scholarly journals Combined Effects of Methylated Cytosine and Molecular Crowding on the Thermodynamic Stability of DNA Duplexes

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 947
Author(s):  
Mitsuki Tsuruta ◽  
Yui Sugitani ◽  
Naoki Sugimoto ◽  
Daisuke Miyoshi
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Crowding ◽  
Dna Duplexes ◽  
Crowding Effect ◽  
Backbone Flexibility ◽  
Cpg Dinucleotides ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Dna Backbone ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Stabilization Effect ◽  
And Function

Methylated cytosine within CpG dinucleotides is a key factor for epigenetic gene regulation. It has been revealed that methylated cytosine decreases DNA backbone flexibility and increases the thermal stability of DNA. Although the molecular environment is an important factor for the structure, thermodynamics, and function of biomolecules, there are few reports on the effects of methylated cytosine under a cell-mimicking molecular environment. Here, we systematically investigated the effects of methylated cytosine on the thermodynamics of DNA duplexes under molecular crowding conditions, which is a critical difference between the molecular environment in cells and test tubes. Thermodynamic parameters quantitatively demonstrated that the methylation effect and molecular crowding effect on DNA duplexes are independent and additive, in which the degree of the stabilization is the sum of the methylation effect and molecular crowding effect. Furthermore, the effects of methylation and molecular crowding correlate with the hydration states of DNA duplexes. The stabilization effect of methylation was due to the favorable enthalpic contribution, suggesting that direct interactions of the methyl group with adjacent bases and adjacent methyl groups play a role in determining the flexibility and thermodynamics of DNA duplexes. These results are useful to predict the properties of DNA duplexes with methylation in cell-mimicking conditions.

scholarly journals Nearest-neighbor parameters for predicting DNA duplex stability in diverse molecular crowding conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (25) ◽  
pp. 14194-14201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saptarshi Ghosh ◽  
Shuntaro Takahashi ◽  
Tatsuya Ohyama ◽  
Tamaki Endoh ◽  
Hisae Tateishi-Karimata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nearest Neighbor ◽  
Average Molecular Weight ◽  
Molecular Crowding ◽  
Dna Duplexes ◽  
Dna Duplex ◽  
Intracellular Environment ◽  
Duplex Stability ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Duplex Formation

The intracellular environment is crowded and heterogeneous. Although the thermodynamic stability of nucleic acid duplexes is predictable in dilute solutions, methods of predicting such stability under specific intracellular conditions are not yet available. We recently showed that the nearest-neighbor model for self-complementary DNA is valid under molecular crowding condition of 40% polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 200 (PEG 200) in 100 mM NaCl. Here, we determined nearest-neighbor parameters for DNA duplex formation under the same crowding condition to predict the thermodynamics of DNA duplexes in the intracellular environment. Preferential hydration of the nucleotides was found to be the key factor for nearest-neighbor parameters in the crowding condition. The determined parameters were shown to predict the thermodynamic parameters (∆H°, ∆S°, and ∆G°37) and melting temperatures (Tm) of the DNA duplexes in the crowding condition with significant accuracy. Moreover, we proposed a general method for predicting the stability of short DNA duplexes in different cosolutes based on the relationship between duplex stability and the water activity of the cosolute solution. The method described herein would be valuable for investigating biological processes that occur under specific intracellular crowded conditions and for the application of DNA-based biotechnologies in crowded environments.

CD38 as an immunomodulator in cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (34) ◽  
pp. 2853-2861
Author(s):  
Yanli Li ◽  
Rui Yang ◽  
Limo Chen ◽  
Sufang Wu
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Human Tissues ◽  
Transmembrane Glycoprotein ◽  
Cell Activation Marker ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
A Cell ◽  
And Function ◽  
Human Molecule

CD38 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is widely expressed in a variety of human tissues and cells, especially those in the immune system. CD38 protein was previously considered as a cell activation marker, and today monoclonal antibodies targeting CD38 have witnessed great achievements in multiple myeloma and promoted researchers to conduct research on other tumors. In this review, we provide a wide-ranging review of the biology and function of the human molecule outside the field of myeloma. We focus mainly on current research findings to summarize and update the findings gathered from diverse areas of study. Based on these findings, we attempt to extend the role of CD38 in the context of therapy of solid tumors and expand the role of the molecule from a simple marker to an immunomodulator.

scholarly journals Maturation of the Na,K-ATPase in the Endoplasmic Reticulum in Health and Disease

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitalii Kryvenko ◽  
Olga Vagin ◽  
Laura A. Dada ◽  
Jacob I. Sznajder ◽  
István Vadász
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Rate Limiting Step ◽  
Atpase Subunits ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
And Function ◽  
Rate Limiting

