Sample records for cellular uptake kinetics

  1. Synthesis, characterisation, and in vitro cellular uptake kinetics of nanoprecipitated poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)- b-poly(2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (MPC-DPA) polymeric nanoparticle micelles for nanomedicine applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Salvage, Jonathan P.; Smith, Tia; Lu, Tao; Sanghera, Amendeep; Standen, Guy; Tang, Yiqing; Lewis, Andrew L.

    2016-10-01

    Nanoscience offers the potential for great advances in medical technology and therapies in the form of nanomedicine. As such, developing controllable, predictable, and effective, nanoparticle-based therapeutic systems remains a significant challenge. Many polymer-based nanoparticle systems have been reported to date, but few harness materials with accepted biocompatibility. Phosphorylcholine (PC) based biomimetic materials have a long history of successful translation into effective commercial medical technologies. This study investigated the synthesis, characterisation, nanoprecipitation, and in vitro cellular uptake kinetics of PC-based polymeric nanoparticle micelles (PNM) formed by the biocompatible and pH responsive block copolymer poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)- b-poly(2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (MPC-DPA). Atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) were used to synthesise and characterise the well-defined MPC100-DPA100 polymer, revealing organic GPC, using evaporative light scatter detection, to be more accurate than aqueous GPC for this application. Subsequent nanoprecipitation investigations utilising photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) revealed PNM size increased with polymer concentration, and conferred Cryo-stability. PNM diameters ranged from circa 64-69 nm, and increased upon hydrophobic compound loading, circa 65-71 nm, with loading efficiencies of circa 60 % achieved, whilst remaining monodisperse. In vitro studies demonstrated that the PNM were of low cellular toxicity, with colony formation and MTT assays, utilising V79 and 3T3 cells, yielding comparable results. Investigation of the in vitro cellular uptake kinetics revealed rapid, 1 h, cellular uptake of MPC100-DPA100 PNM delivered fluorescent probes, with fluorescence persistence for 48 h. This paper presents the first report of these novel findings, which highlight the potential of the system for nanomedicine application development.

  2. Single-walled carbon nanohorns decorated with semiconductor quantum dots to evaluate intracellular transport

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zimmermann, Kristen A.; Inglefield, David L.; Zhang, Jianfei; Dorn, Harry C.; Long, Timothy E.; Rylander, Christopher G.; Rylander, M. Nichole

    2014-01-01

    Single-walled carbon nanohorns (SWNHs) have great potential to enhance thermal and chemotherapeutic drug efficiencies for cancer therapies. Despite their diverse capabilities, minimal research has been conducted so far to study nanoparticle intracellular transport, which is an important step in designing efficient therapies. SWNHs, like many other carbon nanomaterials, do not have inherent fluorescence properties making intracellular transport information difficult to obtain. The goals of this project were to (1) develop a simple reaction scheme to decorate the exohedral surface of SWNHs with fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) and improve conjugate stability, and (2) evaluate SWNH-QD conjugate cellular uptake kinetics and localization in various cancer cell lines of differing origins and morphologies. In this study, SWNHs were conjugated to CdSe/ZnS core/shell QDs using a unique approach to carbodiimide chemistry. Transmission electron microscopy and electron dispersive spectroscopy verified the conjugation of SWNHs and QDs. Cellular uptake kinetics and efficiency were characterized in three malignant cell lines: U-87 MG (glioblastoma), MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer), and AY-27 (bladder transitional cell carcinoma) using flow cytometry. Cellular distribution was verified by confocal microscopy, and cytotoxicity was also evaluated using an alamarBlue assay. Results indicate that cellular uptake kinetics and efficiency are highly dependent on cell type, highlighting the significance of studying nanoparticle transport at the cellular level. Nanoparticle intracellular transport investigations may provide information to optimize treatment parameters (e.g., SWNH concentration, treatment time, etc.) depending on tumor etiology.

  3. In vitro kinetic studies on the mechanism of oxygen-dependent cellular uptake of copper radiopharmaceuticals.

    PubMed

    Holland, Jason P; Giansiracusa, Jeffrey H; Bell, Stephen G; Wong, Luet-Lok; Dilworth, Jonathan R

    2009-04-07

    The development of hypoxia-selective radiopharmaceuticals for use as therapeutic and/or imaging agents is of vital importance for both early identification and treatment of cancer and in the design of new drugs. Radiotracers based on copper for use in positron emission tomography have received great attention due to the successful application of copper(II) bis(thiosemicarbazonato) complexes, such as [(60/62/64)Cu(II)ATSM] and [(60/62/64)Cu(II)PTSM], as markers for tumour hypoxia and blood perfusion, respectively. Recent work has led to the proposal of a revised mechanism of hypoxia-selective cellular uptake and retention of [Cu(II)ATSM]. The work presented here describes non-steady-state kinetic simulations in which the reported pO(2)-dependent in vitro cellular uptake and retention of [(64)Cu(II)ATSM] in EMT6 murine carcinoma cells has been modelled by using the revised mechanistic scheme. Non-steady-state (NSS) kinetic analysis reveals that the model is in very good agreement with the reported experimental data with a root-mean-squared error of less than 6% between the simulated and experimental cellular uptake profiles. Estimated rate constants are derived for the cellular uptake and washout (k(1) = 9.8 +/- 0.59 x 10(-4) s(-1) and k(2) = 2.9 +/- 0.17 x 10(-3) s(-1)), intracellular reduction (k(3) = 5.2 +/- 0.31 x 10(-2) s(-1)), reoxidation (k(4) = 2.2 +/- 0.13 mol(-1) dm(3) s(-1)) and proton-mediated ligand dissociation (k(5) = 9.0 +/- 0.54 x 10(-5) s(-1)). Previous mechanisms focused on the reduction and reoxidation steps. However, the data suggest that the origins of hypoxia-selective retention may reside with the stability of the copper(I) anion with respect to protonation and ligand dissociation. In vitro kinetic studies using the nicotimamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-dependent ferredoxin reductase enzyme PuR isolated from the bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris have also been conducted. NADH turnover frequencies are found to be dependent on the structure of the ligand and the results confirm that the proposed reduction step in the mechanism of hypoxia selectivity is likely to be mediated by NADH-dependent enzymes. Further understanding of the mechanism of hypoxia selectivity may facilitate the development of new imaging and radiotherapeutic agents with increased specificity for tumour hypoxia.

  4. In vitro kinetic studies on the mechanism of oxygen-dependent cellular uptake of copper radiopharmaceuticals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Holland, Jason P.; Giansiracusa, Jeffrey H.; Bell, Stephen G.; Wong, Luet-Lok; Dilworth, Jonathan R.

    2009-04-01

    The development of hypoxia-selective radiopharmaceuticals for use as therapeutic and/or imaging agents is of vital importance for both early identification and treatment of cancer and in the design of new drugs. Radiotracers based on copper for use in positron emission tomography have received great attention due to the successful application of copper(II) bis(thiosemicarbazonato) complexes, such as [60/62/64Cu(II)ATSM] and [60/62/64Cu(II)PTSM], as markers for tumour hypoxia and blood perfusion, respectively. Recent work has led to the proposal of a revised mechanism of hypoxia-selective cellular uptake and retention of [Cu(II)ATSM]. The work presented here describes non-steady-state kinetic simulations in which the reported pO2-dependent in vitro cellular uptake and retention of [64Cu(II)ATSM] in EMT6 murine carcinoma cells has been modelled by using the revised mechanistic scheme. Non-steady-state (NSS) kinetic analysis reveals that the model is in very good agreement with the reported experimental data with a root-mean-squared error of less than 6% between the simulated and experimental cellular uptake profiles. Estimated rate constants are derived for the cellular uptake and washout (k1 = 9.8 ± 0.59 × 10-4 s-1 and k2 = 2.9 ± 0.17 × 10-3 s-1), intracellular reduction (k3 = 5.2 ± 0.31 × 10-2 s-1), reoxidation (k4 = 2.2 ± 0.13 mol-1 dm3 s-1) and proton-mediated ligand dissociation (k5 = 9.0 ± 0.54 × 10-5 s-1). Previous mechanisms focused on the reduction and reoxidation steps. However, the data suggest that the origins of hypoxia-selective retention may reside with the stability of the copper(I) anion with respect to protonation and ligand dissociation. In vitro kinetic studies using the nicotimamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-dependent ferredoxin reductase enzyme PuR isolated from the bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris have also been conducted. NADH turnover frequencies are found to be dependent on the structure of the ligand and the results confirm that the proposed reduction step in the mechanism of hypoxia selectivity is likely to be mediated by NADH-dependent enzymes. Further understanding of the mechanism of hypoxia selectivity may facilitate the development of new imaging and radiotherapeutic agents with increased specificity for tumour hypoxia.

  5. Combinatorial approaches to evaluate nanodiamond uptake and induced cellular fate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Eldawud, Reem; Reitzig, Manuela; Opitz, Jörg; Rojansakul, Yon; Jiang, Wenjuan; Nangia, Shikha; Zoica Dinu, Cerasela

    2016-02-01

    Nanodiamonds (NDs) are an emerging class of engineered nanomaterials that hold great promise for the next generation of bionanotechnological products to be used for drug and gene delivery, or for bio-imaging and biosensing. Previous studies have shown that upon their cellular uptake, NDs exhibit high biocompatibility in various in vitro and in vivo set-ups. Herein we hypothesized that the increased NDs biocompatibility is a result of minimum membrane perturbations and their reduced ability to induce disruption or damage during cellular translocation. Using multi-scale combinatorial approaches that simulate ND-membrane interactions, we correlated NDs real-time cellular uptake and kinetics with the ND-induced membrane fluctuations to derive energy requirements for the uptake to occur. Our discrete and real-time analyses showed that the majority of NDs internalization occurs within 2 h of cellular exposure, however, with no effects on cellular viability, proliferation or cellular behavior. Furthermore, our simulation analyses using coarse-grained models identified key changes in the energy profile, membrane deformation and recovery time, all functions of the average ND or ND-based agglomerate size. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for ND-cell membrane interactions could possibly advance their implementation in various biomedical applications.

  6. Combinatorial approaches to evaluate nanodiamond uptake and induced cellular fate

    PubMed Central

    Eldawud, Reem; Reitzig, Manuela; Opitz, Jörg; Rojansakul, Yon; Jiang, Wenjuan; Nangia, Shikha; Dinu, Cerasela Zoica

    2016-01-01

    Nanodiamonds (NDs) are an emerging class of engineered nanomaterials that hold great promise for the next generation of bionanotechnological products to be used for drug and gene delivery, or for bio-imaging and biosensing. Previous studies have shown that upon their cellular uptake, NDs exhibit high biocompatibility in various in vitro and in vivo set-ups. Herein we hypothesized that the increased NDs biocompatibility is a result of minimum membrane perturbations and their reduced ability to induce disruption or damage during cellular translocation. Using multi-scale combinatorial approaches that simulate ND-membrane interactions, we correlated NDs real-time cellular uptake and kinetics with the ND-induced membrane fluctuations to derive energy requirements for the uptake to occur. Our discrete and real-time analyses showed that the majority of NDs internalization occurs within 2 h of cellular exposure, however, with no effects on cellular viability, proliferation or cellular behavior. Furthermore, our simulation analyses using coarse-grained models identified key changes in the energy profile, membrane deformation and recovery time, all functions of the average ND or ND-based agglomerate size. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for ND-cell membrane interactions could possibly advance their implementation in various biomedical applications. PMID:26820775

  7. Transporters, channels, or simple diffusion? Dogmas, atypical roles and complexity in transport systems.

    PubMed

    Conde, Artur; Diallinas, George; Chaumont, François; Chaves, Manuela; Gerós, Hernâni

    2010-06-01

    The recent breakthrough discoveries of transport systems assigned with atypical functions provide evidence for complexity in membrane transport biochemistry. Some channels are far from being simple pores creating hydrophilic passages for solutes and can, unexpectedly, act as enzymes, or mediate high-affinity uptake, and some transporters are surprisingly able to function as sensors, channels or even enzymes. Furthermore, numerous transport studies have demonstrated complex multiphasic uptake kinetics for organic and mineral nutrients. The biphasic kinetics of glucose uptake in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a result of several genetically distinct uptake systems operating simultaneously, is a classical example that is a subject of continuous debate. In contrast, some transporters display biphasic kinetics, being bona fidae dual-affinity transporters, their kinetic properties often modulated by post-translational regulation. Also, aquaporins have recently been reported to exhibit diverse transport properties and can behave as highly adapted, multifunctional channels, transporting solutes such as CO(2), hydrogen peroxide, urea, ammonia, glycerol, polyols, carbamides, purines and pyrimidines, metalloids, glycine, and lactic acid, rather than being simple water pores. The present review provides an overview on some atypical functions displayed by transporter proteins and discusses how this novel knowledge on cellular uptake systems may be related to complex multiphasic uptake kinetics often seen in a wide variety of living organisms and the intriguing diffusive uptake of sugars and other solutes. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Cell uptake survey of pegylated nanographene oxide.

    PubMed

    Vila, M; Portolés, M T; Marques, P A A P; Feito, M J; Matesanz, M C; Ramírez-Santillán, C; Gonçalves, G; Cruz, S M A; Nieto, A; Vallet-Regi, M

    2012-11-23

    Graphene and more specifically, nanographene oxide (GO) has been proposed as a highly efficient antitumoral therapy agent. Nevertheless, its cell uptake kinetics, its influence in different types of cells and the possibility of controlling cellular internalization timing, is still a field that remains unexplored. Herein, different cell types have been cultured in vitro for several incubation periods in the presence of 0.075 mg ml(-1) pegylated GO solutions. GO uptake kinetics revealed differences in the agent's uptake amount and speed as a function of the type of cell involved. Osteoblast-like cells GO uptake is higher and faster without resulting in greater cell membrane damage. Moreover, the dependence on the commonly used PEG nature (number of branches) also influences the viability and cell uptake speed. These facts play an important role in the future definition of timing parameters and selective cell uptake control in order to achieve an effective therapy.

  9. Transport of selenium across the plasma membrane of primary hepatocytes and enterocytes of rainbow trout.

    PubMed

    Misra, Sougat; Kwong, Raymond W M; Niyogi, Som

    2012-05-01

    Transport of essential solutes across biological membranes is one of the fundamental characteristics of living cells. Although selenium is an essential micronutrient, little is known about the cellular mechanisms of chemical species-specific selenium transport in fish. We report here the kinetic and pharmacological transport characteristics of selenite and its thiol (glutathione and l-cysteine) derivatives in primary cultures of hepatocytes and isolated enterocytes of rainbow trout. Findings from the current study suggest an apparent low-affinity linear transport system for selenite in both cell types. However, we recorded high-affinity Hill kinetics (K(d)=3.61±0.28 μmol l(-1)) in enterocytes exposed to selenite in the presence of glutathione. The uptake of selenite in the presence of thiols was severalfold higher than uptake of selenite alone (at equimolar concentration) in both hepatocytes and enterocytes. Cellular accumulation of selenium was found to be energy independent. Interestingly, we observed a decrease in selenite transport with increasing pH, whereas selenite uptake increased with increasing pH in the presence glutathione in both cell types. The cellular uptake of selenite demonstrated a pronounced competitive interaction with a structurally similar compound, sulfite. The uptake of selenite as well as its thiol derivatives was found to be sensitive to the anion transport blocker DIDS, irrespective of the cell type. Inorganic mercury (Hg(2+)) elicited an inhibition of selenite transport in both cell types, but augmented the transport of reduced forms of selenite in hepatocytes. Based on the substrate choice and comparable pharmacological properties, we advocate that multiple anion transport systems are probably involved in the cellular transport of selenite in fish.

  10. Preferential tumor cellular uptake and retention of indocyanine green for in vivo tumor imaging.

    PubMed

    Onda, Nobuhiko; Kimura, Masayuki; Yoshida, Toshinori; Shibutani, Makoto

    2016-08-01

    Indocyanine green (ICG) is a fluorescent agent approved for clinical applications by the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency. This study examined the mechanism of tumor imaging using intravenously administered ICG. The in vivo kinetics of intravenously administered ICG were determined in tumor xenografts using microscopic approaches that enabled both spatio-temporal and high-magnification analyses. The mechanism of ICG-based tumor imaging was examined at the cellular level in six phenotypically different human colon cancer cell lines exhibiting different grades of epithelioid organization. ICG fluorescence imaging detected xenograft tumors, even those < 1 mm in size, based on their preferential cellular uptake and retention of the dye following its rapid tissue-non-specific delivery, in contrast to its rapid clearance by normal tissue. Live-cell imaging revealed that cellular ICG uptake is temperature-dependent and occurs after ICG binding to the cellular membrane, a pattern suggesting endocytic uptake as the mechanism. Cellular ICG uptake correlated inversely with the formation of tight junctions. Intracellular ICG was entrapped in the membrane traffic system, resulting in its slow turnover and prolonged retention by tumor cells. Our results suggest that tumor-specific imaging by ICG involves non-specific delivery of the dye to tissues followed by preferential tumor cellular uptake and retention. The tumor cell-preference of ICG is driven by passive tumor cell-targeting, the inherent ability of ICG to bind to cell membranes, and the high endocytic activity of tumor cells in association with the disruption of their tight junctions. © 2016 UICC.

  11. Diffusion and cellular uptake of drugs in live cells studied with surface-enhanced Raman scattering probes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bálint, Štefan; Rao, Satish; Sánchez, Mónica Marro; Huntošová, Veronika; Miškovský, Pavol; Petrov, Dmitri

    2010-03-01

    An understanding of the mechanisms of drug diffusion and uptake through cellular membranes is critical for elucidating drug action and in the development of effective drug delivery systems. We study these processes for emodin, a potential anticancer drug, in live cancer cells using surface-enhanced Raman scattering. Micrometer-sized silica beads covered by nanosized silver colloids are passively embedded into the cell and used as sensors of the drug. We demonstrate that the technique offers distinct advantages: the possibility to study the kinetics of drug diffusion through the cellular membrane toward specific cell organelles, the detection of lower drug concentrations compared to fluorescence techniques, and less damage imparted on the cell.

  12. [Effects of sub-micro emulsion composition on cellular disposition of incorporated lipophilic drug].

    PubMed

    Sun, Xiao-Yi; Xiang, Zhi-Qiang; Wu, Shuo; Lv, Yuan-Yuan; Liang, Wen-Quan

    2013-09-01

    To investigate the effects of sub-micro emulsion composition on cellular uptake and disposition of incorporated lipophilic drug. Sub-micro emulsions containing 10 % oil, 1.2 % lecithin and 2.25 % glycerol were prepared, and the fluorescent agent coumarin 6 was used as a model drug. The effects of oil types, co-surfactants and cationic lipid on uptake and elimination kinetics of 6-coumarin in HeLa cells were studied. The uptake mechanism of sub-micro emulsions was further investigated. Oil type and Tweens had no influence on the cellular uptake. Modifications of surfactants with Span series increased the cellular influx, among which Span 20 with hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of 8.6 was the best enhancer. The intracellular drug level reached up to (46.09 ± 1.98)ng/μg protein which had significant difference with control group [(38.54 ± 0.34)ng/μg protein]. The positively charged emulsions significantly increased the uptake rate constant and elimination rate constant which were 4 times and 1.5 times of those in anionic groups, respectively. The uptake enhancement was also observed in cationic emulsions, cellular concentrations at plateau were (42.73 ± 0.84)ng/μg protein, which was about 3 times of that in anionic emulsions [(15.71 ± 0.74)ng/μg protein], when extracellular drug concentration kept at 100 ng/ml. Cationic emulsions delivered the payload mainly by direct drug transfer to contacted cells, while the negative ones depended on both drug passive diffusion and clathrin-mediated endocytosis of drug containing oil droplets which accounted for 20% of the intracellular drug. Interfacial characteristic of sub-micro emulsions such as co-surfactants HLB as well as zeta potentials can influence lipophilic drug both in cellular uptake and elimination.

  13. Rapid transcapillary exchange and unidirectional neuronal uptake of noradrenaline in the perfused rabbit heart.

    PubMed Central

    Mann, G E; Yudilevich, D L

    1984-01-01

    Capillary permeability and cellular uptake of noradrenaline by the isolated artificially perfused rabbit heart was measured using rapid (less than 30 s) single-circulation tracer-dilution techniques. In a single coronary circulation capillary extractions of L-[14C]noradrenaline and D-[3H]mannitol (extracellular reference) relative to an intravascular marker, 125I-labelled albumin, were similar and above 60%. The 'apparent' volume of distribution for tracer noradrenaline was 2.5-fold larger than that measured for D-mannitol (0.32 ml g-1) suggesting cellular uptake of the amine. Unidirectional noradrenaline uptake was estimated by directly comparing coronary sinus dilution profiles of L-[3H]noradrenaline and D-[14C]mannitol. Michaelis-Menten saturation kinetics based on a single-entry system were determined (Km = 2.8 +/- 1.5 microM, Vmax = 2.1 +/- 0.5 nmol min-1 g-1, n = 4) by perfusing hearts with varying concentrations of L-noradrenaline (1-10 microM). Various known inhibitors of noradrenaline uptake were investigated to determine whether uptake was mediated by neuronal (uptake1) and/or extraneuronal (uptake2) mechanisms. Desipramine (5 microM), imipramine (5 microM) and metaraminol (2 microM) resulted in a 66-94% inhibition of noradrenaline influx. In comparison, the steroids, 17 beta-oestradiol (1 microM) and corticosterone (10 microM), and the noradrenaline metabolite normetanephrine (5 microM) caused virtually no inhibitory effects. The beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol (5 microM) was also relatively ineffective. These results together with the kinetic constants estimated suggest that the rapid noradrenaline uptake reflects transport into adrenergic neurones lying in the coronary interstitium. The high resolution of this paired-tracer dilution technique has permitted a 'non-invasive' study of neuronal uptake mechanisms and its application may be of clinical value. PMID:6425496

  14. Uptake of silver nanoparticles by monocytic THP-1 cells depends on particle size and presence of serum proteins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kettler, Katja; Giannakou, Christina; de Jong, Wim H.; Hendriks, A. Jan; Krystek, Petra

    2016-09-01

    Human health risks by silver nanoparticle (AgNP) exposure are likely to increase due to the increasing number of NP-containing products and demonstrated adverse effects in various cell lines. Unfortunately, results from (toxicity) studies are often based on exposure dose and are often measured only at a fixed time point. NP uptake kinetics and the time-dependent internal cellular concentration are often not considered. Macrophages are the first line of defense against invading foreign agents including NPs. How macrophages deal with the particles is essential for potential toxicity of the NPs. However, there is a considerable lack of uptake studies of particles in the nanometer range and macrophage-like cells. Therefore, uptake rates were determined over 24 h for three different AgNPs sizes (20, 50 and 75 nm) in medium with and without fetal calf serum. Non-toxic concentrations of 10 ng Ag/mL for monocytic THP-1 cells, representing realistic exposure concentration for short-term exposures, were chosen. The uptake of Ag was higher in medium without fetal calf serum and showed increasing uptake for decreasing NP sizes, both on NP mass and on number basis. Internal cellular concentrations reached roughly 32/10 %, 25/18 % and 21/15 % of the nominal concentration in the absence of fetal calf serum/with fetal calf serum for 20-, 50- and 75-nm NPs, respectively. Our research shows that uptake kinetics in macrophages differ for various NP sizes. To increase the understanding of the mechanism of NP toxicity in cells, the process of uptake (timing) should be considered.

  15. Acute changes in cellular zinc alters zinc uptake rates prior to zinc transporter gene expression in Jurkat cells.

    PubMed

    Holland, Tai C; Killilea, David W; Shenvi, Swapna V; King, Janet C

    2015-12-01

    A coordinated network of zinc transporters and binding proteins tightly regulate cellular zinc levels. Canonical responses to zinc availability are thought to be mediated by changes in gene expression of key zinc transporters. We investigated the temporal relationships of actual zinc uptake with patterns of gene expression in membrane-bound zinc transporters in the human immortalized T lymphocyte Jurkat cell line. Cellular zinc levels were elevated or reduced with exogenous zinc sulfate or N,N,N',N-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN), respectively. Excess zinc resulted in a rapid 44 % decrease in the rate of zinc uptake within 10 min. After 120 min, the expression of metallothionein (positive control) increased, as well as the zinc exporter, ZnT1; however, the expression of zinc importers did not change during this time period. Zinc chelation with TPEN resulted in a rapid twofold increase in the rate of zinc uptake within 10 min. After 120 min, the expression of ZnT1 decreased, while again the expression of zinc importers did not change. Overall, zinc transporter gene expression kinetics did not match actual changes in cellular zinc uptake with exogenous zinc or TPEN treatments. This suggests zinc transporter regulation may be the initial response to changes in zinc within Jurkat cells.

  16. Quantitative assessment of surface functionality effects on microglial uptake and retention of PAMAM dendrimers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liaw, Kevin; Gök, Ozgul; DeRidder, Louis B.; Kannan, Sujatha; Kannan, Rangaramanujam M.

    2018-04-01

    Dendrimers are a promising class of polymeric nanoparticles for delivery of therapeutics and diagnostics. Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers have shown significant efficacy in many animal models, with performance dependent on surface functionalities. Understanding the effects of end groups on biological interactions is critical for rational design of dendrimer-mediated therapies. In this study, we quantify the cellular trafficking kinetics (endocytosis and exocytosis) of generation 4 neutral (D4-OH), cationic (D4-NH2), anionic (D3.5-COOH), and generation 6 neutral (D6-OH) PAMAM dendrimers to investigate the nanoscale effects of surface functionality and size on cellular interactions. Resting and LPS-activated microglia were studied due to their central roles in dendrimer therapies for central nervous system disorders. D4-OH exhibits greater cellular uptake and lower retention than the larger D6-OH. D4-OH and D3.5-COOH exhibit similar trafficking kinetics, while D4-NH2 exhibits significant membrane interactions, resulting in faster cell association but lower internalization. Cationic charge may also enhance vesicular escape for greater cellular retention and preferential partitioning to nuclei. LPS activation further improves uptake of dendrimers, with smaller and cationic dendrimers experiencing the greatest increases in uptake compared to resting microglia. These studies have implications for the dependence of trafficking pathway on dendrimer properties and inform the design of dendrimer constructs tailored to specific therapeutic needs. Cationic dendrimers are ideal for delivering genetic materials to nuclei, but toxicity may be a limiting factor. Smaller, neutral dendrimers are best suited for delivering high levels of therapeutics in acute neuroinflammation, while larger or cationic dendrimers provide robust retention for sustained release of therapeutics in longer-term diseases.

  17. The Role of Transporters in the Toxicity of Nucleoside and Nucleotide Analogs

    PubMed Central

    Koczor, Christopher A; Torres, Rebecca A

    2013-01-01

    Introduction Two families of nucleoside analogs have been developed to treat viral infections and cancer, but these compounds can cause tissue and cell-specific toxicity related to their uptake and subcellular activity which are dictated by host enzymes and transporters. Cellular uptake of these compounds requires nucleoside transporters that share functional similarities but differ in substrate specificity. Tissue-specific cellular expression of these transporters enables nucleoside analogs to produce their tissue specific toxic effects, a limiting factor in the treatment of retroviruses and cancer. Areas Covered This review discusses the families of nucleoside transporters and how they mediate cellular uptake of nucleoside analogs. Specific focus is placed on examples of known cases of transporter-mediated cellular toxicity and classification of the toxicities resulting. Efflux transporters are also explored as a contributor to analog toxicity and cell-specific effects. Expert Opinion Efforts to modulate transporter uptake/clearance remain long-term goals of oncologists and virologists. Accordingly, subcellular approaches that either increase or decrease intracellular nucleoside analog concentrations are eagerly sought and include transporter inhibitors and targeting transporter expression. However, additional understanding of nucleoside transporter kinetics, tissue expression, and genetic polymorphisms are required to design better molecules and better therapies. PMID:22509856

  18. STUDIES ON BIOSORPTION OF ZINC(II) AND COPPER(II) ON DESULFOVIBRIO DESULFURICANS

    EPA Science Inventory

    The objectives of thes studies are to determine the equilibrium concentration and kinetics of metal sorption on sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) isolates. Adsorption establishes the net reversible cellular metal uptake and is related to SRB metal toxicity and the effects of enviro...

  19. Enhancement of cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles by conjugation with anti-P-glycoprotein in drug resistance cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Punfa, Wanisa; Yodkeeree, Supachai; Pitchakarn, Pornsiri; Ampasavate, Chadarat; Limtrakul, Pornngarm

    2012-06-01

    To compare the anti-cancer activity and cellular uptake of curcumin (Cur) delivered by targeted and non-targeted drug delivery systems in multidrug-resistant cervical cancer cells. Cur was entrapped into poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (Cur-NPs) in the presence of modified-pluronic F127 stabilizer using nano-precipitation technique. On the surface of Cur-NPs, the carboxy-terminal of modified pluronic F127 was conjugated to the amino-terminal of anti-P-glycoprotein (P-gp) (Cur-NPs-APgp). The physical properties of the Cur-NPs, including particle size, zeta potential, particle morphology and Cur release kinetics, were investigated. Cellular uptake and specificity of the Cur-NPs and Cur-NPs-APgp were detected in cervical cancer cell lines KB-V1 (higher expression of P-gp) and KB-3-1 (lower expression of P-gp) using fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry, respectively. Cytotoxicity of the Cur-NPs and Cur-NPs-APgp was determined using MTT assay. The particle size of Cur-NPs and Cur-NPs-APgp was 127 and 132 nm, respectively. The entrapment efficiency and actual loading of Cur-NPs-APgp (60% and 5 μg Cur/mg NP) were lower than those of Cur-NPs (99% and 7 μg Cur/mg NP). The specific binding of Cur-NPs-APgp to KB-V1 cells was significantly higher than that to KB-3-1 cells. Cellular uptake of Cur-NPs-APgp into KB-V1 cells was higher, as compared to KB-3-1 cells. However, the cellular uptake of Cur-NPs and Cur-NPs-IgG did not differ between the two types of cells. Besides, the cytotoxicity of Cur-NPs-APgp in KB-V1 cells was higher than those of Cur and Cur-NPs. The results demonstrate that Cur-NPs-APgp targeted to P-gp on the cell surface membrane of KB-V1 cells, thus enhancing the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of Cur.

  20. Brain lactate kinetics: Modeling evidence for neuronal lactate uptake upon activation.

    PubMed

    Aubert, Agnès; Costalat, Robert; Magistretti, Pierre J; Pellerin, Luc

    2005-11-08

    A critical issue in brain energy metabolism is whether lactate produced within the brain by astrocytes is taken up and metabolized by neurons upon activation. Although there is ample evidence that neurons can efficiently use lactate as an energy substrate, at least in vitro, few experimental data exist to indicate that it is indeed the case in vivo. To address this question, we used a modeling approach to determine which mechanisms are necessary to explain typical brain lactate kinetics observed upon activation. On the basis of a previously validated model that takes into account the compartmentalization of energy metabolism, we developed a mathematical model of brain lactate kinetics, which was applied to published data describing the changes in extracellular lactate levels upon activation. Results show that the initial dip in the extracellular lactate concentration observed at the onset of stimulation can only be satisfactorily explained by a rapid uptake within an intraparenchymal cellular compartment. In contrast, neither blood flow increase, nor extracellular pH variation can be major causes of the lactate initial dip, whereas tissue lactate diffusion only tends to reduce its amplitude. The kinetic properties of monocarboxylate transporter isoforms strongly suggest that neurons represent the most likely compartment for activation-induced lactate uptake and that neuronal lactate utilization occurring early after activation onset is responsible for the initial dip in brain lactate levels observed in both animals and humans.

  1. Brain lactate kinetics: Modeling evidence for neuronal lactate uptake upon activation

    PubMed Central

    Aubert, Agnès; Costalat, Robert; Magistretti, Pierre J.; Pellerin, Luc

    2005-01-01

    A critical issue in brain energy metabolism is whether lactate produced within the brain by astrocytes is taken up and metabolized by neurons upon activation. Although there is ample evidence that neurons can efficiently use lactate as an energy substrate, at least in vitro, few experimental data exist to indicate that it is indeed the case in vivo. To address this question, we used a modeling approach to determine which mechanisms are necessary to explain typical brain lactate kinetics observed upon activation. On the basis of a previously validated model that takes into account the compartmentalization of energy metabolism, we developed a mathematical model of brain lactate kinetics, which was applied to published data describing the changes in extracellular lactate levels upon activation. Results show that the initial dip in the extracellular lactate concentration observed at the onset of stimulation can only be satisfactorily explained by a rapid uptake within an intraparenchymal cellular compartment. In contrast, neither blood flow increase, nor extracellular pH variation can be major causes of the lactate initial dip, whereas tissue lactate diffusion only tends to reduce its amplitude. The kinetic properties of monocarboxylate transporter isoforms strongly suggest that neurons represent the most likely compartment for activation-induced lactate uptake and that neuronal lactate utilization occurring early after activation onset is responsible for the initial dip in brain lactate levels observed in both animals and humans. PMID:16260743

  2. FLIM reveals alternative EV-mediated cellular up-take pathways of paclitaxel.

    PubMed

    Saari, H; Lisitsyna, E; Rautaniemi, K; Rojalin, T; Niemi, L; Nivaro, O; Laaksonen, T; Yliperttula, M; Vuorimaa-Laukkanen, E

    2018-06-15

    In response to physiological and artificial stimuli, cells generate nano-scale extracellular vesicles (EVs) by encapsulating biomolecules in plasma membrane-derived phospholipid envelopes. These vesicles are released to bodily fluids, hence acting as powerful endogenous mediators in intercellular signaling. EVs provide a compelling alternative for biomarker discovery and targeted drug delivery, but their kinetics and dynamics while interacting with living cells are poorly understood. Here we introduce a novel method, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to investigate these interaction attributes. By FLIM, we show distinct cellular uptake mechanisms of different EV subtypes, exosomes and microvesicles, loaded with anti-cancer agent, paclitaxel. We demonstrate differences in intracellular behavior and drug release profiles of paclitaxel-containing EVs. Exosomes seem to deliver the drug mostly by endocytosis while microvesicles enter the cells by both endocytosis and fusion with cell membrane. This research offers a new real-time method to investigate EV kinetics with living cells, and it is a potential advancement to complement the existing techniques. The findings of this study improve the current knowledge in exploiting EVs as next-generation targeted drug delivery systems. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Transport inhibition of digoxin using several common P-gp expressing cell lines is not necessarily reporting only on inhibitor binding to P-gp.

    PubMed

    Lumen, Annie Albin; Li, Libin; Li, Jiben; Ahmed, Zeba; Meng, Zhou; Owen, Albert; Ellens, Harma; Hidalgo, Ismael J; Bentz, Joe

    2013-01-01

    We have reported that the P-gp substrate digoxin required basolateral and apical uptake transport in excess of that allowed by digoxin passive permeability (as measured in the presence of GF120918) to achieve the observed efflux kinetics across MDCK-MDR1-NKI (The Netherlands Cancer Institute) confluent cell monolayers. That is, GF120918 inhibitable uptake transport was kinetically required. Therefore, IC50 measurements using digoxin as a probe substrate in this cell line could be due to inhibition of P-gp, of digoxin uptake transport, or both. This kinetic analysis is now extended to include three additional cell lines: MDCK-MDR1-NIH (National Institute of Health), Caco-2 and CPT-B2 (Caco-2 cells with BCRP knockdown). These cells similarly exhibit GF120918 inhibitable uptake transport of digoxin. We demonstrate that inhibition of digoxin transport across these cell lines by GF120918, cyclosporine, ketoconazole and verapamil is greater than can be explained by inhibition of P-gp alone. We examined three hypotheses for this non-P-gp inhibition. The inhibitors can: (1) bind to a basolateral digoxin uptake transporter, thereby inhibiting digoxin's cellular uptake; (2) partition into the basolateral membrane and directly reduce membrane permeability; (3) aggregate with digoxin in the donor chamber, thereby reducing the free concentration of digoxin, with concomitant reduction in digoxin uptake. Data and simulations show that hypothesis 1 was found to be uniformly acceptable. Hypothesis 2 was found to be uniformly unlikely. Hypothesis 3 was unlikely for GF120918 and cyclosporine, but further studies are needed to completely adjudicate whether hetero-dimerization contributes to the non-P-gp inhibition for ketoconazole and verapamil. We also find that P-gp substrates with relatively low passive permeability such as digoxin, loperamide and vinblastine kinetically require basolateral uptake transport over that allowed by +GF120918 passive permeability, while highly permeable P-gp substrates such as amprenavir, quinidine, ketoconazole and verapamil do not, regardless of whether they actually use the basolateral transporter.

