The crucial relationship between miRNA-27 and CSE/H2S, and the mechanism of action of GLP-1 in myocardial hypertrophy

Cardiac hypertrophy is the most prevalent compensatory heart disease that ultimately leads to spontaneous heart failure. Mounting evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRs) and endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) play a crucial role in the regulation of cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether inhibition of miR-27a could protect against cardiac hypertrophy by modulating H2S signaling. We established a model of cardiac hypertrophy by obtaining hypertrophic tissue from mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and from cells treated with angiotensin-II. Molecular alterations in the myocardium were quantified using quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, and ELISA. Morphological changes were characterized by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Functional myocardial changes were assessed using echocardiography. Our results demonstrated that miR-27a levels were elevated, while H2S levels were reduced in TAC mice and myocardial hypertrophy. Further luciferase and target scan assays confirmed that cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) was a direct target of miR-27a and was negatively regulated by it. Notably, enhancement of H2S expression in the heart was observed in mice injected with recombinant adeno-associated virus vector 9 (rAAV9)-anti-miR-27a and in cells transfected with a miR-27a inhibitor during cardiac hypertrophy. However, this effect was abolished by co-transfection with CSE siRNA and the miR-27a inhibitor. Conversely, injecting rAAV9-miR-27a yielded opposite results. Interestingly, our findings demonstrated that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists could mitigate myocardial damage by down-regulating miR-27a and up-regulating CSE. In summary, our study suggests that inhibition of miR-27a holds therapeutic promise for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy by increasing H2S levels. Furthermore, our findings unveil a novel mechanism of GLP-1 agonists involving the miR-27a/H2S pathway in the management of cardiac hypertrophy.

Nitric oxide and AMF-mediated regulation of soil enzymes activities, cysteine-H2S system and thiol metabolites in mitigating chromium (Cr (VI)) toxicity in pigeonpea genotypes

Cr (VI) hampers plant growth and yield by reducing essential nutrient uptake as it competes for phosphate and sulfate transporters. Nitric oxide (NO) and mycorrhization play important roles in mitigating Cr (VI) toxicity. Present study aimed to compare the potential of AMF (Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi)-Rhizoglomus intraradices and NO (0.25 mM) in alleviating Cr (VI) stress (0, 10 and 20 mg/kg) in two differentially tolerant pigeonpea genotypes (Pusa 2001 and AL 201). Cr (VI) toxicity reduced growth, mycorrhizal colonization, nutrient uptake, and overall productivity by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, with AL 201 more sensitive than Pusa 2001. NO and AM enhanced activities of soil enzymes, thereby increasing nutrients availability as well as their uptake, with AM more effective than NO. Both amendments reduced oxidative stress and restricted Cr (VI) uptake by increasing the activities of antioxidant and S- assimilatory enzymes, with Pusa 2001 more responsive than AL 201. NO was relatively more efficient in regulating cysteine-H2S system by increasing the activities of biosynthetic enzymes (ATP-sulfurylase (ATPS), O-acetylserine thiol lyase (OASTL), D-cysteine desulfhydrase (DCD) and L-cysteine desulfhydrase (LCD), while AM significantly increased glutathione reductase (GR), γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-ECS) enzymes activities and resultant glutathione (GSH), phytochelatins (PCs), and non-protein thiols (NP-SH) synthesis. Moreover, co-application of NO and AM proved to be highly beneficial in negating the toxic effects of Cr (VI) due to functional complementarity between them. Study suggested the combined use of NO and AM as a useful strategy in re-establishing pigeonpea plants growing in Cr (VI)-stressed environments.

Inhibition of fungal pathogenicity by targeting the H2S-synthesizing enzyme cystathionine β-synthase

The global emergence of antifungal resistance threatens the limited arsenal of available treatments and emphasizes the urgent need for alternative antifungal agents. Targeting fungal pathogenic functions is an appealing alternative therapeutic strategy. Here, we show that cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), compared with cystathionine γ-lyase, is the major enzyme that synthesizes hydrogen sulfide in the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. Deletion of CBS leads to deficiencies in resistance to oxidative stress, retarded cell growth, defective hyphal growth, and increased β-glucan exposure, which, together, reduce the pathogenicity of C. albicans. By high-throughput screening, we identified protolichesterinic acid, a natural molecule obtained from a lichen, as an inhibitor of CBS that neutralizes the virulence of C. albicans and exhibits therapeutic efficacy in a murine candidiasis model. These findings support the application of CBS as a potential therapeutic target to fight fungal infections.

KRAS G12D mutation eliminates reactive oxygen species through the Nrf2/CSE/H 2S axis and contributes to pancreatic cancer growth

In pancreatic cancer, KRAS G12D can trigger pancreatic cancer initiation and development. Rapid tumor growth is often accompanied by excess intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which is unfavorable to tumor. However, the regulation of intracellular ROS levels in KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer remains unclear. In this study, we establish BxPC3 stable cell strains expressing KRAS wild type (WT) and G12D mutation and find unchanged ROS levels despite higher glycolysis and proliferation viability in KRAS mutant cells than KRAS WT cells. The key hydrogen sulfide (H 2S)-generating enzyme cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) is upregulated in KRAS mutant BxPC3 cells, and its knockdown significantly increases intracellular ROS levels and decreases cell glycolysis and proliferation. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is activated by KRAS mutation to promote CSE transcription. An Nrf2 binding site (‒47/‒39 bp) in the CSE promoter is verified. CSE overexpression and the addition of NaHS after Nrf2 knockdown or inhibition by brusatol decreases ROS levels and rescues cell proliferation. Our study reveals the regulatory mechanism of intracellular ROS levels in KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer cells, which provides a potential target for pancreatic cancer therapy.

