Functions and novel regulatory mechanisms of key glycolytic enzymes in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive vascular disease characterized by remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature and elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, ultimately leading to right heart failure and death. Despite its clinical significance, the precise molecular mechanisms driving PAH pathogenesis warrant confirmation. Compelling evidence indicates that during the development of PAH, pulmonary vascular cells exhibit a preference for energy generation through aerobic glycolysis, known as the "Warburg effect", even in well-oxygenated conditions. This metabolic shift results in imbalanced metabolism, increased proliferation, and severe pulmonary vascular remodeling. Exploring the Warburg effect and its interplay with glycolytic enzymes in the context of PAH has yielded current insights into emerging drug candidates targeting enzymes and intermediates involved in glucose metabolism. This sheds light on both opportunities and challenges in the realm of antiglycolytic therapy for PAH.

The determinants of metabolic discrepancies in aerobic glycolysis: Providing potential targets for breast cancer treatment

Altered aerobic glycolysis is the robust mechanism to support cancer cell survival and proliferation beyond the maintenance of cellular energy metabolism. Several investigators portrayed the important role of deregulated glycolysis in different cancers, including breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most ubiquitous form of cancer and the primary cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Breast cancer with increased glycolytic flux is hampered to eradicate with current therapies and can result in tumor recurrence. In spite of the low order efficiency of ATP production, cancer cells are highly addicted to glycolysis. The glycolytic dependency of cancer cells provides potential therapeutic strategies to preferentially kill cancer cells by inhibiting glycolysis using antiglycolytic agents. The present review emphasizes the most recent research on the implication of glycolytic enzymes, including glucose transporters (GLUTs), hexokinase (HK), phosphofructokinase (PFK), pyruvate kinase (PK), lactate dehydrogenase-A (LDHA), associated signalling pathways and transcription factors, as well as the antiglycolytic agents that target key glycolytic enzymes in breast cancer. The potential activity of glycolytic inhibitors impinges cancer prevalence and cellular resistance to conventional drugs even under worse physiological conditions such as hypoxia. As a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs, it provides the feasibility of new therapeutic modalities against a wide spectrum of human cancers.

Validation of protein biological markers of lamb meat quality characteristics based on the different muscle types

This work investigated the ability of 8 potential biomarkers (phosphoglycerate kinase-1 (PGK1), pyruvate kinase-M2 (PKM2), phosphoglucomutase-1 (PGM1), β-enolase (ENO3, myosin-binding protein-C (MYBPC1), myosin regulatory light chain-2 (MYLPF), troponin C-1 (TNNC1) and troponin I-1 (TNNI1)) to characterize meat quality by analyzing their relative abundance and enzymatic activity. Two different meat quality groups (Quadriceps femoris (QF) and Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscles) were selected at 24 h postmortem from 100 lamb carcasses. The relative abundance of PKM2, PGK1, PGM1, ENO3, MYBPC1, MYLPF, and TNNI1 was significantly different between LT and QF muscle groups (P < 0.01). Moreover, PKM, PGK, PGM, and ENO activity in LT muscle group was significantly lower than that in QF muscle (P < 0.05). Suggesting that PKM2, PGK1, PGM1, ENO3, MYBPC1, MYLPF, and TNNI1 can be used as robust biomarkers of lamb meat quality, providing the reference for understanding the molecular mechanism of postmortem meat quality formation in future.

Moonlighting enzymes: when cellular context defines specificity

It is not often realized that the absolute protein specificity is an exception rather than a rule. Two major kinds of protein multi-specificities are promiscuity and moonlighting. This review discusses the idea of enzyme specificity and then focusses on moonlighting. Some important examples of protein moonlighting, such as crystallins, ceruloplasmin, metallothioniens, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, and enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism are discussed. How protein plasticity and intrinsic disorder enable the removing the distinction between enzymes and other biologically active proteins are outlined. Finally, information on important roles of moonlighting in human diseases is updated.

Changes in blood parameters and metabolism in bullfrog tadpoles, Lithobates catesbeianus, (Shaw, 1802) after exposure to the Sorocaba River (São Paulo, Brazil) water

This study evaluated the genetic damage, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and energy metabolism in bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus) exposed to water from two sites of the Sorocaba River, Ibiúna (PI), and Itupararanga reservoir (PIR), in summer and winter. After 96-h exposure, the erythrocyte number decreased in PI and increase in PIR in summer. Bullfrogs show oxidative unbalance (liver, kidney, and muscle), with alterations in the nitric oxide synthase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Cholinesterase increased in the brain in PI and PIR in the summer and decreased in PI in the winter. It also increased in the muscle in both PI and PIR in the winter. Tadpoles show alterations in the activity of the metabolic enzymes (liver, kidney, and muscle), such as phosphofructokinase, pyruvatokinase, malate dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase; and in the amount of glucose and triglycerides metabolites. Exposure to the Sorocaba River reflected a stressful situation for L. catesbeianus as the changes caused to their metabolism associated with oxidative stress and neurotoxicity may have effects on the development of tadpoles.

