scholarly journals A Lys49 PhospholipaseA2, Isolated fromBothrops asperSnake Venom, Induces Lipid Droplet Formation in Macrophages Which Depends on Distinct Signaling Pathways and the C-Terminal Region

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karina Cristina Giannotti ◽  
Elbio Leiguez ◽  
Vanessa Moreira ◽  
Neide Galvão Nascimento ◽  
Bruno Lomonte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Protein Kinases ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Terminal Sequence ◽  
Pharmacological Interventions ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Inflammatory Mechanism ◽  
Terminal Loop

MT-II, a Lys49PLA2homologue devoid of catalytic activity fromB. aspervenom, stimulates inflammatory events in macrophages. We investigated the ability of MT-II to induce formation of lipid droplets (LDs), key elements of inflammatory responses, in isolated macrophages and participation of protein kinases and intracellular PLA2s in this effect. Influence of MT-II on PLIN2 recruitment and expression was assessed, and the effects of some synthetic peptides on LD formation were further evaluated. At noncytotoxic concentrations, MT-II directly activated macrophages to form LDs. This effect was reproduced by a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C-terminal sequence 115–129 of MT-II, evidencing the critical role of C-terminus for MT-II-induced effect. Moreover, MT-II induced expression and recruitment of PLIN2. Pharmacological interventions with specific inhibitors showed that PKC, PI3K, ERK1/2, and iPLA2, but notP38MAPKor cPLA2, signaling pathways are involved in LD formation induced by MT-II. This sPLA2homologue also induced synthesis of PGE2that colocalized to LDs. In conclusion, MT-II is able to induce formation of LDs committed to PGE2formation in a process dependent on C-terminal loop engagement and regulated by distinct protein kinases and iPLA2. LDs may constitute an important inflammatory mechanism triggered by MT-II in macrophages.

scholarly journals Interplay Between SOX9, Wnt/β-Catenin and Androgen Receptor Signaling in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 2066 ◽  
Author(s):  
Namrata Khurana ◽  
Suresh C. Sikka
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Androgen Receptor ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer ◽  
Form Complex ◽  
Androgen Receptor Signaling ◽  
Castration Resistant ◽  
Signaling Axis

Androgen receptor (AR) signaling plays a key role not only in the initiation of prostate cancer (PCa) but also in its transition to aggressive and invasive castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the crosstalk of AR with other signaling pathways contributes significantly to the emergence and growth of CRPC. Wnt/β-catenin signaling facilitates ductal morphogenesis in fetal prostate and its anomalous expression has been linked with PCa. β-catenin has also been reported to form complex with AR and thus augment AR signaling in PCa. The transcription factor SOX9 has been shown to be the driving force of aggressive and invasive PCa cells and regulate AR expression in PCa cells. Furthermore, SOX9 has also been shown to propel PCa by the reactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In this review, we discuss the critical role of SOX9/AR/Wnt/β-catenin signaling axis in the development and progression of CRPC. The phytochemicals like sulforaphane and curcumin that can concurrently target SOX9, AR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in PCa may thus be beneficial in the chemoprevention of PCa.

scholarly journals The Inflammatory Role of Pro-Resolving Mediators in Endometriosis: An Integrative Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4370
Author(s):  
Cássia de Fáveri ◽  
Paula M. Poeta Fermino ◽  
Anna P. Piovezan ◽  
Lia K. Volpato
Keyword(s):  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Resolvin D1 ◽  
Endogenous Factors

The pathogenesis of endometriosis is still controversial, although it is known that the inflammatory immune response plays a critical role in this process. The resolution of inflammation is an active process where the activation of endogenous factors allows the host tissue to maintain homeostasis. The mechanisms by which pro-resolving mediators (PRM) act in endometriosis are still little explored. Thus, this integrative review aims to synthesize the available content regarding the role of PRM in endometriosis. Experimental and in vitro studies with Lipoxin A4 demonstrate a potential inhibitory effect on endometrial lesions’ progression, attenuating pro-inflammatory and angiogenic signals, inhibiting proliferative and invasive action suppressing intracellular signaling induced by cytokines and estradiol, mainly through the FPR2/ALX. Investigations with Resolvin D1 demonstrated the inhibition of endometrial lesions and decreased pro-inflammatory factors. Annexin A1 is expressed in the endometrium and is specifically present in women with endometriosis, although the available studies are still inconsistent. Thus, we believe there is a gap in knowledge regarding the PRM pathways in patients with endometriosis. It is important to note that these substances’ therapeutic potential is evident since the immune and abnormal inflammatory responses play an essential role in endometriosis development and progression.

scholarly journals Critical Role of Zinc as Either an Antioxidant or a Prooxidant in Cellular Systems

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung Ryul Lee
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Zinc Deficiency ◽  
Metal Binding ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Cellular Systems ◽  
Oxidative Stresses ◽  
Dual Action

