scholarly journals Defining the Prion Type of Fatal Familial Insomnia

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1293
Author(s):  
Wiebke Jürgens-Wemheuer ◽  
Arne Wrede ◽  
Walter Schulz-Schaeffer
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Fatal Familial Insomnia ◽  
Proteinase K ◽  
Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies ◽  
Valid Criterion ◽  
Sporadic Cjd

Fatal familial insomnia (FFI) belongs to the genetic human transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE), such as genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) or Gerstmann-Straeussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS). Here, we analyzed the properties of the pathological prion protein in six FFI cases by Western blot analysis, a protein aggregate stability assay, and aggregate deposition characteristics visualized with the paraffin-embedded tissue blot. While in all cases the unglycosylated fragment in Western blot analysis shared the same size with sporadic CJD prion type 2, the reticular/synaptic deposition pattern of the prion aggregates resembled the ones found in sporadic CJD type 1 (CJD types according to the Parchi classification from 1999). Regarding the conformational stability against denaturation with GdnHCl, FFI prion aggregates resembled CJD type 1 more than type 2. Our results suggest that the size of the proteinase-K-resistant fragments is not a valid criterion on its own. Additional criteria supplying information about conformational differences or similarities need to be taken into account. FFI may resemble a prion type with its own conformation sharing properties partly with type 1 and type 2 prions.

Abstract 1958: MicroRNA Mir-27b Rescues Impaired Angiogenic Function of Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Accelerates Wound Healing in Type 2 Diabetes

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie-Mei Wang ◽  
Jun Tao ◽  
Alex F Chen
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Wound Healing ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Type 2 Diabetic

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a key role in angiogenesis, which is dysfunctional in diabetes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. However, whether miRNAs regulate EPC-mediated angiogenesis in diabetes is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that mir-27b rescues impaired EPC angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo via suppressing anti-angiogenic molecule thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) in type 2 diabetes. Bone marrow-derived EPCs from adult male (C57BLKS/J, 9 weeks) type 2 diabetic db/db and their normal littermates db/+ mice (glucose 371.8±37.8 vs. 167.5±21.3 mg/dL, n=38, p<0.05) were used. miRNA processing enzyme Dicer in EPCs was decreased by >40% in db/db vs. db/+ mice (Western blot analysis, n=4 p<0.01), paralleled with >66% reduction of mir-27b expression (real-time PCR, n=4, p<0.05). Both TSP-1 mRNA and protein in EPCs were significantly higher in db/db vs. db/+ mice (real-time PCR, 130.1%, n=4, p<0.05, Western blot analysis, 127.4%, n=4 p<0.05), which were suppressed upon mir-27b mimic transfection (by 75%, real-time PCR and 69%, Western blot analysis, n=4 – 6, p<0.01). EPC-induced angiogenesis was decreased by >70% in db/db vs. db/+ mice (Matrigel tube formation assay, n=4, p<0.05), which was rescued upon mir-27b mimic transfection or silencing TSP-1 expression by its siRNA (both n=4, p<0.05). Furthermore, inhibition of mir-27b in normal EPCs increased their TSP-1 protein by 117.5% (n=6, p<0.05) and impaired their angiogenesis by 81.5% (n=4, p<0.01), both were reversed by silencing TSP-1 expression by its siRNA. Finally, excisional wound closure was markedly delayed in db/db vs. db/+ mice (4-mm punch biopsy, n=4, p<0.05), accompanied by impaired wound angiogenesis (perfusion index by Laser Doppler, n=4, p<0.05). Cell therapy of diabetic EPCs (3×10 5 cells) transfected with mir-27b mimic onto diabetic wounds significantly accelerated their closure rates (n=4, p<0.05 vs. diabetic EPCs alone), with a concomitant augmentation of in vivo wound angiogenesis (n=4, p<0.05). Mir-27b rescues impaired EPC angiogenesis and accelerates wound healing in type 2 diabetic mice, at least in part, via suppressing TSP-1 expression. This research has received full or partial funding support from the American Heart Association, AHA Midwest Affiliate (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota & Wisconsin).

Validation of anti-glucocerebrosidase antibodies for western blot analysis on protein lysates of murine and human cells

2019 ◽  
Vol 476 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenduo Qi ◽  
Brad A. Davidson ◽  
Matthew Nguyen ◽  
Taylor Lindstrom ◽  
Richard J. Grey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Lysosomal Storage ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Custom Made ◽  
Hydrolysis Of ◽  
Immortalized Neurons ◽  
Human Wild Type

Abstract Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the GBA1 gene, encoding the lysosome-resident glucocerebrosidase enzyme involved in the hydrolysis of glucosylceramide. The discovery of an association between mutations in GBA1 and the development of synucleinopathies, including Parkinson disease, has directed attention to glucocerebrosidase as a potential therapeutic target for different synucleinopathies. These findings initiated an exponential growth in research and publications regarding the glucocerebrosidase enzyme. The use of various commercial and custom-made glucocerebrosidase antibodies has been reported, but standardized in-depth validation is still not available for many of these antibodies. This work details the evaluation of several previously reported glucocerebrosidase antibodies for western blot analysis, tested on protein lysates of murine gba+/+ and gba−/− immortalized neurons and primary human wild-type and type 2 GD fibroblasts.