MORC2 and MAX contributes to the expression of glycolytic enzymes, breast cancer cell proliferation and migration

Cancer cell proliferation is a high energy demanding process, where the cancer cells acquire energy by high rates of glycolysis, and this phenomenon is known as the "Warburg effect". Microrchidia 2 (MORC2), an emerging chromatin remodeler, is over expressed in several cancers including breast cancer and found to promote cancer cell proliferation. However, the role of MORC2 in glucose metabolism in cancer cells remains unexplored. In this study, we report that MORC2 interacts indirectly with the genes involved in glucose metabolism via transcription factors MAX (MYC-associated factor X) and MYC. We also found that MORC2 co-localizes and interacts with MAX. Further, we observed a positive correlation of expression of MORC2 with glycolytic enzymes Hexokinase 1 (HK1), Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and Phosphofructokinase platelet (PFKP) type in multiple cancers. Surprisingly, the knockdown of either MORC2 or MAX not only decreased the expression of glycolytic enzymes but also inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation and migration. Together, these results demonstrate the involvement of the MORC2/MAX signaling axis in the expression of glycolytic enzymes and breast cancer cell proliferation and migration.

Low-glycemic foods with wheat, barley and herbs (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica and Emblica officinalis) inhibit α-amylase, α-glucosidase and DPP-IV activity in high fat and low dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat

Wheat, barley or wheat + barley and herbs (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica and Emblica officinalis) based low-glycemic-index (low-GI) foods were developed and studied α-amylase, α-glucosidase and DPP-IV inhibition property in vitro and in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The GI of products ranged from 47 to 53 than control white bread (GI = 95). Total phenolic (20.1 ± 1 mg gallic acid/g dry wt.) and flavonoids (15.2 ± 1 mg quercetin/g dry wt.) were higher in wheat + barley than barley (17.2 ± 1; 13.6 ± 2) and wheat (16.9 ± 1; 14.9 ± 2) products. The in vitro α-amylase (4-10%), α-glucosidase (5-17%) and DPP-IV (3-26%) inhibition (IC₅₀) of methanol extracts were higher than the aqueous extracts. The fasting blood glucose (50.85, 33.22 and 24.52%) and oral glucose tolerance (AUC = 32.1, 36.04, and 27.73%) was lower in barley, wheat, and wheat + barley fed diabetic groups than diabetic control group (1571.5 ± 13.5 mg/dL/120 min). Feeding wheat, barley, and W + B foods for 60 days inhibited the intestinal α-amylase (1.2, 1.1 and 1.5-folds), α-glucosidase (1.3, 1.2 and 1.7-folds) and DPP-IV (1.6, 1.5 and 2.1-folds) activity compared to diabetic control. Low-GI foods lower the systemic glucose level, inhibit the glycolytic enzymes and DPP-IV activity and hence desirable for diabetes management.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05231-0.

Pyruvate kinase, a metabolic sensor powering glycolysis, drives the metabolic control of DNA replication

Background

In all living organisms, DNA replication is exquisitely regulated in a wide range of growth conditions to achieve timely and accurate genome duplication prior to cell division. Failures in this regulation cause DNA damage with potentially disastrous consequences for cell viability and human health, including cancer. To cope with these threats, cells tightly control replication initiation using well-known mechanisms. They also couple DNA synthesis to nutrient richness and growth rate through a poorly understood process thought to involve central carbon metabolism. One such process may involve the cross-species conserved pyruvate kinase (PykA) which catalyzes the last reaction of glycolysis. Here we have investigated the role of PykA in regulating DNA replication in the model system Bacillus subtilis.

