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International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Wound healing involves physical, chemical and immunological processes. Transient receptor potential (TRP) and other ion channels are implicated in epidermal... (Review)
Review
Wound healing involves physical, chemical and immunological processes. Transient receptor potential (TRP) and other ion channels are implicated in epidermal re-epithelization. Ion movement across ion channels can induce transmembrane potential that leads to transepithelial potential (TEP) changes. TEP is present in epidermis surrounding the lesion decreases and induces an endogenous direct current generating an epithelial electric field (EF) that could be implicated in wound re-epithelialization. TRP channels are involved in the activation of immune cells during mainly the inflammatory phase of wound healing. The aim of the study was to review the mechanisms of ion channel involvement in wound healing in in vivo experiments in murine (mice, rats) and how can this process be influenced. This review used the latest results published in scientific journals over the last year and this year to date (1 January 2023-31 December 3000) in order to include the in-press articles. Some types of TRP channels, such as TRPV1, TRPV3 and TRPA1, are expressed in immune cells and can be activated by inflammatory mediators. The most beneficial effects in wound healing are produced using agonists of TRPV1, TRPV4 and TRPA1 channels or by inhibiting with antagonists, antisense oligonucleotides or knocking down TRPV3 and TRPM8 channels.
Topics: Animals; Wound Healing; Mice; Transient Receptor Potential Channels; TRPV Cation Channels; Rats
PubMed: 38928459
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126753 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Krause's corpuscles are typical of cutaneous mucous epithelia, like the lip vermillion or the glans clitoridis, and are associated with rapidly adapting low-threshold...
Krause's corpuscles are typical of cutaneous mucous epithelia, like the lip vermillion or the glans clitoridis, and are associated with rapidly adapting low-threshold mechanoreceptors involved in gentle touch or vibration. PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 are transmembrane mechano-gated proteins that form a part of the cationic ion channels required for mechanosensitivity in mammalian cells. They are involved in somatosensitivity, especially in the different qualities of touch, but also in pain and proprioception. In the present study, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the occurrence and cellular location of PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 in human clitoral Krause's corpuscles. Both PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 were detected in Krause's corpuscles in both the axon and the terminal glial cells. The presence of PIEZOs in the terminal glial cells of Kraus's corpuscles is reported here for the first time. Based on the distribution of PIEZO1 and PIEZO2, it may be assumed they could be involved in mechanical stimuli, sexual behavior, and sexual pleasure.
Topics: Humans; Ion Channels; Axons; Neuroglia; Female; Clitoris; Adult; Mechanoreceptors; Immunohistochemistry; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38928429
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126722 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024The SLC35 (Solute Carrier 35) family members acting as nucleotide sugar transporters are typically localized in the endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi apparatus. It is,...
The SLC35 (Solute Carrier 35) family members acting as nucleotide sugar transporters are typically localized in the endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi apparatus. It is, therefore, intriguing that some reports document the presence of orphan transporters SLC35F1 and SLC35F6 within the endosomal and lysosomal system. Here, we compared the subcellular distribution of these proteins and found that they are concentrated in separate compartments; i.e., recycling endosomes for SLC35F1 and lysosomes for SLC35F6. Swapping the C-terminal tail of these proteins resulted in a switch of localization, with SLC35F1 being trafficked to lysosomes while SLC35F6 remained in endosomes. This suggested the presence of specific sorting signals in these C-terminal regions. Using site-directed mutagenesis, fluorescence microscopy, and cell surface biotinylation assays, we found that the EQERLL signal located in the cytoplasmic tail of human SLC35F6 is involved in its lysosomal sorting (as previously shown for this conserved sequence in mouse SLC35F6), and that SLC35F1 localization in the recycling pathway depends on two YXXΦ-type signals: a YKQF sequence facilitates its internalization from the plasma membrane, while a YTSL motif prevents its transport to lysosomes, likely by promoting SLC35F1 recycling to the cell surface. Taken together, these results support that some SLC35 members may function at different levels of the endosomal and lysosomal system.