H2S in Horticultural Plants: Endogenous Detection by an Electrochemical Sensor, Emission by a Gas Detector, and Its Correlation with L-Cysteine Desulfhydrase (LCD) Activity

H2S has acquired great attention in plant research because it has signaling functions under physiological and stress conditions. However, the direct detection of endogenous H2S and its potential emission is still a challenge in higher plants. In order to achieve a comparative analysis of the content of H2S among different plants with agronomical and nutritional interest including pepper fruits, broccoli, ginger, and different members of the genus Allium such as garlic, leek, Welsh and purple onion, the endogenous H2S and its emission was determined using an ion-selective microelectrode and a specific gas detector, respectively. The data show that endogenous H2S content range from pmol to μmol H2S · g-1 fresh weight whereas the H2S emission of fresh-cut vegetables was only detected in the different species of the genus Allium with a maximum of 9 ppm in garlic cloves. Additionally, the activity and isozymes of the L-cysteine desulfhydrase (LCD) were analyzed, which is one of the main enzymatic sources of H2S, where the different species of the genus Allium showed the highest activities. Using non-denaturing gel electrophoresis, the data indicated the presence of up to nine different LCD isozymes from one in ginger to four in onion, leek, and broccoli. In summary, the data indicate a correlation between higher LCD activity with the endogenous H2S content and its emission in the analyzed horticultural species. Furthermore, the high content of endogenous H2S in the Allium species supports the recognized benefits for human health, which are associated with its consumption.

Lenthionine, a Key Flavor Substance in Lentinula edodes, Is Regulated by Cysteine under Drought Stress

Due to its unique flavor profile, Lentinula edodes has become one of the most popular edible mushrooms in the world, but the regulatory mechanism of its flavor substances has not been revealed. To study the mechanism that regulates the anabolic metabolism of the important flavor substance lenthionine (LT), the effect of cysteine (Cys) synthesized by the cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE-1) gene participating in the regulation of LT metabolism under drought stress was analyzed. Our results showed that drought stress promoted the accumulation of LT, and the key genes GTT and LECSL were activated. Furthermore, drought stress promoted the accumulation of intracellular Cys and activated the key gene for Cys synthesis, CSE-1. Both inhibition of the CSE enzyme activity by inhibitors and silencing of the CSE-1 gene under drought stress significantly reduced the intracellular contents of Cys and LT, but the inhibition of LT synthesis disappeared after the exogenous addition of Cys. These results indicate that LT synthesis in L. edodes under drought stress is dependent on Cys. In summary, the mechanism of the regulation of flavor substances in edible mushrooms by the environment was revealed for the first time.

Exogenous hydrogen sulfide and miR-21 antagonism attenuates macrophage-mediated inflammation in ischemia reperfusion injury of the aged kidney

Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the aging population. A reduction of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production in the old kidney and renal IRI contribute to renal pathology and injury. Recent studies suggest that microRNAs (miRs) play an important role in the pathophysiology of AKI and a significant crosstalk exists between H2S and miRs. Among the miRs, miR-21 is highly expressed in AKI and is reported to have both pathological and protective role. In the present study, we sought to determine the effects of age-induced reduction in H2S and mir-21 antagonism in AKI. Wild type (WT, C57BL/6J) mice aged 12-14 weeks and 75-78 weeks underwent bilateral renal ischemia (27 min) and reperfusion for 7 days and were treated with H2S donor, GYY4137 (GYY, 0.25 mg/kg/day, ip) or locked nucleic acid anti-miR-21 (20 mg/kg b.w., ip) for 7 days. Following IRI, old kidney showed increased macrophage polarization toward M1 inflammatory phenotype, cytokine upregulation, endothelial-mesenchymal transition, and fibrosis compared to young kidney. Treatment with GYY or anti-miR-21 reversed the changes and improved renal vascular density, blood flow, and renal function in the old kidney. Anti-miR-21 treatment in mouse glomerular endothelial cells showed upregulation of H2S-producing enzymes, cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), and cystathionineγ-lyase (CSE), and reduction of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and collagen IV expression. In conclusion, exogenous H2S and inhibition of miR-21 rescued the old kidney dysfunction due to IRI by increasing H2S levels, reduction of macrophage-mediated injury, and promoting reparative process suggesting a viable approach for aged patients sustaining AKI.

Birth of a pathway for sulfur metabolism in early amniote evolution

Among amniotes, reptiles and mammals are differently adapted to terrestrial life. It is generally appreciated that terrestrialization required adaptive changes of vertebrate metabolism, particularly in the mode of nitrogen excretion. However, the current paradigm is that metabolic adaptation to life on land did not involve synthesis of enzymatic pathways de novo, but rather repurposing of existing ones. Here, by comparing the inventory of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent enzymes in different amniotes, we identify in silico a pathway for sulfur metabolism present in chick embryos but not in mammals. Cysteine lyase contains haem and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate co-factors and converts cysteine and sulfite into cysteic acid and hydrogen sulfide, respectively. A specific cysteic acid decarboxylase produces taurine, while hydrogen sulfide is recycled into cysteine by cystathionine beta-synthase. This reaction sequence enables the formation of sulfonated amino acids during embryo development in the egg at no cost of reduced sulfur. The pathway originated around 300 million years ago in a proto-reptile by cystathionine beta-synthase duplication, cysteine lyase neofunctionalization and cysteic acid decarboxylase co-option. Our findings indicate that adaptation to terrestrial life involved innovations in metabolic pathways, and reveal the molecular mechanisms by which such innovations arose in amniote evolution.

