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Kim K, Khazan N, Rowswell-Turner RB, Singh RK, Moore T, Strawderman MS, Miller JP, Snyder CWA, Awada A, Moore RG. Forchlorfenuron-Induced Mitochondrial Respiration Inhibition and Metabolic Shifts in Endometrial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:976. [PMID: 38473335 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Forchlorfenuron (FCF) is a widely used plant cytokinin that enhances fruit quality and size in agriculture. It also serves as a crucial pharmacological tool for the inhibition of septins. However, the precise target of FCF has not yet been fully determined. This study reveals a novel target of FCF and elucidates its downstream signaling events. FCF significantly impairs mitochondrial respiration and mediates metabolic shift toward glycolysis, thus making cells more vulnerable to glycolysis inhibition. Interestingly, FCF's impact on mitochondrial function persists, even in cells lacking septins. Furthermore, the impaired mitochondrial function leads to the degradation of HIF-1α, facilitated by increased cellular oxygen. FCF also induces AMPK activation, suppresses Erk1/2 phosphorylation, and reduces the expression of HER2, β-catenin, and PD-L1. Endometrial cancer is characterized by metabolic disorders such as diabetes and aberrant HER2/Ras-Erk1/2/β-catenin signaling. Thus, FCF may hold promise as a potential therapeutic in endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyukwang Kim
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Negar Khazan
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Rachael B Rowswell-Turner
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Rakesh K Singh
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Taylor Moore
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Myla S Strawderman
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - John P Miller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Cameron W A Snyder
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Ahmad Awada
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Adventhealth, Orlando, FL 32804, USA
| | - Richard G Moore
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
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Li P, Sun H, Han X, Long F, Shen S, Li Z, Zeng F, Hao Z, Dong J. The Septin Gene StSep4 Contributes to the Pathogenicity of Setosphaeria turcica by Regulating the Morphology, Cell Wall Integrity, and Pathogenic Factor Biosynthesis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:19568-19580. [PMID: 38019936 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c06635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Septins are a conserved group of GTP-binding proteins found in all eukaryotes and are the fourth-most abundant cytoskeletal proteins. Septins of some pathogenic fungi are involved in morphological changes related to infection. Our previous studies have identified four core septins (StSep1-4) in Setosphaeria turcica, the causal agent of northern corn leaf blight, while only StSep4 is significantly upregulated during the invasive process. We therefore used forchlorfenuron (FCF), the specific inhibitor of septin, and ΔStSep4 knockout mutants to further clarify the role of septins in S. turcica pathogenicity. FCF treatment caused a dose-dependent reduction in S. turcica colony growth, delayed the formation of infection structures, and reduced the penetration ability. ΔStSep4 knockout mutants displayed abnormal mycelium morphology, slow mycelial growth, conidiation deficiency, delayed appressorium development, and weakened pathogenicity. StSep4 deletion also broke cell wall integrity, altered chitin distribution, decreased the melanin content, and disrupted normal nuclear localization. A transcriptomic comparison revealed that genes differentially expressed between ΔStSep4 and WT were enriched in terms of ribosomes, protein translation, membrane components, and transmembrane transport activities. Our results demonstrate that StSep4 is required for morphology and pathogenicity in S. turcica, making it a promising target for the development of novel fungicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Li
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Hehe Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Xinpeng Han
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Feng Long
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Shen Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Zhiyong Li
- Institute of Millet Crops, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050035, China
| | - Fanli Zeng
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Zhimin Hao
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Jingao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
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3
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Ráduly Z, Szabó L, Dienes B, Szentesi P, Bana ÁV, Hajdú T, Kókai E, Hegedűs C, Csernoch L, Gönczi M. Migration of Myogenic Cells Is Highly Influenced by Cytoskeletal Septin7. Cells 2023; 12:1825. [PMID: 37508490 PMCID: PMC10378681 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Septin7 as a unique member of the GTP binding protein family, is widely expressed in the eukaryotic cells and considered to be essential in the formation of hetero-oligomeric septin complexes. As a cytoskeletal component, Septin7 is involved in many important cellular processes. However, its contribution in striated muscle physiology is poorly described. In skeletal muscle, a highly orchestrated process of migration is crucial in the development of functional fibers and in regeneration. Here, we describe the pronounced appearance of Septin7 filaments and a continuous change of Septin7 protein architecture during the migration of myogenic cells. In Septin7 knockdown C2C12 cultures, the basic parameters of migration are significantly different, and the intracellular calcium concentration change in migrating cells are lower compared to that of scrambled cultures. Using a plant cytokinin, forchlorfenuron, to dampen septin dynamics, the altered behavior of the migrating cells is described, where Septin7-depleted cells are more resistant to the treatment. These results indicate the functional relevance of Septin7 in the migration of myoblasts, implying its contribution to muscle myogenesis and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Ráduly
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- ELKH-DE Cell Physiology Research Group, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Szabó
