scholarly journals Autophagic activation in vitrified–warmed mouse oocytes

Reproduction ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 148 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soyoung Bang ◽  
Hyejin Shin ◽  
Haengseok Song ◽  
Chang Suk Suh ◽  
Hyunjung Jade Lim
Keyword(s):  
Slight Reduction ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Imaging Analysis ◽  
Response Mechanism ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Mouse Oocytes ◽  
Lc3 Puncta ◽  
First Time ◽  
Cellular Stressors ◽  
Warming Process

Vitrification involves the use of cryoprotectants (CPAs) and liquid nitrogen (LN2), which may cause osmotic damage and cryoinjury to oocytes. Autophagy is widely recognized as a survival or response mechanism elicited by various environmental and cellular stressors. However, the induction of autophagy in vitrified–warmed oocytes has not been examined. In this work, we investigated whether the vitrification–warming process induces autophagy in mouse oocytes. Metaphase II (MII) oocytes that were vitrified and stored in LN2for at least 2 weeks were used in the study. In RT-PCR analyses, we observed that severalAtggenes such asAtg5,Atg7,Atg12,LC3a(Map1lc3a),LC3b(Map1lc3b), andBeclin1were expressed in MII mouse oocytes. Slight reduction in mRNA levels ofAtg7andAtg12in vitrified–warmed oocytes was noted, and expression of these genes was not significantly influenced. Confocal live imaging analysis using oocytes from GFP-LC3 transgenic mice revealed that vitrified–warmed oocytes had a significantly higher number of GFP-LC3 puncta in comparison to fresh oocytes. The expression of BECLIN1 protein was also increased in vitrified–warmed oocytes. Treatment with 3-methyladenine, an inhibitor of autophagy, did not significantly affect the rates of oocyte survival, IVF, and embryonic development after warming and IVF. The results suggest that the observed autophagic activation in vitrified–warmed oocytes is a natural adaptive response to cold stress. Collectively, we show for the first time that vitrified–warmed mouse oocytes exhibit autophagic activation during warming and that this response is not induced by CPA-containing solutions. The induction of autophagy by cold temperature is first reported herein.

scholarly journals TFEB activates Nrf2 by repressing its E3 ubiquitin ligase DCAF11 and promoting phosphorylation of p62

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jee-Yun Park ◽  
Sunhyo Kim ◽  
Hee Young Sohn ◽  
Young Ho Koh ◽  
Chulman Jo
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
E3 Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Nuclear Factor ◽  
Glutathione S Transferase ◽  
First Time ◽  
Cellular Stressors

Abstract Transcriptional factor EB (TFEB) and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) play crucial roles in the biological response against cellular stressors; however, their relationship has not yet been investigated. Here, we constructed human neuroglioma cell lines stably expressing TFEB. The expression of Nrf2-response genes, including heme oxygenase (HO)-1, glutathione-s-transferase-mu1 (GSTM1), and p62, was induced in the cell line, independent of oxidative stress. Of note, the protein level of Nrf2 was significantly increased, and its ubiquitinated fraction was reduced in stable cells compared to that in the control cells. Among E3 ubiquitin ligases known to be involved in the ubiquitination of Nrf2, DDB1 and Cullin4 associated factor 11 (DCAF11) was down-regulated at both protein and mRNA levels in stable cells, indicating that the repression of DCAF11 by TFEB may be mainly involved in the stabilization of Nrf2. In addition, the level of phosphorylated p62 at S349 was highly increased in stable cells compared to that in control cells, which could allow it to interfere with the association of Keap1 and Nrf2, thus stabilizing Nrf2. We suggest for the first time that TFEB could activate Nrf2 by increasing its stability under conditions devoid of oxidative stress.

