scholarly journals Insight into Salivary Gland Aquaporins

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia D’Agostino ◽  
Osama A. Elkashty ◽  
Clara Chivasso ◽  
Jason Perret ◽  
Simon D. Tran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Osmotic Gradient ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Potential Therapeutic Target ◽  
Transmembrane Channel ◽  
Saliva Secretion ◽  
Insight Into

The main role of salivary glands (SG) is the production and secretion of saliva, in which aquaporins (AQPs) play a key role by ensuring water flow. The AQPs are transmembrane channel proteins permeable to water to allow water transport across cell membranes according to osmotic gradient. This review gives an insight into SG AQPs. Indeed, it gives a summary of the expression and localization of AQPs in adult human, rat and mouse SG, as well as of their physiological role in SG function. Furthermore, the review provides a comprehensive view of the involvement of AQPs in pathological conditions affecting SG, including Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, agedness, head and neck cancer radiotherapy and SG cancer. These conditions are characterized by salivary hypofunction resulting in xerostomia. A specific focus is given on current and future therapeutic strategies aiming at AQPs to treat xerostomia. A deeper understanding of the AQPs involvement in molecular mechanisms of saliva secretion and diseases offered new avenues for therapeutic approaches, including drugs, gene therapy and tissue engineering. As such, AQP5 represents a potential therapeutic target in different strategies for the treatment of xerostomia.

Mesophyll conductance: the leaf corridors for photosynthesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Gago ◽  
Danilo M. Daloso ◽  
Marc Carriquí ◽  
Miquel Nadal ◽  
Melanie Morales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Mesophyll Conductance ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Cell Structures ◽  
Leaf Tissues ◽  
Change Framework ◽  
Chloroplast Stroma

Besides stomata, the photosynthetic CO2 pathway also involves the transport of CO2 from the sub-stomatal air spaces inside to the carboxylation sites in the chloroplast stroma, where Rubisco is located. This pathway is far to be a simple and direct way, formed by series of consecutive barriers that the CO2 should cross to be finally assimilated in photosynthesis, known as the mesophyll conductance (gm). Therefore, the gm reflects the pathway through different air, water and biophysical barriers within the leaf tissues and cell structures. Currently, it is known that gm can impose the same level of limitation (or even higher depending of the conditions) to photosynthesis than the wider known stomata or biochemistry. In this mini-review, we are focused on each of the gm determinants to summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms driving gm from anatomical to metabolic and biochemical perspectives. Special attention deserve the latest studies demonstrating the importance of the molecular mechanisms driving anatomical traits as cell wall and the chloroplast surface exposed to the mesophyll airspaces (Sc/S) that significantly constrain gm. However, even considering these recent discoveries, still is poorly understood the mechanisms about signaling pathways linking the environment a/biotic stressors with gm responses. Thus, considering the main role of gm as a major driver of the CO2 availability at the carboxylation sites, future studies into these aspects will help us to understand photosynthesis responses in a global change framework.

Structure, Function, Involvement in Diseases and Targeting of 14-3-3 Proteins: An Update

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ylenia Cau ◽  
Daniela Valensin ◽  
Mattia Mori ◽  
Sara Draghi ◽  
Maurizio Botta
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Protein Partners ◽  
High Sequence Homology ◽  
Small Molecule Modulators

14-3-3 is a class of proteins able to interact with a multitude of targets by establishing protein-protein interactions (PPIs). They are usually found in all eukaryotes with a conserved secondary structure and high sequence homology among species. 14-3-3 proteins are involved in many physiological and pathological cellular processes either by triggering or interfering with the activity of specific protein partners. In the last years, the scientific community has collected many evidences on the role played by seven human 14-3-3 isoforms in cancer or neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, these proteins regulate the molecular mechanisms associated to these diseases by interacting with (i) oncogenic and (ii) pro-apoptotic proteins and (iii) with proteins involved in Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases. The discovery of small molecule modulators of 14-3-3 PPIs could facilitate complete understanding of the physiological role of these proteins, and might offer valuable therapeutic approaches for these critical pathological states.

scholarly journals Epigenetic Regulation of Apoptosis and Cell Cycle in Osteosarcoma

Sarcoma ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krithi Rao-Bindal ◽  
Eugenie S. Kleinerman
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Cycle Regulation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Genetic Mutations ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Alterations ◽  
Novel Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Cycle Regulation ◽  
Insight Into

