scholarly journals Mud Loss Restricts Yki-Dependent Hyperplasia in Drosophila Epithelia

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Amalia S. Parra ◽  
Christopher A. Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Chemical Exchange ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Growth Dynamics ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Wing Disc ◽  
Tissue Growth ◽  
Tissue Type ◽  
Mud Loss

Tissue development demands precise control of cell proliferation and organization, which is achieved through multiple conserved signaling pathways and protein complexes in multicellular animals. Epithelia are a ubiquitous tissue type that provide diverse functions including physical protection, barrier formation, chemical exchange, and secretory activity. However, epithelial cells are also a common driver of tumorigenesis; thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms that control their growth dynamics is important in understanding not only developmental mechanisms but also disease. One prominent pathway that regulates epithelial growth is the conserved Hippo/Warts/Yorkie network. Hippo/Warts inactivation, or activating mutations in Yorkie that prevent its phosphorylation (e.g., YkiS168A), drive hyperplastic tissue growth. We recently reported that loss of Mushroom body defect (Mud), a microtubule-associated protein that contributes to mitotic spindle function, restricts YkiS168A-mediated growth in Drosophila imaginal wing disc epithelia. Here we show that Mud loss alters cell cycle progression and triggers apoptosis with accompanying Jun kinase (JNK) activation in YkiS168A-expressing discs. To identify additional molecular insights, we performed RNAseq and differential gene expression profiling. This analysis revealed that Mud knockdown in YkiS168A-expressing discs resulted in a significant downregulation in expression of core basement membrane (BM) and extracellular matrix (ECM) genes, including the type IV collagen gene viking. Furthermore, we found that YkiS168A-expressing discs accumulated increased collagen protein, which was reduced following Mud knockdown. Our results suggest that ECM/BM remodeling can limit untoward growth initiated by an important driver of tumor growth and highlight a potential regulatory link with cytoskeleton-associated genes.

scholarly journals Fanconi Anemia Proteins and Their Interacting Partners: A Molecular Puzzle

Anemia ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tagrid Kaddar ◽  
Madeleine Carreau
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Fanconi Anemia ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Repair Process ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Cross Link ◽  
Molecular Functions

In recent years, Fanconi anemia (FA) has been the subject of intense investigations, primarily in the DNA repair research field. Many discoveries have led to the notion of a canonical pathway, termed the FA pathway, where all FA proteins function sequentially in different protein complexes to repair DNA cross-link damages. Although a detailed architecture of this DNA cross-link repair pathway is emerging, the question of how a defective DNA cross-link repair process translates into the disease phenotype is unresolved. Other areas of research including oxidative metabolism, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and transcriptional regulation have been studied in the context of FA, and some of these areas were investigated before the fervent enthusiasm in the DNA repair field. These other molecular mechanisms may also play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. In addition, several FA-interacting proteins have been identified with roles in these “other” nonrepair molecular functions. Thus, the goal of this paper is to revisit old ideas and to discuss protein-protein interactions related to other FA-related molecular functions to try to give the reader a wider perspective of the FA molecular puzzle.

Structural Studies of Fibrinolysis by Electron and Light Microscopy

1999 ◽  
Vol 82 (08) ◽  
pp. 277-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri Veklich ◽  
Jean-Philippe Collet ◽  
Charles Francis ◽  
John W. Weisel
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Light Microscopy ◽  
Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Degradation Products ◽  
Molecular Model ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Tissue Type ◽  
Type Plasminogen Activator

IntroductionMuch is known about the fibrinolytic system that converts fibrin-bound plasminogen to the active protease, plasmin, using plasminogen activators, such as tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator. Plasmin then cleaves fibrin at specific sites and generates soluble fragments, many of which have been characterized, providing the basis for a molecular model of the polypeptide chain degradation.1-3 Soluble degradation products of fibrin have also been characterized by transmission electron microscopy, yielding a model for their structure.4 Moreover, high resolution, three-dimensional structures of certain fibrinogen fragments has provided a wealth of information that may be useful in understanding how various proteins bind to fibrin and the overall process of fibrinolysis (Doolittle, this volume).5,6 Both the rate of fibrinolysis and the structures of soluble derivatives are determined in part by the fibrin network structure itself. Furthermore, the activation of plasminogen by t-PA is accelerated by the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, and this reaction is also affected by the structure of the fibrin. For example, clots made of thin fibers have a decreased rate of conversion of plasminogen to plasmin by t-PA, and they generally are lysed more slowly than clots composed of thick fibers.7-9 Under other conditions, however, clots made of thin fibers may be lysed more rapidly.10 In addition, fibrin clots composed of abnormally thin fibers formed from certain dysfibrinogens display decreased plasminogen binding and a lower rate of fibrinolysis.11-13 Therefore, our increasing knowledge of various dysfibrinogenemias will aid our understanding of mechanisms of fibrinolysis (Matsuda, this volume).14,15 To account for these diverse observations and more fully understand the molecular basis of fibrinolysis, more knowledge of the physical changes in the fibrin matrix that precede solubilization is required. In this report, we summarize recent experiments utilizing transmission and scanning electron microscopy and confocal light microscopy to provide information about the structural changes occurring in polymerized fibrin during fibrinolysis. Many of the results of these experiments were unexpected and suggest some aspects of potential molecular mechanisms of fibrinolysis, which will also be described here.

