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Genes May 2024A 23-month-old neutered male dog of unknown ancestry presented with a history of progressive neurological signs that included anxiety, cognitive impairment, tremors,...
A 23-month-old neutered male dog of unknown ancestry presented with a history of progressive neurological signs that included anxiety, cognitive impairment, tremors, seizure activity, ataxia, and pronounced visual impairment. The clinical signs were accompanied by global brain atrophy. Due to progression in the severity of disease signs, the dog was euthanized at 26 months of age. An examination of the tissues collected at necropsy revealed dramatic intracellular accumulations of autofluorescent inclusions in the brain, retina, and cardiac muscle. The inclusions were immunopositive for subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase, and their ultrastructural appearances were similar to those of lysosomal storage bodies that accumulate in some neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) diseases. The dog also exhibited widespread neuroinflammation. Based on these findings, the dog was deemed likely to have suffered from a form of NCL. A whole genome sequence analysis of the proband's DNA revealed a homozygous C to T substitution that altered the intron 3-exon 4 splice site of . Other mutations in cause NCL diseases in humans and animals, including dogs. The CLN6 protein was undetectable with immunolabeling in the tissues of the proband. Based on the clinical history, fluorescence and electron-microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and molecular genetic findings, the disorder in this dog was classified as an NCL resulting from the absence of the CLN6 protein. Screening the dog's genome for a panel of breed-specific polymorphisms indicated that its ancestry included numerous breeds, with no single breed predominating. This suggests that the disease variant is likely to be present in other mixed-breed dogs and at least some ancestral breeds, although it is likely to be rare since other cases have not been reported to date.
Topics: Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses; Animals; Dogs; Male; Dog Diseases; RNA Splice Sites; Membrane Proteins; Mitochondrial Proton-Translocating ATPases; Brain; Mutation
PubMed: 38927597
DOI: 10.3390/genes15060661 -
Biomolecules May 2024The p53 protein is the master regulator of cellular integrity, primarily due to its tumor-suppressing functions. Approximately half of all human cancers carry mutations... (Review)
Review
The p53 protein is the master regulator of cellular integrity, primarily due to its tumor-suppressing functions. Approximately half of all human cancers carry mutations in the TP53 gene, which not only abrogate the tumor-suppressive functions but also confer p53 mutant proteins with oncogenic potential. The latter is achieved through so-called gain-of-function (GOF) mutations that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance by deregulating transcriptional networks, signaling pathways, metabolism, immune surveillance, and cellular compositions of the microenvironment. Despite recent progress in understanding the complexity of mutp53 in neoplastic development, the exact mechanisms of how mutp53 contributes to cancer development and how they escape proteasomal and lysosomal degradation remain only partially understood. In this review, we address recent findings in the field of oncogenic functions of mutp53 specifically regarding, but not limited to, its implications in metabolic pathways, the secretome of cancer cells, the cancer microenvironment, and the regulating scenarios of the aberrant proteasomal degradation. By analyzing proteasomal and lysosomal protein degradation, as well as its connection with autophagy, we propose new therapeutical approaches that aim to destabilize mutp53 proteins and deactivate its oncogenic functions, thereby providing a fundamental basis for further investigation and rational treatment approaches for TP53-mutated cancers.
Topics: Humans; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Neoplasms; Tumor Microenvironment; Proteolysis; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex; Autophagy; Animals; Mutation; Lysosomes; Carcinogenesis
PubMed: 38927053
DOI: 10.3390/biom14060649 -
Biomolecules May 2024The exosome multiprotein complex plays a critical role in RNA processing and degradation. This system governs the regulation of mRNA quality, degradation in the...