Localization of the ANG II type 2 receptor in the microcirculation of skeletal muscle

1998 ◽  
Vol 275 (4) ◽  
pp. H1395-H1403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth H. Nora ◽  
Diane H. Munzenmaier ◽  
Feona M. Hansen-Smith ◽  
Julian H. Lombard ◽  
Andrew S. Greene
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Microcirculation

Only functional studies have suggested the presence of the ANG II type 2 (AT2) receptor in the microcirculation. To determine the distribution of this receptor in the rat skeletal muscle microcirculation, a polyclonal rabbit anti-rat antiserum was developed and used for immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The antiserum was prepared against a highly specific and antigenic AT2-receptor synthetic peptide and was validated by competition and sensitivity assays. Western blot analysis demonstrated a prominent, single band at ∼40 kDa in cremaster and soleus muscle. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a wide distribution of AT2 receptors throughout the skeletal muscle microcirculation in large and small microvessels. Microanatomic studies displayed an endothelial localization of the AT2 receptor, whereas dual labeling with smooth muscle α-actin also showed colocalization of the AT2 receptor with vascular smooth muscle cells. Other cells associated with the microvessels also stained positive for AT2 receptors. Briefly, this study confirms previous functional data and localizes the AT2 receptor to the microcirculation. These studies demonstrate that the AT2 receptor is present on a variety of vascular cell types and that it is situated in a fashion that would allow it to directly oppose ANG II type 1 receptor actions.

scholarly journals Molecular Analysis of Shiga ToxigenicEscherichia coli O111:H− Proteins Which React with Sera from Patients with Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome

1998 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 1467-1472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Voss ◽  
Adrienne W. Paton ◽  
Paul A. Manning ◽  
James C. Paton
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Proteinase K ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Healthy Human ◽  
Fermented Sausage ◽  
Convalescent Phase ◽  
Uremic Syndrome

ABSTRACT Western blot analysis was used to assess the reactivity of convalescent-phase sera from patients who were associated with an outbreak of hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by fermented sausage contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli(STEC). The predominant STEC isolated from HUS patients belonged to serotype O111:H−, and reactivity to O111:H−whole-cell lysates, treated or untreated with proteinase K, was examined. As expected, all five serum samples demonstrated a marked anti-lipopolysaccharide response, but several protein bands were also immunoreactive, particularly one with an apparent size of 94 kDa. One convalescent-phase serum sample was subsequently used to screen an O111:H− cosmid bank and 2 of 900 cosmid clones were found to be positive, both of which contained a similar DNA insert. Western blot analysis of one of these clones identified three major immunoreactive protein bands of approximately 94, 70, and 50 kDa. An immune response to the three proteins was detectable with all five convalescent-phase serum samples but not with healthy human serum. Immunoreactive 94- and 50-kDa species were produced by a deletion derivative of the cosmid containing a 7-kb STEC DNA insert. Sequence analysis of this region indicated that it is part of the locus for enterocyte effacement, including the eaeA gene which encodes intimin. The deduced amino acid sequence of the O111:H− intimin was 88.6% identical to intimin from O157:H7 STEC, and the most divergent region was the 200 residues at the carboxyl terminus, which were only 75% identical. Such variation may be antigenically significant as serum from a HUS patient infected only with the O111:H− STEC reacted with intimin from an enteropathogenic E. coli O111 strain, as well as several other eaeA-positive STEC isolates, but not with aneaeA-positive STEC belonging to serotype O157:H−. Sera from two of the other HUS patients also failed to react with intimin from this latter strain. However, intimin from O157:H− STEC did react with serum from a patient infected with both O111:H− and O157:H− STEC.

scholarly journals Comparison of Immunoassays for the Selective Measurement of Human High–Molecular Weight Adiponectin

2009 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 568-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Liu ◽  
Tibor Schuster ◽  
Marcus Baumann ◽  
Marcel Roos ◽  
Daniel Sollinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
High Molecular Weight ◽  
Western Blotting ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Hmw Adiponectin ◽  
Deming Regression