Topics: Lysosomes; Endosomes; Humans; Protein Transport; Animals; Nucleotide Transport Proteins; HeLa Cells; Mice; Golgi Apparatus; Amino Acid Sequence; Protein Sorting Signals; HEK293 Cells; Cell Membrane
PubMed: 38928424
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126718 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Neuropathic pain, which refers to pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system, represents a wide variety of peripheral or central disorders. Treating... (Review)
Review
Neuropathic pain, which refers to pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system, represents a wide variety of peripheral or central disorders. Treating neuropathic pain is quite demanding, primarily because of its intricate underlying etiological mechanisms. The central nervous system relies on microglia to maintain balance, as they are associated with serving primary immune responses in the brain next to cell communication. Ferroptosis, driven by phospholipid peroxidation and regulated by iron, is a vital mechanism of cell death regulation. Neuroinflammation can be triggered by ferroptosis in microglia, which contributes to the release of inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, neuroinflammation can induce iron accumulation in microglia, resulting in microglial ferroptosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that neuroinflammation, characterized by glial cell activation and the release of inflammatory substances, significantly exacerbates the development of neuropathic pain. By inhibiting microglial ferroptosis, it may be possible to prevent neuroinflammation and subsequently alleviate neuropathic pain. The activation of the homopentameric α7 subtype of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) has the potential to suppress microglial activation, transitioning M1 microglia to an M2 phenotype, facilitating the release of anti-inflammatory factors, and ultimately reducing neuropathic pain. Recent years have witnessed a growing recognition of the regulatory role of α7nAChR in ferroptosis, which could be a potential target for treating neuropathic pain. This review summarizes the mechanisms related to α7nAChR and the progress of ferroptosis in neuropathic pain according to recent research. Such an exploration will help to elucidate the relationship between α7nAChR, ferroptosis, and neuroinflammation and provide new insights into neuropathic pain management.
Topics: Ferroptosis; Neuralgia; Humans; Animals; Neuroinflammatory Diseases; Microglia; alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor; Inflammation
PubMed: 38928421
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126716 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Cystic fibrosis (CF), also known as mucoviscidosis, is the most common autosomal recessive genetic disease in the Caucasian population, with an estimated frequency of... (Review)
Review
Cystic fibrosis (CF), also known as mucoviscidosis, is the most common autosomal recessive genetic disease in the Caucasian population, with an estimated frequency of 1:2000-3000 live births. CF results from the mutation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene localized in the long arm of chromosome 7. The product of CFTR gene expression is CFTR protein, an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) transporter that regulates the transport of chloride ions (Cl) across the apical cell membrane. Primary manifestations of CF include chronic lung and pancreas function impairment secondary to the production of thick, sticky mucus resulting from dehydrated secretions. It is well known that CF can cause both anterior and posterior ocular abnormalities. Conjunctival and corneal xerosis and dry eye disease symptoms are the most characteristic manifestations in the anterior segment. In contrast, the most typical anatomical and functional changes relating to the posterior segment of the eye include defects in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), vascular abnormalities, and visual disturbances, such as reduced contrast sensitivity and abnormal dark adaptation. However, the complete background of ophthalmic manifestations in the course of CF has yet to be discovered. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding ocular changes in cystic fibrosis.
Topics: Humans; Cystic Fibrosis; Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator; Eye Diseases; Mutation; Animals
PubMed: 38928397
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126692 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024P2X7 receptor activation by extracellular adenosine triphosphate (eATP) modulates different intracellular pathways, including pro-inflammatory and tumor-promoting... (Review)
Review
P2X7 receptor activation by extracellular adenosine triphosphate (eATP) modulates different intracellular pathways, including pro-inflammatory and tumor-promoting cascades. ATP is released by cells and necrotic tissues during stressful conditions and accumulates mainly in the inflammatory and tumoral microenvironments. As a consequence, both the P2X7 blockade and agonism have been proposed as therapeutic strategies in phlogosis and cancer. Nevertheless, most studies have been carried out on the WT fully functional receptor variant. In recent years, the discovery of P2X7 variants derived by alternative splicing mechanisms or single-nucleotide substitutions gave rise to the investigation of these new P2X7 variants' roles in different processes and diseases. Here, we provide an overview of the literature covering the function of human P2X7 splice variants and polymorphisms in diverse pathophysiological contexts, paying particular attention to their role in oncological and neuroinflammatory conditions.
Topics: Humans; Receptors, Purinergic P2X7; Neoplasms; Alternative Splicing; Animals; Adenosine Triphosphate; Protein Isoforms; Inflammation
PubMed: 38928378
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126673 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Cytokinesis in plant cells begins with the fusion of vesicles that transport cell wall materials to the center of the cell division plane, where the cell plate forms and...
Cytokinesis in plant cells begins with the fusion of vesicles that transport cell wall materials to the center of the cell division plane, where the cell plate forms and expands radially until it fuses with the parental cell wall. Vesicle fusion is facilitated by -SNARE complexes, with assistance from Sec1/Munc18 (SM) proteins. The SNARE protein KNOLLE and the SM protein KEULE are required for membrane fusion at the cell plate. Due to the crucial function of KEULE, all Arabidopsis () mutants identified to date are seedling lethal. Here, we identified the Arabidopsis () and mutants, which carry recessive, hypomorphic alleles of . Homozygous and plants are viable and fertile but have smaller rosettes and fewer leaves at bolting than the wild type. Their leaves are serrated, small, and wavy, with a complex venation pattern. The mutant leaves also develop necrotic patches and undergo premature senescence. RNA-seq revealed transcriptome changes likely leading to reduced cell wall integrity and an increase in the unfolded protein response. These findings shed light on the roles of KEULE in postembryonic development, particularly in the patterning of rosette leaves and leaf margins.