Abstract The Na,K-ATPase establishes the electrochemical gradient of cells by driving an active exchange of Na+ and K+ ions while consuming ATP. The minimal functional transporter consists of a catalytic α-subunit and a β-subunit with chaperon activity. The Na,K-ATPase also functions as a cell adhesion molecule and participates in various intracellular signaling pathways. The maturation and trafficking of the Na,K-ATPase include co- and post-translational processing of the enzyme in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus and subsequent delivery to the plasma membrane (PM). The ER folding of the enzyme is considered as the rate-limiting step in the membrane delivery of the protein. It has been demonstrated that only assembled Na,K-ATPase α:β-complexes may exit the organelle, whereas unassembled, misfolded or unfolded subunits are retained in the ER and are subsequently degraded. Loss of function of the Na,K-ATPase has been associated with lung, heart, kidney and neurological disorders. Recently, it has been shown that ER dysfunction, in particular, alterations in the homeostasis of the organelle, as well as impaired ER-resident chaperone activity may impede folding of Na,K-ATPase subunits, thus decreasing the abundance and function of the enzyme at the PM. Here, we summarize our current understanding on maturation and subsequent processing of the Na,K-ATPase in the ER under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Graphic Abstract

scholarly journals The p21WAF1/CIP1 Promoter Is Methylated in Rat-1 Cells: Stable Restoration of p53-Dependent p21WAF1/CIP1 Expression after Transfection of a Genomic Clone Containing the p21WAF1/CIP1 Gene

2000 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 1291-1298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey A. Allan ◽  
Trevor Duhig ◽  
Moira Read ◽  
Mike Fried
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Promoter Region ◽  
P53 Protein ◽  
Artificial Chromosome ◽  
Uv Treatment ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Cpg Dinucleotides ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Cell Cycle Block ◽  
Inducible Gene

ABSTRACT Rat-1 cells are used in many studies on transformation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Whereas UV treatment of Rat-1 cells results in apoptosis, X-ray treatment does not induce either apoptosis or a cell cycle block. X-ray treatment of Rat-1 cells results in both an increase of p53 protein and expression of the p53-inducible geneMDM2 but not the protein or mRNA of the p53-inducible p21WAF1/CIP1 gene, which in other cells plays an important role in p53-mediated cell cycle block. The lack of p21WAF1/CIP1 expression appears to be the result of hypermethylation of the p21WAF1/CIP1 promoter region, as p21WAF1/CIP1 protein expression could be induced by growth of Rat-1 cells in the presence of 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine. Furthermore, sequence analysis of bisulfite-treated DNA demonstrated extensive methylation of cytosine residues in CpG dinucleotides in a CpG-rich island in the promoter region of the p21WAF1/CIP1 gene. Stable X-ray-induced p53-dependent p21WAF1/CIP1 expression and cell cycle block were restored to a Rat-1 clone after transfection with a P1 artificial chromosome (PAC) DNA clone containing a rat genomic copy of the p21WAF1/CIP1 gene. The absence of expression of the p21WAF1/CIP1 gene may contribute to the suitability of Rat-1 cells for transformation, cell cycle, and apoptosis studies.

scholarly journals Cdc14-regulated midzone assembly controls anaphase B

2007 ◽  
Vol 177 (6) ◽  
pp. 981-993 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anton Khmelinskii ◽  
Clare Lawrence ◽  
Johanna Roostalu ◽  
Elmar Schiebel
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Protein Phosphatase ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Aurora B ◽  
Aurora B Kinase ◽  
Spindle Midzone ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Spindle Elongation ◽  
And Function ◽  
Anaphase B

Spindle elongation in anaphase of mitosis is a cell cycle–regulated process that requires coordination between polymerization, cross-linking, and sliding of microtubules (MTs). Proteins that assemble at the spindle midzone may be important for this process. In this study, we show that Ase1 and the separase–Slk19 complex drive midzone assembly in yeast. Whereas the conserved MT-bundling protein Ase1 establishes a midzone, separase–Slk19 is required to focus and center midzone components. An important step leading to spindle midzone assembly is the dephosphorylation of Ase1 by the protein phosphatase Cdc14 at the beginning of anaphase. Failure to dephosphorylate Ase1 delocalizes midzone proteins and delays the second, slower phase of anaphase B. In contrast, in cells expressing nonphosphorylated Ase1, anaphase spindle extension is faster, and spindles frequently break. Cdc14 also controls the separase–Slk19 complex indirectly via the Aurora B kinase. Thus, Cdc14 regulates spindle midzone assembly and function directly through Ase1 and indirectly via the separase–Slk19 complex.

scholarly journals Chromatin regulates expression of small RNAs to help maintain transposon methylome homeostasis in Arabidopsis

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ranjith K. Papareddy ◽  
Katalin Páldi ◽  
Subramanian Paulraj ◽  
Ping Kao ◽  
Stefan Lutzmayer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth And Development ◽  
Germ Line ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Chromatin States ◽  
Heterochromatin Formation ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Decondensed Chromatin ◽  
And Function ◽  
New Generation

