scholarly journals Co-option and Detoxification of a Phage Lysin for Housekeeping Function

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amelia M. Randich ◽  
David T. Kysela ◽  
Cécile Morlot ◽  
Yves V. Brun
Keyword(s):  
Cell Biology ◽  
Developmental Regulation ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Infection Cycle ◽  
Phage Gene ◽  
Bacterial Fitness ◽  
And Function ◽  
Bacterial Clade ◽  
Phage Lysin

SummaryTemperate phages constitute a potentially beneficial genetic reservoir for bacterial innovation despite being selfish entities encoding an infection cycle inherently at odds with bacterial fitness. These phages integrate their genomes into the bacterial host during infection, donating new, but deleterious, genetic material: the phage genome encodes toxic genes, such as lysins, that kill the bacterium during the phage infection cycle. Remarkably, some bacteria have exploited the destructive properties of phage genes for their own benefit by co-opting them as toxins for functions related to bacterial warfare, virulence, and secretion. However, do toxic phage genes ever become raw material for functional innovation? Here we report on a toxic phage gene whose product has lost its toxicity and has become a domain of a core cellular factor, SpmX, throughout the bacterial order Caulobacterales. Using a combination of phylogenetics, bioinformatics, structural biology, cell biology, and biochemistry, we have investigated the origin and function of SpmX and determined that its occurrence is the result of the detoxification of a phage peptidoglycan hydrolase gene. We show that the retained, attenuated activity of the phage-derived domain plays an important role in proper cell morphology and developmental regulation in representatives of this large bacterial clade. To our knowledge, this is the first observation of phage gene domestication in which a toxic phage gene has been co-opted for a housekeeping function.

scholarly journals Understanding Cell Biology

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-45
Author(s):  
Prem Swaroop Adhikarla ◽  
Pavithra Bhavanasi ◽  
Raj Sekhar Bollapragada
Keyword(s):  
Cell Biology ◽  
Cell Metabolism ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Reducing Power ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Complex Molecules ◽  
Robert Hooke ◽  
Living Things ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
And Function

The cell is the structural and functional unit of all living organisms and is sometimes called the "building block of life.” All living things are made from one or more cells. A cell is the simplest unit of life and they are responsible for keeping an organism alive and functioning. Almost every different type of cell contains genetic material, a membrane and cytoplasm. The most basic categorization of Earth’s organisms is determined by different types of cells. All cells can be divided into one of two classifications: prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells are found in bacteria and archaea. Eukaryotic cells are found in organisms from the domain Eukaryota which includes animals, plants, fungi and protists. Cell metabolism is the process by which individual cells process nutrient molecules. Metabolism has two distinct divisions: catabolism, in which the cell breaks down complex molecules to produce energy and reducing power, and anabolism, in which the cell uses energy and reducing power to construct complex molecules and perform other biological functions. Cells were discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665, who named them for their resemblance to cells inhabited by Christian monks in a monastery. Cell theory, first developed in 1839 by Matthias Jakob Schleiden and Theodor Schwann, states that all organisms are composed of one or more cells, that cells are the fundamental unit of structure and function in all living organisms, and that all cells come from pre-existing cells. Cells emerged on Earth at least 3.5 billion years ago. The study of cells is called cell biology or cellular biology.

scholarly journals Membrane-associated phase separation: organization and function emerge from a two-dimensional milieu

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathon A Ditlev
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Cellular Environment ◽  
Condensate Formation ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Available Technology ◽  
And Function ◽  
Surrounding Membrane

Abstract Liquid‒liquid phase separation (LLPS) of biomolecules has emerged as an important mechanism that contributes to cellular organization. Phase separated biomolecular condensates, or membrane-less organelles, are compartments composed of specific biomolecules without a surrounding membrane in the nucleus and cytoplasm. LLPS also occurs at membranes, where both lipids and membrane-associated proteins can de-mix to form phase separated compartments. Investigation of these membrane-associated condensates using in vitro biochemical reconstitution and cell biology has provided key insights into the role of phase separation in membrane domain formation and function. However, these studies have generally been limited by available technology to study LLPS on model membranes and the complex cellular environment that regulates condensate formation, composition, and function. Here, I briefly review our current understanding of membrane-associated condensates, establish why LLPS can be advantageous for certain membrane-associated condensates, and offer a perspective for how these condensates may be studied in the future.

