scholarly journals Integrin Signaling in Glioma Pathogenesis: From Biology to Therapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 888 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Ellert-Miklaszewska ◽  
Katarzyna Poleszak ◽  
Maria Pasierbinska ◽  
Bozena Kaminska
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Large Family ◽  
Integrin Signaling ◽  
Downstream Signaling ◽  
Receptor Complexes ◽  
Attractive Therapeutic Target ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Covalently Linked ◽  
Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase ◽  
Integrin Ligand

Integrins are a large family of transmembrane adhesion receptors, which play a key role in interactions of a cell with the surrounding stroma. Integrins are comprised of non-covalently linked α and β chains, which form heterodimeric receptor complexes. The signals from integrin receptors are combined with those originating from growth factor receptors and participate in orchestrating morphological changes of cells, organization of the cytoskeleton, stimulation of cell proliferation and rescuing cells from programmed cell death induced by extracellular matrix (ECM) detachment. Upon binding to specific ligands or ECM components, integrin dimers activate downstream signaling pathways, including focal adhesion kinase, phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and AKT kinases, which regulate migration, invasion, proliferation and survival. Expression of specific integrins is upregulated in both tumor cells and stromal cells in a tumor microenvironment. Therefore, integrins became an attractive therapeutic target for many cancers, including the most common primary brain tumors—gliomas. In this review we provide an overview of the involvement of integrin signaling in glioma pathogenesis, formation of the tumor niche and brain tissue infiltration. We will summarize up-to-date therapeutic strategies for gliomas focused on interference with integrin ligand-receptor signaling.

Glycans in scaffold design in tissue reconstruction

2021 ◽  
pp. 088391152199784
Author(s):  
Nipun Jain ◽  
Shashi Singh
Keyword(s):  
Cell Attachment ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Downstream Signaling ◽  
Cell Carrier ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Proliferation And Differentiation ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Tissue Reconstruction ◽  
A Cell

Development of an artificial tissue by tissue engineering is witnessed to be one of the long lasting clarified solutions for the damaged tissue function restoration. To accomplish this, a scaffold is designed as a cell carrier in which the extracellular matrix (ECM) performs a prominent task of controlling the inoculated cell’s destiny. ECM composition, topography and mechanical properties lead to different types of interactions between cells and ECM components that trigger an assortment of cellular reactions via diverse sensing mechanisms and downstream signaling pathways. The polysaccharides in the form of proteoglycans and glycoproteins yield better outcomes when included in the designed matrices. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains present on proteoglycans show a wide range of operations such as sequestering of critical effector morphogens which encourage proficient nutrient contribution toward the growing stem cells for their development and endurance. In this review we discuss how the glycosylation aspects are of considerable importance in everyday housekeeping functions of a cell especially when placed in a controlled environment under ideal growth conditions. Hydrogels made from these GAG chains have been used extensively as a resorbable material that mimics the natural ECM functions for an efficient control over cell attachment, permeability, viability, proliferation, and differentiation processes. Also the incorporation of non-mammalian polysaccharides can elicit specific receptor responses which authorize the creation of numerous vigorous frameworks while prolonging the low cost and immunogenicity of the substance.

scholarly journals Cucurbitacins are insect steroid hormone antagonists acting at the ecdysteroid receptor

1997 ◽  
Vol 327 (3) ◽  
pp. 643-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence DINAN ◽  
Pensri WHITING ◽  
Jean-Pierre GIRAULT ◽  
René LAFONT ◽  
S. Tarlochan DHADIALLA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Antagonistic Activity ◽  
Side Chain ◽  
Ecdysteroid Receptor ◽  
Whole Cells ◽  
Definitive Evidence ◽  
Permanent Cell ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Gel Shift Assay ◽  
Hormone Antagonists

