scholarly journals Alternative Splicing by NOVA Factors: From Gene Expression to Cell Physiology and Pathology

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 3941 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacopo Meldolesi
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Splicing ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Cell Physiology ◽  
Axon Pathfinding ◽  
Surface Receptors ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Voltage Gated Channels ◽  
And Function ◽  
Near Future

NOVA1 and NOVA2, the two members of the NOVA family of alternative splicing factors, bind YCAY clusters of pre-mRNAs and assemble spliceosomes to induce the maintenance/removal of introns and exons, thus governing the development of mRNAs. Members of other splicing families operate analogously. Activity of NOVAs accounts for up to 700 alternative splicing events per cell, taking place both in the nucleus (co-transcription of mRNAs) and in the cytoplasm. Brain neurons express high levels of NOVAs, with NOVA1 predominant in cerebellum and spinal cord, NOVA2 in the cortex. Among brain physiological processes NOVAs play critical roles in axon pathfinding and spreading, structure and function of synapses, as well as the regulation of surface receptors and voltage-gated channels. In pathology, NOVAs contribute to neurodegenerative diseases and epilepsy. In vessel endothelial cells, NOVA2 is essential for angiogenesis, while in adipocytes, NOVA1 contributes to regulation of thermogenesis and obesity. In many cancers NOVA1 and also NOVA2, by interacting with specific miRNAs and by additional mechanisms, activate oncogenic roles promoting cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, NOVAs regulate cell functions of physiological and pathological nature. Single cell identification and distinction, and new therapies addressed to NOVA targets might be developed in the near future.

scholarly journals Targeting Integrins in Cancer Nanomedicine: Applications in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping-Hsiu Wu ◽  
Abayomi Emmanuel Opadele ◽  
Yasuhito Onodera ◽  
Jin-Min Nam
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Diagnostics ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Surface Receptors ◽  
Nanosized Materials ◽  
Tumor Microvasculature ◽  
Cancer Nanomedicine ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
And Function

Due to advancements in nanotechnology, the application of nanosized materials (nanomaterials) in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics has become a leading area in cancer research. The decoration of nanomaterial surfaces with biological ligands is a major strategy for directing the actions of nanomaterials specifically to cancer cells. These ligands can bind to specific receptors on the cell surface and enable nanomaterials to actively target cancer cells. Integrins are one of the cell surface receptors that regulate the communication between cells and their microenvironment. Several integrins are overexpressed in many types of cancer cells and the tumor microvasculature and function in the mediation of various cellular events. Therefore, the surface modification of nanomaterials with integrin-specific ligands not only increases their binding affinity to cancer cells but also enhances the cellular uptake of nanomaterials through the intracellular trafficking of integrins. Moreover, the integrin-specific ligands themselves interfere with cancer migration and invasion by interacting with integrins, and this finding provides a novel direction for new treatment approaches in cancer nanomedicine. This article reviews the integrin-specific ligands that have been used in cancer nanomedicine and provides an overview of the recent progress in cancer diagnostics and therapeutic strategies involving the use of integrin-targeted nanomaterials.

scholarly journals Cell-specific exon methylation and CTCF binding in neurons regulate calcium ion channel splicing and function

eLife ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Javier López Soto ◽  
Diane Lipscombe
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Splicing ◽  
Rna Splicing ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Ctcf Binding ◽  
Dna Hypomethylation ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Specific Alternative ◽  
Opioid Sensitivity ◽  
And Function

Cell-specific alternative splicing modulates myriad cell functions and is disrupted in disease. The mechanisms governing alternative splicing are known for relatively few genes and typically focus on RNA splicing factors. In sensory neurons, cell-specific alternative splicing of the presynaptic CaV channel Cacna1b gene modulates opioid sensitivity. How this splicing is regulated is unknown. We find that cell and exon-specific DNA hypomethylation permits CTCF binding, the master regulator of mammalian chromatin structure, which, in turn, controls splicing in a DRG-derived cell line. In vivo, hypomethylation of an alternative exon specifically in nociceptors, likely permits CTCF binding and expression of CaV2.2 channel isoforms with increased opioid sensitivity in mice. Following nerve injury, exon methylation is increased, and splicing is disrupted. Our studies define the molecular mechanisms of cell-specific alternative splicing of a functionally validated exon in normal and disease states – and reveal a potential target for the treatment of chronic pain.