Results

On analysing mutants of the catalytic (Cat) and C-terminal (PEPut) domains of B. subtilis PykA we found replication phenotypes in conditions where PykA is dispensable for growth. These phenotypes are independent from the effect of mutations on PykA catalytic activity and are not associated with significant changes in the metabolome. PEPut operates as a nutrient-dependent inhibitor of initiation while Cat acts as a stimulator of replication fork speed. Disruption of either PEPut or Cat replication function dramatically impacted the cell cycle and replication timing even in cells fully proficient in known replication control functions. In vitro, PykA modulates activities of enzymes essential for replication initiation and elongation via functional interactions. Additional experiments showed that PEPut regulates PykA activity and that Cat and PEPut determinants important for PykA catalytic activity regulation are also important for PykA-driven replication functions.

Conclusions

We infer from our findings that PykA typifies a new family of cross-species replication control regulators that drive the metabolic control of replication through a mechanism involving regulatory determinants of PykA catalytic activity. As disruption of PykA replication functions causes dramatic replication defects, we suggest that dysfunctions in this new family of universal replication regulators may pave the path to genetic instability and carcinogenesis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01278-3.

Identification and characterization of phosphoproteins in the striated and smooth adductor muscles of Yesso scallop Patinopecten yessoensis

Many proteins are known to be phosphorylated, affecting important regulatory factors of muscle quality in the aquatic animals. The striated and smooth adductor muscles of Yesso scallop Patinopecten yessoensis were used to investigate muscle texture and identify phosphoproteins by histological methods and phosphoproteomic analysis. Our present study reveals that muscle fiber density is in relation to meat texture of the striated and smooth adductor muscles. The phosphoproteomic analysis has identified 764 down-regulated and 569 up-regulated phosphosites on 743 phosphoproteins in the smooth muscle compared to the striated part. The identification of unique phosphorylation sites in glycolytic enzymes may increase the activity of glycolytic enzymes and the rate of glycolysis in the striated adductor muscle. The present findings will provide new evidences on the role of muscle structure and protein phosphorylation in scallop muscle quality and thus help to develop strategies for improving meat quality of scallop products.

Lactate in the tumour microenvironment: From immune modulation to therapy

Disordered metabolic states, which are characterised by hypoxia and elevated levels of metabolites, particularly lactate, contribute to the immunosuppression in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Excessive lactate secreted by metabolism-reprogrammed cancer cells regulates immune responses via causing extracellular acidification, acting as an energy source by shuttling between different cell populations, and inhibiting the mechanistic (previously ‘mammalian’) target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in immune cells. This review focuses on recent advances in the regulation of immune responses by lactate, as well as therapeutic strategies targeting lactate anabolism and transport in the TME, such as those involving glycolytic enzymes and monocarboxylate transporter inhibitors. Considering the multifaceted roles of lactate in cancer metabolism, a comprehensive understanding of how lactate and lactate-targeting therapies regulate immune responses in the TME will provide insights into the complex relationships between metabolism and antitumour immunity.

3-Bromopyruvate: A new strategy for inhibition of glycolytic enzymes in Leishmania amazonensis

The compound 3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA) is well-known and studies from several researchers have demonstrated its involvement in tumorigenesis. It is an analogue of pyruvic acid that inhibits ATP synthesis by inhibiting enzymes from the glycolytic pathway and oxidative phosphorylation. In this work, we investigated the effect of 3-BrPA on energy metabolism of L. amazonensis. In order to verify the effect of 3-BrPA on L. amazonensis glycolysis, we measured the activity level of three glycolytic enzymes located at different points of the pathway: (i) glucose kinases, step 1, (ii) glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), step 6, and (iii) enolase, step 9. 3-BrPA, in a dose-dependent manner, significantly reduced the activity levels of all the enzymes. In addition, 3-BrPA treatment led to a reduction in the levels of phosphofruto-1-kinase (PFK) protein, suggesting that the mode of action of 3-BrPA involves the downregulation of some glycolytic enzymes. Measurement of ATP levels in promastigotes of L. amazonensis showed a significant reduction in ATP generation. The O₂ consumption was also significantly inhibited in promastigotes, confirming the energy depletion effect of 3-BrPA. When 3-BrPA was added to the cells at the beginning of growth cycle, it significantly inhibited L. amazonensis proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the ability to infect macrophages was reduced by approximately 50% when promastigotes were treated with 3-BrPA. Taken together, these studies corroborate with previous reports which suggest 3-BrPA as a potential drug against pathogenic microorganisms that are reliant on glucose catabolism for ATP supply.

Taurine Upregulates miRNA-122-5p Expression and Suppresses the Metabolizing Enzymes of Glycolytic Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complicated disease with a poor prognosis and high mortality rates. The prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of liver cancer have become vital focuses in healthcare research.

