scholarly journals Methionine Partially Replaced by Methionyl-Methionine Dipeptide Improves Reproductive Performance over Methionine Alone in Methionine-Deficient Mice

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiong Chen ◽  
Wenting Dai ◽  
Yalu Sun ◽  
Fengqi Zhao ◽  
Jianxin Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Influence ◽  
Protein Breakdown ◽  
Reproductive Outcomes ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Peptide Transporters ◽  
Mtor Phosphorylation ◽  
Pregnant Mice ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Deficient Mice ◽  
Daily Intraperitoneal Injection

Decreased protein breakdown in pregnant women results in lower concentration of methionine (Met) in plasma, causing pregnancy-related metabolic disturbance. Its dipeptide methionyl-methionine (Met-Met) may exert positive influence in fetal development. This study mainly investigated whether Met-Met can be used as part of free Met to promote reproductive outcomes in mice and the underlying mechanisms. Met-deficient pregnant mice were treated with Met alone or with Met-Met during pregnancy. Daily intraperitoneal injection of 35% dietary Met in pregnant mice was the best dose among the 15–45% doses. Embryo development and newborn birth weight were enhanced when 25% of the Met in the 35% Met group was replaced with Met-Met. Met-Met replacement had higher plasma insulin, glucose, and free amino acids (AA) concentrations. Besides, in the placenta, the AA transporter mRNA abundances and peptide transporters (PhT1 and PepT1) protein levels were higher in Met-Met treatment group. Moreover, Met-Met increased 4E-BP1, S6K1 and AKT/mTOR phosphorylation. These results suggest that Met-Met could be used as a partial source of Met to promote reproductive outcomes in Met-restricted pregnant mice, which might be mediated by promoting nutrient availability and activating AKT/mTOR-mediated signaling pathway.

Targeting EZH2 Ameliorates the LPS-Inhibited PDLSC Osteogenesis via Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Mosha Cheng ◽  
Qing Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ◽  
Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells ◽  
Alizarin Red ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Related Transcription Factor ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Factor Α ◽  
Osteoblast Maturation

As a histone methyltransferase, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), suppresses osteoblast maturation and is involved in inflammation. However, the role of EZH2 in human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) under inflammation still needs to be further investigated. This study aimed to identify the underlying mechanisms and explore the function of EZH2 in PDLSC osteogenesis under inflammation. PDLSCs were treated with sh-EZH2, DZNep or DKK1 under inflammation. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, alizarin red staining, and osteogenesis-related protein levels were analyzed. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation restrained osteogenic differentiation. Under inflammation, the upregulation of EZH2 suppressed the expression of osteogenic markers, including osteocalcin, runt-related transcription factor 2, and bone morphogenetic protein-2, the activity of ALP, and the accumulation of mineralization through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. EZH2 knockdown inhibited the levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. These results suggested that LPS-induced overexpression of EZH2 suppressed PDLSC osteogenesis under inflammatory conditions through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These findings give new insights into the physiological differentiation and pathological inflammation of PDLSC osteogenesis, and provide an underlying therapeutic target for periodontitis.

scholarly journals MiR-489-3p inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induces apoptosis, by targeting the BDNF-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway in glioblastoma

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 274-283
Author(s):  
Bo Zheng ◽  
Tao Chen
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Akt Pathway ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Bdnf Mrna ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Rna Immunoprecipitation ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
Protein Cell