  4. Transport Inhibition of Digoxin Using Several Common P-gp Expressing Cell Lines Is Not Necessarily Reporting Only on Inhibitor Binding to P-gp

    PubMed Central

    Lumen, Annie Albin; Li, Libin; Li, Jiben; Ahmed, Zeba; Meng, Zhou; Owen, Albert; Ellens, Harma; Hidalgo, Ismael J.; Bentz, Joe

    2013-01-01

    We have reported that the P-gp substrate digoxin required basolateral and apical uptake transport in excess of that allowed by digoxin passive permeability (as measured in the presence of GF120918) to achieve the observed efflux kinetics across MDCK-MDR1-NKI (The Netherlands Cancer Institute) confluent cell monolayers. That is, GF120918 inhibitable uptake transport was kinetically required. Therefore, IC50 measurements using digoxin as a probe substrate in this cell line could be due to inhibition of P-gp, of digoxin uptake transport, or both. This kinetic analysis is now extended to include three additional cell lines: MDCK-MDR1-NIH (National Institute of Health), Caco-2 and CPT-B2 (Caco-2 cells with BCRP knockdown). These cells similarly exhibit GF120918 inhibitable uptake transport of digoxin. We demonstrate that inhibition of digoxin transport across these cell lines by GF120918, cyclosporine, ketoconazole and verapamil is greater than can be explained by inhibition of P-gp alone. We examined three hypotheses for this non-P-gp inhibition. The inhibitors can: (1) bind to a basolateral digoxin uptake transporter, thereby inhibiting digoxin's cellular uptake; (2) partition into the basolateral membrane and directly reduce membrane permeability; (3) aggregate with digoxin in the donor chamber, thereby reducing the free concentration of digoxin, with concomitant reduction in digoxin uptake. Data and simulations show that hypothesis 1 was found to be uniformly acceptable. Hypothesis 2 was found to be uniformly unlikely. Hypothesis 3 was unlikely for GF120918 and cyclosporine, but further studies are needed to completely adjudicate whether hetero-dimerization contributes to the non-P-gp inhibition for ketoconazole and verapamil. We also find that P-gp substrates with relatively low passive permeability such as digoxin, loperamide and vinblastine kinetically require basolateral uptake transport over that allowed by +GF120918 passive permeability, while highly permeable P-gp substrates such as amprenavir, quinidine, ketoconazole and verapamil do not, regardless of whether they actually use the basolateral transporter. PMID:23976943

  5. Combining QD-FRET and microfluidics to monitor DNA nanocomplex self-assembly in real-time.

    PubMed

    Ho, Yi-Ping; Chen, Hunter H; Leong, Kam W; Wang, Tza-Huei

    2009-08-26

    Advances in genomics continue to fuel the development of therapeutics that can target pathogenesis at the cellular and molecular level. Typically functional inside the cell, nucleic acid-based therapeutics require an efficient intracellular delivery system. One widely adopted approach is to complex DNA with a gene carrier to form nanocomplexes via electrostatic self-assembly, facilitating cellular uptake of DNA while protecting it against degradation. The challenge lies in the rational design of efficient gene carriers, since premature dissociation or overly stable binding would be detrimental to the cellular uptake and therapeutic efficacy. Nanocomplexes synthesized by bulk mixing showed a diverse range of intracellular unpacking and trafficking behavior, which was attributed to the heterogeneity in size and stability of nanocomplexes. Such heterogeneity hinders the accurate assessment of the self-assembly kinetics and adds to the difficulty in correlating their physical properties to transfection efficiencies or bioactivities. We present a novel convergence of nanophotonics (i.e. QD-FRET) and microfluidics to characterize the real-time kinetics of the nanocomplex self-assembly under laminar flow. QD-FRET provides a highly sensitive indication of the onset of molecular interactions and quantitative measure throughout the synthesis process, whereas microfluidics offers a well-controlled microenvironment to spatially analyze the process with high temporal resolution (~milliseconds). For the model system of polymeric nanocomplexes, two distinct stages in the self-assembly process were captured by this analytic platform. The kinetic aspect of the self-assembly process obtained at the microscale would be particularly valuable for microreactor-based reactions which are relevant to many micro- and nano-scale applications. Further, nanocomplexes may be customized through proper design of microfludic devices, and the resulting QD-FRET polymeric DNA nanocomplexes could be readily applied for establishing structure-function relationships.

  6. A design-build-test cycle using modeling and experiments reveals interdependencies between upper glycolysis and xylose uptake in recombinant S. cerevisiae and improves predictive capabilities of large-scale kinetic models.

    PubMed

    Miskovic, Ljubisa; Alff-Tuomala, Susanne; Soh, Keng Cher; Barth, Dorothee; Salusjärvi, Laura; Pitkänen, Juha-Pekka; Ruohonen, Laura; Penttilä, Merja; Hatzimanikatis, Vassily

    2017-01-01

    Recent advancements in omics measurement technologies have led to an ever-increasing amount of available experimental data that necessitate systems-oriented methodologies for efficient and systematic integration of data into consistent large-scale kinetic models. These models can help us to uncover new insights into cellular physiology and also to assist in the rational design of bioreactor or fermentation processes. Optimization and Risk Analysis of Complex Living Entities (ORACLE) framework for the construction of large-scale kinetic models can be used as guidance for formulating alternative metabolic engineering strategies. We used ORACLE in a metabolic engineering problem: improvement of the xylose uptake rate during mixed glucose-xylose consumption in a recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain. Using the data from bioreactor fermentations, we characterized network flux and concentration profiles representing possible physiological states of the analyzed strain. We then identified enzymes that could lead to improved flux through xylose transporters (XTR). For some of the identified enzymes, including hexokinase (HXK), we could not deduce if their control over XTR was positive or negative. We thus performed a follow-up experiment, and we found out that HXK2 deletion improves xylose uptake rate. The data from the performed experiments were then used to prune the kinetic models, and the predictions of the pruned population of kinetic models were in agreement with the experimental data collected on the HXK2 -deficient S. cerevisiae strain. We present a design-build-test cycle composed of modeling efforts and experiments with a glucose-xylose co-utilizing recombinant S. cerevisiae and its HXK2 -deficient mutant that allowed us to uncover interdependencies between upper glycolysis and xylose uptake pathway. Through this cycle, we also obtained kinetic models with improved prediction capabilities. The present study demonstrates the potential of integrated "modeling and experiments" systems biology approaches that can be applied for diverse applications ranging from biotechnology to drug discovery.

  7. Temporal and mechanistic tracking of cellular uptake dynamics with novel surface fluorophore-bound nanodiamonds.

    PubMed

    Schrand, Amanda M; Lin, Jonathan B; Hens, Suzanne Ciftan; Hussain, Saber M

    2011-02-01

    Nanoparticles (NPs) offer promise for a multitude of biological applications including cellular probes at the bio-interface for targeted delivery of anticancer substances, Raman and fluorescent-based imaging and directed cell growth. Nanodiamonds (NDs), in particular, have several advantages compared to other carbon-based nanomaterials - including a rich surface chemistry useful for chemical conjugation, high biocompatibility with little reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, physical and chemical stability that affords sterilization, high surface area to volume ratio, transparency and a high index of refraction. The visualization of ND internalization into cells is possible via photoluminescence, which is produced by direct dye conjugation or high energy irradiation that creates nitrogen vacancy centers. Here, we explore the kinetics and mechanisms involved in the intracellular uptake and localization of novel, highly-stable, fluorophore-conjugated NDs. Examination in a neuronal cell line (N2A) shows ND localization to early endosomes and lysosomes with eventual release into the cytoplasm. The addition of endocytosis and exocytosis inhibitors allows for diminished uptake and increased accumulation, respectively, which further corroborates cellular behavior in response to NDs. Ultimately, the ability of the NDs to travel throughout cellular compartments of varying pH without degradation of the surface-conjugated fluorophore or alteration of cell viability over extended periods of time is promising for their use in biomedical applications as stable, biocompatible, fluorescent probes.

  8. Visualization of self-delivering hydrophobically modified siRNA cellular internalization

    PubMed Central

    Ly, Socheata; Navaroli, Deanna M.; Didiot, Marie-Cécile; Cardia, James; Pandarinathan, Lakshmipathi; Alterman, Julia F.; Fogarty, Kevin; Standley, Clive; Lifshitz, Lawrence M.; Bellve, Karl D.; Prot, Matthieu; Echeverria, Dimas; Corvera, Silvia; Khvorova, Anastasia

    2017-01-01

    siRNAs are a new class of therapeutic modalities with promising clinical efficacy that requires modification or formulation for delivery to the tissue and cell of interest. Conjugation of siRNAs to lipophilic groups supports efficient cellular uptake by a mechanism that is not well characterized. Here we study the mechanism of internalization of asymmetric, chemically stabilized, cholesterol-modified siRNAs (sd-rxRNAs®) that efficiently enter cells and tissues without the need for formulation. We demonstrate that uptake is rapid with significant membrane association within minutes of exposure followed by the formation of vesicular structures and internalization. Furthermore, sd-rxRNAs are internalized by a specific class of early endosomes and show preferential association with epidermal growth factor (EGF) but not transferrin (Tf) trafficking pathways as shown by live cell TIRF and structured illumination microscopy (SIM). In fixed cells, we observe ∼25% of sd-rxRNA co-localizing with EGF and <5% with Tf, which is indicative of selective endosomal sorting. Likewise, preferential sd-rxRNA co-localization was demonstrated with EEA1 but not RBSN-containing endosomes, consistent with preferential EGF-like trafficking through EEA1-containing endosomes. sd-rxRNA cellular uptake is a two-step process, with rapid membrane association followed by internalization through a selective, saturable subset of the endocytic process. However, the mechanistic role of EEA1 is not yet known. This method of visualization can be used to better understand the kinetics and mechanisms of hydrophobic siRNA cellular uptake and will assist in further optimization of these types of compounds for therapeutic intervention. PMID:27899655

  9. Measurement and correlation of acoustic cavitation with cellular bioeffects.

    PubMed

    Hallow, Daniel M; Mahajan, Anuj D; McCutchen, Todd E; Prausnitz, Mark R

    2006-07-01

    Using broadband noise as a measure of cavitation activity, this study determined the kinetics of cavitation during sonication of Optison contrast agent and tested whether cellular bioeffects can be predicted by cavitation dose. Cell suspensions were exposed to ultrasound at varying acoustic frequency, pressure, exposure time, Optison concentration and cell type to obtain a broad range of bioeffects, i.e., intracellular uptake and loss of viability, as quantified by flow cytometry. We found that cavitation activity measured by broadband noise increased and peaked within 20 ms and then decayed with a half-life of tens to hundreds of milliseconds. Intracellular uptake and loss of viability correlated well with the cavitation dose determined by the time integral of broadband noise magnitude. These results demonstrate that broadband noise correlates with bioeffects over a broad range of experimental conditions, which suggests a noninvasive feedback method to control ultrasound's bioeffects in real time.

  10. Dispersion Behaviour of Silica Nanoparticles in Biological Media and Its Influence on Cellular Uptake.

    PubMed

    Halamoda-Kenzaoui, Blanka; Ceridono, Mara; Colpo, Pascal; Valsesia, Andrea; Urbán, Patricia; Ojea-Jiménez, Isaac; Gioria, Sabrina; Gilliland, Douglas; Rossi, François; Kinsner-Ovaskainen, Agnieszka

    2015-01-01

    Given the increasing variety of manufactured nanomaterials, suitable, robust, standardized in vitro screening methods are needed to study the mechanisms by which they can interact with biological systems. The in vitro evaluation of interactions of nanoparticles (NPs) with living cells is challenging due to the complex behaviour of NPs, which may involve dissolution, aggregation, sedimentation and formation of a protein corona. These variable parameters have an influence on the surface properties and the stability of NPs in the biological environment and therefore also on the interaction of NPs with cells. We present here a study using 30 nm and 80 nm fluorescently-labelled silicon dioxide NPs (Rubipy-SiO2 NPs) to evaluate the NPs dispersion behaviour up to 48 hours in two different cellular media either supplemented with 10% of serum or in serum-free conditions. Size-dependent differences in dispersion behaviour were observed and the influence of the living cells on NPs stability and deposition was determined. Using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy techniques we studied the kinetics of the cellular uptake of Rubipy-SiO2 NPs by A549 and CaCo-2 cells and we found a correlation between the NPs characteristics in cell media and the amount of cellular uptake. Our results emphasize how relevant and important it is to evaluate and to monitor the size and agglomeration state of nanoparticles in the biological medium, in order to interpret correctly the results of the in vitro toxicological assays.

  11. The effect of agglomeration state of silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles on cellular response of HepG2, A549 and THP-1 cells.

    PubMed

    Lankoff, Anna; Sandberg, Wiggo J; Wegierek-Ciuk, Aneta; Lisowska, Halina; Refsnes, Magne; Sartowska, Bożena; Schwarze, Per E; Meczynska-Wielgosz, Sylwia; Wojewodzka, Maria; Kruszewski, Marcin

    2012-02-05

    Nanoparticles (NPs) occurring in the environment rapidly agglomerate and form particles of larger diameters. The extent to which this abates the effects of NPs has not been clarified. The motivation of this study was to examine how the agglomeration/aggregation state of silver (20nm and 200nm) and titanium dioxide (21nm) nanoparticles may affect the kinetics of cellular binding/uptake and ability to induce cytotoxic responses in THP1, HepG2 and A549 cells. Cellular binding/uptake, metabolic activation and cell death were assessed by the SSC flow cytometry measurements, the MTT-test and the propidium iodide assay. The three types of particles were efficiently taken up by the cells, decreasing metabolic activation and increasing cell death in all the cell lines. The magnitude of the studied endpoints depended on the agglomeration/aggregation state of particles, their size, time-point and cell type. Among the three cell lines tested, A549 cells were the most sensitive to these particles in relation to cellular binding/uptake. HepG2 cells showed a tendency to be more sensitive in relation to metabolic activation. THP-1 cells were the most resistant to all three types of particles in relation to all endpoints tested. Our findings suggest that particle features such as size and agglomeration status as well as the type of cells may contribute to nanoparticles biological impact. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Dispersion Behaviour of Silica Nanoparticles in Biological Media and Its Influence on Cellular Uptake

    PubMed Central

    Halamoda-Kenzaoui, Blanka; Ceridono, Mara; Colpo, Pascal; Valsesia, Andrea; Urbán, Patricia; Ojea-Jiménez, Isaac; Gioria, Sabrina; Gilliland, Douglas; Rossi, François; Kinsner-Ovaskainen, Agnieszka

    2015-01-01

    Given the increasing variety of manufactured nanomaterials, suitable, robust, standardized in vitro screening methods are needed to study the mechanisms by which they can interact with biological systems. The in vitro evaluation of interactions of nanoparticles (NPs) with living cells is challenging due to the complex behaviour of NPs, which may involve dissolution, aggregation, sedimentation and formation of a protein corona. These variable parameters have an influence on the surface properties and the stability of NPs in the biological environment and therefore also on the interaction of NPs with cells. We present here a study using 30 nm and 80 nm fluorescently-labelled silicon dioxide NPs (Rubipy-SiO2 NPs) to evaluate the NPs dispersion behaviour up to 48 hours in two different cellular media either supplemented with 10% of serum or in serum-free conditions. Size-dependent differences in dispersion behaviour were observed and the influence of the living cells on NPs stability and deposition was determined. Using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy techniques we studied the kinetics of the cellular uptake of Rubipy-SiO2 NPs by A549 and CaCo-2 cells and we found a correlation between the NPs characteristics in cell media and the amount of cellular uptake. Our results emphasize how relevant and important it is to evaluate and to monitor the size and agglomeration state of nanoparticles in the biological medium, in order to interpret correctly the results of the in vitro toxicological assays. PMID:26517371

  13. Exploring the effect of silver nanoparticle size and medium composition on uptake into pulmonary epithelial 16HBE14o-cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kettler, Katja; Krystek, Petra; Giannakou, Christina; Hendriks, A. Jan; de Jong, Wim H.

    2016-07-01

    The increasing number of nanotechnology products on the market poses increasing human health risks by particle exposures. Adverse effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in various cell lines have been measured based on exposure dose after a fixed time point, but NP uptake kinetics and the time-dependent internal cellular concentration are often not considered. Even though knowledge about relevant timescales for NP uptake is essential, e.g. for time- and cost-effective risk assessment through modelling, insufficient data are available. Therefore, the authors examined uptake rates for three different AgNP sizes (20, 50 and 75 nm) and two tissue culture medium compositions (with and without foetal calf serum, FCS) under realistic exposure concentrations in pulmonary epithelial 16HBE14o-cells. The quantification of Ag in cells was carried out by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We show for the first time that uptake kinetics of AgNPs into 16HBE14o-cells was highly influenced by medium composition. Uptake into cells was higher in medium without FCS, reaching approximately twice the concentration after 24 h than in medium supplemented with FCS, showing highest uptake for 50-nm AgNPs when expressed on a mass basis. This optimum shifts to 20 nm on a number basis, stressing the importance of the measurand in which results are presented. The importance of our research identifies that not just the uptake after a certain time point should be considered as dose but also the process of uptake (timing) might need to be considered when studying the mechanism of toxicity of nanoparticles.

  14. Exploring the effect of silver nanoparticle size and medium composition on uptake into pulmonary epithelial 16HBE14o-cells.

    PubMed

    Kettler, Katja; Krystek, Petra; Giannakou, Christina; Hendriks, A Jan; de Jong, Wim H

    The increasing number of nanotechnology products on the market poses increasing human health risks by particle exposures. Adverse effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in various cell lines have been measured based on exposure dose after a fixed time point, but NP uptake kinetics and the time-dependent internal cellular concentration are often not considered. Even though knowledge about relevant timescales for NP uptake is essential, e.g. for time- and cost-effective risk assessment through modelling, insufficient data are available. Therefore, the authors examined uptake rates for three different AgNP sizes (20, 50 and 75 nm) and two tissue culture medium compositions (with and without foetal calf serum, FCS) under realistic exposure concentrations in pulmonary epithelial 16HBE14o-cells. The quantification of Ag in cells was carried out by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We show for the first time that uptake kinetics of AgNPs into 16HBE14o-cells was highly influenced by medium composition. Uptake into cells was higher in medium without FCS, reaching approximately twice the concentration after 24 h than in medium supplemented with FCS, showing highest uptake for 50-nm AgNPs when expressed on a mass basis. This optimum shifts to 20 nm on a number basis, stressing the importance of the measurand in which results are presented. The importance of our research identifies that not just the uptake after a certain time point should be considered as dose but also the process of uptake (timing) might need to be considered when studying the mechanism of toxicity of nanoparticles.

  15. Inhibitory effect of a toxic peptide isolated from a waterbloom of Microcystis sp. (Cyanobacteria) on iron uptake by rabbit reticulocytes.

    PubMed

    Rojas, M; Nuñez, M T; Zambrano, F

    1990-01-01

    The effect of a soluble toxin purified from the algae bloom of a eutrophic lake dominated by Microcystis on the receptor-mediated endocytosis of ferro-transferrin in rabbit reticulocytes was studied. The toxin was a very effective inhibitor of cell iron uptake. Kinetic studies using 125I, 59Fe-labeled transferrin indicated that the step of ferrotransferrin internalization was selectively inhibited by the toxin while the surface receptor-binding capacity, the externalization of previously internalized transferrin, and the cellular ATP levels were not affected. These findings indicate that the reduction of iron uptake caused by the toxin is due to inhibition of the internalization of surface-located transferrin-transferrin receptor complexes, perhaps due to a disruption of cytoskeleton integrity.

  16. Cellular accumulation of the new ketolide RU 64004 by human neutrophils: comparison with that of azithromycin and roxithromycin.

    PubMed Central

    Vazifeh, D; Abdelghaffar, H; Labro, M T

    1997-01-01

    We analyzed the uptake of RU 64004 by human neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes [PMNs]) relative to those of azithromycin and roxithromycin. RU 64004 was strongly and rapidly accumulated by PMNs, with a cellular concentration/extracellular concentration ratio (C/E) of greater than 200 in the first 5 min, and this was followed by a plateau at 120 to 180 min, with a C/E of 461 +/- 14.8 (10 experiments) at 180 min. RU 64004 uptake was moderately sensitive to external pH, and activation energy was also moderate (63 +/- 3.8 kJ/mol). RU 64004 was mainly located in PMN granules (about 70%) and egressed slowly from loaded cells, owing to avid reuptake. The possibility that PMN uptake of RU 64004 and other macrolides occurs through a carrier-mediated system was suggested by three key results. First, there existed a strong interindividual variability in uptake kinetics, suggesting variability in the numbers or activity of a transport protein. Second, macrolide uptake displayed saturation kinetics characteristic of that of a carrier-mediated transport system: RU 64004 had the highest Vmax value (3,846 ng/2.5 x 10(6) PMNs/5 min) and the lowest Km value (about 28 microM), indicating a high affinity for the transporter. Third, as observed previously with other erythromycin A derivatives, Ni2+ (a blocker of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger which mediates Ca2+ influx in resting neutrophils) impaired RU 64004 uptake by PMNs, with a 50% inhibitory concentration of about 3.5 mM. In addition, we found that an active process is also involved in macrolide efflux, because verapamil significantly potentiated the release of all three macrolides tested. This effect of verapamil does not seem to be related to an inhibition of Ca2+ influx, because neither EGTA [ethylene glycol-bis (beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid] nor Ni2+ modified macrolide efflux. The nature and characteristics of the entry- and efflux-mediating carrier systems are under investigation. PMID:9333032

  17. Design of ligand-targeted nanoparticles for enhanced cancer targeting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stefanick, Jared F.

    Ligand-targeted nanoparticles are increasingly used as drug delivery vehicles for cancer therapy, yet have not consistently produced successful clinical outcomes. Although these inconsistencies may arise from differences in disease models and target receptors, nanoparticle design parameters can significantly influence therapeutic efficacy. By employing a multifaceted synthetic strategy to prepare peptide-targeted nanoparticles with high purity, reproducibility, and precisely controlled stoichiometry of functionalities, this work evaluates the roles of polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating, ethylene glycol (EG) peptide-linker length, peptide hydrophilicity, peptide density, and nanoparticle size on tumor targeting in a systematic manner. These parameters were analyzed in multiple disease models by targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in breast cancer and very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) in multiple myeloma to demonstrate the widespread applicability of this approach. By increasing the hydrophilicity of the targeting peptide sequence and simultaneously optimizing the EG peptide-linker length, the in vitro cellular uptake of targeted liposomes was significantly enhanced. Specifically, including a short oligolysine chain adjacent to the targeting peptide sequence effectively increased cellular uptake ~80-fold using an EG6 peptide-linker compared to ~10-fold using an EG45 linker. In vivo, targeted liposomes prepared in a traditional manner lacking the oligolysine chain demonstrated similar biodistribution and tumor uptake to non-targeted liposomes. However, by including the oligolysine chain, targeted liposomes using an EG45 linker significantly improved tumor uptake ~8-fold over non-targeted liposomes, while the use of an EG6 linker decreased tumor accumulation and uptake, owing to differences in cellular uptake kinetics, clearance mechanisms, and binding site barrier effects. To further improve tumor targeting and enhance the selectivity of targeted nanoparticles, a dual-receptor targeted approach was evaluated by targeting multiple cell surface receptors simultaneously. Liposomes functionalized with two distinct peptide antagonists to target VLA-4 and Leukocyte Peyer's Patch Adhesion Molecule-1 (LPAM-1) demonstrated synergistically enhanced cellular uptake by cells overexpressing both target receptors and negligible uptake by cells that do not simultaneously express both receptors, providing a strategy to improve selectivity over conventional single receptor-targeted designs. Taken together, this process of systematic optimization of well-defined nanoparticle drug delivery systems has the potential to improve cancer therapy for a broader patient population.

  18. The Effects of Cortisol, Corticosterone, Insulin and Glucose Pre- and Post-Treatment on Heatstroke in Rats and the Kinetics of Uptake and Cellular Response.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-12-27

    prefer chlorpr mzine %ftdh can lowert-arre ,but my also increase the inidence of hypotemicn inresethe metabolic rate). 4. Paduing act renal failure in...the varicus effects of heat stress on the blood m=, as wall as liver funcion and metabolim, are m4ortive of what Bowers at al. (3, 4, 6) rqorted. ’ o

  19. Fast Metabolic Response to Drug Intervention through Analysis on a Miniaturized, Highly Integrated Molecular Imaging System

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Jun; Hwang, Kiwook; Braas, Daniel; Dooraghi, Alex; Nathanson, David; Campbell, Dean O.; Gu, Yuchao; Sandberg, Troy; Mischel, Paul; Radu, Caius; Chatziioannou, Arion F.; Phelps, Michael E.; Christofk, Heather; Heath, James R.

    2014-01-01

    We report on a radiopharmaceutical imaging platform designed to capture the kinetics of cellular responses to drugs. Methods A portable in vitro molecular imaging system, comprised of a microchip and a beta-particle imaging camera, permits routine cell-based radioassays on small number of either suspension or adherent cells. We investigate the response kinetics of model lymphoma and glioblastoma cancer cell lines to [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) uptake following drug exposure. Those responses are correlated with kinetic changes in the cell cycle, or with changes in receptor-tyrosine kinase signaling. Results The platform enables radioassays directly on multiple cell types, and yields results comparable to conventional approaches, but uses smaller sample sizes, permits a higher level of quantitation, and doesn’t require cell lysis. Conclusion The kinetic analysis enabled by the platform provides a rapid (~1 hour) drug screening assay. PMID:23978446

  20. Polycaprolactone/maltodextrin nanocarrier for intracellular drug delivery: formulation, uptake mechanism, internalization kinetics, and subcellular localization.

    PubMed

    Korang-Yeboah, Maxwell; Gorantla, Yamini; Paulos, Simon A; Sharma, Pankaj; Chaudhary, Jaideep; Palaniappan, Ravi

    2015-01-01

    Prostate cancer (PCa) disease progression is associated with significant changes in intracellular and extracellular proteins, intracellular signaling mechanism, and cancer cell phenotype. These changes may have direct impact on the cellular interactions with nanocarriers; hence, there is the need for a much-detailed understanding, as nanocarrier cellular internalization and intracellular sorting mechanism correlate directly with bioavailability and clinical efficacy. In this study, we report the differences in the rate and mechanism of cellular internalization of a biocompatible polycaprolactone (PCL)/maltodextrin (MD) nanocarrier system for intracellular drug delivery in LNCaP, PC3, and DU145 PCa cell lines. PCL/MD nanocarriers were designed and characterized. PCL/MD nanocarriers significantly increased the intracellular concentration of coumarin-6 and fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled bovine serum albumin, a model hydrophobic and large molecule, respectively. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analysis revealed rapid internalization of the nanocarrier. The extent of nanocarrier cellular internalization correlated directly with cell line aggressiveness. PCL/MD internalization was highest in PC3 followed by DU145 and LNCaP, respectively. Uptake in all PCa cell lines was metabolically dependent. Extraction of endogenous cholesterol by methyl-β-cyclodextrin reduced uptake by 75%±4.53% in PC3, 64%±6.01% in LNCaP, and 50%±4.50% in DU145, indicating the involvement of endogenous cholesterol in cellular internalization. Internalization of the nanocarrier in LNCaP was mediated mainly by macropinocytosis and clathrin-independent pathways, while internalization in PC3 and DU145 involved clathrin-mediated endocytosis, clathrin-independent pathways, and macropinocytosis. Fluorescence microscopy showed a very diffused and non-compartmentalized subcellular localization of the PCL/MD nanocarriers with possible intranuclear localization and minor colocalization in the lysosomes with time.

  1. Dual-Ligand Modified Polymer-Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticles for Docetaxel Targeting Delivery to Her2/neu Overexpressed Human Breast Cancer Cells.

    PubMed

    Yang, Zhe; Tang, Wenxin; Luo, Xingen; Zhang, Xiaofang; Zhang, Chao; Li, Hao; Gao, Di; Luo, Huiyan; Jiang, Qing; Liu, Jie

    2015-08-01

    In this study, a dual-ligand polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticle drug delivery vehicle comprised of an anti-HER2/neu peptide (AHNP) mimic with a modified HIV-1 Tat (mTAT) was established for the targeted treatment of Her2/neu-overexpressing cells. The resultant dual-ligand hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) consisted of a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) core, a near 90% surface coverage of the lipid monolayer, and a 5.7 nm hydrated polyethylene glycol shell. Ligand density optimization study revealed that cellular uptake efficiency of the hybrid NPs could be manipulated by controlling the surface-ligand densities. Furthermore, the cell uptake kinetics and mechanism studies showed that the dual-ligand modifications of hybrid NPs altered the cellular uptake pathway from caveolae-mediated endocytosis (CvME) to the multiple endocytic pathways, which would significantly enhance the NP internalization. Upon the systemic investigation of the cellular uptake behavior of dual-ligand hybrid NPs, docetaxel (DTX), a hydrophobic anticancer drug, was successfully encapsulated into dual-ligand hybrid NPs with high drug loading for Her2/neu-overexpressing SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell treatment. The DTX-loaded dual-ligand hybrid NPs showed a decreased burst release and a more gradual sustained drug release property. Because of the synergistic effect of dual-ligand modification, DTX-loaded dual-ligand hybrid NPs exerted substantially better therapeutic potency against SK-BR-3 cancer cells than other NP formulations and free DTX drugs. These results demonstrate that the dual-ligand hybrid NPs could be a promising vehicle for targeted drug delivery to treat breast cancer.

  2. Monitoring Extracellular Vesicle Cargo Active Uptake by Imaging Flow Cytometry.

    PubMed

    Ofir-Birin, Yifat; Abou Karam, Paula; Rudik, Ariel; Giladi, Tal; Porat, Ziv; Regev-Rudzki, Neta

    2018-01-01

    Extracellular vesicles are essential for long distance cell-cell communication. They function as carriers of different compounds, including proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Pathogens, like malaria parasites ( Plasmodium falciparum, Pf ), excel in employing vesicle release to mediate cell communication in diverse processes, particularly in manipulating the host response. Establishing research tools to study the interface between pathogen-derived vesicles and their host recipient cells will greatly benefit the scientific community. Here, we present an imaging flow cytometry (IFC) method for monitoring the uptake of malaria-derived vesicles by host immune cells. By staining different cargo components, we were able to directly track the cargo's internalization over time and measure the kinetics of its delivery. Impressively, we demonstrate that this method can be used to specifically monitor the translocation of a specific protein within the cellular milieu upon internalization of parasitic cargo; namely, we were able to visually observe how uptaken parasitic Pf -DNA cargo leads to translocation of transcription factor IRF3 from the cytosol to the nucleus within the recipient immune cell. Our findings demonstrate that our method can be used to study cellular dynamics upon vesicle uptake in different host-pathogen and pathogen-pathogen systems.

  3. Heart Rate and Oxygen Uptake Kinetics in Type 2 Diabetes Patients - A Pilot Study on the Influence of Cardiovascular Medication on Regulatory Processes.

    PubMed

    Koschate, Jessica; Drescher, Uwe; Baum, Klaus; Brinkmann, Christian; Schiffer, Thorsten; Latsch, Joachim; Brixius, Klara; Hoffmann, Uwe

    2017-05-01

    The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether there are differences in heart rate and oxygen uptake kinetics in type 2 diabetes patients, considering their cardiovascular medication. It was hypothesized that cardiovascular medication would affect heart rate and oxygen uptake kinetics and that this could be detected using a standardized exercise test. 18 subjects were tested for maximal oxygen uptake. Kinetics were measured in a single test session with standardized, randomized moderate-intensity work rate changes. Time series analysis was used to estimate kinetics. Greater maxima in cross-correlation functions indicate faster kinetics. 6 patients did not take any cardiovascular medication, 6 subjects took peripherally acting medication and 6 patients were treated with centrally acting medication. Maximum oxygen uptake was not significantly different between groups. Significant main effects were identified regarding differences in muscular oxygen uptake kinetics and heart rate kinetics. Muscular oxygen uptake kinetics were significantly faster than heart rate kinetics in the group with no cardiovascular medication (maximum in cross-correlation function of muscular oxygen uptake vs. heart rate; 0.32±0.08 vs. 0.25±0.06; p=0.001) and in the group taking peripherally acting medication (0.34±0.05 vs. 0.28±0.05; p=0.009) but not in the patients taking centrally acting medication (0.28±0.05 vs. 0.30±0.07; n.s.). It can be concluded that regulatory processes for the achievement of a similar maximal oxygen uptake are different between the groups. The used standardized test provided plausible results for heart rate and oxygen uptake kinetics in a single measurement session in this patient group. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  4. Label-Free Raman Microspectral Analysis for Comparison of Cellular Uptake and Distribution between Non-Targeted and EGFR-Targeted Biodegradable Polymeric Nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Chernenko, Tatyana; Buyukozturk, Fulden; Miljkovic, Milos; Carrier, Rebecca; Diem, Max; Amiji, Mansoor

    2013-01-01

    Active targeted delivery of nanoparticle-encapsulated agents to tumor cells in vivo is expected to enhance therapeutic effect with significantly less non-specific toxicity. Active targeting is based on surface modification of nanoparticles with ligands that bind with extracellular targets and enhance payload delivery in the cells. In this study, we have used label-free Raman micro-spectral analysis and kinetic modeling to study cellular interactions and intracellular delivery of C6-ceramide using a non-targeted and an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted biodegradable polymeric nano-delivery systems, in EGFR-expressing human ovarian adenocarcinoma (SKOV3) cells. The results show that EGFR peptide-modified nanoparticles were rapidly internalized in SKOV3 cells leading to significant intracellular accumulation as compared to non-specific uptake by the non-targeted nanoparticles. Raman micro-spectral analysis enables visualization and quantification of the carrier system, drug-load, and responses of the biological systems interrogated, without exogenous staining and labeling procedures. PMID:24298430

  5. Role of binding ligand in toxic hybrid proteins: a comparison of EGF-ricin, EGF-ricin A-chain, and ricin

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Herschman, H.R.

    1984-10-30

    To analyze the influence of ricin B-chain on (i) the toxicity of hybrid-protein conjugates, (ii) the rate of cellular uptake of conjugates, and (iii) the rate at which ricin A-chain (RTA) is delivered to the cytoplasm, toxic hybrid proteins have been constructed consisting of epidermal growth factor (EGF) coupled in disulfide linkage either to ricin or to RTA. EGF-ricin is no more toxic on A431 cells than EGF-RTA. The two conjugates demonstrate similar kinetics of cellular uptake (defined as antibody irreversible toxicity). EGF-RTA and EGF-ricin, like ricin, required a 2-2 1/2 hour period at 37/sup 0/ before the onset ofmore » protein synthesis inhibition occurred. Results suggest that (i) RTA determines the processes which carry it, either in conjugate or toxin, from the plasma membrane binding site to the cytoplasm following endocytosis, and (ii) the ricin B chain is not required for these processes.« less

  6. Kinetics of cellular uptake of viruses and nanoparticles via clathrin-mediated endocytosis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Banerjee, Anand; Berezhkovskii, Alexander; Nossal, Ralph

    2016-02-01

    Several viruses exploit clathrin-mediated endocytosis to gain entry into host cells. This process is also used extensively in biomedical applications to deliver nanoparticles (NPs) to diseased cells. The internalization of these nano-objects is controlled by the assembly of a clathrin-containing protein coat on the cytoplasmic side of the plasma membrane, which drives the invagination of the membrane and the formation of a cargo-containing endocytic vesicle. Current theoretical models of receptor-mediated endocytosis of viruses and NPs do not explicitly take coat assembly into consideration. In this paper we study cellular uptake of viruses and NPs with a focus on coat assembly. We characterize the internalization process by the mean time between the binding of a particle to the membrane and its entry into the cell. Using a coarse-grained model which maps the stochastic dynamics of coat formation onto a one-dimensional random walk, we derive an analytical formula for this quantity. A study of the dependence of the mean internalization time on NP size shows that there is an upper bound above which this time becomes extremely large, and an optimal size at which it attains a minimum. Our estimates of these sizes compare well with experimental data. We also study the sensitivity of the obtained results on coat parameters to identify factors which significantly affect the internalization kinetics.

  7. In vitro dosimetry of agglomerates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hirsch, V.; Kinnear, C.; Rodriguez-Lorenzo, L.; Monnier, C. A.; Rothen-Rutishauser, B.; Balog, S.; Petri-Fink, A.