The exosome multiprotein complex plays a critical role in RNA processing and degradation. This system governs the regulation of mRNA quality, degradation in the cytoplasm, the processing of short noncoding RNA, and the breakdown of RNA fragments. We determined two crystal structures of exosome components from (): one with a resolution of 2.3 Å that reveals the central components (Rrp41 and Rrp42), and another with a resolution of 3.5 Å that displays the whole exosome (Rrp41, Rrp42, and Rrp4). The fundamental exosome structure revealed the presence of a heterodimeric complex consisting of Rrp41 and Rrp42. The structure comprises nine subunits, with Rrp41 and Rrp42 arranged in a circular configuration, while Rrp4 is located at the apex. The RNA degradation capabilities of the Rrp4:41:42 complex were verified by RNA degradation assays, consistent with prior findings in other archaeal exosomes. The resemblance between archaeal exosomes and bacterial PNPase suggests a common mechanism for RNA degradation. Despite sharing comparable topologies, the surface charge distributions of Rrp4 and other archaea structures are surprisingly distinct. Different RNA breakdown substrates may be responsible for this variation. These newfound structural findings enhance our comprehension of RNA processing and degradation in biological systems.
Topics: Thermoplasma; Exosomes; Crystallography, X-Ray; Archaeal Proteins; Models, Molecular; Protein Subunits; Exosome Multienzyme Ribonuclease Complex; RNA Stability
PubMed: 38927025
DOI: 10.3390/biom14060621 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Targeted protein degradation (TPD) relies on small molecules to recruit proteins to E3 ligases to induce their ubiquitylation and degradation by the proteasome. Only a...
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) relies on small molecules to recruit proteins to E3 ligases to induce their ubiquitylation and degradation by the proteasome. Only a few of the approximately 600 human E3 ligases are currently amenable to this strategy. This limits the actionable target space and clinical opportunities and thus establishes the necessity to expand to additional ligases. Here we identify and characterize SP3N, a specific degrader of the prolyl isomerase FKBP12. SP3N features a minimal design, where a known FKBP12 ligand is appended with a flexible alkylamine tail that conveys degradation properties. We found that SP3N is a precursor and that the alkylamine is metabolized to an active aldehyde species that recruits the SCF ligase for FKBP12 degradation. Target engagement occurs via covalent adduction of Cys326 in the FBXO22 C-terminal domain, which is critical for ternary complex formation, ubiquitylation and degradation. This mechanism is conserved for two recently reported alkylamine-based degraders of NSD2 and XIAP, thus establishing alkylamine tethering and covalent hijacking of FBXO22 as a generalizable TPD strategy.
Topics: Humans; Proteolysis; Ubiquitination; F-Box Proteins; HEK293 Cells; Tacrolimus Binding Protein 1A; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases; Amines; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex; Ligands; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
PubMed: 38926334
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49739-3 -
PloS One 2024Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease which imposes a considerable and enduring impact on affected regions, leading to persistent morbidity, hindering child...
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease which imposes a considerable and enduring impact on affected regions, leading to persistent morbidity, hindering child development, diminishing productivity, and imposing economic burdens. Due to the emergence of drug resistance and limited management options, there is need to develop additional effective inhibitors for schistosomiasis. In view of this, quantitative structure-activity relationship studies, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, drug-likeness and pharmacokinetics predictions were applied to 39 Schistosoma mansoni Thioredoxin Glutathione Reductase (SmTGR) inhibitors. The chosen QSAR model demonstrated robust statistical parameters, including an R2 of 0.798, R2adj of 0.767, Q2cv of 0.681, LOF of 0.930, R2test of 0.776, and cR2p of 0.746, confirming its reliability. The most active derivative (compound 40) was identified as a lead candidate for the development of new potential non-covalent inhibitors through ligand-based design. Subsequently, 12 novel compounds (40a-40l) were designed with enhanced anti-schistosomiasis activity and binding affinity. Molecular docking studies revealed strong and stable interactions, including hydrogen bonding, between the designed compounds and the target receptor. Molecular dynamics simulations over 100 nanoseconds and MM-PBSA free binding energy (ΔGbind) calculations validated the stability of the two best-designed molecules. Furthermore, drug-likeness and pharmacokinetics prediction analyses affirmed the potential of these designed compounds, suggesting their promise as innovative agents for the treatment of schistosomiasis.
