated Expression ◽  
Anti Tumor Activity

Vitamin D3 Binding Protein (DBP) is a multifunctional glycoprotein whose main role is to transport vitamin D3 and its metabolites, but it also is the precursor of the macrophage activating factor (GcMAF). DBP is converted to GcMAF as a result of site-specific selective deglycosylation under the action of β-galactosidase and sialidase, localized on activated B and T cells, respectively. GcMAF exerts its biological activity primarily as the capability of activating macrophages by enhancing their phagocytic function and producing ROS. Activation results in elevated expression of the specific macrophageal surface receptors involved in the recognition of tumor-associated antigens, as well as in the implementation of direct anticancer activity by inducing the apoptosis or necrosis of tumor cells. Increased interest in GcMAF is associated with its potential to be used in the clinic as a new antitumor drug. Besides its anti-tumor activity, GcMAF exerts a potential against a number of viral and neurodegenerative diseases associated with increased activity of N-acetylgalactosaminidase (nagalase) in the blood serum of patients. Nagalase is an enzyme that completely (rather than selectively) deglycosylates DBP so it cannot be converted to GcMAF, leading to immunodeficiency. Circulating DBP is composed of unmodified and O-glycosylated molecules with the glycosylation degree being dependent on the allelic variants of the gene encoding DBP. The role of DBP in the resistance of organism against a number of diseases is supported by the increased risk of a variety of severe illnesses (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, colorectal cancer etc.) in patients deficient for GcMAF due to homozygosity for defective DBP alleles. In this review, we also will examine in detail the current data i) on the structure and functions of DBP, as the main precursor of GcMAF, ii) on the main mechanisms of GcMAF anticancer effect, iii) on the tumor strategy for neutralizing GcMAF activity, iv) on the results of GcMAF clinical trials in various cancers; and will discuss the available controversies regarding the positioning of GcMAF as an effective antitumor drug. 

Pathogenesis of atherosclerosis: lipid metabolism

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olov Wiklund ◽  
Jan Borén
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Causative Role ◽  
Receptor Ligands ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Low Hdl ◽  
Arterial Intima ◽  
Coa Reductase

Lipids are carried in plasma as microparticles, lipoproteins, composed of a core of hydrophobic lipids and a surface of amphipathic lipids. In addition, the particles carry proteins (i.e. apolipoproteins). The proteins have key functions in the metabolism as receptor ligands, enzymes or activators. Lipoproteins are classified based on density into: chylomicrons, VLDL, IDL, LDL, and HDL. Retention of apoB-containing lipoproteins (LDL, IDL, and VLDL) in the arterial intima is the initiating event in the development of atherosclerosis. Retention is mediated by binding of apoB to structural proteoglycans in the intima. Increased plasma concentration of apoB-containing lipoproteins is the main risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the causative role of LDL has been demonstrated in several studies. Lp(a) is a subclass of LDL and elevated Lp(a) is an independent risk-factor, primarily genetically mediated. Genetic data support that high Lp(a) causes atherosclerosis. Elevated triglycerides in plasma are associated with increased risk for CVD. Whether triglycerides directly induce atherogenesis is still unclear, but current data strongly support that remnant particles from triglyceride-rich lipoproteins are causal. HDL are lipoproteins that have been considered to be important for reversed cholesterol transport. Low HDL is a strong risk-factor for CVD. However, the causative role of HDL is debated and intervention studies to raise HDL have not been successful. Reduction of LDL is the main target for prevention and treatment, using drugs that inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, i.e. statins. Other drugs for LDL reduction and to modify other lipoproteins may further reduce risk, and new therapeutic targets are explored.

PTEN and Autism With Macrocepaly

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig M. Powell
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Cell ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Clinical Phenotype ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Tumor Cell Lines ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Brain

Phosphatase and Tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is a gene encoding an intracellular signaling molecule. PTEN was originally discovered as the gene responsible for a subset of familial hamartoma (tumor) syndromes associated with increased risk for certain cancers (Nelen et al., 1997) and as a gene often mutated in human cancers and tumor cell lines (Li et al., 1997; Steck et al., 1997). More recently, mutations in PTEN have been linked genetically to the clinical phenotype of autism or developmental delay with macrocephaly (Boccone et al., 2006; Butler et al., 2005; Buxbaum et al., 2007; Goffin, Hoefsloot, Bosgoed, Swillen, & Fryns, 2001; Herman, Butter, et al., 2007; McBride et al., 2010; Orrico et al., 2009; Stein, Elias, Saenz, Pickler, & Reynolds, 2010; Varga, Pastore, Prior, Herman, & McBride, 2009; Zori, Marsh, Graham, Marliss, & Eng, 1998). This chapter examines the role of PTEN in intracellular signaling, the link between PTEN signaling pathways and other autism-related genes and signaling pathways, the genetic relationship between PTEN and autism, model systems in which effects of Pten deletion on the brain have been studied, and promising preclinical data identifying therapeutic targets for patients with autism/macrocephaly associated with PTEN mutations.