    2014-06-01

    Agglomeration of nanoparticles in biological fluids is a pervasive phenomenon that leads to difficulty in the interpretation of results from in vitro exposure, primarily due to differing particokinetics of agglomerates to nanoparticles. Therefore, well-defined small agglomerates were designed that possessed different particokinetic profiles, and their cellular uptake was compared to a computational model of dosimetry. The approach used here paves the way for a better understanding of the impact of agglomeration on the nanoparticle-cell interaction.Agglomeration of nanoparticles in biological fluids is a pervasive phenomenon that leads to difficulty in the interpretation of results from in vitro exposure, primarily due to differing particokinetics of agglomerates to nanoparticles. Therefore, well-defined small agglomerates were designed that possessed different particokinetic profiles, and their cellular uptake was compared to a computational model of dosimetry. The approach used here paves the way for a better understanding of the impact of agglomeration on the nanoparticle-cell interaction. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: ITC data for tiopronin/Au-NP interactions, agglomeration kinetics at different pHs for tiopronin-coated Au-NPs, UV-Vis spectra in water, PBS and DMEM and temporal correlation functions for single Au-NPs and corresponding agglomerates, calculation of diffusion and sedimentation parameters, modelling of relative cell uptake based on the ISDD model and cytotoxicity of single Au-NPs and their agglomerates, and synthesis and cell uptake of large spherical Au-NPs. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr00460d

  8. Independent Colimitation for Carbon Dioxide and Inorganic Phosphorus

    PubMed Central

    Spijkerman, Elly; de Castro, Francisco; Gaedke, Ursula

    2011-01-01

    Simultaneous limitation of plant growth by two or more nutrients is increasingly acknowledged as a common phenomenon in nature, but its cellular mechanisms are far from understood. We investigated the uptake kinetics of CO2 and phosphorus of the algae Chlamydomonas acidophila in response to growth at limiting conditions of CO2 and phosphorus. In addition, we fitted the data to four different Monod-type models: one assuming Liebigs Law of the minimum, one assuming that the affinity for the uptake of one nutrient is not influenced by the supply of the other (independent colimitation) and two where the uptake affinity for one nutrient depends on the supply of the other (dependent colimitation). In addition we asked whether the physiological response under colimitation differs from that under single nutrient limitation. We found no negative correlation between the affinities for uptake of the two nutrients, thereby rejecting a dependent colimitation. Kinetic data were supported by a better model fit assuming independent uptake of colimiting nutrients than when assuming Liebigs Law of the minimum or a dependent colimitation. Results show that cell nutrient homeostasis regulated nutrient acquisition which resulted in a trade-off in the maximum uptake rates of CO2 and phosphorus, possibly driven by space limitation on the cell membrane for porters for the different nutrients. Hence, the response to colimitation deviated from that to a single nutrient limitation. In conclusion, responses to single nutrient limitation cannot be extrapolated to situations where multiple nutrients are limiting, which calls for colimitation experiments and models to properly predict growth responses to a changing natural environment. These deviations from single nutrient limitation response under colimiting conditions and independent colimitation may also hold for other nutrients in algae and in higher plants. PMID:22145031

  9. Real‐time monitoring of specific oxygen uptake rates of embryonic stem cells in a microfluidic cell culture device

    PubMed Central

    Super, Alexandre; Jaccard, Nicolas; Cardoso Marques, Marco Paulo; Macown, Rhys Jarred; Griffin, Lewis Donald; Veraitch, Farlan Singh

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Oxygen plays a key role in stem cell biology as a signaling molecule and as an indicator of cell energy metabolism. Quantification of cellular oxygen kinetics, i.e. the determination of specific oxygen uptake rates (sOURs), is routinely used to understand metabolic shifts. However current methods to determine sOUR in adherent cell cultures rely on cell sampling, which impacts on cellular phenotype. We present real‐time monitoring of cell growth from phase contrast microscopy images, and of respiration using optical sensors for dissolved oxygen. Time‐course data for bulk and peri‐cellular oxygen concentrations obtained for Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and mouse embryonic stem cell (mESCs) cultures successfully demonstrated this non‐invasive and label‐free approach. Additionally, we confirmed non‐invasive detection of cellular responses to rapidly changing culture conditions by exposing the cells to mitochondrial inhibiting and uncoupling agents. For the CHO and mESCs, sOUR values between 8 and 60 amol cell−1 s−1, and 5 and 35 amol cell−1 s−1 were obtained, respectively. These values compare favorably with literature data. The capability to monitor oxygen tensions, cell growth, and sOUR, of adherent stem cell cultures, non‐invasively and in real time, will be of significant benefit for future studies in stem cell biology and stem cell‐based therapies. PMID:27214658

  10. Phototoxicity, dark-toxicity, and uptake-kinetics of natural hydrophilic and hydrophobic porphyrins in endothelial cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Akguen, Nermin; Sailer, Reinhard; Kunzi-Rapp, Karin; Schneckenburger, Herbert; Beck, Gerd C.; Rueck, Angelika C.

    1996-01-01

    The phototoxicity, darktoxicity and uptake kinetics of three natural porphyrins (Uropoprhyrin III; UP III, Coproporphyrin III; CP III and Protoporphyrin IX; PP IX) were investigated in vitro using the BKEz-7 aorta endothelial cells of the calf. The cells were incubated with the porphyrins in different concentrations (0.5 (mu) M PP IX; 50 (mu) M UP III and CP III). After 24 h incubation they were irradiated in the case of PP IX with an Ar+-dye- laser at 635 nm and in the case of UP III and CP III with a Kr+-laser at 407 nm: While PP IX was phototoxic at low concentrations (0.5 (mu) M) and low energies (10 J/cm2), irradiation of UP III and CP III hardly induced phototoxicity even at higher concentrations. The same could be observed for the darktoxicity. PP IX was darktoxic at relatively low concentrations (1 (mu) M). In addition PP IX was taken up much faster and in greater amounts into the endothelial cells than UP III and CP III. These results could be due to the different structures of the sensitizers and/or to different uptake mechanisms. PP IX is a hydrophobic sensitizer while UP III and CP III are both hydrophilic molecules. A different uptake mechanism and accumulation in endothelial cells is quite probable. This hypothesis was confirmed with video-microscopy. In addition to the experiments in vitro, the cellular uptake and distribution of the sensitizers were observed in an appropriate in vivo model of the Chorioallantoismembrane (CAM).

  11. Microwave gallium-68 radiochemistry for kinetically stable bis(thiosemicarbazone) complexes: structural investigations and cellular uptake under hypoxia.

    PubMed

    Alam, Israt S; Arrowsmith, Rory L; Cortezon-Tamarit, Fernando; Twyman, Frazer; Kociok-Köhn, Gabriele; Botchway, Stanley W; Dilworth, Jonathan R; Carroll, Laurence; Aboagye, Eric O; Pascu, Sofia I

    2016-01-07

    We report the microwave synthesis of several bis(thiosemicarbazones) and the rapid gallium-68 incorporation to give the corresponding metal complexes. These proved kinetically stable under 'cold' and 'hot' biological assays and were investigated using laser scanning confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and radioactive cell retention studies under normoxia and hypoxia. (68)Ga complex retention was found to be 34% higher in hypoxic cells than in normoxic cells over 30 min, further increasing to 53% at 120 min. Our data suggests that this class of gallium complexes show hypoxia selectivity suitable for imaging in living cells and in vivo tests by microPET in nude athymic mice showed that they are excreted within 1 h of their administration.

  12. Evidence of isotopic fractionation of natural uranium in cultured human cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Paredes, Eduardo; Avazeri, Emilie; Malard, Véronique; Vidaud, Claude; Reiller, Pascal E.; Ortega, Richard; Nonell, Anthony; Isnard, Hélène; Chartier, Frédéric; Bresson, Carole

    2016-12-01

    The study of the isotopic fractionation of endogen elements and toxic heavy metals in living organisms for biomedical applications, and for metabolic and toxicological studies, is a cutting-edge research topic. This paper shows that human neuroblastoma cells incorporated small amounts of uranium (U) after exposure to 10 µM natural U, with preferential uptake of the 235U isotope with regard to 238U. Efforts were made to develop and then validate a procedure for highly accurate n(238U)/n(235U) determinations in microsamples of cells. We found that intracellular U is enriched in 235U by 0.38 ± 0.13‰ (2σ, n = 7) relative to the exposure solutions. These in vitro experiments provide clues for the identification of biological processes responsible for uranium isotopic fractionation and link them to potential U incorporation pathways into neuronal cells. Suggested incorporation processes are a kinetically controlled process, such as facilitated transmembrane diffusion, and the uptake through a high-affinity uranium transport protein involving the modification of the uranyl (UO22+) coordination sphere. These findings open perspectives on the use of isotopic fractionation of metals in cellular models, offering a probe to track uptake/transport pathways and to help decipher associated cellular metabolic processes.

  13. Enhanced cellular uptake of LHRH-conjugated PEG-coated magnetite nanoparticles for specific targeting of triple negative breast cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Hu, J; Obayemi, J D; Malatesta, K; Košmrlj, A; Soboyejo, W O

    2018-07-01

    Targeted therapy is an emerging technique in cancer detection and treatment. This paper presents the results of a combined experimental and theoretical study of the specific targeting and entry of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH)-conjugated PEG-coated magnetite nanoparticles into triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and normal breast cells. The conjugated nanoparticles structures, cellular uptake of PEG-coated magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) and LHRH-conjugated PEG-coated magnetite nanoparticles (LHRH-MNPs) into breast cancer cells and normal breast cells were investigated using a combination of transmission electron microscope, optical and confocal fluorescence microscopy techniques. The results show that the presence of LHRH enhances the uptake of LHRH-MNPs into TNBC cells. Nanoparticle entry into breast cancer cells is also studied using a combination of thermodynamics and kinetics models. The trends in the predicted nanoparticle entry times (into TNBC cells) and the size ranges of the engulfed nanoparticles (within the TNBC cells) are shown to be consistent with experimental observations. The implications of the results are then discussed for the specific targeting of TNBCs with LHRH-conjugated PEG-coated magnetite nanoparticles for the early detection and treatment of TNBC. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  14. Evidence of isotopic fractionation of natural uranium in cultured human cells

    PubMed Central

    Paredes, Eduardo; Avazeri, Emilie; Malard, Véronique; Vidaud, Claude; Reiller, Pascal E.; Ortega, Richard; Nonell, Anthony; Isnard, Hélène; Chartier, Frédéric; Bresson, Carole

    2016-01-01

    The study of the isotopic fractionation of endogen elements and toxic heavy metals in living organisms for biomedical applications, and for metabolic and toxicological studies, is a cutting-edge research topic. This paper shows that human neuroblastoma cells incorporated small amounts of uranium (U) after exposure to 10 µM natural U, with preferential uptake of the 235U isotope with regard to 238U. Efforts were made to develop and then validate a procedure for highly accurate n(238U)/n(235U) determinations in microsamples of cells. We found that intracellular U is enriched in 235U by 0.38 ± 0.13‰ (2σ, n = 7) relative to the exposure solutions. These in vitro experiments provide clues for the identification of biological processes responsible for uranium isotopic fractionation and link them to potential U incorporation pathways into neuronal cells. Suggested incorporation processes are a kinetically controlled process, such as facilitated transmembrane diffusion, and the uptake through a high-affinity uranium transport protein involving the modification of the uranyl (UO22+) coordination sphere. These findings open perspectives on the use of isotopic fractionation of metals in cellular models, offering a probe to track uptake/transport pathways and to help decipher associated cellular metabolic processes. PMID:27872304

  15. Evidence of isotopic fractionation of natural uranium in cultured human cells.

    PubMed

    Paredes, Eduardo; Avazeri, Emilie; Malard, Véronique; Vidaud, Claude; Reiller, Pascal E; Ortega, Richard; Nonell, Anthony; Isnard, Hélène; Chartier, Frédéric; Bresson, Carole

    2016-12-06

    The study of the isotopic fractionation of endogen elements and toxic heavy metals in living organisms for biomedical applications, and for metabolic and toxicological studies, is a cutting-edge research topic. This paper shows that human neuroblastoma cells incorporated small amounts of uranium (U) after exposure to 10 µM natural U, with preferential uptake of the 235 U isotope with regard to 238 U. Efforts were made to develop and then validate a procedure for highly accurate n( 238 U)/n( 235 U) determinations in microsamples of cells. We found that intracellular U is enriched in 235 U by 0.38 ± 0.13‰ (2σ, n = 7) relative to the exposure solutions. These in vitro experiments provide clues for the identification of biological processes responsible for uranium isotopic fractionation and link them to potential U incorporation pathways into neuronal cells. Suggested incorporation processes are a kinetically controlled process, such as facilitated transmembrane diffusion, and the uptake through a high-affinity uranium transport protein involving the modification of the uranyl (UO 2 2+ ) coordination sphere. These findings open perspectives on the use of isotopic fractionation of metals in cellular models, offering a probe to track uptake/transport pathways and to help decipher associated cellular metabolic processes.

  16. The effects of intensity on V̇O2 kinetics during incremental free swimming.

    PubMed

    de Jesus, Kelly; Sousa, Ana; de Jesus, Karla; Ribeiro, João; Machado, Leandro; Rodríguez, Ferran; Keskinen, Kari; Vilas-Boas, João Paulo; Fernandes, Ricardo J

    2015-09-01

    Swimming and training are carried out with wide variability in distances and intensities. However, oxygen uptake kinetics for the intensities seen in swimming has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the oxygen uptake kinetics throughout low-moderate to severe intensities during incremental swimming exercise. We hypothesized that the oxygen uptake kinetic parameters would be affected by swimming intensity. Twenty male trained swimmers completed an incremental protocol of seven 200-m crawl swims to exhaustion (0.05 m·s(-1) increments and 30-s intervals). Oxygen uptake was continuously measured by a portable gas analyzer connected to a respiratory snorkel and valve system. Oxygen uptake kinetics was assessed using a double exponential regression model that yielded both fast and slow components of the response of oxygen uptake to exercise. From low-moderate to severe swimming intensities changes occurred for the first and second oxygen uptake amplitudes (P ≤ 0.04), time constants (P = 0.01), and time delays (P ≤ 0.02). At the heavy and severe intensities, a notable oxygen uptake slow component (>255 mL·min(-1)) occurred in all swimmers. Oxygen uptake kinetics whilst swimming at different intensities offers relevant information regarding cardiorespiratory and metabolic stress that might be useful for appropriate performance diagnosis and training prescription.

  17. Characteristics of the uridine uptake system in normal and polyoma transformed hamster embryo cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lemkin, J.A.

    1973-01-01

    The lability of the uridine uptake system in the normal and polyoma transformed hamster embryo fibroblast was studied. The major areas investigated were: the kinetic parameters of uridine transport, a comparison of changes in cellular ATP content by factors which modulate uridine uptake, and a comparison of the qualitative and quantitative effects of the same modulating agent on uridine transport, cell growth, and cellular ATP content. Uridine uptake into cells in vitro was examined using tritiated uridine as a tracer to measure the amount of uridine incorporated into the acid soluble and acid-insoluble fractions of the cells studied. The ATPmore » content of the cells was determined by the firefly bioluminescence method. It was found that the K/sub t/ for uridine uptake into the normal hamster embryo cell and two polyoma transformed hamster embryo cell lines was identical. However, the V/sub max/ for uridine transport was higher in both polyoma transformed cell lines. Furthermore, the K/sub t/ in both the normal and transformed cell cultured in serum-less or serum-containing media was identical, although the V/sub max/ was higher in the serum-stimulated cell in both the normal and transformed cell. Stimulation of the normal cell with adenosine produced a different K/sub t/ for uridine transport. Preliminary investigations have demonstrated that treatment of the polyoma transformed with adenosine also induces a different K/sub t/ (not shown). The K/sub i/ for phloretin inhibition in serum-less and serum-stimulated normal and polyoma transformed cells was found to be identical in each case.« less

  18. Kinetics and equilibrium of solute diffusion into human hair.

    PubMed

    Wang, Liming; Chen, Longjian; Han, Lujia; Lian, Guoping

    2012-12-01

    The uptake kinetics of five molecules by hair has been measured and the effects of pH and physical chemical properties of molecules were investigated. A theoretical model is proposed to analyze the experimental data. The results indicate that the binding affinity of solute to hair, as characterized by hair-water partition coefficient, scales to the hydrophobicity of the solute and decreases dramatically as the pH increases to the dissociation constant. The effective diffusion coefficient of solute depended not only on the molecular size as most previous studies suggested, but also on the binding affinity as well as solute dissociation. It appears that the uptake of molecules by hair is due to both hydrophobic interaction and ionic charge interaction. Based on theoretical considerations of the cellular structure, composition and physical chemical properties of hair, quantitative-structure-property-relationships (QSPR) have been proposed to predict the hair-water partition coefficient (PC) and the effective diffusion coefficient (D (e)) of solute. The proposed QSPR models fit well with the experimental data. This paper could be taken as a reference for investigating the adsorption properties for polymeric materials, fibres, and biomaterials.

  19. Transport of aspartic acid, arginine, and tyrosine by the opportunistic protist Pneumocystis carinii.

    PubMed

    Basselin, M; Lipscomb, K J; Qiu, Y H; Kaneshiro, E S

    2001-04-02

    In order to improve culture media and to discover potential drug targets, uptake of an acidic, a basic, and an aromatic amino acid were investigated. Current culture systems, axenic or co-cultivation with mammalian cells, do not provide either the quantity or quality of cells needed for biochemical studies of this organism. Insight into nutrient acquisition can be expected to lead to improved culture media and improved culture growth. Aspartic acid uptake was directly related to substrate concentration, Q(10) was 1.10 at pH 7.4. Hence the organism acquired this acidic amino acid by simple diffusion. Uptake of the basic amino acid arginine and the aromatic amino acid tyrosine exhibited saturation kinetics consistent with carrier-mediated mechanisms. Kinetic parameters indicated two carriers (K(m)=22.8+/-2.5 microM and K(m)=3.6+/-0.3 mM) for arginine and a single carrier for tyrosine (K(m)=284+/-23 microM). The effects of other L-amino acids showed that the tyrosine carrier was distinct from the arginine carriers. Tyrosine and arginine transport were independent of sodium and potassium ions, and did not appear to require energy from ATP or a proton motive force. Thus facilitated diffusion was identified as the mechanism of uptake. After 30 min of incubation, these amino acids were incorporated into total lipids and the sedimentable material following lipid extraction; more than 90% was in the cellular soluble fraction.

  20. Inhibition effect of flavonoids on monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) in Caco-2 cells.

    PubMed

    Shim, Chang-Koo; Cheon, Eun-Pa; Kang, Keon Wook; Seo, Ki-Soo; Han, Hyo-Kyung

    2007-11-01

    This study aimed to investigate the inhibition effect of flavonoids on monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) in Caco-2 cells. The cellular uptake of benzoic acid was examined in the presence and the absence of naringin, naringenin, morin, silybin and quercetin in Caco-2 cells. All the tested flavonoids except naringin significantly inhibited (P<0.05) the cellular uptake of [(14)C]-benzoic acid. Particularly, naringenin and silybin exhibited strong inhibition effects with IC50 values of 23.4 and 30.2 microM, respectively. Kinetic analysis indicated that the inhibition mode of naringenin and silybin on MCT1 activity was competitive with a Ki of 15-20 microM. The effect of flavonoids on the gene expression of MCT1 was also examined by using RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Results indicated that the expression level of MCT1 was not affected by the treatment with naringenin or silybin. The cellular accumulation of naringenin in Caco-2 cells was not changed in the presence of benzoic acid or L-lactic acid, implying that naringenin might not be a substrate of MCT1. In conclusion, some flavonoids appeared to be competitive inhibitors of MCT1, suggesting the potential for diet-drug interactions between flavonoids and MCT1 substrates.

  1. The Role of Extracellular Binding Proteins in the Cellular Uptake of Drugs: Impact on Quantitative In Vitro-to-In Vivo Extrapolations of Toxicity and Efficacy in Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Research.

    PubMed

    Poulin, Patrick; Burczynski, Frank J; Haddad, Sami

    2016-02-01

    A critical component in the development of physiologically based pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) models for estimating target organ dosimetry in pharmacology and toxicology studies is the understanding of the uptake kinetics and accumulation of drugs and chemicals at the cellular level. Therefore, predicting free drug concentrations in intracellular fluid will contribute to our understanding of concentrations at the site of action in cells in PBPK/PD research. Some investigators believe that uptake of drugs in cells is solely driven by the unbound fraction; conversely, others argue that the protein-bound fraction contributes a significant portion of the total amount delivered to cells. Accordingly, the current literature suggests the existence of a so-called albumin-mediated uptake mechanism(s) for the protein-bound fraction (i.e., extracellular protein-facilitated uptake mechanisms) at least in hepatocytes and cardiac myocytes; however, such mechanism(s) and cells from other organs deserve further exploration. Therefore, the main objective of this present study was to discuss further the implication of potential protein-facilitated uptake mechanism(s) on drug distribution in cells under in vivo conditions. The interplay between the protein-facilitated uptake mechanism(s) and the effects of a pH gradient, metabolism, transport, and permeation limitation potentially occurring in cells was also discussed, as this should violate the basic assumption on similar free drug concentration in cells and plasma. This was made because the published equations used to calculate drug concentrations in cells in a PBPK/PD model did not consider potential protein-facilitated uptake mechanism(s). Consequently, we corrected some published equations for calculating the free drug concentrations in cells compared with plasma in PBPK/PD modeling studies, and we proposed a refined strategy for potentially performing more accurate quantitative in vitro-to-in vivo extrapolations (IVIVEs) of toxicity (efficacy) at the cellular level from data generated in cell assays. Overall, this present study may help to optimize the human dose prediction in preclinical and clinical studies, while prescribing drugs with narrow therapeutic windows that are highly bound to extracellular proteins and/or highly ionized at the physiological pH. This may facilitate building a more accurate safety (efficacy) profile for such drugs. Copyright © 2016 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Targeted PEG-based bioconjugates enhance the cellular uptake and transport of a HIV-1 TAT nonapeptide.

    PubMed

    Ramanathan, S; Qiu, B; Pooyan, S; Zhang, G; Stein, S; Leibowitz, M J; Sinko, P J

    2001-12-13

    We previously described the enhanced cell uptake and transport of R.I-K(biotin)-Tat9, a large ( approximately 1500 Da) peptidic inhibitor of HIV-1 Tat protein, via SMVT, the intestinal biotin transporter. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of targeting biotinylated PEG-based conjugates to SMVT in order to enhance cell uptake and transport of Tat9. The 29 kDa peptide-loaded bioconjugate (PEG:(R.I-Cys-K(biotin)-Tat9)8) used in these studies contained eight copies of R.I-K(biotin)-Tat9 appended to PEG by means of a cysteine linkage. The absorptive transport of biotin-PEG-3400 (0.6-100 microM) and the bioconjugate (0.1-30 microM) was studied using Caco-2 cell monolayers. Inhibition of biotin-PEG-3400 by positive controls (biotin, biocytin, and desthiobiotin) was also determined. Uptake of these two compounds was also determined in CHO cells transfected with human SMVT (CHO/hSMVT) and control cells (CHO/pSPORT) over the concentration ranges of 0.05-12.5 microM and 0.003-30 microM, respectively. Nonbiotinylated forms of these two compounds, PEG-3350 and PEG:(R.I-Cys-K-Tat9)8, were used in the control studies. Biotin-PEG-3400 transport was found to be concentration-dependent and saturable in Caco-2 cells (K(m)=6.61 microM) and CHO/hSMVT cells (K(m)=1.26 microM). Transport/uptake was significantly inhibited by positive control substrates of SMVT. PEG:(R.I-Cys-K(biotin)Tat9)8 also showed saturable transport kinetics in Caco-2 cells (K(m)=6.13 microM) and CHO/hSMVT cells (K(m)=8.19 microM). Maximal uptake in molar equivalents of R.I-Cys-K(biotin)Tat9 was 5.7 times greater using the conjugate versus the biotinylated peptide alone. Transport of the nonbiotinylated forms was significantly lower (P<0.001) in all cases. The present results demonstrate that biotin-PEG-3400 and PEG:(R.I-Cys-K(biotin)Tat9)8 interact with human SMVT to enhance the cellular uptake and transport of these larger molecules and that targeted bioconjugates may have potential for enhancing the cellular uptake and transport of small peptide therapeutic agents.

  3. Real-time monitoring of specific oxygen uptake rates of embryonic stem cells in a microfluidic cell culture device.

    PubMed

    Super, Alexandre; Jaccard, Nicolas; Cardoso Marques, Marco Paulo; Macown, Rhys Jarred; Griffin, Lewis Donald; Veraitch, Farlan Singh; Szita, Nicolas

    2016-09-01

    Oxygen plays a key role in stem cell biology as a signaling molecule and as an indicator of cell energy metabolism. Quantification of cellular oxygen kinetics, i.e. the determination of specific oxygen uptake rates (sOURs), is routinely used to understand metabolic shifts. However current methods to determine sOUR in adherent cell cultures rely on cell sampling, which impacts on cellular phenotype. We present real-time monitoring of cell growth from phase contrast microscopy images, and of respiration using optical sensors for dissolved oxygen. Time-course data for bulk and peri-cellular oxygen concentrations obtained for Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and mouse embryonic stem cell (mESCs) cultures successfully demonstrated this non-invasive and label-free approach. Additionally, we confirmed non-invasive detection of cellular responses to rapidly changing culture conditions by exposing the cells to mitochondrial inhibiting and uncoupling agents. For the CHO and mESCs, sOUR values between 8 and 60 amol cell(-1) s(-1) , and 5 and 35 amol cell(-1) s(-1) were obtained, respectively. These values compare favorably with literature data. The capability to monitor oxygen tensions, cell growth, and sOUR, of adherent stem cell cultures, non-invasively and in real time, will be of significant benefit for future studies in stem cell biology and stem cell-based therapies. © 2016 The Authors. Biotechnology Journal published by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  4. Epidermal Growth Factor Enhances Cellular Uptake of Polystyrene Nanoparticles by Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis

    PubMed Central

    Phuc, Le Thi Minh; Taniguchi, Akiyoshi

    2017-01-01

    The interaction between nanoparticles and cells has been studied extensively, but most research has focused on the effect of various nanoparticle characteristics, such as size, morphology, and surface charge, on the cellular uptake of nanoparticles. In contrast, there have been very few studies to assess the influence of cellular factors, such as growth factor responses, on the cellular uptake efficiency of nanoparticles. The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the uptake efficiency of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) by A431 cells, a human carcinoma epithelial cell line. The results showed that EGF enhanced the uptake efficiency of A431 cells for PS NPs. In addition, inhibition and localization studies of PS NPs and EGF receptors (EGFRs) indicated that cellular uptake of PS NPs is related to the binding of EGF–EGFR complex and PS NPs. Different pathways are used to enter the cells depending on the presence or absence of EGF. In the presence of EGF, cellular uptake of PS NPs is via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, whereas, in the absence of EGF, uptake of PS NPs does not involve clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Our findings indicate that EGF enhances cellular uptake of PS NPs by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. This result could be important for developing safe nanoparticles and their safe use in medical applications. PMID:28629179

  5. Epidermal Growth Factor Enhances Cellular Uptake of Polystyrene Nanoparticles by Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis.

    PubMed

    Phuc, Le Thi Minh; Taniguchi, Akiyoshi

    2017-06-19

    The interaction between nanoparticles and cells has been studied extensively, but most research has focused on the effect of various nanoparticle characteristics, such as size, morphology, and surface charge, on the cellular uptake of nanoparticles. In contrast, there have been very few studies to assess the influence of cellular factors, such as growth factor responses, on the cellular uptake efficiency of nanoparticles. The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the uptake efficiency of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) by A431 cells, a human carcinoma epithelial cell line. The results showed that EGF enhanced the uptake efficiency of A431 cells for PS NPs. In addition, inhibition and localization studies of PS NPs and EGF receptors (EGFRs) indicated that cellular uptake of PS NPs is related to the binding of EGF-EGFR complex and PS NPs. Different pathways are used to enter the cells depending on the presence or absence of EGF. In the presence of EGF, cellular uptake of PS NPs is via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, whereas, in the absence of EGF, uptake of PS NPs does not involve clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Our findings indicate that EGF enhances cellular uptake of PS NPs by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. This result could be important for developing safe nanoparticles and their safe use in medical applications.

  6. Enhanced uptake and transport of (+)-catechin and (−)-epigallocatechin gallate in niosomal formulation by human intestinal Caco-2 cells

    PubMed Central

    Song, Qinxin; Li, Danhui; Zhou, Yongzhi; Yang, Jie; Yang, Wanqi; Zhou, Guohua; Wen, Jingyuan

    2014-01-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate (+)-catechin and (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) cellular uptake and transport across human intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayer in both the absence and presence of niosomal carrier in variable conditions. The effect of free drugs and drug-loaded niosomes on the growth of Caco-2 cells was studied. The effects of time, temperature, and concentration on drug cellular uptake in the absence or presence of its niosomal delivery systems were investigated. The intestinal epithelial membrane transport of the drug-loaded niosomes was examined using the monolayer of the human Caco-2 cells. The kinetics of transport, and the effect of temperature, adenosine triphosphate inhibitor, permeability glycoprotein inhibitor, multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 inhibitor, and the absorption enhancer on transport mechanism were investigated. It was found that the uptake of catechin, EGCG, and their niosomes by Caco-2 cells was 1.22±0.16, 0.90±0.14, 3.25±0.37, and 1.92±0.22 μg/mg protein, respectively (n=3). The apparent permeability coefficient values of catechin, EGCG, and their niosomes were 1.68±0.16, 0.88±0.09, 2.39±0.31, and 1.42±0.24 cm/second (n=3) at 37°C, respectively. The transport was temperature- and energy-dependent. The inhibitors of permeability glycoprotein and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 and the absorption enhancer significantly enhanced the uptake amount. Compared with the free drugs, niosomal formulation significantly enhanced drug absorption. Additionally, drug-loaded niosomes exhibited stronger stability and lower toxicity. These findings showed that the oral absorption of tea flavonoids could be improved by using the novel drug delivery systems. PMID:24855353

  7. Effects of hyperoxia on 18F-fluoro-misonidazole brain uptake and tissue oxygen tension following middle cerebral artery occlusion in rodents: Pilot studies

    PubMed Central

    Jensen-Kondering, Ulf; Williamson, David J.; Sitnikov, Sergey; Sawiak, Stephen J.; Aigbirhio, Franklin I.; Hong, Young T.

    2017-01-01

    Purpose Mapping brain hypoxia is a major goal for stroke diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment monitoring. 18F-fluoro-misonidazole (FMISO) positron emission tomography (PET) is the gold standard hypoxia imaging method. Normobaric hyperoxia (NBO) is a promising therapy in acute stroke. In this pilot study, we tested the straightforward hypothesis that NBO would markedly reduce FMISO uptake in ischemic brain in Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), two rat strains with distinct vulnerability to brain ischemia, mimicking clinical heterogeneity. Methods Thirteen adult male rats were randomized to distal middle cerebral artery occlusion under either 30% O2 or 100% O2. FMISO was administered intravenously and PET data acquired dynamically for 3hrs, after which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining were carried out to map the ischemic lesion. Both FMISO tissue uptake at 2-3hrs and FMISO kinetic rate constants, determined based on previously published kinetic modelling, were obtained for the hypoxic area. In a separate group (n = 9), tissue oxygen partial pressure (PtO2) was measured in the ischemic tissue during both control and NBO conditions. Results As expected, the FMISO PET, MRI and TTC lesion volumes were much larger in SHRs than Wistar rats in both the control and NBO conditions. NBO did not appear to substantially reduce FMISO lesion size, nor affect the FMISO kinetic rate constants in either strain. Likewise, MRI and TTC lesion volumes were unaffected. The parallel study showed the expected increases in ischemic cortex PtO2 under NBO, although these were small in some SHRs with very low baseline PtO2. Conclusions Despite small samples, the apparent lack of marked effects of NBO on FMISO uptake suggests that in permanent ischemia the cellular mechanisms underlying FMISO trapping in hypoxic cells may be disjointed from PtO2. Better understanding of FMISO trapping processes will be important for future applications of FMISO imaging. PMID:29091934

  8. Effects of hyperoxia on 18F-fluoro-misonidazole brain uptake and tissue oxygen tension following middle cerebral artery occlusion in rodents: Pilot studies.

    PubMed

    Fryer, Tim D; Ejaz, Sohail; Jensen-Kondering, Ulf; Williamson, David J; Sitnikov, Sergey; Sawiak, Stephen J; Aigbirhio, Franklin I; Hong, Young T; Baron, Jean-Claude

    2017-01-01

    Mapping brain hypoxia is a major goal for stroke diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment monitoring. 18F-fluoro-misonidazole (FMISO) positron emission tomography (PET) is the gold standard hypoxia imaging method. Normobaric hyperoxia (NBO) is a promising therapy in acute stroke. In this pilot study, we tested the straightforward hypothesis that NBO would markedly reduce FMISO uptake in ischemic brain in Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), two rat strains with distinct vulnerability to brain ischemia, mimicking clinical heterogeneity. Thirteen adult male rats were randomized to distal middle cerebral artery occlusion under either 30% O2 or 100% O2. FMISO was administered intravenously and PET data acquired dynamically for 3hrs, after which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining were carried out to map the ischemic lesion. Both FMISO tissue uptake at 2-3hrs and FMISO kinetic rate constants, determined based on previously published kinetic modelling, were obtained for the hypoxic area. In a separate group (n = 9), tissue oxygen partial pressure (PtO2) was measured in the ischemic tissue during both control and NBO conditions. As expected, the FMISO PET, MRI and TTC lesion volumes were much larger in SHRs than Wistar rats in both the control and NBO conditions. NBO did not appear to substantially reduce FMISO lesion size, nor affect the FMISO kinetic rate constants in either strain. Likewise, MRI and TTC lesion volumes were unaffected. The parallel study showed the expected increases in ischemic cortex PtO2 under NBO, although these were small in some SHRs with very low baseline PtO2. Despite small samples, the apparent lack of marked effects of NBO on FMISO uptake suggests that in permanent ischemia the cellular mechanisms underlying FMISO trapping in hypoxic cells may be disjointed from PtO2. Better understanding of FMISO trapping processes will be important for future applications of FMISO imaging.

  9. Ligand-Receptor Interaction-Mediated Transmembrane Transport of Dendrimer-like Soft Nanoparticles: Mechanisms and Complicated Diffusive Dynamics.

    PubMed

    Liang, Junshi; Chen, Pengyu; Dong, Bojun; Huang, Zihan; Zhao, Kongyin; Yan, Li-Tang

    2016-05-09

    Nearly all nanomedical applications of dendrimer-like soft nanoparticles rely on the functionality of attached ligands. Understanding how the ligands interact with the receptors in cell membrane and its further effect on the cellular uptake of dendrimer-like soft nanoparticles is thereby a key issue for their better application in nanomedicine. However, the essential mechanism and detailed kinetics for the ligand-receptor interaction-mediated transmembrane transport of such unconventional nanoparticles remain poorly elucidated. Here, using coarse-grained simulations, we present the very first study of molecular mechanism and kinetics behaviors for the transmembrane transport of dendrimer-like soft nanoparticles conjugated with ligands. A phase diagram of interaction states is constructed through examining ligand densities and membrane tensions that allows us to identify novel endocytosis mechanisms featured by the direct wrapping and the penetration-extraction vesiculation. The results provide an in-depth insight into the diffusivity of receptors and dendrimer in the membrane plane and demonstrate how the ligand density influences receptor diffusion and uptake kinetics. It is interesting to find that the ligand-conjugated dendrimers present superdiffusive behaviors on a membrane, which is revealed to be driven by the random fluctuation dynamics of the membrane. The findings facilitate our understanding of some recent experimental observations and could establish fundamental principles for the future development of such important nanomaterials for widespread nanomedical applications.