90 ENDOGENOUS MODIFICATIONS OF AURORA B AND AURORA C KINASE EXPRESSION IN MOUSE OOCYTES AND EARLY EMBRYOS

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
C. A. Lima ◽  
V. Huntress ◽  
E. W. Overström
Keyword(s):  
Protein Localization ◽  
Somatic Cells ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Mouse Oocytes ◽  
Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽  
Early Embryos

The Aurora (Aur) proteins are a family of serine/threonine kinases that play fundamental roles in controlling M-phase progression. Previous reports have shown that AurB is vital for proper completion of karyokinesis and cytokinesis in somatic cells. The role of AurC in somatic cells has been found to be much less significant, whereas it appears to play an important role in spermatogenesis. The role of these Aur proteins is not well characterized in mouse oocytes and early embryos. The objective of this study was to assess changes of AurB and AurC mRNA and protein expression in mouse oocytes and early embryos as development progresses through the activation of the zygotic genome. Oocytes and embryos were collected from the oviducts of hormone-stimulated CF-1 mice. After culturing for varying amounts of time, cumulus-denuded samples were either fixed for immunofluorescence microscopy studies or lysed for analysis of mRNA levels through the use of reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Samples were processed for immunofluorescence using markers of spindle morphology (tubulin) and AurB. Analysis of relative levels of AurB and AurC mRNA were assessed by RT-PCR methods. Marked differences were observed in the localization of AurB when unfertilized oocytes or prezygotic genome activation (ZGA) embryos were compared with post-ZGA samples. There was no evidence of AurB protein localized to the mitotic spindle or resultant midbody in oocyte and early embryo samples. Embryos fixed post-ZGA demonstrated AurB localization, as is conventionally found in somatic cells. The AurB protein was found co-localized with DNA in metaphase stage blastomeres and associated with the midbody in blastomeres near completion of cytokinesis. Relative levels of AurB mRNA were not found to be significantly different when pre- and post-ZGA samples were compared. A significant decrease in relative levels of AurC mRNA was observed in fertilized pre-ZGA samples when compared with unfertilized oocyte counterparts. These observations demonstrate significant differences in the status of AurB and AurC mRNA levels and protein localization in mouse oocytes and early embryos when compared with somatic cells. Given earlier reports showing the vital role of AurC in spermatogenesis, the elevated levels of AurC mRNA observed in prefertilization oocytes may be indicative of a similar role of AurC during oogenesis. Elucidating temporal and localization details of Aur expression is vital to gaining further understanding of cell-cycle regulation in oogenesis and early embryogenesis.

Existence of cardiac PNMT mRNA in adult rats: elevation by stress in a glucocorticoid-dependent manner

2001 ◽  
Vol 281 (3) ◽  
pp. H1372-H1379 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Križanová ◽  
L. Mičutková ◽  
J. Jeloková ◽  
M. Filipenko ◽  
E. Sabban ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Left Atrium ◽  
Southern Blot ◽  
Immobilization Stress ◽  
Small Extent ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
First Time

Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) is the enzyme that synthesizes epinephrine from norepinephrine. The aim of this study was to determine potential PNMT gene expression in the cardiac atria and ventricles of adult rats and to examine whether the gene expression of this enzyme is affected by immobilization stress. PNMT mRNA levels were detected in all four parts of the heart, with the highest level in the left atrium. Both Southern blot and sequencing verified the specificity of PNMT detected by RT-PCR. Single immobilization for 2 h increased gene expression of PNMT in both atria and ventricles. In atria, this effect was clearly modulated by glucocorticoids, because either adrenalectomy or hypophysectomy prevented the increase in PNMT mRNA levels in response to immobilization stimulus. This study establishes, for the first time, that PNMT gene expression occurs in cardiac atria and also, to a small extent, in ventricles of adult rats. Immobilization stress increases gene expression in atria and ventricles. This increase requires an intact hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, indicating the involvement of glucocorticoids.

Negative Correlation Between Serum Levels of Homocysteine and Apolipoprotein M

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-126
Author(s):  
J. Wei ◽  
Y. Yu ◽  
Y. Feng ◽  
J. Zhang ◽  
Q. Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Hepg2 Cells ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Apolipoprotein M ◽  
Protein Mass ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase

Background: Homocysteine (Hcy) has been suggested as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Apolipoprotein M (apoM) is a constituent of the HDL particles. The goal of this study was to examine the serum levels of homocysteine and apoM and to determine whether homocysteine influences apoM synthesis. Methods: Serum levels of apoM and Hcy in 17 hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) patients and 19 controls were measured and their correlations were analyzed. Different concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy) and LY294002, a specific phosphoinositide 3- kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, were used to treat HepG2 cells. The mRNA levels were determined by RT-PCR and the apoM protein mass was measured by western blot. Results: We found that decreased serum apoM levels corresponded with serum HDL levels in HHcy patients, while the serum apoM levels showed a statistically significant negative correlation with the serum Hcy levels. Moreover, apoM mRNA and protein levels were significantly decreased after the administration of Hcy in HepG2 cells, and this effect could be abolished by addition of LY294002. Conclusions: resent study demonstrates that Hcy downregulates the expression of apoM by mechanisms involving the PI3K signal pathway.