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- ELKH-DE Cell Physiology Research Group, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Beatrix Dienes
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Péter Szentesi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Viktória Bana
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tibor Hajdú
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Endre Kókai
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Csaba Hegedűs
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Csernoch
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- ELKH-DE Cell Physiology Research Group, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Mónika Gönczi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- ELKH-DE Cell Physiology Research Group, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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4
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Pseudokinase NRP1 facilitates endocytosis of transferrin in the African trypanosome. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18572. [PMID: 36329148 PMCID: PMC9633767 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22054-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei causes human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) and nagana in cattle. During infection of a vertebrate, endocytosis of host transferrin (Tf) is important for viability of the parasite. The majority of proteins involved in trypanosome endocytosis of Tf are unknown. Here we identify pseudokinase NRP1 (Tb427tmp.160.4770) as a regulator of Tf endocytosis. Genetic knockdown of NRP1 inhibited endocytosis of Tf without blocking uptake of bovine serum albumin. Binding of Tf to the flagellar pocket was not affected by knockdown of NRP1. However the quantity of Tf per endosome dropped significantly, consistent with NRP1 promoting robust capture and/or retention of Tf in vesicles. NRP1 is involved in motility of Tf-laden vesicles since distances between endosomes and the kinetoplast were reduced after knockdown of the gene. In search of possible mediators of NRP1 modulation of Tf endocytosis, the gene was knocked down and the phosphoproteome analyzed. Phosphorylation of protein kinases forkhead, NEK6, and MAPK10 was altered, in addition to EpsinR, synaptobrevin and other vesicle-associated proteins predicted to be involved in endocytosis. These candidate proteins may link NRP1 functionally either to protein kinases or to vesicle-associated proteins.
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5
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Gönczi M, Ráduly Z, Szabó L, Fodor J, Telek A, Dobrosi N, Balogh N, Szentesi P, Kis G, Antal M, Trencsenyi G, Dienes B, Csernoch L. Septin7 is indispensable for proper skeletal muscle architecture and function. eLife 2022; 11:e75863. [PMID: 35929607 PMCID: PMC9355566 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Today septins are considered as the fourth component of the cytoskeleton, with the Septin7 isoform playing a critical role in the formation of higher-order structures. While its importance has already been confirmed in several intracellular processes of different organs, very little is known about its role in skeletal muscle. Here, using Septin7 conditional knockdown (KD) mouse model, the C2C12 cell line, and enzymatically isolated adult muscle fibers, the organization and localization of septin filaments are revealed, and an ontogenesis-dependent expression of Septin7 is demonstrated. KD mice displayed a characteristic hunchback phenotype with skeletal deformities, reduction in in vivo and in vitro force generation, and disorganized mitochondrial networks. Furthermore, knockout of Septin7 in C2C12 cells resulted in complete loss of cell division while KD cells provided evidence that Septin7 is essential for proper myotube differentiation. These and the transient increase in Septin7 expression following muscle injury suggest that it may be involved in muscle regeneration and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónika Gönczi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Zsolt Ráduly
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, University of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - László Szabó
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, University of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - János Fodor
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Andrea Telek
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Nóra Dobrosi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Norbert Balogh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, University of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Péter Szentesi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Gréta Kis
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Miklós Antal
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - György Trencsenyi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Beatrix Dienes
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - László Csernoch
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
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Kim OV, Litvinov RI, Mordakhanova ER, Bi E, Vagin O, Weisel JW. Contribution of septins to human platelet structure and function. iScience 2022; 25:104654. [PMID: 35832887 PMCID: PMC9272382 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although septins have been well-studied in nucleated cells, their role in anucleate blood platelets remains obscure. Here, we elucidate the contribution of septins to human platelet structure and functionality. We show that Septin-2 and Septin-9 are predominantly distributed at the periphery of resting platelets and co-localize strongly with microtubules. Activation of platelets by thrombin causes clustering of septins and impairs their association with microtubules. Inhibition of septin dynamics with forchlorfenuron (FCF) reduces thrombin-induced densification of septins and lessens their colocalization with microtubules in resting and activated platelets. Exposure to FCF alters platelet shape, suggesting that septins stabilize platelet cytoskeleton. FCF suppresses platelet integrin αIIbβ3 activation, promotes phosphatidylserine exposure on activated platelets, and induces P-selectin expression on resting platelets, suggesting septin involvement in these processes. Inhibition of septin dynamics substantially reduces platelet contractility and abrogates their spreading on fibrinogen-coated surfaces. Overall, septins strongly contribute to platelet structure, activation and biomechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg V. Kim