Tissue engineering in periodontics- A demystifing review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Shivani Sachdeva ◽  
Harish Saluja ◽  
Amit Mani ◽  
M.B. Phadnaik
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Engineering ◽  
Tissue Regeneration ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Alveolar Bone ◽  
Complete Recovery ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Periodontal Tissue Regeneration ◽  
Novel Concept ◽  
And Function

INTRODUCTION: Novel concept known as tissue engineering is for the betterment of human. The use of much advanced molecular science and cell biology in processing the tissues to regenerate even after the loss of inborn tendency of pluripotent cells to multiply is possible by this new therapy. CONTENT: Periodontal tissue regeneration in both height and function is attributed to a complete recovery of the periodontal structures, that is, the formation of alveolar bone, a new connective attachment through collagen fibers as well as functionally oriented on the newly formed cementum is regeneration. Cell based therapies including tissue regeneration is an alternative approach for the regeneration of tissues damaged by disease or trauma. SUMMARY: Though tissue engineering requires the fundamentals of all the three keys namely genomics, proteomics and biometrics to give the solutions to biological problems appearing in dentistry as well as medical sciences.

Mesencephalic GABA neuronal development: no more on the other side of oblivion

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 371-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suyan Li ◽  
Sampada Joshee ◽  
Anju Vasudevan
Keyword(s):  
Transcriptional Control ◽  
Neuronal Development ◽  
Developmental Regulation ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Psychiatric Illnesses ◽  
Neuronal Populations ◽  
Gaba Neurons ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Brain

AbstractMidbrain GABA neurons, endowed with multiple morphological, physiological and molecular characteristics as well as projection patterns are key players interacting with diverse regions of the brain and capable of modulating several aspects of behavior. The diversity of these GABA neuronal populations based on their location and function in the dorsal, medial or ventral midbrain has challenged efforts to rapidly uncover their developmental regulation. Here we review recent developments that are beginning to illuminate transcriptional control of GABA neurons in the embryonic midbrain (mesencephalon) and discuss its implications for understanding and treatment of neurological and psychiatric illnesses.

Biological Phase Separation and Biomolecular Condensates in Plants

2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan J. Emenecker ◽  
Alex S. Holehouse ◽  
Lucia C. Strader
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Condensed Matter ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Nuclear Speckles ◽  
The Past ◽  
Shared Property ◽  
And Function ◽  
Physical Principles

A surge in research focused on understanding the physical principles governing the formation, properties, and function of membraneless compartments has occurred over the past decade. Compartments such as the nucleolus, stress granules, and nuclear speckles have been designated as biomolecular condensates to describe their shared property of spatially concentrating biomolecules. Although this research has historically been carried out in animal and fungal systems, recent work has begun to explore whether these same principles are relevant in plants. Effectively understanding and studying biomolecular condensates require interdisciplinary expertise that spans cell biology, biochemistry, and condensed matter physics and biophysics. As such, some involved concepts may be unfamiliar to any given individual. This review focuses on introducing concepts essential to the study of biomolecular condensates and phase separation for biologists seeking to carry out research in this area and further examines aspects of biomolecular condensates that are relevant to plant systems. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Plant Biology, Volume 72 is May 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

scholarly journals The Isoform Selective Roles of PI3Ks in Dendritic Cell Biology and Function

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ezra Aksoy ◽  
Loredana Saveanu ◽  
Bénédicte Manoury
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Cell ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
And Function

scholarly journals Adrb2 controls glucose homeostasis by developmental regulation of pancreatic islet vasculature

eLife ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis M Ceasrine ◽  
Eugene E Lin ◽  
David N Lumelsky ◽  
Radhika Iyer ◽  
Rejji Kuruvilla
Keyword(s):  
Glucose Homeostasis ◽  
Developmental Regulation ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Β Cells ◽  
Functional Deficits ◽  
Vascular Growth ◽  
Impaired Insulin ◽  
And Function ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Specific Deletion