Abstract Background Eukaryotic genomes are partitioned into euchromatic and heterochromatic domains to regulate gene expression and other fundamental cellular processes. However, chromatin is dynamic during growth and development and must be properly re-established after its decondensation. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) promote heterochromatin formation, but little is known about how chromatin regulates siRNA expression. Results We demonstrate that thousands of transposable elements (TEs) produce exceptionally high levels of siRNAs in Arabidopsis thaliana embryos. TEs generate siRNAs throughout embryogenesis according to two distinct patterns depending on whether they are located in euchromatic or heterochromatic regions of the genome. siRNA precursors are transcribed in embryos, and siRNAs are required to direct the re-establishment of DNA methylation on TEs from which they are derived in the new generation. Decondensed chromatin also permits the production of 24-nt siRNAs from heterochromatic TEs during post-embryogenesis, and siRNA production from bipartite-classified TEs is controlled by their chromatin states. Conclusions Decondensation of heterochromatin in response to developmental, and perhaps environmental, cues promotes the transcription and function of siRNAs in plants. Our results indicate that chromatin-mediated siRNA transcription provides a cell-autonomous homeostatic control mechanism to help reconstitute pre-existing chromatin states during growth and development including those that ensure silencing of TEs in the future germ line.

scholarly journals Detailed analysis of public RNAseq data and long non-coding RNA: a proposed enhancement to mesenchymal stem cell characterisation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastien Riquier ◽  
Marc Mathieu ◽  
Anthony Boureux ◽  
Florence Ruffle ◽  
Jean-Marc Lemaitre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Bioinformatics Pipeline ◽  
Multipotent Stem Cells ◽  
Non Coding Rna ◽  
Rnaseq Data ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Public Datasets ◽  
And Function

AbstractThe development of RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and corresponding emergence of public datasets have created new avenues of transcriptional marker search. The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) constitute an emerging class of transcripts with a potential for high tissue specificity and function. Using a dedicated bioinformatics pipeline, we propose to construct a cell-specific catalogue of unannotated lncRNAs and to identify the strongest cell markers. This pipeline uses ab initio transcript identification, pseudoalignment and new methodologies such as a specific k-mer approach for naive quantification of expression in numerous RNAseq data.For an application model, we focused on Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), a type of adult multipotent stem-cells of diverse tissue origins. Frequently used in clinics, these cells lack extensive characterisation. Our pipeline was able to highlight different lncRNAs with high specificity for MSCs. In silico methodologies for functional prediction demonstrated that each candidate represents one specific state of MSCs biology. Together, these results suggest an approach that can be employed to harness lncRNA as cell marker, showing different candidates as potential actors in MSCs biology, while suggesting promising directions for future experimental investigations.

scholarly journals Correlated STORM-homoFRET Imaging: Applications to the Study of Membrane Receptor Self-Association and Clustering

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amine Driouchi ◽  
Scott Gray-Owen ◽  
Christopher M Yip
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Membrane Proteins ◽  
Complex Mixture ◽  
Cell Surface Receptor ◽  
Oligomeric State ◽  
Imaging Approach ◽  
Surface Receptor ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Self Association ◽  
And Function

Mapping the self-organization and spatial distribution of membrane proteins is key to understanding their function. We report here on a correlated STORM/homoFRET imaging approach for resolving the nanoscale distribution and oligomeric state of membrane proteins. Live cell homoFRET imaging of CEACAM1, a cell-surface receptor known to exist in a complex equilibrium between monomer and dimer/oligomer states, revealed highly heterogenous diffraction-limited structures on the surface of HeLa cells. Correlated super-resolved STORM imaging revealed that these structures comprised a complex mixture and spatial distribution of self-associated CEACAM1 molecules. This correlated approach provides a compelling strategy for addressing challenging questions about the interplay between membrane protein concentration, distribution, interaction, clustering, and function.

scholarly journals Mumame: a software tool for quantifying gene-specific point-mutations in shotgun metagenomic data

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shruthi Magesh ◽  
Viktor Jonsson ◽  
Johan Bengtsson-Palme
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Software Tool ◽  
Metagenomic Data ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Resistance Mutations ◽  
Shotgun Metagenomics ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Detection Of Mutations ◽  
And Function

Metagenomics has emerged as a central technique for studying the structure and function of microbial communities. Often the functional analysis is restricted to classification into broad functional categories. However, important phenotypic differences, such as resistance to antibiotics, are often the result of just one or a few point mutations in otherwise identical sequences. Bioinformatic methods for metagenomic analysis have generally been poor at accounting for this fact, resulting in a somewhat limited picture of important aspects of microbial communities. Here, we address this problem by providing a software tool called Mumame, which can distinguish between wildtype and mutated sequences in shotgun metagenomic data and quantify their relative abundances. We demonstrate the utility of the tool by quantifying antibiotic resistance mutations in several publicly available metagenomic data sets. We also identified that sequencing depth is a key factor to detect rare mutations. Therefore, much larger numbers of sequences may be required for reliable detection of mutations than for most other applications of shotgun metagenomics. Mumame is freely available online (http://microbiology.se/software/mumame).

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