[Effect of L-cysteine on colonic motility and the underlying mechanism]

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of L-cysteine on colonic motility and the underlying mechanism. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot were used to detect the localization of the H₂S-generating enzymes cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE). Organ bath system was used to observe the muscle contractile activities. Whole-cell patch-clamp technique was applied to record ionic channels currents in colonic smooth muscle cells. The results showed that both CBS and CSE were localized in mucosa, longitudinal and circular muscle and enteric neurons. L-cysteine had a dual effect on colonic contraction, and the excitatory effect was blocked by pretreatment with CBS inhibitor aminooxyacetate acid (AOAA) and CSE inhibitor propargylglycine (PAG); L-cysteine concentration-dependently inhibited L-type calcium channel current (I_Ca,L) without changing the characteristic of L-type calcium channel (P < 0.01); In contrast, the exogenous H₂S donor NaHS increased I_Ca,L at concentration of 100 μmol/L, but inhibited I_Ca,L and modified the channel characteristics at concentration of 300 μmol/L (P < 0.05); Furthermore, L-cysteine had no effect on large conductance calcium channel current (I_BKCa), but NaHS significantly inhibited I_BKCa (P < 0.05). These results suggest that L-cysteine has a potential dual effect on colonic smooth muscle and the inhibitory effect might be directly mediated by L-type calcium channel while the excitatory effect might be mediated by endogenous H₂S.

Hydrogen sulfide biosynthesis is impaired in the osteoarthritic joint

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and it is a leading cause of disability in the elderly. Its complete etiology is not known although there are several metabolic, genetic, epigenetic, and local contributing factors involved. At the moment, there is no cure for this pathology and treatment alternatives to retard or stop its progression are intensively being sought. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a small gaseous molecule and is present in sulfurous mineral waters as its active component. Data from recent clinical trials shows that balneotherapy (immersion in mineral and/or thermal waters from natural springs) in sulfurous waters can improve OA symptoms, in particular, pain and function. Yet, the underlying mechanisms are poorly known. Hydrogen sulfide is also considered, with NO and CO, an endogenous signaling gasotransmitter. It is synthesized endogenously with the help of three enzymes, cystathionine gamma-lyase (CTH), cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MPST). Here, the expression of these three enzymes was demonstrated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and their protein abundance [by immunohistochemistry and Western blot (WB)] in human articular cartilage. No significant differences were found in CBS or CTH expression or abundance, but mRNA and protein levels of 3-MPST were significantly reduced in cartilage form OA donors. Also, the biosynthesis of H₂S from OA cartilage, measured with a specific microelectrode, was significantly lower than in OA-free tissue. Yet, no differences were found in H₂S concentration in serum from OA patients and OA-free donors. The current results suggest that reduced levels of the mitochondrial enzyme 3-MPST in OA cartilage might be, at least in part, responsible for a reduction in H₂S biosynthesis in this tissue and that impaired H₂S biosynthesis in the joint might be a contributing factor to OA. This could contribute to explain why exogenous supplementation of H₂S, for instance with sulfurous thermal water, has positive effects in OA patients.

CARDIOMYOCYTE DNA CONTENT AND ITS LINK TO CSE/ H2S SYSTEM IN THE HEART OF EXPERIMENTAL DIABETIC RATS

One of the most common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) is diabetic cardiomyopathy, which is associated with the development of inflammation, fibrosis and the induction of apoptosis. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has recently been shown to play an important role in the regulation of cardiac and vascular function. The role of the H2S system in the mechanisms of diabetic heart development remains uncertain. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of modulators of H2S system on the level of DNA fragmentation and H2S concentration in heart of rats with experimental diabetes mellitus. The experiment was performed on 40 white laboratory male rats (180-250 g), randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10): healthy (control), diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin (STZ), diabetes mellitus + propargylglycine, inhibitor of cystathionine gamma lyase (STZ + PPG), diabetes mellitus + NaHS, exogenous H2S donor (STZ + NaHS). The experimental DM was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg). The animals from two groups (3rd and 4th groups) starting from 14th to 28th day after the injection of STZ were administered modulators of H2S system i/p once per day. D, L-propargylglycine was dosed at 50 mg/kg body weight, while NaHS · H2O - at 3 mg/kg body weight. H2S content in hearts was evaluated by spectrophotometry (Wilinski, 2011). DNA content was determined by flow cytometry (Partec PAS, Germany). The development of DM in rats was accompanied by a significant decrease in myocardial H2S concentration by 36.6% (p<0.05) compared with control. The administration of proparglyglycine led to an increase in H2S deficiency (29.4%, p<0.05) compared to the STZ group. The administration of NaHS resulted in a decrease in H2S deficiency (by 23.5%, p<0.05) compared to the STZ group. Flow cytometry showed that DM was accompanied by an increased apoptotic activity (increased number of myocardiocytes in the SUB- G0G1 phase by 11.4%, p<0.05), polyploidization (increased proportion of cells in the G2M phase by 32.1%, p<0.05) and proliferation (29.8% increase in S-phase cells, p<0.05) of heart cells compared with controls. The introduction of propargylglycine led to an increase in apoptosis (14.4%, p<0.05) compared with the STZ group. Whereas NaHS administration decreased the degree of apoptosis (12.3%, p<0.05), polyploidization (14.4%, p<0.05) and proliferation compared (26.2%, p<0.05) with untreated diabetes. Correlation analysis showed that impaired H2S metabolism is an important factor of disregulation of cell cycle in diabetic heart: a reliable inverse relationship was registered (r=-(0,69-83), p<0.01) between H2S level and the indicators of apoptosis activity, proliferation and polyploidization. Disintegration of the H2S/CSE system is associated with an increase in apoptosis activity, polyploidization, and proliferation of myocardiocytes in experimental DM. Modulation of H2S metabolism is a potential direction for the prevention of the development of cardiovascular complications of diabetes.