Matrix Metalloproteinases in Invertebrates

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 1068-1081
Author(s):  
Xi Liu ◽  
Dongwu Liu ◽  
Yangyang Shen ◽  
Mujie Huang ◽  
Lili Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Matrix Metalloproteinases ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
Regulatory Mechanism ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Catalytic Domains ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Disease Occurrence ◽  
Complex Functions ◽  
And Function

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) belong to a family of metal-dependent endopeptidases which contain a series of conserved pro-peptide domains and catalytic domains. MMPs have been widely found in plants, animals, and microorganisms. MMPs are involved in regulating numerous physiological processes, pathological processes, and immune responses. In addition, MMPs play a key role in disease occurrence, including tumors, cardiovascular diseases, and other diseases. Compared with invertebrate MMPs, vertebrate MMPs have diverse subtypes and complex functions. Therefore, it is difficult to study the function of MMPs in vertebrates. However, it is relatively easy to study invertebrate MMPs because there are fewer subtypes of MMPs in invertebrates. In the present review, the structure and function of MMPs in invertebrates were summarized, which will provide a theoretical basis for investigating the regulatory mechanism of MMPs in invertebrates.

scholarly journals Insect Behavioral Change and the Potential Contributions of Neuroinflammation—A Call for Future Research

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 465
Author(s):  
Colleen A. Mangold ◽  
David P. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Change ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Insect Behavior ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cell Physiology ◽  
Behavioral Manipulation ◽  
Neuroimmune Communication ◽  
And Function ◽  
Neuron Function ◽  
Insect Innate Immunity

Many organisms are able to elicit behavioral change in other organisms. Examples include different microbes (e.g., viruses and fungi), parasites (e.g., hairworms and trematodes), and parasitoid wasps. In most cases, the mechanisms underlying host behavioral change remain relatively unclear. There is a growing body of literature linking alterations in immune signaling with neuron health, communication, and function; however, there is a paucity of data detailing the effects of altered neuroimmune signaling on insect neuron function and how glial cells may contribute toward neuron dysregulation. It is important to consider the potential impacts of altered neuroimmune communication on host behavior and reflect on its potential role as an important tool in the “neuro-engineer” toolkit. In this review, we examine what is known about the relationships between the insect immune and nervous systems. We highlight organisms that are able to influence insect behavior and discuss possible mechanisms of behavioral manipulation, including potentially dysregulated neuroimmune communication. We close by identifying opportunities for integrating research in insect innate immunity, glial cell physiology, and neurobiology in the investigation of behavioral manipulation.

scholarly journals RBMX suppresses tumorigenicity and progression of bladder cancer by interacting with the hnRNP A1 protein to regulate PKM alternative splicing

Oncogene ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiuxia Yan ◽  
Peng Zeng ◽  
Xiuqin Zhou ◽  
Xiaoying Zhao ◽  
Runqiang Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bladder Cancer ◽  
Alternative Splicing ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Aerobic Glycolysis ◽  
Histological Grade ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Binding Motif ◽  
Hnrnp A1

AbstractThe prognosis for patients with metastatic bladder cancer (BCa) is poor, and it is not improved by current treatments. RNA-binding motif protein X-linked (RBMX) are involved in the regulation of the malignant progression of various tumors. However, the role of RBMX in BCa tumorigenicity and progression remains unclear. In this study, we found that RBMX was significantly downregulated in BCa tissues, especially in muscle-invasive BCa tissues. RBMX expression was negatively correlated with tumor stage, histological grade and poor patient prognosis. Functional assays demonstrated that RBMX inhibited BCa cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro and suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that hnRNP A1 was an RBMX-binding protein. RBMX competitively inhibited the combination of the RGG motif in hnRNP A1 and the sequences flanking PKM exon 9, leading to the formation of lower PKM2 and higher PKM1 levels, which attenuated the tumorigenicity and progression of BCa. Moreover, RBMX inhibited aerobic glycolysis through hnRNP A1-dependent PKM alternative splicing and counteracted the PKM2 overexpression-induced aggressive phenotype of the BCa cells. In conclusion, our findings indicate that RBMX suppresses BCa tumorigenicity and progression via an hnRNP A1-mediated PKM alternative splicing mechanism. RBMX may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for clinical intervention in BCa.