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rustem I. Litvinov
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elmira R. Mordakhanova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation
| | - Erfei Bi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Olga Vagin
- Department of Pediatrics, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John W. Weisel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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7
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Forchlorfenuron and Novel Analogs Cause Cytotoxic Effects in Untreated and Cisplatin-Resistant Malignant Mesothelioma-Derived Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073963. [PMID: 35409322 PMCID: PMC8999537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a currently incurable, aggressive cancer derived from mesothelial cells, most often resulting from asbestos exposure. The current first-line treatment in unresectable MM is cisplatin/pemetrexed, which shows very little long-term effectiveness, necessitating research for novel therapeutic interventions. The existing chemotherapies often act on the cytoskeleton, including actin filaments and microtubules, but recent advances indicate the ‘fourth’ form consisting of the family of septins, representing a novel target. The septin inhibitor forchlorfenuron (FCF) and FCF analogs inhibit MM cell growth in vitro, but at concentrations which are too high for clinical applications. Based on the reported requirement of the chloride group in the 2-position of the pyridine ring of FCF for MM cell growth inhibition and cytotoxicity, we systematically investigated the importance (cell growth-inhibiting capacity) of the halogen atoms fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine in the 2- or 3-position of the pyridine ring. The MM cell lines ZL55, MSTO-211H, and SPC212, and—as a control—immortalized Met-5A mesothelial cells were used. The potency of the various halogen substitutions in FCF was mostly correlated with the atom size (covalent radius); the small fluoride analogs showed the least effect, while the largest one (iodide) most strongly decreased the MTT signals, in particular in MM cells derived from epithelioid MM. In the latter, the strongest effects in vitro were exerted by the 2-iodo and, unexpectedly, the 2-trifluoromethyl (2-CF3) FCF analogs, which were further tested in vivo in mice. However, FCF-2-I and, more strongly, FCF-2-CF3 caused rapidly occurring strong symptoms of systemic toxicity at doses lower than those previously obtained with FCF. Thus, we investigated the effectiveness of FCF (and selected analogs) in vitro in MM cells which were first exposed to cisplatin. The slowly appearing population of cisplatin-resistant cells was still susceptible to the growth-inhibiting/cytotoxic effect of FCF and its analogs, indicating that cisplatin and FCF target non-converging pathways in MM cells. Thus, a combination therapy of cisplatin and FCF (analogs) might represent a new avenue for the treatment of repopulating chemo-resistant MM cells in this currently untreatable cancer.
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Anjum M, Laitila A, Ouwehand AC, Forssten SD. Current Perspectives on Gastrointestinal Models to Assess Probiotic-Pathogen Interactions. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:831455. [PMID: 35173703 PMCID: PMC8841803 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.831455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There are different models available that mimic the human intestinal epithelium and are thus available for studying probiotic and pathogen interactions in the gastrointestinal tract. Although, in vivo models make it possible to study the overall effects of a probiotic on a living subject, they cannot always be conducted and there is a general commitment to reduce the use of animal models. Hence, in vitro methods provide a more rapid tool for studying the interaction between probiotics and pathogens; as well as being ethically superior, faster, and less expensive. The in vitro models are represented by less complex traditional models, standard 2D models compromised of culture plates as well as Transwell inserts, and newer 3D models like organoids, enteroids, as well as organ-on-a-chip. The optimal model selected depends on the research question. Properly designed in vitro and/or in vivo studies are needed to examine the mechanism(s) of action of probiotics on pathogens to obtain physiologically relevant results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sofia D. Forssten
- International Flavors and Fragrances, Health and Biosciences, Danisco Sweeteners Oy, Kantvik, Finland
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Septins in Infections: Focus on Viruses. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030278. [PMID: 33801245 PMCID: PMC8001386 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human septins comprise a family of 13 genes that encode conserved GTP-binding proteins. They form nonpolar complexes, which assemble into higher-order structures, such as bundles, scaffolding structures, or rings. Septins are counted among the cytoskeletal elements. They interact with the actin and microtubule networks and can bind to membranes. Many cellular functions with septin participation have been described in the literature, including cytokinesis, motility, forming of scaffolding platforms or lateral diffusion barriers, vesicle transport, exocytosis, and recognition of micron-scale curvature. Septin dysfunction has been implicated in diverse human pathologies, including neurodegeneration and tumorigenesis. Moreover, septins are thought to affect the outcome of host–microbe interactions. Implication of septins has been demonstrated in fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. Knowledge on the precise function of a particular septin in the different steps of the virus infection and replication cycle is still limited. Published data for vaccinia virus (VACV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), influenza A virus (H1N1 and H5N1), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), and Zika virus (ZIKV), all of major concern for public health, will be discussed here.
