Targeting an anchored phosphatase-deacetylase unit restores renal ciliary homeostasis

Pathophysiological defects in water homeostasis can lead to renal failure. Likewise, common genetic disorders associated with abnormal cytoskeletal dynamics in the kidney collecting ducts and perturbed calcium and cAMP signaling in the ciliary compartment contribute to chronic kidney failure. We show that collecting ducts in mice lacking the A-Kinase anchoring protein AKAP220 exhibit enhanced development of primary cilia. Mechanistic studies reveal that AKAP220-associated protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) mediates this phenotype by promoting changes in the stability of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) with concomitant defects in actin dynamics. This proceeds through a previously unrecognized adaptor function for PP1 as all ciliogenesis and cytoskeletal phenotypes are recapitulated in mIMCD3 knock-in cells expressing a phosphatase-targeting defective AKAP220-ΔPP1 mutant. Pharmacological blocking of local HDAC6 activity alters cilia development and reduces cystogenesis in kidney-on-chip and organoid models. These findings identify the AKAP220-PPI-HDAC6 pathway as a key effector in primary cilia development.

SAR studies on truxillic acid mono esters as a new class of antinociceptive agents targeting fatty acid binding proteins

Fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) serve as critical modulators of endocannabinoid signaling by facilitating the intracellular transport of anandamide and whose inhibition potentiates anandamide signaling. Our previous work has identified a novel small-molecule FABP inhibitor, α-truxillic acid 1-naphthyl monoester (SB-FI-26, 3) that has shown efficacy as an antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory agent in rodent models. In the present work, we have performed an extensive SAR study on a series of 3-analogs as novel FABP inhibitors based on computer-aided inhibitor drug design and docking analysis, chemical synthesis and biological evaluations. The prediction of binding affinity of these analogs to target FABP3, 5 and 7 isoforms was performed using the AutoDock 4.2 program, using the recently determined co-crystal structures of 3 with FABP5 and FABP7. The compounds with high docking scores were synthesized and evaluated for their activities using a fluorescence displacement assay against FABP3, 5 and 7. During lead optimization, compound 3l emerged as a promising compound with the Ki value of 0.21 μM for FABP 5, 4-fold more potent than 3 (Ki, 0.81 μM). Nine compounds exhibit similar or better binding affinity than 3, including compounds 4b (Ki, 0.55 μM) and 4e (Ki, 0.68 μM). Twelve compounds are selective for FABP5 and 7 with >10 μM Ki values for FABP3, indicating a safe profile to avoid potential cardiotoxicity concerns. Compounds 4f, 4j and 4k showed excellent selectivity for FABP5 and would serve as other new lead compounds. Compound 3a possessed high affinity and high selectivity for FABP7. Compounds with moderate to high affinity for FABP5 displayed antinociceptive effects in mice while compounds with low FABP5 affinity lacked in vivo efficacy. In vivo pain model studies in mice revealed that exceeding hydrophobicity significantly affects the efficacy. Thus, among the compounds with high affinity to FABP5 in vitro, the compounds with moderate hydrophobicity were identified as promising new lead compounds for the next round of optimization, including compounds 4b and 4j. For select cases, computational analysis of the observed SAR, especially the selectivity of new inhibitors to particular FABP isoforms, by comparing docking poses, interaction map, and docking energy scores has provided useful insights.

Fatty acid-binding protein 5 controls microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 (mPGES-1) induction during inflammation

Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) are intracellular lipid carriers that regulate inflammation, and pharmacological inhibition of FABP5 reduces inflammation and pain. The mechanism(s) underlying the anti-inflammatory effects associated with FABP5 inhibition is poorly understood. Herein, we identify a novel mechanism through which FABP5 modulates inflammation. In mice, intraplantar injection of carrageenan induces acute inflammation that is accompanied by edema, enhanced pain sensitivity, and elevations in proinflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂). Inhibition of FABP5 reduced pain, edema, cytokine, and PGE₂ levels. PGE₂ is a major eicosanoid that enhances pain in the setting of inflammation, and we focused on the mechanism(s) through which FABP5 modulates PGE₂ production. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 (mPGES-1) are enzymes up-regulated at the site of inflammation and account for the bulk of PGE₂ biosynthesis. Pharmacological or genetic FABP5 inhibition suppressed the induction of mPGES-1 but not COX-2 in carrageenan-injected paws, which occurred predominantly in macrophages. The cytokine interleukin 1β (IL-1β) is a major inducer of mPGES-1 during inflammation. Using A549 cells that express FABP5, IL-1β stimulation up-regulated mPGES-1 expression, and mPGES-1 induction was attenuated in A549 cells bearing a knockdown of FABP5. IL-1β up-regulates mPGES-1 via NF-κB, which activates the mPGES-1 promoter. Knockdown of FABP5 reduced the activation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB and attenuated mPGES-1 promoter activity. Deletion of NF-κB-binding sites within the mPGES-1 promoter abrogated the ability of FABP5 to inhibit mPGES-1 promoter activation. Collectively, these results position FABP5 as a novel regulator of mPGES-1 induction and PGE₂ biosynthesis during inflammation.