The role of genetic mutations in the development of osteosarcoma, such as alterations in p53 and Rb, is well understood. However, the significance of epigenetic mechanisms in the progression of osteosarcoma remains unclear and is increasingly being investigated. Recent evidence suggests that epigenetic alterations such as methylation and histone modifications of genes involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of this tumor. Importantly, understanding the molecular mechanisms of regulation of these pathways may give insight into novel therapeutic strategies for patients with osteosarcoma. This paper serves to summarize the described epigenetic mechanisms in the tumorigenesis of osteosarcoma, specifically those pertaining to apoptosis and cell cycle regulation.

scholarly journals cAMP-dependent recruitment of acidic organelles for Ca2+ signaling in the salivary gland

2016 ◽  
Vol 311 (5) ◽  
pp. C697-C709 ◽  
Author(s):  
John F. Imbery ◽  
Sumit Bhattacharya ◽  
Sura Khuder ◽  
Amanda Weiss ◽  
Priyodarshan Goswamee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Neural Activation ◽  
Potential Therapeutic Target ◽  
Parotid Acinar Cells ◽  
Saliva Secretion ◽  
Intracellular Ca ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Protein Components ◽  
Acidic Organelles

Autonomic neural activation of intracellular Ca2+ release in parotid acinar cells induces the secretion of the fluid and protein components of primary saliva critical for maintaining overall oral homeostasis. In the current study, we profiled the role of acidic organelles in shaping the Ca2+ signals of parotid acini using a variety of imaging and pharmacological approaches. Results demonstrate that zymogen granules predominate as an apically polarized population of acidic organelles that contributes to the initial Ca2+ release. Moreover, we provide evidence that indicates a role for the intracellular messenger NAADP in the release of Ca2+ from acidic organelles following elevation of cAMP. Our data are consistent with the “trigger” hypothesis where localized release of Ca2+ sensitizes canonical intracellular Ca2+ channels to enhance signals from the endoplasmic reticulum. Release from acidic stores may be important for initiating saliva secretion at low levels of stimulation and a potential therapeutic target to augment secretory activity in hypofunctioning salivary glands.

scholarly journals Mitochondrial Function, Biology, and Role in Disease

2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (12) ◽  
pp. 1960-1991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Murphy ◽  
Hossein Ardehali ◽  
Robert S. Balaban ◽  
Fabio DiLisa ◽  
Gerald W. Dorn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Mitochondrial Function ◽  
The United States ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Mitochondrial Defects ◽  
Exciting Time ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Novel Therapeutic

Cardiovascular disease is a major leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and elsewhere. Alterations in mitochondrial function are increasingly being recognized as a contributing factor in myocardial infarction and in patients presenting with cardiomyopathy. Recent understanding of the complex interaction of the mitochondria in regulating metabolism and cell death can provide novel insight and therapeutic targets. The purpose of this statement is to better define the potential role of mitochondria in the genesis of cardiovascular disease such as ischemia and heart failure. To accomplish this, we will define the key mitochondrial processes that play a role in cardiovascular disease that are potential targets for novel therapeutic interventions. This is an exciting time in mitochondrial research. The past decade has provided novel insight into the role of mitochondria function and their importance in complex diseases. This statement will define the key roles that mitochondria play in cardiovascular physiology and disease and provide insight into how mitochondrial defects can contribute to cardiovascular disease; it will also discuss potential biomarkers of mitochondrial disease and suggest potential novel therapeutic approaches.

scholarly journals cAMP metabolism controls caspase-11 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in sepsis

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. eaav5562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruochan Chen ◽  
Ling Zeng ◽  
Shan Zhu ◽  
Jiao Liu ◽  
Herbert J. Zeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Pathways ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Poly I:C ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Potential Therapeutic Target ◽  
Camp Metabolism ◽  
Camp Hydrolysis ◽  
Insight Into

