scholarly journals A novel multifunctional metabolic pathway in a marine mollusc leads to unprecedented prostaglandin derivatives (prostaglandin 1,15-lactones)

1991 ◽  
Vol 273 (3) ◽  
pp. 593-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
V Di Marzo ◽  
G Cimino ◽  
A Crispino ◽  
C Minardi ◽  
G Sodano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Smooth Muscle Contraction ◽  
Fatty Acyl ◽  
Biological Role ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Marine Mollusc ◽  
Defence Behaviour ◽  
Biosynthetic Studies

The discovery of high levels of prostaglandin (PG) 1,15-lactones of both the E and F series and their co-existence with PGs has been recently described in the opisthobranch mollusc Tethys fimbria. The present study was undertaken in order to investigate the biosynthesis of these novel natural PG derivatives in vivo using radiolabelled precursors, and to gain a preliminary understanding of their biological role. PGE2 1,15-lactone was shown to be produced from both PGE2 and PGF2 alpha in the mollusc mantle and appeared to be quickly transferred to the mollusc dorsal appendices (cerata). The detachment of the latter during the typical defence behaviour of T. fimbria was accompanied by the conversion of PGE2 and PGE3 1,15-lactones back to the corresponding PGs. Both PGE2 and PGE2 1,15-lactone were also shown to be biosynthesized from arachidonic acid. Lactones of the F series were present as 11-acetyl derivatives in T. fimbria mantle and as 9- and 11-fatty acyl esters in the mollusc egg-mass and reproductive gland, and their biosynthesis from PGF2 alpha was demonstrated in all of these tissues. A multiple biological role of PG 1,15-lactones in T. fimbria defensive behaviour, smooth muscle contraction and egg production/fertilization control is hypothesized. The high amounts of PG derivatives found in T. fimbria and the biosynthetic studies described herein indicate that this marine mollusc may be a useful model for future studies on PG biosynthesis.

Paradoxical effect of salbutamol in a model of acute organophosphates intoxication in guinea pigs: role of substance P release

2007 ◽  
Vol 292 (4) ◽  
pp. L915-L923 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaime Chávez ◽  
Patricia Segura ◽  
Mario H. Vargas ◽  
José Luis Arreola ◽  
Edgar Flores-Soto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance P ◽  
Guinea Pigs ◽  
Smooth Muscle Contraction ◽  
In Vivo Experiments ◽  
Intracellular Ca ◽  
Neurokinin 1 ◽  
Substance P Release

Organophosphates induce bronchoobstruction in guinea pigs, and salbutamol only transiently reverses this effect, suggesting that it triggers additional obstructive mechanisms. To further explore this phenomenon, in vivo (barometric plethysmography) and in vitro (organ baths, including ACh and substance P concentration measurement by HPLC and immunoassay, respectively; intracellular Ca2+ measurement in single myocytes) experiments were performed. In in vivo experiments, parathion caused a progressive bronchoobstruction until a plateau was reached. Administration of salbutamol during this plateau decreased bronchoobstruction up to 22% in the first 5 min, but thereafter airway obstruction rose again as to reach the same intensity as before salbutamol. Aminophylline caused a sustained decrement (71%) of the parathion-induced bronchoobstruction. In in vitro studies, paraoxon produced a sustained contraction of tracheal rings, which was fully blocked by atropine but not by TTX, ω-conotoxin (CTX), or epithelium removal. During the paraoxon-induced contraction, salbutamol caused a temporary relaxation of ∼50%, followed by a partial recontraction. This paradoxical recontraction was avoided by the M2- or neurokinin-1 (NK1)-receptor antagonists (methoctramine or AF-DX 116, and L-732138, respectively), accompanied by a long-lasting relaxation. Forskolin caused full relaxation of the paraoxon response. Substance P and, to a lesser extent, ACh released from tracheal rings during 60-min incubation with paraoxon or physostigmine, respectively, were significantly increased when salbutamol was administered in the second half of this period. In myocytes, paraoxon did not produce any change in the intracellular Ca2+ basal levels. Our results suggested that: 1) organophosphates caused smooth muscle contraction by accumulation of ACh released through a TTX- and CTX-resistant mechanism; 2) during such contraction, salbutamol relaxation is functionally antagonized by the stimulation of M2 receptors; and 3) after this transient salbutamol-induced relaxation, a paradoxical contraction ensues due to the subsequent release of substance P.

