Red Blood Cell Metabolism in Pyruvate Kinase Deficient Patients

Background: Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD) is the most frequent congenital enzymatic defect of glycolysis, and one of the most common causes of hereditary non spherocytic hemolytic anemia. Therapeutic interventions are limited, in part because of the incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms that compensate for the metabolic defect.Methods: Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics analyses were performed on red blood cells (RBCs) from healthy controls (n=10) and PKD patients (n=5).Results: In PKD patients, decreases in late glycolysis were accompanied by accumulation of pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) metabolites, as a function of oxidant stress to purines (increased breakdown and deamination). Markers of oxidant stress included increased levels of sulfur-containing compounds (methionine and taurine), polyamines (spermidine and spermine). Markers of hypoxia such as succinate, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), and hypoxanthine were all elevated in PKD subjects. Membrane lipid oxidation and remodeling was observed in RBCs from PKD patients, as determined by increases in the levels of free (poly-/highly-unsaturated) fatty acids and acyl-carnitines.Conclusion: In conclusion, in the present study, we provide the first overview of RBC metabolism in patients with PKD. Though limited in scope, the study addresses the need for basic science to investigate pathologies targeting underrepresented minorities (Amish population in this study), with the ultimate goal to target treatments to health disparities.

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Secondary lymphedema: Pathogenesis

Journal of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases ◽

10.25259/jsstd_3_2021 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

pp. 7-15

Author(s):

Smitha Ancy Varghese

Keyword(s):

Interstitial Fluid ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Subcutaneous Tissue ◽

Lymphatic Vessels ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Elastic Fibers ◽

Therapeutic Approaches ◽

Secondary Lymphedema ◽

Common Causes ◽

The Common

Secondary lymphedema follows an acquired defect in the lymphatic system. The common causes leading to a defective lymphatic function include infection, inflammation, malignancy, trauma, obesity, immobility, and therapeutic interventions. Understanding the pathogenesis of lymphedema is of prime importance in offering effective treatment. The pathogenetic mechanisms such as lymphatic valvular insufficiency, obliteration/ disruption of lymphatic vessels, and decreased lymphatic contractility aggravate lymphatic hypertension and lymphstasis. Accumulation of lymph, interstitial fluid, proteins, and glycosaminoglycans within the skin and subcutaneous tissue eventually stimulates collagen production by fibroblasts, causes disruption of elastic fibers, and activates keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and adipocytes. These result in thickening of skin and cause fibrosis of subcutaneous tissue. However, the sequence of these pathomechanisms, their inter-relationship and progression vary depending on the specific etiology of the lymphedema. In this article, we discuss the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis. Further studies to delineate the exact sequence of pathogenic processes surrounding the primary triggering event can help to formulate tailored therapeutic approaches.

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Secondary lymphedema: Pathogenesis

Journal of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases ◽

10.25259/jsstd_3_2020 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

pp. 7-15

Author(s):

Smitha Ancy Varghese

Keyword(s):

Interstitial Fluid ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Subcutaneous Tissue ◽

Lymphatic Vessels ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Elastic Fibers ◽

Therapeutic Approaches ◽

Secondary Lymphedema ◽

Common Causes ◽

The Common

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Inflammageing in the cardiovascular system: mechanisms, emerging targets, and novel therapeutic strategies

Clinical Science ◽

10.1042/cs20191213 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 134 (17) ◽

pp. 2243-2262

Author(s):

Danlin Liu ◽

Gavin Richardson ◽

Fehmi M. Benli ◽

Catherine Park ◽

João V. de Souza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Cardiovascular System ◽

Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Molecular Targets ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Low Grade ◽