scholarly journals LMNB2 promotes the progression of colorectal cancer by silencing p21 expression

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen-Hua Dong ◽  
Tao Jiang ◽  
Hang Yin ◽  
Hu Song ◽  
Yi Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Gene Set Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Molecular Therapy ◽  
Cycle Progression ◽  
Cancer Tissues

AbstractColorectal cancer is the second common cause of death worldwide. Lamin B2 (LMNB2) is involved in chromatin remodeling and the rupture and reorganization of nuclear membrane during mitosis, which is necessary for eukaryotic cell proliferation. However, the role of LMNB2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) is poorly understood. This study explored the biological functions of LMNB2 in the progression of colorectal cancer and explored the possible molecular mechanisms. We found that LMNB2 was significantly upregulated in primary colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines, compared with paired non-cancerous tissues and normal colorectal epithelium. The high expression of LMNB2 in colorectal cancer tissues is significantly related to the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients and the shorter overall and disease-free cumulative survival. Functional analysis, including CCK8 cell proliferation test, EdU proliferation test, colony formation analysis, nude mouse xenograft, cell cycle, and apoptosis analysis showed that LMNB2 significantly promotes cell proliferation by promoting cell cycle progression in vivo and in vitro. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis, luciferase report analysis, and CHIP analysis showed that LMNB2 promotes cell proliferation by regulating the p21 promoter, whereas LMNB2 has no effect on cell apoptosis. In summary, these findings not only indicate that LMNB2 promotes the proliferation of colorectal cancer by regulating p21-mediated cell cycle progression, but also suggest the potential value of LMNB2 as a clinical prognostic marker and molecular therapy target.

scholarly journals Transcriptome and proteome analysis suggest enhanced photosynthesis in tetraploid Liriodendron sino-americanum

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tingting Chen ◽  
Yu Sheng ◽  
Zhaodong Hao ◽  
Xiaofei Long ◽  
Fangfang Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Proteome Analysis ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Photosynthetic Electron Transport ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Chlorophyll Protein Complexes ◽  
Chlorophyll Protein ◽  
Photosynthesis Genes ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Abstract Polyploidy generally provides an advantage in phenotypic variation and growth vigor. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The tetraploid L. sino-americanum exhibits altered morphology compared to its diploid counterpart, including larger, thicker and deeper green leaves, bigger stomata, thicker stems and increased tree height. Such characteristics can be useful in ornamental and industrial applications. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind this variation, we performed a comparative transcriptome and proteome analysis. Our transcriptome data indicated that some photosynthesis genes and pathways were differentially altered and enriched in tetraploid L. sino-americanum, mainly related to F-type ATPase, the cytochrome b6/f complex, photosynthetic electron transport, the light harvesting chlorophyll protein complexes, photosystem I and II. Most of the differentially expressed proteins we could identify are also involved in photosynthesis. Our physiological results showed that tetraploids have an enhanced photosynthetic capacity, concomitant with great levels of sugar and starch in leaves. This suggests that tetraploid L. sino-americanum might experience comprehensive transcriptome reprogramming of genes related to photosynthesis. This study has especially emphasized molecular changes involved in photosynthesis that accompany polyploidy, and provides a possible explanation for the altered phenotype of polyploidy plants in comparison to their diploid form.

scholarly journals Comparison of SYK Signaling Networks Reveals the Potential Molecular Determinants of Its Tumor-Promoting and Suppressing Functions

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 308
Author(s):  
Marion Buffard ◽  
Aurélien Naldi ◽  
Gilles Freiss ◽  
Marcel Deckert ◽  
Ovidiu Radulescu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Burkitt Lymphoma ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Signal Propagation ◽  
Tumor Formation ◽  
Tissue Type ◽  
Signaling Networks ◽  
Proteomic Profiling

Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) can behave as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor, depending on the cell and tissue type. As pharmacological SYK inhibitors are currently evaluated in clinical trials, it is important to gain more information on the molecular mechanisms underpinning these opposite roles. To this aim, we reconstructed and compared its signaling networks using phosphoproteomic data from breast cancer and Burkitt lymphoma cell lines where SYK behaves as a tumor suppressor and promoter. Bioinformatic analyses allowed for unveiling the main differences in signaling pathways, network topology and signal propagation from SYK to its potential effectors. In breast cancer cells, the SYK target-enriched signaling pathways included intercellular adhesion and Hippo signaling components that are often linked to tumor suppression. In Burkitt lymphoma cells, the SYK target-enriched signaling pathways included molecules that could play a role in SYK pro-oncogenic function in B-cell lymphomas. Several protein interactions were profoundly rewired in the breast cancer network compared with the Burkitt lymphoma network. These data demonstrate that proteomic profiling combined with mathematical network modeling allows untangling complex pathway interplays and revealing difficult to discern interactions among the SYK pathways that positively and negatively affect tumor formation and progression.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Anti-Breast Cancer Stem Cell Activity of Pterocladia capillacea and Corallina officinalis Polysaccharides

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hebatallah G. Hafez ◽  
Rafat M. Mohareb ◽  
Sohair M. Salem ◽  
Azza A. Matloub ◽  
Emad F. Eskander ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Gene Expression ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Sulfated Polysaccharide ◽  
Corallina Officinalis ◽  
Stem Cell Activity ◽  
Mcf 7

Objective: This study aimed to appraise the activity of Pterocladia capillacea and Corallina officinalis polysaccharides against breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). P. capillacea and C. officinalis polysaccharides were characterized to be sulfated polysaccharide-protein complexes. Methods: Cytotoxicity of the polysaccharides against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines along with their impact on CD44+/CD24− and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1(ALDH1) positive BCSC population were determined. Their effect on gene expression of CSC markers, Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling pathways was evaluated. Results: P. capillacea and C. officinalis polysaccharides inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells and reduced BCSC subpopulation. P. capillacea polysaccharides significantly down-regulated OCT4, SOX2, ALDH1A3 and vimentin in MDA-MB-231 as well as in MCF-7 cells except for vimentin that was up-regulated in MCF-7 cells. C. officinalis polysaccharides exhibited similar effects except for OCT4 that was up-regulated in MDA-MB-231 cells. Significant suppression of Cyclin D1 gene expression was noted in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells treated with P. capillacea or C. officinalis polysaccharides. β-catenin and c-Myc genes were significantly down-regulated in MDA-MB-231 cells treated with C. officinalis and P. capillacea polysaccharides, respectively, while being up-regulated in MCF-7 cells treated with either of them. Additionally, P. capillacea and C. officinalis polysaccharides significantly down-regulated Hes1 gene in MCF-7 cells despite increasing Notch1 gene expression level. However, significant down-regulation of Notch1 gene was observed in MDA-MB-231 cells treated with P. capillacea polysaccharides. Conclusion: Collectively, this study provides evidence for the effectiveness of P. capillacea and C. officinalis polysaccharides in targeting BCSCs through interfering with substantial signaling pathways contributing to their functionality.

scholarly journals Energetics and mammary carcinogenesis: effects of moderate-intensity running and energy intake on cellular processes and molecular mechanisms in rats

2009 ◽  
Vol 106 (3) ◽  
pp. 911-918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zongjian Zhu ◽  
Weiqin Jiang ◽  
John N. McGinley ◽  
Henry J. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mammary Carcinogenesis ◽  
Mitochondrial Pathway ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Sprague Dawley Rats ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects on mammary carcinogenesis of similar limitations in energy availability either by energy expenditure due to moderate-intensity running (physical activity, PA) or by regulating dietary energy (RE) intake relative to a sedentary control (SC) group that ate ad libitum. A total of 90 female Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea (50 mg/kg) and 7 days thereafter were randomized to either SC, a PA group given free access to a motorized running wheel, or a RE group whose food intake limited growth to the rate observed in PA. Compared with SC, mammary carcinogenesis was inhibited by RE or PA. Cancer incidence, 92.6%, 77.8%, and 66.7% ( P = 0.06), and cancer multiplicity, 3.44, 2.11, and 1.62 cancers/rat ( P = 0.006), in SC, RE, and PA, respectively, were reduced to a similar extent by RE and PA. Histological and Western blot analyses of mammary carcinomas provided evidence that RE and PA induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway, that cell cycle progression was suppressed at the G1/S transition, and that intratumoral blood vessel density was reduced, although it remains to be determined whether PA and RE exert these effects via the same mechanisms.

