scholarly journals The potential role of collagens in congenital Zika syndrome: A systems biology approach

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato S Aguiar ◽  
Fabio Pohl ◽  
Guilherme L Morais ◽  
Fabio CS Nogueira ◽  
Joseane B Carvalho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systems Biology ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Congenital Zika Syndrome ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Collagen Genes ◽  
Host Genes

AbstractZika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy could cause a set of severe abnormalities in the fetus known as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Experiments using animal models and in vitro systems significantly contributed to our understanding of the physiopathology of ZIKV infection. However, the molecular basis of CZS is not yet studied in humans. Here, we used a systems biology approach to integrate transcriptomic, proteomic and genomic data from post-mortem brains of neonates with CZS. We observed that collagen genes were greatly reduced in CZS brains at both the RNA and protein levels and that neonates with CZS have several polymorphisms in collagen genes associated with osteogenesis imperfect and arthrogryposis. These findings were validated using immunohistochemistry and collagen staining of ZIKV infected and non-infected samples. Additionally, it was found that cell adhesion genes that are essential for neurite outgrowth and axon guidance were up-regulated and thereby confirmed the neuronal migration defects observed. This work provided new insights into the underlying mechanisms of CZS and revealed host genes associated with CZS susceptibility.

scholarly journals Computational Approaches to Understanding the Role of Fibroblast-Myocyte Interactions in Cardiac Arrhythmogenesis

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tashalee R. Brown ◽  
Trine Krogh-Madsen ◽  
David J. Christini
Keyword(s):  
Gap Junctions ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Cardiac Tissue ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Cardiac Arrhythmogenesis ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Slow Propagation

The adult heart is composed of a dense network of cardiomyocytes surrounded by nonmyocytes, the most abundant of which are cardiac fibroblasts. Several cardiac diseases, such as myocardial infarction or dilated cardiomyopathy, are associated with an increased density of fibroblasts, that is, fibrosis. Fibroblasts play a significant role in the development of electrical and mechanical dysfunction of the heart; however the underlying mechanisms are only partially understood. One widely studied mechanism suggests that fibroblasts produce excess extracellular matrix, resulting in collagenous septa. These collagenous septa slow propagation, cause zig-zag conduction paths, and decouple cardiomyocytes resulting in a substrate for arrhythmia. Another emerging mechanism suggests that fibroblasts promote arrhythmogenesis through direct electrical interactions with cardiomyocytes via gap junctions. Due to the challenges of investigating fibroblast-myocyte coupling in native cardiac tissue, computational modeling andin vitroexperiments have facilitated the investigation into the mechanisms underlying fibroblast-mediated changes in cardiomyocyte action potential morphology, conduction velocity, spontaneous excitability, and vulnerability to reentry. In this paper, we summarize the major findings of the existing computational studies investigating the implications of fibroblast-myocyte interactions in the normal and diseased heart. We then present investigations from our group into the potential role of voltage-dependent gap junctions in fibroblast-myocyte interactions.

Molecular alterations in the extracellular matrix in the brains of newborns with congenital Zika syndrome

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (635) ◽  
pp. eaay6736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato S. Aguiar ◽  
Fabio Pohl ◽  
Guilherme L. Morais ◽  
Fabio C. S. Nogueira ◽  
Joseane B. Carvalho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Single Nucleotide ◽  
Molecular Alterations ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Congenital Zika Syndrome ◽  
In Vitro Systems ◽  
Postmortem Brains ◽  
Encoding Genes