  10. Radiation increases the cellular uptake of exosomes through CD29/CD81 complex formation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hazawa, Masaharu; Tomiyama, Kenichi; Saotome-Nakamura, Ai

    Highlights: • Radiation increases cellular uptake of exosomes. • Radiation induces colocalization of CD29 and CD81. • Exosomes selectively bind the CD29/CD81 complex. • Radiation increases the cellular uptake of exosomes through CD29/CD81 complex formation. - Abstract: Exosomes mediate intercellular communication, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) or their secreted exosomes affect a number of pathophysiologic states. Clinical applications of MSC and exosomes are increasingly anticipated. Radiation therapy is the main therapeutic tool for a number of various conditions. The cellular uptake mechanisms of exosomes and the effects of radiation on exosome–cell interactions are crucial, but they are not well understood.more » Here we examined the basic mechanisms and effects of radiation on exosome uptake processes in MSC. Radiation increased the cellular uptake of exosomes. Radiation markedly enhanced the initial cellular attachment to exosomes and induced the colocalization of integrin CD29 and tetraspanin CD81 on the cell surface without affecting their expression levels. Exosomes dominantly bound to the CD29/CD81 complex. Knockdown of CD29 completely inhibited the radiation-induced uptake, and additional or single knockdown of CD81 inhibited basal uptake as well as the increase in radiation-induced uptake. We also examined possible exosome uptake processes affected by radiation. Radiation-induced changes did not involve dynamin2, reactive oxygen species, or their evoked p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent endocytic or pinocytic pathways. Radiation increased the cellular uptake of exosomes through CD29/CD81 complex formation. These findings provide essential basic insights for potential therapeutic applications of exosomes or MSC in combination with radiation.« less

  11. [Kinetics of uptake of phosphates and nitrates by marine multicellular algae Gelidium latifolium (Grev.) Born. et Thur].

    PubMed

    Silkin, V A; Chubchikova, I N

    2007-01-01

    We studied nonstationary kinetics of the uptake of phosphates and nitrates by the red marine algae Gelidium latifolium (Grev.) Born et Thur. and calculated constants of the Michaelis-Menten equation for these elements. In the area of 0-3 microM, the kinetics of phosphate consumption had the following coefficients: maximum rate of uptake 0.8 micromol/(g x h), constant of half-saturation 1.745 microM. For nitrate nitrogen at 0-30 microM, an adaptive strategy of uptake kinetics was noted with change of the equation parameters with time: after 1 h, the maximum rate of uptake was 5.1 micromol/(g x h) and constant of half-saturation 19 gM, while within 2 h, the maximum rate of uptake significantly increased. This could be related to the synthesis of nitrate reductase. Coupled with the uptake of nitrates, nonstationary kinetics of the release of nitrates in the surrounding medium had a one-peak pattern: the maximum concentration of nitrites in the medium and the time of its achievement increased with the initial concentration of nitrates. The maximum concentration of nitrites was 6 to 14% of the initial concentration in the medium.

  12. Submaximal oxygen uptake kinetics, functional mobility, and physical activity in older adults with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction

    PubMed Central

    Hummel, Scott L; Herald, John; Alpert, Craig; Gretebeck, Kimberlee A; Champoux, Wendy S; Dengel, Donald R; Vaitkevicius, Peter V; Alexander, Neil B

    2016-01-01

    Background Submaximal oxygen uptake measures are more feasible and may better predict clinical cardiac outcomes than maximal tests in older adults with heart failure (HF). We examined relationships between maximal oxygen uptake, submaximal oxygen kinetics, functional mobility, and physical activity in older adults with HF and reduced ejection fraction. Methods Older adults with HF and reduced ejection fraction (n = 25, age 75 ± 7 years) were compared to 25 healthy age- and gender-matched controls. Assessments included a maximal treadmill test for peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), oxygen uptake kinetics at onset of and on recovery from a submaximal treadmill test, functional mobility testing [Get Up and Go (GUG), Comfortable Gait Speed (CGS), Unipedal Stance (US)], and self-reported physical activity (PA). Results Compared to controls, HF had worse performance on GUG, CGS, and US, greater delays in submaximal oxygen uptake kinetics, and lower PA. In controls, VO2peak was more strongly associated with functional mobility and PA than submaximal oxygen uptake kinetics. In HF patients, submaximal oxygen uptake kinetics were similarly associated with GUG and CGS as VO2peak, but weakly associated with PA. Conclusions Based on their mobility performance, older HF patients with reduced ejection fraction are at risk for adverse functional outcomes. In this population, submaximal oxygen uptake measures may be equivalent to VO2 peak in predicting functional mobility, and in addition to being more feasible, may provide better insight into how aerobic function relates to mobility in older adults with HF. PMID:27594875

  13. Submaximal oxygen uptake kinetics, functional mobility, and physical activity in older adults with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.

    PubMed

    Hummel, Scott L; Herald, John; Alpert, Craig; Gretebeck, Kimberlee A; Champoux, Wendy S; Dengel, Donald R; Vaitkevicius, Peter V; Alexander, Neil B

    2016-07-01

    Submaximal oxygen uptake measures are more feasible and may better predict clinical cardiac outcomes than maximal tests in older adults with heart failure (HF). We examined relationships between maximal oxygen uptake, submaximal oxygen kinetics, functional mobility, and physical activity in older adults with HF and reduced ejection fraction. Older adults with HF and reduced ejection fraction (n = 25, age 75 ± 7 years) were compared to 25 healthy age- and gender-matched controls. Assessments included a maximal treadmill test for peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), oxygen uptake kinetics at onset of and on recovery from a submaximal treadmill test, functional mobility testing [Get Up and Go (GUG), Comfortable Gait Speed (CGS), Unipedal Stance (US)], and self-reported physical activity (PA). Compared to controls, HF had worse performance on GUG, CGS, and US, greater delays in submaximal oxygen uptake kinetics, and lower PA. In controls, VO2peak was more strongly associated with functional mobility and PA than submaximal oxygen uptake kinetics. In HF patients, submaximal oxygen uptake kinetics were similarly associated with GUG and CGS as VO2peak, but weakly associated with PA. Based on their mobility performance, older HF patients with reduced ejection fraction are at risk for adverse functional outcomes. In this population, submaximal oxygen uptake measures may be equivalent to VO2 peak in predicting functional mobility, and in addition to being more feasible, may provide better insight into how aerobic function relates to mobility in older adults with HF.

  14. Nonlinear absorption kinetics of self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) containing tocotrienols as lipophilic molecules: in vivo and in vitro studies.

    PubMed

    Alqahtani, Saeed; Alayoubi, Alaadin; Nazzal, Sami; Sylvester, Paul W; Kaddoumi, Amal

    2013-07-01

    Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) have been broadly used to promote the oral absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the in vivo oral bioavailability of vitamin E isoforms, δ-tocotrienol (δ-T3) and γ-tocotrienol (γ-T3) administered as SEDDS, as compared to commercially available UNIQUE E® Tocotrienols capsules. Results from studies in rats showed that low dose treatment with δ-T3 (90%) and γ-T3 (10%) formulated SEDDS showed bioavailability of 31.5% and 332%, respectively. However, bioavailability showed a progressive decrease with increased treatment dose that displayed nonlinear absorption kinetics. Additional in vitro studies examining cellular uptake studies in Caco 2 cells revealed that the SEDDS formulation increased passive permeability of δ-T3 and γ-T3 by threefold as compared to the commercial capsule formulation. These studies also showed that free surfactants decreased δ-T3 and γ-T3 absorption. Specifically, combined treatment cremophor EL or labrasol with tocotrienols caused a 60-85% reduction in the cellular uptake of δ-T3 and γ-T3 and these effects appear to result from surfactant-induced inhibition of the δ-T3 and γ-T3 transport protein Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1). In summary, results showed that SEDDS formulation significantly increases the absorption and bioavailability δ-T3 and γ-T3. However, this effect is self-limiting because treatment with increasing doses of SEDDS appears to be associated with a corresponding increase in free surfactants levels that directly and negatively impact tocotrienol transport protein function and results in nonlinear absorption kinetics and a progressive decrease in δ-T3 and γ-T3 absorption and bioavailability.

  15. In vitro cellular uptake of evodiamine and rutaecarpine using a microemulsion

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Yong-Tai; Huang, Zhe-Bin; Zhang, Su-Juan; Zhao, Ji-Hui; Wang, Zhi; Liu, Ying; Feng, Nian-Ping

    2012-01-01

    Objective To investigate the cellular uptake of evodiamine and rutaecarpine in a microemulsion in comparison with aqueous suspensions and tinctures. Materials and methods A microemulsion was prepared using the dropwise addition method. Mouse skin fibroblasts were cultured in vitro to investigate the optimal conditions for evodiamine and rutaecarpine uptake with different drug concentrations and administration times. Under optimal conditions, the cellular uptake of microemulsified drugs was assayed and compared to tinctures and aqueous suspensions. Rhodamine B labeling and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) were used to explore the distribution of fluorochrome transferred with the microemulsion in fibroblasts. Cellular morphology was also investigated, using optical microscopy to evaluate microemulsion-induced cellular toxicity. Results The maximum cellular drug uptake amounts were obtained with a 20% concentration (v/v) of microemulsion and an 8 hour administration time. Drug uptake by mouse skin fibroblasts was lowest when the drugs were loaded in microemulsion. After incubation with rhodamine B-labeled microemulsion for 8 hours, the highest fluorescence intensity was achieved, and the fluorochrome was primarily distributed in the cytochylema. No obvious cellular morphologic changes were observed with the administration of either the microemulsion or the aqueous suspension; for the tincture group, however, massive cellular necrocytosis was observed. Conclusion The lower cellular uptake with microemulsion may be due to the fact that most of the drug loaded in the microemulsion vehicle was transported via the intercellular space, while a small quantity of free drug (released from the vehicle) was ingested through transmembrane transport. Mouse skin fibroblasts rarely endocytosed evodiamine and rutaecarpine with a microemulsion as the vehicle. The microemulsion had no obvious effect on cellular morphology, suggesting there is little or no cellular toxicity associated with the administration of microemulsion on mouse skin fibroblasts. PMID:22679361

  16. In vitro cellular uptake of evodiamine and rutaecarpine using a microemulsion.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yong-Tai; Huang, Zhe-Bin; Zhang, Su-Juan; Zhao, Ji-Hui; Wang, Zhi; Liu, Ying; Feng, Nian-Ping

    2012-01-01

    To investigate the cellular uptake of evodiamine and rutaecarpine in a microemulsion in comparison with aqueous suspensions and tinctures. A microemulsion was prepared using the dropwise addition method. Mouse skin fibroblasts were cultured in vitro to investigate the optimal conditions for evodiamine and rutaecarpine uptake with different drug concentrations and administration times. Under optimal conditions, the cellular uptake of microemulsified drugs was assayed and compared to tinctures and aqueous suspensions. Rhodamine B labeling and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) were used to explore the distribution of fluorochrome transferred with the microemulsion in fibroblasts. Cellular morphology was also investigated, using optical microscopy to evaluate microemulsion-induced cellular toxicity. The maximum cellular drug uptake amounts were obtained with a 20% concentration (v/v) of microemulsion and an 8 hour administration time. Drug uptake by mouse skin fibroblasts was lowest when the drugs were loaded in microemulsion. After incubation with rhodamine B-labeled microemulsion for 8 hours, the highest fluorescence intensity was achieved, and the fluorochrome was primarily distributed in the cytochylema. No obvious cellular morphologic changes were observed with the administration of either the microemulsion or the aqueous suspension; for the tincture group, however, massive cellular necrocytosis was observed. The lower cellular uptake with microemulsion may be due to the fact that most of the drug loaded in the microemulsion vehicle was transported via the intercellular space, while a small quantity of free drug (released from the vehicle) was ingested through transmembrane transport. Mouse skin fibroblasts rarely endocytosed evodiamine and rutaecarpine with a microemulsion as the vehicle. The microemulsion had no obvious effect on cellular morphology, suggesting there is little or no cellular toxicity associated with the administration of microemulsion on mouse skin fibroblasts.

  17. Cell Type-Specific Modulation of Cobalamin Uptake by Bovine Serum

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Hua; Ruberu, Kalani; Li, Hongyun; Garner, Brett

    2016-01-01

    Tracking cellular 57Co-labelled cobalamin (57Co-Cbl) uptake is a well-established method for studying Cbl homeostasis. Previous studies established that bovine serum is not generally permissive for cellular Cbl uptake when used as a supplement in cell culture medium, whereas supplementation with human serum promotes cellular Cbl uptake. The underlying reasons for these differences are not fully defined. In the current study we address this question. We extend earlier observations by showing that fetal calf serum inhibits cellular 57Co-Cbl uptake by HT1080 cells (a fibrosarcoma-derived fibroblast cell line). Furthermore, we discovered that a simple heat-treatment protocol (95°C for 10 min) ameliorates this inhibitory activity for HT1080 cell 57Co-Cbl uptake. We provide evidence that the very high level of haptocorrin in bovine serum (as compared to human serum) is responsible for this inhibitory activity. We suggest that bovine haptocorrin competes with cell-derived transcobalamin for Cbl binding, and that cellular Cbl uptake may be minimised in the presence of large amounts of bovine haptocorrin that are present under routine in vitro cell culture conditions. In experiments conducted with AG01518 cells (a neonatal foreskin-derived fibroblast cell line), overall cellular 57Co-Cbl uptake was 86% lower than for HT1080 cells, cellular TC production was below levels detectable by western blotting, and heat treatment of fetal calf serum resulted in only a modest increase in cellular 57Co-Cbl uptake. We recommend a careful assessment of cell culture protocols should be conducted in order to determine the potential benefits that heat-treated bovine serum may provide for in vitro studies of mammalian cell lines. PMID:27893837

  18. Enhanced cellular uptake of maleimide-modified liposomes via thiol-mediated transport

    PubMed Central

    Li, Tianshu; Takeoka, Shinji

    2014-01-01

    With a small amount of maleimide modification on the liposome surface, enhanced cellular uptake of liposomes and drug-delivery efficiency can be obtained both in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we describe the mechanisms underlying this enhanced cellular uptake. Suppression of the cellular uptake of maleimide-modified liposomes (M-GGLG, composed of 1,5-dihexadecyl N,N-diglutamyl-lysyl-L-glutamate [GGLG]/cholesterol/poly(ethylene glycol) – 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine [PEG5000-DSPE]/maleimide [M]-PEG5000-Glu2C18 at a molar ratio of 5:5:0.03:0.03) caused by temperature block and addition of serum was alleviated compared with that of liposomes without maleimide modification (GGLG liposomes, composed of GGLG/cholesterol/PEG5000-DSPE/PEG5000-Glu2C18 at a molar ratio of 5:5:0.03:0.03). When 0.01 nM N-ethylmaleimide was used to pre-block cellular thiols, the cellular uptake of M-GGLG liposomes was decreased to approximately 70% in HeLa, HCC1954, MDA-MB-468, and COS-7 cell lines. Moreover, inhibition of a thiol-related reductase such as protein disulfide isomerase resulted in a 15%–45% inhibition of the cellular uptake of M-GGLG liposomes, whereas GGLG liposomes were not influenced. Further, single and mixed inhibitors of clathrin-mediated endocytosis, caveolae-mediated endocytosis, and macropinocytosis did not efficiently inhibit the cellular uptake of M-GGLG liposomes. Using confocal microscopy, we verified that M-GGLG liposomes were localized partially in lysosomes after inhibition of the mentioned conventional endocytic pathways. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the mechanisms underlying the enhanced cellular uptake of liposomes by maleimide modification was thiol-mediated membrane trafficking, including endocytosis and energy-independent transport. PMID:24940060

  19. Enhanced cellular uptake of maleimide-modified liposomes via thiol-mediated transport.

    PubMed

    Li, Tianshu; Takeoka, Shinji

    2014-01-01

    With a small amount of maleimide modification on the liposome surface, enhanced cellular uptake of liposomes and drug-delivery efficiency can be obtained both in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we describe the mechanisms underlying this enhanced cellular uptake. Suppression of the cellular uptake of maleimide-modified liposomes (M-GGLG, composed of 1,5-dihexadecyl N,N-diglutamyl-lysyl-L-glutamate [GGLG]/cholesterol/poly(ethylene glycol) - 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine [PEG₅₀₀₀-DSPE]/maleimide [M]-PEG₅₀₀₀-Glu2C18 at a molar ratio of 5:5:0.03:0.03) caused by temperature block and addition of serum was alleviated compared with that of liposomes without maleimide modification (GGLG liposomes, composed of GGLG/cholesterol/PEG₅₀₀₀-DSPE/PEG₅₀₀₀-Glu2C₁₈ at a molar ratio of 5:5:0.03:0.03). When 0.01 nM N-ethylmaleimide was used to pre-block cellular thiols, the cellular uptake of M-GGLG liposomes was decreased to approximately 70% in HeLa, HCC1954, MDA-MB-468, and COS-7 cell lines. Moreover, inhibition of a thiol-related reductase such as protein disulfide isomerase resulted in a 15%-45% inhibition of the cellular uptake of M-GGLG liposomes, whereas GGLG liposomes were not influenced. Further, single and mixed inhibitors of clathrin-mediated endocytosis, caveolae-mediated endocytosis, and macropinocytosis did not efficiently inhibit the cellular uptake of M-GGLG liposomes. Using confocal microscopy, we verified that M-GGLG liposomes were localized partially in lysosomes after inhibition of the mentioned conventional endocytic pathways. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the mechanisms underlying the enhanced cellular uptake of liposomes by maleimide modification was thiol-mediated membrane trafficking, including endocytosis and energy-independent transport.

  20. Cell-surface glycosaminoglycans inhibit intranuclear uptake but promote post-nuclear processes of polyamidoamine dendrimer-pDNA transfection.

    PubMed

    Ziraksaz, Zarrintaj; Nomani, Alireza; Ruponen, Marika; Soleimani, Masoud; Tabbakhian, Majid; Haririan, Ismaeil

    2013-01-23

    Interaction of cell-surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) with non-viral vectors seems to be an important factor which modifies the intracellular destination of the gene complexes. Intracellular kinetics of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer as a non-viral vector in cellular uptake, intranuclear delivery and transgene expression of plasmid DNA with regard to the cell-surface GAGs has not been investigated until now. The physicochemical properties of the PAMAM-pDNA complexes were characterized by photon correlation spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, zeta measurement and agarose gel electrophoresis. The transfection efficiency and toxicity of the complexes at different nitrogen to phosphate (N:P) ratios were determined using various in vitro cell models such as human embryonic kidney cells, chinese hamster ovary cells and its mutants lacking cell-surface GAGs or heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Cellular uptake, nuclear uptake and transfection efficiency of the complexes were determined using flow cytometry and optimized cell-nuclei isolation with quantitative real-time PCR and luciferase assay. Physicochemical studies showed that PAMAM dendrimer binds pDNA efficiently, forms small complexes with high positive zeta potential and transfects cells properly at N:P ratios around 5 and higher. The cytotoxicity could be a problem at N:Ps higher than 10. GAGs elimination caused nearly one order of magnitude higher pDNA nuclear uptake and more than 2.6-fold higher transfection efficiency than CHO parent cells. However, neither AUC of nuclear uptake, nor AUC of transfection affected significantly by only cell-surface HSPGs elimination and interesting data related to the effect of GAGs on intranuclear pDNA using PAMAM as delivery vector have been reported in this study. Presented data shows that the rate-limiting step of PAMAM-pDNA complexes transfection is located after delivery to the cell nucleus and GAGs are regarded as an inhibitor of the intranuclear delivery step, while slightly promotes transgene expression. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Cytotoxicity and intracellular fate of PLGA and chitosan-coated PLGA nanoparticles in Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) and human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Colo 205) cells.

    PubMed

    Trif, Mihaela; Florian, Paula E; Roseanu, Anca; Moisei, Magdalena; Craciunescu, Oana; Astete, Carlos E; Sabliov, Cristina M

    2015-11-01

    Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) are known to facilitate intracellular uptake of drugs to improve their efficacy, with minimum bioreactivity. The goal of this study was to assess cellular uptake and trafficking of PLGA NPs and chitosan (Chi)-covered PLGA NPs in Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) and human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Colo 205) cells. Both PLGA and Chi-PLGA NPs were not cytotoxic to the studied cells at concentrations up to 2500 μg/mL. The positive charge conferred by the chitosan deposition on the PLGA NPs improved NPs uptake by MDBK cells. In this cell line, Chi-PLGA NPs colocalized partially with early endosomes compartment and showed a more consistent perinuclear localization than PLGA NPs. Kinetic uptake of PLGA NPs by Colo 205 was slower than that by MDBK cells, detected only at 24 h, exceeding that of Chi-PLGA NPs. This study offers new insights on NP interaction with target cells supporting the use of NPs as novel nutraceuticals/drug delivery systems in metabolic disorders or cancer therapy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3599-3611, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  2. Cellular uptake mechanism and clearance kinetics of fluorescence-labeled glycyrrhetinic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid-modified liposome in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

    PubMed

    Sun, Yuqi; Lu, Jinghua; Yan, Dongxue; Shen, Liping; Hu, Haiyang; Chen, Dawei

    2017-07-01

    Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is a natural pentacyclic triterpene derivative that exerts significant effects in the suppression of liver cancer. The receptors of GA on liver cells and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells have drawn broad attention. The effects of GA might depend on its transport into and out of cells. However, the question has not been previously addressed despite its obvious and fundamental importance. In this paper, GA and GA-modified liposome (GA-Lip) were labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) or coumarin 6 (Cou6) using chemical or pharmaceutical techniques. The transport courses of FITC-GA and GA-Cou6-Lip were studied in HepG2 cells in vitro. We found that the fluorescence labeled GA and GA-Lip uptake and clearance were time-dependent. FITC-GA uptake involved passive diffusion and active transport, and the receptors were in the cytomembrane proteins. GA-Cou6-Lip uptake was mediated by caveolae-dependent endocytosis. In addition, FITC-GA and GA-Cou6-Lip clearance of the HCC cells fitted exponential decay and second-order processes, respectively. These findings provide new insights into the anti-HCC actions of GA. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  3. Cellular Delivery of Nanoparticles Revealed with Combined Optical and Isotopic Nanoscopy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Proetto, Maria T.; Anderton, Christopher R.; Hu, Dehong

    Synthetic drug-carrying nanomaterials offer great potential as targeted cellular delivery vehicles. Typically, their size, morphology, surface chemistry and stability are optimized in order to control their effect on drug release kinetics, cellular uptake pathways, efficiency and site of action. However, methods to track the carriers and their cargo independently at the micro- and nanoscale have been severely underutilized preventing the correlation between structure and function. Here we show that by using combined optical and isotopic nanoscopy we can track the uptake in cancer cells and subsequent drug release of a Pt(II)-loaded anticancer nanoparticle (NP) system. We found that by directlymore » polymerizing an oxaliplatin analogue containing a norbornyl moiety amenable to polymerization via ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) we could generate amphiphiles in one pot. Spontaneous self-assembly of the drug-containing polymers in aqueous solution led to well-defined NPs in a reproducible manner. Our results demonstrate that the covalently loaded NPs are equipotent with free oxaliplatin and are taken up intact via endocytic pathways before release of the cytotoxic cargo. This was confirmed by super resolution fluorescence structured illumination microscopy (SIM) and nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS). We anticipate that this type of multimodal cellular tracking of NP and drug will bridge the knowledge gap between particle structure and performance for the vast array of currently generalizable systems in the literature. Furthermore, the use of covalently loaded NP drug systems should allow development of more stable, reproducible and site specific nanodelivery agents.« less

  4. Design of a new integrated chitosan-PAMAM dendrimer biosorbent for heavy metals removing and study of its adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics.

    PubMed

    Zarghami, Zabihullah; Akbari, Ahmad; Latifi, Ali Mohammad; Amani, Mohammad Ali

    2016-04-01

    In this research, different generations of PAMAM-grafted chitosan as integrated biosorbents were successfully synthesized via step by step divergent growth approach of dendrimer. The synthesized products were utilized as adsorbents for heavy metals (Pb(2+) in this study) removing from aqueous solution and their reactive Pb(2+) removal potential was evaluated. The results showed that as-synthesized products with higher generations of dendrimer, have more adsorption capacity compared to products with lower generations of dendrimer and sole chitosan. Adsorption capacity of as-prepared product with generation 3 of dendrimer is 18times more than sole chitosan. Thermodynamic and kinetic studies were performed for understanding equilibrium data of the uptake capacity and kinetic rate uptake, respectively. Thermodynamic and kinetic studies showed that Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo second order kinetic model are more compatible for describing equilibrium data of the uptake capacity and kinetic rate of the Pb(2+) uptake, respectively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Oxygen uptake on-kinetics during six-minute walk test predicts short-term outcomes after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

    PubMed

    Rocco, Isadora Salvador; Viceconte, Marcela; Pauletti, Hayanne Osiro; Matos-Garcia, Bruna Caroline; Marcondi, Natasha Oliveira; Bublitz, Caroline; Bolzan, Douglas William; Moreira, Rita Simone Lopes; Reis, Michel Silva; Hossne, Nelson Américo; Gomes, Walter José; Arena, Ross; Guizilini, Solange

    2017-12-26

    We aimed to investigate the ability of oxygen uptake kinetics to predict short-term outcomes after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Fifty-two patients aged 60.9 ± 7.8 years waiting for off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery were evaluated. The 6-min walk test distance was performed pre-operatively, while simultaneously using a portable cardiopulmonary testing device. The transition of oxygen uptake kinetics from rest to exercise was recorded to calculate oxygen uptake kinetics fitting a monoexponential regression model. Oxygen uptake at steady state, constant time, and mean response time corrected by work rate were analysed. Short-term clinical outcomes were evaluated during the early post-operative of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Multivariate analysis showed body mass index, surgery time, and mean response time corrected by work rate as independent predictors for short-term outcomes. The optimal mean response time corrected by work rate cut-off to estimate short-term clinical outcomes was 1.51 × 10 -3  min 2 /ml. Patients with slower mean response time corrected by work rate demonstrated higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, EuroSCOREII, left ventricular dysfunction, and impaired 6-min walk test parameters. The per cent-predicted distance threshold of 66% in the pre-operative was associated with delayed oxygen uptake kinetics. Pre-operative oxygen uptake kinetics during 6-min walk test predicts short-term clinical outcomes after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. From a clinically applicable perspective, a threshold of 66% of pre-operative predicted 6-min walk test distance indicated slower kinetics, which leads to longer intensive care unit and post-surgery hospital length of stay. Implications for rehabilitation Coronary artery bypass grafting is a treatment aimed to improve expectancy of life and prevent disability due to the disease progression; The use of pre-operative submaximal functional capacity test enabled the identification of patients with high risk of complications, where patients with delayed oxygen uptake kinetics exhibited worse short-term outcomes; Our findings suggest the importance of the rehabilitation in the pre-operative in order to "pre-habilitate" the patients to the surgical procedure; Faster oxygen uptake on-kinetics could be achieved by improving the oxidative capacity of muscles and cardiovascular conditioning through rehabilitation, adding better results following cardiac surgery.

  6. Contribution of electrostatics to the binding of pancreatic-type ribonucleases to membranes.

    PubMed

    Sundlass, Nadia K; Eller, Chelcie H; Cui, Qiang; Raines, Ronald T

    2013-09-17

    Pancreatic-type ribonucleases show clinical promise as chemotherapeutic agents but are limited in efficacy by the inefficiency of their uptake by human cells. Cellular uptake can be increased by the addition of positive charges to the surface of ribonucleases, either by site-directed mutagenesis or by chemical modification. This observation has led to the hypothesis that ribonuclease uptake by cells depends on electrostatics. Here, we use a combination of experimental and computational methods to ascertain the contribution of electrostatics to the cellular uptake of ribonucleases. We focus on three homologous ribonucleases: Onconase (frog), ribonuclease A (cow), and ribonuclease 1 (human). Our results support the hypothesis that electrostatics are necessary for the cellular uptake of Onconase. In contrast, specific interactions with cell-surface components likely contribute more to the cellular uptake of ribonuclease A and ribonuclease 1 than do electrostatics. These findings provide insight for the design of new cytotoxic ribonucleases.

  7. Confocal fluorescence microscopy: An ultra-sensitive tool used to evaluate intracellular antiretroviral nano-drug delivery in HeLa cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mandal, Subhra; Zhou, You; Shibata, Annemarie; Destache, Christopher J.

    2015-08-01

    In the last decade, confocal fluorescence microscopy has emerged as an ultra-sensitive tool for real-time study of nanoparticles (NPs) fate at the cellular-level. According to WHO 2007 report, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is still one of the world's major health threats by claiming approximately 7,000 new infections daily worldwide. Although combination antiretroviral drugs (cARV) therapy has improved the life-expectancy of HIV-infected patients, routine use of high doses of cARV has serious health consequences and requires complete adherence to the regimen for success. Thus, our research goal is to fabricate long-acting novel cARV loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (cARV-NPs) as drug delivery system. However, important aspects of cARV-NPs that require special emphasis are their cellular-uptake, potency, and sustained drug release efficiency over-time. In this article, ultra-sensitive confocal microscopy is been used to evaluate the uptake and sustained drug release kinetics of cARV-NPs in HeLa cells. To evaluate with the above goal, instead of cARV-drug, Rhodamine6G dye (fluorescent dye) loaded NPs (Rho6G NPs) have been formulated. To correlate the Rhodamin6G release kinetics with the ARV release from NPs, a parallel HPLC study was also performed. The results obtained indicate that Rho6G NPs were efficiently taken up at low concentration (<500 ng/ml) and that release was sustained for a minimum of 4 days of treatment. Therefore, high drug assimilation and sustained release properties of PLGA-NPs make them an attractive vehicle for cARV nano-drug delivery with the potential to reduce drug dosage as well as the number of drug administrations per month.

  8. Cellular uptake of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) microcapsules with different deformability and its influence on cell functions.

    PubMed

    Yu, Wei; Zhang, Wenbo; Chen, Ying; Song, Xiaoxue; Tong, Weijun; Mao, Zhengwei; Gao, Changyou

    2016-03-01

    It is important to understand the safety issue and cell interaction pattern of polyelectrolyte microcapsules with different deformability before their use in biomedical applications. In this study, SiO2, poly(sodium-p-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) doped CaCO3 and porous CaCO3 spheres, all about 4μm in diameter, were used as templates to prepare microcapsules with different inner structure and subsequent deformability. As a result, three kinds of covalently assembled poly(allylaminehydrochloride)/glutaraldehyde (PAH/GA) microcapsules with similar size but different deformability under external osmotic pressure were prepared. The impact of different microcapsules on cell viability and functions are studied using smooth muscle cells (SMCs), endothelial cells (ECs) and HepG2 cells. The results demonstrated that viabilities of SMCs, ECs and HepG2 cells were not significantly influenced by either of the three kinds of microcapsules. However, the adhesion ability of SMCs and ECs as well as the mobility of SMCs, ECs and HepG2 cells were significantly impaired after treatment with microcapsules in a deformability dependent manner, especially the microcapsules with lower deformability caused higher impairment on cell functions. The cellular uptake kinetics, uptake pathways, intracellular distribution of microcapsules are further investigated in SMCs to reveal the potential mechanism. The SMCs showed faster uptake rate and exocytosis rate of microcapsules with lower deformability (Cap@CaCO3/PSS and Cap@CaCO3), leading to higher intracellular accumulation of microcapsules with lower deformability and possibly larger retardation of cell functions. The results pointed out that the deformability of microcapsules is an important factor governing the biological performance of microcapsules, which requires careful adjustment for further biomedical applications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Dynamic metabolic modeling for a MAB bioprocess.

    PubMed

    Gao, Jianying; Gorenflo, Volker M; Scharer, Jeno M; Budman, Hector M

    2007-01-01

    Production of monoclonal antibodies (MAb) for diagnostic or therapeutic applications has become an important task in the pharmaceutical industry. The efficiency of high-density reactor systems can be potentially increased by model-based design and control strategies. Therefore, a reliable kinetic model for cell metabolism is required. A systematic procedure based on metabolic modeling is used to model nutrient uptake and key product formation in a MAb bioprocess during both the growth and post-growth phases. The approach combines the key advantages of stoichiometric and kinetic models into a complete metabolic network while integrating the regulation and control of cellular activity. This modeling procedure can be easily applied to any cell line during both the cell growth and post-growth phases. Quadratic programming (QP) has been identified as a suitable method to solve the underdetermined constrained problem related to model parameter identification. The approach is illustrated for the case of murine hybridoma cells cultivated in stirred spinners.

  10. Novel mucus-penetrating liposomes as a potential oral drug delivery system: preparation, in vitro characterization, and enhanced cellular uptake

    PubMed Central

    Li, Xiuying; Chen, Dan; Le, Chaoyi; Zhu, Chunliu; Gan, Yong; Hovgaard, Lars; Yang, Mingshi

    2011-01-01

    Background The aim of this study was to investigate the intestinal mucus-penetrating properties and intestinal cellular uptake of two types of liposomes modified by Pluronic F127 (PF127). Methods The two types of liposomes, ie, PF127-inlaid liposomes and PF127-adsorbed liposomes, were prepared by a thin-film hydration method followed by extrusion, in which coumarin 6 was loaded as a fluorescence marker. A modified Franz diffusion cell mounted with the intestinal mucus of rats was used to study the diffusion characteristics of the two types of PF127 liposomes. Cell uptake studies were conducted in Caco-2 cells and analyzed using confocal laser scanning microcopy as well as flow cytometry. Results The diffusion efficiency of the two types of PF127-modified liposomes through intestinal rat mucus was 5–7-fold higher than that of unmodified liposomes. Compared with unmodified liposomes, PF127-inlaid liposomes showed significantly higher cellular uptake of courmarin 6. PF127-adsorbed liposomes showed a lower cellular uptake. Moreover, and interestingly, the two types of PF127-modified liposomes showed different cellular uptake mechanisms in Caco-2 cells. Conclusion PF127-inlaid liposomes with improved intestinal mucus-penetrating ability and enhanced cellular uptake might be a potential carrier candidate for oral drug delivery. PMID:22163166

  11. Differential polymer structure tunes mechanism of cellular uptake and transfection routes of poly(β-amino ester) polyplexes in human breast cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Kim, Jayoung; Sunshine, Joel C; Green, Jordan J

    2014-01-15

    Successful gene delivery with nonviral particles has several barriers, including cellular uptake, endosomal escape, and nuclear transport. Understanding the mechanisms behind these steps is critical to enhancing the effectiveness of gene delivery. Polyplexes formed with poly(β-amino ester)s (PBAEs) have been shown to effectively transfer DNA to various cell types, but the mechanism of their cellular uptake has not been identified. This is the first study to evaluate the uptake mechanism of PBAE polyplexes and the dependence of cellular uptake on the end group and molecular weight of the polymer. We synthesized three different analogues of PBAEs with the same base polymer poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (B4S4) but with small changes in the end group or molecular weight. We quantified the uptake and transfection efficiencies of the pDNA polyplexes formulated from these polymers in hard-to-transfect triple negative human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB 231). All polymers formed positively charged (10-17 mV) nanoparticles of ∼200 nm in size. Cellular internalization of all three formulations was inhibited the most (60-90% decrease in cellular uptake) by blocking caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Greater inhibition was shown with polymers that had a 1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end group (E7) than the others with a 2-(3-aminopropylamino)-ethanol end group (E6) or higher molecular weight. However, caveolae-mediated endocytosis was generally not as efficient as clathrin-mediated endocytosis in leading to transfection. These findings indicate that PBAE polyplexes can be used to transfect triple negative human breast cancer cells and that small changes to the same base polymer can modulate their cellular uptake and transfection routes.

  12. Energy independent uptake and release of polystyrene nanoparticles in primary mammalian cell cultures.

    PubMed

    Fiorentino, Ilaria; Gualtieri, Roberto; Barbato, Vincenza; Mollo, Valentina; Braun, Sabrina; Angrisani, Alberto; Turano, Mimmo; Furia, Maria; Netti, Paolo A; Guarnieri, Daniela; Fusco, Sabato; Talevi, Riccardo

    2015-01-15

    Nanoparticle (NPs) delivery systems in vivo promises to overcome many obstacles associated with the administration of drugs, vaccines, plasmid DNA and RNA materials, making the study of their cellular uptake a central issue in nanomedicine. The uptake of NPs may be influenced by the cell culture stage and the NPs physical-chemical properties. So far, controversial data on NPs uptake have been derived owing to the heterogeneity of NPs and the general use of immortalized cancer cell lines that often behave differently from each other and from primary mammalian cell cultures. Main aims of the present study were to investigate the uptake, endocytosis pathways, intracellular fate and release of well standardized model particles, i.e. fluorescent 44 nm polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs), on two primary mammalian cell cultures, i.e. bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOEC) and human colon fibroblasts (HCF) by confocal microscopy and spectrofluorimetric analysis. Different drugs and conditions that inhibit specific internalization routes were used to understand the mechanisms that mediate PS-NP uptake. Our data showed that PS-NPs are rapidly internalized by both cell types 1) with similar saturation kinetics; 2) through ATP-independent processes, and 3) quickly released in the culture medium. Our results suggest that PS-NPs are able to rapidly cross the cell membrane through passive translocation during both uptake and release, and emphasize the need to carefully design NPs for drug delivery, to ensure their selective uptake and to optimize their retainment in the targeted cells. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Uptake and elimination kinetics of metals in soil invertebrates: a review.