Zinc is recognized as an essential trace metal required for human health; its deficiency is strongly associated with neuronal and immune system defects. Although zinc is a redox-inert metal, it functions as an antioxidant through the catalytic action of copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase, stabilization of membrane structure, protection of the protein sulfhydryl groups, and upregulation of the expression of metallothionein, which possesses a metal-binding capacity and also exhibits antioxidant functions. In addition, zinc suppresses anti-inflammatory responses that would otherwise augment oxidative stress. The actions of zinc are not straightforward owing to its numerous roles in biological systems. It has been shown that zinc deficiency and zinc excess cause cellular oxidative stress. To gain insights into the dual action of zinc, as either an antioxidant or a prooxidant, and the conditions under which each role is performed, the oxidative stresses that occur in zinc deficiency and zinc overload in conjunction with the intracellular regulation of free zinc are summarized. Additionally, the regulatory role of zinc in mitochondrial homeostasis and its impact on oxidative stress are briefly addressed.

scholarly journals Molecular basis of the dual role of the Mlh1-Mlh3 endonuclease in MMR and in meiotic crossover formation

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (23) ◽  
pp. e2022704118
Author(s):  
Jingqi Dai ◽  
Aurore Sanchez ◽  
Céline Adam ◽  
Lepakshi Ranjha ◽  
Giordano Reginato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meiotic Recombination ◽  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Crystal Packing ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Holliday Junctions ◽  
Dual Roles ◽  
Terminal Domain ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Meiotic Crossover

In budding yeast, the MutL homolog heterodimer Mlh1-Mlh3 (MutLγ) plays a central role in the formation of meiotic crossovers. It is also involved in the repair of a subset of mismatches besides the main mismatch repair (MMR) endonuclease Mlh1-Pms1 (MutLα). The heterodimer interface and endonuclease sites of MutLγ and MutLα are located in their C-terminal domain (CTD). The molecular basis of MutLγ’s dual roles in MMR and meiosis is not known. To better understand the specificity of MutLγ, we characterized the crystal structure of Saccharomyces cerevisiae MutLγ(CTD). Although MutLγ(CTD) presents overall similarities with MutLα(CTD), it harbors some rearrangement of the surface surrounding the active site, which indicates altered substrate preference. The last amino acids of Mlh1 participate in the Mlh3 endonuclease site as previously reported for Pms1. We characterized mlh1 alleles and showed a critical role of this Mlh1 extreme C terminus both in MMR and in meiotic recombination. We showed that the MutLγ(CTD) preferentially binds Holliday junctions, contrary to MutLα(CTD). We characterized Mlh3 positions on the N-terminal domain (NTD) and CTD that could contribute to the positioning of the NTD close to the CTD in the context of the full-length MutLγ. Finally, crystal packing revealed an assembly of MutLγ(CTD) molecules in filament structures. Mutation at the corresponding interfaces reduced crossover formation, suggesting that these superstructures may contribute to the oligomer formation proposed for MutLγ. This study defines clear divergent features between the MutL homologs and identifies, at the molecular level, their specialization toward MMR or meiotic recombination functions.

scholarly journals CTCF cooperates with CtIP to drive homologous recombination repair of double-strand breaks

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (17) ◽  
pp. 9160-9179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soon Young Hwang ◽  
Mi Ae Kang ◽  
Chul Joon Baik ◽  
Yejin Lee ◽  
Ngo Thanh Hang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Homologous Recombination ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Control Point ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Dna End Resection ◽  
End Resection

Abstract The pleiotropic CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) plays a role in homologous recombination (HR) repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). However, the precise mechanistic role of CTCF in HR remains largely unclear. Here, we show that CTCF engages in DNA end resection, which is the initial, crucial step in HR, through its interactions with MRE11 and CtIP. Depletion of CTCF profoundly impairs HR and attenuates CtIP recruitment at DSBs. CTCF physically interacts with MRE11 and CtIP and promotes CtIP recruitment to sites of DNA damage. Subsequently, CTCF facilitates DNA end resection to allow HR, in conjunction with MRE11–CtIP. Notably, the zinc finger domain of CTCF binds to both MRE11 and CtIP and enables proficient CtIP recruitment, DNA end resection and HR. The N-terminus of CTCF is able to bind to only MRE11 and its C-terminus is incapable of binding to MRE11 and CtIP, thereby resulting in compromised CtIP recruitment, DSB resection and HR. Overall, this suggests an important function of CTCF in DNA end resection through the recruitment of CtIP at DSBs. Collectively, our findings identify a critical role of CTCF at the first control point in selecting the HR repair pathway.

scholarly journals Toll-like receptor-mediated innate immunity against herpesviridae infection: a current perspective on viral infection signaling pathways

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenjin Zheng ◽  
Qing Xu ◽  
Yiyuan Zhang ◽  
Xiaofei E ◽  
Wei Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Innate Immunity ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Current Perspective ◽  
Viral Components