AbstractAmong astrocyte tumors, glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant glioma, highly aggressive and invasive, with extremely poor prognosis. Previous research has reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the progression of many cancers. Thus, this study aimed to explore the role and the underlying mechanisms of microRNA (miR)-489-3p in GBM progression. The expression of miR-489-3p and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis was used to detect BDNF protein and the PI3K/AKT pathway-related protein. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were analyzed using CKK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay, respectively. The interaction between BDNF and miR-489-3p was explored by luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. MiR-489-3p was down-regulated and BDNF was up-regulated in GBM tissues and cells. MiR-489-3p re-expression or BDNF knockdown inhibited GBM cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted apoptosis. BDNF was a target of miR-489-3p, and BDNF up-regulation reversed the effects of miR-489-3p on GBM cells. The protein levels of p-AKT and p-PI3K were notably reduced in GBM cells by overexpression of miR-489-3p, but were rescued following BDNF up-regulation. Therefore, miR-489-3p inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced apoptosis, by targeting the BDNF-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway in GBM, providing new strategies for clinical treatment of GBM.

scholarly journals LncRNA MCM3AP-AS1 sponges miR-148a to enhance cell invasion and migration in small cell lung cancer

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Luo ◽  
Yukun Zhang ◽  
Guangmei Qin ◽  
Bing Jiang ◽  
Lili Miao
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Small Cell Lung Cancer ◽  
Cell Lung Cancer ◽  
Cell Invasion ◽  
Small Cell ◽  
Small Cell Lung ◽  
Invasion And Migration ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Migration

Abstract Background MCM3AP-AS1 is a recently characterized lncRNA playing an oncogenic role in several cancers. However, its role in lung cancer remains unknown. Here, we aimed to explore the functions of MCM3AP-AS1 in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and the possible underlying mechanisms. Methods MCM3AP-AS1 and ROCK1 levels in SCLC patients were analyzed by qPCR. RNA pull-down and luciferase assays were performed to analyze the interaction between MCM3AP-AS1 and miR-148a. ROCK1 mRNA and protein levels were detected by qPCR and Western blot, respectively. Cell invasion and migration were analyzed by Transwell assays. Results MCM3AP-AS1 was upregulated in patients with SCLC, and a high MCM3AP-AS1 level was accompanied by a low survival rate. The binding of MCM3AP-AS1 to miR-148a predicted by bioinformatics analysis was verified by RNA pull-down and luciferase assays. However, MCM3AP-AS1 and miR-148a did not affect each other’s expression. ROCK1 was upregulated in SCLC tissues and positively correlated with MCM3AP-AS1. In SCLC cells, MCM3AP-AS1 overexpression increased ROCK1 and promoted cancer cell invasion and migration, while miR-148a overexpression showed the opposite effects and attenuated the effects of MCM3AP-AS1 overexpression on ROCK1 expression and cell behaviors. Conclusions MCM3AP-AS1 sponges miR-148a, thereby increasing SCLC cell invasion and migration via upregulating ROCK1 expression.

scholarly journals How do breastfeeding workplace interventions work?: a realist review

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathrin Litwan ◽  
Victoria Tran ◽  
Kate Nyhan ◽  
Rafael Pérez-Escamilla
Keyword(s):  
Working Mothers ◽  
Maternity Leave ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Realist Review ◽  
Supervisor Support ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Workplace Culture ◽  
Environment Change ◽  
Workplace Interventions ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Abstract Background Women are representing an increasing share of the labor force, thus, raising the need to accommodate breastfeeding working mothers at the workplace. While there is an emerging body of evidence supporting the positive influence of workplace lactation programs on breastfeeding outcomes, there is a lack of literature on the mechanisms underlying those interventions. Aims of this realist review were three-fold: to uncover underlying mechanisms, determine who benefits the most from such interventions and important contextual factors influencing uptake. Methods Purposive bibliographic searches on Medline, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, Global Health, LILACS, Global Index Medicus, Business Source Complete, Proquest Dissertations and Theses and Open Access Theses and Dissertations were conducted to identify relevant publications. Included publications (qualitative and quantitative) described interventions aiming to improve the breastfeeding behavior of working mothers, that were initiated by the employer, reported on breastfeeding outcomes and had a clearly defined workplace. Publications only focusing on maternity leave or that were not published in English, Spanish, Portuguese or German were excluded. A realist approach was followed to identify how workplace interventions work, who benefits the most and the important contextual factors. Results The bibliographic search yielded a total of 4985 possible publications of which 37 publications were included in the realist analysis. Effective workplace breastfeeding interventions activate three mechanisms: 1) awareness of the intervention, 2) changes in workplace culture, manager/supervisor support, co-worker support and physical environments, and 3) provision of time. Contextual factors such as the distance between the workplace and the infant and the type of workplace may influence the degree of activation of the underlying mechanisms for programs to positively impact breastfeeding outcomes. Conclusions In order to be effective, workplace breastfeeding interventions need to: raise awareness of the intervention(s) available among working mothers as well as their work environment, change the workplace culture, foster manager/supervisor support and co-workers support, provide enough time and adequate space and facilities for women to breastfeed or express breastmilk during the workday.