Topics: Molecular Docking Simulation; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Drug Design; Schistosoma mansoni; Ligands; Animals; Schistosomiasis; Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship; NADH, NADPH Oxidoreductases; Humans; Multienzyme Complexes
PubMed: 38923997
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302390 -
Microbial Biotechnology Jun 2024Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) catalyses the irreversible decarboxylation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA, which feeds the tricarboxylic acid cycle. We investigated how the loss...
Inactivation of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 pyruvate dehydrogenase relieves catabolite repression and improves the usefulness of this strain for degrading aromatic compounds.
Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) catalyses the irreversible decarboxylation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA, which feeds the tricarboxylic acid cycle. We investigated how the loss of PDH affects metabolism in Pseudomonas putida. PDH inactivation resulted in a strain unable to utilize compounds whose assimilation converges at pyruvate, including sugars and several amino acids, whereas compounds that generate acetyl-CoA supported growth. PDH inactivation also resulted in the loss of carbon catabolite repression (CCR), which inhibits the assimilation of non-preferred compounds in the presence of other preferred compounds. Pseudomonas putida can degrade many aromatic compounds, most of which produce acetyl-CoA, making it useful for biotransformation and bioremediation. However, the genes involved in these metabolic pathways are often inhibited by CCR when glucose or amino acids are also present. Our results demonstrate that the PDH-null strain can efficiently degrade aromatic compounds even in the presence of other preferred substrates, which the wild-type strain does inefficiently, or not at all. As the loss of PDH limits the assimilation of many sugars and amino acids and relieves the CCR, the PDH-null strain could be useful in biotransformation or bioremediation processes that require growth with mixtures of preferred substrates and aromatic compounds.
Topics: Pseudomonas putida; Catabolite Repression; Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex; Hydrocarbons, Aromatic; Biodegradation, Environmental; Acetyl Coenzyme A; Pyruvic Acid; Gene Deletion; Metabolic Networks and Pathways
PubMed: 38923400
DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14514 -
Marine Drugs May 2024Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by infiltration of the blood and bone marrow, exhibiting a low remission rate and high recurrence...
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by infiltration of the blood and bone marrow, exhibiting a low remission rate and high recurrence rate. Current research has demonstrated that class I HDAC inhibitors can downregulate anti-apoptotic proteins, leading to apoptosis of AML cells. In the present investigation, we conducted structural modifications of marine cytotoxin Santacruzamate A (SCA), a compound known for its inhibitory activity towards HDACs, resulting in the development of a novel series of potent class I HDACs hydrazide inhibitors. Representative hydrazide-based compound exhibited concentration-dependent induction of apoptosis in AML cells as a single agent. Moreover, exhibited a synergistic anti-AML effect when combined with Venetoclax, a clinical Bcl-2 inhibitor employed in AML therapy. This combination resulted in a more pronounced downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL, along with a significant upregulation of the pro-apoptotic protein cleaved-caspase3 and the DNA double-strand break biomarker γ-H2AX compared to monotherapy. These results highlighted the potential of as a promising lead compound for AML treatment, particularly when used in combination with Venetoclax.