[Production of H2S, H2Sn, and persulfide species (CysSSH and GSSH) by 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase]

Accumulating evidence shows that hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has physiological roles in various tissues and organs, including the regulation of neuronal activity, vascular tension, a release of insulin, and protection of the heart, kidney, and brain from ischemic insult. H₂S is produced from l-cysteine by pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzymes, cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE). 3-Mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST) is the third H₂S-producing enzyme, and its substrate 3-mercaptopyruvate (3MP) is provided from l-cysteine and α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) by a PLP-dependent cysteine aminotransferase (CAT). An additional pathway for the production of H₂S from d-cysteine metabolized by d-amino acid oxidase (DAO) together with 3MST has been identified. Recent studies have shown that hydrogen polysulfides (H₂S_n) have been found to stimulate transient receptor potential ankyrin1 (TRPA1) channel, much more potently than does H₂S. 3MST produces cysteine-persulfide (CysSSH) and its glutathione counterpart (GSSH), potential redox regulators, together with the potential signaling molecules H₂S_n. In addition, the interaction between H₂S and nitric oxide (NO) also generates H₂S_n. These observations provide new insights into the production and physiological roles of these molecules.

[Effect of intestinal resection on hydrogen sulfide biosynthesis and the damage of Cajal interstitial cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of intestinal resection on hydrogen sulfide (H2S) biosynthesis and interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC) in mice.

METHODS

After intestinal resection mouse model was established, the activity of MPO in the proximal anastomosis intestinal tissue were detected. Sensitive sulphur electrode assay was applied to measure the H2S level. RT-PCR technique was employed to investigate the mRNA expression of the endogenous H2S biosynthesis enzymes, cystathionine-b-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-c-lyase (CSE). Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of c-kit in order to calculate the area of ICC.

RESULTS

The mRNA expression of CSE was detected in the small intestine tissue of mice, while no CBS mRNA was found. The mRNA expression of CSE in proximal anastomotic stoma increased in time-dependent manner in the model group. CSE mRNA expression began to increase 1 hour after operation, reached the peak at 6th hour, then decreased gradually, and was similar to the control group at postoperative 24th hour. Compared to the model group, in the intestinal tissues of proximal 3 cm to anastomotic stoma, the mRNA expression of CSE (1.16 ± 0.18 vs. 1.63 ± 0.13, P<0.05), the activity of MPO [(0.54 ± 0.07) U/g vs. (0.83 ± 0.09) U/g, P<0.05], the H2S level [(36.1 ± 6.1) nmol/mg vs. (5.3 ± 5.6) nmol/mg, P<0.05] were significantly reduced in the PPG group. Meanwhile, average percentage of positive ICC area in the PPG groups was significantly higher [(2.26 ± 0.19)% vs. (1.65 ± 0.24)%, P<0.05].

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammatory reaction in muscular layer induced by intestinal resection up-regulates the mRNA expression of CSE proximal to anastomotic stoma, generates excess H2S to damage ICC leading to intestinal motor dysfunction. Preoperative inhibition of endogenous H2S generation may protect the ICC.

[The regulatory effect of endogenous hydrogen sulfide on hypoxic pulmonary hypertension]

OBJECTIVE

To study the changes of endogenous H2S and the effect of exogenously applied H2S on hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH).

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group (n = 6), hypoxia group (n = 7) and hypoxia + NaHS group (n = 6). The rats that received hypoxia were put into a normobaric hypoxic chamber to respire hypoxic gas containing 10% (volume fraction) O2 for 6 hours everyday. NaHS solution was injected to rats of hypoxia + NaHS group at a dosage of 0.78 mg.kg-1 before hypoxic challenge. After 21 days of hypoxia, the mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was measured. The weight ratio of right ventricle vs left ventricle and septum [RV/(LV + SP)] was measured. The microstructure and ultrastructure changes in pulmonary small arteries were examined using elastin staining and transparent electron microscope respectively. And the activity of H2S generating enzymes in homogenates of the lung tissue and pulmonary artery was measured. The cystathionine gamma--lyase (CSE) mRNA in lung tissue was also measured using quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Compared with rats in the control group, the mPAP increased 45.6% (P < 0.01) and the RV/(LV + SP) ratio increased 41% (P < 0.01) in rats of hypoxia group respectively. The relative medium thickness (RMT) and relative medium areas (RMA) increased 41% and 49% respectively (P all < 0.01) under optical microscope. The ultrastructure of the pulmonary small arteries also changed significantly. The H2S generating enzyme activity in lung tissue and in pulmonary artery decreased 52% and 54% respectively (P < 0.01). There were obviously negative correlations between the mPAP and H2S generating enzymes ativity. Relative CSE mRNA amount in lung tissue also decreased 53% (P < 0.01) in rats of hypoxia group compared with that of control group. The mPAP, and the RV/(LV + SP) ratio of rats in hypoxia + NaHS group decreased 31.2%, and 24% respectively compard with that of hypoxia group (P < 0.01). The RMT and RMA in rats of hypoxia + NaHS group also decreased 36% and 31% respectively (P < 0.01). In hypoxia + NaHS group, the H2S generating enzymes activity and relative CSE mRNA amount in the lung tissue increased 67.7% and 110% respectively compared with those in hypoxia group (P all < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Endogenous H2S was involved in the pathogenesis of rat's HPH. Exogenously applied H2s could exert protective effect during HPH.