scholarly journals Altered V-ATPase expression in renal intercalated cells isolated from B1 subunit-deficient mice by fluorescence-activated cell sorting

2013 ◽  
Vol 304 (5) ◽  
pp. F522-F532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Vedovelli ◽  
John T. Rothermel ◽  
Karin E. Finberg ◽  
Carsten A. Wagner ◽  
Anie Azroyan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Sorting ◽  
Collecting Duct ◽  
Egfp Expression ◽  
Intercalated Cells ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Western Blots ◽  
Atpase Subunit ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Baseline Conditions ◽  
Deficient Mice

Unlike human patients with mutations in the 56-kDa B1 subunit isoform of the vacuolar proton-pumping ATPase (V-ATPase), B1-deficient mice (Atp6v1b1−/−) do not develop metabolic acidosis under baseline conditions. This is due to the insertion of V-ATPases containing the alternative B2 subunit isoform into the apical membrane of renal medullary collecting duct intercalated cells (ICs). We previously reported that quantitative Western blots (WBs) from whole kidneys showed similar B2 protein levels in Atp6v1b1−/− and wild-type mice (Păunescu TG, Russo LM, Da Silva N, Kovacikova J, Mohebbi N, Van Hoek AN, McKee M, Wagner CA, Breton S, Brown D. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 293: F1915–F1926, 2007). However, WBs from renal medulla (including outer and inner medulla) membrane and cytosol fractions reveal a decrease in the levels of the ubiquitous V-ATPase E1 subunit. To compare V-ATPase expression specifically in ICs from wild-type and Atp6v1b1−/− mice, we crossed mice in which EGFP expression is driven by the B1 subunit promoter (EGFP-B1+/+ mice) with Atp6v1b1−/− mice to generate novel EGFP-B1−/− mice. We isolated pure IC populations by fluorescence-assisted cell sorting from EGFP-B1+/+ and EGFP-B1−/− mice to compare their V-ATPase subunit protein levels. We report that V-ATPase A, E1, and H subunits are all significantly downregulated in EGFP-B1−/− mice, while the B2 protein level is considerably increased in these animals. We conclude that under baseline conditions B2 upregulation compensates for the lack of B1 and is sufficient to maintain basal acid-base homeostasis, even when other V-ATPase subunits are downregulated.

scholarly journals Genetic background-dependent abnormalities of the enteric nervous system and intestinal function in Kif26a-deficient mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yukiko Ohara ◽  
Lisa Fujimura ◽  
Akemi Sakamoto ◽  
Youichi Teratake ◽  
Shuichi Hiraoka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Background ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Gastrointestinal Diseases ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Enteric Neurons ◽  
Enteric Neuron ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Functional Gastrointestinal Diseases ◽  
Deficient Mice