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can cause a set of severe abnormalities in the fetus known as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Experiments with animal models and in vitro systems have substantially contributed to our understanding of the pathophysiology of ZIKV infection. Here, to investigate the molecular basis of CZS in humans, we used a systems biology approach to integrate transcriptomic, proteomic, and genomic data from the postmortem brains of neonates with CZS. We observed that collagens were greatly reduced in expression in CZS brains at both the RNA and protein levels and that neonates with CZS had several single-nucleotide polymorphisms in collagen-encoding genes that are associated with osteogenesis imperfecta and arthrogryposis. These findings were validated by immunohistochemistry and comparative analysis of collagen abundance in ZIKV-infected and uninfected samples. In addition, we showed a ZIKV-dependent increase in the expression of cell adhesion factors that are essential for neurite outgrowth and axon guidance, findings that are consistent with the neuronal migration defects observed in CZS. Together, these findings provide insights into the underlying molecular alterations in the ZIKV-infected brain and reveal host genes associated with CZS susceptibility.

scholarly journals Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Metformin in Cervical Cancer

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2545
Author(s):  
Ya-Hui Chen ◽  
Po-Hui Wang ◽  
Pei-Ni Chen ◽  
Shun-Fa Yang ◽  
Yi-Hsuan Hsiao
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Anticancer Effects ◽  
Clinical Benefits ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Cervical cancer is one of the major gynecologic malignancies worldwide. Treatment options include chemotherapy, surgical resection, radiotherapy, or a combination of these treatments; however, relapse and recurrence may occur, and the outcome may not be favorable. Metformin is an established, safe, well-tolerated drug used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes; it can be safely combined with other antidiabetic agents. Diabetes, possibly associated with an increased site-specific cancer risk, may relate to the progression or initiation of specific types of cancer. The potential effects of metformin in terms of cancer prevention and therapy have been widely studied, and a number of studies have indicated its potential role in cancer treatment. The most frequently proposed mechanism underlying the diabetes–cancer association is insulin resistance, which leads to secondary hyperinsulinemia; furthermore, insulin may exert mitogenic effects through the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor, and hyperglycemia may worsen carcinogenesis through the induction of oxidative stress. Evidence has suggested clinical benefits of metformin in the treatment of gynecologic cancers. Combining current anticancer drugs with metformin may increase their efficacy and diminish adverse drug reactions. Accumulating evidence is indicating that metformin exerts anticancer effects alone or in combination with other agents in cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo. Metformin might thus serve as an adjunct therapeutic agent for cervical cancer. Here, we reviewed the potential anticancer effects of metformin against cervical cancer and discussed possible underlying mechanisms.

scholarly journals Role of interleukins in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Xin She ◽  
Qing Yang Yu ◽  
Xiao Xiao Tang
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Regulation Mechanisms ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Multiple Cells ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractInterleukins, a group of cytokines participating in inflammation and immune response, are proved to be involved in the formation and development of pulmonary fibrosis. In this article, we reviewed the relationship between interleukins and pulmonary fibrosis from the clinical, animal, as well as cellular levels, and discussed the underlying mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. Despite the effects of interleukin-targeted treatment on experimental pulmonary fibrosis, clinical applications are lacking and unsatisfactory. We conclude that intervening in one type of interleukins with similar functions in IPF may not be enough to stop the development of fibrosis as it involves a complex network of regulation mechanisms. Intervening interleukins combined with other existing therapy or targeting interleukins affecting multiple cells/with different functions at the same time may be one of the future directions. Furthermore, the intervention time is critical as some interleukins play different roles at different stages. Further elucidation on these aspects would provide new perspectives on both the pathogenesis mechanism, as well as the therapeutic strategy and drug development.

scholarly journals Specificity of the HIV-1 Protease on Substrates Representing the Cleavage Site in the Proximal Zinc-Finger of HIV-1 Nucleocapsid Protein

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1092
Author(s):  
János András Mótyán ◽  
Márió Miczi ◽  
Stephen Oroszlan ◽  
József Tőzsér
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Zinc Finger ◽  
Cleavage Site ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Binding Mode ◽  
Interaction Energies ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Hiv 1