Intimal hyperplasia following carotid endarterectomy in an insulin-resistant rat model

Hyperhomocysteinemia, a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, results in an elevation of intimal hyperplasia (IH) following a carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in a rat model. An exaggerated IH response following CEA has been observed in rats with dietary induced hyperhomocysteinemia. Type 2 diabetics often present with hyperhomocysteinemia and are at higher risk for developing vascular blockage following surgical procedures. To determine if insulin resistance increases IH risks following endarterectomy, the 3 goals of this study were: (1) to establish plasma homocysteine concentrations in dietary induced insulin-resistant rats and their controls, (2) to investigate whether a positive correlation of IH and plasma homocysteine response occurs following CEA in the insulin-resistant rat model, and (3) if so, to attempt to decrease IH by supplementation with folic acid, a known enzymatic cofactor in the homocysteine metabolic pathway. To achieve these aims, male rats (275 to 300 g) were fed 1 of 4 diets for a 4-month period: (1) high-fat sucrose (HFS), (2) low-fat complex carbohydrate (LFCC), (3) HFS + 25 mg/kg folic acid (HFS+F), or (4) LFCC + 25 mg/kg folic acid (LFCC+F). At the end of the 4-month period the rats underwent an open (non-balloon) unilateral CEA. Two weeks post-endarterectomy, blood, liver and carotid tissue were removed to measure plasma insulin, folic acid, and homocysteine, 2 key enzymes of homocysteine metabolism-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS)-and percent lumenal stenosis (IH%). Computer-assisted morphometric analysis was used to measure the percentage of IH in the carotid artery. Plasma homocysteine was significantly higher in the HFS group when compared with the LFCC group (11.3+/-1.3 micromol/L v 7.4+/-0.6 mircomol/L, P=.008) as was post-endarterectomy IH producing lumenal stenosis (30.7%+/-4.2% v 14.0%+/-4.3%, P=.008). Plasma insulin in the HFS group was higher than the LFCC (control) group and was significant (36.3+/-3.0 microU/mL v 21.1+/-0.8 microU/mL, P=.0004). Folic acid supplementation in the HFS group resulted in reductions of plasma homocysteine (HFS v HFS+F, 11.3+/-1.3 micromol/L v 7.95+/-1.0 micromol/L, P=.02) and post-endarterectomy IH (HFS v HFS+F, 30.7%+/-4.2 % v 10.4%+/-1.6%, P=.0001). The control or LFCC group was not statistically different from the HFS+F group in homocysteine or IH. Folate supplementation did not decrease insulin concentrations in the HFS+F group compared to the LFCC group. We conclude that the HFS diet produced an insulin-resistant state with an elevated plasma homocysteine and an exaggerated IH response following carotid endarterectomy in this rat model. Dietary folate supplementation reduced plasma homocysteine concentrations in the HFS diet, which implicates hyperhomocysteinemia as an etiologic factor in the development of post-CEA IH in this insulin-resistant rat model.

Yeast cys3 and gsh1 mutant cells display overlapping but non-identical symptoms of oxidative stress with regard to subcellular protein localization and CDP-DAG metabolism

In a screen for temperature-sensitive (37 degrees C) mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that are defective in the proper localization of the Golgi transmembrane protein Emp47p, we uncovered a constitutive loss-of-function mutation in CYS3/STR1, the gene coding for cystathionine-gamma-lyase. We showed by immunofluorescence, sucrose-gradient analysis and quantitative Western analysis that the mutant mislocalized Emp47p to the vacuole at high temperature, while Golgi structures were apparently normal and biosynthetic routing of the vacuolar carboxypeptidase Y (CPY) and the plasma membrane GPI-anchored protein Gas1p were unaffected. The effect of high temperature on Emp47p localization, as well as the temperature sensitivity of the mutant strain on rich medium, appear to be caused by oxidative stress and are correlated with severe reductions in the intracellular levels of low-molecular-weight thiols. In accordance with this conclusion, cys3-2 mutant cells were more sensitive to the oxidizing agent 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, which also aggravated the mislocalization of Emp47p observed at high temperature. Furthermore, all the phenotypes of the mutant were completely complemented by exogenous supply of the main low-molecular-weight thiol, glutathione (GSH) and, importantly, the thiol beta-mercaptoethanol reversed the temperature sensitivity of the mutant. A comparison of our mutant with a mutant defective in GSH synthesis showed that gsh1Delta cells were similar to wild-type cells under the stress conditions tested, with the exception of one novel oxidative stress-related phenotype that is observed in both cys3-2 and gsh1Delta mutant cells - a defect in CDP-DAG metabolism upon shift to the non-permissive temperature. As most of the stress-related phenotypes of cys3-2 mutant cells are more severe than those seen in gsh1Delta cells, we conclude that cysteine as such is required and sufficient to confer some degree of protection from oxidative stress in yeast cells.

CYS3, a hotspot of meiotic recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Effects of heterozygosity and mismatch repair functions on gene conversion and recombination intermediates

We have examined meiotic recombination at the CYS3 locus. Genetic analysis indicates that CYS3 is a hotspot of meiotic gene conversion, with a putative 5'-3' polarity gradient of conversion frequencies. This gradient is relieved in the presence of msh2 and pms1 mutations, indicating an involvement of mismatch repair functions in meiotic recombination. To investigate the role of mismatch repair proteins in meiotic recombination, we performed a physical analysis of meiotic DNA in wild-type and msh2 pms1 strains in the presence or absence of allelic differences at CYS3. Neither the mutations in CYS3 nor the absence of mismatch repair functions affects the frequency and distribution of nearby recombination-initiating DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Processing of DSBs is also similar in msh2 pms1 and wild-type strains. We conclude that mismatch repair functions do not control the distribution of meiotic gene conversion events at the initiating steps. In the MSH2 PMS1 background, strains heteroallelic for frameshift mutations in CYS3 exhibit a frequency of gene conversion greater than that observed for either marker alone. Physical analysis revealed no modification in the formation of DSBs, suggesting that this marker effect results from subsequent processing events that are not yet understood.