AbstractThe Kif26a protein-coding gene has been identified as a negative regulator of the GDNF-Ret signaling pathway in enteric neurons. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of genetic background on the phenotype of Kif26a-deficient (KO, −/−) mice. KO mice with both C57BL/6 and BALB/c genetic backgrounds were established. Survival rates and megacolon development were compared between these two strains of KO mice. Functional bowel assessments and enteric neuron histopathology were performed in the deficient mice. KO mice with the BALB/c genetic background survived more than 400 days without evidence of megacolon, while all C57BL/6 KO mice developed megacolon and died within 30 days. Local enteric neuron hyperplasia in the colon and functional bowel abnormalities were observed in BALB/c KO mice. These results indicated that megacolon and enteric neuron hyperplasia in KO mice are influenced by the genetic background. BALB/c KO mice may represent a viable model for functional gastrointestinal diseases such as chronic constipation, facilitating studies on the underlying mechanisms and providing a foundation for the development of treatments.

scholarly journals The Role of the FOXO1/β2-AR/p-NF-κB p65 Pathway in the Development of Endometrial Stromal Cells in Pregnant Mice under Restraint Stress

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 1478
Author(s):  
Jiayin Lu ◽  
Yaoxing Chen ◽  
Zixu Wang ◽  
Jing Cao ◽  
Yulan Dong
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Restraint Stress ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Endometrial Stromal Cells ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Pregnant Mice

Restraint stress causes various maternal diseases during pregnancy. β2-Adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) and Forkhead transcription factor class O 1 (FOXO1) are critical factors not only in stress, but also in reproduction. However, the role of FOXO1 in restraint stress, causing changes in the β2-AR pathway in pregnant mice, has been unclear. The aim of this research was to investigate the β2-AR pathway of restraint stress and its impact on the oxidative stress of the maternal uterus. In the study, maternal mice were treated with restraint stress by being restrained in a transparent and ventilated device before sacrifice on Pregnancy Day 5 (P5), Pregnancy Day 10 (P10), Pregnancy Day 15 (P15), and Pregnancy Day 20 (P20) as well as on Non-Pregnancy Day 5 (NP5). Restraint stress augmented blood corticosterone (CORT), norepinephrine (NE), and blood glucose levels, while oestradiol (E2) levels decreased. Moreover, restraint stress increased the mRNA levels of the FOXO family, β2-AR, and even the protein levels of FOXO1 and β2-AR in the uterus and ovaries. Furthermore, restraint stress increased uterine oxidative stress level. In vitro, the protein levels of FOXO1 were also obviously increased when β2-AR was activated in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). In addition, phosphorylated-nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (p-NF-κB p65) and its target genes decreased significantly when FOXO1 was inhibited. Overall, it can be said that the β2-AR/FOXO1/p-NF-κB p65 pathway was activated when pregnant mice were under restraint stress. This study provides a scientific basis for the origin of psychological stress in pregnant women.

LncRNA Prostate Cancer Gene Expression Marker 1 (PCGEM1) Down-Regulation Inhibits the Development of Osteoarthritis by Modulating miR-152-3p

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 306-315
Author(s):  
Jie Song ◽  
Cheng Chen ◽  
Hui Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Cell Model ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Down Regulation ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide ◽  
Proliferation And Apoptosis ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Commercial Kits ◽  
Related Proteins

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and inflammatory disease, leading to pain or even disability in severe cases. LncRNA PCGEM1 (PCGEM1) is reported to be dysregulated, serving as critical regulators in various human diseases, including OA. However, the biological role of PCGEM1 and its underlying mechanisms during OA remained unclear. In the present study, CHON-001 cells were exposed to interleukin (IL)-1β to construct the OA cell model. Expression of PCGEM1 and miR-152-3p in cells was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. Corresponding commercial kits were used to measure the expressions of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), inter-leukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Protein levels of apoptosis-related proteins, cleaved-Caspase3 and Caspase3, were detected by Western blotting. 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) tetrazolium (MTT) and flow cytometry assays were utilized for the determination of cell proliferation and apoptosis. The association between PCGEN1 and miR-152-3p was confirmed by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. From the results, PCGEM1 expression was significantly increased while miR-152-3p was inhibited in CHON-001 cells after IL-1β treatment. In addition, silencing of PCGEM1 could promote proliferation, inhibit the apoptosis, suppress LDH level and alleviate inflammation response caused by IL-1β in CHON-001 cells by sponging miR-152-3p. In a word, PCGEM1 down-regulation suppressed OA progression by the regulation of miR-152-3p expression, functioning as a potential therapeutic target for OA clinical treatment.