scholarly journals Association of polymorphisms in the promoter region of turkey prolactin with egg performance

Genetika ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 591-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehrangiz Fathi ◽  
Ghorban Elyasi-Zarringhobaie
Keyword(s):  
Promoter Region ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Gene Promoter ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Breeding Center ◽  
Egg Performance ◽  
East Azerbaijan ◽  
Prolactin Promoter

The induction and regulation of broodiness is of the most important role of prolactin in avian species. In this study, the association between prolactin promoter region alleles and reproductive traits in Fars native turkey was investigated. These traits consisted of mean egg weight (MEW), number of egg (EN) and egg mass, during the first laying period. In total, 115 laying turkeys, randomly selected from the flock of the Breeding Center for Fars Native turkey, and DNA was purificated from blood samples, 231 bp of prolactin promoter region was amplified and Genotype of Samples was determinate by PCR-SSCP technique were genotyped. Two alleles D and I were identified. Based on the results obtained, the frequency of D and I alleles were 0.67 and 0.33, respectively. Frequencies of DD, II and ID genotypes were 0.385, 0.044 and 0.571, respectively. The association analysis between the polymorphism PRL gene promoter region and egg performance was carried out. Significant relationship was found between genotypes with egg production (P<0.01). Individuals with II genotype produced higher egg production than DD and ID genotype. The results of current study showed that using information of genes related to egg production could be used to improve the performance of native turkey of East Azerbaijan province.

scholarly journals Fatty Alcohols for Wax Esters in Marinobacter aquaeolei VT8: Two Optional Routes in the Wax Biosynthesis Pathway

2013 ◽  
Vol 79 (22) ◽  
pp. 7055-7062 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric M. Lenneman ◽  
Janet M. Ohlert ◽  
Nagendra P. Palani ◽  
Brett M. Barney
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Alcohol ◽  
Fatty Acyl ◽  
Wax Esters ◽  
Transcriptional Analysis ◽  
Wax Ester ◽  
Fatty Aldehyde ◽  
Marinobacter Aquaeolei

ABSTRACTThe biosynthesis of wax esters in bacteria is accomplished by a unique pathway that combines a fatty alcohol and a fatty acyl coenzyme A substrate. Previousin vitroenzymatic studies indicated that two different enzymes could be involved in the synthesis of the required fatty alcohol inMarinobacter aquaeoleiVT8. In this study, we demonstrate through a series of gene deletions and transcriptional analysis that either enzyme is capable of fulfilling the role of providing the fatty alcohol required for wax ester biosynthesisin vivo, but evolution has clearly selected one of these, a previously characterized fatty aldehyde reductase, as the preferred enzyme to perform this reaction under typical wax ester-accumulating conditions. These results complement previousin vitrostudies and provide the first glimpse into the role of each enzymein vivoin the native organism.

scholarly journals Discovery of methylfarnesoate as the annelid brain hormone reveals an ancient role of sesquiterpenoids in reproduction

eLife ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sven Schenk ◽  
Christian Krauditsch ◽  
Peter Frühauf ◽  
Christopher Gerner ◽  
Florian Raible
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Hormone Activity ◽  
Transcript Levels ◽  
Reproductive Maturation ◽  
Central Energy ◽  
Molecular Signals ◽  
Bristle Worms

Animals require molecular signals to determine when to divert resources from somatic functions to reproduction. This decision is vital in animals that reproduce in an all-or-nothing mode, such as bristle worms: females committed to reproduction spend roughly half their body mass for yolk and egg production; following mass spawning, the parents die. An enigmatic brain hormone activity suppresses reproduction. We now identify this hormone as the sesquiterpenoid methylfarnesoate. Methylfarnesoate suppresses transcript levels of the yolk precursor Vitellogenin both in cell culture and in vivo, directly inhibiting a central energy–costly step of reproductive maturation. We reveal that contrary to common assumptions, sesquiterpenoids are ancient animal hormones present in marine and terrestrial lophotrochozoans. In turn, insecticides targeting this pathway suppress vitellogenesis in cultured worm cells. These findings challenge current views of animal hormone evolution, and indicate that non-target species and marine ecosystems are susceptible to commonly used insect larvicides.