Two triterpenoids, cucurbitacins B and D, have been isolated from seeds of Iberis umbellata (Cruciferae) and shown to be responsible for the antagonistic activity of a methanolic extract of this species in preventing the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E)-induced morphological changes in the Drosophila melanogaster BII permanent cell line. With a 20E concentration of 50 nM, cucurbitacins B and D give 50% responses at 1.5 and 10 μM respectively. Both cucurbitacins are able to displace specifically bound radiolabelled 25-deoxy-20-hydroxyecdysone (ponasterone A) from a cell-free preparation of the BII cells containing ecdysteroid receptors. The Kd values for cucurbitacins B and D (5 and 50 μM respectively) are similar to the concentrations required to antagonize 20E activity with whole cells. Cucurbitacin B (cucB) prevents stimulation by 20E of an ecdysteroid-responsive reporter gene in a transfection assay. CucB also prevents the formation of the Drosophila ecdysteroid receptor/Ultraspiracle/20E complex with the hsp27 ecdysteroid response element as demonstrated by gel-shift assay. This is therefore the first definitive evidence for the existence of antagonists acting at the ecdysteroid receptor. Preliminary structure/activity studies indicate the importance of the Δ23-22-oxo functional grouping in the side chain for antagonistic activity. Hexanorcucurbitacin D, which lacks carbon atoms C-22 to C-27, is found to be a weak agonist rather than an antagonist. Moreover, the side chain analogue 5-methylhex-3-en-2-one possesses weak antagonistic activity.

scholarly journals An ABC transporter Wzm–Wzt catalyzes translocation of lipid-linked galactan across the plasma membrane in mycobacteria

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (17) ◽  
pp. e2023663118
Author(s):  
Karin Savková ◽  
Stanislav Huszár ◽  
Peter Baráth ◽  
Zuzana Pakanová ◽  
Stanislav Kozmon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Abc Transporter ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Transport Systems ◽  
Host Immune System ◽  
Mycolic Acids ◽  
Cell Wall Biogenesis ◽  
Covalently Linked ◽  
High Level

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, one of the deadliest pathogens in human history, is distinguished by a unique, multilayered cell wall, which offers the bacterium a high level of protection from the attacks of the host immune system. The primary structure of the cell wall core, composed of covalently linked peptidoglycan, branched heteropolysaccharide arabinogalactan, and mycolic acids, is well known, and numerous enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of its components are characterized. The cell wall biogenesis takes place at both cytoplasmic and periplasmic faces of the plasma membrane, and only recently some of the specific transport systems translocating the metabolic intermediates between these two compartments have been characterized [M. Jackson, C. M. Stevens, L. Zhang, H. I. Zgurskaya, M. Niederweis, Chem. Rev., 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00869 (2020)]. In this work, we use CRISPR interference methodology in Mycobacterium smegmatis to functionally characterize an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter involved in the translocation of galactan precursors across the plasma membrane. We show that genetic knockdown of the transmembrane subunit of the transporter results in severe morphological changes and the accumulation of an aberrantly long galactan precursor. Based on similarities with structures and functions of specific O-antigen ABC transporters of gram-negative bacteria [C. Whitfield, D. M. Williams, S. D. Kelly, J. Biol. Chem. 295, 10593-10609 (2020)], we propose a model for coupled synthesis and export of the galactan polymer precursor in mycobacteria.

scholarly journals Methods and applications of label-free cell-based systems

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joachim Wiest
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Monitoring ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Free Cell ◽  
Living Cells ◽  
Label Free ◽  
Controlled System ◽  
Chip Technology ◽  
Cell Monitoring ◽  
A Cell ◽  
On Chip

Label-free monitoring of living cells is used in various applications such as drug development, toxicology, regenerative medicine or environmental monitoring. The most prominent methods for monitoring the extracellular acidification, oxygen consumption, electrophysiological activity and morphological changes of living cells are described. Furthermore, the intelligent mobile lab (IMOLA) – a computer controlled system integrating cell monitoring and automated cell cultivation – is described as an example of a cell-based system for microphysiometry. Results from experiments in the field of environmental monitoring using algae are presented. An outlook toward the development of an organ-on-chip technology is given.

scholarly journals Small Molecule Inhibitors in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Beyond: Latest Updates and Potential Strategy for Fighting COVID-19