Abstract Background In the past decades, researchers have demonstrated the critical role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the innate immune system. They recognize viral components and trigger immune signal cascades to subsequently promote the activation of the immune system. Main body Herpesviridae family members trigger TLRs to elicit cytokines in the process of infection to activate antiviral innate immune responses in host cells. This review aims to clarify the role of TLRs in the innate immunity defense against herpesviridae, and systematically describes the processes of TLR actions and herpesviridae recognition as well as the signal transduction pathways involved. Conclusions Future studies of the interactions between TLRs and herpesviridae infections, especially the subsequent signaling pathways, will not only contribute to the planning of effective antiviral therapies but also provide new molecular targets for the development of antiviral drugs.

scholarly journals Osteoarthritis and Toll-Like Receptors: When Innate Immunity Meets Chondrocyte Apoptosis

Biology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 65
Author(s):  
Goncalo Barreto ◽  
Mikko Manninen ◽  
Kari K. Eklund
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Chondrocyte Apoptosis ◽  
Innate Immune Responses ◽  
Toll Like Receptors ◽  
Chondrocyte Death ◽  
Dominant Feature ◽  
Functional Relevance

Osteoarthritis (OA) has long been viewed as a degenerative disease of cartilage, but accumulating evidence indicates that inflammation has a critical role in its pathogenesis. In particular, chondrocyte-mediated inflammatory responses triggered by the activation of innate immune receptors by alarmins (also known as danger signals) are thought to be involved. Thus, toll-like receptors (TLRs) and their signaling pathways are of particular interest. Recent reports suggest that among the TLR-induced innate immune responses, apoptosis is one of the critical events. Apoptosis is of particular importance, given that chondrocyte death is a dominant feature in OA. This review focuses on the role of TLR signaling in chondrocytes and the role of TLR activation in chondrocyte apoptosis. The functional relevance of TLR and TLR-triggered apoptosis in OA are discussed as well as their relevance as candidates for novel disease-modifying OA drugs (DMOADs).

scholarly journals Signaling Pathways Critical for Tooth Root Formation

2017 ◽  
Vol 96 (11) ◽  
pp. 1221-1228 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Wang ◽  
J.Q. Feng
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Root Formation ◽  
Root Resorption ◽  
Tooth Development ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Tooth Root ◽  
Short Root ◽  
Dentin Formation

Tooth is made of an enamel-covered crown and a cementum-covered root. Studies on crown dentin formation have been a major focus in tooth development for several decades. Interestingly, the population prevalence for genetic short root anomaly (SRA) with no apparent defects in crown is close to 1.3%. Furthermore, people with SRA itself are predisposed to root resorption during orthodontic treatment. The discovery of the unique role of Nfic (nuclear factor I C; a transcriptional factor) in controlling root but not crown dentin formation points to a new concept: tooth crown and root have different control mechanisms. Further genetic mechanism studies have identified more key molecules (including Osterix, β-catenin, and sonic hedgehog) that play a critical role in root formation. Extensive studies have also revealed the critical role of Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath in tooth root formation. In addition, Wnt10a has recently been found to be linked to multirooted tooth furcation formation. These exciting findings not only fill the critical gaps in our understanding about tooth root formation but will aid future research regarding the identifying factors controlling tooth root size and the generation of a whole “bio-tooth” for therapeutic purposes. This review starts with human SRA and mainly focuses on recent progress on the roles of NFIC-dependent and NFIC-independent signaling pathways in tooth root formation. Finally, this review includes a list of the various Cre transgenic mouse lines used to achieve tooth root formation–related gene deletion or overexpression, as well as strengths and limitations of each line.

scholarly journals Differential HspBP1 expression accounts for the greater vulnerability of neurons than astrocytes to misfolded proteins

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (37) ◽  
pp. E7803-E7811 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting Zhao ◽  
Yan Hong ◽  
Peng Yin ◽  
Shihua Li ◽  
Xiao-Jiang Li
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Misfolded Proteins ◽  
Inhibitory Protein ◽  
Interacting Protein ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Differential Vulnerability ◽  
Disease Protein ◽  
Knockin Mouse

Although it is well known that astrocytes are less vulnerable than neurons in neurodegenerative diseases, the mechanism behind this differential vulnerability is unclear. Here we report that neurons and astrocytes show markedly different activities in C terminus of Hsp70-interacting protein (CHIP), a cochaperone of Hsp70. In astrocytes, CHIP is more actively monoubiquitinated and binds to mutant huntingtin (mHtt), the Huntington’s disease protein, more avidly, facilitating its K48-linked polyubiquitination and degradation. Astrocytes also show the higher level and heat-shock induction of Hsp70 and faster CHIP-mediated degradation of various misfolded proteins than neurons. In contrast to astrocytes, neurons express abundant HspBP1, a CHIP inhibitory protein, resulting in the low activity of CHIP. Silencing HspBP1 expression via CRISPR-Cas9 in neurons ameliorated mHtt aggregation and neuropathology in HD knockin mouse brains. Our findings indicate a critical role of HspBP1 in differential CHIP/Hsp70 activities in neuronal and glial cells and the greater neuronal vulnerability to misfolded proteins in neurodegenerative diseases.

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