Biological and Therapeutic Potential of Mir-155, 585 and Let-7f in Myeloma in Vitro and In Vivo.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 833-833
Author(s):  
Sophia Adamia ◽  
Mariateresa Fulciniti ◽  
Herve Avet-Loiseau ◽  
Samir B Amin ◽  
Parantu Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Tumor Size ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Mrna Translation ◽  
Biological Role ◽  
Loss Of Function

Abstract Abstract 833 A growing body of evidence suggests that the genome of a many organisms, particularly mammals is controlled not only by transcription factors but also by post-transcriptional programs that are modulated by the family of small RNA molecules including microRNAs (miRs). miRs can block mRNA translation and affect mRNA stability. We have evaluated profiles of 384 human miRs in CD138+ cells from 79 patients with multiple myeloma (MM), 11 MM cell lines and 9 healthy donors (HD) using qRT-PCR based microRNA array. This analysis has identified a MM specific miRNA signature that significantly correlates with OS (p=0.05) and EFS (p=0.017) of patients. Based on this signature one group of patients clustered with HD suggesting indolent disease while other with cell lines indicating aggressive disease. We identified significant modulation of expression of 61 microRNAs in MM cells compared to normal plasma cells. Specific miRs with established oncogenic and tumor suppressor functions such as miR-155, miR-585 and Let7-f were significantly dysregulated in MM (p<0.001). Modulation of miRs-155, -585 and Let7 were observed most frequently in the group of patients with poor OS and EFS suggesting their crucial role in MM. However biological role of these miRs have not yet been defined. To further evaluate biological function of these most recurrent miRs in MM, we evaluated role of miR-155, let-7f and mir-585 in MM cell lines by gain- and loss- of function experiments. We used locked nucleic acid (LNA) anti-miR probes for loss of function and pre-miR-155 for gain of function studies using them alone or in combination. Although manipulation of all 3 miRs induced 20-25% change in MM cell proliferation and/or induction of apoptosis, combination of anti-miR-let7f with pre-miR-155, and anti-miR-585 in combination with miR-155 had dramatic effects on MM cell proliferation and over 60% cells undergoing apoptosis. To evaluate the targets of these miRs, we have determined effects of these anti-miRs and pre-miR on global gene and miR expression profile in MM alone and in combinations. This analysis identified modulation of cluster of miRs as well as genes critical for cell growth and survival. Next, we have tested efficacy of these miRs in vivo in murine Xenograft model to evaluate their therapeutic potential. Tumor-bearing mice were treated intraperitoneal for four consecutively days with the LNA anti-miR-585 and Let-7 and pre-miR-155 probes and respective controls alone and in combination. We observed that the single LNA anti-miR-585 and let 7 and pre miR-155 treatment reduced tumor size by 36%, 31% and 155% in animal 7 days after treatment. However, significant tumor size reductions were achieved when animals were treated with combinations; anti-miR-Let 7f plus pre-miR-155 (58 %); LNA anti-miR-Let 7f plus LNA anti-miR-585 (56 %); LNA-anti-miR-585 plus pre-miR-155 (74 %).We did not observe any significant systemic toxicity in the animals. In conclusion our results suggest significant biological role for miR-585, let 7f and miR-155 in myeloma, both in vitro and in vivo; it highlights for the first time a concerted activity of combination of miRs and holds a great promise for developing novel therapeutic approach for myeloma. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Neutral endopeptidase modulates neurotensin-induced airway contraction

1989 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 2338-2343 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. D. Djokic ◽  
D. J. Dusser ◽  
D. B. Borson ◽  
J. A. Nadel
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Serine Proteases ◽  
Neutral Endopeptidase ◽  
Smooth Muscle Contraction ◽  
Response Curves ◽  
Terminal Fragment ◽  
Carboxypeptidase N