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1876
Author(s):  
Magdalena Massalska ◽  
Wlodzimierz Maslinski ◽  
Marzena Ciechomska
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Viral Entry ◽  
Small Molecule Inhibitors ◽  
Large Family ◽  
Downstream Signaling ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Synthetic Dmards ◽  
Potential Strategy ◽  
Inflammatory Molecules

The development of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and target synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs), also known as small molecule inhibitors, represent a breakthrough in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. The tsDMARDs are a large family of small molecules targeting mostly the several types of kinases, which are essential in downstream signaling of pro-inflammatory molecules. This review highlights current challenges associated with the treatment of RA using small molecule inhibitors targeting intracellular JAKs/MAPKs/NF-κB/SYK-BTK signaling pathways. Indeed, we have provided the latest update on development of small molecule inhibitors, their clinical efficacy and safety as a strategy for RA treatment. On the other hand, we have highlighted the risk and adverse effects of tsDMARDs administration including, among others, infections and thromboembolism. Therefore, performance of blood tests or viral infection screening should be recommended before the tsDMARDs administration. Interestingly, recent events of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak have demonstrated the potential use of small molecule inhibitors not only in RA treatment, but also in fighting COVID-19 via blocking the viral entry, preventing of hyperimmune activation and reducing cytokine storm. Thus, small molecule inhibitors, targeting wide range of pro-inflammatory singling pathways, may find wider implications not only for the management of RA but also in the controlling of COVID-19.

The nuclear pore complex, nuclear transport, and apoptosisThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled The Nucleus: A Cell Within A Cell.

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 279-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birthe Fahrenkrog
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Pore Complex ◽  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Nuclear Transport ◽  
Nuclear Pore ◽  
Simple Fact ◽  
Cell Death Program ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Cellular Compartments ◽  
Selection Of

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is the sole gateway between the nucleus and the cytoplasm of interphase eukaryotic cells, and it mediates all trafficking between these 2 cellular compartments. As such, the NPC and nuclear transport play central roles in translocating death signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus where they initiate biochemical and morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. Recent findings suggest that the correlation between the NPC, nuclear transport, and apoptosis goes beyond the simple fact that NPCs mediate nuclear transport of key players involved in the cell death program. In this context, the accessibility of key regulators of apoptosis appears to be highly modulated by nuclear transport (e.g., impaired nuclear import might be an apoptotic trigger). In this review, recent findings concerning the unexpected tight link between NPCs, nuclear transport, and apoptosis will be presented and critically discussed.

scholarly journals ALKALs are in vivo ligands for ALK family receptor tyrosine kinases in the neural crest and derived cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (4) ◽  
pp. E630-E638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrey Fadeev ◽  
Patricia Mendoza-Garcia ◽  
Uwe Irion ◽  
Jikui Guan ◽  
Kathrin Pfeifer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neural Crest ◽  
Tyrosine Kinases ◽  
Pigment Cells ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Pediatric Tumor ◽  
Downstream Signaling ◽  
Receptor Complexes ◽  
Anaplastic Lymphoma ◽  
Biochemical Analyses

Mutations in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are implicated in somatic and familial neuroblastoma, a pediatric tumor of neural crest-derived tissues. Recently, biochemical analyses have identified secreted small ALKAL proteins (FAM150, AUG) as potential ligands for human ALK and the related leukocyte tyrosine kinase (LTK). In the zebrafish Danio rerio, DrLtk, which is similar to human ALK in sequence and domain structure, controls the development of iridophores, neural crest-derived pigment cells. Hence, the zebrafish system allows studying Alk/Ltk and Alkals involvement in neural crest regulation in vivo. Using zebrafish pigment pattern formation, Drosophila eye patterning, and cell culture-based assays, we show that zebrafish Alkals potently activate zebrafish Ltk and human ALK driving downstream signaling events. Overexpression of the three DrAlkals cause ectopic iridophore development, whereas loss-of-function alleles lead to spatially distinct patterns of iridophore loss in zebrafish larvae and adults. alkal loss-of-function triple mutants completely lack iridophores and are larval lethal as is the case for ltk null mutants. Our results provide in vivo evidence of (i) activation of ALK/LTK family receptors by ALKALs and (ii) an involvement of these ligand–receptor complexes in neural crest development.