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of taurine (Tau) on the expression of miR-122-5p that targets some limiting glycolytic enzymes and affects the overall glycolytic pathway in HepG2 cells.

METHOD

IC₅₀ and the inhibitory effect of Tau on cell proliferation were measured after 48 h by MTT assay. Then, the mRNA expressions of some apoptosis-related genes P53, BAX, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2 were measured using quantitative real-time (qRT-PCR) and the protein levels were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The activities of some antioxidant's biomarkers were assessed. The gene expression of miR-122-5p that targets some limiting glycolytic enzymes; Aldolase and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were evaluated after treatment with Tau for 48 h.

RESULTS

A Significant inhibition in the proliferation of HepG2 was encountered after treatment with Tau in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the expression of apoptotic genes p53, Bax, and Caspase-3 exhibited a significant upregulation, while Bcl-2 showed a significant downregulation. These alterations in the expression levels were also confirmed on the protein level. The antioxidant activities of GPx, CAT, and NO were significantly elevated versus untreated control. Also, a significant increase in the expression level of miR-122-5p was observed after treatment with Tau affecting the metabolic activity of HCC cells. Concomitantly, a significant inhibition in ALDOA protein and the hallmark of glycolytic enzymes LDH and Aldolase were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations showed that taurine inhibits HepG2 cell proliferation and restores the expression of miR-122-5p which inhibits the hallmark glycolytic enzymes and ultimately the metabolic activity of HCC cells. Tau is assumed to be a promising and effective antitumor therapy of HCC.

Middle age as a turning point in mouse cerebral cortex energy and redox metabolism: Modulation by every-other-day fasting

Normal brain aging is accompanied by intensification of free radical processes and compromised bioenergetics. Caloric restriction is expected to counteract these changes but the underlying protective mechanisms remain poorly understood. The present work aimed to investigate the intensity of oxidative stress and energy metabolism in the cerebral cortex comparing mice of different ages as well as comparing mice given one of two regimens of food availability: ad libitum versus every-other-day fasting (EODF). Levels of oxidative stress markers, ketone bodies, glycolytic intermediates, mitochondrial respiration, and activities of antioxidant and glycolytic enzymes were assessed in cortex from 6-, 12- and 18-month old C57BL/6J mice. The greatest increase in oxidative stress markers and the sharpest decline in key glycolytic enzyme activities was observed in mice upon the transition from young (6 months) to middle (12 months) age, with smaller changes occurring upon transition to old-age (18 months). Brain mitochondrial respiration showed no significant changes with age. A decrease in the activities of key glycolytic enzymes was accompanied by an increase in the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase suggesting that during normal brain aging glucose metabolism is altered to lower glycolytic activity and increase dependence on the pentose-phosphate pathway. Interestingly, levels of ketone bodies and antioxidant capacity showed a greater decrease in the brain cortex of females as compared with males. The EODF regimen further suppressed glycolytic enzyme activities in the cortex of old mice, and partially enhanced oxygen consumption and respiratory control in the cortex of middle aged and old males. Thus, in the mammalian cortex the major aging-induced metabolic changes are already seen in middle age and are slightly alleviated by an intermittent fasting mode of feeding.

Crucial players in glycolysis: Cancer progress

Cancer is the second most important cause of death and new therapy modalities continue to be developed and evolved. Cancer cells' metabolism is far different from the normal, healthy cells; they are more metabolically active, have higher proliferation rate and could able to resist to cell death pathways like apoptosis. It is known that in addition to increasing the expression of enzymes that are crucial in glycolysis for much more energy production, cancer cells produce energy from lactic acid fermentation after glycolysis. In 1920s, Warburg has claimed that cancer cells are more active in glycolysis than normal cells and use much more glucose in order to obtain more ATP for metabolic activities, then this is named as Warburg effect. After that; new methodologies and therapeutics that target metabolism, began to be attractive subject in cancer studies. Therefore, the main genes, enzymes and factors are begun to investigate and further studied for understanding their roles in metabolism of cancer cells.

The antidiabetic properties of the hot water extract of kola nut (Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott & Endl.) in type 2 diabetic rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cola nitida is amongst the evergreen plants native to West Africa used in the treatment of various ailments including diabetes.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate the antidiabetic effects of the hot water extract of C. nitida seeds in type 2 diabetic rats.

METHODS

Type 2 diabetic rats were orally administered with low (150 mg/kg bw) and high (300 mg/kg bw) doses of the hot water extract for 6 wk and thereafter, blood glucose, insulin level, lipid profile, pancreatic β-cell function, perfusion and morphology, redox imbalance, glycolytic and cholinergic enzymes, as well as of caspase-3 and Nrf2 expressions were measured.