Functional analysis of different regions of the positive-acting CYS3 regulatory protein of Neurospora crassa

In the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa during conditions of sulfur limitation, CYS3, a major positive-acting regulatory protein, turns on the expression of an entire set of genes which encode permeases and enzymes involved in the acquisition of sulfur from environmental sources. CYS3 functions as a homodimeric protein and possesses a b-Zip domain that confers sequence-specific DNA binding. Expression of various hybrid GAL4-CYS3 fusion proteins in yeast was used to detect regions involved in gene activation. An amino-terminal serine/threonine-rich domain of CYS3 alone strongly activated expression of beta-galactosidase, the yeast reporter. Moreover, mutant CYS3 proteins with amino-acid substitutions in this region that showed increased expression in Neurospora also displayed an enhanced activation potential in yeast. The cys-3 gene of the exotic N. crassa Mauriceville strain and of N. intermedia were cloned and demonstrated to be functional for gene activation and for sulfur-mediated regulation by complementation of a loss-of-function cys-3 mutation. The amino-terminal serine/threonine-rich region is highly conserved in these two CYS3 proteins, in agreement with the possibility that it serves as the activation domain. Surprisingly, an extended promoter region of the cys-3 gene in the Mauriceville strain and in N. intermedia was very well conserved with that of the standard N. crassa gene, including the presence of three CYS3-binding sites possibly involved in autogenous control. Results are presented which indicate that synthesis of the CYS3 regulatory protein is highly regulated and can be detected in the nucleus of cells subjected to sulfur de-repression, but is not found in the nucleus or the cytoplasm of S-repressed cells. The amino-acid substitutions of the CYS3 protein present in a temperature-sensitive cys-3 mutant and in a second-site revertant of a cys-3 null mutation are presented and are shown to affect their DNA-binding activities.

Synthesis and differential turnover of the CYS3 regulatory protein of Neurospora crassa are subject to sulfur control

The transcription factor CYS3 of Neurospora crassa is a positive regulator of the sulfur regulatory circuit which contains many structural genes involved in sulfur metabolism. Expression and degradation of the CYS3 protein are precisely regulated in a sulfur-dependent manner. cys-3 expression was found to be fully repressed by high concentrations of methionine or inorganic sulfate present in the culture medium and to be derepressed when these favored sulfur sources were limited. cys-3 transcripts could be readily detected within 2 h after derepression, whereas the CYS3 protein was not found until after 4 h. CYS3 is stable, with a half-life greater than 4 h under low-sulfur conditions when it is required for cell growth. However, it is degraded relatively quickly when methionine or inorganic sulfate becomes available. Upon sulfur repression, cys-3 transcripts disappeared within 30 min with an estimated half-life of 5 min whereas CYS3 protein almost entirely disappeared in 1 h with a half-life of approximately 10 min. These results suggest that a selective elimination of CYS3 is a highly regulated process. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that Lys-105 of CYS3 is important for its instability. The change of this single residue from lysine to glutamine resulted in a prolonged half life of CYS3 and impaired responsiveness of CYS3 degradation to sulfur level changes.

Molecular genetics of sulfur assimilation in filamentous fungi and yeast

The filamentous fungi Aspergillus nidulans and Neurospora crassa and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae each possess a global regulatory circuit that controls the expression of permeases and enzymes that function both in the acquisition of sulfur from the environment and in its assimilation. Control of the structural genes that specify an array of enzymes that catalyze reactions of sulfur metabolism occurs at the transcriptional level and involves both positive-acting and negative-acting regulatory factors. Positive trans-acting regulatory proteins that contain a basic region, leucine zipper-DNA binding domain, are found in Neurospora and yeast. Each of these fungi contain a sulfur regulatory protein of the beta-transducin family that acts in a negative fashion to control gene expression. Sulfur regulation in yeast also involves the general DNA binding protein, centromere binding factor I. Sulfate uptake is a highly regulated step and appears to occur in fungi, plants, and mammals via a family of related transporter proteins. Recent developments have provided new insight into the nature and control of the enzymes ATP sulfurylase and APS kinase, which catalyze the early steps of sulfate assimilation, and of the Aspergillus enzyme, cysteine synthase, which produces cysteine from O-acetylserine.

Functional in vivo studies of the Neurospora crassa cys-14 gene upstream region: importance of CYS3-binding sites for regulated expression

Sulphate transport in Neurospora crassa is achieved by two distinct sulphate permeases, I and II, encoded by the cys-13 and cys-14 genes, respectively. The synthesis of both sulphate permeases is subject to sulphur repression and requires the global positive-acting regulatory protein CYS3, CYS3, a bZIP DNA binding protein, regulates cys-14 expression at the transcriptional level and binds in vitro specifically to three DNA-recognition sites, A, B, and C, in the cys-14 upstream region. In vivo functional analysis of the cys-14 promoter was carried out with 5' deletions and by deletions or mutations of CYS3 DNA-binding sites. The most distal CYS3-binding site, C, located 1.4kb upstream of the transcriptional start site, is necessary and sufficient to mediate strong transcriptional activation by CYS3; moreover, site C was able to function equally well when it was located at variable distances upstream of the cys-14 gene. Site B, located 1 kb upstream, alone is able to support a moderate degree of cys-14 expression. Site A is not required and does not appear to play any functional role in cys-14 expression, even though it is in close proximity to the transcriptional start site. The presence of multiple copies of CYS3-binding elements A or B in the cys-14 promoter results in a parallel increase of regulated gene expression. When a transforming cys-14 gene becomes integrated at ectopic locations in the host genome, it can be expressed in an unregulated fashion, presumably by coming under the control of other promoter elements. Our results also suggested that at least one enzyme in the sulphate catabolic pathway requires a functional CYS3 protein for expression.