scholarly journals Phylogenomic Evidence of Reinfection and Persistence of SARS-CoV-2: First Report from Colombia

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 282
Author(s):  
Juan David Ramírez ◽  
Marina Muñoz ◽  
Nathalia Ballesteros ◽  
Luz H. Patiño ◽  
Sergio Castañeda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Persistence ◽  
Transmission Dynamics ◽  
Polymorphism Analysis ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Infection Dynamics ◽  
Oxford Nanopore ◽  
Novel Variants ◽  
First Time ◽  
Oxford Nanopore Technologies

The continuing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and the emergence of novel variants have raised concerns about possible reinfection events and potential changes in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission dynamics. Utilizing Oxford Nanopore technologies, we sequenced paired samples of three patients with positive RT-PCR results in a 1–2-month window period, and subsequent phylogenetics and genetic polymorphism analysis of these genomes was performed. Herein, we report, for the first time, genomic evidence of one case of reinfection in Colombia, exhibiting different SARS-CoV-2 lineage classifications between samples (B.1 and B.1.1.269). Furthermore, we report two cases of possible viral persistence, highlighting the importance of deepening our understanding on the evolutionary intra-host traits of this virus throughout different timeframes of disease progression. These results emphasize the relevance of genomic surveillance as a tool for understanding SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics, and how this may translate effectively to future control and mitigations efforts, such as the national vaccination program.

scholarly journals Phenotypical and Functional Characteristics of Human Regulatory T Cells during Ex Vivo Maturation from CD4+ T Lymphocytes

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (13) ◽  
pp. 5776
Author(s):  
Varvara G. Blinova ◽  
Natalia S. Novachly ◽  
Sofya N. Gippius ◽  
Abdullah Hilal ◽  
Yulia A. Gladilina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Regulatory T Cells ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Inflammatory Reactions ◽  
Effector Cells ◽  
Cycle Regulation ◽  
Further Development

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) participate in the negative regulation of inflammatory reactions by suppressing effector cells. In a number of autoimmune disorders, the suppressive function and/or the number of Tregs is compromised. The lack of active functioning Tregs can be restored with adoptive transfer of expanded ex vivo autologous Tregs. In our study, we traced the differentiation and maturation of Tregs CD4+CD25+FoxP3+CD127low over 7 days of cultivation from initial CD4+ T cells under ex vivo conditions. The resulting ex vivo expanded cell population (eTregs) demonstrated the immune profile of Tregs with an increased capacity to suppress the proliferation of target effector cells. The expression of the FoxP3 gene was upregulated within the time of expansion and was associated with gradual demethylation in the promotor region of the T cell-specific demethylation region. Real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed changes in the expression profile of genes involved in cell cycle regulation. In addition to FOXP3, the cells displayed elevated mRNA levels of Ikaros zinc finger transcription factors and the main telomerase catalytic subunit hTERT. Alternative splicing of FoxP3, hTERT and IKZF family members was demonstrated to be involved in eTreg maturation. Our data indicate that expanded ex vivo eTregs develop a Treg-specific phenotype and functional suppressive activity. We suggest that eTregs are not just expanded but transformed cells with enhanced capacities of immune suppression. Our findings may influence further development of cell immunosuppressive therapy based on regulatory T cells.

scholarly journals Molecular epidemiology of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in India

2016 ◽  
Vol 144 (16) ◽  
pp. 3422-3425 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. SINGH ◽  
M. CHHABRA ◽  
P. SHARMA ◽  
R. JAISWAL ◽  
G. SINGH ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eastern Europe ◽  
N Gene ◽  
Western India ◽  
Haemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Phylogenetic Relatedness ◽  
Cchf Virus ◽  
Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever ◽  
First Time

SUMMARYCrimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an emerging zoonotic disease in India which is prevalent in neighbouring countries. CCHF virus (CCHFV) is a widespread tick-borne virus which is endemic in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. In the present study, samples of clinically suspected human cases from different areas of northern-western India were tested for the presence of CCHFV by RT–PCR through amplification of nucleocapsid (N) gene of CCHFV. Positive samples were sequenced to reveal the prevailing CCHFV genotype(s) and phylogenetic relatedness. A phylogenetic tree revealed the emergence of diverse strains in the study region showing maximum identity with the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran strains, which was different from earlier reported Indian strains. Our findings reveal for the first time the emergence of the Asia 1 group in India; while earlier reported CCHFV strains belong to the Asia 2 group.

scholarly journals Quantitative assessment of CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 expression in aldosterone-producing adenomas

2002 ◽  
pp. 795-802 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Fallo ◽  
V Pezzi ◽  
L Barzon ◽  
P Mulatero ◽  
F Veglio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Zona Glomerulosa ◽  
Zona Fasciculata ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Pathophysiological Role ◽  
Aldosterone Production

BACKGROUND: The presence and pathophysiological role of CYP11B1 (11beta-hydroxylase) gene in the zona glomerulosa of human adrenal cortex is still controversial. METHODS: In order to specifically quantify CYP11B1, CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) and CYP17(17alpha-hydroxylase) mRNA levels, we developed a real-time RT-PCR assay and examined the expression in a series of adrenal tIssues, including six normal adrenals from patients adrenalectomized for renal cancer and twelve aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) from patients with primary aldosteronism. RESULTS: CYP11B1 mRNA levels were clearly detected in normal adrenals, which comprised both zona glomerulosa and fasciculata/reticularis cells, but were also measured at a lower range (P<0.05) in APA. The levels of CYP11B2 mRNA were lower (P<0.005) in normal adrenals than in APA. CYP17 mRNAlevels were similar in normal adrenals and in APA. In patients with APA, CYP11B2 and CYP11B1 mRNA levels were not correlated either with basal aldosterone or with the change from basal aldosterone in response to posture or to dexamethasone. No correlation between CYP11B1 mRNA or CYP11B2 mRNA and the percentage of zona fasciculata-like cells was observed in APA. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time RT-PCR can be reliably used to quantify CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 mRNA levels in adrenal tIssues. Expression of CYP11B1 in hyperfunctioning zona glomerulosa suggests an additional formation of corticosterone via 11beta-hydroxylase, providing further substrate for aldosterone biosynthesis. CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 mRNA levels in APA are not related to the in vivo secretory activity of glomerulosa cells, where post-transcriptional factors might ultimately regulate aldosterone production.

Relative Levels of mRNA Encoding Enamel Proteins in Enamel Organ Epithelia and Odontoblasts

2003 ◽  
Vol 82 (12) ◽  
pp. 982-986 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Nagano ◽  
S. Oida ◽  
H. Ando ◽  
K. Gomi ◽  
T. Arai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tooth Enamel ◽  
Structural Proteins ◽  
Enamel Organ ◽  
Maturation Stage ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Enamel Protein ◽  
Enamel Proteins ◽  
Enamel Layer

Amelogenin, enamelin, sheathlin (ameloblastin/ amelin), enamelysin (MMP-20), and KLK4 (EMSP-1) are the major structural proteins and proteinases in developing tooth enamel. Recently, odontoblasts were reported to express amelogenin, the most abundant enamel protein. In this study, we hypothesized that odontoblasts express all enamel proteins and proteases, and we measured their relative mRNA levels in enamel organ epithelia and odontoblasts associated with porcine secretory- and maturation-stage enamel by RT-PCR, using a LightCycler instrument. The results showed that amelogenin mRNA in secretory-stage EOE is 320-fold higher than in odontoblasts beneath secretory-stage enamel, and over 20,000-fold higher than in odontoblasts under maturation-stage enamel. Similar results were obtained for enamelin and sheathlin. Enamelysin mRNA levels were equivalent in these two tissues, while KLK4 mRNA was higher in odontoblasts than in secretory-stage EOE. These results support the conclusion that odontoblasts are involved in the formation of the enamel layer adjacent to enamel-dentin junction.

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