RESULTS

Treatment with the extract led to significant depletion of blood glucose, serum triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, fructosamine, ALT, and uric acids, while elevating serum insulin and HDL-cholesterol levels. The infusion also significantly (p < 0.05) elevated GSH level, SOD, catalase, α-amylase, and ATPase activities, with concomitant depletion of myeloperoxidase enzyme activity, and NO and MDA levels in the serum and pancreas. Significantly (p < 0.05) improved pancreatic β-cell function and morphology were observed in rats treated with C. nitida, with restored pancreatic capillary networks. C. nitida inhibited the activities of glycogen phosphorylase, fructose 1,6 biphosphatase, glucose 6 phosphatase, and acetylcholinesterase while downregulated the Nrf2 expression. NMR analysis of the extract revealed the presence of caffeine and theobromine. The molecular docking studies indicated that identified compounds displayed strong molecular interactions with caspase-3 and Nrf2.

CONCLUSION

These results insinuate the antidiabetic activities of C. nitida hot water extract and may be attributed to the NMR-identified compounds.

Proteomic analysis of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear cells (PBMCs) reveals alteration of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) components in uncontrolled diabetes

Neutrophils have been thought to play a major role in inflammation and diabetic complications especially in poor glycemic control patients as demonstrated by their aberrant inflammatory markers. The aim of the present study was to compare neutrophil proteome profiles between diabetic patients with good glycemic control and those with poor glycemic control to see whether there might be any differences that could be related to the cause of complications which are found more commonly in the latter. Using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) followed by quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF MS) and/or tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), we identified 35 differentially expressed proteins, some of which were protein components of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), in the poor glycemic control group compared to the good glycemic control group. The observed alterations of protein components of NETs included downregulation of myeloperoxidase, azurocidin (CAP37), and S100A9; and upregulation of the glycolytic enzymes transketolase and alpha-enolase. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), functioning in cellular response and defense, was also found downregulated in the poor control group. Most of the glycolysis-related proteins were downregulated in the good control group but upregulated in the poor control group, including phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) and L-lactate dehydrogenase B chain (LDHB). The findings of this study demonstrate the dysregulation of protein components of NETs in neutrophils in patients with poorly controlled diabetes. More specifically, these findings suggest association between NETs and inflammation in diabetes and provide further insights into the role of neutrophils in the complications of poorly controlled diabetes.

Raffia palm (Raphia hookeri G. Mann & H. Wendl) wine modulates glucose homeostasis by enhancing insulin secretion and inhibiting redox imbalance in a rat model of diabetes induced by high fructose diet and streptozotocin

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Raffia palm (Raphia hookeri) wine (RPW) is amongst the natural products from plants, utilized singly or in combination with other medicinal plants for the treatment of several ailments including Diabetes Mellitus (DM). However, there is a scientific dearth on its antidiabetic activity.

AIM

The antidiabetic effect of RPW and its possible mechanism of actions were investigated in diabetic rats.

METHODS

Four groups of male SD rats were first supplied with 10% fructose solution ad libitum for 2 weeks instead of drinking water followed by an intraperitonial injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) to induce diabetes. Two diabetic groups were administered RPW at 150 and 300 mg/kg bodyweight (BW) respectively; a group was administered with metformin, while the other one was served as a negative control. Two groups of normal rats were administered with water and RPW (300 mg/kg BW) and served as normal control and normal toxicology group, respectively.

RESULTS

Five weeks treatment of RPW led to significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum insulin and HDL-c levels with concomitant reduction in blood glucose, fructosamine, ALT, uric acid, triglycerides and LDL-c levels in diabetic rats. Rats treated with RPW had elevated levels of GSH, SOD, catalase, ATPase and α-amylase activities, while reduced NO level and myeloperoxidase activity was observed in their serum and pancreatic tissues. RPW also improved pancreatic β-cell function and restored β- and acinar cells morphology, and capillary networks. The activities of glycogen phosphorylase, fructose 1,6 biphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and acetylcholinesterase were also inhibited in RPW-treated diabetic rats, with concomitant down regulation of Nrf2 gene expression.

CONCLUSION

The data of this study suggest that RPW modulates glucose homeostasis by enhancing insulin secretion as well as inhibiting redox imbalance in diabetic rats, which may be attributed to the synergetic effects of its phytochemical constituents as identified by GC-MS analysis.

