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Ohse VA, Klotz LO, Priebs J. Copper Homeostasis in the Model Organism C. elegans. Cells 2024; 13:727. [PMID: 38727263 PMCID: PMC11083455 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular and organismic copper (Cu) homeostasis is regulated by Cu transporters and Cu chaperones to ensure the controlled uptake, distribution and export of Cu ions. Many of these processes have been extensively investigated in mammalian cell culture, as well as in humans and in mammalian model organisms. Most of the human genes encoding proteins involved in Cu homeostasis have orthologs in the model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Starting with a compilation of human Cu proteins and their orthologs, this review presents an overview of Cu homeostasis in C. elegans, comparing it to the human system, thereby establishing the basis for an assessment of the suitability of C. elegans as a model to answer mechanistic questions relating to human Cu homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars-Oliver Klotz
- Nutrigenomics Section, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Josephine Priebs
- Nutrigenomics Section, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany;
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Zytner P, Kutschbach A, Gong W, Ohse VA, Taudte L, Kipp AP, Klotz LO, Priebs J, Steinbrenner H. Selenium-Enriched E. coli Bacteria Mitigate the Age-Associated Degeneration of Cholinergic Neurons in C. elegans. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:492. [PMID: 38671939 PMCID: PMC11047679 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13040492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and animals, but high-dose supplementation with Se compounds, most notably selenite, may exert cytotoxic and other adverse effects. On the other hand, bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), are capable of reducing selenite to red elemental Se that may serve as a safer Se source. Here, we examined how a diet of Se-enriched E. coli bacteria affected vital parameters and age-associated neurodegeneration in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The growth of E. coli OP50 for 48 h in medium supplemented with 1 mM sodium selenite resulted in reddening of the bacterial culture, accompanied by Se accumulation in the bacteria. Compared to nematodes supplied with the standard E. coli OP50 diet, the worms fed on Se-enriched bacteria were smaller and slimmer, even though their food intake was not diminished. Nevertheless, given the choice, the nematodes preferred the standard diet. The fecundity of the worms was not affected by the Se-enriched bacteria, even though the production of progeny was somewhat delayed. The levels of the Se-binding protein SEMO-1, which serves as a Se buffer in C. elegans, were elevated in the group fed on Se-enriched bacteria. The occurrence of knots and ruptures within the axons of cholinergic neurons was lowered in aged nematodes provided with Se-enriched bacteria. In conclusion, C. elegans fed on Se-enriched E. coli showed less age-associated neurodegeneration, as compared to nematodes supplied with the standard diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palina Zytner
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, D-07743 Jena, Germany; (P.Z.); (A.K.); (W.G.); (V.A.O.); (L.-O.K.)
| | - Anne Kutschbach
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, D-07743 Jena, Germany; (P.Z.); (A.K.); (W.G.); (V.A.O.); (L.-O.K.)
| | - Weiye Gong
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, D-07743 Jena, Germany; (P.Z.); (A.K.); (W.G.); (V.A.O.); (L.-O.K.)
| | - Verena Alexia Ohse
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, D-07743 Jena, Germany; (P.Z.); (A.K.); (W.G.); (V.A.O.); (L.-O.K.)
| | - Laura Taudte
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Physiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, D-07743 Jena, Germany; (L.T.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Anna Patricia Kipp
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Physiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, D-07743 Jena, Germany; (L.T.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Lars-Oliver Klotz
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, D-07743 Jena, Germany; (P.Z.); (A.K.); (W.G.); (V.A.O.); (L.-O.K.)
| | - Josephine Priebs
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, D-07743 Jena, Germany; (P.Z.); (A.K.); (W.G.); (V.A.O.); (L.-O.K.)
| | - Holger Steinbrenner
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, D-07743 Jena, Germany; (P.Z.); (A.K.); (W.G.); (V.A.O.); (L.-O.K.)
