scholarly journals Mysterious inhibitory cell regulator investigated and found likely to be secretogranin II related

PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e3833 ◽  
Author(s):  
John E. Hart ◽  
Iain J. Clarke ◽  
Gail P. Risbridger ◽  
Ben Ferneyhough ◽  
Mónica Vega-Hernández

In the context of a hunt for a postulated hormone that is tissue-mass inhibiting and reproductively associated, there is described probable relatedness to a granin protein. A 7–8 kDa polypeptide candidate (gels/MS) appeared in a bioassay-guided fractionation campaign involving sheep plasma. An N-terminal sequence of 14 amino acids was obtained for the polypeptide by Edman degradation. Bioinformatics and molecular biology failed to illuminate any ovine or non-ovine protein which might relate to this sequence. The N-terminal sequence was synthesized as the 14mer EPL001 peptide and surprisingly found to be inhibitory in an assay in vivo of compensatory renal growth in the rat and modulatory of nematode fecundity, in line with the inhibitory hormone hypothesis. Antibodies were raised to EPL001 and their deployment upheld the hypothesis that the EPL001 amino acid sequence is meaningful and relevant, notwithstanding bioinformatic obscurity. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) in sheep, rodents and humans yielded staining of seeming endocrine relevance (e.g. hypothalamus, gonads and neuroendocrine cells in diverse tissues), with apparent upregulation in certain human tumours (e.g. pheochromocytoma). Discrete IHC staining in Drosophila melanogaster embryo brain was seen in glia and in neuroendocrine cells, with staining likely in the corpus cardiacum. The search for the endogenous antigen involved immunoprecipitation (IP) followed by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Feedstocks were PC12 conditioned medium and aqueous extract of rat hypothalamus—both of which had anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in an assay in vitro involving rat bone marrow cells, which inhibition was subject to prior immunodepletion with an anti-EPL001 antibody—together with fruit fly embryo material. It is concluded that the mammalian antigen is likely secretogranin II (SgII) related. The originally seen 7–8 kDa polypeptide is suggested to be a new proteoform of secretogranin II of ∼70 residues, SgII-70, with the anti-EPL001 antibody seeing a discontinuous epitope. The fly antigen is probably Q9W2X8 (UniProt), an uncharacterised protein newly disclosed as a granin and provisionally dubbed macrogranin I (MgI). SgII and Q9W2X8 merit further investigation in the context of tissue-mass inhibition.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 1982
Author(s):  
Wataru Ariyoshi ◽  
Shiika Hara ◽  
Ayaka Koga ◽  
Yoshie Nagai-Yoshioka ◽  
Ryota Yamasaki

Although the anti-tumor and anti-infective properties of β-glucans have been well-discussed, their role in bone metabolism has not been reviewed so far. This review discusses the biological effects of β-glucans on bone metabolisms, especially on bone-resorbing osteoclasts, which are differentiated from hematopoietic precursors. Multiple immunoreceptors that can recognize β-glucans were reported to be expressed in osteoclast precursors. Coordinated co-stimulatory signals mediated by these immunoreceptors are important for the regulation of osteoclastogenesis and bone remodeling. Curdlan from the bacterium Alcaligenes faecalis negatively regulates osteoclast differentiation in vitro by affecting both the osteoclast precursors and osteoclast-supporting cells. We also showed that laminarin, lichenan, and glucan from baker’s yeast, as well as β-1,3-glucan from Euglema gracilisas, inhibit the osteoclast formation in bone marrow cells. Consistent with these findings, systemic and local administration of β-glucan derived from Aureobasidium pullulans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae suppressed bone resorption in vivo. However, zymosan derived from S. cerevisiae stimulated the bone resorption activity and is widely used to induce arthritis in animal models. Additional research concerning the relationship between the molecular structure of β-glucan and its effect on osteoclastic bone resorption will be beneficial for the development of novel treatment strategies for bone-related diseases.



2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olanrewaju Ayodeji Durojaye ◽  
Nkwachukwu Oziamara Okoro ◽  
Arome Solomon Odiba

Abstract Background The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is currently a global threat to health and economies. Therapeutics and vaccines are in rapid development; however, none of these therapeutics are considered as absolute cure, and the potential to mutate makes it necessary to find therapeutics that target a highly conserved regions of the viral structure. Results In this study, we characterized an essential but poorly understood coronavirus accessory X4 protein, a core and stable component of the SARS-CoV family. Sequence analysis shows a conserved ~ 90% identity between the SARS-CoV-2 and previously characterized X4 protein in the database. QMEAN Z score of the model protein shows a value of around 0.5, within the acceptable range 0–1. A MolProbity score of 2.96 was obtained for the model protein and indicates a good quality model. The model has Ramachandran values of φ = − 57o and ψ = − 47o for α-helices and values of φ = − 130o and ψ = + 140o for twisted sheets. Conclusions The protein data obtained from this study provides robust information for further in vitro and in vivo experiment, targeted at devising therapeutics against the virus. Phylogenetic analysis further supports previous evidence that the SARS-CoV-2 is positioned with the SL-CoVZC45, BtRs-BetaCoV/YN2018B and the RS4231 Bat SARS-like corona viruses.