To determine the role of endogenous neutral endopeptidase (NEP) (also called enkephalinase, EC 3.4.24.11) in regulating neurotensin-induced airway contraction, we used phosphoramidon, a specific NEP inhibitor, in the guinea pig. In studies in vitro, neurotensin and the COOH-terminal fragment neurotensin-(8–13) contracted strips of bronchial smooth muscle in a concentration-dependent fashion (P less than 0.001). In contrast, the NH2-terminal fragment neurotensin-(1–11) and the COOH-terminal fragment neurotensin-(12–13), the main fragments of neurotensin hydrolysis by NEP, had no effect. Phosphoramidon (10(-5) M) did not change resting tension but shifted the concentration-response curves to neurotensin to lower concentrations (P less than 0.001), whereas inhibitors of kininase II, aminopeptidases, serine proteases, and carboxypeptidase N were without effect. Removing the epithelium increased the contractile response to neurotensin (P less than 0.001), and phosphoramidon further increased the response to neurotensin in these tissues (P less than 0.001). Similar results were obtained in studies in vivo using aerosolized neurotensin and phosphoramidon. These results suggest that endogenous NEP in the airways modulates the effects of neurotensin on airway smooth muscle contraction by inactivating the peptide.

scholarly journals Lower Expression of SPRY4 Predicts a Poor Prognosis and Regulates Cell Proliferation in Colorectal Cancer

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 1433-1442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoling Zhou ◽  
Sheng Xie ◽  
Chunluan Yuan ◽  
Li Jiang ◽  
Xiaoyan Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Tumor Invasion ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
Biological Role ◽  
Tumor Tissues ◽  
Lower Expression

Background/Aims: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide. Sprouty proteins are modulators of mitogeninduced signal transduction processes and therefore can influence the process of cancerogenesis. The encoded protein of Sprouty homolog 4 (SPRY4) is associated with various human cancers. However, its biological role and clinical significance in CRC development and progression are unknown. Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression and biological role of SPRY4 in colorectal cancer. qRT-PCR was performed to investigate the expression of SPRY4 in tumor tissues and corresponding non tumor colorectal tissues from 70 patients. The effect of SPRY4 on proliferation was evaluated by MTT and colony formation assays. CRC cells transfected with SPRY4 were injected into nude mice to study the effect of SPRY4 on tumorigenesis in vivo. Results: The lower expression of SPRY4 was remarkably correlated with deep tumor invasion and advanced TNM stage. Multivariate analyses revealed that SPRY4 expression served as an independent predictor for overall survival. Using 5-aza treatment, we also observed that SPRY4 expression can be affected by DNA methylation. Further experiments revealed that overexpressed SPRY4 significantly inhibited CRC cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that SPRY4 is involved in the development and progression of colorectal cancer by regulating cell proliferation and shows that SPRY4 may be a potential diagnostic and prognostic target in patients with colorectal cancer.

scholarly journals MicroRNA-202 (miR-202) controls female fecundity by regulating medaka oogenesis

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphanie Gay ◽  
Jérôme Bugeon ◽  
Amine Bouchareb ◽  
Laure Henry ◽  
Jérôme Montfort ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Female Fecundity ◽  
Animal Reproduction ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

ABSTRACTFemale gamete production relies on coordinated molecular and cellular processes that occur in the ovary throughout oogenesis. In fish, as in other vertebrates, these processes have been extensively studied both in terms of endocrine/paracrine regulation and protein expression and activity. The role of small non-coding RNAs in the regulation of animal reproduction remains however largely unknown and poorly investigated, despite a growing interest for the importance of miRNAs in a wide variety of biological processes. Here, we analyzed the role of miR-202, a miRNA predominantly expressed in male and female gonads in several vertebrate species. We studied its expression in the medaka ovary and generated a mutant line (using CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering) to determine its importance for reproductive success with special interest for egg production. Our results show that miR-202-5p is the biologically active form of the miRNA and that it is expressed in granulosa cells and in the unfertilized egg. The knock out (KO) of miR-202 resulted in a strong phenotype both in terms of number and quality of eggs produced. Mutant females exhibited either no egg production or produced a drastically reduced number of eggs that could not be fertilized, ultimately leading to no reproductive success. We quantified the size distribution of the oocytes in the ovary of KO females and performed a genome-wide transcriptomic analysis approach to identified dysregulated molecular pathways. Together, cellular and molecular analyses indicate that lack of miR-202 impairs the early steps of oogenesis/folliculogenesis and decreases the number of large (i.e. vitellogenic) follicles, ultimately leading to dramatically reduced female fecundity. This study sheds new light on the regulatory mechanisms that control the early steps of follicular development and provides the first in vivo functional evidence that an ovarian-predominant microRNA may have a major role in female reproduction.Author summaryThe role of small non-coding RNAs in the regulation of animal reproduction remains poorly investigated, despite a growing interest for the importance of miRNAs in a wide variety of biological processes. Here, we analyzed the role of miR-202, a miRNA predominantly expressed in gonads in vertebrate. We studied its expression in the medaka ovary and knocked out the miR-202 genes to study its importance for reproductive success. We showed that the lack of miR-202 results in the sterility of both females and males. In particular, it lead to a drastic reduction of both the number and the quality of eggs produced by females. Mutant females exhibited either no egg production or produced a drastically reduced number of eggs that could not be fertilized, ultimately leading to no reproductive success. Quantitative histological and molecular analyses indicated that miR-202 KO impairs oocyte development and is also associated with the dysregulation of many genes that are critical for reproduction. This study sheds new light on the regulatory mechanisms that control oogenesis and provides the first in vivo functional evidence that an ovarian-predominant microRNA may have a major role in female reproduction.