Dietary shifts affect the gastrointestinal microflora of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Giant pandas exhibit seasonal changes in bamboo plant part preference. The influences on the gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) microbial populations were evaluated during a 14-month period for a pair of adult male and female giant pandas housed at the Memphis Zoo using traditional culturing methods to enumerate eight bacterial groups (total anaerobes, total aerobes (TAR), streptococci (STR), total enterics, Escherichia coli, Bacteroides spp., lactobacilli and Clostridium spp.). Both the male and female pandas altered bamboo consumption behaviours, with a sharp decrease in leaf preference in April 2010 and returning to high levels of leaf preference from June to October, corresponding to significant shifts in the densities of TAR, STR, and lactobacilli and Bacteroides spp. These findings indicate seasonal changes in food preference affect the assemblages of microbial populations within the GIT of the giant panda and contribute to a better understanding of the importance of bamboo in this species' foraging strategy.

Determination of [35S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate binding mediated by cholinergic muscarinic receptors in membranes from Chinese hamster ovary cells and rat striatum using an anti-G protein scintillation proximity assay

An assay for measuring agonist-stimulated [35S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate (GTPgamma35S) binding to heterotrimeric GTP binding proteins was developed for use in 96-well format using commercially available anti-G protein antibodies captured by anti-IgG-coated scintillation proximity assay beads. Use of an anti-Galphaq/11 antibody to measure GTPgamma35S binding mediated by M1, M3, and M5 receptors stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells resulted in a marked increase in agonist-stimulated/basal binding ratio compared with whole membrane binding. Pertussis toxin (PTX) treatment of CHO M1 cells before membrane preparation resulted in a marked reduction in agonist-stimulated GTPgamma35S binding to whole membranes. Direct coupling of M1 receptors in CHO cells to inhibitory G proteins was demonstrated using an anti-Galphai(1-3) antibody, and this binding was inhibited by 76% following PTX treatment. However, PTX had no effect on M1-mediated binding determined using anti-Galphaq/11. CHO M2 receptors mediated robust agonist-stimulated GTPgamma35S binding measured with anti-Galphai(1-3), but coupled only weakly to Galphaq/11. Using membranes from rat striatum, GTPgamma35S binding stimulated by oxotremorine M was demonstrated using anti-Galphaq/11, anti-Galphai(1-3), and anti-Galphao antibodies. Agonist-stimulated binding to striatal membranes showed a marked antibody-dependent GDP requirement with robust signals obtained using 0.1 microM GDP for anti-Galphaq/11 compared with 50 microM GDP for anti-Galphai(1-3) and anti-Galphao. The potencies observed for pirenzepine and AFDX 116 blockade of agonist-stimulated GTPgamma35S binding to striatal membranes determined with anti-Galphaq/11 and anti-Galphao suggested mediation of these responses primarily by M1 and M4 receptors, respectively. Antibody capture GTPgamma35S binding using scintillation proximity assay technology provides a convenient, productive alternative to immunoprecipitation for exploration of receptor-G protein interaction in cells and tissues.

Direct pharmacological comparison of the muscarinic receptors mediating relaxation and contraction in the rabbit thoracic aorta

The purpose of the present studies was to directly compare the pharmacology of the muscarinic cholinergic receptors coupled to carbachol-induced relaxation and contraction of the intact and the endothelium-denuded rabbit thoracic aorta, respectively. The order of potencies of agonists for producing relaxation in the intact aorta was similar to that for producing contraction in the denuded aorta. In both preparations, the partial agonists pilocarpine, McN-A-343, and RS86 functioned as antagonists, indicating a lack of receptor reserve in both preparations. Further, the pA2 values for antagonists in both tissues were virtually identical and were consistent with the pharmacology of M3 receptors.

