Coomassie-Brilliant Blue staining of polyacrylamide gels

The effect mechanism of ergosterol from the nutritional mushroom Leucocalocybe mongolica in breast cancer cells: Protein expression modulation and metabolomic profiling using UHPLC-ESI-Q

The ergosterol from mushrooms has gained significant ethnopharmacological importance in various cultures, including China, Japan, and Europe. This compound has been found to possess immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in the treatment of immune disorders. In this study, we focused on investigating the potential anticancer properties of ergosterol isolated from the edible mushroom Leucocalocybe mongolica in breast cancer cell lines. The ergosterol was purified and identified using advanced analytical techniques such as ESI-MS and NMR. We conducted cell proliferation assays on 4 T1 breast cancer cells to assess the cytotoxic effects of ergosterol. Furthermore, we analyzed the transcription levels of BAX, caspase-7, BCL-2, STAT-3, and PARP proteins using real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Additionally, we employed non-targeted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to study the potential mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of ergosterol at the metabolomics level. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in cell viability and the induction of apoptosis upon treatment with ergosterol, especially at higher concentrations (P < 0.05). Moreover, ergosterol affected the expression of cancer-related genes, upregulating pro-apoptotic proteins such as BAX, caspase-7, and PARP, while downregulating the anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-2 and STAT-3 (P < 0.05). Western blot analysis confirmed these findings and provided further evidence of ergosterol's role in inducing apoptosis. Metabolomics analysis revealed substantial changes in pathways related to amino acid, antioxidant, and carbohydrate metabolism. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that ergosterol exhibits anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis and modulating metabolic pathways in breast cancer cells.

Immunotheranostic target modules for imaging and navigation of UniCAR T-cells to strike FAP-expressing cells and the tumor microenvironment

BACKGROUND

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells are a promising approach in cancer immunotherapy, particularly for treating hematologic malignancies. Yet, their effectiveness is limited when tackling solid tumors, where immune cell infiltration and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments (TME) are major hurdles. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is highly expressed on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and various tumor cells, playing an important role in tumor growth and immunosuppression. Aiming to modulate the TME with increased clinical safety and effectiveness, we developed novel small and size-extended immunotheranostic UniCAR target modules (TMs) targeting FAP.

METHODS

The specific binding and functionality of the αFAP-scFv TM and the size-extended αFAP-IgG4 TM were assessed using 2D and 3D in vitro models as well as in vivo. Their specific tumor accumulation and diagnostic potential were evaluated using PET studies after functionalization with a chelator and suitable radionuclide.

RESULTS

The αFAP-scFv and -IgG4 TMs effectively and specifically redirected UniCAR T-cells using 2D, 3D, and in vivo models. Moreover, a remarkably high and specific accumulation of radiolabeled FAP-targeting TMs at the tumor site of xenograft mouse models was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that the novel αFAP TMs are promising immunotheranostic tools to foster cancer imaging and treatment, paving the way for a more convenient, individualized, and safer treatment of cancer patients.

Expression of sucrose metabolizing enzymes in different sugarcane varieties under progressive heat stress

Studying the thermal stress effect on sucrose-metabolizing enzymes in sugarcane is of great importance for understanding acclimation to thermal stress. In this study, two varieties, S2003-US-633 and SPF-238, were grown at three different temperatures ( ± 2°C): 30°C as a control, 45°C for various episodes of high temperature treatments and recovery conditions at 24, 48 and 72 hours. Data showed that reducing sugar content increased until the grand growth stage but sharply declined at the maturity stage in both cultivars. On the other hand, sucrose is enhanced only at the maturity stage. The expression of all invertase isozymes declined prominently; however, the expression of SPS was high at the maturity stage. Hence, the sucrose accumulation in mature cane was due to increased SPS activity while decreased invertase isozymes (vacuolar, cytoplasmic and cell wall) activities at maturity stage in both cultivars. Heat shock decreased the sucrose metabolizing enzymes, sucrose content and sugar recovery rate in both cultivars. In contrast, heat-shock treatments induced maximum proline, MDA, H2O2 and EC in both cultivars. Notably, this is the first report of diverse invertase isozyme molecular weight proteins, such as those with 67, 134 and 160 kDa, produced under heat stress, suggesting that these enzymes have varied activities at different developmental stages. Overall, S2003-US-633 performs better than the cultivar SPF-238 under heat stress conditions at all development stages, with increased sucrose content, enzyme expression, proline and sugar recovery rate. This work will provide a new avenue regarding sugarcane molecular breeding programs with respect to thermal stress.