scholarly journals Genome-wide identification and analysis of class III peroxidases in Betula pendula

BMC Genomics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kewei Cai ◽  
Huixin Liu ◽  
Song Chen ◽  
Yi Liu ◽  
Xiyang Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Responses ◽  
Betula Pendula ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Class Iii ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Plant Life ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Plant Life Cycle ◽  
Class Iii Peroxidases ◽  
And Function

Abstract Background Class III peroxidases (POD) proteins are widely present in the plant kingdom that are involved in a broad range of physiological processes including stress responses and lignin polymerization throughout the plant life cycle. At present, POD genes have been studied in Arabidopsis, rice, poplar, maize and Chinese pear, but there are no reports on the identification and function of POD gene family in Betula pendula. Results We identified 90 nonredundant POD genes in Betula pendula. (designated BpPODs). According to phylogenetic relationships, these POD genes were classified into 12 groups. The BpPODs are distributed in different numbers on the 14 chromosomes, and some BpPODs were located sequentially in tandem on chromosomes. In addition, we analyzed the conserved domains of BpPOD proteins and found that they contain highly conserved motifs. We also investigated their expression patterns in different tissues, the results showed that some BpPODs might play an important role in xylem, leaf, root and flower. Furthermore, under low temperature conditions, some BpPODs showed different expression patterns at different times. Conclusions The research on the structure and function of the POD genes in Betula pendula plays a very important role in understanding the growth and development process and the molecular mechanism of stress resistance. These results lay the theoretical foundation for the genetic improvement of Betula pendula.

scholarly journals LINC00963 affects the development of colorectal cancer via MiR-532-3p/HMGA2 axis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinjun Ye ◽  
Jidong Liu ◽  
Tao Tang ◽  
Le Xin ◽  
Xing Bao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Bioinformatics Analysis ◽  
Scratch Test ◽  
Luciferase Assay ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Cycle Progression ◽  
Ki67 Expression ◽  
And Function

Abstract Background LINC00963 is high-expressed in various carcinomas, but its expression and function in colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been explored. This study explored the role and mechanism of LINC00963 in CRC. Methods The expression of LINC00963 in CRC and its relationship with prognosis were examined by starBase and survival analysis. The effects of LINC00963, miR-532-3p and HMGA2 on the biological characteristics and EMT-related genes of CRC cells were studied by RT-qPCR, CCK-8, clone formation experiments, flow cytometry, scratch test, Transwell, and Western blot. Xenograft assay and immunohistochemistry were performed to verify the effect of LINC00963 on tumor growth. The correlation among LINC00963, miR-532-3p, and HMGA2 was analyzed by bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assay, and Pearson test. Results LINC00963 was high-expressed in CRC, and this was associated with poor prognosis of CRC. Silencing LINC00963 inhibited the activity, proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells, MMP-3 and MMP-9 expressions, moreover, it also blocked cell cycle progression, and inhibited tumor growth and Ki67 expression. However, overexpression of LINC00963 showed the opposite effects to silencing LINC00963. LINC00963 targeted miR-532-3p to regulate HMGA2 expression. Down-regulation of miR-532-3p promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and expressions of MMP-3 and MMP-9, and knockdown of HMGA2 reversed the effect of miR-532-3p inhibitor. Up-regulation of miR-532-3p inhibited the biological functions of CRC cells, and overexpression of HMGA2 reversed the miR-532-3p mimic effect. Conclusion LINC00963 affects the development of CRC through the miR-532-3p/HMGA2 axis.