Cardiovascular Research ◽

Inflammatory Processes ◽

Ach Receptors

Abstract In the elderly population, pathological inflammation has been associated with ageing-associated diseases. The term ‘inflammageing’, which was used for the first time by Franceschi and co-workers in 2000, is associated with the chronic, low-grade, subclinical inflammatory processes coupled to biological ageing. The source of these inflammatory processes is debated. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) has been proposed as the main origin of inflammageing. The SASP is characterised by the release of inflammatory cytokines, elevated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, altered regulation of acetylcholine (ACh) nicotinic receptors, and abnormal NAD+ metabolism. Therefore, SASP may be ‘druggable’ by small molecule therapeutics targeting those emerging molecular targets. It has been shown that inflammageing is a hallmark of various cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and adverse cardiac remodelling. Therefore, the pathomechanism involving SASP activation via the NLRP3 inflammasome; modulation of NLRP3 via α7 nicotinic ACh receptors; and modulation by senolytics targeting other proteins have gained a lot of interest within cardiovascular research and drug development communities. In this review, which offers a unique view from both clinical and preclinical target-based drug discovery perspectives, we have focused on cardiovascular inflammageing and its molecular mechanisms. We have outlined the mechanistic links between inflammageing, SASP, interleukin (IL)-1β, NLRP3 inflammasome, nicotinic ACh receptors, and molecular targets of senolytic drugs in the context of cardiovascular diseases. We have addressed the ‘druggability’ of NLRP3 and nicotinic α7 receptors by small molecules, as these proteins represent novel and exciting targets for therapeutic interventions targeting inflammageing in the cardiovascular system and beyond.

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Wnt/beta-catenin and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathways in Glioblastoma: Two Main Targets for Drug Design: A Review

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612826666200131100630 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (15) ◽

pp. 1729-1741 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Seyed H. Shahcheraghi ◽

Venant Tchokonte-Nana ◽

Marzieh Lotfi ◽

Malihe Lotfi ◽

Ahmad Ghorbani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Signaling Pathways ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Cellular Proliferation ◽

Chemotherapy Resistance ◽

Wnt Signaling Pathway ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Beta Catenin ◽

Clinical Prognosis ◽

Invasion And Migration ◽

And Migration

: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and malignant astrocytic glioma, accounting for about 90% of all brain tumors with poor prognosis. Despite recent advances in understanding molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis and the improved neuroimaging technologies, surgery, and adjuvant treatments, the clinical prognosis of patients with GBM remains persistently unfavorable. The signaling pathways and the regulation of growth factors of glioblastoma cells are very abnormal. The various signaling pathways have been suggested to be involved in cellular proliferation, invasion, and glioma metastasis. The Wnt signaling pathway with its pleiotropic functions in neurogenesis and stem cell proliferation is implicated in various human cancers, including glioma. In addition, the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is closely related to growth, metabolism, survival, angiogenesis, autophagy, and chemotherapy resistance of GBM. Understanding the mechanisms of GBM’s invasion, represented by invasion and migration, is an important tool in designing effective therapeutic interventions. This review will investigate two main signaling pathways in GBM: PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathways.

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Biophysical characterization of melanoma cell phenotype markers during metastatic progression

European Biophysics Journal ◽

10.1007/s00249-021-01514-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Anna Sobiepanek ◽

Alessio Paone ◽

Francesca Cutruzzolà ◽

Tomasz Kobiela

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Cell Metabolism ◽

Structural Features ◽

Protein Glycosylation ◽

Cell Phenotype ◽

Metastatic Progression ◽

Label Free ◽

Serine Threonine Kinase ◽

Biophysical Characterization ◽

Viscoelastic Parameters

AbstractMelanoma is the most fatal form of skin cancer, with increasing prevalence worldwide. The most common melanoma genetic driver is mutation of the proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase BRAF; thus, the inhibition of its MAP kinase pathway by specific inhibitors is a commonly applied therapy. However, many patients are resistant, or develop resistance to this type of monotherapy, and therefore combined therapies which target other signaling pathways through various molecular mechanisms are required. A possible strategy may involve targeting cellular energy metabolism, which has been recognized as crucial for cancer development and progression and which connects through glycolysis to cell surface glycan biosynthetic pathways. Protein glycosylation is a hallmark of more than 50% of the human proteome and it has been recognized that altered glycosylation occurs during the metastatic progression of melanoma cells which, in turn facilitates their migration. This review provides a description of recent advances in the search for factors able to remodel cell metabolism between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, and of changes in specific markers and in the biophysical properties of cells during melanoma development from a nevus to metastasis. This development is accompanied by changes in the expression of surface glycans, with corresponding changes in ligand-receptor affinity, giving rise to structural features and viscoelastic parameters particularly well suited to study by label-free biophysical methods.