Stainability of Acrylic Intraocular Lens With Brilliant Blue G: An In Vitro Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the stainability of several acrylic intraocular lens (IOLs) with Brilliant Blue G (BBG) in vitro.

DESIGN

Clinically relevant, laboratory, experimental study.

METHODS

LS313MF15 as a hydrophilic acrylic IOL and X-70, W60R, CP2.2R, YP2.2R, XC1, and XY1 as hydrophobic acrylic IOLs were included in this study. Prepared acrylic IOLs were evaluated for staining via immersion for different periods in BBG solution with adjusted concentrations. In cases where IOLs were stained blue, the sustained release of BBG and IOL cross-sectional images were evaluated, as well as changes in the optical properties of the IOLs via spectrophotometry.

RESULTS

All acrylic IOLs were stained with BBG in a BBG concentration- and staining time-dependent manner, with almost no sustained release of BBG observed. Lenses with a higher water content exhibited more pronounced staining, and BBG penetrated into the IOLs. A decrease in light transmittance with a peak wavelength of 610 to 620 nm was observed in blue-stained IOLs. LS313MF15 was markedly blue stained even with a short period of staining.

CONCLUSIONS

Any acrylic IOL can be stained with BBG, but hydrophilic IOLs are particularly susceptible to blue staining. Precautions should be taken in surgeries requiring the use of BBG staining, and efforts should be made to ensure that BBG components are sufficiently washed out intraoperatively.

CogiTx1: A novel subtilisin A inhibitor isolated from the sea anemone Condylactis gigantea belonging to the defensin 4 protein family

Subtilisin-like enzymes are recognized as key players in many infectious agents. In this context, its inhibitors are very valuable molecular lead compounds for structure based drug discovery and design. Marine invertebrates offer a great source of bioactive molecules, including protease inhibitors. In this work, we describe a new subtilisin inhibitor, from the sea anemone Condylactis gigantea (CogiTx1). CogiTx1 was purified using a combination of cation exchange chromatography, size exclusion chromatography and RP-HPLC chromatography. CogiTx1 it is a protein with 46 amino acid residues, with 4970.44 Da and three disulfide bridges. Is also able to inhibit subtilisin-like enzymes and pancreatic elastase. According to the amino acid sequence, it belongs to the defensin 4 family of proteins. The sequencing showed that CogiTx1 has an amidated C-terminal end, which was confirmed by the presence of the typical -XGR signal for amidation in the protein sequence deduced from the cDNA. This modification was described at protein level for the first time in this family of proteins. CogiTx1 is the first subtilisin inhibitor from the defensin 4 family and accordingly it has a folding consisting primarily in beta-strands in agreement with the analysis by CD and 3D modelling. Therefore, future in-depth functional studies may allow a more detailed characterization and will shed light on structure-function properties.

A Comparative Study of Morphology, Photosynthetic Physiology, and Proteome between Diploid and Tetraploid Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.)

Watermelon is an important fruit that is widely distributed around the world. In particular, the production and consumption of watermelon in China ranks first in the world. Watermelon production is severely affected by a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses during cultivation, and polyploidization can promote stress resistance and yield. However, the morphological and physiological characteristics of tetraploid watermelon and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. In this study, we revealed that the leaves, fruits, and seeds of tetraploid watermelon were significantly larger than those of the diploid genotype. Some physiological characteristics, including photosynthetic rate (Pn) and stomatal conductance (Gs), were greater, whereas the intercellular CO₂ concentration (Ci) and transpiration rate (Tr) were lower in tetraploid than in diploid watermelon. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF) was performed to compare proteomic changes between tetraploid and diploid watermelon. A total of 21 differentially expressed proteins were identified; excluding the identical proteins, 8 proteins remained. Among them, four proteins were upregulated and four were downregulated in tetraploid versus diploid genotypes. qRT-PCR results showed inconsistencies in gene expression and protein accumulation, indicating a low correlation between gene expression and protein abundance. Generally, this study extends our understanding of the traits and molecular mechanisms of tetraploid watermelon and provides a theoretical basis for watermelon polyploid breeding.