Determination of the Neurospora crassa CYS 3 sulfur regulatory protein consensus DNA-binding site: amino-acid substitutions in the CYS3 bZIP domain that alter DNA-binding specificity

CYS3 is the positive-acting global regulatory protein involved in the sulfur control circuit in Neurospora crassa and belongs to the family of bZIP DNA-binding proteins. Here we report a characterization of native DNA-binding sites recognized by CYS3. DNA footprinting experiments and systematic mutational analysis were used to define the consensus CYS3-binding sequence, 5'-ATGPuPyPuPyCAT, a 10-bp palindrome. The sequence 5'-ATGACGTCAT acts as a strong binding site, and all single nucleotide changes within this sequence resulted in a reduction, or even complete loss, of CYS3 DNA-binding. Site-directed mutagenesis was employed to study two uncharged residues, serine 113 and phenylalanine 116, in the basic region of the CYS3 protein bZip DNA-binding domain. Ser113 appears to be directly involved in a specific interaction with nucleotide 2 of the binding site, possibly by making a direct contact with this base, and Phe116 contributes significantly to DNA-binding affinity.

The nucleotide mapping of DNA double-strand breaks at the CYS3 initiation site of meiotic recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Initiation of meiotic recombination in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae occurs by localized DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) at several locations in the genome, corresponding to hot spots for meiotic gene conversion and crossing over. The meiotic DSBs occur in regions of chromatin that are hypersensitive to nucleases. To gain insight into the molecular mechanism involved in the formation of these DSBs, we have determined their positions at the nucleotide level at the CYS3 hot spot of gene conversion on chromosome I. We found four major new features of these DSBs: (i) sites of DSBs are multiple with varying intensities and spacing within the promoter region of the CYS3 gene; (ii) no consensus sequence can be found at these sites, indicating that the activity involved in DSB formation has little or no sequence specificity; (iii) the breaks are generated by blunt cleavages; and (iv) the 5' ends are modified in rad50S mutant strains, where the processing of these ends is known to be prevented. We present a model for the initiation of meiotic recombination taking into account the implications of these results.

Analysis of CYS3 regulator function in Neurospora crassa by modification of leucine zipper dimerization specificity

The CYS3 positive regulator is a basic region-leucine zipper (bZIP) DNA-binding protein that is essential for the expression of sulfur-controlled structural genes in Neurospora crassa. An approach of modifying the dimerization specificity of the CYS3 leucine zipper was used to determine whether the in vivo regulatory function of CYS3 requires the formation of homodimeric or heterodimeric complexes. Two altered versions of CYS3 with coiled coil elecrostatic interactions favorable to heterodimerization showed restoration of wild-type CYS3 function only when simultaneously expressed in a delta cys-3 strain. In addition, constructs having the CYS3 leucine zipper swapped for that of the oncoprotein Jun or the CYS3 leucine zipper extended by a heptad repeat showed wild-type CYS3 function when transformed into a delta cys-3 strain. Gel mobility shift and immunoprecipitation assays were used to confirm the modified CYS3 proteins dimerization and DNA binding properties. The studies, which precluded wild-type CYS3 dimerization, indicate that in vivo CYS3 is fully functional as a homodimer since no interaction was required with other leucine zipper proteins to activate sulfur regulatory and structural gene expression. The results demonstrate the utility of leucine zipper modification to study the in vivo function of bZIP proteins.

The positive-acting sulfur regulatory protein CYS3 of Neurospora crassa: nuclear localization, autogenous control, and regions required for transcriptional activation

The positive-acting global sulfur regulatory protein, CYS3, of Neurospora crassa turns on the expression of a family of unlinked structural genes that encode enzymes of sulfur catabolism. CYS3 contains a leucine zipper and an adjacent basic region (b-zip), which together constitute a bipartite sequence-specific DNA-binding domain. Specific anti-CYS3 antibodies detected a protein of the expected size in nuclear extracts of wild-type Neurospora under conditions in which the sulfur circuit is activated. The CYS3 protein was not observed in cys-3 mutants. Nuclear extracts of wild type, but not cys-3 mutants, also showed specific DNA-binding activity identical to that obtained with a CYS3 protein expressed in Escherichia coli. A truncated CYS3 protein that contains primarily the b-zip domain binds to DNA with high specificity and affinity in vitro, yet fails to activate gene expression in vivo, and instead inhibits the function of the wild-type CYS3 protein. Amino-terminal, carboxyterminal, and internal deletions as well as alanine scanning mutagenesis were employed to identify regions of the CYS3 protein that are required for its trans-activation function. Regions of CYS3 carboxy terminal to the b-zip motif are not completely essential for function although loss of an alanine-rich region results in decreased activity. All deletions amino terminal to the b-zip motif led to a complete loss of CYS3 function. Alanine scanning mutagenesis demonstrated that an unusual prolinerich domain of CYS3 appears to be very important for function and is presumed to constitute an activation domain. It is concluded that CYS3 displays nuclear localization and positive autogenous control in Neurospora and functions as a trans-acting DNA-binding protein.