scholarly journals Lateralized and Segmental Overgrowth in Children

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 6166
Author(s):  
Alessandro Mussa ◽  
Diana Carli ◽  
Simona Cardaropoli ◽  
Giovanni Battista Ferrero ◽  
Nicoletta Resta
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Tissue Growth ◽  
Body Region ◽  
Molecular Defects ◽  
Embryonic Tissues ◽  
Cellular Signaling Pathway ◽  
Segmental Overgrowth ◽  
Generation Sequencing ◽  
Specific Management

Congenital disorders of lateralized or segmental overgrowth (LO) are heterogeneous conditions with increased tissue growth in a body region. LO can affect every region, be localized or extensive, involve one or several embryonic tissues, showing variable severity, from mild forms with minor body asymmetry to severe ones with progressive tissue growth and related relevant complications. Recently, next-generation sequencing approaches have increased the knowledge on the molecular defects in LO, allowing classifying them based on the deranged cellular signaling pathway. LO is caused by either genetic or epigenetic somatic anomalies affecting cell proliferation. Most LOs are classifiable in the Beckwith–Wiedemann spectrum (BWSp), PI3KCA/AKT-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS/AROS), mosaic RASopathies, PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome, mosaic activating variants in angiogenesis pathways, and isolated LO (ILO). These disorders overlap over common phenotypes, making their appraisal and distinction challenging. The latter is crucial, as specific management strategies are key: some LO is associated with increased cancer risk making imperative tumor screening since childhood. Interestingly, some LO shares molecular mechanisms with cancer: recent advances in tumor biological pathway druggability and growth downregulation offer new avenues for the treatment of the most severe and complicated LO.

scholarly journals Updating the NLRC4 Inflammasome: from Bacterial Infections to Autoimmunity and Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiexia Wen ◽  
Bin Xuan ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
Liwei Wang ◽  
Li He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Immune Defense ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Sensor Protein ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Microbial Infections ◽  
Activation Mechanisms ◽  
Specific Protease

Inflammasomes comprise a family of cytosolic multi-protein complexes that modulate the activation of cysteine-aspartate-specific protease 1 (caspase-1) and promote the maturation and secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, leading to an inflammatory response. Different types of inflammasomes are defined by their sensor protein which recognizes pathogenic ligands and then directs inflammasome assembly. Although the specific molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of most inflammasomes are still unclear, NLRC4 inflammasomes have emerged as multifaceted agents of the innate immune response, playing important roles in immune defense against a variety of pathogens. Other studies have also expanded the scope of NLRC4 inflammasomes to include a range of inherited human autoimmune diseases as well as proposed roles in cancer. In this review article, we provide an updated overview of NLRC4 inflammasomes, describing their composition, activation mechanisms and roles in both microbial infections and other disease conditions.

scholarly journals Dissecting Molecular Determinants of Mutational Escape Mechanisms in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Complexes with Nanobodies: Atomistic Simulations and Ensemble-Based Deep Mutational Scanning of Protein Stability and Binding Interactions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gennady Verkhivker ◽  
Steve Agajanian ◽  
Deniz Yasar Oztas ◽  
Grace Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Conformational Dynamics ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Atomistic Simulations ◽  
Binding Interactions ◽  
Mutational Profiling ◽  
Neutralizing Capacity ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Protein Response

Structural and biochemical studies have recently revealed a range of rationally engineered nanobodies with efficient neutralizing capacity against SARS-CoV-2 virus and resilience against mutational escape. In this work, we combined atomistic simulations and conformational dynamics analysis with the ensemble-based mutational profiling of binding interactions for a diverse panel of SARS-CoV-2 spike complexes with nanobodies. Using this computational toolkit, we identified dynamic signatures and binding affinity fingerprints for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein complexes with nanobodies Nb6 and Nb20, VHH E, a pair combination VHH E+U, a biparatopic nanobody VHH VE, and a combination of CC12.3 antibody and VHH V/W nanobodies. Through ensemble-based deep mutational profiling of stability and binding affinities, we identify critical hotspots and characterize molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding with single ultra-potent nanobodies, nanobody cocktails and biparatopic nanobodies. By quantifying dynamic and energetic determinants of the SARS-CoV-2 S binding with nanobodies, we also examine the effects of circulating variants and escaping mutations. We found that mutational escape mechanisms may be controlled through structurally and energetically adaptable binding hotspots located in the host receptor-accessible binding epitope that are dynamically coupled to the stability centers in the distant epitope targeted by VHH U/V/W nanobodies. The results of this study suggested a mechanism in which through cooperative dynamic changes, nanobody combinations and biparatopic nanobody can modulate the global protein response and induce the increased resilience to common escape mutants.

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