Metabolic engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum for hyperproduction of polymer-grade L- and D-lactic acid

Strain development is critical for microbial production of bio-based chemicals. The stereo-complex form of polylactic acid, a complex of poly-L- and poly-D-lactic acid, is a promising polymer candidate due to its high thermotolerance. Here, we developed Corynebacterium glutamicum strains producing high amounts of L- and D-lactic acid through intensive metabolic engineering. Chromosomal overexpression of genes encoding the glycolytic enzymes, glucokinase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphofructokinase, triosephosphate isomerase, and enolase, increased L- and D-lactic acid concentration by 146% and 56%, respectively. Chromosomal integration of two genes involved in the Entner-Doudoroff pathway (6-phosphogluconate dehydratase and 2-dehydro-3-deoxyphosphogluconate aldolase), together with a gene encoding glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from Zymomonas mobilis, to bypass the carbon flow from glucose, further increased L- and D-lactic acid concentration by 11% and 44%, respectively. Finally, additional chromosomal overexpression of a gene encoding NADH dehydrogenase to modulate the redox balance resulted in the production of 212 g/L L-lactic acid with a 97.9% yield and 264 g/L D-lactic acid with a 95.0% yield. The optical purity of both L- and D-lactic acid was 99.9%. Because the constructed metabolically engineered strains were devoid of plasmids and antibiotic resistance genes and were cultivated in mineral salts medium, these strains could contribute to the cost-effective production of the stereo-complex form of polylactic acid in practical scale.

Beneficiary effect of Commiphora mukul ethanolic extract against high fructose diet induced abnormalities in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in wistar rats

The present study was proposed to elucidate the effect of Commiphora mukul gum resin elthanolic extract treatment on alterations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms in rats fed with high-fructose diet. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: two of these groups (group C and C+CM) were fed with standard pellet diet and the other two groups (group F and F+CM) were fed with high fructose (66 %) diet. C. mukul suspension in 5% Tween-80 in distilled water (200 mg/kg body weight/day) was administered orally to group C+CM and group F+CM. At the end of 60-day experimental period, biochemical parameters related to carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms were assayed. C. mukul treatment completely prevented the fructose-induced increased body weight, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance observed in group F decreased significantly with C. mukul treatment in group F+CM. The alterations observed in the activities of enzymes of carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms and contents of hepatic tissue lipids in group F rats were significantly restored to near normal values by C. mukul treatment in group F+CM. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that C. mukul treatment is effective in preventing fructose-induced insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia while attenuating the fructose induced alterations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms by the extract which was further supported by histopathological results from liver samples which showed regeneration of the hepatocytes. This study suggests that the plant can be used as an adjuvant for the prevention and/or management of insulin resistance and disorders related to it.

Altered expression profile of glycolytic enzymes during testicular ischemia reperfusion injury is associated with the p53/TIGAR pathway: effect of fructose 1,6-diphosphate

Background. Testicular ischemia reperfusion injury (tIRI) is considered the mechanism underlying the pathology of testicular torsion and detorsion. Left untreated, tIRI can induce testis dysfunction, damage to spermatogenesis and possible infertility. In this study, we aimed to assess the activities and expression of glycolytic enzymes (GEs) in the testis and their possible modulation during tIRI. The effect of fructose 1,6-diphosphate (FDP), a glycolytic intermediate, on tIRI was also investigated. Methods. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: sham, unilateral tIRI, and tIRI + FDP (2 mg/kg). tIRI was induced by occlusion of the testicular artery for 1 h followed by 4 h of reperfusion. FDP was injected peritoneally 30 min prior to reperfusion. Histological and biochemical analyses were used to assess damage to spermatogenesis, activities of major GEs, and energy and oxidative stress markers. The relative mRNA expression of GEs was evaluated by real-time PCR. ELISA and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the expression of p53 and TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR). Results. Histological analysis revealed tIRI-induced spermatogenic damage as represented by a significant decrease in the Johnsen biopsy score. In addition, tIRI reduced the activities of hexokinase 1, phosphofructokinase-1, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase C. However, mRNA expression downregulation was detected only for hexokinase 1, phosphoglycerate kinase 2, and lactate dehydrogenase C. ATP and NADPH depletion was also induced by tIRI and was accompanied by an increased Malondialdehyde concentration, reduced glutathione level, and reduced superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities. The immunoexpression of p53 and TIGAR was markedly increased after tIRI. The above tIRI-induced alterations were attenuated by FDP treatment. Discussion. Our findings indicate that tIRI-induced spermatogenic damage is associated with dysregulation of GE activity and gene expression, which were associated with activation of the TIGAR/p53 pathway. FDP treatment had a beneficial effect on alleviating the damaging effects of tIRI. This study further emphasizes the importance of metabolic regulation for proper spermatogenesis.