Abstract Background: Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived hormone circulating in different multimer complexes. The high–molecular-weight (HMW) complex is likely the active form of this protein and has been recognized as a risk marker for type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD). Because quantification of HMW adiponectin by Western blot analysis is time-consuming, novel ELISAs have been developed to simplify measurements in clinical research. However, these enzyme immunoassays have not been cross-validated in larger patient groups. We evaluated 2 individual ELISA systems by comparison to Western blotting for measurement of the distribution of HMW adiponectin in healthy individuals and patients with CAD and type 2 diabetes. Methods: We measured HMW adiponectin in 204 individuals (83 CAD patients, 81 type 2 diabetes patients, and 40 healthy controls). Correlations, range of agreement, and imprecision of HMW concentrations obtained using 2 commercial ELISAs (#1, ALPCO Diagnostics; #2, Millipore) were evaluated by comparison with quantitative Western blotting. Result: Adiponectin results of the ELISAs were significantly correlated with those obtained by Western blotting (both r &gt; 0.75, P &lt; 0.001). Deming regression and Bland-Altman analyses indicated high agreement among the 3 immunoassays. The median difference between HMW adiponectin concentrations measured by ELISA and by Western blot was +0.4 mg/L for ELISA #1 and −0.4 mg/L for ELISA #2 with 95% of value differences &lt;3 mg/L. Conclusions: Selective measurement of HMW adiponectin by ELISA is feasible; however, individual differences among immunoassays must be considered. The evaluated ELISAs exhibit analytical characteristics that allow their use as equivalent for Western blot analysis in larger clinical and epidemiological groups.

scholarly journals PBMCs are additional sites of productive infection of bovine papillomavirus type 2

2011 ◽  
Vol 92 (8) ◽  
pp. 1787-1794 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sante Roperto ◽  
Stefano Comazzi ◽  
Emilio Ciusani ◽  
Francesca Paolini ◽  
Giuseppe Borzacchiello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Blood Cells ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Bovine Papillomavirus ◽  
E5 Oncoprotein ◽  
L1 Protein

Bovine papillomavirus type 2 (BPV-2) is an oncogenic virus infecting both epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Its life cycle, similar to other papillomaviruses (PVs), appears to be linked to epithelial differentiation. Human and bovine PVs have been known to reside in a latent, episomal form in PBMCs; therefore, it is believed that blood cells, like all mesenchymal cells, function as non-permissive carriers. Here, for the first time in veterinary and comparative medicine, the BPV-2 E5 oncoprotein and the major structural L1 capsid protein, known to be expressed only in productive infections, were shown to occur in defined subsets of PBMCs. E5 oncoprotein was detected in sorted T- and B-cells as well as in monocytes by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. However, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes appeared to be the main circulating targets of the virus, thus possibly representing the most important reservoir of active BPV-2 in blood. L1 protein was identified by flow cytometry in a population of blood cells recognized as lymphocytes by morphological scatter properties. Western blot analysis was performed on lysates obtained from the sorted subpopulations of PBMCs and detected L1 protein in CD4+ and CD8+ cells only. Thus, this study showed that CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes are permissive for BPV-2 and are new, hitherto unknown sites of productive PV infection. In light of these observations, the life cycle of PVs needs to be revisited to gain novel insights into the epidemiology of BPV infection and the pathogenesis of related diseases.

scholarly journals Sennoside A induces GLP-1 secretion through activation of the ERK1/2 pathway in L-cells

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Ma ◽  
Xinyu Cao ◽  
Xiaotong Ye ◽  
Jianping Ye ◽  
Yongning Sun
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Insulin Secretion ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Oral Glucose ◽  
High Dose ◽  
L Cells

Abstract Background Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is secreted from the intestinal L-cells to stimulate insulin secretion in the control of blood glucose. Sennoside A (SA), derived from Rhubarb extract of traditional Chinese medicine, is often used to treat constipation and lose weight. Our previous study suggests that SA can increase the plasma GLP-1 level in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. However, the mechanism of SA activity remains unknown. This issue was addressed in this study. Methods C57bl/6 mice were divided randomly into four groups at n = 12. Group one was used as a control group without drug treatment. The other three groups were treated with (SA) at three dosages: a low dose (15 mg/kg/day), medium dose (30mg/kg/day) or high dose (45 mg/kg/day). SA was delivered into the mice through drinking water. Bodyweight was monitored. After treatment, blood glucose was assayed by OGTT. Plasma GLP-1 and insulin were determined at 15 mins of oral glucose challenge. Colon tissues were collected for mRNA or western blot analysis. Immunofluorescence staining assays was used to evaluate the number of β-cells and L-cells. NCI-H716 cells were employed to investigate the mechanism of SA-induced GLP-1 secretion, and the cells were subjected to western blot analysis. In the study of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway, NCI-H716 cells were pretreated with ERK1/2 inhibitors (PD98059, 50 μM) for 30 min in the presence of SA (100 μM). Results In the current study, SA can reduce body weight during 5 weeks of weight monitoring and improve OGTT in C57BL/6 mice on the Chow diet. Furthermore, plasma GLP-1 was significantly elevated in the mouse treated by SA at the dosage of 45 mg/kg/day. The SA activity was supported by improving glucose-induced insulin secretion. Meanwhile, increased expression of EKR1/2 and prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3) proteins was observed in the large intestine of SA-treated mice. The number of L-cells was not altered in each group. In the NCI-H716 cells, GLP-1 secretion was induced by SA with activation of the ERK1/2 pathway and elevation of PC1/3 protein. The SA effect was blocked by the ERK1/2 inhibitor. These data suggest that SA induced GLP-1 secretion in L-cells through activation of the ERK1/2 pathway in the mouse intestine. Conclusion Our study provides direct evidence that SA interacts with L cells for GLP-1 secretion. The data suggest that the SA effect is dependent on the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Therefore, SA is a new drug candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes by induction of GLP-1 secretion.