Guidelines for evaluation and management of five common podopediatric conditions

Practice guidelines for five of the most common podopediatric deformities are presented. In establishing these diagnosis and management guidelines, the authors have reviewed an extensive body of literature and considered their experience as clinicians in one of the busiest settings for the evaluation and treatment of disorders of children's feet. No attempt has been made to be encyclopedic; rather, the authors emphasize practical visual descriptors and the rationale for treatment to demonstrate the value of early intervention in moderate-to-severe orthopedic pathology of the foot and leg.

Use of a single swab in multi-microbe or flex trans transport medium for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis by Roche Amplicor PCR and culture in specimens from two different patient populations

The Roche Amplicor PCR increased the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis compared with culture in promptly processed clinical specimens from a local clinic (100 and 86.5%, respectively) and in samples with delayed processing transported from distant facilities (100 and 72.7%, respectively). A single swab collected in culture transport medium was used. Two media, Multi-Microbe and Flex Trans, were tested and found to be equally acceptable.

Effect of luminal vasopressin on NaCl transport in the medullary thick ascending limb of the rat

The aim of the present study was to determine whether vasopressin affects NaCl reabsorption in the medullary thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle when administered selectively to the luminal membrane. At 5 x 10(-6) M and 10(-8) M, luminal [Arg8]vasopressin significantly inhibited Cl- transport in the in vitro microperfused rat medullary thick ascending limb by 46.4 +/- 5.9% (P < 0.01) and 32.4 +/- 2.0% (P < 0.05) respectively. The response to 10(-8) M luminal [Arg8]vasopressin was completely blocked by the vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist [beta-mercapto-beta,beta-cyclopenta-methylenepropionyl1, O-Me-Tyr2,Arg8]vasopressin (10(-6) M), and was mimicked by the vasopressin V1 receptor agonist [Phe1, Ile5, Orn8]vasopressin (10(-8) M; delta -35.0 +/- 4.5%; P < 0.05). Luminal administration of the vasopressin V2 receptor agonist [deamino-Cys1, D-Arg8]vasopressin (5 x 10(-6) M) had no effect on transport. These data suggest that luminal vasopressin can inhibit NaCl transport in the medullary thick ascending limb of the rat via vasopressin V1 receptors.

Effect of bradykinin on NaCl transport in the medullary thick ascending limb of the rat

The aim of the present study was to determine whether bradykinin affects NaCl reabsorption in the medullary thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. At 10(-8) M, bradykinin significantly inhibited Cl- transport in the in vitro microperfused rat medullary thick ascending limb by 67% (P < 0.01). This inhibitory effect could be totally prevented by preincubating tubules with the bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist N alpha-adamantaneacetyl-D-Arg-[Hyp3,Thi5,8,D-Phe7]brady kinin (10(-6) M). In contrast, the bradykinin B1 receptor agonist des-Arg9 bradykinin (10(-6) M) had no effect on Cl- transport. Bradykinin caused transient increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which could be blocked by the bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, but could not be reproduced with the bradykinin B1 receptor agonist. These data suggest that the natriuretic and diuretic effect of bradykinin in vivo is due, at least in part, to a bradykinin B2 receptor-mediated inhibition of NaCl reabsorption in the medullary thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle.

Effect of propranolol on normal human erythrocytes

The present study was undertaken to standardize the effect of propranolol on normal human red cells and thus establish certain parameters enabling us to evaluate propranolol's effect on pathological cells. Normal human erythrocytes lost 40 MEq. of potassium, decreased the intracellular pH by 0.06 units, and shifted the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve 6.0 mm. Hg to the right in the presence of propranolol. The series of events and magnitude of the response induced by propranolol was time dependent and sensitive to temperature, pH, drug concentration, and erythrocyte concentration. Calcium was an absolute requirement for maximal propranolol action with simultaneous incorporation of trace amounts of radioactive calcium into the cell. Chelation of calcium with EDTA or EGTA inhibited the response to propranolol.