Targeting HIF-1α is a prerequisite for cell sensitivity to dichloroacetate (DCA) and metformin

Recently, targeting deregulated energy metabolism is an emerging strategy for cancer therapy. In the present study, combination of DCA and metformin markedly induced cell death, compared with each drug alone. Furthermore, the expression levels of glycolytic enzymes including HK2, LDHA and ENO1 were downregulated by two drugs. Interestingly, HIF-1α activation markedly suppressed DCA/metformin-induced cell death and recovered the expressions of glycolytic enzymes that were decreased by two drugs. Based on these findings, we propose that targeting HIF-1α is necessary for cancer metabolism targeted therapy.

Proteome basis for intramuscular variation in color stability of beef semimembranosus

The objective of the present study was to characterize the proteome basis for intramuscular color stability variations in beef semimembranosus. Semimembranosus muscles from eight carcasses (n=8) were fabricated into 2.54-cm thick color-labile inside (ISM) and color-stable outside (OSM) steaks. One steak for sarcoplasmic proteome analysis was immediately frozen, whereas other steaks were allotted to retail display under aerobic packaging. Color attributes were evaluated instrumentally and biochemically on 0, 2, and 4days. Sarcoplasmic proteome was analyzed using two-dimensional electrophoresis and tandem mass spectrometry. ISM steaks demonstrated greater (P<0.01) abundance of glycolytic enzymes (fructose-bisphosphate aldolase A, phosphoglycerate mutase 2, and beta-enolase) and phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 1 than their OSM counterparts. Possible rapid post-mortem glycolysis in ISM, insinuated by over-abundance of glycolytic enzymes, could lead to rapid pH decline during early post-mortem, which in turn could potentially compromise its color stability. These results indicated that differential abundance of sarcoplasmic proteome contributes to intramuscular variations in beef color stability.

Glycolytic potential and activity of adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK), glycogen phosphorylase (GP) and glycogen debranching enzyme (GDE) in steer carcasses with normal (<5.8) or high (>5.9) 24h pH determined in M. longissimus dorsi

Muscle glycogen concentration (MGC) and lactate (LA), activity of glycogen debranching enzyme (GDE), glycogen phosphorylase (GP) and adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) were determined at 0.5h (T0) and 24h (T24) post-mortem in Longissimus dorsi samples from 38 steers that produced high pH (>5.9) and normal pH (<5.8) carcasses at 24h postmortem. MGC, LA and glycolytic potential were higher (P<0.05) in normal pH carcasses. GDE activity was similar (P>0.05) in both pH categories. GP activity increased between T0 and T24 only in normal pH carcasses. AMPK activity was four times higher in normal pH v/s high pH carcasses, without changing its activity over time. Results reinforce the idea that differences in postmortem glycogenolytic/glycolytic flow in L. dorsi of steers showing normal v/s high muscle pH at 24h, could be explained not only by the higher initial MGC in normal pH carcasses, but also by a high and sustained activity of AMPK and an increased GP activity at 24h postmortem.

Inhibitors of glucose transport and glycolysis as novel anticancer therapeutics

Metabolic reprogramming and altered energetics have become an emerging hallmark of cancer and an active area of basic, translational, and clinical cancer research in the recent decade. Development of effective anticancer therapeutics may depend on improved understanding of the altered cancer metabolism compared to that of normal cells. Changes in glucose transport and glycolysis, which are drastically upregulated in most cancers and termed the Warburg effect, are one of major focuses of this new research area. By taking advantage of the new knowledge and understanding of cancer’s mechanisms, numerous therapeutic agents have been developed to target proteins and enzymes involved in glucose transport and metabolism, with promising results in cancer cells, animal tumor models and even clinical trials. It has also been hypothesized that targeting a pathway or a process, such as glucose transport or glucose metabolism, rather than a specific protein or enzyme in a signaling pathway may be more effective. This is based on the observation that cancer somehow can always bypass the inhibition of a target drug by switching to a redundant or compensatory pathway. In addition, cancer cells have higher dependence on glucose. This review will provide background information on glucose transport and metabolism in cancer, and summarize new therapeutic developments in basic and translational research in these areas, with a focus on glucose transporter inhibitors and glycolysis inhibitors. The daunting challenges facing both basic and clinical researchers of the field are also presented and discussed.