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Metabolic Anti-Cancer Effects of Melatonin: Clinically Relevant Prospects

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13123018 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 3018

Author(s):

Marek Samec ◽

Alena Liskova ◽

Lenka Koklesova ◽

Kevin Zhai ◽

Elizabeth Varghese ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Metabolism ◽

Glucose Transporter ◽

Aerobic Glycolysis ◽

Cell Metabolism ◽

Lactate Production ◽

Pentose Phosphate ◽

Metabolic Reprogramming ◽

Effective Prevention ◽

Anti Cancer ◽

Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase

Metabolic reprogramming characterized by alterations in nutrient uptake and critical molecular pathways associated with cancer cell metabolism represents a fundamental process of malignant transformation. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland. Melatonin primarily regulates circadian rhythms but also exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, antioxidant and anti-tumor activities. Concerning cancer metabolism, melatonin displays significant anticancer effects via the regulation of key components of aerobic glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and lipid metabolism. Melatonin treatment affects glucose transporter (GLUT) expression, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity, lactate production and other metabolic contributors. Moreover, melatonin modulates critical players in cancer development, such as HIF-1 and p53. Taken together, melatonin has notable anti-cancer effects at malignancy initiation, progression and metastasing. Further investigations of melatonin impacts relevant for cancer metabolism are expected to create innovative approaches supportive for the effective prevention and targeted therapy of cancers.

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Pathomechanisms in the Kidneys in Selected Protozoan Parasitic Infections

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22084209 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (8) ◽

pp. 4209

Author(s):

Karolina Kot ◽

Natalia Łanocha-Arendarczyk ◽

Michał Ptak ◽

Aleksandra Łanocha ◽

Elżbieta Kalisińska ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Injury Mechanisms ◽

Kidney Involvement ◽

Leishmania Spp ◽

Apoptosis Process ◽

Insight Into

Leishmaniasis, malaria, toxoplasmosis, and acanthamoebiasis are protozoan parasitic infections. They remain important contributors to the development of kidney disease, which is associated with increased patients’ morbidity and mortality. Kidney injury mechanisms are not fully understood in protozoan parasitic diseases, bringing major difficulties to specific therapeutic interventions. The aim of this review is to present the biochemical and molecular mechanisms in kidneys infected with Leishmania spp., Plasmodium spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Acanthamoeba spp. We present available mechanisms of an immune response, oxidative stress, apoptosis process, hypoxia, biomarkers of renal injury in the serum or urine, and the histopathological changes of kidneys infected with the selected parasites. Pathomechanisms of Leishmania spp. and Plasmodium spp. infections have been deeply investigated, while Toxoplasma gondii and Acanthamoeba spp. infections in the kidneys are not well known yet. Deeper knowledge of kidney involvement in leishmaniasis and malaria by presenting their mechanisms provides insight into how to create novel and effective treatments. Additionally, the presented work shows gaps in the pathophysiology of renal toxoplasmosis and acanthamoebiasis, which need further research.

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The Role of PKM2 in Metabolic Reprogramming: Insights into the Regulatory Roles of Non-Coding RNAs

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22031171 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 1171

Author(s):

Dexter L. Puckett ◽

Mohammed Alquraishi ◽

Winyoo Chowanadisai ◽

Ahmed Bettaieb

Keyword(s):

Cancer Cells ◽

Pyruvate Kinase ◽

Cancer Metabolism ◽

Cell Metabolism ◽

Metabolic Reprogramming ◽

Circular Rnas ◽

Tissue Specific ◽

Cell Progression ◽

Non Coding Rnas ◽

Regulatory Effects

Pyruvate kinase is a key regulator in glycolysis through the conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) into pyruvate. Pyruvate kinase exists in various isoforms that can exhibit diverse biological functions and outcomes. The pyruvate kinase isoenzyme type M2 (PKM2) controls cell progression and survival through the regulation of key signaling pathways. In cancer cells, the dimer form of PKM2 predominates and plays an integral role in cancer metabolism. This predominance of the inactive dimeric form promotes the accumulation of phosphometabolites, allowing cancer cells to engage in high levels of synthetic processing to enhance their proliferative capacity. PKM2 has been recognized for its role in regulating gene expression and transcription factors critical for health and disease. This role enables PKM2 to exert profound regulatory effects that promote cancer cell metabolism, proliferation, and migration. In addition to its role in cancer, PKM2 regulates aspects essential to cellular homeostasis in non-cancer tissues and, in some cases, promotes tissue-specific pathways in health and diseases. In pursuit of understanding the diverse tissue-specific roles of PKM2, investigations targeting tissues such as the kidney, liver, adipose, and pancreas have been conducted. Findings from these studies enhance our understanding of PKM2 functions in various diseases beyond cancer. Therefore, there is substantial interest in PKM2 modulation as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of multiple conditions. Indeed, a vast plethora of research has focused on identifying therapeutic strategies for targeting PKM2. Recently, targeting PKM2 through its regulatory microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) has gathered increasing interest. Thus, the goal of this review is to highlight recent advancements in PKM2 research, with a focus on PKM2 regulatory microRNAs and lncRNAs and their subsequent physiological significance.