The ability of cytosolic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to activate caspase-11–dependent nonclassical inflammasome is intricately controlled to avoid excessive inflammatory responses. However, very little is known about the regulatory role of various metabolic pathways in the control of caspase-11 activation. Here, we demonstrate that l-adrenaline can act on receptor ADRA2B to inhibit the activation of the caspase-11 inflammasome by cytosolic LPS or Escherichia coli infection in macrophages. l-adrenaline–induced cAMP production via the enzyme ADCY4 promotes protein kinase A (PKA) activation, which then blocks the caspase-11–mediated proteolytic maturation of interleukin-1β, gasdermin D (GSDMD) cleavage, and consequent DAMP release. Inhibition of PDE8A-mediated cAMP hydrolysis limits caspase-11 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in macrophages. Consequently, pharmacological modulation of the ADRA2B-ADCY4-PDE8A-PKA axis, knockout of caspase-11 (Casp11−/−), or Gsdmd inactivation (GsdmdI105N/I105N) similarly protects against LPS-induced lethality in poly(I:C)-primed mice. Our results provide previously unidentified mechanistic insight into immune regulation by cAMP and represent a proof of concept that immunometabolism constitutes a potential therapeutic target in sepsis.

Regulation of TRPV5 and TRPV6 by associated proteins

2006 ◽  
Vol 290 (6) ◽  
pp. F1295-F1302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stan F. J. van de Graaf ◽  
Joost G. J. Hoenderop ◽  
René J. M. Bindels
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Hormonal Control ◽  
Trp Channel ◽  
Intestinal Lumen ◽  
Blood Compartment ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Prime Target

The epithelial Ca2+ channels TRPV5 and TRPV6 are the most Ca2+-selective members of the TRP channel superfamily. These channels are the prime target for hormonal control of the active Ca2+ flux from the urine space or intestinal lumen to the blood compartment. Insight into their regulation is, therefore, pivotal in our understanding of the (patho)physiology of Ca2+ homeostasis. The recent elucidation of TRPV5/6-associated proteins has provided new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of these channels. In this review, we describe the various means of TRPV5/6 regulation, the role of channel-associated proteins herein, and the relationship between both processes.

Insight into the physiological role of a compartmentalised ferritin like protein in Rhodospirillum rubrum

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. S43-S44
Author(s):  
Jon Marles-Wright ◽  
Didi He ◽  
Atanas Georgiev ◽  
David Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Rhodospirillum Rubrum ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Insight Into

scholarly journals Cathepsins in the Pathophysiology of Mucopolysaccharidoses: New Perspectives for Therapy

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 979 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valeria De Pasquale ◽  
Anna Moles ◽  
Luigi Michele Pavone
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Protein Processing ◽  
Lysosomal Storage ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Kidney Dysfunction ◽  
Nuclear Membranes ◽  
Intracellular Organelles ◽  
Primary Focus ◽  
Storage Disorders

Cathepsins (CTSs) are ubiquitously expressed proteases normally found in the endolysosomal compartment where they mediate protein degradation and turnover. However, CTSs are also found in the cytoplasm, nucleus, and extracellular matrix where they actively participate in cell signaling, protein processing, and trafficking through the plasma and nuclear membranes and between intracellular organelles. Dysregulation in CTS expression and/or activity disrupts cellular homeostasis, thus contributing to many human diseases, including inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, obesity, cancer, kidney dysfunction, and others. This review aimed to highlight the involvement of CTSs in inherited lysosomal storage disorders, with a primary focus to the emerging evidence on the role of CTSs in the pathophysiology of Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs). These latter diseases are characterized by severe neurological, skeletal and cardiovascular phenotypes, and no effective cure exists to date. The advance in the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the activity of CTSs in MPSs may open a new challenge for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for the cure of such intractable diseases.

MicroRNA-1225-5p acts as a tumor-suppressor in laryngeal cancer via targeting CDC14B

2019 ◽  
Vol 400 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Sun ◽  
Dan Zhang ◽  
Haiping Huang ◽  
Yafeng Yu ◽  
Zhendong Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
Cell Division ◽  
Cell Cycle Arrest ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Normal Tissues ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Enhanced Expression ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the role of miRNA-1225-5p (miR-1225) in laryngeal carcinoma (LC). We found that the expression of miR-1225 was suppressed in human LC samples, while CDC14B (cell division cycle 14B) expression was reinforced in comparison with surrounding normal tissues. We also demonstrated that enhanced expression of miR-1225 impaired the proliferation and survival of LC cells, and resulted in G1/S cell cycle arrest. In contrast, reduced expression of miR-1225 promoted cell survival. Moreover, miR-1225 resulted in G1/S cell cycle arrest and enhanced cell death. Further, miR-1225 targets CDC14B 3′-UTR and recovery of CDC14B expression counteracted the suppressive influence of miR-1225 on LC cells. Thus, these findings offer insight into the biological and molecular mechanisms behind the development of LC.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document