Genetics ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 159 (2) ◽  
pp. 515-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison P Davis ◽  
Lorraine S Symington

Abstract The yeast RAD52 gene is essential for homology-dependent repair of DNA double-strand breaks. In vitro, Rad52 binds to single- and double-stranded DNA and promotes annealing of complementary single-stranded DNA. Genetic studies indicate that the Rad52 and Rad59 proteins act in the same recombination pathway either as a complex or through overlapping functions. Here we demonstrate physical interaction between Rad52 and Rad59 using the yeast two-hybrid system and co-immunoprecipitation from yeast extracts. Purified Rad59 efficiently anneals complementary oligonucleotides and is able to overcome the inhibition to annealing imposed by replication protein A (RPA). Although Rad59 has strand-annealing activity by itself in vitro, this activity is insufficient to promote strand annealing in vivo in the absence of Rad52. The rfa1-D288Y allele partially suppresses the in vivo strand-annealing defect of rad52 mutants, but this is independent of RAD59. These results suggest that in vivo Rad59 is unable to compete with RPA for single-stranded DNA and therefore is unable to promote single-strand annealing. Instead, Rad59 appears to augment the activity of Rad52 in strand annealing.



1979 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. L. Kellar ◽  
B. L. Evatt ◽  
C. R. McGrath ◽  
R. B. Ramsey

Liquid cultures of bone marrow cells enriched for megakaryocytes were assayed for incorporation of 3H-thymidine (3H-TdR) into acid-precipitable cell digests to determine the effect of thrombopoietin on DNA synthesis. As previously described, thrombopoietin was prepared by ammonium sulfate fractionation of pooled plasma obtained from thrombocytopenic rabbits. A control fraction was prepared from normal rabbit plasma. The thrombopoietic activity of these fractions was determined in vivo with normal rabbits as assay animals and the rate of incorporation of 75Se-selenomethionine into newly formed platelets as an index of thrombopoietic activity of the infused material. Guinea pig megakaryocytes were purified using bovine serum albumin gradients. Bone marrow cultures containing 1.5-3.0x104 cells and 31%-71% megakaryocytes were incubated 18 h in modified Dulbecco’s MEM containing 10% of the concentrated plasma fractions from either thrombocytopenic or normal rabbits. In other control cultures, 0.9% NaCl was substituted for the plasma fractions. 3H-TdR incorporation was measured after cells were incubated for 3 h with 1 μCi/ml. The protein fraction containing thrombopoietin-stimulating activity caused a 25%-31% increase in 3H-TdR incorporation over that in cultures which were incubated with the similar fraction from normal plasma and a 29% increase over the activity in control cultures to which 0.9% NaCl had been added. These data suggest that thrombopoietin stimulates DNA synthesis in megakaryocytes and that this tecnique may be useful in assaying thrombopoietin in vitro.



2001 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1199-1213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory G. Oakley ◽  
Lisa I. Loberg ◽  
Jiaqin Yao ◽  
Mary A. Risinger ◽  
Remy L. Yunker ◽  
...  

Exposure to DNA-damaging agents triggers signal transduction pathways that are thought to play a role in maintenance of genomic stability. A key protein in the cellular processes of nucleotide excision repair, DNA recombination, and DNA double-strand break repair is the single-stranded DNA binding protein, RPA. We showed previously that the p34 subunit of RPA becomes hyperphosphorylated as a delayed response (4–8 h) to UV radiation (10–30 J/m2). Here we show that UV-induced RPA-p34 hyperphosphorylation depends on expression of ATM, the product of the gene mutated in the human genetic disorder ataxia telangiectasia (A-T). UV-induced RPA-p34 hyperphosphorylation was not observed in A-T cells, but this response was restored by ATM expression. Furthermore, purified ATM kinase phosphorylates the p34 subunit of RPA complex in vitro at many of the same sites that are phosphorylated in vivo after UV radiation. Induction of this DNA damage response was also dependent on DNA replication; inhibition of DNA replication by aphidicolin prevented induction of RPA-p34 hyperphosphorylation by UV radiation. We postulate that this pathway is triggered by the accumulation of aberrant DNA replication intermediates, resulting from DNA replication fork blockage by UV photoproducts. Further, we suggest that RPA-p34 is hyperphosphorylated as a participant in the recombinational postreplication repair of these replication products. Successful resolution of these replication intermediates reduces the accumulation of chromosomal aberrations that would otherwise occur as a consequence of UV radiation.



2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideki Kitaura ◽  
Keisuke Kimura ◽  
Masahiko Ishida ◽  
Haruka Kohara ◽  
Masako Yoshimatsu ◽  
...  

Tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) is a cytokine produced by monocytes, macrophages, and T cells and is induced by pathogens, endotoxins, or related substances. TNF-αmay play a key role in bone metabolism and is important in inflammatory bone diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Cells directly involved in osteoclastogenesis include macrophages, which are osteoclast precursor cells, osteoblasts, or stromal cells. These cells express receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) to induce osteoclastogenesis, and T cells, which secrete RANKL, promote osteoclastogenesis during inflammation. Elucidating the detailed effects of TNF-αon bone metabolism may enable the identification of therapeutic targets that can efficiently suppress bone destruction in inflammatory bone diseases. TNF-αis considered to act by directly increasing RANK expression in macrophages and by increasing RANKL in stromal cells. Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin- (IL-) 12, IL-18, and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) strongly inhibit osteoclast formation. IL-12, IL-18, and IFN-γinduce apoptosis in bone marrow cells treated with TNF-α  in vitro, and osteoclastogenesis is inhibited by the interactions of TNF-α-induced Fas and Fas ligand induced by IL-12, IL-18, and IFN-γ. This review describes and discusses the role of cells concerned with osteoclast formation and immunological reactions in TNF-α-mediated osteoclastogenesisin vitroandin vivo.



Genetics ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 148 (3) ◽  
pp. 989-1005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keiko Umezu ◽  
Neal Sugawara ◽  
Clark Chen ◽  
James E Haber ◽  
Richard D Kolodner

Abstract Replication protein A (RPA) is a single-stranded DNA-binding protein identified as an essential factor for SV40 DNA replication in vitro. To understand the in vivo functions of RPA, we mutagenized the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RFA1 gene and identified 19 ultraviolet light (UV) irradiation- and methyl methane sulfonate (MMS)-sensitive mutants and 5 temperature-sensitive mutants. The UV- and MMS-sensitive mutants showed up to 104 to 105 times increased sensitivity to these agents. Some of the UV- and MMS-sensitive mutants were killed by an HO-induced double-strand break at MAT. Physical analysis of recombination in one UV- and MMS-sensitive rfa1 mutant demonstrated that it was defective for mating type switching and single-strand annealing recombination. Two temperature-sensitive mutants were characterized in detail, and at the restrictive temperature were found to have an arrest phenotype and DNA content indicative of incomplete DNA replication. DNA sequence analysis indicated that most of the mutations altered amino acids that were conserved between yeast, human, and Xenopus RPA1. Taken together, we conclude that RPA1 has multiple roles in vivo and functions in DNA replication, repair, and recombination, like the single-stranded DNA-binding proteins of bacteria and phages.



1997 ◽  
Vol 272 (3) ◽  
pp. L479-L485 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ikegami ◽  
T. R. Korfhagen ◽  
M. D. Bruno ◽  
J. A. Whitsett ◽  
A. H. Jobe

In the present study we asked if surfactant metabolism was altered in surfactant protein (SP) A-deficient mice in vivo. Although previous studies in vitro demonstrated that SP-A modulates surfactant secretion and reuptake by type II cells, mice made SP-A deficient by homologous recombination grow and reproduce normally and have normal lung function. Alveolar and lung tissue saturated phophatidylcholine (Sat PC) pools were 50 and 26% larger, respectively, in SP-A(-/-) mice than in SP-A(+/+) mice. Radiolabeled choline and palmitate incorporation into lung Sat PC was similar both in vivo and for lung tissue slices in vitro from SP-A(+/+) and SP-A(-/-) mice. Percent secretion of radiolabeled Sat PC was unchanged from 3 to 15 h, although SP-A(-/-) mice retained more labeled Sat PC in the alveolar lavages at 48 h (consistent with the increased surfactant pool sizes). Clearance of radiolabeled dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and SP-B from the air spaces after intratracheal injection was similar in SP-A(-/-) and SP-A(+/+) mice. Lack of SP-A had minimal effects on the overall metabolism of Sat PC or SP-B in mice.



2014 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-256
Author(s):  
Igor Vivian de Almeida ◽  
Giovana Domingues ◽  
Lilian Capelari Soares ◽  
Elisângela Düsman ◽  
Veronica Elisa Pimenta Vicentini

Flunitrazepam (FNZ) is a sedative benzodiazepine prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia. However, there are concerns regarding possible carcinogenic or genotoxic effects of this medicine. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic, clastogenic and aneugenic effects of FNZ in hepatoma cells from Rattus norvegicus (HTC) in vitro and in bone marrow cells of Wistar rats in vivo. These effects were examined in vitro following treatment with 0.2, 1.0, 5.0 or 10 μg/mL FNZ using a micronucleus test with a cytokinesis block or in vivo using a chromosomal aberration test following treatment with 7, 15 or 30 μg/mL/kg body weight. The results showed that the benzodiazepine concentrations tested were not cytotoxic, aneugenic or clastogenic. However, considering the adverse effects of using this benzodiazepine, more studies are required.



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