scholarly journals Vitamin D Status of Mice Deficient in Scavenger Receptor Class B Type 1, Cluster Determinant 36 and ATP-Binding Cassette Proteins G5/G8

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2169
Author(s):  
Mikis Kiourtzidis ◽  
Julia Kühn ◽  
Corinna Brandsch ◽  
Gabriele I. Stangl
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D3 ◽  
Scavenger Receptor ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Class B ◽  
Liver And Kidney ◽  
Lipid Transporters

Classical lipid transporters are suggested to modulate cellular vitamin D uptake. This study investigated the vitamin D levels in serum and tissues of mice deficient in SR-B1 (Srb1-/-), CD36 (Cd36-/-) and ABC-G5/G8 (Abcg5/g8-/-) and compared them with corresponding wild-type (WT) mice. All mice received triple-deuterated vitamin D3 (vitamin D3-d3) for six weeks. All knockout mice vs. WT mice showed specific alterations in their vitamin D concentrations. Srb1-/- mice had higher levels of vitamin D3-d3 in the serum, adipose tissue, kidney and heart, whereas liver levels of vitamin D3-d3 remained unaffected. Additionally, Srb1-/- mice had lower levels of deuterated 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3-d3) in the serum, liver and kidney compared to WT mice. In contrast, Cd36-/- and WT mice did not differ in the serum and tissue levels of vitamin D3-d3, but Cd36-/- vs. WT mice were characterized by lower levels of 25(OH)D3-d3 in the serum, liver and kidney. Finally, Abcg5/g8-/- mice tended to have higher levels of vitamin D3-d3 in the serum and liver. Major alterations in Abcg5/g8-/- mice were notably higher levels of 25(OH)D3-d3 in the serum and kidney, accompanied by a higher hepatic mRNA abundance of Cyp27a1 hydroxylase. To conclude, the current data emphasize the significant role of lipid transporters in the uptake, tissue distribution and activation of vitamin D.

scholarly journals Platelet Integrins in Tumor Metastasis: Do They Represent a Therapeutic Target?

Cancers ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Lavergne ◽  
Emily Janus-Bell ◽  
Mathieu Schaff ◽  
Christian Gachet ◽  
Pierre Mangin
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Metastasis ◽  
Platelet Adhesion ◽  
Cell Interaction ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Experimental Metastasis ◽  
Pharmacological Agents ◽  
Surface Receptors ◽  
Wall Injury ◽  
Cell Fragments

Platelets are small anucleated cell fragments that ensure the arrest of bleeding after a vessel wall injury. They are also involved in non-hemostatic function such as development, immunity, inflammation, and in the hematogeneous phase of metastasis. While the role of platelets in tumor metastasis has been recognized for 60 years, the molecular mechanism underlying this process remains largely unclear. Platelets physically and functionally interact with various tumor cells through surface receptors including integrins. Platelets express five integrins at their surface, namely α2β1, α5β1, α6β1, αvβ3, and αIIbβ3, which bind preferentially to collagen, fibronectin, laminin, vitronectin, and fibrinogen, respectively. The main role of platelet integrins is to ensure platelet adhesion and aggregation at sites of vascular injury. Two of these, α6β1 and αIIbβ3, were proposed to participate in platelet–tumor cell interaction and in tumor metastasis. It has also been reported that pharmacological agents targeting both integrins efficiently reduce experimental metastasis, suggesting that platelet integrins may represent new anti-metastatic targets. This review focuses on the role of platelet integrins in tumor metastasis and discusses whether these receptors may represent new potential targets for novel anti-metastatic approaches.

scholarly journals Donor G Protein β3 Subunit 825TT Genotype Is Associated with Reduced Kidney Allograft Survival

1999 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1717-1721
Author(s):  
JOACHIM BEIGE ◽  
STEFAN ENGELI ◽  
JENS RINGEL ◽  
GERD OFFERMANN ◽  
ARMIN DISTLER ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
G Proteins ◽  
Graft Survival ◽  
Graft Loss ◽  
Allograft Survival ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Kidney Allograft ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Transplantation Center ◽  
Clinical Records

Abstract. Recent studies have identified a novel polymorphism (C825T) of the gene encoding the β3 subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins (Gβ3), associated with enhanced activation of G proteins, which appears to be more common in hypertensive patients. In the present study, the relationship between this genetic variant and kidney allograft survival was examined over the first 3 yr after transplantation, in 320 consecutive Caucasian patients recruited from the Berlin-Steglitz transplantation center between 1988 and 1993. Clinical parameters, transplantation data, and details of graft survival were retrieved from clinical records. After multivariate adjustment for covariates (Cox hazard regression), the Gβ3 825TT donor-genotype was associated with a significantly decreased graft survival representing a relative risk of graft loss of 2.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 4.8) compared to TC and CC grafts within the observation period. This association between donor TT genotype and graft survival remained stable even after stepwise exclusion of covariates from the multivariate model. In contrast, there was no significant relationship between recipient genotype and allograft function. These findings indicate that individuals receiving renal allografts from donors homozygous for the Gβ3-825T allele may have an increased risk of developing allograft failure. Additional studies on the role of this genetic marker as well as the role of pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins in the development of chronic rejection appear warranted.