Topics: Humans; Sulfonamides; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors; Drug Synergism; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Apoptosis; Cell Line, Tumor; Antineoplastic Agents; Histone Deacetylase 1; Histone Deacetylases; Animals; Caspase 3; Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein
PubMed: 38921561
DOI: 10.3390/md22060250 -
Marine Drugs May 2024Cyanobacterial phycocyanin pigment is widely utilized for its properties in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Despite its potential,... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Cyanobacterial phycocyanin pigment is widely utilized for its properties in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Despite its potential, challenges exist, such as extraction methods impacting yield, stability, and purity. This study investigates the impact of the number of freeze-thaw (FT) cycles on the extraction of phycocyanin from the wet biomass of four cyanobacteria species (, , sp., and sp.), along with the impact of five extraction solutions (Tris-HCl buffer, phosphate buffer, CaCl, deionized water, and tap water) at various pH values. sp. exhibited the highest phycocyanin content among the studied species. For , Tris-HCl buffer yielded maximum phycocyanin concentration from the first FT cycle, while phosphate buffer provided satisfactory results from the second cycle. Similarly, Tris-HCl buffer showed promising results for (68.5% of the maximum from the first cycle), with the highest concentration (~12% /) achieved during the seventh cycle, using phosphate buffer. sp. yielded the maximum pigment concentration from the first cycle using tap water. Among species-specific optimal extraction solutions, Tris-HCl buffer demonstrated sufficient extraction efficacy for all species, from the first cycle. This study represents an initial step toward establishing a universal extraction method for phycocyanin from diverse cyanobacteria species.
Topics: Phycocyanin; Cyanobacteria; Biomass; Solvents; Freezing; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
PubMed: 38921557
DOI: 10.3390/md22060246 -
Genome Biology Jun 2024Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most powerful proangiogenic factors and plays an important role in multiple diseases. Increased glycolytic rates...
BACKGROUND
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most powerful proangiogenic factors and plays an important role in multiple diseases. Increased glycolytic rates and lactate accumulation are associated with pathological angiogenesis.
RESULTS
Here, we show that a feedback loop between H3K9 lactylation (H3K9la) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) in endothelial cells drives VEGF-induced angiogenesis. We find that the H3K9la levels are upregulated in endothelial cells in response to VEGF stimulation. Pharmacological inhibition of glycolysis decreases H3K9 lactylation and attenuates neovascularization. CUT& Tag analysis reveals that H3K9la is enriched at the promoters of a set of angiogenic genes and promotes their transcription. Interestingly, we find that hyperlactylation of H3K9 inhibits expression of the lactylation eraser HDAC2, whereas overexpression of HDAC2 decreases H3K9 lactylation and suppresses angiogenesis.
CONCLUSIONS
Collectively, our study illustrates that H3K9la is important for VEGF-induced angiogenesis, and interruption of the H3K9la/HDAC2 feedback loop may represent a novel therapeutic method for treating pathological neovascularization.
Topics: Histone Deacetylase 2; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Histones; Feedback, Physiological; Humans; Animals; Neovascularization, Physiologic; Endothelial Cells; Mice; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Glycolysis; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Angiogenesis
PubMed: 38918851
DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03308-5 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Jun 2024This study examined the morphological changes in the colonic mucosa and the presence of inflammation in rats induced with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) 30 mg/kg BW over 9,...
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the morphological changes in the colonic mucosa and the presence of inflammation in rats induced with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) 30 mg/kg BW over 9, 11, and 13 weeks without a latency period.
METHODS
Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to assess the morphology and characteristic alteration of the epitheliocytes in the colon. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The difference in the severity of inflammation and COX-2 expression was examined using one-way analysis of variance. The correlation of COX-2 expression with the severity of inflammation was analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation test.
RESULT
Until week 13, chronic inflammation and non-hyperplastic and hyperplastic aberrant crypt foci occurred. The severity of inflammation gradually shifted from high moderate to low moderate. TNF-α expression was high in all groups; however, COX-2 expression was gradually lower with longer duration of induction, which corresponded with the severity of inflammation.
CONCLUSION
DMH induction until week 13 without a latency period caused chronic inflammation without the formation of adenoma or adenocarcinoma. A very strong correlation was established between COX-2 expression and inflammation.
Topics: Animals; 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine; Rats; Colorectal Neoplasms; Cyclooxygenase 2; Inflammation; Male; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Intestinal Mucosa; Carcinogens; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Aberrant Crypt Foci; Colon; Adenocarcinoma
PubMed: 38918668
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.6.2059