scholarly journals In Silico Phylogenetic and Structural Analysis of Plant Damps

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Athanasia pavlopoulou ◽  
Ezgi Karaca ◽  
Alma Balestrazzi ◽  
Alexandros Georgakilas
Keyword(s):  
In Silico ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Biological Molecules ◽  
Downstream Signaling ◽  
Molecular Patterns ◽  
Dying Cells ◽  
Diverse Plant Species ◽  
Damage Associated Molecular Patterns

In plants and animals, endogenous biological molecules, termed damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) or alarmins, are released by damaged, stressed or dying cells following abiotic stress such as radiation and drought stress. In turn, a cascade of downstream signaling events is initiated leading to the up-regulation of defense-related genes. In the present study, in an effort to investigate the conservation status of the molecular mechanisms implicated in the danger signaling, thorough in silico phylogenetic and structural analyses of the effector biomolecules were performed in taxonomically diverse plant species. On the basis of our results, the defense mechanisms appear to be largely conserved within the plant kingdom. Of note is our finding that the sequence and/or function of several components of these mechanisms were found to be conserved in animals, as well.

scholarly journals In Silico Phylogenetic and Structural Analyses of Plant Endogenous Danger Signaling Molecules upon Stress

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Athanasia Pavlopoulou ◽  
Ezgi Karaca ◽  
Alma Balestrazzi ◽  
Alexandros G. Georgakilas
Keyword(s):  
In Silico ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Downstream Signaling ◽  
Protein Protein Interaction ◽  
Effector Triggered Immunity ◽  
Molecular Patterns ◽  
Dying Cells ◽  
Diverse Plant Species

The plant innate immune system has two major branches, the pathogen-triggered immunity and the effector-triggered immunity (ETI). The effectors are molecules released by plant attackers to evade host immunity. In addition to the foreign intruders, plants possess endogenous instigators produced in response to general cellular injury termed as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). In plants, DAMPs or alarmins are released by damaged, stressed, or dying cells following abiotic stress such as radiation, oxidative and drought stresses. In turn, a cascade of downstream signaling events is initiated leading to the upregulation of defense or response-related genes. In the present study, we have investigated more thoroughly the conservation status of the molecular mechanisms implicated in the danger signaling primarily in plants. Towards this direction, we have performed in silico phylogenetic and structural analyses of the associated biomolecules in taxonomically diverse plant species. On the basis of our results, the defense mechanisms appear to be largely conserved within the plant kingdom. Of note, the sequence and/or function of several components of these mechanisms was found to be conserved in animals, as well. At the same time, the molecules involved in plant defense were found to form a dense protein-protein interaction (PPi) network, suggesting a crosstalk between the various defense mechanisms to a variety of stresses, like oxidative stress.

Molecular mechanisms of action and physiological effects of the proinsulin C-peptide (a systematic review)

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 196-207
Author(s):  
O.N. Poteryaeva ◽  
I.F. Usynin
Keyword(s):  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Physiological Effects ◽  
C Peptide ◽  
Downstream Signaling ◽  
Blood Microcirculation ◽  
Patients With Diabetes

The C-peptide is a fragment of proinsulin, the cleavage of which forms active insulin. In recent years, new information has appeared on the physiological effects of the C-peptide, indicating its positive effect on many organs and tissues, including the kidneys, nervous system, heart, vascular endothelium and blood microcirculation. Studies on experimental models of diabetes mellitus in animals, as well as clinical trials in patients with diabetes, have shown that the C-peptide has an important regulatory effect on the early stages of functional and structural disorders caused by this disease. The C-peptide exhibits its effects through binding to a specific receptor on the cell membrane and activation of downstream signaling pathways. Intracellular signaling involves G-proteins and Ca2+-dependent pathways, resulting in activation and increased expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, Na+/K+-ATPase and important transcription factors involved in apoptosis, anti-inflammatory and other intracellular defense mechanisms. This review gives an idea of the C-peptide as a bioactive endogenous peptide that has its own biological activity and therapeutic potential.

Taking Advantage of Plant Defense Mechanisms to Promote Human Health. The Plant Immune System. First of Two Parts

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thea Magrone ◽  
Manrico Magrone ◽  
Matteo Antonio Russo ◽  
Emilio Jirillo
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Plant Defense ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Systemic Acquired Resistance ◽  
Plant Immunity ◽  
Acquired Resistance ◽  
Early Response ◽  
Protein Receptors ◽  
Molecular Patterns ◽  
Damage Associated Molecular Patterns