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Molecular Alterations in Sporadic and SOD1-ALS Immortalized Lymphocytes: Towards a Personalized Therapy

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22063007 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (6) ◽

pp. 3007

Author(s):

Isabel Lastres-Becker ◽

Gracia Porras ◽

Marina Arribas-Blázquez ◽

Inés Maestro ◽

Daniel Borrego-Hernández ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Motor Neurons ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Cell Types ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Autophagic Flux ◽

Metabolic Disturbances ◽

Molecular Alterations ◽

Healthy Donors ◽

Inflammatory Profile ◽

Als Patients

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological condition where motor neurons (MNs) degenerate. Most of the ALS cases are sporadic (sALS), whereas 10% are hereditarily transmitted (fALS), among which mutations are found in the gene that codes for the enzyme superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). A central question in ALS field is whether causative mutations display selective alterations not found in sALS patients, or they converge on shared molecular pathways. To identify specific and common mechanisms for designing appropriate therapeutic interventions, we focused on the SOD1-mutated (SOD1-ALS) versus sALS patients. Since ALS pathology involves different cell types other than MNs, we generated lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from sALS and SOD1-ALS patients and healthy donors and investigated whether they show changes in oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic disturbances, the antioxidant NRF2 pathway, inflammatory profile, and autophagic flux. Both oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis appear to be upregulated in lymphoblasts from sALS and SOD1-ALS. Our results indicate significant differences in NRF2/ARE pathway between sALS and SOD1-ALS lymphoblasts. Furthermore, levels of inflammatory cytokines and autophagic flux discriminate between sALS and SOD1-ALS lymphoblasts. Overall, different molecular mechanisms are involved in sALS and SOD1-ALS patients and thus, personalized medicine should be developed for each case.

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Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Kidney Injury in 2,8-Dihydroxyadenine Nephropathy

Journal of the American Society of Nephrology ◽

10.1681/asn.2019080827 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

pp. 799-816 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Barbara Mara Klinkhammer ◽

Sonja Djudjaj ◽

Uta Kunter ◽

Runolfur Palsson ◽

Vidar Orn Edvardsson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Relevance ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Granulomatous Inflammation ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

Rare Condition ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Renal Tubules ◽

Rodent Models ◽

Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase ◽

Reparative Process

BackgroundHereditary deficiency of adenine phosphoribosyltransferase causes 2,8-dihydroxyadenine (2,8-DHA) nephropathy, a rare condition characterized by formation of 2,8-DHA crystals within renal tubules. Clinical relevance of rodent models of 2,8-DHA crystal nephropathy induced by excessive adenine intake is unknown.MethodsUsing animal models and patient kidney biopsies, we assessed the pathogenic sequelae of 2,8-DHA crystal-induced kidney damage. We also used knockout mice to investigate the role of TNF receptors 1 and 2 (TNFR1 and TNFR2), CD44, or alpha2-HS glycoprotein (AHSG), all of which are involved in the pathogenesis of other types of crystal-induced nephropathies.ResultsAdenine-enriched diet in mice induced 2,8-DHA nephropathy, leading to progressive kidney disease, characterized by crystal deposits, tubular injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. Kidney injury depended on crystal size. The smallest crystals were endocytosed by tubular epithelial cells. Crystals of variable size were excreted in urine. Large crystals obstructed whole tubules. Medium-sized crystals induced a particular reparative process that we term extratubulation. In this process, tubular cells, in coordination with macrophages, overgrew and translocated crystals into the interstitium, restoring the tubular luminal patency; this was followed by degradation of interstitial crystals by granulomatous inflammation. Patients with adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency showed similar histopathological findings regarding crystal morphology, crystal clearance, and renal injury. In mice, deletion of Tnfr1 significantly reduced tubular CD44 and annexin two expression, as well as inflammation, thereby ameliorating the disease course. In contrast, genetic deletion of Tnfr2, Cd44, or Ahsg had no effect on the manifestations of 2,8-DHA nephropathy.ConclusionsRodent models of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of 2,8-DHA nephropathy and crystal clearance have clinical relevance and offer insight into potential future targets for therapeutic interventions.

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