    PubMed

    Ardestani, Masoud M; van Straalen, Nico M; van Gestel, Cornelis A M

    2014-10-01

    Uptake and elimination kinetics of metals in soil invertebrates are a function of both soil and organism properties. This study critically reviewed metal toxicokinetics in soil invertebrates and its potential use for assessing bioavailability. Uptake and elimination rate constants of different metals are summarized. Invertebrates have different strategies for essential and non-essential metals. As a consequence, different types of models must be applied to describe metal uptake and elimination kinetics. We discuss model parameters for each metal separately and show how they are influenced by exposure concentrations and by physiological properties of the organisms. Soil pH, cation exchange capacity, clay and organic matter content significantly affect uptake rates of non-essential metals in soil invertebrates. For essential metals, kinetics is hardly influenced by soil properties, but rather prone to physiological regulation mechanisms of the organisms. Our analysis illustrates that toxicokinetics can be a valuable measurement to assess bioavailability of soil-bound metals. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Determination of kinetic parameters for 123-I thyroid uptake in healthy Japanese

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kusuhara, Hiroyuki; Maeda, Kazuya

    2017-09-01

    The purpose of this study was to compare the kinetic parameters for iodide thyroid accumulation in Japanese today with previously reported values. We determined the thyroid uptake of 123-I at 24 hours after the oral administration in healthy male Japanese without any diet restriction. The mean value was 16.1±5.4%, which was similar or rather lower than those previously reported in Japan (1958-1972). Kinetic model analysis was conducted to obtain the clearance for thyroid uptake from the blood circulation. The thyroid uptake clearance of 123-I was 0.540±0.073 ml/min, which was almost similar to those reported previously. There is no obvious difference in the thyroid uptake for 24 hours, and kinetic parameters in healthy Japanese for these 50 years. The fraction of distributed to the thyroid gland is lower than the ICRP reference man, and such difference must be taken into consideration to estimate the radiation exposure upon Fukushima accident in Japan.

  15. Catecholamine transport in isolated lung parenchyma of pig

    PubMed Central

    Goldie, Roy G.; Paterson, James W.

    1982-01-01

    1 Lung parenchyma strips of the pig incubated at 37°C with [3H]-(-)-noradrenaline ([3H]-NA) or [3H]-(±)-isoprenaline ([3H]-Iso), accumulated radioactivity via saturable, high affinity uptake processes. Apparent saturation constants (Km) for [3H]-NA and [3H]-Iso were 1.34 × 10-6 M and 1.63 × 10-6 M respectively, while apparent transport maxima (Vmax) were 4.86 and 1.63 × 10-9 mol min-1 g-1 respectively. 2 Cellular accumulation of radioactivity from radiolabelled catecholamines was greatly reduced by lowering the temperature to 7°C, pretreatment with ouabain (100 μM), phentolamine (15 μM) or phenoxybenzamine (80 μM). However, accumulation of radioactivity derived from (3H]-NA was inhibited selectively by cocaine (10 μM) and desipramine (1 μM), while normetanephrine (80 μM) and 3-O-methylisoprenaline (50 μM) caused much greater reductions in cellular radioactivity from [3H]-Iso than from (3H]-NA. Taken together with information from kinetic studies, the results indicate that these amines are transported by separate uptake processes. 3 Cocaine (50 μM) which selectively reduced [3H]-NA transport, had no significant effect on the sensitivity (EC50) of isolated parenchyma lung strips of the pig to the contractile effects of cumulative concentrations of NA. The catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitor, U-0521 (60 μM), also failed to alter the potency of NA, while normetanephrine (80 μM) caused a 2 fold decrease in potency. 4 Phentolamine (15 μM), which reduced the cellular accumulation of radioactivity derived from [3H]-Iso by 64%, caused a small potentiation of Iso-induced relaxations of porcine lung strips. Normetanephrine (80 μM) and 3-O-methylisoprenaline (50 μM), which also depressed the accumulation of cellular radioactivity from [3H]-Iso by > 50%, caused rightward shifts in Iso concentration-effect curves as a result of β-adrenoceptor blockade. In sharp contrast, cortisol (80 μM) and U-0521 (60 μM), which caused smaller reductions in the cellular accumulation of radioactivity derived from [3H]-Iso, both caused an approximately 9 fold potentiation of responses to Iso in isolated lung strips. 5 The results indicate that the major sites of uptake and metabolism of NA in porcine parenchyma strip are remote from α-adrenoceptors mediating NA-induced contraction. Similarly, some major sites of uptake of Iso are remote from β-adrenoceptors mediating Iso-induced relaxation. However, β-adrenoceptors are apparently in close proximity to a compartment containing COMT activity. PMID:7104521

  16. Lactose-modified DNA tile nanostructures as drug carriers.

    PubMed

    Akkus Sut, Pinar; Tunc, Cansu Umran; Culha, Mustafa

    2016-09-01

    DNA hybridization allows the preparation of nanoscale DNA structures with desired shape and size. DNA structures using simple base pairing can be used for the delivery of drug molecules into the cells. Since DNA carries multiple negative charges, their cellular uptake efficiency is low. Thus, the modification of the DNA structures with molecules that may enhance the cellular internalization may be an option. The objective of this study is to construct DNA-based nanocarrier system and to investigate the cellular uptake of DNA tile with/without lactose modification. Doxorubicin was intercalated to DNA tile and cellular uptake of drug-loaded DNA-based carrier with/without lactose modification was investigated in vitro. HeLa, BT-474, and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells were used for cellular uptake studies and cytotoxicity assays. Using fluorescence spectroscopy, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy, cellular uptake behavior of DNA tile was investigated. The cytotoxicity of DNA tile structures was determined with WST-1 assay. The results show that modification with lactose effectively increases the intracellular uptake of doxorubicin loaded DNA tile structure by cancer cells compared with the unmodified DNA tile. The findings of this study suggest that DNA-based nanostructures modified with carbohydrates can be used as suitable multifunctional nanocarriers with simple chemical modifications.

  17. Synthesis of all-hydrocarbon stapled α-helical peptides by ring-closing olefin metathesis.

    PubMed

    Kim, Young-Woo; Grossmann, Tom N; Verdine, Gregory L

    2011-06-01

    This protocol provides a detailed procedure for the preparation of stapled α-helical peptides, which have proven their potential as useful molecular probes and as next-generation therapeutics. Two crucial features of this protocol are (i) the construction of peptide substrates containing hindered α-methyl, α-alkenyl amino acids and (ii) the ring-closing olefin metathesis (RCM) of the resulting resin-bound peptide substrates. The stapling systems described in this protocol, namely bridging one or two turns of an α-helix, are highly adaptable to most peptide sequences, resulting in favorable RCM kinetics, helix stabilization and promotion of cellular uptake.

  18. Uptake, sequestration and tolerance of cadmium at cellular levels in the hyperaccumulator plant species Sedum alfredii

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tian, Shengke; Xie, Ruohan; Wang, Haixin

    Sedum alfredii is one of a few plant species known to hyperaccumulate cadmium (Cd). Uptake, localization, and tolerance of Cd at cellular levels in shoots were compared in hyperaccumulating (HE) and non-hyperaccumulating (NHE) ecotypes of Sedum alfredii. X-ray fluorescence images of Cd in stems and leaves showed only a slight Cd signal restricted within vascular bundles in the NHEs, while enhanced localization of Cd, with significant tissue- and age-dependent variations, was detected in HEs. In contrast to the vascular-enriched Cd in young stems, parenchyma cells in leaf mesophyll, stem pith and cortex tissues served as terminal storage sites for Cdmore » sequestration in HEs. Kinetics of Cd transport into individual leaf protoplasts of the two ecotypes showed little difference in Cd accumulation. However, far more efficient storage of Cd in vacuoles was apparent in HEs. Subsequent analysis of cell viability and hydrogen peroxide levels suggested that HE protoplasts exhibited higher resistance to Cd than those of NHE protoplasts. These results suggest that efficient sequestration into vacuoles, as opposed to rapid transport into parenchyma cells, is a pivotal process in Cd accumulation and homeostasis in shoots of HE S. alfredii. This is in addition to its efficient root-to-shoot translocation of Cd.« less

  19. Cellular Stress Response to Engineered Nanoparticles: Effect of Size, Surface Coating, and Cellular Uptake

    EPA Science Inventory

    CELLULAR STRESS RESPONSE TO ENGINEERED NANOPARTICLES: EFFECT OF SIZE, SURFACE COATING, AND CELLULAR UPTAKE RY Prasad 1, JK McGee2, MG Killius1 D Ackerman2, CF Blackman2 DM DeMarini2 , SO Simmons2 1 Student Services Contractor, US EPA, RTP, NC 2 US EPA, RTP, NC The num...

  20. The Role of Hydrophobicity in the Cellular Uptake of Negatively Charged Macromolecules.

    PubMed

    Abou Matar, Tamara; Karam, Pierre

    2018-02-01

    It is generally accepted that positively charged molecules are the gold standard to by-pass the negatively charged cell membrane. Here, it is shown that cellular uptake is also possible for polymers with negatively charged side chains and hydrophobic backbones. Specifically, poly[5-methoxy-2-(3-sulfopropoxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene], a conjugated polyelectrolyte with sulfonate, as water-soluble functional groups, is shown to accumulate in the intracellular region. When the polymer hydrophobic backbone is dissolved using polyvinylpyrrolidone, an amphiphilic macromolecule, the cellular uptake is dramatically reduced. The report sheds light on the fine balance between negatively charged side groups and the hydrophobicity of polymers to either enhance or reduce cellular uptake. As a result, these findings will have important ramifications on the future design of targeted cellular delivery nanocarriers for imaging and therapeutic applications. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  1. Imaging of cellular proliferation in liver metastasis by [18F]fluorothymidine positron emission tomography: effect of therapy.

    PubMed

    Contractor, Kaiyumars; Challapalli, Amarnath; Tomasi, Giampaolo; Rosso, Lula; Wasan, Harpreet; Stebbing, Justin; Kenny, Laura; Mangar, Stephen; Riddle, Pippa; Palmieri, Carlo; Al-Nahhas, Adil; Sharma, Rohini; Turkheimer, Federico; Coombes, R Charles; Aboagye, Eric

    2012-06-07

    Although [(18)F]fluorothymidine positron emission tomography (FLT-PET) permits estimation of tumor thymidine kinase-1 expression, and thus, cell proliferation, high physiological uptake of tracer in liver tissue can limit its utility. We evaluated FLT-PET combined with a temporal-intensity information-based voxel-clustering approach termed kinetic spatial filtering (FLT-PET(KSF)) for detecting drug response in liver metastases. FLT-PET and computed tomography data were collected from patients with confirmed breast or colorectal liver metastases before, and two weeks after the first cycle of chemotherapy. Changes in tumor FLT-PET and FLT-PET(KSF) variables were determined. Visual distinction between tumor and normal liver was seen in FLT-PET(KSF) images. Of the 33 metastases from 20 patients studied, 26 were visible after kinetic filtering. The net irreversible retention of the tracer (Ki; from unfiltered data) in the tumor, correlated strongly with tracer uptake when the imaging variable was an unfiltered average or maximal standardized uptake value, 60 min post-injection (SUV(60,av): r = 0.9, SUV(60,max): r = 0.7; p < 0.0001 for both) and occurrence of high intensity voxels derived from FLT-PET(KSF) (r = 0.7, p < 0.0001). Overall, a significant reduction in the imaging variables was seen in responders compared to non-responders; however, the two week time point selected for imaging was too early to allow prediction of long term clinical benefit from chemotherapy. FLT-PET and FLT-PET(KSF) detected changes in proliferation in liver metastases.

  2. The logistic growth of duckweed (Lemna minor) and kinetics of ammonium uptake.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Kun; Chen, You-Peng; Zhang, Ting-Ting; Zhao, Yun; Shen, Yu; Huang, Lei; Gao, Xu; Guo, Jin-Song

    2014-01-01

    Mathematical models have been developed to describe nitrogen uptake and duckweed growth experimentally to study the kinetics of ammonium uptake under various concentrations. The kinetics of duckweed ammonium uptake was investigated using the modified depletion method after plants were grown for two weeks at different ammonium concentrations (0.5-14 mg/L) in the culture medium. The maximum uptake rate and Michaelis-Menten constant for ammonium were estimated as 0.082 mg/(g fresh weight x h) and 1.877 mg/L, respectively. Duckweed growth was assessed when supplied at different total nitrogen (TN) concentrations (1-5 mg/L) in the culture medium. The results showed that the intrinsic growth rate was from 0.22 to 0.26 d(-1), and TN concentrations had no significant influence on the duckweed growth rate.

  3. VO2 kinetics of constant-load exercise following bed-rest-induced deconditioning

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Convertino, V. A.; Goldwater, D. J.; Sandler, H.

    1984-01-01

    Previous studies have shown that the oxygen uptake kinetics during exercise and recovery may be changed by alterations in work intensity, prior exercise, muscle group involvement, ambient conditions, posture, disease state, and level of physical conditioning. However, the effects of detraining on oxygen uptake kinetics have not been determined. The present investigation has the objective to determine the effects of deconditioning following seven days of continuous head-down bed rest on changes in steady-state oxygen uptake, O2 deficit, and recovery oxygen uptake during the performance of constant-load exercise. The obtained results may provide support for previous proposals that submaximal oxygen uptake was significantly reduced following bed rest. The major finding was that bed-rest deconditioning resulted in a reduction of total O2 transport/utilization capacity during the transient phase of upright but not supine exercise.

  4. Actively Shaken In-Situ Passive Sampler Platform for Methylmercury and Organics

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-02-01

    Figure 3.2- PRC dissipation and compound uptake kinetics generally assumed for the Performance Reference Compound (PRC) approach...dissipation and compound uptake kinetics generally assumed for the performance reference compound (PRC) approach. C(t) and C(ss) refer to target...under-equilibrated passive sampler measurements that need to be corrected for equilibrium, typically by extrapolation of the loss kinetics of

  5. Influence of Prolonged Spaceflight on Heart Rate and Oxygen Uptake Kinetics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hoffmann, U.; Moore, A.; Drescher, U.

    2013-02-01

    During prolonged spaceflight, physical training is used to minimize cardiovascular deconditioning. Measurement of the kinetics of cardiorespiratory parameters, in particular the kinetic analysis of heart rate, respiratory and muscular oxygen uptake, provides useful information with regard to the efficiency and regulation of the cardiorespiratory system. Practically, oxygen uptake kinetics can only be measured at the lung site (V’O2 resp). The dynamics of V’O2 resp, however, is not identical with the dynamics at the site of interest: skeletal muscle. Eight Astronauts were tested pre- and post-flight using pseudo random binary workload changes between 30 and 80 W. Their kinetic responses of heart rate, respiratory as well as muscular V’O2 kinetics were estimated by using time-series analysis. Statistical analysis revealed that the kinetic responses of respiratory as well as muscular V’O2 kinetics are slowed post-flight than pre-flight. Heart rate seems not to be influenced following flight. The influence of other factors (e. g. astronauts’ exercise training) may impact these parameters and is an area for future studies.

  6. Faster heart rate and muscular oxygen uptake kinetics in type 2 diabetes patients following endurance training.

    PubMed

    Koschate, Jessica; Drescher, Uwe; Brinkmann, Christian; Baum, Klaus; Schiffer, Thorsten; Latsch, Joachim; Brixius, Klara; Hoffmann, Uwe

    2016-11-01

    Cardiorespiratory kinetics were analyzed in type 2 diabetes patients before and after a 12-week endurance exercise-training intervention. It was hypothesized that muscular oxygen uptake and heart rate (HR) kinetics would be faster after the training intervention and that this would be detectable using a standardized work rate protocol with pseudo-random binary sequences. The cardiorespiratory kinetics of 13 male sedentary, middle-aged, overweight type 2 diabetes patients (age, 60 ± 8 years; body mass index, 33 ± 4 kg·m -2 ) were tested before and after the 12-week exercise intervention. Subjects performed endurance training 3 times a week on nonconsecutive days. Pseudo-random binary sequences exercise protocols in combination with time series analysis were used to estimate kinetics. Greater maxima in cross-correlation functions (CCF max ) represent faster kinetics of the respective parameter. CCF max of muscular oxygen uptake (pre-training: 0.31 ± 0.03; post-training: 0.37 ± 0.1, P = 0.024) and CCF max of HR (pre-training: 0.25 ± 0.04; post-training: 0.29 ± 0.06, P = 0.007) as well as peak oxygen uptake (pre-training: 24.4 ± 4.7 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ; post-training: 29.3 ± 6.5 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 , P = 0.004) increased significantly over the course of the exercise intervention. In conclusion, kinetic responses to changing work rates in the moderate-intensity range are similar to metabolic demands occurring in everyday habitual activities. Moderate endurance training accelerated the kinetic responses of HR and muscular oxygen uptake. Furthermore, the applicability of the used method to detect these accelerations was demonstrated.

  7. Uptake of 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) from the apical membrane of Caco-2 cells by the monocarboxylic acid transporter

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kimura, Osamu; Tsukagoshi, Kensuke; Endo, Tetsuya

    2008-03-15

    The cellular uptake mechanism of 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA), a phenoxyacetic acid derivative, was investigated using Caco-2 epithelial cells. The cells were incubated with 50 {mu}M MCPA at pH 6.0 and 37 deg. C, and the uptake of MCPA from the apical membranes was measured. The uptake of MCPA was significantly decreased by incubation at low temperature (4 {sup o}C) and markedly increased by lowering the extracellular pH. Pretreatment with a protonophore, carbonylcyanide-p-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (25 {mu}M), or metabolic inhibitors, 2,4-dinitrophenol (1 mM) and sodium azide (10 mM), significantly decreased the uptake of MCPA by 53%, 45% and 48%, respectively. Coincubation of MCPAmore » with 10 mM L-lactic acid or {alpha}-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate, which is a substrate or an inhibitor of the monocarboxylic acid transporters (MCTs), significantly decreased the uptake of MCPA by 31% and 20%, respectively, and coincubation with benzoic acid profoundly decreased the uptake by 68%. In contrast, coincubation with succinic acid (a dicarboxylic acid) did not affect the uptake. Kinetic analysis of initial MCPA uptake suggested that MCPA is taken up via a carrier-mediated process [K{sub m} = 1.37 {+-} 0.15 mM, V{sub max} = 115 {+-} 6 nmol (mg protein){sup -1} (3 min){sup -1}]. Lineweaver-Burk plots show that benzoic acid competitively inhibits the uptake of MCPA with a K{sub i} value of 4.68 {+-} 1.76 mM. A trans-stimulation effect on MCPA uptake was found in cells preloaded with benzoic acid. These results suggest that the uptake of MCPA from the apical membrane of Caco-2 cells is mainly mediated by common MCTs along with benzoic acid but also in part by L-lactic acid.« less

  8. Nanoparticles of lipid monolayer shell and biodegradable polymer core for controlled release of paclitaxel: effects of surfactants on particles size, characteristics and in vitro performance.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yutao; Pan, Jie; Feng, Si-Shen

    2010-08-16

    This work developed a system of nanoparticles of lipid monolayer shell and biodegradable polymer core for controlled release of anticancer drugs with paclitaxel as a model drug, in which the emphasis was given to the effects of the surfactant type and the optimization of the emulsifier amount used in the single emulsion solvent evaporation/extraction process for the nanoparticle preparation on the particle size, characters and in vitro performance. The drug loaded nanoparticles were characterized by laser light scattering (LLS) for size and size distribution, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) for surface morphology, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for surface chemistry, zetasizer for surface charge, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for drug encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release kinetics. MCF-7 breast cancer cells were employed to evaluate the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity. It was found that phospholipids of short chains such as 1,2-dilauroylphosphatidylocholine (DLPC) have great advantages over the traditional emulsifier poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), which is used most often in the literature, in preparation of nanoparticles of biodegradable polymers such as poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) for desired particle size, character and in vitro cellular uptake and cytotoxicity. After incubation with MCF-7 cells at 0.250 mg/ml NP concentration, the coumarin-6 loaded PLGA NPs of DLPC shell showed more effective cellular uptake versus those of PVA shell. The analysis of IC(50), i.e. the drug concentration at which 50% of the cells are killed, demonstrated that our DLPC shell PLGA core NP formulation of paclitaxel could be 5.88-, 5.72-, 7.27-fold effective than the commercial formulation Taxol after 24, 48, 72h treatment, respectively. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Topical nanoparticulate formulation of drugs for ocular keratitis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Xiaoyan

    The primary objective of this project is to develop drug-loaded polymeric nanoparticles suspended in a biocompatible gel for topical delivery of therapeutic agents commonly employed in the treatment of ocular viral/bacterial keratitis. PART 1: Poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NP) of dipeptide monoester prodrugs of ganciclovir (GCV) including L-Val-L-Val-GCV (LLGCV), L-Val-D-Val-GCV (LDGCV), D-Val-L-Val-GCV (DLGCV) were formulated and dispersed in thermosensitive PLGA-PEG-PLGA polymer gel for the treatment of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) induced viral corneal keratitis. NP containing prodrugs of GCV were prepared by a double-emulsion solvent evaporation technique using various PLGA polymers with different drug/polymer ratios. Cytotoxicity studies suggested that all NP formulations are non-toxic. In vitro release of prodrugs from NP showed a biphasic release pattern with an initial burst phase followed by a sustained phase. Such burst effect was completely eliminated when NP were suspended in thermosensitive gels with near zero-order release kinetics. Prodrugs-loaded PLGA NP dispersed in thermosensitive gels can thus serve as a promising drug delivery system for the treatment of anterior eye diseases. Maximum uptake (around 60%) was noted at 3 h for NP. Cellular uptake and intracellular accumulation of prodrugs are significantly different among three stereoisomeric dipeptide prodrugs. The microscopic images show that NP are avidly internalized by HCEC cells and distributed throughout the cytoplasm instead of being localized on the cell surface. Following cellular uptake, prodrugs released from NP gradually bioreversed into parent drug GCV. LLGCV showed the highest degradation rate, followed by LDGCV and DLGCV. LLGCV, LDGCV and DLGCV released from NP exhibited superior uptake and bioreversion in corneal cells. PART 2: PLGA NP of hydrocortisone butyrate (HB) suspended in thermosensitive PLGA-PEG-PLGA gel were developed for the treatment of bacterial corneal keratitis. Experimental designs were employed in order to investigate specific effects of independent variables during preparation of HB-loaded PLGA NP and corresponding responses in optimizing the formulation. NP containing HB were prepared by an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion evaporation technique with different surfactants including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), pluronic F-108 and chitosan. NP were characterized with respect to particle size, entrapment efficiency, polydispersity, drug loading, surface morphology, zeta potential and crystallinity. In vitro release of HB from NP showed a biphasic release pattern with an initial burst phase followed by a sustained phase. Such burst effect was completely eliminated when NP were suspended in thermosensitive gels and zero-order release kinetics was observed. Percentage of uptake in HCEC after 4 h was 59.09+/-6.21% for PVA-emulsified NP relative to 55.74+/-6.26% for pluronic-emulsified NP, and 62.54+/-3.30% for chitosan-emulsified NP, respectively. In HCEC cell line, chitosan-emulsified NP with chitosan showed highest cellular uptake efficiency over PVA- and pluronic-emulsified NP. However, NP with chitosan indicated significant cytotoxicity under 200 and 500 ?g/mL after 48 h, while NP with PVA and pluronic showed no significant cytotoxicity. PLGA NP dispersed in thermosensitive gels can be considered as a promising drug delivery system for the treatment of anterior eye diseases.

  10. Positive Newborn Screen for Methylmalonic Aciduria Identifies the First Mutation in TCblR/CD320, the Gene for Cellular Uptake of Transcobalamin-bound Vitamin B12

    PubMed Central

    Quadros, Edward V.; Lai, Shao-Chiang; Nakayama, Yasumi; Sequeira, Jeffrey M.; Hannibal, Luciana; Wang, Sihe; Jacobsen, Donald W.; Fedosov, Sergey; Wright, Erica; Gallagher, Renata C.; Anastasio, Natascia; Watkins, David; Rosenblatt, David S.

    2010-01-01

    Elevated methylmalonic acid in five asymptomatic newborns whose fibroblasts showed decreased uptake of transcobalamin-bound cobalamin (holo-TC), suggested a defect in the cellular uptake of cobalamin. Analysis of TCblR/CD320, the gene for the receptor for cellular uptake of holo-TC, identified a homozygous single codon deletion, c.262_264GAG (p.E88del), resulting in the loss of a glutamic acid residue in the low-density lipoprotein receptor type A-like domain. Inserting the codon by site-directed mutagenesis fully restored TCblR function. PMID:20524213

  11. Relation of organic contaminant equilibrium sorption and kinetic uptake in plants

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Li, H.; Sheng, G.; Chiou, C.T.; Xu, O.

    2005-01-01

    Plant uptake is one of the environmental processes that influence contaminant fate. Understanding the magnitude and rate of plant uptake is critical to assessing potential crop contamination and the development of phytoremediation technologies. We determined (1) the partition-dominated equilibrium sorption of lindane (LDN) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) by roots and shoots of wheat seedlings, (2) the kinetic uptake of LDN and HCB by roots and shoots of wheat seedlings, (3) the kinetic uptake of HCB, tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and trichloroethylene (TCE) by roots and shoots of ryegrass seedlings, and (4) the lipid, carbohydrate, and water contents of the plants. Although the determined sorption and the plant composition together suggest the predominant role of plant lipids for the sorption of LDN and HCB, the predicted partition with lipids of LDN and HCB using the octanol-water partition coefficients is notably lower than the measured sorption, due presumably to underestimation of the plant lipid contents and to the fact that octanol is less effective as a partition medium than plant lipids. The equilibrium sorption or the estimated partition can be viewed as the kinetic uptake limits. The uptakes of LDN, PCE, and TCE from water at fixed concentrations increased with exposure time in approach to steady states. The uptake of HCB did not reach a plateau within the tested time because of its exceptionally high partition coefficient. In all of the cases, the observed uptakes were lower than their respective limits, due presumably to contaminant dissipation in and limited water transpiration by the plants. ?? 2005 American Chemical Society.

  12. Comparative kinetics and reciprocal inhibition of nitrate and nitrite uptake in roots of uninduced and induced barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Aslam, M.; Travis, R. L.; Huffaker, R. C.

    1992-01-01

    Nitrate and NO2- transport by roots of 8-day-old uninduced and induced intact barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var CM 72) seedlings were compared to kinetic patterns, reciprocal inhibition of the transport systems, and the effect of the inhibitor, p-hydroxymercuribenzoate. Net uptake of NO3- and NO2- was measured by following the depletion of the ions from the uptake solutions. The roots of uninduced seedlings possessed a low concentration, saturable, low Km, possibly a constitutive uptake system, and a linear system for both NO3- and NO2-. The low Km system followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics and approached saturation between 40 and 100 micromolar, whereas the linear system was detected between 100 and 500 micromolar. In roots of induced seedlings, rates for both NO3- and NO2- uptake followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics and approached saturation at about 200 micromolar. In induced roots, two kinetically identifiable transport systems were resolved for each anion. At the lower substrate concentrations, less than 10 micromolar, the apparent low Kms of NO3- and NO2- uptake were 7 and 9 micromolar, respectively, and were similar to those of the low Km system in uninduced roots. At substrate concentrations between 10 and 200 micromolar, the apparent high Km values of NO3- uptake ranged from 34 to 36 micromolar and of NO2- uptake ranged from 41 to 49 micromolar. A linear system was also found in induced seedlings at concentrations above 500 micromolar. Double reciprocal plots indicated that NO3- and NO2- inhibited the uptake of each other competitively in both uninduced and induced seedlings; however, Ki values showed that NO3- was a more effective inhibitor than NO2-. Nitrate and NO2- transport by both the low and high Km systems were greatly inhibited by p-hydroxymercuribenzoate, whereas the linear system was only slightly inhibited.

  13. Subcellular Localized Chemical Imaging of Benthic Algal Nutritional Content via HgCdTe Array FT-IR

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wetzel, D.; Murdock, J; Dodds, W

    2008-01-01

    Algae respond rapidly and uniquely to changes in nutrient availability by adjusting pigment, storage product, and organelle content and quality. Cellular and subcellular variability of the relative abundance of macromolecular pools (e.g. protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and phosphodiesters) within the benthic (bottom dwelling) alga Cladophora glomerata (a common nuisance species in fresh and saline waters) was revealed by FT-IR microspectroscopic imaging. Nutrient heterogeneity was compared at the filament, cellular, and subcellular level, and localized nutrient uptake kinetics were studied by detecting the gradual incorporation of isotopically labeled nitrogen (N) (as K15NO3) from surrounding water into cellular proteins. Nutritional content differed substantiallymore » among filament cells, with differences driven by protein and lipid abundance. Whole cell imaging showed high subcellular macromolecular variability in all cells, including adjacent cells on a filament that developed clonally. N uptake was also very heterogeneous, both within and among cells, and did not appear to coincide with subcellular protein distribution. Despite high intercellular variability, some patterns emerged. Cells acquired more 15N the further they were away from the filament attachment point, and 15N incorporation was more closely correlated with phosphodiester content than protein, lipid, or carbohydrate content. Benthic algae are subject to substantial environmental heterogeneity induced by microscale hydrodynamic factors and spatial variability in nutrient availability. Species specific responses to nutrient heterogeneity are central to understanding this key component of aquatic ecosystems. FT-IR microspectroscopy, modified for benthic algae, allows determination of algal physiological responses at scales not available using current techniques.« less

  14. Force dependent internalization of magnetic nanoparticles results in highly loaded endothelial cells for use as potential therapy delivery vectors.

    PubMed

    MacDonald, Cristin; Barbee, Kenneth; Polyak, Boris

    2012-05-01

    To investigate the kinetics, mechanism and extent of MNP loading into endothelial cells and the effect of this loading on cell function. MNP uptake was examined under field on/off conditions, utilizing varying magnetite concentration MNPs. MNP-loaded cell viability and functional integrity was assessed using metabolic respiration, cell proliferation and migration assays. MNP uptake in endothelial cells significantly increased under the influence of a magnetic field versus non-magnetic conditions. Larger magnetite density of the MNPs led to a higher MNP internalization by cells under application of a magnetic field without compromising cellular respiration activity. Two-dimensional migration assays at no field showed that higher magnetite loading resulted in greater cell migration rates. In a three-dimensional migration assay under magnetic field, the migration rate of MNP-loaded cells was more than twice that of unloaded cells and was comparable to migration stimulated by a serum gradient. Our results suggest that endothelial cell uptake of MNPs is a force dependent process. The in vitro assays determined that cell health is not adversely affected by high MNP loadings, allowing these highly magnetically responsive cells to be potentially beneficial therapy (gene, drug or cell) delivery systems.

  15. Fatty acid uptake by isolated rat heart myocytes represents a carrier-mediated transport process.

    PubMed Central

    Stremmel, W

    1988-01-01

    The mechanism by which fatty acids enter cardiomyocytes is unclear. Therefore, the influx kinetics of [3H]oleate into isolated rat heart myocytes were examined. Cells were incubated at 37 degrees C with [3H]oleate bound to albumin in various molar ratios and the initial rate of uptake (V0) was determined as a function of the unbound oleate concentration in the medium. V0 was saturable with increasing oleate concentrations incubated (Km 78 nM; Vmax 1.9 nmol X min-1 per 10(6) cells) and temperature dependent with an optimum at 37 degrees C. Furthermore, binding of [3H]oleate to isolated plasma membranes of cardiomyocytes was saturable, revealing a KD of 42 nM, and was inhibited by heat denaturation or trypsin pretreatment of the membranes. From these membranes a single 40-kD protein with high affinity for a variety of long chain fatty acids was isolated. With a monospecific antibody to this membrane protein, binding as well as cellular influx of [3H]oleate was selectively inhibited. These data indicate that at least a portion of myocardial fatty acid uptake is mediated by a specific membrane protein. Images PMID:3343344

  16. Cellular uptake and retention measurements of alkylphosphocholines in the SK-BR-3 breast cancer and Molt-4 leukemia cell line using capillary gas chromatography.

    PubMed

    Brochez, V; Van Heuverswyn, D; Diniz, J A; De Potter, C R; Van den Eeckhout, E G

    1999-05-01

    The determination of cellular content of octadecylphosphocholine (D-19391) and hexadecylphosphocholine (HePC, D-18506), two anticancer agents of the alkylphosphocholine group, using capillary gas chromatography is described. The compounds' cytotoxicity was first determined by the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium] assay, being indicative for the concentration used in the uptake and retention measurements. D-19391 was added to the SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell line and HePC to the Molt-4 leukemia cell line in concentrations of, respectively, 18.6 and 15.0 microM, during a 36-h incubation period at 37 degrees C, 5% CO2. HePC uptake in the leukemia cells was followed by a 24-h reversibility test in drug-free medium. Subsequently, sample clean-up was performed on a weak cation-exchange column. For the quantitative analysis, HePC was used as internal standard for the D-19391 measurements and vice versa. Derivatization of the samples with trimethylsilylbromide was followed by capillary gas chromatographic analysis. From these data we conclude that our uptake results are quite similar with those of a previous study of HePC cellular uptake in the more resistant Caco-2T colon cancer cell line. Without having investigated the mechanism that underlies the cellular uptake results obtained, our study points to no direct correlation between the compounds' cellular uptake and their cytotoxic effects.

  17. Cyclodextrin-based star polymers as a versatile platform for nanochemotherapeutics: Enhanced entrapment and uptake of idarubicin.

    PubMed

    Nafee, N; Hirosue, M; Loretz, B; Wenz, G; Lehr, C-M

    2015-05-01

    A series of cyclodextrin-based star polymers were synthesized using β-cyclodextrin (CD) as hydrophilic core, methyl methacrylate (MMA) and tert-butyl acrylate (tBA) as hydrophobic arms. Star polymers, either homopolymers or random/block copolymers, showed narrow molecular weight distributions. Grafting hydrophobic arms created CD-based nanoparticles (CD-NPs) in the size range (130-200nm) with narrow PdI <0.15 and slightly negative ζ-potential. Particle surface could be modified with chitosan to impart a positive surface charge. Colloidal stability of CD-NPs was a function of pH as revealed by the pH-titration curves. CD-NPs were used as carrier for the chemotherapeutic drug idarubicin (encapsulation efficiency, EE ∼40%) ensuring prolonged release profile (∼80% after 48h). For cell-based studies, coumarin-6 was encapsulated as a fluorescent marker (EE ∼75%). Uptake studies carried out on A549 and Caco-2 cell lines proved the uptake of coumarin-loaded NPs as a function of time and preferential localization in the cytoplasm. Uptake kinetics revealed no saturation or plateau over 6h. Chitosan-modified NPs showed significantly improved, concentration-dependent cellular uptake. Meanwhile, CD-NPs were non-cytotoxic on both cell lines over the concentration range (0.25-3mg/ml) as studied by MTT and LDH assays. In conclusion, CD star polymers can be considered a versatile platform for a new class of biocompatible nanochemotherapy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Microwave gallium-68 radiochemistry for kinetically stable bis(thiosemicarbazone) complexes: structural investigations and cellular uptake under hypoxia† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. CCDC 1001632–1001634. For ESI and crystallographic data in CIF or other electronic format see DOI: 10.1039/c5dt02537k Click here for additional data file. Click here for additional data file.

    PubMed Central

    Alam, Israt S.; Arrowsmith, Rory L.; Cortezon-Tamarit, Fernando; Twyman, Frazer; Kociok-Köhn, Gabriele; Botchway, Stanley W.; Dilworth, Jonathan R.