Background: Despite the evidence that plants do not possess sessile cells, they are able to mount a vigorous immune response against invaders or under stressful conditions. Mechanisms of action: Plants are endowed with pattern recognition receptors (PPRs) which perceive damage-associated molecular patterns and microbe-associated molecular patterns or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), respectively. PPR activation leads to either the initiation of PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) (early response) or the effectortriggered immunity (ETI). Both PTI and ETI contribute to plant systemic acquired resistance as also an expression of immunological memory or trained immunity. Plant immune receptors: PTI is initiated by activation of both receptor-like kinases and receptor-like proteins, while ETI depends on nucleotide-binding leucine-rich-repeat protein receptors for microbe recognition. Peptides involved in plant defenses: Plant chloroplasts contribute to both PTI and ETI through production of peptides which act as hormones or phytocytokines. Salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and ethylene are the major compounds involved in plant defense. Specific aims: The interaction between plant receptors and/or their products and bacterial components will be discussed. Also emphasis will be placed on plant microbiome for its contribution to plant immune response. Finally, the mutual interplay between insects and plants will also be illustrated. Conclusion: A better knowledge on plant immunity may pave the way for the exploitation of plant derivatives in the field of agriculture and medicine, as well.

scholarly journals Scavenging nucleic acid debris to combat autoimmunity and infectious disease

2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (35) ◽  
pp. 9728-9733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eda K. Holl ◽  
Kara L. Shumansky ◽  
Luke B. Borst ◽  
Angela D. Burnette ◽  
Christopher J. Sample ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Nucleic Acid Binding ◽  
Downstream Effector ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Molecular Patterns ◽  
Dying Cells ◽  
Damage Associated Molecular Patterns ◽  
Lethal Doses

Nucleic acid-containing debris released from dead and dying cells can be recognized as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) or pattern-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by the innate immune system. Inappropriate activation of the innate immune response can engender pathological inflammation and autoimmune disease. To combat such diseases, major efforts have been made to therapeutically target the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) that recognize such DAMPs and PAMPs, or the downstream effector molecules they engender, to limit inflammation. Unfortunately, such strategies can limit the ability of the immune system to combat infection. Previously, we demonstrated that nucleic acid-binding polymers can act as molecular scavengers and limit the ability of artificial nucleic acid ligands to activate PRRs. Herein, we demonstrate that nucleic acid scavengers (NASs) can limit pathological inflammation and nucleic acid-associated autoimmunity in lupus-prone mice. Moreover, we observe that such NASs do not limit an animal’s ability to combat viral infection, but rather their administration improves survival when animals are challenged with lethal doses of influenza. These results indicate that molecules that scavenge extracellular nucleic acid debris represent potentially safer agents to control pathological inflammation associated with a wide range of autoimmune and infectious diseases.

scholarly journals Pyroptotic and Necroptotic Cell Death in the Tumor Microenvironment and Their Potential to Stimulate Anti-Tumor Immune Responses

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan Scarpitta ◽  
Ulrich T. Hacker ◽  
Hildegard Büning ◽  
Olivier Boyer ◽  
Sahil Adriouch
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Immunogenic Cell Death ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Drugs ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Molecular Patterns ◽  
Dying Cells ◽  
Damage Associated Molecular Patterns

Cancer remains the second most common cause of death worldwide affecting around 10 million patients every year. Among the therapeutic options, chemotherapeutic drugs are widely used but often associated with side effects. In addition, toxicity against immune cells may hamper anti-tumor immune responses. Some chemotherapeutic drugs, however, preserve immune functions and some can even stimulate anti-tumor immune responses through the induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD) rather than apoptosis. ICD stimulates the immune system by several mechanisms including the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from dying cells. In this review, we will discuss the consequences of inducing two recently characterized forms of ICD, i.e., pyroptosis and necroptosis, in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the perspectives they may offer to increase the immunogenicity of the so-called cold tumors and to stimulate effective anti-tumor immune responses.

scholarly journals Influence of cell wall polymers and their modifying enzymes during plant–aphid interactions

2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (13) ◽  
pp. 3854-3864 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Silva-Sanzana ◽  
José M Estevez ◽  
Francisca Blanco-Herrera
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Plant Pathogens ◽  
Polymer Network ◽  
Aphid Infestation ◽  
Cell Wall Polymers ◽  
Colony Performance ◽  
Plant Pathosystems ◽  
Molecular Patterns ◽  
Damage Associated Molecular Patterns

Abstract Aphids are a major issue for commercial crops. These pests drain phloem nutrients and transmit ~50% of the known insect-borne viral diseases. During aphid feeding, trophic structures called stylets advance toward the phloem intercellularly, disrupting cell wall polymers. It is thought that cell wall-modifying enzymes (CWMEs) present in aphid saliva facilitate stylet penetration through this intercellular polymer network. Additionally, different studies have demonstrated that host settling preference, feeding behavior, and colony performance of aphids are influenced by modulating the CWME expression levels in host plants. CWMEs have been described as critical defensive elements for plants, but also as a key virulence factor for plant pathogens. However, whether CWMEs are elements of the plant defense mechanisms or the aphid infestation process remains unclear. Therefore, in order to better consider the function of CWMEs and cell wall-derived damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) during plant–aphid interactions, the present review integrates different hypotheses, perspectives, and experimental evidence in the field of plant–aphid interactions and discusses similarities to other well-characterized models such as the fungi–plant pathosystems from the host and the attacker perspectives.