scholarly journals Double PIK3CA mutations in cis increase oncogenicity and sensitivity to PI3Kα inhibitors

Science ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 366 (6466) ◽  
pp. 714-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Vasan ◽  
Pedram Razavi ◽  
Jared L. Johnson ◽  
Hong Shao ◽  
Hardik Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Lipid ◽  
Lipid Binding ◽  
Breast Cancers ◽  
Pik3ca Mutations ◽  
Downstream Signaling ◽  
Activating Mutations ◽  
Increased Sensitivity ◽  
Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase ◽  
Tumor Types ◽  
In Cis

Activating mutations in PIK3CA are frequent in human breast cancer, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase alpha (PI3Kα) inhibitors have been approved for therapy. To characterize determinants of sensitivity to these agents, we analyzed PIK3CA-mutant cancer genomes and observed the presence of multiple PIK3CA mutations in 12 to 15% of breast cancers and other tumor types, most of which (95%) are double mutations. Double PIK3CA mutations are in cis on the same allele and result in increased PI3K activity, enhanced downstream signaling, increased cell proliferation, and tumor growth. The biochemical mechanisms of dual mutations include increased disruption of p110α binding to the inhibitory subunit p85α, which relieves its catalytic inhibition, and increased p110α membrane lipid binding. Double PIK3CA mutations predict increased sensitivity to PI3Kα inhibitors compared with single-hotspot mutations.

scholarly journals Wnt signaling promotes proliferation and stemness regulation of spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells

Reproduction ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 138 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nady Golestaneh ◽  
Elspeth Beauchamp ◽  
Shannon Fallen ◽  
Maria Kokkinaki ◽  
Aykut Üren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cell Migration ◽  
Growth Factors ◽  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Large Family ◽  
Self Renewal ◽  
Fate Determination

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) self-renew throughout life to produce progenitor cells that are able to differentiate into spermatozoa. However, the mechanisms underlying the cell fate determination between self-renewal and differentiation have not yet been delineated. Culture conditions and growth factors essential for self-renewal and proliferation of mouse SSCs have been investigated, but no information is available related to growth factors that affect fate determination of human spermatogonia. Wnts form a large family of secreted glycoproteins, the members of which are involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, organogenesis, and cell migration. Here, we show that Wnts and their receptors Fzs are expressed in mouse spermatogonia and in the C18-4 SSC line. We demonstrate that WNT3A induces cell proliferation, morphological changes, and cell migration in C18-4 cells. Furthermore, we show that β-catenin is activated during testis development in 21-day-old mice. In addition, our study demonstrates that WNT3A sustained adult human embryonic stem (ES)-like cells derived from human germ cells in an undifferentiated stage, expressing essential human ES cell transcription factors. These results demonstrate for the first time that Wnt/β-catenin pathways, especially WNT3A, may play an important role in the regulation of mouse and human spermatogonia.

The life of a cell: apoptosis regulation by the PI3K/PKB pathway

2008 ◽  
Vol 415 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Duronio
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factors ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Protein Kinases ◽  
Protein Kinase B ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase ◽  
The Many ◽  
Apoptosis Regulation ◽  
Inositol Ring

The activation of PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) family members is a universal event in response to virtually all cytokines, growth factors and hormones. As a result of formation of PtdIns with an added phosphate at the 3 position of the inositol ring, activation of the protein kinases PDK1 (phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1) and PKB (protein kinase B)/Akt occurs. The PI3K/PKB pathway impinges upon a remarkable array of intracellular events that influence either directly or indirectly whether or not a cell will undergo apoptosis. In this review, the many ways in which PI3K/PKB can control these processes are summarized. Not all of the events described will necessarily play a role in any one cell type, but a subset of these events is probably essential for the survival of every cell.

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