Medicinal Mushroom Leucocalocybe mongolica Imai Extracts Improve Mammary Gland Differentiation in Lactating Rats via Regulating Protein Expression

Leucocalocybe mongolica is a known medicinal mushroom in China. It possesses many biological activities. This study investigated the effect of L. mongolica petroleum ether and water extracts (200, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg BW) on mammary gland differentiation during lactation. However, prolactin, growth hormone, progesterone, and estrogen levels were determined in serum by ELISA assay. Immunofluorescence, western blot, and real-time PCR were utilized to evaluate the expression levels of β-casein, α-Lactalbumin, prolactin receptor, progesterone receptor, and STAT-5a. The immunohistochemistry staining was used to detect the presence of steroid receptors. The results showed that petroleum ether and water extracts increased milk yield and milk content of calcium, total fat, total carbohydrate, and total protein. Prolactin and growth hormone levels were significantly upregulated in all treated groups compared with the control group. In contrast, progesterone and estrogen were downregulated. The high doses of petroleum ether and water extracts increased the expression levels of β-Cas, α-Lactalb, PRLR, PR, and STAT-5a. The observation of histological sections showed that the extracts induced higher mammary gland differentiation than the control group. This study is the first to use mushrooms as nutritional supplements to improve milk production and mammary gland differentiation during lactation.

Isoforms of the DHTKD1-Encoded 2-Oxoadipate Dehydrogenase, Identified in Animal Tissues, Are not Observed upon the Human DHTKD1 Expression in Bacterial or Yeast Systems

Unlike the OGDH-encoded 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH), which is an essential enzyme present in all animal tissues, expression of the DHTKD1-encoded isoenzyme, 2-oxoadipate dehydrogenase (OADH), depends on a number of factors, and mutant DHTKD1 phenotypes are rarely manifested. Physiological significance of OADH is also obscured by the fact that both isoenzymes transform 2-oxoglutarate and 2-oxoadipate. By analogy with other members of the 2-oxo acid dehydrogenases family, OADH is assumed to be a component of the multienzyme complex that catalyzes oxidative decarboxylation of 2-oxoadipate. This study aims at molecular characterization of OADH from animal tissues. Phylogenetic analysis of 2-oxo acid dehydrogenases reveals OADH only in animals and Dictyostelium discoideum slime mold, within a common branch with bacterial OGDH. Examination of partially purified animal OADH by immunoblotting and mass spectrometry identifies two OADH isoforms with molecular weights of about 130 and 70 kDa. These isoforms are not observed upon the expression of human DHTKD1 protein in either bacterial or yeast system, where the synthesized OADH is of expected molecular weight (about 100 kDa). Thus, the OADH isoforms present in animal tissues, may result from the animal-specific regulation of the DHTKD1 expression and/or posttranslational modifications of the encoded protein. Mapping of the peptides identified in the OADH preparations, onto the protein structure suggests that the 70-kDa isoform is truncated at the N-terminus, but retains the active site. Since the N-terminal domain of OGDH is required for the formation of the multienzyme complex, it is possible that the 70-kDa isoform catalyzes non-oxidative transformation of dicarboxylic 2-oxo acids that does not require the multienzyme structure. In this case, the ratio of the OADH isoforms in animal tissues may correspond to the ratio between the oxidative and non-oxidative decarboxylation of 2-oxoadipate.

Developing Liquid Rhizobium Inoculants with Enhanced Long-Term Survival, Storage Stability, and Plant Growth Promotion Using Ectoine Additive

Liquid microbial inoculants have recently received great attention due to their vital roles for sustainable agricultural practices. However, long-term conservation under ambient temperature conditions and deleterious environmental factors might negatively impact microbial cell survival and limit their efficacy in the field. Thus, developing efficient liquid formulation providing prolonged survival of rhizobia in the final product and after an application is crucial. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of various additives on the long-term survival of rhizobia stored in liquid cultures at room temperature (25 °C) for 12 months. Various yeast sucrose media amended with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or gum arabic as colloidal agents in combination with ectoine (as a compatible solute) and/or glycerol were evaluated. A dramatic decline in viable cell count was obtained in formulas amended only with PVP from Log 8.5 to Log 5 in the first six months and then to Log 1.5 after 12 months. In contrast, rhizobia stored at PVP-based formulas amended with 10 mg L^‒1 ectoine exhibited almost constant survival level till the end of the storage period. The same trend was obtained using formulas based on gum arabic as a colloidal dispersing agent; however, less decline in cell count using a formula containing gum arabic alone as compared to using PVP. On the other hand, PVP based formulas exhibited higher viscosity compared with another formula. Increased viscosity till the 8th month of storage was achieved in the presence of ectoine indicating the increase of exopolymeric substances production. Electrophoretic protein pattern of rhizobial cells (stored for 12 months) exhibited several low molecular weight protein bands in cells stored in PVP based formula with ectoine as compared to the other treatments. Thus, the amendment of the liquid formulation of rhizobia bioinoculant with PVP plus ectoine not only improved cell survival but also enhanced the culture viscosity and consequently ameliorate the colonization and performance of rhizobial inoculants.