Pound the alarm: danger signals in rheumatic diseases

2014 ◽  
Vol 128 (5) ◽  
pp. 297-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven O’Reilly
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Factor Κb ◽  
Sterile Inflammation ◽  
Nuclear Factor ◽  
Danger Signals ◽  
Rheumatic Conditions ◽  
Molecular Patterns ◽  
Dying Cells ◽  
Damage Associated Molecular Patterns ◽  
Mediate Inflammation

Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are chemically heterogeneous endogenous host molecules rapidly released from damaged or dying cells that incite a sterile inflammatory response mediated via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). The sources of DAMPs are dead or dying cells or the extracellular matrix and can signal through the PRRs, the Toll-like receptors or cytosolic Nod-like receptors, culminating in nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Together, these molecules are involved in sterile inflammation and many are associated with rheumatic autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythromatosus, psoriatic arthritis and systemic sclerosis. These diseases are associated with inflammation and many danger signals are found in sites of sterile inflammation and mediate inflammation. The present review examines the role of DAMPs in rheumatic conditions and suggests avenues for their therapeutic modulation.

scholarly journals Analysis of Inflammatory Mediator Profiles in Sepsis Patients Reveals That Extracellular Histones Are Strongly Elevated in Nonsurvivors

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Tanja Eichhorn ◽  
Ingrid Linsberger ◽  
Lucia Lauková ◽  
Carla Tripisciano ◽  
Birgit Fendl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Endothelial Activation ◽  
Accurate Analysis ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Initiation Of Dialysis ◽  
Extracellular Histones ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Molecular Patterns ◽  
Damage Associated Molecular Patterns

The timely recognition of sepsis and the prediction of its clinical course are challenging due to the complex molecular mechanisms leading to organ failure and to the heterogeneity of sepsis patients. Treatment strategies relying on a “one-fits-all” approach have failed to reduce mortality, suggesting that therapeutic targets differ between patient subgroups and highlighting the need for accurate analysis of the molecular cascades to assess the highly variable host response. Here, we characterized a panel of 44 inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, damage-associated molecular patterns, and coagulation-related factors, as well as markers of endothelial activation in 30 patients suffering from renal failure in the course of sepsis. All patients received continuous veno-venous hemodialysis with either high cut-off filters or with standard filters, and mediators were quantified for all patients at the initiation of dialysis and after 24 h and 48 h. Mediator concentrations in individual patients ranged widely, demonstrating the heterogeneity of sepsis patients. None of the mediators correlated with SAPS III or TISS scores. The overall in-hospital mortality of the study population was 56.7% (57.1% vs. 56.3% for high cut-off vs. standard filter). The two filter groups differed regarding most of the mediator levels at baseline, prohibiting conclusions regarding the effect of standard filters versus high cut-off filters on mediator depletion. The elevation and correlation of damage-associated molecular patterns and markers of endothelial activation gave evidence of severe tissue damage. In particular, extracellular histones were strongly increased and were almost 30-fold higher in nonsurvivors as compared to survivors, indicating their diagnostic and prognostic potential.

scholarly journals Molecular biology of autoinflammatory diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Junya Masumoto ◽  
Wei Zhou ◽  
Shinnosuke Morikawa ◽  
Sho Hosokawa ◽  
Haruka Taguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cell Injury ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Autoinflammatory Diseases ◽  
Type I ◽  
Adaptive Responses ◽  
Autoinflammatory Syndromes ◽  
Physical Chemical ◽  
Molecular Patterns ◽  
Damage Associated Molecular Patterns

AbstractThe long battle between humans and various physical, chemical, and biological insults that cause cell injury (e.g., products of tissue damage, metabolites, and/or infections) have led to the evolution of various adaptive responses. These responses are triggered by recognition of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and/or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), usually by cells of the innate immune system. DAMPs and PAMPs are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) expressed by innate immune cells; this recognition triggers inflammation. Autoinflammatory diseases are strongly associated with dysregulation of PRR interactomes, which include inflammasomes, NF-κB-activating signalosomes, type I interferon-inducing signalosomes, and immuno-proteasome; disruptions of regulation of these interactomes leads to inflammasomopathies, relopathies, interferonopathies, and proteasome-associated autoinflammatory syndromes, respectively. In this review, we discuss the currently accepted molecular mechanisms underlying several autoinflammatory diseases.

Toll-like Receptors as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Kidney Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (34) ◽  
pp. 5829-5854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Ren ◽  
Lu Cheng ◽  
Jing Yi ◽  
Liang Ma ◽  
Jing Pan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Host Immunity ◽  
Toll Like Receptors ◽  
Chronic Kidney Diseases ◽  
Inflammatory Cascade ◽  
Molecular Patterns ◽  
Dying Cells ◽  
Damage Associated Molecular Patterns

Toll-like Receptors (TLRs) are members of pattern recognition receptors and serve a pivotal role in host immunity. TLRs response to pathogen-associated molecular patterns encoded by pathogens or damage-associated molecular patterns released by dying cells, initiating an inflammatory cascade, where both beneficial and detrimental effects can be exerted. Accumulated evidence has revealed that TLRs are closely associated with various kidney diseases but their roles are still not well understood. This review updated evidence on the roles of TLRs in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases including urinary tract infection, glomerulonephritis, acute kidney injury, transplant allograft dysfunction and chronic kidney diseases.

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