Abstract 123: SUMO1 Modification Regulates SR Calcium ATPase Pump, SERCA2a in Heart Failure

2012 ◽  
Vol 111 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Changwon Kho ◽  
Ahyoung Lee ◽  
Dongtak Jeong ◽  
Jae Gyun Oh ◽  
Antoine Chaanine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Calcium Atpase ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
In Trans ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Hemodynamic Performance ◽  
Reduced Activity

Background: The cardiac calcium ATPase, SERCA2a, is a critical pump responsible for Ca2+ re-uptake during excitation-contraction coupling. Impaired Ca2+ uptake resulting from decreased expression and reduced activity of SERCA2a is a hallmark of heart failure. Accordingly, restoration of SERCA2a expression by gene transfer has proved to be effective in improving cardiac function in heart-failure patients, as well as in animal models. However, the underlying mechanisms of SERCA2a’s dysfunction remain incompletely understood. Methods and Results: In this study, we show that SERCA2a is modified by SUMO1 at lysine sites 480 and 585 and that this SUMOylation is essential for preserving SERCA2a ATPase activity and stability in mouse and human cells. SUMO1 and SERCA2a SUMOylation levels were both decreased in mouse and pig models of heart failure and failing human left ventricles. To determine whether reduced SUMO1 levels are responsible for reduced SERCA2a protein levels and reduced cardiac function, we used an adenovirus associated virus-mediated gene delivery approach to up-regulate SUMO1 in trans aortic constriction-induced mouse model of heart failure. We found that increasing SUMO1 levels led to a restoration of SERCA2a levels, improved hemodynamic performance, and reduced mouse mortality. By contrast, down-regulation of SUMO1 using small hairpin RNA accelerated cardiac functional deterioration and was accompanied by decreased SERCA2a function. Conclusion: In this study, we study a new mechanism for modulation of SERCA2a activity and beneficial effects of SUMO1 in the setting of heart failure. It suggests that changes in post-translational modifications of SERCA2a could negatively affect cardiac function in heart failure. Our data may provide a new platform for the design of therapeutic strategies for heart failure.

scholarly journals LRR protein RNH1 inhibits inflammasome activation through proteasome-mediated degradation of Caspase-1 and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Bombaci ◽  
Mayuresh A Sarangdhar ◽  
Nicola Andina ◽  
Aubry Tardivel ◽  
Eric Chi-Wang Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Neutrophil Infiltration ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Ribonuclease Inhibitor ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Caspase 1 ◽  
Pyrin Domain ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Lrr Protein ◽  
Receptor Family

Inflammasomes are cytosolic innate immune sensors that, upon activation, induce caspase-1 mediated inflammation. Although inflammation is protective, uncontrolled excessive inflammation can cause inflammatory diseases and is also detrimental in COVID-19 infection. However, the underlying mechanisms that control inflammasome activation are incompletely understood. Here we report that the leucine rich repeat (LRR) protein Ribonuclease inhibitor (RNH1), which shares homology with LRRs of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain (PYD)-containing (NLRP) proteins, attenuates inflammasome activation. Mechanistically, RNH1 decreased pro-IL1b expression and induced proteasome-mediated caspase-1 degradation. Corroborating this, mouse models of monosodium urate (MSU)-induced peritonitis and LPS-induced endotoxemia, which are dependent on caspase-1, respectively showed increased neutrophil infiltration and lethality in Rnh1-/- mice compared to WT mice. Further, RNH1 protein levels were negatively correlated with inflammation and disease severity in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We propose that RNH1 is a new inflammasome regulator with relevance to COVID-19 severity.

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