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10
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Gong G, Kam H, Tse YC, Giesy JP, Seto SW, Lee SMY. Forchlorfenuron (CPPU) causes disorganization of the cytoskeleton and dysfunction of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and abnormal vascular development in zebrafish embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 271:115791. [PMID: 33401215 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Forchlorfenuron (CPPU) has been used worldwide, to boost size and improve quality of various agricultural products. CPPU and its metabolites are persistent and have been detected frequently in fruits, water, sediments, and organisms in aquatic systems. Although the public became aware of CPPU through the exploding watermelon scandal of 2011 in Zhenjiang, China, little was known of its potential effects on the environment and wildlife. In this study, adverse effects of CPPU on developmental angiogenesis and vasculature, which is vulnerable to insults of persistent toxicants, were studied in vivo in zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio). Exposure to 10 mg CPPU/L impaired survival and hatching, while development was hindered by exposure to 2.5 mg CPPU/L. Developing vascular structure, including common cardinal veins (CCVs), intersegmental vessels (ISVs) and sub-intestinal vessels (SIVs), were significantly restrained by exposure to CPPU, in a dose-dependent manner. Also, CPPU caused disorganization of the cytoskeleton. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), CPPU inhibited proliferation, migration and formation of tubular-like structures in vitro. Results of Western blot analyses revealed that exposure to CPPU increased phosphorylation of FLT-1, but inhibited phosphorylation of FAK and its downstream MAPK pathway in HUVECs. In summary, CPPU elicited developmental toxicity to the developing endothelial system of zebrafish and HUVECs. This was do, at least in part due to inhibition of the FAK/MAPK signaling pathway rather than direct interaction with the VEGF receptor (VEGFR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiyi Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Hiotong Kam
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau
| | - Yu-Chung Tse
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - John P Giesy
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B3, Canada; Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B4, Canada; Department of Environmental Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76706, United States
| | - Sai-Wang Seto
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemistry Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Simon Ming-Yuen Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau.
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Novel Functions of the Septin Cytoskeleton: Shaping Up Tissue Inflammation and Fibrosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 191:40-51. [PMID: 33039354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory diseases cause profound alterations in tissue homeostasis, including unchecked activation of immune and nonimmune cells leading to disease complications such as aberrant tissue repair and fibrosis. Current anti-inflammatory therapies are often insufficient in preventing or reversing these complications. Remodeling of the intracellular cytoskeleton is critical for cell activation in inflamed and fibrotic tissues; however, the cytoskeleton has not been adequately explored as a therapeutic target in inflammation. Septins are GTP-binding proteins that self-assemble into higher order cytoskeletal structures. The septin cytoskeleton exhibits a number of critical cellular functions, including regulation of cell shape and polarity, cytokinesis, cell migration, vesicle trafficking, and receptor signaling. Surprisingly, little is known about the role of the septin cytoskeleton in inflammation. This article reviews emerging evidence implicating different septins in the regulation of host-pathogen interactions, immune cell functions, and tissue fibrosis. Targeting of the septin cytoskeleton as a potential future therapeutic intervention in human inflammatory and fibrotic diseases is also discussed.
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12
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The Intestinal Barrier and Current Techniques for the Assessment of Gut Permeability. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081909. [PMID: 32824536 PMCID: PMC7463717 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal barrier is essential in human health and constitutes the interface between the outside and the internal milieu of the body. A functional intestinal barrier allows absorption of nutrients and fluids but simultaneously prevents harmful substances like toxins and bacteria from crossing the intestinal epithelium and reaching the body. An altered intestinal permeability, a sign of a perturbed barrier function, has during the last decade been associated with several chronic conditions, including diseases originating in the gastrointestinal tract but also diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson disease. This has led to an intensified interest from researchers with diverse backgrounds to perform functional studies of the intestinal barrier in different conditions. Intestinal permeability is defined as the passage of a solute through a simple membrane and can be measured by recording the passage of permeability markers over the epithelium via the paracellular or the transcellular route. The methodological tools to investigate the gut barrier function are rapidly expanding and new methodological approaches are being developed. Here we outline and discuss, in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo techniques and how these methods can be utilized for thorough investigation of the intestinal barrier.
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