    2016-01-01

    We report the microwave synthesis of several bis(thiosemicarbazones) and the rapid gallium-68 incorporation to give the corresponding metal complexes. These proved kinetically stable under ‘cold’ and ‘hot’ biological assays and were investigated using laser scanning confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and radioactive cell retention studies under normoxia and hypoxia. 68Ga complex retention was found to be 34% higher in hypoxic cells than in normoxic cells over 30 min, further increasing to 53% at 120 min. Our data suggests that this class of gallium complexes show hypoxia selectivity suitable for imaging in living cells and in vivo tests by microPET in nude athymic mice showed that they are excreted within 1 h of their administration. PMID:26583314

  19. Ligand-induced type II interleukin-4 receptor dimers are sustained by rapid re-association within plasma membrane microcompartments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Richter, David; Moraga, Ignacio; Winkelmann, Hauke; Birkholz, Oliver; Wilmes, Stephan; Schulte, Markos; Kraich, Michael; Kenneweg, Hella; Beutel, Oliver; Selenschik, Philipp; Paterok, Dirk; Gavutis, Martynas; Schmidt, Thomas; Garcia, K. Christopher; Müller, Thomas D.; Piehler, Jacob

    2017-07-01

    The spatiotemporal organization of cytokine receptors in the plasma membrane is still debated with models ranging from ligand-independent receptor pre-dimerization to ligand-induced receptor dimerization occurring only after receptor uptake into endosomes. Here, we explore the molecular and cellular determinants governing the assembly of the type II interleukin-4 receptor, taking advantage of various agonists binding the receptor subunits with different affinities and rate constants. Quantitative kinetic studies using artificial membranes confirm that receptor dimerization is governed by the two-dimensional ligand-receptor interactions and identify a critical role of the transmembrane domain in receptor dimerization. Single molecule localization microscopy at physiological cell surface expression levels, however, reveals efficient ligand-induced receptor dimerization by all ligands, largely independent of receptor binding affinities, in line with the similar STAT6 activation potencies observed for all IL-4 variants. Detailed spatiotemporal analyses suggest that kinetic trapping of receptor dimers in actin-dependent microcompartments sustains robust receptor dimerization and signalling.

  20. A Thermodynamically-consistent FBA-based Approach to Biogeochemical Reaction Modeling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shapiro, B.; Jin, Q.

    2015-12-01

    Microbial rates are critical to understanding biogeochemical processes in natural environments. Recently, flux balance analysis (FBA) has been applied to predict microbial rates in aquifers and other settings. FBA is a genome-scale constraint-based modeling approach that computes metabolic rates and other phenotypes of microorganisms. This approach requires a prior knowledge of substrate uptake rates, which is not available for most natural microbes. Here we propose to constrain substrate uptake rates on the basis of microbial kinetics. Specifically, we calculate rates of respiration (and fermentation) using a revised Monod equation; this equation accounts for both the kinetics and thermodynamics of microbial catabolism. Substrate uptake rates are then computed from the rates of respiration, and applied to FBA to predict rates of microbial growth. We implemented this method by linking two software tools, PHREEQC and COBRA Toolbox. We applied this method to acetotrophic methanogenesis by Methanosarcina barkeri, and compared the simulation results to previous laboratory observations. The new method constrains acetate uptake by accounting for the kinetics and thermodynamics of methanogenesis, and predicted well the observations of previous experiments. In comparison, traditional methods of dynamic-FBA constrain acetate uptake on the basis of enzyme kinetics, and failed to reproduce the experimental results. These results show that microbial rate laws may provide a better constraint than enzyme kinetics for applying FBA to biogeochemical reaction modeling.

  1. Fluorescence-encoded gold nanoparticles: library design and modulation of cellular uptake into dendritic cells.

    PubMed

    Rodriguez-Lorenzo, Laura; Fytianos, Kleanthis; Blank, Fabian; von Garnier, Christophe; Rothen-Rutishauser, Barbara; Petri-Fink, Alke

    2014-04-09

    In order to harness the unique properties of nanoparticles for novel clinical applications and to modulate their uptake into specific immune cells we designed a new library of homo- and hetero-functional fluorescence-encoded gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) using different poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(ethylene glycol)-based polymers for particle coating and stabilization. The encoded particles were fully characterized by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, zeta potential and dynamic light scattering. The uptake by human monocyte derived dendritic cells in vitro was studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy and quantified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. We show how the chemical modification of particle surfaces, for instance by attaching fluorescent dyes, can conceal fundamental particle properties and modulate cellular uptake. In order to mask the influence of fluorescent dyes on cellular uptake while still exploiting its fluorescence for detection, we have created hetero-functionalized Au-NPs, which again show typical particle dependent cellular interactions. Our study clearly prove that the thorough characterization of nanoparticles at each modification step in the engineering process is absolutely essential and that it can be necessary to make substantial adjustments of the particles in order to obtain reliable cellular uptake data, which truly reflects particle properties. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  2. The effect of organic anion-transporting polypeptides 1B1, 1B3 and 2B1 on the antitumor activity of flavopiridol in breast cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Brenner, Stefan; Riha, Juliane; Giessrigl, Benedikt; Thalhammer, Theresia; Grusch, Michael; Krupitza, Georg; Stieger, Bruno; Jäger, Walter

    2015-01-01

    The contribution of organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) to the cellular uptake of flavopiridol was investigated in OATP1B1-, OATP1B3- and OATP2B1-expressing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Uptake of flavopiridol into these cells showed typical Michaelis-Menten kinetics with much higher transport capacity for OATP1B3 compared to OATP1B1 and OATP2B1 (Vmax/Km, 33.9 vs. 8.84 and 2.41 µl/mg/min, respectively). The predominant role of OATPs was further supported by a dramatic inhibition of flavopiridol uptake in the presence of the OATP substrate rifampicin. Uptake of flavopiridol by OATPs also seems to be an important determinant in breast cancer cells. The much higher mRNA level for OATP1B1 found in wild-type compared to ZR-75-1 OATP1B1 knockdown cells correlated with higher flavopiridol initial uptake leading to 4.6-fold decreased IC50 values in the cytotoxicity assay (IC50, 1.45 vs. 6.64 µM). Cell cycle profile also showed a clear incidence for a stronger cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase for ZR-75-1 wild-type cells compared to OATP1B1 knockdown cells, further indicating an active uptake via OATP1B1. In conclusion, our results revealed OATP1B1, OATP1B3 and OATP2B1 as uptake transporters for flavopiridol in cancer cells, which may also apply in patients during cancer therapy.

  3. Cellular mechanism of oral absorption of solidified polymer micelles.

    PubMed

    Abramov, Eva; Cassiola, Flavia; Schwob, Ouri; Karsh-Bluman, Adi; Shapero, Mara; Ellis, James; Luyindula, Dema; Adini, Irit; D'Amato, Robert J; Benny, Ofra

    2015-11-01

    Oral delivery of poorly soluble and permeable drugs represents a significant challenge in drug development. The oral delivery of drugs remains to be the ultimate route of any drugs. However, in many cases, drugs are not absorbed well in the gastrointestinal tract, or they lose their activity. Polymer micelles were recognized as an effective carrier system for drug encapsulation, and are now studied as a vehicle for oral delivery of insoluble compounds. We characterized the properties of monomethoxy polyethylene glycol-poly lactic acid (mPEG-PLA) micelles, and visualized their internalization in mouse small intestine. Using Caco-2 cells as a cellular model, we studied the kinetics of particle uptake, their transport, and the molecular mechanism of their intestinal absorption. Moreover, by inhibiting specific endocytosis pathways, pharmacologically and genetically, we found that mPEG-PLA nanoparticle endocytosis is mediated by clathrin in an energy-dependent manner, and that the low-density lipoprotein receptor is involved. Many current drugs used are non-water soluble and indeed, the ability to deliver these drugs via the gastrointestinal tract remains the holy grail for many researchers. The authors in this paper developed monomethoxy polyethylene glycol-poly lactic acid (mPEG-PLA) micelles as a drug nanocarrier, and studied the mechanism of uptake across intestinal cells. The findings should improve our current understanding and point to the development of more nanocarriers. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Demon voltammetry and analysis software: Analysis of cocaine-induced alterations in dopamine signaling using multiple kinetic measures

    PubMed Central

    Yorgason, Jordan T.; España, Rodrigo A.; Jones, Sara R.

    2011-01-01

    The fast sampling rates of fast scan cyclic voltammetry make it a favorable method for measuring changes in brain monoamine release and uptake kinetics in slice, anesthetized, and freely moving preparations. The most common analysis technique for evaluating changes in dopamine signaling uses well-established Michaelis-Menten kinetic methods that can accurately model dopamine release and uptake parameters across multiple experimental conditions. Nevertheless, over the years, many researchers have turned to other measures to estimate changes in dopamine release and uptake, yet to our knowledge no systematic comparison amongst these measures has been conducted. To address this lack of uniformity in kinetic analyses, we have created the Demon Voltammetry and Analysis software suite, which is freely available to academic and non-profit institutions. Here we present an explanation of the Demon Acquisition and Analysis features, and demonstrate its utility for acquiring voltammetric data under in vitro, in vivo anesthetized, and freely moving conditions. Additionally, the software was used to compare the sensitivity of multiple kinetic measures of release and uptake to cocaine-induced changes in electrically evoked dopamine efflux in nucleus accumbens core slices. Specifically, we examined and compared tau, full width at half height, half-life, T20, T80, slope, peak height, calibrated peak dopamine concentration, and area under the curve to the well-characterized Michaelis-Menten parameters, dopamine per pulse, maximal uptake rate, and apparent affinity. Based on observed results we recommend tau for measuring dopamine uptake and calibrated peak dopamine concentration for measuring dopamine release. PMID:21392532

  5. Characteristics of the Freshwater Cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa Grown in Iron-Limited Continuous Culture

    PubMed Central

    Dang, T. C.; Fujii, M.; Rose, A. L.; Bligh, M.

    2012-01-01

    A continuous culturing system (chemostat) made of metal-free materials was successfully developed and used to maintain Fe-limited cultures of Microcystis aeruginosa PCC7806 at nanomolar iron (Fe) concentrations (20 to 50 nM total Fe). EDTA was used to maintain Fe in solution, with bioavailable Fe controlled by absorption of light by the ferric EDTA complex and resultant reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II). A kinetic model describing Fe transformations and biological uptake was applied to determine the biologically available form of Fe (i.e., unchelated ferrous iron) that is produced by photoreductive dissociation of the ferric EDTA complex. Prediction by chemostat theory modified to account for the light-mediated formation of bioavailable Fe rather than total Fe was in good agreement with growth characteristics of M. aeruginosa under Fe limitation. The cellular Fe quota increased with increasing dilution rates in a manner consistent with the Droop theory. Short-term Fe uptake assays using cells maintained at steady state indicated that M. aeruginosa cells vary their maximum Fe uptake rate (ρmax) depending on the degree of Fe stress. The rate of Fe uptake was lower for cells grown under conditions of lower Fe availability (i.e., lower dilution rate), suggesting that cells in the continuous cultures adjusted to Fe limitation by decreasing ρmax while maintaining a constant affinity for Fe. PMID:22210212

  6. L-Proline uptake in Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondria can contribute to bioenergetics during nutrient stress as alternative mitochondrial fuel.

    PubMed

    Pallotta, Maria Luigia

    2014-01-01

    L-Proline (pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid) is a distinctive metabolite both biochemically and biotechnologically and is currently recognized to have a cardinal role in gene expression and cellular signaling pathways in stress response. Proline-fueled mitochondrial metabolism involves the oxidative conversion of L-Proline to L-Glutamate in two enzymatic steps by means of Put1p and Put2p that help Saccharomyces cerevisiae to respond to changes in the nutritional environment by initiating the breakdown of L-Proline as a source for nitrogen, carbon, and energy. Compartmentalization of L-Proline catabolic pathway implies that extensive L-Proline transport must take place between the cytosol where its biogenesis via Pro1p, Pro2p, Pro3p occurs and mitochondria. L-Proline uptake in S. cerevisiae purified and active mitochondria was investigated by swelling experiments, oxygen uptake and fluorimetric measurement of a membrane potential generation (ΔΨ). Our results strongly suggest that L-Proline uptake occurs via a carried-mediated process as demonstrated by saturation kinetics and experiments with N-ethylmaleimide, a pharmacological compound that is a cysteine-modifying reagent in hydrophobic protein domains and that inhibited mitochondrial transport. Plasticity of S. cerevisiae cell biochemistry according to background fluctuations is an important factor of adaptation to stress. Thus L-Proline → Glutamate route feeds Krebs cycle providing energy and anaplerotic carbon for yeast survival.

  7. Endocytic mechanisms and osteoinductive profile of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Juan; Wang, Chen

    2018-01-01

    Background As a potentially bioactive material, the widespread application of nanosized hydroxyapatite (nano-HAP) in the field of bone regeneration has increased the risk of human exposure. However, our understanding of the interaction between nano-HAP and stem cells implicated in bone repair remains incomplete. Methods Here, we characterized the adhesion and cellular internalization of HAP nanoparticles (HANPs) with different sizes (20 nm np20 and 80 nm np80) and highlighted the involved pathway in their uptake using human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSCs). In addition, the effects of HANPs on cell viability, apoptosis response, osteogenic differentiation, and underlying related mechanisms were explored. Results It was shown that both types of HANPs readily adhered to the cellular membrane and were transported into the cells compared to micro-sized HAP particles (m-HAP; 12 μm). Interestingly, the endocytic routes of np20 and np80 differed, although they exhibited similar kinetics of adhesion and uptake. Our study revealed involvement of clathrin- and caveolin-mediated endocytosis as well as macropinocytosis in the np20 uptake. However, for np80, clathrin-mediated endocytosis and some as-yet-unidentified important uptake routes play central roles in their internalization. HANPs displayed a higher preference to accumulate in the cytoplasm compared to m-HAP, and HANPs were not detected in the nucleolus. Exposure to np20 for 24 h caused a decrease in cell viability, while cells completely recovered with an exposure time of 72 h. Furthermore, HANPs did not influence apoptosis and necrosis of hWJ-MSCs. Strikingly, HANPs enhanced mRNA levels of osteoblast-related genes and stimulated calcium mineral deposition, and this directly correlated with the activation in c-Jun N-terminal kinases and p38 pathways. Conclusion Our data provide additional insight about the interactions of HANPs with MSCs and suggest their application potential in hard tissue regeneration. PMID:29559775

  8. Correlation of Emulsion Structure with Cellular Uptake Behavior of Encapsulated Bioactive Nutrients: Influence of Droplet Size and Interfacial Structure.

    PubMed

    Lu, Wei; Kelly, Alan L; Maguire, Pierce; Zhang, Hongzhou; Stanton, Catherine; Miao, Song

    2016-11-16

    In this study, an in vitro Caco-2 cell culture assay was employed to evaluate the correlation between emulsion structure and cellular uptake of encapsulated β-carotene. After 4 h of incubation, an emulsion stabilized with whey protein isolate showed the highest intracellular accumulation of β-carotene (1.06 μg), followed by that stabilized with sodium caseinate (0.60 μg) and Tween 80 (0.20 μg), which are 13-, 7.5-, and 2.5-fold higher than that of free β-carotene (0.08 μg), respectively. Emulsions with small droplet size (239 ± 5 nm) showed a higher cellular uptake of β-carotene (1.56 μg) than emulsiond with large droplet size (489 ± 9 nm) (0.93 μg) (p < 0.01). The results suggested that delivery in an emulsion significantly improved the cellular uptake of β-carotene and thus potentially its bioavailability; uptake was closely correlated with the interfacial composition and droplet size of emulsions. The findings support the potential for achieving optimal controlled and targeted delivery of bioactive nutrients by structuring emulsions.

  9. Bioaccessibility and Cellular Uptake of β-Carotene Encapsulated in Model O/W Emulsions: Influence of Initial Droplet Size and Emulsifiers

    PubMed Central

    Kelly, Alan L.

    2017-01-01

    The effects of the initial emulsion structure (droplet size and emulsifier) on the properties of β-carotene-loaded emulsions and the bioavailability of β-carotene after passing through simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) digestion were investigated. Exposure to GIT significantly changed the droplet size, surface charge and composition of all emulsions, and these changes were dependent on their initial droplet size and the emulsifiers used. Whey protein isolate (WPI)-stabilized emulsion showed the highest β-carotene bioaccessibility, while sodium caseinate (SCN)-stabilized emulsion showed the highest cellular uptake of β-carotene. The bioavailability of emulsion-encapsulated β-carotene based on the results of bioaccessibility and cellular uptake showed the same order with the results of cellular uptake being SCN > TW80 > WPI. An inconsistency between the results of bioaccessibility and bioavailability was observed, indicating that the cellular uptake assay is necessary for a reliable evaluation of the bioavailability of emulsion-encapsulated compounds. The findings in this study contribute to a better understanding of the correlation between emulsion structure and the digestive fate of emulsion-encapsulated nutrients, which make it possible to achieve controlled or potential targeted delivery of nutrients by designing the structure of emulsion-based carriers. PMID:28930195

  10. Carrier-free cellular uptake and the gene-silencing activity of the lipophilic siRNAs is strongly affected by the length of the linker between siRNA and lipophilic group.

    PubMed

    Petrova, Natalya S; Chernikov, Ivan V; Meschaninova, Mariya I; Dovydenko, Iiya S; Venyaminova, Aliya G; Zenkova, Marina A; Vlassov, Valentin V; Chernolovskaya, Elena L

    2012-03-01

    The conjugation of siRNA to molecules, which can be internalized into the cell via natural transport mechanisms, can result in the enhancement of siRNA cellular uptake. Herein, the carrier-free cellular uptake of nuclease-resistant anti-MDR1 siRNA equipped with lipophilic residues (cholesterol, lithocholic acid, oleyl alcohol and litocholic acid oleylamide) attached to the 5'-end of the sense strand via oligomethylene linker of various length was investigated. A convenient combination of H-phosphonate and phosphoramidite methods was developed for the synthesis of 5'-lipophilic conjugates of siRNAs. It was found that lipophilic siRNA are able to effectively penetrate into HEK293, HepG2 and KB-8-5 cancer cells when used in a micromolar concentration range. The efficiency of the uptake is dependent upon the type of lipophilic moiety, the length of the linker between the moiety and the siRNA and cell type. Among all the conjugates tested, the cholesterol-conjugated siRNAs with linkers containing from 6 to 10 carbon atoms demonstrate the optimal uptake and gene silencing properties: the shortening of the linker reduces the efficiency of the cellular uptake of siRNA conjugates, whereas the lengthening of the linker facilitates the uptake but retards the gene silencing effect and decreases the efficiency of the silencing.

  11. Gymnasium-based unsupervised exercise maintains benefits in oxygen uptake kinetics obtained following supervised training in type 2 diabetes.

    PubMed

    Macananey, Oscar; O'Shea, Donal; Warmington, Stuart A; Green, Simon; Egaña, Mikel

    2012-08-01

    Supervised exercise (SE) in patients with type 2 diabetes improves oxygen uptake kinetics at the onset of exercise. Maintenance of these improvements, however, has not been examined when supervision is removed. We explored if potential improvements in oxygen uptake kinetics following a 12-week SE that combined aerobic and resistance training were maintained after a subsequent 12-week unsupervised exercise (UE). The involvement of cardiac output (CO) in these improvements was also tested. Nineteen volunteers with type 2 diabetes were recruited. Oxygen uptake kinetics and CO (inert gas rebreathing) responses to constant-load cycling at 50% ventilatory threshold (V(T)), 80% V(T), and mid-point between V(T) and peak workload (50% Δ) were examined at baseline (on 2 occasions) and following each 12-week training period. Participants decided to exercise at a local gymnasium during the UE. Thirteen subjects completed all the interventions. The time constant of phase 2 of oxygen uptake was significantly faster (p < 0.05) post-SE and post-UE compared with baseline at 50% V(T) (17.3 ± 10.7 s and 17.5 ± 5.9 s vs. 29.9 ± 10.7 s), 80% V(T) (18.9 ± 4.7 and 20.9 ± 8.4 vs. 34.3 ± 12.7s), and 50% Δ (20.4 ± 8.2 s and 20.2 ± 6.0 s vs. 27.6 ± 3.7 s). SE also induced faster heart rate kinetics at all 3 intensities and a larger increase in CO at 30 s in relation to 240 s at 80% V(T); and these responses were maintained post-UE. Unsupervised exercise maintained benefits in oxygen uptake kinetics obtained during a supervised exercise in subjects with diabetes, and these benefits were associated with a faster dynamic response of heart rate after training.

  12. Kinetic Modelling of Infection Tracers [18F]FDG, [68Ga]Ga-Citrate, [11C]Methionine, and [11C]Donepezil in a Porcine Osteomyelitis Model.

    PubMed

    Jødal, Lars; Jensen, Svend B; Nielsen, Ole L; Afzelius, Pia; Borghammer, Per; Alstrup, Aage K O; Hansen, Søren B

    2017-01-01

    Positron emission tomography (PET) is increasingly applied for infection imaging using [ 18 F]FDG as tracer, but uptake is unspecific. The present study compares the kinetics of [ 18 F]FDG and three other PET tracers with relevance for infection imaging. A juvenile porcine osteomyelitis model was used. Eleven pigs underwent PET/CT with 60-minute dynamic PET imaging of [ 18 F]FDG, [ 68 Ga]Ga-citrate, [ 11 C]methionine, and/or [ 11 C]donepezil, along with blood sampling. For infectious lesions, kinetic modelling with one- and two-tissue-compartment models was conducted for each tracer. Irreversible uptake was found for [ 18 F]FDG and [ 68 Ga]Ga-citrate; reversible uptake was found for [ 11 C]methionine (two-tissue model) and [ 11 C]donepezil (one-tissue model). The uptake rate for [ 68 Ga]Ga-citrate was slow and diffusion-limited. For the other tracers, the uptake rate was primarily determined by perfusion (flow-limited uptake). Net uptake rate for [ 18 F]FDG and distribution volume for [ 11 C]methionine were significantly higher for infectious lesions than for correspondingly noninfected tissue. For [ 11 C]donepezil in pigs, labelled metabolite products appeared to be important for the analysis. The kinetics of the four studied tracers in infection was characterized. For clinical applications, [ 18 F]FDG remains the first-choice PET tracer. [ 11 C]methionine may have a potential for detecting soft tissue infections. [ 68 Ga]Ga-citrate and [ 11 C]donepezil were not found useful for imaging of osteomyelitis.

  13. Effect of arginine methylation on the RNA recognition and cellular uptake of Tat-derived peptides.

    PubMed

    Li, Jhe-Hao; Chiu, Wen-Chieh; Yao, Yun-Chiao; Cheng, Richard P

    2015-05-01

    Arginine (Arg) methylation is a common post-translational modification that regulates gene expression and viral infection. The HIV-1 Tat protein is an essential regulatory protein for HIV proliferation, and is methylated in the cell. The basic region (residues 47-57) of the Tat protein contains six Arg residues, and is responsible for two biological functions: RNA recognition and cellular uptake. In this study, we explore the effect of three different methylation states at each Arg residue in Tat-derived peptides on the two biological functions. The Tat-derived peptides were synthesized by solid phase peptide synthesis. TAR RNA binding of the peptides was assessed by electrophoresis mobility shift assays. The cellular uptake of the peptides into Jurkat cells was determined by flow cytometry. Our results showed that RNA recognition was affected by both methylation state and position. In particular, asymmetric dimethylation at position 53 decreased TAR RNA binding affinity significantly, but unexpectedly less so upon asymmetric dimethylation at position 52. The RNA binding affinity even slightly increased upon methylation at some of the flanking Arg residues. Upon Arg methylation, the cellular uptake of Tat-derived peptides mostly decreased. Interestingly, cellular uptake of Tat-derived peptides with a single asymmetrically dimethylated Arg residue was similar to the native all Arg peptide (at 120 μM). Based on our results, TAR RNA binding apparently required both guanidinium terminal NH groups on Arg53, whereas cellular uptake apparently required guanidinium terminal NH₂ groups instead. These results should provide insight into how nature uses arginine methylation to regulate different biological functions, and should be useful for the development of functional molecules with methylated arginines. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  14. Cellular uptake of titanium and vanadium from addition of salts or fretting corrosion in vitro

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Maurer, A.M.; Merritt, K.; Brown, S.A.

    1994-02-01

    The use of titanium and titanium-6% aluminum-4% vanadium alloy for dental and orthopedic implants has increased in the last decade. The implants are presumed to be compatible because oseointegration, bony apposition, and cell attachment are known. However, the cellular association of titanium and vanadium have remained unknown. This study examined the uptake of salts or fretting corrosion products. Titanium was not observed to be toxic to the cells. Vanadium was toxic at levels greater than 10[mu]g/mL. The percentage of cellular association of titanium was shown to be about 10 times that of vanadium. The percentage of cellular association of eithermore » element was greater from fretting corrosion than from the addition of salts. The presence of vanadium did not affect the cellular uptake of titanium. The presence of titanium decreased the cell association of vanadium.« less

  15. Roles of sulfuric acid in elemental mercury removal by activated carbon and sulfur-impregnated activated carbon.

    PubMed

    Morris, Eric A; Kirk, Donald W; Jia, Charles Q; Morita, Kazuki

    2012-07-17

    This work addresses the discrepancy in the literature regarding the effects of sulfuric acid (H(2)SO(4)) on elemental Hg uptake by activated carbon (AC). H(2)SO(4) in AC substantially increased Hg uptake by absorption particularly in the presence of oxygen. Hg uptake increased with acid amount and temperature exceeding 500 mg-Hg/g-AC after 3 days at 200 °C with AC treated with 20% H(2)SO(4). In the absence of other strong oxidizers, oxygen was able to oxidize Hg. Upon oxidation, Hg was more readily soluble in the acid, greatly enhancing its uptake by acid-treated AC. Without O(2), S(VI) in H(2)SO(4) was able to oxidize Hg, thus making it soluble in H(2)SO(4). Consequently, the presence of a bulk H(2)SO(4) phase within AC pores resulted in an orders of magnitude increase in Hg uptake capacity. However, the bulk H(2)SO(4) phase lowered the AC pore volume and could block the access to the active surface sites and potentially hinder Hg uptake kinetics. AC treated with SO(2) at 700 °C exhibited a much faster rate of Hg uptake attributed to sulfur functional groups enhancing adsorption kinetics. SO(2)-treated carbon maintained its fast uptake kinetics even after impregnation by 20% H(2)SO(4).

  16. Target-specific cellular uptake of PLGA nanoparticles coated with poly(L-lysine)-poly(ethylene glycol)-folate conjugate.

    PubMed

    Kim, Sun Hwa; Jeong, Ji Hoon; Chun, Ki Woo; Park, Tae Gwan

    2005-09-13

    Poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles with anionic surface charge were surface coated with cationic di-block copolymer, poly(L-lysine)-poly(ethylene glycol)-folate (PLL-PEG-FOL) conjugate, for enhancing their site-specific intracellular delivery against folate receptor overexpressing cancer cells. The PLGA nanoparticles coated with the conjugate were characterized in terms of size, surface charge, and change in surface composition by XPS. By employing the flow cytometry method and confocal image analysis, the extent of cellular uptake was comparatively evaluated under various conditions. PLL-PEG-FOL coated PLGA nanoparticles demonstrated far greater extent of cellular uptake to KB cells, suggesting that they were mainly taken up by folate receptor-mediated endocytosis. The enhanced cellular uptake was also observed even in the presence of serum proteins, possibly due to the densely seeded PEG chains. The PLL-PEG-FOL coated PLGA nanoparticles could be potentially applied for cancer cell targeted delivery of various therapeutic agents.

  17. Force Dependent Internalization of Magnetic Nanoparticles Results in Highly Loaded Endothelial Cells for Use as Potential Therapy Delivery Vectors

    PubMed Central

    MacDonald, Cristin; Barbee, Kenneth

    2015-01-01

    Purpose To investigate the kinetics, mechanism and extent of MNP loading into endothelial cells and the effect of this loading on cell function. Methods MNP uptake was examined under field on/off conditions, utilizing varying magnetite concentration MNPs. MNP-loaded cell viability and functional integrity was assessed using metabolic respiration, cell proliferation and migration assays. Results MNP uptake in endothelial cells significantly increased under the influence of a magnetic field versus non-magnetic conditions. Larger magnetite density of the MNPs led to a higher MNP internalization by cells under application of a magnetic field without compromising cellular respiration activity. Two-dimensional migration assays at no field showed that higher magnetite loading resulted in greater cell migration rates. In a three-dimensional migration assay under magnetic field, the migration rate of MNP-loaded cells was more than twice that of unloaded cells and was comparable to migration stimulated by a serum gradient. Conclusions Our results suggest that endothelial cell uptake of MNPs is a force dependent process. The in vitro assays determined that cell health is not adversely affected by high MNP loadings, allowing these highly magnetically responsive cells to be potentially beneficial therapy (gene, drug or cell) delivery systems. PMID:22234617

  18. Impact of silica nanoparticle surface chemistry on protein corona formation and consequential interactions with biological cells.

    PubMed

    Kurtz-Chalot, Andréa; Villiers, Christian; Pourchez, Jérémie; Boudard, Delphine; Martini, Matteo; Marche, Patrice N; Cottier, Michèle; Forest, Valérie

    2017-06-01

    Nanoparticles (NP) physico-chemical features greatly influence NP/cell interactions. NP surface functionalization is often used to improve NP biocompatibility or to enhance cellular uptake. But in biological media, the formation of a protein corona adds a level of complexity. The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro the influence of NP surface functionalization on their cellular uptake and the biological response induced. 50nm fluorescent silica NP were functionalized either with amine or carboxylic groups, in presence or in absence of polyethylene glycol (PEG). NP were incubated with macrophages, cellular uptake and cellular response were assessed in terms of cytotoxicity, pro-inflammatory response and oxidative stress. The NP protein corona was also characterized by protein mass spectroscopy. Results showed that NP uptake was enhanced in absence of PEG, while NP adsorption at the cell membrane was fostered by an initial positively charged NP surface. NP toxicity was not correlated with NP uptake. NP surface functionalization also influenced the formation of the protein corona as the profile of protein binding differed among the NP types. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Cellular delivery of PEGylated PLGA nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Pamujula, Sarala; Hazari, Sidhartha; Bolden, Gevoni; Graves, Richard A; Chinta, Dakshinamurthy Devanga; Dash, Srikanta; Kishore, Vimal; Mandal, Tarun K

    2012-01-01

    The objective of this study was to investigate the efficiency of uptake of PEGylated polylactide-co-gycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles by breast cancer cells. Nanoparticles of PLGA containing various amounts of polyethylene glycol (PEG, 5%-15%) were prepared using a double emulsion solvent evaporation method. The nanoparticles were loaded with coumarin-6 (C6) as a fluorescence marker. The particles were characterized for surface morphology, particle size, zeta potential, and for cellular uptake by 4T1 murine breast cancer cells. Irrespective of the amount of PEG, all formulations yielded smooth spherical particles. However, a comparison of the particle size of various formulations showed bimodal distribution of particles. Each formulation was later passed through a 1.2 µm filter to obtain target size particles (114-335 nm) with zeta potentials ranging from -2.8 mV to -26.2 mV. While PLGA-PEG di-block (15% PEG) formulation showed significantly higher 4T1 cellular uptake than all other formulations, there was no statistical difference in cellular uptake among PLGA, PLGA-PEG-PLGA tri-block (10% PEG), PLGA-PEG di-block (5% PEG) and PLGA-PEG di-block (10% PEG) nanoparticles. These preliminary findings indicated that the nanoparticle formulation prepared with 15% PEGylated PLGA showed maximum cellular uptake due to it having the smallest particle size and lowest zeta potential. © 2011 The Authors. JPP © 2011 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

  20. Quantifying the cellular uptake of semiconductor quantum dot nanoparticles by analytical electron microscopy.

    PubMed

    Hondow, Nicole; Brown, M Rowan; Starborg, Tobias; Monteith, Alexander G; Brydson, Rik; Summers, Huw D; Rees, Paul; Brown, Andy

    2016-02-01

    Semiconductor quantum dot nanoparticles are in demand as optical biomarkers yet the cellular uptake process is not fully understood; quantification of numbers and the fate of internalized particles are still to be achieved. We have focussed on the characterization of cellular uptake of quantum dots using a combination of analytical electron microscopies because of the spatial resolution available to examine uptake at the nanoparticle level, using both imaging to locate particles and spectroscopy to confirm identity. In this study, commercially available quantum dots, CdSe/ZnS core/shell particles coated in peptides to target cellular uptake by endocytosis, have been investigated in terms of the agglomeration state in typical cell culture media, the traverse of particle agglomerates across U-2 OS cell membranes during endocytosis, the merging of endosomal vesicles during incubation of cells and in the correlation of imaging flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy to measure the final nanoparticle dose internalized by the U-2 OS cells. We show that a combination of analytical transmission electron microscopy and serial block face scanning electron microscopy can provide a comprehensive description of the internalization of an initial exposure dose of nanoparticles by an endocytically active cell population and how the internalized, membrane bound nanoparticle load is processed by the cells. We present a stochastic model of an endosome merging process and show that this provides a data-driven modelling framework for the prediction of cellular uptake of engineered nanoparticles in general. © 2015 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2015 Royal Microscopical Society.

  1. Investigation of kinetics and absorption isotherm models for hydroponic phytoremediation of waters contaminated with sulfate.

    PubMed

    Saber, Ali; Tafazzoli, Milad; Mortazavian, Soroosh; James, David E

    2018-02-01

    Two common wetland plants, Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) and Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana), were used in hydroponic cultivation systems for the treatment of simulated high-sulfate wastewaters. Plants in initial experiments at pH 7.0 removed sulfate more efficiently compared to the same experimental conditions at pH 6.0. Results at sulfate concentrations of 50, 200, 300, 600, 900, 1200, 1500 and 3000 mg/L during three consecutive 7-day treatment periods with 1-day rest intervals, showed decreasing trends of both removal efficiencies and uptake rates with increasing sulfate concentrations from the first to the second to the third 7-day treatment periods. Removed sulfate masses per unit dry plant mass, calculated after 23 days, showed highest removal capacity at 600 mg/L sulfate for both plants. A Langmuir-type isotherm best described sulfate uptake capacity of both plants. Kinetic studies showed that compared to pseudo first-order kinetics, pseudo-second order kinetic models slightly better described sulfate uptake rates by both plants. The Elovich kinetic model showed faster rates of attaining equilibrium at low sulfate concentrations for both plants. The dimensionless Elovich model showed that about 80% of sulfate uptake occurred during the first four days' contact time. Application of three 4-day contact times with 2-day rest intervals at high sulfate concentrations resulted in slightly higher uptakes compared to three 7-day contact times with 1-day rest intervals, indicating that pilot-plant scale treatment systems could be sized with shorter contact times and longer rest-intervals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. A strategy to determine operating parameters in tissue engineering hollow fiber bioreactors

    PubMed Central

    Shipley, RJ; Davidson, AJ; Chan, K; Chaudhuri, JB; Waters, SL; Ellis, MJ

    2011-01-01

    The development of tissue engineering hollow fiber bioreactors (HFB) requires the optimal design of the geometry and operation parameters of the system. This article provides a strategy for specifying operating conditions for the system based on mathematical models of oxygen delivery to the cell population. Analytical and numerical solutions of these models are developed based on Michaelis–Menten kinetics. Depending on the minimum oxygen concentration required to culture a functional cell population, together with the oxygen uptake kinetics, the strategy dictates the model needed to describe mass transport so that the operating conditions can be defined. If cmin ≫ Km we capture oxygen uptake using zero-order kinetics and proceed analytically. This enables operating equations to be developed that allow the user to choose the medium flow rate, lumen length, and ECS depth to provide a prescribed value of cmin. When , we use numerical techniques to solve full Michaelis–Menten kinetics and present operating data for the bioreactor. The strategy presented utilizes both analytical and numerical approaches and can be applied to any cell type with known oxygen transport properties and uptake kinetics. PMID:21370228

  3. Live Cell Imaging Confocal Microscopy Analysis of HBV Myr-PreS1 Peptide Binding and Uptake in NTCP-GFP Expressing HepG2 Cells.

    PubMed

    König, Alexander; Glebe, Dieter

    2017-01-01

    To obtain basic knowledge about specific molecular mechanisms involved in the entry of pathogens into cells is the basis for establishing pharmacologic substances blocking initial viral binding, infection, and subsequent viral spread. Lack of information about key cellular factors involved in the initial steps of HBV infection has hampered the characterization of HBV binding and entry for decades. However, recently, the liver-specific sodium-dependent taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) has been discovered as a functional receptor for HBV and HDV, thus opening the field for new concepts of basic binding and entry of HBV and HDV. Here, we describe practical issues of a basic in vitro assay system to examine kinetics and mechanisms of receptor-dependent HBV binding, uptake, and intracellular trafficking by live-cell imaging confocal microscopy. The assay system is comprised of HepG2 cells expressing a NTCP-GFP fusion-protein and chemically synthesized, fluorophore-labeled part of HBV surface protein, spanning the first N-terminal 48 amino acids of preS1 of the large hepatitis B virus surface protein.