Topics: Arabidopsis; Arabidopsis Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Plant Leaves; Mutation; Cell Wall; Phenotype
PubMed: 38928373
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126667 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024S/S carriers of have been found to be more risk seeking for losses compared to L/L carriers. This finding may be the result of reduced top-down control from the frontal...
S/S carriers of have been found to be more risk seeking for losses compared to L/L carriers. This finding may be the result of reduced top-down control from the frontal cortex due to altered signal pathways involving the amygdala and ventral striatum. The serotonergic system is known to be involved in neurodevelopment and neuroplasticity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether structural differences in white matter can explain the differences in risk-seeking behaviour. Lower structural connectivity in S/S compared to L/L carriers and a negative relationship between risk seeking for losses and connectivity were assumed. Diffusion-weighted imaging was used to compute diffusion parameters for the frontostriatal and uncinate tract in 175 genotyped individuals. The results showed no significant relationship between diffusion parameters and risk seeking for losses. Furthermore, we did not find significant differences in diffusion parameters of the S/S vs. L/L group. There were only group differences in the frontostriatal tract showing stronger structural connectivity in the S/L group, which is also reflected in the whole brain approach. Therefore, the data do not support the hypothesis that the association between and risk seeking for losses is related to differences in white matter pathways implicated in decision-making.
Topics: Humans; White Matter; Male; Female; Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; Adult; Young Adult; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Risk-Taking; Genotype
PubMed: 38928372
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126666 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains one of the most challenging subtypes since it is initially characterized by the absence of specific biomarkers and... (Review)
Review
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains one of the most challenging subtypes since it is initially characterized by the absence of specific biomarkers and corresponding targeted therapies. Advances in methodology, translational informatics, genomics, and proteomics have significantly contributed to the identification of therapeutic targets. The development of innovative treatments, such as antibody-drug conjugates and immune checkpoint inhibitors, alongside chemotherapy, has now become the standard of care. However, the quest for biomarkers defining therapy outcomes is still ongoing. Peroxiporins, which comprise a subgroup of aquaporins, which are membrane pores facilitating the transport of water, glycerol, and hydrogen peroxide, have emerged as potential biomarkers for therapy response. Research on peroxiporins reveals their involvement beyond traditional channeling activities, which is also reflected in their cellular localization and roles in cellular signaling pathways. This research on peroxiporins provides fresh insights into the mechanisms of therapy resistance in tumors, offering potential avenues for predicting treatment outcomes and tailoring successful TNBC therapies.
Topics: Humans; Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms; Biomarkers, Tumor; Female; Aquaporins; Signal Transduction; Animals
PubMed: 38928364
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126658 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Papain-like protease PLpro, a domain within a large polyfunctional protein, nsp3, plays key roles in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2, being responsible for the first events...
Papain-like protease PLpro, a domain within a large polyfunctional protein, nsp3, plays key roles in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2, being responsible for the first events of cleavage of a polyprotein into individual proteins (nsp1-4) as well as for the suppression of cellular immunity. Here, we developed a new genetically encoded fluorescent sensor, named PLpro-ERNuc, for detection of PLpro activity in living cells using a translocation-based readout. The sensor was designed as follows. A fragment of nsp3 protein was used to direct the sensor on the cytoplasmic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, thus closely mimicking the natural target of PLpro. The fluorescent part included two bright fluorescent proteins-red mScarlet I and green mNeonGreen-separated by a linker with the PLpro cleavage site. A nuclear localization signal (NLS) was attached to ensure accumulation of mNeonGreen into the nucleus upon cleavage. We tested PLpro-ERNuc in a model of recombinant PLpro expressed in HeLa cells. The sensor demonstrated the expected cytoplasmic reticular network in the red and green channels in the absence of protease, and efficient translocation of the green signal into nuclei in the PLpro-expressing cells (14-fold increase in the nucleus/cytoplasm ratio). Then, we used PLpro-ERNuc in a model of Huh7.5 cells infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, where it showed robust ER-to-nucleus translocation of the green signal in the infected cells 24 h post infection. We believe that PLpro-ERNuc represents a useful tool for screening PLpro inhibitors as well as for monitoring virus spread in a culture.
Topics: Humans; SARS-CoV-2; HeLa Cells; COVID-19; Endoplasmic Reticulum; Coronavirus Papain-Like Proteases; Luminescent Proteins; Coronavirus 3C Proteases; Protein Transport; Biosensing Techniques
PubMed: 38928340
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126635