scholarly journals The Ubiquitously Expressed Csk Adaptor Protein Cbp Is Dispensable for Embryogenesis and T-Cell Development and Function

2005 ◽  
Vol 25 (23) ◽  
pp. 10533-10542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc-Werner Dobenecker ◽  
Christian Schmedt ◽  
Masato Okada ◽  
Alexander Tarakhovsky
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Adaptor Protein ◽  
Regulatory Function ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Thymic Development ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Carboxy Terminal ◽  
And Function

ABSTRACT Regulation of Src family kinase (SFK) activity is indispensable for a functional immune system and embryogenesis. The activity of SFKs is inhibited by the presence of the carboxy-terminal Src kinase (Csk) at the cell membrane. Thus, recruitment of cytosolic Csk to the membrane-associated SFKs is crucial for its regulatory function. Previous studies utilizing in vitro and transgenic models suggested that the Csk-binding protein (Cbp), also known as phosphoprotein associated with glycosphingolipid microdomains (PAG), is the membrane adaptor for Csk. However, loss-of-function genetic evidence to support this notion was lacking. Herein, we demonstrate that the targeted disruption of the cbp gene in mice has no effect on embryogenesis, thymic development, or T-cell functions in vivo. Moreover, recruitment of Csk to the specialized membrane compartment of “lipid rafts” is not impaired by Cbp deficiency. Our results indicate that Cbp is dispensable for the recruitment of Csk to the membrane and that another Csk adaptor, yet to be discovered, compensates for the loss of Cbp.

scholarly journals Wnt5a Signaling in Normal and Cancer Stem Cells

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Zhou ◽  
Thomas J. Kipps ◽  
Suping Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Self Renewal ◽  
Surface Receptors ◽  
Canonical Wnt

Wnt5a is involved in activating several noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways, which can inhibit or activate canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in a receptor context-dependent manner. Wnt5a signaling is critical for regulating normal developmental processes, including stem cell self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation, migration, adhesion, and polarity. Moreover, the aberrant activation or inhibition of Wnt5a signaling is emerging as an important event in cancer progression, exerting both oncogenic and tumor suppressive effects. Recent studies show the involvement of Wnt5a signaling in regulating normal and cancer stem cell self-renewal, cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In this article, we review recent findings regarding the molecular mechanisms and roles of Wnt5a signaling in stem cells in embryogenesis and in the normal or neoplastic breast or ovary, highlighting that Wnt5a may have different effects on target cells depending on the surface receptors expressed by the target cell.

Platelet Behavior Contributes to Neuropathologies: A Focus on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin J. Page ◽  
Etheresia Pretorius
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Vascular Dysfunction ◽  
Surface Receptors ◽  
Initiation Factors ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Vascular Regulation ◽  
Inflammatory Mechanism ◽  
Neuro Inflammation ◽  
Neurovascular Dysfunction

AbstractThe functions of platelets are broad. Platelets function in hemostasis and thrombosis, inflammation and immune responses, vascular regulation, and host defense against invading pathogens, among others. These actions are achieved through the release of a wide set of coagulative, vascular, inflammatory, and other factors as well as diverse cell surface receptors involved in the same activities. As active participants in these physiological processes, platelets become involved in signaling pathways and pathological reactions that contribute to diseases that are defined by inflammation (including by pathogen-derived stimuli), vascular dysfunction, and coagulation. These diseases include Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, the two most common neurodegenerative diseases. Despite their unique pathological and clinical features, significant shared pathological processes exist between these two conditions, particularly relating to a central inflammatory mechanism involving both neuroinflammation and inflammation in the systemic environment, but also neurovascular dysfunction and coagulopathy, processes which also share initiation factors and receptors. This triad of dysfunction—(neuro)inflammation, neurovascular dysfunction, and hypercoagulation—illustrates the important roles platelets play in neuropathology. Although some mechanisms are understudied in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, a strong case can be made for the relevance of platelets in neurodegeneration-related processes.

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