Multisensory activation of the phosphorelay initiating sporulation in Bacillus subtilis: identification and sequence of the protein kinase of the alternate pathway

The phosphorelay is the signal-transduction system recognizing and integrating environmental signals to initiate sporulation. The major signal input to the phosphorelay is an ATP-dependent kinase, KinA, responsible for phosphorylating the SpoOF protein. Mutants lacking KinA, however, still sporulate, suggesting that other kinases can fulfil its role. In order to identify these kinases, genes for kinases were isolated by hybridization using a degenerate oligonucleotide probe designed for common regions of this class of kinases. A gene for a second kinase, KinB, was isolated which gave a sporulation negative phenotype when inactivated in a kinA background. The kinB locus was sequenced and found to be a small operon consisting of the kinB gene and another gene, kapB, transcribed from a single.sigma A.-dependent promoter. Inactivation of either kinB or kapB in a kinA strain led to severe sporulation deficiency. The kinB gene coded for a 47774 M(r) protein with the carboxyl half of this protein highly homologous to the same domain of KinA. The amino-terminal domain of KinB was hydrophobic with six recognizable membrane-spanning regions. The kapB gene coded for a moderately charged, probably soluble, protein of 14,668 M(r) with no homology to any known protein. Genetic evidence suggests that KapB is required either for the function of KinB or for its expression. Although double mutants kinA kinB cannot sporulate and assume a stage 0 phenotype, the SpoA approximately P-dependent regulation of the abrB gene is normal in these strains, suggesting that low levels of SpoA approximately P accumulate even in the absence of both kinases. This accumulation is dependent on functional spo0F and spo0B genes and its source is unknown. The KinA and KinB pathways are the only pathways capable of producing sufficient Spo0A approximately P to allow initiation and completion of sporulation under laboratory conditions.

Homology of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-dependent aminotransferases with the cobC (cobalamin synthesis), nifS (nitrogen fixation), pabC (p-aminobenzoate synthesis) and malY (abolishing endogenous induction of the maltose system) gene products

Bacterial deletion mutants have indicated that the gene products of cobC, nifS, pabC and malY participate in important metabolic pathways, i.e. cobalamin synthesis, nitrogen fixation, synthesis of p-aminobenzoate and the regulation of the maltose system, respectively. However, the proteins themselves and their specific functions have not yet been identified. In the course of our studies on the evolutionary relationships among aminotransferases, we have found that the above gene products are homologous to aminotransferases. Profile analysis [Gribskov, M., Lüthy, R. & Eisenberg, D. (1990) Methods Enzymol. 183, 146-159] based on the amino acid sequences of certain subgroups of aminotransferases as probes attributed significant Z scores in the range 5-20 SD to the deduced amino acid sequences of the above gene products as included in the protein data base. Reciprocal profile analyses confirmed the homologies. All known aminotransferases are pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-dependent enzymes and catalyze the reversible transfer of amino groups from amino acids to oxo acids. The sequence homologies suggest that the above gene products are aminotransferases or other closely related pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-dependent enzymes probably catalyzing transformations of amino acids involving cleavage of a bond at C alpha.

Production of the CYS3 regulator, a bZIP DNA-binding protein, is sufficient to induce sulfur gene expression in Neurospora crassa

The cys-3+ gene of Neurospora crassa encodes a bZIP (basic region-leucine zipper) regulatory protein that is essential for sulfur structural gene expression (e.g., ars-1+). Nuclear transcription assays confirmed that cys-3+ was under sulfur-regulated transcriptional control and that cys-3+ transcription was constitutive in sulfur controller (scon)-negative regulator mutants. Given these results, I have tested whether expression of cys-3+ under high-sulfur (repressing) conditions was sufficient to induce sulfur gene expression. The N. crassa beta-tubulin (tub) promoter was fused to the cys-3+ coding segment and used to transform a cys-3 deletion mutant. Function of the tub::cys-3 fusion in homokaryotic transformants grown under high-sulfur conditions was confirmed by Northern (RNA) and Western immunoblot analysis. The tub::cys-3 transformants showed arylsulfatase gene expression under normally repressing high-sulfur conditions. A tub::cys-3ts fusion encoding a temperature-sensitive CYS3 protein was used to confirm that the induced structural gene expression was due to CYS3 protein function. Constitutive CYS3 production did not induce scon-2+ expression under repressing conditions. In addition, a cys-3 promoter fusion to lacZ showed that CYS3 production was sufficient to induce its own expression and provides in vivo evidence for autoregulation. Finally, an apparent inhibitory effect observed with a strain carrying a point mutation at the cys-3 locus was examined by in vitro heterodimerization studies. These results support an interpretation of CYS3 as a transcriptional activator whose regulation is a crucial control point in the signal response pathway triggered by sulfur limitation.

The DNA-binding domain of the Cys-3 regulatory protein of Neurospora crassa is bipartite

Cys-3, the major sulfur regulatory gene of Neurospora crassa, encodes a regulatory protein that is capable of sequence-specific interaction with DNA. The interaction is mediated by a region within the CYS3 protein (the bzip region) which contains a potential dimer-forming surface, the leucine zipper, and an adjacent basic DNA contact region, NH2-terminal to the leucine zipper. To investigate the bipartite nature of the bzip region, a series of cys-3 mutants obtained by oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis were expressed and tested for dimer formation as well as DNA binding and in vivo function. The results demonstrate that CYS3 protein exists as a dimer in the presence and absence of the target DNA and that dimerization of CYS3 is mediated strictly by the leucine zipper, which is required for both cys-3 function in vivo and DNA-binding activity in vitro. Furthermore, a truncated CYS3 protein corresponding to just the bzip region was found to mediate dimer formation and to possess DNA-binding activity. A CYS3 mutant protein with a pure methionine zipper showed significant, although reduced, function in vivo and in vitro.