A better understanding of processes controlling the development and function of pancreatic islets is critical for diabetes prevention and treatment. Here, we reveal a previously unappreciated function for pancreatic β2-adrenergic receptors (Adrb2) in controlling glucose homeostasis by restricting islet vascular growth during development. Pancreas-specific deletion of Adrb2 results in glucose intolerance and impaired insulin secretion in mice, and unexpectedly, specifically in females. The metabolic phenotypes were recapitulated by Adrb2 deletion from neonatal, but not adult, β-cells. Mechanistically, Adrb2 loss increases production of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A) in female neonatal β-cells and results in hyper-vascularized islets during development, which in turn, disrupts insulin production and exocytosis. Neonatal correction of islet hyper-vascularization, via VEGF-A receptor blockade, fully rescues functional deficits in glucose homeostasis in adult mutant mice. These findings uncover a regulatory pathway that functions in a sex-specific manner to control glucose metabolism by restraining excessive vascular growth during islet development.

scholarly journals Discovery of keratin function and role in genetic diseases: the year that 1991 was

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (18) ◽  
pp. 2807-2810 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre A. Coulombe
Keyword(s):  
Intermediate Filaments ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Genetic Diseases ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Mechanical Support ◽  
25Th Anniversary ◽  
Keratin Filaments ◽  
And Function ◽  
Keratin Intermediate Filaments

In 1991, a set of transgenic mouse studies took the fields of cell biology and dermatology by storm in providing the first credible evidence that keratin intermediate filaments play a unique and essential role in the structural and mechanical support in keratinocytes of the epidermis. Moreover, these studies intimated that mutations altering the primary structure and function of keratin filaments underlie genetic diseases typified by cellular fragility. This Retrospective on how these studies came to be is offered as a means to highlight the 25th anniversary of these discoveries.

scholarly journals The Effects of Ionising and Non-Ionising Electromagnetic Radiation on Extracellular Matrix Proteins

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 3041
Author(s):  
Ren Jie Tuieng ◽  
Sarah H. Cartmell ◽  
Cliona C. Kirwan ◽  
Michael J. Sherratt
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Electromagnetic Radiation ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ecm Proteins ◽  
Clinical Consequences ◽  
Radiation Induced ◽  
And Function ◽  
Cellular Components

Exposure to sub-lethal doses of ionising and non-ionising electromagnetic radiation can impact human health and well-being as a consequence of, for example, the side effects of radiotherapy (therapeutic X-ray exposure) and accelerated skin ageing (chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation: UVR). Whilst attention has focused primarily on the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with cells and cellular components, radiation-induced damage to long-lived extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins has the potential to profoundly affect tissue structure, composition and function. This review focuses on the current understanding of the biological effects of ionising and non-ionising radiation on the ECM of breast stroma and skin dermis, respectively. Although there is some experimental evidence for radiation-induced damage to ECM proteins, compared with the well-characterised impact of radiation exposure on cell biology, the structural, functional, and ultimately clinical consequences of ECM irradiation remain poorly defined.

scholarly journals T-BET and EOMES Accelerate and Enhance Functional Differentiation of Human Natural Killer Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Kiekens ◽  
Wouter Van Loocke ◽  
Sylvie Taveirne ◽  
Sigrid Wahlen ◽  
Eva Persyn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Functional Differentiation ◽  
Cell Maturation ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
And Function

T-bet and Eomes are transcription factors that are known to be important in maturation and function of murine natural killer (NK) cells. Reduced T-BET and EOMES expression results in dysfunctional NK cells and failure to control tumor growth. In contrast to mice, the current knowledge on the role of T-BET and EOMES in human NK cells is rudimentary. Here, we ectopically expressed either T-BET or EOMES in human hematopoietic progenitor cells. Combined transcriptome, chromatin accessibility and protein expression analyses revealed that T-BET or EOMES epigenetically represses hematopoietic stem cell quiescence and non-NK lineage differentiation genes, while activating an NK cell-specific transcriptome and thereby drastically accelerating NK cell differentiation. In this model, the effects of T-BET and EOMES are largely overlapping, yet EOMES shows a superior role in early NK cell maturation and induces faster NK receptor and enhanced CD16 expression. T-BET particularly controls transcription of terminal maturation markers and epigenetically controls strong induction of KIR expression. Finally, NK cells generated upon T-BET or EOMES overexpression display improved functionality, including increased IFN-γ production and killing, and especially EOMES overexpression NK cells have enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Our findings reveal novel insights on the regulatory role of T-BET and EOMES in human NK cell maturation and function, which is essential to further understand human NK cell biology and to optimize adoptive NK cell therapies.

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