Extracellular functions of glycolytic enzymes of parasites: unpredicted use of ancient proteins

In addition of their usual intracellular localization where they are involved in catalyzing reactions of carbohydrate and energy metabolism by glycolysis, multiple studies have shown that glycolytic enzymes of many organisms, but notably pathogens, can also be present extracellularly. In the case of parasitic protists and helminths, they can be found either secreted or attached to the surface of the parasites. At these extracellular localizations, these enzymes have been shown to perform additional, very different so-called "moonlighting" functions, such as acting as ligands for a variety of components of the host. Due to this recognition, different extracellular glycolytic enzymes participate in various important parasite-host interactions such as adherence and invasion of parasites, modulation of the host's immune and haemostatic systems, promotion of angiogenesis, and acquisition of specific nutrients by the parasites. Accordingly, extracellular glycolytic enzymes are important for the invasion of the parasites and their establishment in the host, and in determining their virulence.

Possible therapeutic targets among the molecules involved in the Warburg effect in tumor cells

The majority of human tumors display a high rate of glycolysis under aerobic conditions. This phenomenon was recognized approximately seven decades ago and is known as the Warburg effect. Several key enzymes required to maintain this high level of glucose metabolism are found in tumor cells. The effects of the glycolytic enzymes are known to be directly or indirectly regulated by various signaling pathways, oncogenes, suppressor genes and transcription factors. Recent molecular biology studies have shown that multiple genetic alterations are related to tumor development. Therefore, these factors may be rational targets for cancer therapy. In this short review, we describe several important molecules that affect aerobic glycolysis and discuss their possible use as therapeutic targets for cancer.

Molecular and clinical heterogeneity in pyruvate kinase deficiency in India

We studied the PK-LR gene in 10 unrelated Indian patients with congenital haemolytic anemia associated with erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency. The patients had a variable presentation ranging from a very mild compensated hemolysis to severe anemia. Nine different mutations were detected among the 20 mutated alleles identified: one deletion (c.1042-1044del) p.Lys348del and eight single-nucleotide (nt) substitutions resulting in amino acid exchanges c.397A>G (p.Asn133Asp), c.992A>G (p.Asp331Gly), c.1072G>A (p.Gly358Arg), c.1076G>A (p.Arg359His), c.1219G>A (p.Glu407Lys), c.1241C>T (p.Pro414Leu), c.1436G>A (p.Arg479His) and c.1529G>A (p.Arg510Gln) were identified. Although all the exons, the flanking regions and the promoter region were sequenced in all cases, we failed to detect the second expected mutation in two subjects. Two mutations [c.397A>G; c.1241C>T] were novel. These novel missense mutations involved highly conserved amino acids. Two mutations were identified for the first time in the homozygous state globally (c1042-1044del; c.1072G>A) and two other mutations were identified for the first time in our population (c.1076G>A; c.1529G>A). This study along with our earlier report suggests that the most frequent mutations in India would appear to be c.1436G>A (18.33%), followed by c.992A>G (11.66%) and c.1456C>T (11.66%). Structural implications of amino acid substitutions were correlated with the clinical phenotypes seen.

Effect of ghrelin on aldolase gene expression in the heart of chronic hypoxic rat

BACKGROUND

Chronic hypoxia causes apoptosis of cardiac myocytes, however, energy production by anaerobic glycolysis protects myocardium against hypoxia injuries. Aldolase A is a well-characterised key enzyme of the glycolysis pathway. Ghrelin, a 28-amino-acid peptide, synthesizes in the stomach and has protective roles in cardiovascular systems and also affects metabolic pathways.

OBJECTIVES

Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ghrelin on aldolase A gene expression after chronic hypoxia in the rat hearts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty four adult male wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups. Hypoxic rats with saline or ghrelin treatment were placed in a normobaric hypoxic chamber (O2 11 %), for two weeks. Controls remained in room air. Aldolase A gene expression was measured by Real-Time RT-PCR.

RESULTS

the transcriptiom rate of Aldolase A in hypoxic animals did not change significantly compared to negative control ones. During chronic hypoxia, ghrelin treatment increased the amount of heart Aldolase A gene expression compared to negative controls (P = 0.029). Hypoxic animals that were treated with ghrelin were significantly more polycythemic than the controls and even hypoxic with saline treated rats (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that ghrelin interferes in the cardiac metabolism through upregulation of glycolytic enzymes. In other words, it may protect heart from possible hypoxia induced damages.