Radiosensitivity of glioma to Gamma Knife treatment enhanced in vitro and in vivo by RNA interfering Ku70 that is mediated by a recombinant adenovirus

2010 ◽  
Vol 113 (Special_Supplement) ◽  
pp. 228-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Jia ◽  
Yanhe Li ◽  
Desheng Xu ◽  
Zhenjiang Li ◽  
Zhiyuan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Glioma Cells ◽  
C6 Glioma ◽  
C6 Glioma Cells ◽  
C6 Cells

Object The authors sought to evaluate modification of the radiation response of C6 glioma cells in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the expression of Ku70. To do so they investigated the effect of gene transfer involving a recombinant replication-defective adenovirus containing Ku70 short hairpin RNA (Ad-Ku70shRNA) combined with Gamma Knife treatment (GKT). Methods First, Ad-Ku70shRNA was transfected into C6 glioma cells and the expression of Ku70 was measured using Western blot analysis. In vitro, phenotypical changes in C6 cells, including proliferation, cell cycle modification, invasion ability, and apoptosis were evaluated using the MTT (3′(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, Western blot analysis, and cell flow cytometry. In vivo, parental C6 cells transfected with Ad-Ku70shRNA were implanted stereotactically into the right caudate nucleus in Sprague-Dawley rats. After GKS, apoptosis was analyzed using the TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling) method. The inhibitory effects on growth and invasion that were induced by expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and matrix metalloproteinase–9 were determined using immunohistochemical analyses. Results The expression of Ku70 was clearly inhibited in C6 cells after transfection with Ad-Ku70shRNA. In vitro following transfection, the C6 cells showed improved responses to GKT, including suppression of proliferation and invasion as well as an increased apoptosis index. In vivo following transfection of Ad-Ku70shRNA, the therapeutic efficacy of GKT in rats with C6 gliomas was greatly enhanced and survival times in these animals were prolonged. Conclusions Our data support the potential for downregulation of Ku70 expression in enhancing the radiosensitivity of gliomas. The findings of our study indicate that targeted gene therapy–mediated inactivation of Ku70 may represent a promising strategy in improving the radioresponsiveness of gliomas to GKT.

Synthesis and Characterization of Quinoline-3-Carboxamide Derivatives as Inhibitors of the ATM Kinase

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (23) ◽  
pp. 2070-2079
Author(s):  
Srimadhavi Ravi ◽  
Sugata Barui ◽  
Sivapriya Kirubakaran ◽  
Parul Duhan ◽  
Kaushik Bhowmik
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Cancer Cell Lines ◽  
Atm Kinase ◽  
Cytotoxicity Studies

Background: The importance of inhibiting the kinases of the DDR pathway for radiosensitizing cancer cells is well established. Cancer cells exploit these kinases for their survival, which leads to the development of resistance towards DNA damaging therapeutics. Objective: In this article, the focus is on targeting the key mediator of the DDR pathway, the ATM kinase. A new set of quinoline-3-carboxamides, as potential inhibitors of ATM, is reported. Methods: Quinoline-3-carboxamide derivatives were synthesized and cytotoxicity assay was performed to analyze the effect of molecules on different cancer cell lines like HCT116, MDA-MB-468, and MDA-MB-231. Results: Three of the synthesized compounds showed promising cytotoxicity towards a selected set of cancer cell lines. Western Blot analysis was also performed by pre-treating the cells with quercetin, a known ATM upregulator, by causing DNA double-strand breaks. SAR studies suggested the importance of the electron-donating nature of the R group for the molecule to be toxic. Finally, Western-Blot analysis confirmed the down-regulation of ATM in the cells. Additionally, the PTEN negative cell line, MDA-MB-468, was more sensitive towards the compounds in comparison with the PTEN positive cell line, MDA-MB-231. Cytotoxicity studies against 293T cells showed that the compounds were at least three times less toxic when compared with HCT116. Conclusion: In conclusion, these experiments will lay the groundwork for the evolution of potent and selective ATM inhibitors for the radio- and chemo-sensitization of cancer cells.

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