  4. The effect of sedimentation and diffusion on cellular uptake of gold nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Cho, Eun Chul; Zhang, Qiang; Xia, Younan

    2011-01-01

    In vitro experiments typically measure the uptake of nanoparticles by exposing cells at the bottom of a culture plate to a suspension of nanoparticles, which is assumed to be well-dispersed. However, nanoparticles can sediment and this means the concentration of particles on the cell surface and those actually taken up by the cells may be higher than the initial bulk concentration. Here we use upright and inverted cell culture configurations to show that cellular uptake of gold nanoparticles depends on the sedimentation and diffusion velocities of the nanoparticles and is independent of size, shape, density, surface coating and initial concentration of the nanoparticles. Generally more nanoparticles are taken up in the upright configuration than the inverted one and nanoparticles that sediment faster showed greater differences in uptake between the two configurations. Our results suggest that cellular uptake of nanoparticles is sensitive to the way cells are positioned and sedimentation need to be considered when performing in vitro studies for large and heavy nanoparticles. PMID:21516092

  5. Nitrate Utilization by the Diatom Skeletonema costatum

    PubMed Central

    Serra, Juan L.; Llama, Maria J.; Cadenas, Eduardo

    1978-01-01

    Nitrate uptake has been studied in nitrogen-deficient cells of the marine diatom Skeletonema costatum. When these cells are incubated in the presence of nitrate, this ion is quickly taken up from the medium, and nitrite is excreted by the cells. Nitrite is excreted following classical saturation kinetics, its rate being independent of nitrate concentration in the incubation medium for nitrate concentration values higher than 3 micromolar. Nitrate uptake shows mixed-transfer kinetics, which can be attributed to the simultaneous contributions of mediated and diffusion transfer. Cycloheximide and p-hydroxymercuribenzoate inhibit the carrier-mediated contribution to nitrate uptake, without affecting the diffusion component. When cells are preincubated with nitrate, the net nitrogen uptake is increased. PMID:16660652

  6. Polyphenols and phenolic acids from strawberry and apple decrease glucose uptake and transport by human intestinal Caco-2 cells.

    PubMed

    Manzano, Susana; Williamson, Gary

    2010-12-01

    The effect of polyphenols, phenolic acids and tannins (PPTs) from strawberry and apple on uptake and apical to basolateral transport of glucose was investigated using Caco-2 intestinal cell monolayers. Substantial inhibition on both uptake and transport was observed by extracts from both strawberry and apple. Using sodium-containing (glucose transporters SGLT1 and GLUT2 both active) and sodium-free (only GLUT2 active) conditions, we show that the inhibition of GLUT2 was greater than that of SGLT1. The extracts were analyzed and some of the constituent PPTs were also tested. Quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside (IC₅₀ =31 μM), phloridzin (IC₅₀=146 μM), and 5-caffeoylquinic acid (IC₅₀=2570 μM) contributed 26, 52 and 12%, respectively, to the inhibitory activity of the apple extract, whereas pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside (IC₅₀=802 μM) contributed 26% to the total inhibition by the strawberry extract. For the strawberry extract, the inhibition of transport was non-competitive based on kinetic analysis, whereas the inhibition of cellular uptake was a mixed-type inhibition, with changes in both V(max) and apparent K(m) . The results in this assay show that some PPTs inhibit glucose transport from the intestinal lumen into cells and also the GLUT2-facilitated exit on the basolateral side. Copyright © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  7. Doxorubicin conjugated to D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS): conjugation chemistry, characterization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

    PubMed

    Cao, Na; Feng, Si-Shen

    2008-10-01

    To develop a polymer-anticancer drug conjugate, D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) was employed as a carrier of doxorubicin (DOX) to enhance its therapeutic effects and reduce its side effects. Doxorubicin was chemically conjugated to TPGS. The molecular structure, drug loading efficiency, drug release kinetics and stability of the conjugate were characterized. The cellular uptake, intracellular distribution, and cytotoxicity were accessed by using MCF-7 breast cancer cells and C6 glioma cells as in vitro cell model. The conjugate showed higher cellular uptake efficiency and broader distribution within the cells. Judged by IC(50), the conjugate was found 31.8, 69.6, 84.1% more effective with MCF-7 cells and 43.9, 87.7, 42.2% more effective with C6 cells than the parent drug after 24, 48, 72 h culture, respectively. The in vivo pharmacokinetics and biodistribution were investigated after an i.v. administration at 5 mg DOX/kg body weight in rats. Promisingly, 4.5-fold increase in the half-life and 24-fold increase in the area-under-the-curve (AUC) of DOX were achieved for the TPGS-DOX conjugate compared with the free DOX. The drug level in heart, gastric and intestine was significantly reduced, which is an indication of reduced side effects. Our TPGS-DOX conjugate showed great potential to be a prodrug of higher therapeutic effects and fewer side effects than DOX itself.

  8. Reciprocal Regulation of Endocytosis and Metabolism

    PubMed Central

    Antonescu, Costin N.; McGraw, Timothy E.; Klip, Amira

    2014-01-01

    The cellular uptake of many nutrients and micronutrients governs both their cellular availability and their systemic homeostasis. The cellular rate of nutrient or ion uptake (e.g., glucose, Fe3+, K+) or efflux (e.g., Na+) is governed by a complement of membrane transporters and receptors that show dynamic localization at both the plasma membrane and defined intracellular membrane compartments. Regulation of the rate and mechanism of endocytosis controls the amounts of these proteins on the cell surface, which in many cases determines nutrient uptake or secretion. Moreover, the metabolic action of diverse hormones is initiated upon binding to surface receptors that then undergo regulated endocytosis and show distinct signaling patterns once internalized. Here, we examine how the endocytosis of nutrient transporters and carriers as well as signaling receptors governs cellular metabolism and thereby systemic (whole-body) metabolite homeostasis. PMID:24984778

  9. In vitro kinetic investigations on the bioactivity and cytocompatibility of bioactive glasses prepared via melting and sol-gel techniques for bone regeneration applications.

    PubMed

    El-Sayed, Mayyada M H; Mostafa, Amany A; Gaafar, Alaa M; El Hotaby, Walid; Hamzawy, Esmat Ma; El-Okaily, Mohamed S; Gamal-Eldeen, Amira M

    2017-02-24

    This work investigates and compares the influence of the synthesis process on the in vitro bioactivity of two quaternary bioactive glasses prepared via melting and sol-gel (SG) techniques. The two glasses are named MG and SG, respectively. Powder samples were soaked in simulated body fluid for different time intervals to study the kinetics of Ca and P uptake onto their surface as well as Si release. The uptake kinetics followed the pseudo-second order model, and the kinetic parameters in addition to the initial rates were estimated. MG manifested higher Ca uptake capacity than SG which could be attributed to the presence of a residual organic layer capping the surface of SG, as was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. However, higher rate of Ca uptake was exhibited by SG probably due to its higher reactivity that resulted from its smaller nano-size and higher negative charge as was evident from transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements, respectively. Furthermore, MG showed slightly higher P uptake capacity and lower amount of Si release. Initial rates of Ca and P uptakes onto SG as well as Si release from SG exceeded those of MG. Human bone osteosarcoma cells (Saos-2) were co-cultured with both MG and SG glasses and the latter showed higher alkaline phosphatase activity and higher cell growth induction. The results showed the promising potential of using both bioactive glasses in bone regeneration. However, the choice of the appropriate bioactive glass depends on the targeted applications.

  10. The laforin-malin complex negatively regulates glycogen synthesis by modulating cellular glucose uptake via glucose transporters.

    PubMed

    Singh, Pankaj Kumar; Singh, Sweta; Ganesh, Subramaniam

    2012-02-01

    Lafora disease (LD), an inherited and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by increased cellular glycogen content and the formation of abnormally branched glycogen inclusions, called Lafora bodies, in the affected tissues, including neurons. Therefore, laforin phosphatase and malin ubiquitin E3 ligase, the two proteins that are defective in LD, are thought to regulate glycogen synthesis through an unknown mechanism, the defects in which are likely to underlie some of the symptoms of LD. We show here that laforin's subcellular localization is dependent on the cellular glycogen content and that the stability of laforin is determined by the cellular ATP level, the activity of 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase, and the affinity of malin toward laforin. By using cell and animal models, we further show that the laforin-malin complex regulates cellular glucose uptake by modulating the subcellular localization of glucose transporters; loss of malin or laforin resulted in an increased abundance of glucose transporters in the plasma membrane and therefore excessive glucose uptake. Loss of laforin or malin, however, did not affect glycogen catabolism. Thus, the excessive cellular glucose level appears to be the primary trigger for the abnormally higher levels of cellular glycogen seen in LD.

  11. Cellular uptake and trafficking of polydiacetylene micelles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gravel, Edmond; Thézé, Benoit; Jacques, Isabelle; Anilkumar, Parambath; Gombert, Karine; Ducongé, Frédéric; Doris, Eric

    2013-02-01

    Polydiacetylene (PDA) micelles coated with either carboxylate-, ammonium-, or methoxy-polyethyleneglycol (PEG) chains were assembled and loaded with a fluorescent dye (DiO). Their interaction with MCF-7 human breast tumor cells was investigated by epi-fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to determine their internalization pathway and intracellular fate. It was found that the ionic character of the micelles influenced their internalization kinetics through a caveolae-mediated pathway and that all micelle types behaved somewhat similarly inside cells.Polydiacetylene (PDA) micelles coated with either carboxylate-, ammonium-, or methoxy-polyethyleneglycol (PEG) chains were assembled and loaded with a fluorescent dye (DiO). Their interaction with MCF-7 human breast tumor cells was investigated by epi-fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to determine their internalization pathway and intracellular fate. It was found that the ionic character of the micelles influenced their internalization kinetics through a caveolae-mediated pathway and that all micelle types behaved somewhat similarly inside cells. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Detailed synthetic procedures and supplementary figures. See DOI: 10.1039/c2nr34149b

  12. Internalization kinetics and cytoplasmic localization of functionalized diatomite nanoparticles in cancer cells by Raman imaging.

    PubMed

    Managò, Stefano; Migliaccio, Nunzia; Terracciano, Monica; Napolitano, Michela; Martucci, Nicola M; De Stefano, Luca; Rendina, Ivo; De Luca, Anna Chiara; Lamberti, Annalisa; Rea, Ilaria

    2018-04-01

    Porous biosilica nanoparticles obtained from diatomites (DNPs) have been recently demonstrated to be non-toxic nanovectors of therapeutic agents in cancer cells. In this work, the internalization kinetics and intracellular spatial distribution of functionalized DNPs incubated with human lung epidermoid carcinoma cell line (H1355) up to 72 hours are investigated by Raman imaging. The label-free Raman results are compared with confocal fluorescence microscopy and photoluminescence (PL) data. Raman bands specifically assigned to DNPs and cellular components provide evidence that the nanovectors are internalized and co-localize with lipid environments. A considerable DNPs uptake in cells is observed within 6 hours, with equilibrium being achieved after 18 hours. The obtained data show the presence of DNPs up to 72 hours, without damage to cell viability or morphology. The PL measurements performed on DNPs not penetrating the cells at different incubation times are strongly correlated with the results obtained by Raman imaging and confocal microscopy analyses. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  13. Cellular uptake and metabolism of curcuminoids in monocytes/macrophages: regulatory effects on lipid accumulation

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    We previously showed that curcumin (CUR) may increase lipid accumulation in cultured THP-1 monocytes/macrophages, but tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), an in vivo metabolite of CUR, had no such effect. In the present study, we have hypothesized that different cellular uptake and/or metabolism of CUR and THC...

  14. Temporal dissociation between muscle and pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics: influences of perfusion dynamics and arteriovenous oxygen concentration differences in muscles and lungs.

    PubMed

    Drescher, U; Koschate, J; Thieschäfer, L; Schneider, S; Hoffmann, U

    2018-06-22

    The aim of the study was to test whether or not the arteriovenous oxygen concentration difference (avDO 2 ) kinetics at the pulmonary (avDO 2 pulm) and muscle (avDO 2 musc) levels is significantly different during dynamic exercise. A re-analysis involving six publications dealing with kinetic analysis was utilized with an overall sample size of 69 participants. All studies comprised an identical pseudorandom binary sequence work rate (WR) protocol-WR changes between 30 and 80 W-to analyze the kinetic responses of pulmonary ([Formula: see text]) and muscle ([Formula: see text]) oxygen uptake kinetics as well as those of avDO 2 pulm and avDO 2 musc. A significant difference between [Formula: see text] (0.395 ± 0.079) and [Formula: see text] kinetics (0.330 ± 0.078) was observed (p < 0.001), where the variables showed a significant relationship (r SP  = 0.744, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between avDO 2 musc (0.446 ± 0.077) and avDO 2 pulm kinetics (0.451 ± 0.075), which are highly correlated (r = 0.929, p < 0.001). It is suggested that neither avDO 2 pulm nor avDO 2 musc kinetic responses seem to be responsible for the differences between estimated [Formula: see text] and measured [Formula: see text] kinetics. Obviously, the conflation of avDO 2 and perfusion ([Formula: see text] ) at different points in time and at different physiological levels drive potential differences in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] kinetics. Therefore, [Formula: see text] should, in general, be considered whenever oxygen uptake kinetics are analyzed or discussed.

  15. Cellular transport of l-arginine determines renal medullary blood flow in control rats, but not in diabetic rats despite enhanced cellular uptake capacity.

    PubMed

    Persson, Patrik; Fasching, Angelica; Teerlink, Tom; Hansell, Peter; Palm, Fredrik

    2017-02-01

    Diabetes mellitus is associated with decreased nitric oxide bioavailability thereby affecting renal blood flow regulation. Previous reports have demonstrated that cellular uptake of l-arginine is rate limiting for nitric oxide production and that plasma l-arginine concentration is decreased in diabetes. We therefore investigated whether regional renal blood flow regulation is affected by cellular l-arginine uptake in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Rats were anesthetized with thiobutabarbital, and the left kidney was exposed. Total, cortical, and medullary renal blood flow was investigated before and after renal artery infusion of increasing doses of either l-homoarginine to inhibit cellular uptake of l-arginine or N ω -nitro- l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) to inhibit nitric oxide synthase. l-Homoarginine infusion did not affect total or cortical blood flow in any of the groups, but caused a dose-dependent reduction in medullary blood flow. l-NAME decreased total, cortical and medullary blood flow in both groups. However, the reductions in medullary blood flow in response to both l-homoarginine and l-NAME were more pronounced in the control groups compared with the diabetic groups. Isolated cortical tubular cells displayed similar l-arginine uptake capacity whereas medullary tubular cells isolated from diabetic rats had increased l-arginine uptake capacity. Diabetics had reduced l-arginine concentrations in plasma and medullary tissue but increased l-arginine concentration in cortical tissue. In conclusion, the reduced l-arginine availability in plasma and medullary tissue in diabetes results in reduced nitric oxide-mediated regulation of renal medullary hemodynamics. Cortical blood flow regulation displays less dependency on extracellular l-arginine and the upregulated cortical tissue l-arginine may protect cortical hemodynamics in diabetes. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

  16. Biomechanics and Thermodynamics of Nanoparticle Interactions with Plasma and Endosomal Membrane Lipids in Cellular Uptake and Endosomal Escape

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    To be effective for cytoplasmic delivery of therapeutics, nanoparticles (NPs) taken up via endocytic pathways must efficiently transport across the cell membrane and subsequently escape from the secondary endosomes. We hypothesized that the biomechanical and thermodynamic interactions of NPs with plasma and endosomal membrane lipids are involved in these processes. Using model plasma and endosomal lipid membranes, we compared the interactions of cationic NPs composed of poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) modified with the dichain surfactant didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DMAB) or the single-chain surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) vs anionic unmodified NPs of similar size. We validated our hypothesis in doxorubicin-sensitive (MCF-7, with relatively fluid membranes) and resistant breast cancer cells (MCF-7/ADR, with rigid membranes). Despite their cationic surface charges, DMAB- and CTAB-modified NPs showed different patterns of biophysical interaction: DMAB-modified NPs induced bending of the model plasma membrane, whereas CTAB-modified NPs condensed the membrane, thereby resisted bending. Unmodified NPs showed no effects on bending. DMAB-modified NPs also induced thermodynamic instability of the model endosomal membrane, whereas CTAB-modified and unmodified NPs had no effect. Since bending of the plasma membrane and destabilization of the endosomal membrane are critical biophysical processes in NP cellular uptake and endosomal escape, respectively, we tested these NPs for cellular uptake and drug efficacy. Confocal imaging showed that in both sensitive and resistant cells DMAB-modified NPs exhibited greater cellular uptake and escape from endosomes than CTAB-modified or unmodified NPs. Further, paclitaxel-loaded DMAB-modified NPs induced greater cytotoxicity even in resistant cells than CTAB-modified or unmodified NPs or drug in solution, demonstrating the potential of DMAB-modified NPs to overcome the transport barrier in resistant cells. In conclusion, biomechanical interactions with membrane lipids are involved in cellular uptake and endosomal escape of NPs. Biophysical interaction studies could help us better understand the role of membrane lipids in cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of NPs. PMID:24911361

  17. Characterization of cadmium uptake and cytotoxicity in human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Levesque, Martine; Martineau, Corine; Jumarie, Catherine

    Since bone mass is maintained constant by the balance between osteoclastic bone resorption and osteoblastic bone formation, alterations in osteoblast proliferation and differentiation may disturb the equilibrium of bone remodeling. Exposure to cadmium (Cd) has been associated with the alteration of bone metabolism and the development of osteoporosis. Because little information is available about the direct effects of Cd on osteoblastic cells, we have characterized in vitro the cellular accumulation and cytotoxicity of Cd in human osteoblastic cells. Incubation of osteoblast-like MG-63 cells with increasing concentrations of Cd in serum-free culture medium reduced cell viability in a time- and concentration-dependentmore » manner, suggesting that Cd accumulates in osteoblasts. Consequently, an uptake time-course could be characterized for the cellular accumulation of {sup 109}Cd in serum-free culture medium. In order to characterize the mechanisms of Cd uptake, experiments have been conducted under well-defined metal speciation conditions in chloride and nitrate transport media. The results revealed a preferential uptake of Cd{sup 2+} species. The cellular accumulation and cytotoxicity of Cd increased in the absence of extracellular calcium (Ca), suggesting that Cd may enter the cells in part through Ca channels. However, neither the cellular accumulation nor the cytotoxicity of Cd was modified by voltage-dependent Ca channel (VDCC) modulators or potassium-induced depolarization. Moreover, exposure conditions activating or inhibiting capacitative Ca entry (CCE) failed to modify the cellular accumulation and cytotoxicity of Cd, which excludes the involvement of canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels. The cellular accumulation and cytotoxicity of Cd were reduced by 2-APB, a known inhibitor of the Mg and Ca channel TRPM7 and were increased in the absence of extracellular magnesium (Mg). The inhibition of Cd uptake by Mg and Ca was not additive, suggesting that each ion inhibits the same uptake mechanism. Our results indicate that Cd uptake in human osteoblastic cells occurs, at least in part, through Ca- and Mg-inhibitable transport mechanisms, which may involve channels of the TRPM family. The effect of Cd on bone metabolism may be enhanced under low Ca and/or Mg levels.« less

  18. Regional distribution and kinetics of [18F]fluciclovine (anti-[18F]FACBC), a tracer of amino acid transport, in subjects with primary prostate cancer.

    PubMed

    Sörensen, Jens; Owenius, Rikard; Lax, Michelle; Johansson, Silvia

    2013-02-01

    [(18)F]Fluciclovine (anti-[(18)F]FACBC) is a synthetic amino acid developed for PET assessment of the anabolic component of tumour metabolism in clinical routine. This phase 1 trial evaluated the safety, tracer stability and uptake kinetics of [(18)F]fluciclovine in patients. Six patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer were investigated with 3-T MRI and PET/CT. All underwent dynamic [(18)F]fluciclovine PET/CT of the pelvic area for up to 120 min after injection of 418 ± 10 MBq of tracer with simultaneous blood sampling of radioactivity. The kinetics of uptake in tumours and normal tissues were evaluated using standardized uptake values (SUVs) and compartmental modelling. Tumour deposits as defined by MRI were clearly visualized by PET. Urine excretion was minimal and normal tissue background was low. Uptake of [(18)F]fluciclovine in tumour from the blood was rapid and the tumour-to-normal tissue contrast was highest between 1 and 15 min after injection with a 65 % reduction in mean tumour uptake at 90 min after injection. A one-compartment model fitted the tracer kinetics well. Early SUVs correlated well with both the influx rate constant (K (1)) and the volume of distribution of the tracer (V (T)). There were no signs of tracer metabolite formation. The product was well tolerated in all patients without significant adverse events. [(18)F]Fluciclovine shows high uptake in prostate cancer deposits and appears safe for use in humans. The production is robust and the formulation stable in vivo. An early imaging window seems to provide the best visual results. SUV measurements capture most of the kinetic information that can be obtained from more advanced models, potentially simplifying quantification in future studies.

  19. Kinetics of moisture loss and oil uptake during deep fat frying of Gethi (Dioscorea kamoonensis Kunth) strips.

    PubMed

    Manjunatha, S S; Ravi, N; Negi, P S; Raju, P S; Bawa, A S

    2014-11-01

    Investigation was carried out to study kinetics of moisture loss, oil uptake and tristimulus colour during deep fat frying of Gethi (Dioscorea kamoonensis kunth) strips. Deep fat frying of Gethi strips of size 6 × 6 × 40 mm was carried out in a laboratory scale fryer at different temperatures ranging from 120 to 180 °C. The investigation showed that the moisture loss and oil uptake followed the first order kinetics equation (r > 0.95, p < 0.05). The kinetic coefficients for moisture loss and oil uptake increased significantly (p < 0.05) with temperature from 0.166 to 0.889 min(-1) and 0.139 to 0.430 min(-1) respectively. The temperature dependency of rate constants for moisture loss and oil uptake values was described using Arrhenius equation (r > 0.99, p < 0.01). The activation energies for moisture loss and oil uptake were found to be 41.53 KJ/mol and 27.12 KJ/mol respectively. The hunter colour parameters were significantly affected by frying temperature and frying time. The hunter lightness (L) value increased with respect to frying time initially, followed by decline and same trend was observed at higher temperatures of frying with elevated rate, whereas hunter redness (a) value increased significantly (p < 0.01) with time as well as temperature of frying and obeyed zero order rate equation. The temperature dependency kinetic coefficients of Hunter (a) value were described by Arrhenius equation and the energy of activation for change in hunter redness was found to be 42.41 KJ/mol (r > 0.99, p < 0.01). The other hunter colour parameters such as chroma, hue angle and total colour difference were markedly affected by frying temperature as well as frying time.

  20. Modeling and analysis of the effect of training on V O2 kinetics and anaerobic capacity.

    PubMed

    Stirling, J R; Zakynthinaki, M S; Billat, V

    2008-07-01

    In this paper, we present an application of a number of tools and concepts for modeling and analyzing raw, unaveraged, and unedited breath-by-breath oxygen uptake data. A method for calculating anaerobic capacity is used together with a model, in the form of a set of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations to make predictions of the VO(2) kinetics, the time to achieve a percentage of a certain constant oxygen demand, and the time limit to exhaustion at intensities other than those in which we have data. Speeded oxygen kinetics and increased time limit to exhaustion are also investigated using the eigenvalues of the fixed points of our model. We also use a way of analyzing the oxygen uptake kinetics using a plot of V O(2)(t) vs V O(2)(t) which allows one to observe both the fixed point solutions and also the presence of speeded oxygen kinetics following training. A method of plotting the eigenvalue versus oxygen demand is also used which allows one to observe where the maximum amplitude of the so-called slow component will be and also how training has changed the oxygen uptake kinetics by changing the strength of the attracting fixed point for a particular demand.

  1. Increase in Dye:Dendrimer Ratio Decreases Cellular Uptake of Neutral Dendrimers in RAW Cells.

    PubMed

    Vaidyanathan, Sriram; Kaushik, Milan; Dougherty, Casey; Rattan, Rahul; Goonewardena, Sascha N; Banaszak Holl, Mark M; Monano, Janet; DiMaggio, Stassi

    2016-09-12

    Neutral generation 3 poly(amidoamine) dendrimers were labeled with Oregon Green 488 (G3-OG n ) to obtain materials with controlled fluorophore:dendrimer ratios (n = 1-2), a mixture containing mostly 3 dyes per dendrimer, a mixture containing primarily 4 or more dyes per dendrimer ( n = 4+), and a stochastic mixture ( n = 4 avg ). The UV absorbance of the dye conjugates increased linearly as n increased and the fluorescence emission decreased linearly as n increased. Cellular uptake was studied in RAW cells and HEK 293A cells as a function of the fluorophore:dendrimer ratio (n). The cellular uptake of G3-OG n ( n = 3, 4+, 4 avg ) into RAW cells was significantly lower than G3-OG n ( n = 1, 2). The uptake of G3-OG n ( n = 3, 4+, 4 avg ) into HEK 293A cells was not significantly different from G3-OG 1 . Thus, the fluorophore:dendrimer ratio was observed to change the extent of uptake in the macrophage uptake mechanism but not in the HEK 293A cell. This difference in endocytosis indicates the presence of a pathway in the macrophage that is sensitive to hydrophobicity of the particle.

  2. Coating barium titanate nanoparticles with polyethylenimine improves cellular uptake and allows for coupled imaging and gene delivery

    PubMed Central

    Dempsey, Christopher; Lee, Isac; Cowan, Katie; Suh, Junghae

    2015-01-01

    Barium titanate nanoparticles (BT NP) belong to a class of second harmonic generating (SHG) nanoprobes that have recently demonstrated promise in biological imaging. Unfortunately, BT NPs display low cellular uptake efficiencies, which may be a problem if cellular internalization is desired or required for a particular application. To overcome this issue, while concomitantly developing a particle platform that can also deliver nucleic acids into cells, we coated the BT NPs with the cationic polymer polyethylenimine (PEI) – one of the most effective nonviral gene delivery agents. Coating of BT with PEI yielded complexes with positive zeta potentials and resulted in an 8-fold increase in cellular uptake of the BT NPs. Importantly, we were able to achieve high levels of gene delivery with the BT-PEI/DNA complexes, supporting further efforts to generate BT platforms for coupled imaging and gene therapy. PMID:23973999

  3. Mechanism for the Cellular Uptake of Targeted Gold Nanorods of Defined Aspect Ratios.

    PubMed

    Yang, Hongrong; Chen, Zhong; Zhang, Lei; Yung, Wing-Yin; Leung, Ken Cham-Fai; Chan, Ho Yin Edwin; Choi, Chung Hang Jonathan

    2016-10-01

    Biomedical applications of non-spherical nanoparticles such as photothermal therapy and molecular imaging require their efficient intracellular delivery, yet reported details on their interactions with the cell remain inconsistent. Here, the effects of nanoparticle geometry and receptor targeting on the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking are systematically explored by using C166 (mouse endothelial) cells and gold nanoparticles of four different aspect ratios (ARs) from 1 to 7. When coated with poly(ethylene glycol) strands, the cellular uptake of untargeted nanoparticles monotonically decreases with AR. Next, gold nanoparticles are functionalized with DNA oligonucleotides to target Class A scavenger receptors expressed by C166 cells. Intriguingly, cellular uptake is maximized at a particular AR: shorter nanorods (AR = 2) enter C166 cells more than nanospheres (AR = 1) and longer nanorods (AR = 4 or 7). Strikingly, long targeted nanorods align to the cell membrane in a near-parallel manner followed by rotating by ≈90° to enter the cell via a caveolae-mediated pathway. Upon cellular entry, targeted nanorods of all ARs predominantly traffic to the late endosome without progressing to the lysosome. The studies yield important materials design rules for drug delivery carriers based on targeted, anisotropic nanoparticles. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  4. Glycolysis Is Governed by Growth Regime and Simple Enzyme Regulation in Adherent MDCK Cells

    PubMed Central

    Rehberg, Markus; Ritter, Joachim B.; Reichl, Udo

    2014-01-01

    Due to its vital importance in the supply of cellular pathways with energy and precursors, glycolysis has been studied for several decades regarding its capacity and regulation. For a systems-level understanding of the Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell metabolism, we couple a segregated cell growth model published earlier with a structured model of glycolysis, which is based on relatively simple kinetics for enzymatic reactions of glycolysis, to explain the pathway dynamics under various cultivation conditions. The structured model takes into account in vitro enzyme activities, and links glycolysis with pentose phosphate pathway and glycogenesis. Using a single parameterization, metabolite pool dynamics during cell cultivation, glucose limitation and glucose pulse experiments can be consistently reproduced by considering the cultivation history of the cells. Growth phase-dependent glucose uptake together with cell-specific volume changes generate high intracellular metabolite pools and flux rates to satisfy the cellular demand during growth. Under glucose limitation, the coordinated control of glycolytic enzymes re-adjusts the glycolytic flux to prevent the depletion of glycolytic intermediates. Finally, the model's predictive power supports the design of more efficient bioprocesses. PMID:25329309

  5. Glycolysis is governed by growth regime and simple enzyme regulation in adherent MDCK cells.

    PubMed

    Rehberg, Markus; Ritter, Joachim B; Reichl, Udo

    2014-10-01

    Due to its vital importance in the supply of cellular pathways with energy and precursors, glycolysis has been studied for several decades regarding its capacity and regulation. For a systems-level understanding of the Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell metabolism, we couple a segregated cell growth model published earlier with a structured model of glycolysis, which is based on relatively simple kinetics for enzymatic reactions of glycolysis, to explain the pathway dynamics under various cultivation conditions. The structured model takes into account in vitro enzyme activities, and links glycolysis with pentose phosphate pathway and glycogenesis. Using a single parameterization, metabolite pool dynamics during cell cultivation, glucose limitation and glucose pulse experiments can be consistently reproduced by considering the cultivation history of the cells. Growth phase-dependent glucose uptake together with cell-specific volume changes generate high intracellular metabolite pools and flux rates to satisfy the cellular demand during growth. Under glucose limitation, the coordinated control of glycolytic enzymes re-adjusts the glycolytic flux to prevent the depletion of glycolytic intermediates. Finally, the model's predictive power supports the design of more efficient bioprocesses.

  6. Kinetics of anti-carcinoembryonic antigen antibody internalization: effects of affinity, bivalency, and stability

    PubMed Central

    Schmidt, Michael M.; Thurber, Greg M.

    2010-01-01

    Theoretical analyses suggest that the cellular internalization and catabolism of bound antibodies contribute significantly to poor penetration into tumors. Here we quantitatively assess the internalization of antibodies and antibody fragments against the commonly targeted antigen carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Although CEA is often referred to as a non-internalizing or shed antigen, anti-CEA antibodies and antibody fragments are shown to be slowly endocytosed by LS174T cells with a half-time of 10–16 h, a time scale consistent with the metabolic turnover rate of CEA in the absence of antibody. Anti-CEA single chain variable fragments (scFvs) with significant differences in affinity, stability against protease digestion, and valency exhibit similar uptake rates of bound antibody. In contrast, one anti-CEA IgG exhibits unique binding and trafficking properties with twice as many molecules bound per cell at saturation and significantly faster cellular internalization after binding. The internalization rates measured herein can be used in simple computational models to predict the microdistribution of these antibodies in tumor spheroids. PMID:18408925

  7. HPMA-based block copolymers promote differential drug delivery kinetics for hydrophobic and amphiphilic molecules.

    PubMed

    Tomcin, Stephanie; Kelsch, Annette; Staff, Roland H; Landfester, Katharina; Zentel, Rudolf; Mailänder, Volker

    2016-04-15

    We describe a method how polymeric nanoparticles stabilized with (2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA)-based block copolymers are used as drug delivery systems for a fast release of hydrophobic and a controlled release of an amphiphilic molecule. The versatile method of the miniemulsion solvent-evaporation technique was used to prepare polystyrene (PS) as well as poly-d/l-lactide (PDLLA) nanoparticles. Covalently bound or physically adsorbed fluorescent dyes labeled the particles' core and their block copolymer corona. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) in combination with flow cytometry measurements were applied to demonstrate the burst release of a fluorescent hydrophobic drug model without the necessity of nanoparticle uptake. In addition, CLSM studies and quantitative calculations using the image processing program Volocity® show the intracellular detachment of the amphiphilic block copolymer from the particles' core after uptake. Our findings offer the possibility to combine the advantages of a fast release for hydrophobic and a controlled release for an amphiphilic molecule therefore pointing to the possibility to a 'multi-step and multi-site' targeting by one nanocarrier. We describe thoroughly how different components of a nanocarrier end up in cells. This enables different cargos of a nanocarrier having a consecutive release and delivery of distinct components. Most interestingly we demonstrate individual kinetics of distinct components of such a system: first the release of a fluorescent hydrophobic drug model at contact with the cell membrane without the necessity of nanoparticle uptake. Secondly, the intracellular detachment of the amphiphilic block copolymer from the particles' core after uptake occurs. This offers the possibility to combine the advantages of a fast release for a hydrophobic substance at the time of interaction of the nanoparticle with the cell surface and a controlled release for an amphiphilic molecule later on therefore pointing to the possibility to a 'multi-step and multisite' targeting by one nanocarrier. We therefore feel that this could be used for many cellular systems where the combined and orchestrated delivery of components is prerequisite in order to obtain the highest efficiency. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Ceruloplasmin ferroxidase activity stimulates cellular iron uptake by a trivalent cation-specific transport mechanism

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Attieh, Z. K.; Mukhopadhyay, C. K.; Seshadri, V.; Tripoulas, N. A.; Fox, P. L.

    1999-01-01

    The balance required to maintain appropriate cellular and tissue iron levels has led to the evolution of multiple mechanisms to precisely regulate iron uptake from transferrin and low molecular weight iron chelates. A role for ceruloplasmin (Cp) in vertebrate iron metabolism is suggested by its potent ferroxidase activity catalyzing conversion of Fe2+ to Fe3+, by identification of yeast copper oxidases homologous to Cp that facilitate high affinity iron uptake, and by studies of "aceruloplasminemic" patients who have extensive iron deposits in multiple tissues. We have recently shown that Cp increases iron uptake by cultured HepG2 cells. In this report, we investigated the mechanism by which Cp stimulates cellular iron uptake. Cp stimulated the rate of non-transferrin 55Fe uptake by iron-deficient K562 cells by 2-3-fold, using a transferrin receptor-independent pathway. Induction of Cp-stimulated iron uptake by iron deficiency was blocked by actinomycin D and cycloheximide, consistent with a transcriptionally induced or regulated transporter. Cp-stimulated iron uptake was completely blocked by unlabeled Fe3+ and by other trivalent cations including Al3+, Ga3+, and Cr3+, but not by divalent cations. These results indicate that Cp utilizes a trivalent cation-specific transporter. Cp ferroxidase activity was required for iron uptake as shown by the ineffectiveness of two ferroxidase-deficient Cp preparations, copper-deficient Cp and thiomolybdate-treated Cp. We propose a model in which iron reduction and subsequent re-oxidation by Cp are essential for an iron uptake pathway with high ion specificity.

  9. Liquid phase adsorptions of Rhodamine B dye onto raw and chitosan supported mesoporous adsorbents: isotherms and kinetics studies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Inyinbor, A. A.; Adekola, F. A.; Olatunji, G. A.

    2017-09-01

    Irvingia gabonensis endocarp waste was charred (DNc) and subsequently coated with chitosan (CCDNc). Physicochemical characteristics of the two adsorbents were established, while Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area methods were further employed for characterization. Efficiencies of the prepared adsorbents in the uptake of Rhodamine B (RhB) from aqueous effluent were investigated and adsorption data were tested using four isotherms and four kinetics models. The BET surface areas of the prepared adsorbent were 0.0092 and 4.99 m2/g for DNc and CCDNc, respectively, and maximum adsorption was recorded at pH between 3 and 4, respectively. While monolayer adsorption dominates the uptake of RhB onto DNc, uptake of RhB onto CCDNc was onto heterogeneous surface. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacities ( q max) obtained from the Langmuir equation are 52.90 and 217.39 mg/g for DNc and CCDNc, respectively. Pseudo second order and Elovich kinetic models well described the kinetics of the two adsorption processes. The mean sorption energy ( E) calculated from the D-R model and desorption efficiencies suggests that while the uptake of RhB onto DNc was physical in nature, for RhB-CCDNc system chemisorption dominates.

  10. Long-Term Uptake of Phenol-Water Vapor Follows Similar Sigmoid Kinetics on Prehydrated Organic Matter- and Clay-Rich Soil Sorbents.