To explore the sequence context-dependent nature of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease’s specificity and to provide a rationale for viral mutagenesis to study the potential role of the nucleocapsid (NC) processing in HIV-1 replication, synthetic oligopeptide substrates representing the wild-type and modified versions of the proximal cleavage site of HIV-1 NC were assayed as substrates of the HIV-1 protease (PR). The S1′ substrate binding site of HIV-1 PR was studied by an in vitro assay using KIVKCF↓NCGK decapeptides having amino acid substitutions of N17 residue of the cleavage site of the first zinc-finger domain, and in silico calculations were also performed to investigate amino acid preferences of S1′ site. Second site substitutions have also been designed to produce “revertant” substrates and convert a non-hydrolysable sequence (having glycine in place of N17) to a substrate. The specificity constants obtained for peptides containing non-charged P1′ substitutions correlated well with the residue volume, while the correlation with the calculated interaction energies showed the importance of hydrophobicity: interaction energies with polar residues were related to substantially lower specificity constants. Cleavable “revertants” showed one residue shift of cleavage position due to an alternative productive binding mode, and surprisingly, a double cleavage of a substrate was also observed. The results revealed the importance of alternative binding possibilities of substrates into the HIV-1 PR. The introduction of the “revertant” mutations into infectious virus clones may provide further insights into the potential role of NC processing in the early phase of the viral life-cycle.

scholarly journals Role of Cathepsin S in Periodontal Inflammation and Infection

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Memmert ◽  
A. Damanaki ◽  
A. V. B. Nogueira ◽  
S. Eick ◽  
M. Nokhbehsaim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Periodontal Diseases ◽  
Interleukin 1 ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Gingival Tissue ◽  
Cathepsin S ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Periodontal Inflammation

Cathepsin S is a cysteine protease and regulator of autophagy with possible involvement in periodontitis. The objective of this study was to investigate whether cathepsin S is involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. Human periodontal fibroblasts were cultured under inflammatory and infectious conditions elicited by interleukin-1β and Fusobacterium nucleatum, respectively. An array-based approach was used to analyze differential expression of autophagy-associated genes. Cathepsin S was upregulated most strongly and thus further studied in vitro at gene and protein levels. In vivo, gingival tissue biopsies from rats with ligature-induced periodontitis and from periodontitis patients were also analyzed at transcriptional and protein levels. Multiple gene expression changes due to interleukin-1β and F. nucleatum were observed in vitro. Both stimulants caused a significant cathepsin S upregulation. A significantly elevated cathepsin S expression in gingival biopsies from rats with experimental periodontitis was found in vivo, as compared to that from control. Gingival biopsies from periodontitis patients showed a significantly higher cathepsin S expression than those from healthy gingiva. Our findings provide original evidence that cathepsin S is increased in periodontal cells and tissues under inflammatory and infectious conditions, suggesting a critical role of this autophagy-associated molecule in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

scholarly journals Genotoxicity and inflammatory potential of stainless steel welding fume particles: an in vitro study on standard vs Cr(VI)-reduced flux-cored wires and the role of released metals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah McCarrick ◽  
Valentin Romanovski ◽  
Zheng Wei ◽  
Elin M. Westin ◽  
Kjell-Arne Persson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Damage ◽  
In Vitro Study ◽  
Human Monocyte ◽  
Welding Fumes ◽  
Welding Fume ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Cored Wires

AbstractWelders are daily exposed to various levels of welding fumes containing several metals. This exposure can lead to an increased risk for different health effects which serves as a driving force to develop new methods that generate less toxic fumes. The aim of this study was to explore the role of released metals for welding particle-induced toxicity and to test the hypothesis that a reduction of Cr(VI) in welding fumes results in less toxicity by comparing the welding fume particles of optimized Cr(VI)-reduced flux-cored wires (FCWs) to standard FCWs. The welding particles were thoroughly characterized, and toxicity (cell viability, DNA damage and inflammation) was assessed following exposure to welding particles as well as their released metal fraction using cultured human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC-3kt, 5–100 µg/mL) and human monocyte-derived macrophages (THP-1, 10–50 µg/mL). The results showed that all Cr was released as Cr(VI) for welding particles generated using standard FCWs whereas only minor levels (< 3% of total Cr) were released from the newly developed FCWs. Furthermore, the new FCWs were considerably less cytotoxic and did not cause any DNA damage in the doses tested. For the standard FCWs, the Cr(VI) released in cell media seemed to explain a large part of the cytotoxicity and DNA damage. In contrast, all particles caused rather similar inflammatory effects suggesting different underlying mechanisms. Taken together, this study suggests a potential benefit of substituting standard FCWs with Cr(VI)-reduced wires to achieve less toxic welding fumes and thus reduced risks for welders.