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Philipp TM, Gernoth L, Will A, Schwarz M, Ohse VA, Kipp AP, Steinbrenner H, Klotz LO. Selenium-binding protein 1 (SELENBP1) is a copper-dependent thiol oxidase. Redox Biol 2023; 65:102807. [PMID: 37437449 PMCID: PMC10362175 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Selenium-binding protein 1 (SELENBP1) was reported to act as a methanethiol oxidase (MTO) in humans, catalyzing the conversion of methanethiol to hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen sulfide and formaldehyde. Here, we identify copper ions as essential to this novel MTO activity. Site-directed mutagenesis of putative copper-binding sites in human SELENBP1 produced as recombinant protein in E. coli resulted in loss of its enzymatic function. On the other hand, the eponymous binding of selenium (as selenite) was no requirement for MTO activity and only moderately increased SELENBP1-catalyzed oxidation of methanethiol. Furthermore, SEMO-1, the SELENBP1 ortholog recently identified in the nematode C. elegans, also requires copper ions, and MTO activity was enhanced or abrogated, respectively, if worms were grown in the presence of cupric chloride or of a Cu chelator. In addition to methanethiol, we identified novel substrates of SELENBP1 from the group of volatile sulfur compounds, ranging from ethanethiol to 1-pentanethiol as well as 2-propene-1-thiol. Gut microbiome-derived methanethiol as well as food-derived volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) account for malodors that may contribute to extraoral halitosis in humans, if not metabolized properly. As SELENBP1 is particularly abundant in tissues exposed to VSCs, such as colon, liver, and lung, it appears to contribute to copper-dependent VSC degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Magnus Philipp
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Leon Gernoth
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Will
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Maria Schwarz
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Physiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Verena Alexia Ohse
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Anna Patricia Kipp
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Nutritional Physiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Holger Steinbrenner
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Lars-Oliver Klotz
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.
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Philipp TM, Gong W, Köhnlein K, Ohse VA, Müller FI, Priebs J, Steinbrenner H, Klotz LO. SEMO-1, a novel methanethiol oxidase in Caenorhabditis elegans, is a pro-aging factor conferring selective stress resistance. Biofactors 2022; 48:699-706. [PMID: 35316559 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Methanethiol is a toxic gas produced through bacterial degradation of sulfur-containing amino acids. Applying a novel enzymatic assay, we here identified a methanethiol oxidase (MTO) that catalyzes the degradation of methanethiol in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The corresponding protein, Y37A1B.5, previously characterized as a C. elegans ortholog of human selenium-binding protein 1 (SELENBP1), was renamed SEMO-1 (SELENBP1 ortholog with methanethiol oxidase activity). Worms rendered deficient in SEMO-1 not only showed decreased hydrogen sulfide production from methanethiol catabolism but they were also more resistant to oxidative stress and had an elevated life span. In contrast, resistance to selenite was significantly lowered in SEMO-1-deficient worms. Naturally occurring mutations of human SELENBP1 were introduced to recombinant SEMO-1 through site-directed mutagenesis and resulted in loss of its MTO activity, indicating a similar enzymatic mechanism for SELENBP1 and SEMO-1. In summary, SEMO-1 confers resistance to toxic selenite and the ability to metabolize toxic methanethiol. These beneficial effects might be a trade-off for its negative impact on C. elegans life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Magnus Philipp
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Weiye Gong
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Karl Köhnlein
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Verena Alexia Ohse
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Frederike Iris Müller
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Josephine Priebs
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Holger Steinbrenner
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Lars-Oliver Klotz
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Aging Research Center Jena, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
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Philipp TM, Will A, Richter H, Winterhalter PR, Pohnert G, Steinbrenner H, Klotz LO. A coupled enzyme assay for detection of selenium-binding protein 1 (SELENBP1) methanethiol oxidase (MTO) activity in mature enterocytes. Redox Biol 2021; 43:101972. [PMID: 33901808 PMCID: PMC8099554 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.101972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Methanethiol, a gas with the characteristic smell of rotten cabbage, is a product of microbial methionine degradation. In the human body, methanethiol originates primarily from bacteria residing in the lumen of the large intestine. Selenium-binding protein 1 (SELENBP1), a marker protein of mature enterocytes, has recently been identified as a methanethiol oxidase (MTO). It catalyzes the conversion of methanethiol to hydrogen sulfide (H2S), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and formaldehyde. Here, human Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells were subjected to enterocyte-like differentiation, followed by analysis of SELENBP1 levels and MTO activity. To that end, we established a novel coupled assay to assess MTO activity mimicking the proximity of microbiome and intestinal epithelial cells in vivo. The assay is based on in situ-generation of methanethiol as catalyzed by a bacterial recombinant l-methionine gamma-lyase (MGL), followed by detection of H2S and H2O2. Applying this assay, we verified the loss and impairment of MTO function in SELENBP1 variants (His329Tyr; Gly225Trp) previously identified in individuals with familial extraoral halitosis. MTO activity was strongly enhanced in Caco-2 cells upon enterocyte differentiation, in parallel with increased SELENBP1 levels. This suggests that mature enterocytes located at the tip of colonic crypts are capable of eliminating microbiome-derived methanethiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Magnus Philipp
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Will
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Hannes Richter
- Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Georg Pohnert
- Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Holger Steinbrenner
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Lars-Oliver Klotz
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.
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