scholarly journals Deletion of the lactoperoxidase gene causes multisystem inflammation and tumors in mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayden Yamakaze ◽  
Zhe Lu
Keyword(s):  
Redox Reaction ◽  
Human Cells ◽  
Mutant Mice ◽  
Biological Role ◽  
Protective Mechanism ◽  
Enzymatic Mechanism ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Cultured Human Cells

AbstractStrongly oxidative H2O2 is biologically important, but if uncontrolled, would lead to tissue injuries. Lactoperoxidase (LPO) catalyzes the redox reaction of reducing highly reactive H2O2 to H2O while oxidizing thiocyanate (SCN−) to relatively tissue-innocuous hypothiocyanite (OSCN−). SCN− is the only known natural, effective reducing-substrate of LPO; humans normally derive SCN− solely from food. While its enzymatic mechanism is understood, the actual biological role of the LPO-SCN− system in mammals remains unestablished. Our group previously showed that this system protected cultured human cells from H2O2-caused injuries, a basis for the hypothesis that general deficiency of such an antioxidative mechanism would lead to multisystem inflammation and tumors. To test this hypothesis, we globally deleted the Lpo gene in mice. The mutant mice exhibited inflammation and lesions in the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive or excretory systems, neuropathology, and tumors, with high incidence. Thus, this understudied LPO-SCN− system is an essential protective mechanism in vivo.

scholarly journals MiR-124-3p/ZC3H15 Regulates Gastric Cancer Progression by Blocking FBXW7 Mediated Degradation of c-Myc

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianbing Hou ◽  
Yudong Liu ◽  
Du Yan ◽  
Pan Huang ◽  
Zhongze Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Biological Role ◽  
Potential Biomarker ◽  
Proliferation And Metastasis ◽  
Gastric Cancer Progression ◽  
Cell Proliferation And Metastasis

Abstract BACKGROUND: Zinc finger CCCH-type containing 15 (ZC3H15), a highly conserved eukaryotic protein, was involved in tumorigenesis and may be a potential biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the biological role of ZC3H15 in gastric cancer (GC) is unclear.METHODS: The potential correlation between ZC3H15 expression and GC prognosis was assessed based on the patient data analysis. The biological role of ZC3H15 in regulating cell proliferation and metastasis was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the potential mechanism of ZC3H15 was investigated. RESULTS: we found that ZC3H15 expression was positively correlated with GC progression, including cell growth, metastasis and cancerogenesis. Through further investigations, we found that ZC3H15 could modulate c-Myc protein stability via suppressing the transcription of FBXW7, which was mainly responsible for c-Myc degradation. In addition, we revealed that miR-124-3p, a tumor suppressor of GC, was negatively associated with ZC3H15. We revealed that miR-124-3p was a critical upstream modulator of ZC3H15 in GC.CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our studies unearth the important roles of ZC3H15 in GC development and suggest that miR-124-3p/ZC3H15/c-Myc axis may be a potential target for the treatment of GC.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document