Role of spectrin in membrane fusion and in shape change of human erythrocyte ghost

1978 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 328-329
Author(s):  
Hideo Hayashi ◽  
Yoshikazu Hirai ◽  
John T. Penniston
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Human Erythrocyte ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Slight Modification ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Bank Blood ◽  
Human Erythrocyte Ghost

Spectrin is a membrane associated protein most of which properties have been tentatively elucidated. A main role of the protein has been assumed to give a supporting structure to inside of the membrane. As reported previously, however, the isolated spectrin molecule underwent self assemble to form such as fibrous, meshwork, dispersed or aggregated arrangements depending upon the buffer suspended and was suggested to play an active role in the membrane conformational changes. In this study, the role of spectrin and actin was examined in terms of the molecular arrangements on the erythrocyte membrane surface with correlation to the functional states of the ghosts.Human erythrocyte ghosts were prepared from either freshly drawn or stocked bank blood by the method of Dodge et al with a slight modification as described before. Anti-spectrin antibody was raised against rabbit by injection of purified spectrin and partially purified.

Mesophyll conductance: the leaf corridors for photosynthesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Gago ◽  
Danilo M. Daloso ◽  
Marc Carriquí ◽  
Miquel Nadal ◽  
Melanie Morales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Mesophyll Conductance ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Cell Structures ◽  
Leaf Tissues ◽  
Change Framework ◽  
Chloroplast Stroma

Besides stomata, the photosynthetic CO2 pathway also involves the transport of CO2 from the sub-stomatal air spaces inside to the carboxylation sites in the chloroplast stroma, where Rubisco is located. This pathway is far to be a simple and direct way, formed by series of consecutive barriers that the CO2 should cross to be finally assimilated in photosynthesis, known as the mesophyll conductance (gm). Therefore, the gm reflects the pathway through different air, water and biophysical barriers within the leaf tissues and cell structures. Currently, it is known that gm can impose the same level of limitation (or even higher depending of the conditions) to photosynthesis than the wider known stomata or biochemistry. In this mini-review, we are focused on each of the gm determinants to summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms driving gm from anatomical to metabolic and biochemical perspectives. Special attention deserve the latest studies demonstrating the importance of the molecular mechanisms driving anatomical traits as cell wall and the chloroplast surface exposed to the mesophyll airspaces (Sc/S) that significantly constrain gm. However, even considering these recent discoveries, still is poorly understood the mechanisms about signaling pathways linking the environment a/biotic stressors with gm responses. Thus, considering the main role of gm as a major driver of the CO2 availability at the carboxylation sites, future studies into these aspects will help us to understand photosynthesis responses in a global change framework.

Extracellular matrix: the gatekeeper of tumor angiogenesis

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 1543-1555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Mongiat ◽  
Simone Buraschi ◽  
Eva Andreuzzi ◽  
Thomas Neill ◽  
Renato V. Iozzo
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Tumor Angiogenesis ◽  
Signaling Cascades ◽  
Cancer Growth ◽  
Cell Behavior ◽  
Metastatic Progression ◽  
Surface Receptors ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Multiple Signaling

Abstract The extracellular matrix is a network of secreted macromolecules that provides a harmonious meshwork for the growth and homeostatic development of organisms. It conveys multiple signaling cascades affecting specific surface receptors that impact cell behavior. During cancer growth, this bioactive meshwork is remodeled and enriched in newly formed blood vessels, which provide nutrients and oxygen to the growing tumor cells. Remodeling of the tumor microenvironment leads to the formation of bioactive fragments that may have a distinct function from their parent molecules, and the balance among these factors directly influence cell viability and metastatic progression. Indeed, the matrix acts as a gatekeeper by regulating the access of cancer cells to nutrients. Here, we will critically evaluate the role of selected matrix constituents in regulating tumor angiogenesis and provide up-to-date information concerning their primary mechanisms of action.

Vitamin A: dietologist’s position

2020 ◽  
pp. 49-57
Author(s):  
S. V. Orlova ◽  
E. A. Nikitina ◽  
L. I. Karushina ◽  
Yu. A. Pigaryova ◽  
O. E. Pronina
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Gastrointestinal Tract ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Therapeutic Practice ◽  
The Past ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Mucous Membranes

Vitamin A (retinol) is one of the key elements for regulating the immune response and controls the division and differentiation of epithelial cells of the mucous membranes of the bronchopulmonary system, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, eyes, etc. Its significance in the context of the COVID‑19 pandemic is difficult to overestimate. However, a number of studies conducted in the past have associated the additional intake of vitamin A with an increased risk of developing cancer, as a result of which vitamin A was practically excluded from therapeutic practice in developed countries. Our review highlights the role of vitamin A in maintaining human health and the latest data on its effect on the development mechanisms of somatic pathology.

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