Tonic Signaling and Its Effects on Lymphopoiesis of CAR-Armed Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells

Long-term survival of adoptively transferred chimeric Ag receptor (CAR) T cells is often limited. Transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) transduced to express CARs could help to overcome this problem as CAR-armed HSCs can continuously deliver CAR⁺ multicell lineages (e.g., T cells, NK cells). In dependence on the CAR construct, a variable extent of tonic signaling in CAR T cells was reported; thus, effects of CAR-mediated tonic signaling on the hematopoiesis of CAR-armed HSCs is unclear. To assess the effects of tonic signaling, two CAR constructs were established and analyzed 1) a signaling CAR inducing a solid Ag-independent tonic signaling termed CAR-28/ζ and 2) a nonstimulating control CAR construct lacking intracellular signaling domains termed CAR-Stop. Bone marrow cells from immunocompetent mice were isolated, purified for HSC-containing Lin^-cKit⁺ cells or the Lin^-cKit⁺ Sca-1⁺ subpopulation (Lin^-Sca-1⁺cKit⁺), and transduced with both CAR constructs. Subsequently, modified bone marrow cells were transferred into irradiated mice, in which they successfully engrafted and differentiated into hematopoietic progenitors. HSCs expressing the CAR-Stop sustained normal hematopoiesis. In contrast, expression of the CAR-28/ζ led to elimination of mature CAR⁺ T and B cells, suggesting that the CAR-mediated tonic signaling mimics autorecognition via the newly recombined immune receptors in the developing lymphocytes.

From mono- to bivalent: improving theranostic properties of target modules for redirection of UniCAR T cells against EGFR-expressing tumor cells in vitro and in vivo

CAR-modified T cells show impressive results in clinical trials. However, cytokine release syndrome and "on-target, off-tumor" reactions represent most concerning side effects. To improve the safety of CAR-T cell therapy, we established a switchable CAR platform termed UniCAR system consisting of two components: UniCAR-modified T cells and tumor-specific target modules (TM). For treatment of EGFR+ epithelial tumors, we recently described a monovalent nanobody-based α-EGFR TM, either expressed in bacteria or eukaryotic cells. In spite of the identical primary sequence the eukaryotic TM showed a reduced killing capability and affinity. Here we describe a novel bivalent α-EGFR-EGFR TM. As expected, the avidity of the bivalent TM is higher than that of its monovalent counterpart. Binding of neither the monovalent α-EGFR TM nor the bivalent α-EGFR-EGFR TM to EGFR effected the EGF-mediated signaling. While the monovalent α-EGFR TM could only mediate the killing of tumor cells expressing high levels of EGFR, the bivalent α-EGFR-EGFR TM could redirect UniCAR T cells to tumor cells expressing low levels of EGFR. According to PET experiments in vivo, the increased avidity of the bivalent α-EGFR-EGFR TM improves the enrichment at the tumor site and its use for PET imaging.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor primes interleukin-13 production by macrophages via protease-activated receptor-2

Chronic inflammation is often linked to the presence of type 2-polarized macrophages, which are induced by the T helper type 2 cytokines interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 (IL-13). IL-13 is a key mediator of tissue fibrosis caused by T helper type 2-based inflammation. Human neutrophil elastase (HNE) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. This study investigated the priming effect of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on IL-13 expression by macrophages stimulated with HNE. Adherent macrophages were obtained from primary cultures of human mononuclear cells. Expression of IL-13 mRNA and protein by GM-CSF-dependent macrophages was investigated after stimulation with HNE, using the polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. GM-CSF had a priming effect on IL-13 mRNA and protein expression by macrophages stimulated with HNE, while this effect was not observed for various other cytokines. GM-CSF-dependent macrophages showed a significant increase in the expression of protease activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) mRNA and protein. The response of IL-13 mRNA to HNE was significantly decreased by pretreatment with alpha1-antitrypsin, a PAR-2 antibody (SAM11), or a PAR-2 antagonist (ENMD-1068). These findings suggest that stimulation with HNE can induce IL-13 production by macrophages, especially GM-CSF-dependent macrophages. Accordingly, neutrophil elastase may have a key role in fibrosis associated with chronic inflammation.