scholarly journals The Role of Interleukin-23 in the Early Development of Emphysema in HIV1+Smokers

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Z. Barjaktarevic ◽  
Ronald G. Crystal ◽  
Robert J. Kaner
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Destruction ◽  
Epithelial Lining Fluid ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Knowing That ◽  
Lung Epithelial ◽  
Interleukin 23 ◽  
Metalloproteinase 9 ◽  
Stimulation Of

Rationale.Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression is upregulated in alveolar macrophages (AM) of HIV1+smokers who develop emphysema. Knowing that lung epithelial lining fluid (ELF) of HIV1+smokers contains increased levels of inflammatory cytokines compared to HIV1−smokers, we hypothesized that upregulation of lung cytokines in HIV1+smokers may be functionally related to increased MMP-9 expression.Methods.Cytokine arrays evaluated cytokine protein levels in ELF obtained from 5 groups of individuals: HIV1−healthy nonsmokers, HIV1−healthy smokers, HIV1−smokers with low diffusing capacity (DLCO), HIV1+nonsmokers, and HIV1+smokers with lowDLCO.Results. Increased levels of the Th17 related cytokine IL-23 were found in HIV1−smokers with lowDLCOand HIV1+smokers and nonsmokers. Relative IL-23 gene expression was increased in AM of HIV1+individuals, with greater expression in AM of HIV1+smokers with lowDLCO. Infection with HIV1in vitroinduced IL-23 expression in normal AM. IL-23 stimulation of AM/lymphocyte coculturesin vitroinduced upregulation of MMP-9. Lung T lymphocytes express receptor IL-23R and interact with AM in order to upregulate MMP-9.Conclusion. This mechanism may contribute to the increased tissue destruction in the lungs of HIV1+smokers and suggests that Th17 related inflammation may play a role.

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.

scholarly journals BAG3 contributes to HGF-mediated cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via the Egr1 pathway in gastric cancer

2018 ◽  
Vol 105 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-75
Author(s):  
Jae Chang Lee ◽  
Sung Ae Koh ◽  
Kyung Hee Lee ◽  
Jae-Ryong Kim
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cell Invasion ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Human Gastric Cancer ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Dependent Pathway

Introduction: Bcl2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) is elevated in several types of cancers. However, the role of BAG3 in progression of gastric cancer is unknown. Therefore, the present study aims to find out the role of BAG3 in hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)–mediated tumor progression and the molecular mechanisms by which HGF regulates BAG3 expression. Methods: BAG3 mRNA and protein were measured using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot in the 2 human gastric cancer cell lines, NUGC3 and MKN28, treated with or without HGF. The effects of BAG3 knockdown on cell proliferation, cell invasion, and apoptosis were analyzed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the in vitro 2-chamber invasion assay, and flow cytometry in BAG3 short hairpin RNA (shRNA)–transfected cells and control cells. The signaling pathways involved in BAG3 that are regulated by HGF were analyzed. The chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was used to determine binding of Egr1 to the BAG3 promoter. Results: BAG3 mRNA and protein levels were increased following treatment with HGF. HGF-mediated BAG3 upregulation increased cell proliferation and cell invasion; however, it decreased apoptosis. HGF-mediated BAG3 upregulation is regulated by an ERK and Egr1-dependent pathway. BAG3 may have an important role in HGF-mediated cell proliferation and metastasis in gastric cancer through an ERK and Egr1-dependent pathway. Conclusion: This pathway may provide novel therapeutic targets and provide information for further identification of other targets of therapeutic significance in gastric cancer.

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