Redirection of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes via a novel antibody-based modular targeting system triggers efficient killing of PSCA+ prostate tumor cells

BACKGROUND

There is still a need for new therapeutic options against prostate cancer. Conventional single-chain bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), that directly cross-link T cells and tumor cells, hold great potential for efficient tumor treatment. However, rapid development of novel bsAbs is hampered by laborious optimization to improve their efficacy and reduce potential side effects. To accelerate the development of a novel antibody tool for the redirection of T cells to different tumor-associated antigens, we recently introduced a modular targeting system.

METHODS

We here describe a novel modular system for treatment of prostate cancer by retargeting of T cells to the prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA). Functionality of the novel PSCA-specific modular system was investigated in vitro by T cell activation and chromium release assays as well as in immunodeficient mice.

RESULTS

Similar to a conventional bsAb CD3-PSCA, the novel PSCA-specific modular system induces activation of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells leading to secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and highly efficient target-specific tumor cell lysis. The novel TM was ready-to-use from the time point of construction and functional at low E:T ratios and picomolar concentrations without further optimization. In addition, the PSCA-specific modular system delays outgrowth of s.c. tumors in mice comparable to bsAb CD3-PSCA.

CONCLUSIONS

We have developed a novel PSCA-specific modular system which triggers an efficient T cell-mediated killing of PSCA+ tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. The new Ab-based targeting strategy can functionally replace conventional bsAbs and allows a flexible redirection of T cells to different tumor-associated antigens.

Simultaneous targeting of prostate stem cell antigen and prostate-specific membrane antigen improves the killing of prostate cancer cells using a novel modular T cell-retargeting system

BACKGROUND

Recently, we described a novel modular platform technology in which T cell-recruitment and tumor-targeting domains of conventional bispecific antibodies are split to independent components, a universal effector module (EM) and replaceable monospecific/monovalent target modules (TMs) that form highly efficient T cell-retargeting complexes. Theoretically, our unique strategy should allow us to simultaneously retarget T cells to different tumor antigens by combining the EM with two or more different monovalent/monospecific TMs or even with bivalent/bispecific TMs, thereby overcoming limitations of a monospecific treatment such as the selection of target-negative tumor escape variants.

METHODS

In order to advance our recently introduced prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA)-specific modular system for a dual-targeting of prostate cancer cells, two additional TMs were constructed: a monovalent/monospecific TM directed against the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and a bivalent/bispecific TM (bsTM) with specificity for PSMA and PSCA. The functionality of the novel dual-targeting strategies was analyzed by performing T cell activation and chromium release assays.

RESULTS

Similar to the PSCA-specific modular system, the novel PSMA-specific modular system mediates an efficient target-dependent and -specific tumor cell lysis at low E:T ratios and picomolar Ab concentrations. Moreover, by combination of the EM with either the bispecific TM directed to PSMA and PSCA or both monospecifc TMs directed to either PSCA or PSMA, dual-specific targeting complexes were formed which allowed us to kill potential escape variants expressing only one or the other target antigen.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the novel modular system represents a promising tool for multiple tumor targeting.

Characterization of a novel single-chain bispecific antibody for retargeting of T cells to tumor cells via the TCR co-receptor CD8

There is currently growing interest in retargeting of effector T cells to tumor cells via bispecific antibodies (bsAbs). Usually, bsAbs are directed on the one hand to the CD3 complex of T cells and on the other hand to a molecule expressed on the surface of the target cell. A bsAb-mediated cross-linkage via CD3 leads to an activation of CD8+ T cells and consequently to killing of the target cells. In parallel, CD4+ T cells including TH₁, TH₂, TH₁₇ cells and even regulatory T cells (Tregs) will be activated as well. Cytokines produced by CD4+ T cells can contribute to severe side effects e. g. life-threatening cytokine storms and, thinking of the immunosupressive function of Tregs, can even be counterproductive. Therefore, we asked whether or not it is feasible to limit retargeting to CD8+ T cells e. g. via targeting of the co-receptor CD8 instead of CD3. In order to test for proof of concept, a novel bsAb with specificity for CD8 and a tumor-associated surface antigen was constructed. Interestingly, we found that pre-activated (but not freshly isolated) CD8+ T cells can be retargeted via CD8-engaging bsAbs leading to an efficient lysis of target cells.