    PubMed

    Borisover, Mikhail; Bukhanovsky, Nadezhda; Lado, Marcos

    2017-09-19

    Typical experimental time frames allowed for equilibrating water-organic vapors with soil sorbents might lead to overlooking slow chemical reactions finally controlling a thermodynamically stable state. In this work, long-term gravimetric examination of kinetics covering about 4000 h was performed for phenol-water vapor interacting with four materials pre-equilibrated at three levels of air relative humidity (RHs 52, 73, and 92%). The four contrasting sorbents included an organic matter (OM)-rich peat soil, an OM-poor clay soil, a hydrophilic Aldrich humic acid salt, and water-insoluble leonardite. Monitoring phenol-water vapor interactions with the prehydrated sorbents, as compared with the sorbent samples in phenol-free atmosphere at the same RH, showed, for the first time, a sigmoid kinetics of phenol-induced mass uptake typical for second-order autocatalytic reactions. The apparent rate constants were similar for all the sorbents, RHs and phenol activities studied. A significant part of sorbed phenol resisted extraction, which was attributed to its abiotic oxidative coupling. Phenol uptake by peat and clay soils was also associated with a significant enhancement of water retention. The delayed development of the sigmoidal kinetics in phenol-water uptake demonstrates that long-run abiotic interactions of water-organic vapor with soil may be overlooked, based on short-term examination.

  11. [Cellular uptake of TPS-L-carnitine synthesised as transporter-based renal targeting prodrug].

    PubMed

    Li, Li; Zhu, Di; Sun, Xun

    2012-11-01

    To synthesize transporter-based renal targeting prodrug TPS-L-Carnitine and to determine its cellular uptake in vitro. Triptolide (TP) was conjugated with L-carnitine using succinate as the linker to form TPS-L-Carnitine, which could be specifically recognized by OCTN2, a cationic transporter with high affinity to L-Carnitine and is highly expressed on the apical membrane of renal proximal tubule cells. Cellular uptake assays of the prodrug and its parent drug were performed on HK-2 cells, a human proximal tubule cell line, in different temperature, concentration and in the presence of competitive inhibitors. TPS-L-Carnitine was taken up into HK-2 cells in a saturable and temperature- and concentration-dependent manner. The uptake process could be inhibited by the competitive inhibitors. The uptake of TPS-L-Carnitine was significantly higher than that of TP at 37 degrees C in the same drug concentration. TPS-L-Carnitine was taken through endocytosis mediated by transporter. TPS-L-Carnitine provides a good renal targeting property and lays the foundation for further studies in vivo.

  12. Rapid transport of CCL11 across the blood-brain barrier: regional variation and importance of blood cells.

    PubMed

    Erickson, Michelle A; Morofuji, Yoichi; Owen, Joshua B; Banks, William A

    2014-06-01

    Increased blood levels of the eotaxin chemokine C-C motif ligand 11 (CCL11) in aging were recently shown to negatively regulate adult hippocampal neurogenesis. How circulating CCL11 could affect the central nervous system (CNS) is not clear, but one possibility is that it can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we show that CCL11 undergoes bidirectional transport across the BBB. Transport of CCL11 from blood into whole brain (influx) showed biphasic kinetics, with a slow phase preceding a rapid phase of uptake. We found that the slow phase was explained by binding of CCL11 to cellular components in blood, whereas the rapid uptake phase was mediated by direct interactions with the BBB. CCL11, even at high doses, did not cause BBB disruption. All brain regions except striatum showed a delayed rapid-uptake phase. Striatum had only an early rapid-uptake phase, which was the fastest of any brain region. We also observed a slow but saturable transport system for CCL11 from brain to blood. C-C motif ligand 3 (CCR3), an important receptor for CCL11, did not facilitate CCL11 transport across the BBB, although high concentrations of a CCR3 inhibitor increased brain uptake without causing BBB disruption. Our results indicate that CCL11 in the circulation can access many regions of the brain outside of the neurogenic niche via transport across the BBB. This suggests that blood-borne CCL11 may have important physiologic functions in the CNS and implicates the BBB as an important regulator of physiologic versus pathologic effects of this chemokine.

  13. Rapid Transport of CCL11 across the Blood-Brain Barrier: Regional Variation and Importance of Blood Cells

    PubMed Central

    Erickson, Michelle A.; Morofuji, Yoichi; Owen, Joshua B.

    2014-01-01

    Increased blood levels of the eotaxin chemokine C-C motif ligand 11 (CCL11) in aging were recently shown to negatively regulate adult hippocampal neurogenesis. How circulating CCL11 could affect the central nervous system (CNS) is not clear, but one possibility is that it can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we show that CCL11 undergoes bidirectional transport across the BBB. Transport of CCL11 from blood into whole brain (influx) showed biphasic kinetics, with a slow phase preceding a rapid phase of uptake. We found that the slow phase was explained by binding of CCL11 to cellular components in blood, whereas the rapid uptake phase was mediated by direct interactions with the BBB. CCL11, even at high doses, did not cause BBB disruption. All brain regions except striatum showed a delayed rapid-uptake phase. Striatum had only an early rapid-uptake phase, which was the fastest of any brain region. We also observed a slow but saturable transport system for CCL11 from brain to blood. C-C motif ligand 3 (CCR3), an important receptor for CCL11, did not facilitate CCL11 transport across the BBB, although high concentrations of a CCR3 inhibitor increased brain uptake without causing BBB disruption. Our results indicate that CCL11 in the circulation can access many regions of the brain outside of the neurogenic niche via transport across the BBB. This suggests that blood-borne CCL11 may have important physiologic functions in the CNS and implicates the BBB as an important regulator of physiologic versus pathologic effects of this chemokine. PMID:24706984

  14. Transport mechanism for lovastatin acid in bovine kidney NBL-1 cells: kinetic evidences imply involvement of monocarboxylate transporter 4.

    PubMed

    Nagasawa, Kazuki; Nagai, Katsuhito; Ishimoto, Atsushi; Fujimoto, Sadaki

    2003-08-27

    We previously indicated that lovastatin acid, a 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, was transported by a monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) in cultured rat mesangial cells. In this study, to identify the MCT isoform(s) responsible for the lovastatin acid uptake, the transport mechanism was investigated using bovine kidney NBL-1 cells, which have been reported to express only MCT4 at the protein level. On RT-PCR analysis, the message of mRNAs for MCT1 and MCT4 was detected in the NBL-1 cells used in this study, which was confirmed by kinetic analysis of [14C]L-lactic acid uptake, consisting of high- and low-affinity components corresponding to MCT1 and MCT4, respectively. The lovastatin acid uptake depended on an inwardly directed H+-gradient, and was inhibited by representative monocarboxylates, but not by inhibitors/substrates for organic anion transporting polypeptides and organic anion transporters. In addition, L-lactic acid competitively inhibited the uptake of lovastatin acid and lovastatin acid inhibited the low affinity component of [14C]L-lactic acid uptake dose dependently. The inhibition constant of L-lactic acid for lovastatin acid uptake was almost the same as the Michaelis constant for [14C]L-lactic acid uptake by the low-affinity component. These kinetic evidences imply that lovastatin acid was taken up into NBL-1 cells via MCT4.

  15. Evaluation of uptake kinetics during a wastewater diversion into nearshore coastal waters in southern California

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kudela, Raphael M.; Howard, Meredith D. A.; Hayashi, Kendra; Beck, Carly

    2017-02-01

    The global eutrophication of coastal ecosystems from anthropogenic nutrients is one of the most significant issues affecting changes to coastal oceans today. A three-week diversion of wastewater effluent from the normal offshore discharge pipe (7 km offshore, 56 m depth) to a shorter outfall located in 16 m water (2.2 km offshore) as part of the 2012 Orange County Sanitation District Diversion provided an opportunity to evaluate the impacts of anthropogenic nitrogen on phytoplankton community response. Nitrogen uptake kinetic parameters were used to evaluate the short-term physiological response of the phytoplankton community to the diverted wastewater and to determine if potential ammonium suppression of nitrate uptake was observed. Despite expectations, there was a muted response to the diversion in terms of biomass accumulation and ambient nutrients remained low. At ambient nitrogen concentrations, calculated uptake rates strongly favored ammonium. During the diversion based on the kinetic parameters determined during short-term experiments, the phytoplankton community was using all three N substrates at low concentrations, and had the capacity to use urea, then ammonium, and then nitrate at high concentrations. Ammonium suppression of nitrate uptake was evident throughout the experiment, with increasing suppression through time. Despite this interaction, there was evidence for simultaneous utilization of nitrate, ammonium, and urea during the experiment. The general lack of phytoplankton response as evidenced by low biomass during the diversion was therefore not obviously linked to changes in uptake rates, physiological capacity, or ammonium suppression of nitrate uptake.

  16. Interstitial diffusion and the relationship between compartment modelling and multi-scale spatial-temporal modelling of (18)F-FLT tumour uptake dynamics.

    PubMed

    Liu, Dan; Chalkidou, Anastasia; Landau, David B; Marsden, Paul K; Fenwick, John D

    2014-09-07

    Tumour cell proliferation can be imaged via positron emission tomography of the radiotracer 3'-deoxy-3'-18F-fluorothymidine (18F-FLT). Conceptually, the number of proliferating cells might be expected to correlate more closely with the kinetics of 18F-FLT uptake than with uptake at a fixed time. Radiotracer uptake kinetics are standardly visualized using parametric maps of compartment model fits to time-activity-curves (TACs) of individual voxels. However the relationship between the underlying spatiotemporal accumulation of FLT and the kinetics described by compartment models has not yet been explored. In this work tumour tracer uptake is simulated using a mechanistic spatial-temporal model based on a convection-diffusion-reaction equation solved via the finite difference method. The model describes a chain of processes: the flow of FLT between the spatially heterogeneous tumour vasculature and interstitium; diffusion and convection of FLT within the interstitium; transport of FLT into cells; and intracellular phosphorylation. Using values of model parameters estimated from the biological literature, simulated FLT TACs are generated with shapes and magnitudes similar to those seen clinically. Results show that the kinetics of the spatial-temporal model can be recovered accurately by fitting a 3-tissue compartment model to FLT TACs simulated for those tumours or tumour sub-volumes that can be viewed as approximately closed, for which tracer diffusion throughout the interstitium makes only a small fractional change to the quantity of FLT they contain. For a single PET voxel of width 2.5-5 mm we show that this condition is roughly equivalent to requiring that the relative difference in tracer uptake between the voxel and its neighbours is much less than one.

  17. Enantioselective cellular uptake of chiral semiconductor nanocrystals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Martynenko, I. V.; Kuznetsova, V. A.; Litvinov, I. K.; Orlova, A. O.; Maslov, V. G.; Fedorov, A. V.; Dubavik, A.; Purcell-Milton, F.; Gun'ko, Yu K.; Baranov, A. V.

    2016-02-01

    The influence of the chirality of semiconductor nanocrystals, CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) capped with L- and D-cysteine, on the efficiency of their uptake by living Ehrlich Ascite carcinoma cells is studied by spectral- and time-resolved fluorescence microspectroscopy. We report an evident enantioselective process where cellular uptake of the L-Cys QDs is almost twice as effective as that of the D-Cys QDs. This finding paves the way for the creation of novel approaches to control the biological properties and behavior of nanomaterials in living cells.

  18. Quantifying the relative contributions of different solute carriers to aggregate substrate transport

    PubMed Central

    Taslimifar, Mehdi; Oparija, Lalita; Verrey, Francois; Kurtcuoglu, Vartan; Olgac, Ufuk; Makrides, Victoria

    2017-01-01

    Determining the contributions of different transporter species to overall cellular transport is fundamental for understanding the physiological regulation of solutes. We calculated the relative activities of Solute Carrier (SLC) transporters using the Michaelis-Menten equation and global fitting to estimate the normalized maximum transport rate for each transporter (Vmax). Data input were the normalized measured uptake of the essential neutral amino acid (AA) L-leucine (Leu) from concentration-dependence assays performed using Xenopus laevis oocytes. Our methodology was verified by calculating Leu and L-phenylalanine (Phe) data in the presence of competitive substrates and/or inhibitors. Among 9 potentially expressed endogenous X. laevis oocyte Leu transporter species, activities of only the uniporters SLC43A2/LAT4 (and/or SLC43A1/LAT3) and the sodium symporter SLC6A19/B0AT1 were required to account for total uptake. Furthermore, Leu and Phe uptake by heterologously expressed human SLC6A14/ATB0,+ and SLC43A2/LAT4 was accurately calculated. This versatile systems biology approach is useful for analyses where the kinetics of each active protein species can be represented by the Hill equation. Furthermore, its applicable even in the absence of protein expression data. It could potentially be applied, for example, to quantify drug transporter activities in target cells to improve specificity. PMID:28091567

  19. Sphagnum Mosses - Masters of Efficient N-Uptake while Avoiding Intoxication

    PubMed Central

    Fritz, Christian; Lamers, Leon P. M.; Riaz, Muhammad; van den Berg, Leon J. L.; Elzenga, Theo J. T. M.

    2014-01-01

    Peat forming Sphagnum mosses are able to prevent the dominance of vascular plants under ombrotrophic conditions by efficiently scavenging atmospherically deposited nitrogen (N). N-uptake kinetics of these mosses are therefore expected to play a key role in differential N availability, plant competition, and carbon sequestration in Sphagnum peatlands. The interacting effects of rain N concentration and exposure time on moss N-uptake rates are, however, poorly understood. We investigated the effects of N-concentration (1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 µM), N-form (15N - ammonium or nitrate) and exposure time (0.5, 2, 72 h) on uptake kinetics for Sphagnum magellanicum from a pristine bog in Patagonia (Argentina) and from a Dutch bog exposed to decades of N-pollution. Uptake rates for ammonium were higher than for nitrate, and N-binding at adsorption sites was negligible. During the first 0.5 h, N-uptake followed saturation kinetics revealing a high affinity (Km 3.5–6.5 µM). Ammonium was taken up 8 times faster than nitrate, whereas over 72 hours this was only 2 times. Uptake rates decreased drastically with increasing exposure times, which implies that many short-term N-uptake experiments in literature may well have overestimated long-term uptake rates and ecosystem retention. Sphagnum from the polluted site (i.e. long-term N exposure) showed lower uptake rates than mosses from the pristine site, indicating an adaptive response. Sphagnum therefore appears to be highly efficient in using short N pulses (e.g. rainfall in pristine areas). This strategy has important ecological and evolutionary implications: at high N input rates, the risk of N-toxicity seems to be reduced by lower uptake rates of Sphagnum, at the expense of its long-term filter capacity and related competitive advantage over vascular plants. As shown by our conceptual model, interacting effects of N-deposition and climate change (changes in rainfall) will seriously alter the functioning of Sphagnum peatlands. PMID:24416125

  20. Sphagnum mosses--masters of efficient N-uptake while avoiding intoxication.

    PubMed

    Fritz, Christian; Lamers, Leon P M; Riaz, Muhammad; van den Berg, Leon J L; Elzenga, Theo J T M

    2014-01-01

    Peat forming Sphagnum mosses are able to prevent the dominance of vascular plants under ombrotrophic conditions by efficiently scavenging atmospherically deposited nitrogen (N). N-uptake kinetics of these mosses are therefore expected to play a key role in differential N availability, plant competition, and carbon sequestration in Sphagnum peatlands. The interacting effects of rain N concentration and exposure time on moss N-uptake rates are, however, poorly understood. We investigated the effects of N-concentration (1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 µM), N-form ((15)N-ammonium or nitrate) and exposure time (0.5, 2, 72 h) on uptake kinetics for Sphagnum magellanicum from a pristine bog in Patagonia (Argentina) and from a Dutch bog exposed to decades of N-pollution. Uptake rates for ammonium were higher than for nitrate, and N-binding at adsorption sites was negligible. During the first 0.5 h, N-uptake followed saturation kinetics revealing a high affinity (Km 3.5-6.5 µM). Ammonium was taken up 8 times faster than nitrate, whereas over 72 hours this was only 2 times. Uptake rates decreased drastically with increasing exposure times, which implies that many short-term N-uptake experiments in literature may well have overestimated long-term uptake rates and ecosystem retention. Sphagnum from the polluted site (i.e. long-term N exposure) showed lower uptake rates than mosses from the pristine site, indicating an adaptive response. Sphagnum therefore appears to be highly efficient in using short N pulses (e.g. rainfall in pristine areas). This strategy has important ecological and evolutionary implications: at high N input rates, the risk of N-toxicity seems to be reduced by lower uptake rates of Sphagnum, at the expense of its long-term filter capacity and related competitive advantage over vascular plants. As shown by our conceptual model, interacting effects of N-deposition and climate change (changes in rainfall) will seriously alter the functioning of Sphagnum peatlands.

  1. Uptake of gentamicin by separated, viable renal tubules from rabbits.

    PubMed

    Barza, M; Murray, T; Hamburger, R J

    1980-04-01

    The proximal renal tubules have a marked affinity for gentamicin; they also are the major site of nephrotoxicity caused by this drug. The uptake of radiolabeled gentamicin in separated, viable renal tubules prepared by enzymatic digestion of rabbit kidneys was studied. The preparations showed rapid initial uptake of gentamicin followed by continued slower uptake. Accumulation was not affected by pH, but was significantly inhibited by ouabain, dinitrophenol, anoxia, and hypothermia in the absence of evident cellular damage. At gentamicin concentrations of greater than 50 microgram/ml in the medium, there was competition for drug uptake. Gentamicin efflux in tubules that were taken from a medium containing antibiotic and placed into antibiotic-free fluid was slow and incomplete. From these data it appears that gentamicin uptake by separated renal tubules occurs by a process that requires metabolic energy; thereafter, the drug resides in a poorly exchangeable cellular pool.

  2. Effect of molecular characteristics on cellular uptake, subcellular localization, and phototoxicity of Zn(II) N-alkylpyridylporphyrins.

    PubMed

    Ezzeddine, Rima; Al-Banaw, Anwar; Tovmasyan, Artak; Craik, James D; Batinic-Haberle, Ines; Benov, Ludmil T

    2013-12-20

    Tetra-cationic Zn(II) meso-tetrakis(N-alkylpyridinium-2 (or -3 or -4)-yl)porphyrins (ZnPs) with progressively increased lipophilicity were synthesized to investigate how the tri-dimensional shape and lipophilicity of the photosensitizer (PS) affect cellular uptake, subcellular distribution, and photodynamic efficacy. The effect of the tri-dimensional shape of the molecule was studied by shifting the N-alkyl substituent attached to the pyridyl nitrogen from ortho to meta and para positions. Progressive increase of lipophilicity from shorter hydrophilic (methyl) to longer amphiphilic (hexyl) alkyl chains increased the phototoxicity of the ZnP PSs. PS efficacy was also increased for all derivatives when the alkyl substituents were shifted from ortho to meta, and from meta to para positions. Both cellular uptake and subcellular distribution of the PSs were affected by the lipophilicity and the position of the alkyl chains on the periphery of the porphyrin ring. Whereas the hydrophilic ZnPs demonstrated mostly lysosomal distribution, the amphiphilic hexyl derivatives were associated with mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and plasma membrane. A comparison of hexyl isomers revealed that cellular uptake and partition into membranes followed the order para > meta > ortho. Varying the position and length of the alkyl substituents affects (i) the exposure of cationic charges for electrostatic interactions with anionic biomolecules and (ii) the lipophilicity of the molecule. The charge, lipophilicity, and the tri-dimensional shape of the PS are the major factors that determine cellular uptake, subcellular distribution, and as a consequence, the phototoxicity of the PSs.

  3. Effect of Molecular Characteristics on Cellular Uptake, Subcellular Localization, and Phototoxicity of Zn(II) N-Alkylpyridylporphyrins*

    PubMed Central

    Ezzeddine, Rima; Al-Banaw, Anwar; Tovmasyan, Artak; Craik, James D.; Batinic-Haberle, Ines; Benov, Ludmil T.

    2013-01-01

    Tetra-cationic Zn(II) meso-tetrakis(N-alkylpyridinium-2 (or -3 or -4)-yl)porphyrins (ZnPs) with progressively increased lipophilicity were synthesized to investigate how the tri-dimensional shape and lipophilicity of the photosensitizer (PS) affect cellular uptake, subcellular distribution, and photodynamic efficacy. The effect of the tri-dimensional shape of the molecule was studied by shifting the N-alkyl substituent attached to the pyridyl nitrogen from ortho to meta and para positions. Progressive increase of lipophilicity from shorter hydrophilic (methyl) to longer amphiphilic (hexyl) alkyl chains increased the phototoxicity of the ZnP PSs. PS efficacy was also increased for all derivatives when the alkyl substituents were shifted from ortho to meta, and from meta to para positions. Both cellular uptake and subcellular distribution of the PSs were affected by the lipophilicity and the position of the alkyl chains on the periphery of the porphyrin ring. Whereas the hydrophilic ZnPs demonstrated mostly lysosomal distribution, the amphiphilic hexyl derivatives were associated with mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and plasma membrane. A comparison of hexyl isomers revealed that cellular uptake and partition into membranes followed the order para > meta > ortho. Varying the position and length of the alkyl substituents affects (i) the exposure of cationic charges for electrostatic interactions with anionic biomolecules and (ii) the lipophilicity of the molecule. The charge, lipophilicity, and the tri-dimensional shape of the PS are the major factors that determine cellular uptake, subcellular distribution, and as a consequence, the phototoxicity of the PSs. PMID:24214973

  4. Combined Effect of Cameo2 and CBP on the Cellular Uptake of Lutein in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori

    PubMed Central

    Dong, Xiao-Long; Chai, Chun-Li; Pan, Cai-Xia; Tang, Hui; Chen, Yan-Hong; Dai, Fang-Yin; Pan, Min-Hui; Lu, Cheng

    2014-01-01

    Formation of yellow-red color cocoons in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, occurs as the result of the selective delivery of carotenoids from the midgut to the silk gland via the hemolymph. This process of pigment transport is thought to be mediated by specific cellular carotenoids carrier proteins. Previous studies indicated that two proteins, Cameo2 and CBP, are associated with the selective transport of lutein from the midgut into the silk gland in Bombyx mori. However, the exact roles of Cameo2 and CBP during the uptake and transport of carotenoids are still unknown. In this study, we investigated the respective contributions of these two proteins to lutein and β-carotene transport in Bombyx mori as well as commercial cell-line. We found that tissues, expressed both Cameo2 and CBP, accumulate lutein. Cells, co-expressed Cameo2 and CBP, absorb 2 fold more lutein (P<0.01) than any other transfected cells, and the rate of cellular uptake of lutein was concentration-dependent and reached saturation. From immunofluorescence staining, confocal microscopy observation and western blot analysis, Cameo2 was localized at the membrane and CBP was expressed in the cytosol. What’s more, bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis showed that these two proteins directly interacted at cellular level. Therefore, Cameo2 and CBP are necessarily expressed in midguts and silk glands for lutein uptake in Bombyx mori. Cameo2 and CBP, as the membrane protein and the cytosol protein, respectively, have the combined effect to facilitate the cellular uptake of lutein. PMID:24475153

  5. Amadori-glycated phosphatidylethanolamine enhances the physical stability and selective targeting ability of liposomes

    PubMed Central

    Miyazawa, Taiki; Kamiyoshihara, Reina; Shimizu, Naoki; Harigae, Takahiro; Otoki, Yurika; Ito, Junya; Kato, Shunji; Miyazawa, Teruo

    2018-01-01

    Liposomes consisting of 100% phosphatidylcholine exhibit poor membrane fusion, cellular uptake and selective targeting capacities. To overcome these limitations, we used Amadori-glycated phosphatidylethanolamine, which is universally present in animals and commonly consumed in foods. We found that liposomes containing Amadori-glycated phosphatidylethanolamine exhibited significantly reduced negative membrane potential and demonstrated high cellular uptake. PMID:29515844

  6. Uptake Kinetics of Arsenic Species in Rice Plants

    PubMed Central

    Abedin, Mohammed Joinal; Feldmann, Jörg; Meharg, Andy A.

    2002-01-01

    Arsenic (As) finds its way into soils used for rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation through polluted irrigation water, and through historic contamination with As-based pesticides. As is known to be present as a number of chemical species in such soils, so we wished to investigate how these species were accumulated by rice. As species found in soil solution from a greenhouse experiment where rice was irrigated with arsenate contaminated water were arsenite, arsenate, dimethylarsinic acid, and monomethylarsonic acid. The short-term uptake kinetics for these four As species were determined in 7-d-old excised rice roots. High-affinity uptake (0–0.0532 mm) for arsenite and arsenate with eight rice varieties, covering two growing seasons, rice var. Boro (dry season) and rice var. Aman (wet season), showed that uptake of both arsenite and arsenate by Boro varieties was less than that of Aman varieties. Arsenite uptake was active, and was taken up at approximately the same rate as arsenate. Greater uptake of arsenite, compared with arsenate, was found at higher substrate concentration (low-affinity uptake system). Competitive inhibition of uptake with phosphate showed that arsenite and arsenate were taken up by different uptake systems because arsenate uptake was strongly suppressed in the presence of phosphate, whereas arsenite transport was not affected by phosphate. At a slow rate, there was a hyperbolic uptake of monomethylarsonic acid, and limited uptake of dimethylarsinic acid. PMID:11891266

  7. Surface decoration by Spirulina polysaccharide enhances the cellular uptake and anticancer efficacy of selenium nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Yang, Fang; Tang, Quanming; Zhong, Xueyun; Bai, Yan; Chen, Tianfeng; Zhang, Yibo; Li, Yinghua; Zheng, Wenjie

    2012-01-01

    A simple and solution-phase method for functionalization of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with Spirulina polysaccharides (SPS) has been developed in the present study. The cellular uptake and anticancer activity of SPS-SeNPs were also evaluated. Monodisperse and homogeneous spherical SPS-SeNPs with diameters ranging from 20 nm to 50 nm were achieved under optimized conditions, which were stable in the solution phase for at least 3 months. SPS surface decoration significantly enhanced the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of SeNPs toward several human cancer cell lines. A375 human melanoma cells were found extremely susceptible to SPS-SeNPs with half maximal (50%) inhibitory concentration value of 7.94 μM. Investigation of the underlying mechanisms revealed that SPS-SeNPs inhibited cancer cell growth through induction of apoptosis, as evidenced by an increase in sub-G(1) cell population, deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation, chromatin condensation, and phosphatidylserine translocation. Results suggest that the strategy to use SPS as a surface decorator could be an effective way to enhance the cellular uptake and anticancer efficacy of nanomaterials. SPS-SeNPs may be a potential candidate for further evaluation as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent against human cancers.

  8. Surface decoration by Spirulina polysaccharide enhances the cellular uptake and anticancer efficacy of selenium nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Fang; Tang, Quanming; Zhong, Xueyun; Bai, Yan; Chen, Tianfeng; Zhang, Yibo; Li, Yinghua; Zheng, Wenjie

    2012-01-01

    A simple and solution-phase method for functionalization of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with Spirulina polysaccharides (SPS) has been developed in the present study. The cellular uptake and anticancer activity of SPS-SeNPs were also evaluated. Monodisperse and homogeneous spherical SPS-SeNPs with diameters ranging from 20 nm to 50 nm were achieved under optimized conditions, which were stable in the solution phase for at least 3 months. SPS surface decoration significantly enhanced the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of SeNPs toward several human cancer cell lines. A375 human melanoma cells were found extremely susceptible to SPS-SeNPs with half maximal (50%) inhibitory concentration value of 7.94 μM. Investigation of the underlying mechanisms revealed that SPS-SeNPs inhibited cancer cell growth through induction of apoptosis, as evidenced by an increase in sub-G1 cell population, deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation, chromatin condensation, and phosphatidylserine translocation. Results suggest that the strategy to use SPS as a surface decorator could be an effective way to enhance the cellular uptake and anticancer efficacy of nanomaterials. SPS-SeNPs may be a potential candidate for further evaluation as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent against human cancers. PMID:22359460

  9. In vitro hypoglycemic effects of Albizzia lebbeck and Mucuna pruriens

    PubMed Central

    Bhutkar, Mangesh; Bhise, Satish

    2013-01-01

    Objective To verify the antidiabetic potential of stem bark of Albizzia lebbeck (A. lebbeck) and seeds of Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens) using various in vitro techniques. Methods The plant extracts were studied for their effects on glucose adsorption, diffusion amylolysis kinetics and glucose transport across yeast cells. Results Both the plant extracts adsorbed glucose and the adsorption of glucose increased remarkably with an increase in glucose concentration. No significant (P≤0.05) differences were observed between the adsorption capacities of A. lebbeck and M. pruriens. In amylolysis kinetic experimental model the rate of glucose diffusion was found to increase with time from 30 to 180 min, and both the plant extracts demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on movement of glucose into external solution across dialysis membrane as compared to control. The retardation of glucose diffusion by A. lebbeck extract was significantly higher (P≤0.05) than M. pruriens. These effects were reflected with higher glucose dialysis retardation index values for A. lebbeck than M. pruriens. The plant extracts also promoted glucose uptake by yeast cells. The rate of uptake of glucose into yeast cells was linear in all the 5 glucose concentrations used in the study. M. pruriens extract exhibited significantly higher (P≤0.05) activity than the extract of A. lebbeck at all concentrations. Conclusions The results verified the antidiabetic potential of A. lebbeck and M. pruriens. The hypoglycemic effect exhibited by the extracts is mediated by increasing glucose adsorption, decreasing glucose diffusion rate and at the cellular level by promoting glucose transport across the cell membrane as revealed by simple in vitro model of yeast cells.

  10. The influence of different space-related physiological variations on exercise capacity determined by oxygen uptake kinetics.

    PubMed

    Stegemann, J

    1992-07-01

    Oxygen uptake kinetics, following defined variations of work load changes allow to estimate the contribution of aerob and anaerob energy supply which is the base for determining work capacity. Under the aspect of long duration missions with application of adequate dosed countermeasures, a reliable estimate of the astronaut's work capacity is important to adjust the necessary inflight training. Since the kinetics of oxygen uptake originate in the working muscle group itself, while measurements are performed at the mouth, various influences within the oxygen transport system might disturb the determinations. There are not only detraining effects but also well-known other influences, such as blood- and fluid shifts induced by weightlessness. They might have an impact on the circulatory system. Some of these factors have been simulated by immersion, blood donation, and changing of the body position.

  11. The influence of different space-related physiological variations on exercise capacity determined by oxygen uptake kinetics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stegemann, J.

    Oxygen uptake kinetics, following defined variations of work load changes allow to estimate the contribution of aerob and anaerob energy supply which is the base for determining work capacity. Under the aspect of long duration missions with application of adequate dosed countermeasures, a reliable estimate of the astronaut's work capacity is important to adjust the necessary inflight training. Since the kinetics of oxygen uptake originate in the working muscle group itself, while measurements are performed at the mouth, various influences within the oxygen transport system might disturb the determinations. There are not only detraining effects but also well-known other influences, such as blood- and fluid shifts induced by weightlessness. They might have an impact on the circulatory system. Some of these factors have been simulated by immersion, blood donation, and changing of the body position.

  12. Kinetic theory approach to modeling of cellular repair mechanisms under genome stress.

    PubMed

    Qi, Jinpeng; Ding, Yongsheng; Zhu, Ying; Wu, Yizhi

    2011-01-01

    Under acute perturbations from outer environment, a normal cell can trigger cellular self-defense mechanism in response to genome stress. To investigate the kinetics of cellular self-repair process at single cell level further, a model of DNA damage generating and repair is proposed under acute Ion Radiation (IR) by using mathematical framework of kinetic theory of active particles (KTAP). Firstly, we focus on illustrating the profile of Cellular Repair System (CRS) instituted by two sub-populations, each of which is made up of the active particles with different discrete states. Then, we implement the mathematical framework of cellular self-repair mechanism, and illustrate the dynamic processes of Double Strand Breaks (DSBs) and Repair Protein (RP) generating, DSB-protein complexes (DSBCs) synthesizing, and toxins accumulating. Finally, we roughly analyze the capability of cellular self-repair mechanism, cellular activity of transferring DNA damage, and genome stability, especially the different fates of a certain cell before and after the time thresholds of IR perturbations that a cell can tolerate maximally under different IR perturbation circumstances.

  13. Alveolar epithelial cell processing of nanoparticles activates autophagy and lysosomal exocytosis.

    PubMed

    Sipos, Arnold; Kim, Kwang-Jin; Chow, Robert H; Flodby, Per; Borok, Zea; Crandall, Edward D

    2018-05-03

    Utilizing confocal microscopy, we quantitatively assessed uptake, processing and egress of near infrared (NIR)-labeled carboxylated polystyrene nanoparticles (PNP) in live alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) during interactions with primary rat AEC monolayers (RAECM). PNP fluorescence intensity (content) and colocalization with intracellular vesicles in a cell were determined over the entire cell volume via z-stacking. Isotropic cuvette-based microfluorimetry was used to determine PNP concentration ([PNP]) from anisotropic measurements of PNP content assessed by confocal microscopy. Results showed that PNP uptake kinetics and steady state intracellular content decreased as diameter increased from 20 to 200 nm. For 20 nm PNP, uptake rate and steady state intracellular content increased with increased apical [PNP], but were unaffected by inhibition of endocytic pathways. Intracellular PNP increasingly co-localized with autophagosomes and/or lysosomes over time. PNP egress exhibited fast [Ca2+]-dependent release and a slower diffusion-like process. Inhibition of microtubule polymerization curtailed rapid PNP egress, resulting in elevated vesicular and intracellular PNP content. Interference with autophagosome formation led to slower PNP uptake and markedly decreased steady state intracellular content. At steady state, cytosolic [PNP] was higher than apical [PNP] and vesicular [PNP] (~80% of intracellular PNP content) exceeded both cytosolic [PNP] and intracellular [PNP]. These data are consistent with the hypotheses that (1) autophagic processing of nanoparticles is essential for maintenance of AEC integrity, (2) altered autophagy and/or lysosomal exocytosis may lead to AEC injury and (3) intracellular [PNP] in AEC is regulable, suggesting strategies for enhancement of nanoparticle-driven AEC gene/drug delivery and/or amelioration of AEC nanoparticle-related cellular toxicity.

  14. Cellular uptake and transport of zein nanoparticles: effects of sodium caseinate.

    PubMed

    Luo, Yangchao; Teng, Zi; Wang, Thomas T Y; Wang, Qin

    2013-08-07

    Cellular evaluation of zein nanoparticles has not been studied systematically due to their poor redispersibility. Caseinate (CAS)-stabilized zein nanoparticles have been recently developed with better redispersibility in salt solutions. In this study, zein-CAS nanoparticles were prepared with different zein/CAS mass ratios. The prepared nanoparticles demonstrated good stabilities to maintain particle size (120-140 nm) in cell culture medium and HBSS buffer at 37 °C. The nanoparticles showed no cytotoxicity for Caco-2 cells for 72 h. CAS not only significantly enhanced cell uptake of zein nanoparticles in a concentration- and time-dependent manner but also remarkably improved epithelial transport through Caco-2 cell monolayer. The cell uptake of zein-CAS nanoparticles indicated an energy-dependent endocytosis process as evidenced by cell uptake under blocking conditions, that is, 4 °C, sodium azide, and colchicine. Fluorescent microscopy clearly showed the internalization of zein-CAS nanoparticles. This study may shed some light on the cellular evaluations of hydrophobic protein nanoparticles.

  15. Glucose Uptake in Prochlorococcus: Diversity of Kinetics and Effects on the Metabolism

    PubMed Central

    Muñoz-Marín, María del Carmen; Gómez-Baena, Guadalupe; Díez, Jesús; Beynon, Robert J.; González-Ballester, David; Zubkov, Mikhail V.; García-Fernández, José M.

    2017-01-01

    We have previously shown that Prochlorococcus sp. SS120 strain takes up glucose by using a multiphasic transporter encoded by the Pro1404 gene. Here, we studied the glucose uptake kinetics in multiple Prochlorococcus strains from different ecotypes, observing diverse values for the Ks constants (15–126.60 nM) and the uptake rates (0.48–6.36 pmol min-1 mg prot-1). Multiphasic kinetics was observed in all studied strains, except for TAK9803-2. Pro1404 gene expression studies during the 21st Atlantic Meridional Transect cruise showed positive correlation with glucose concentrations in the ocean. This suggests that the Pro1404 transporter has been subjected to diversification along the Prochlorococcus evolution, in a process probably driven by the glucose availabilities at the different niches it inhabits. The glucose uptake mechanism seems to be a primary transporter. Glucose addition induced detectable transcriptomic and proteomic changes in Prochlorococcus SS120, but photosynthetic efficiency was unaffected. Our studies indicate that glucose is actively taken up by Prochlorococcus, but its uptake does not significantly alter the trophic ways of this cyanobacterium, which continues performing photosynthesis. Therefore Prochlorococcus seems to remain acting as a fundamentally phototrophic organism, capable of using glucose as an extra resource of carbon and energy when available in the environment. PMID:28337178

  16. Defining Nitrogen Kinetics for Air Break in Prebreath

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Conkin, Johnny

    2010-01-01

    Actual tissue nitrogen (N2) kinetics are complex; the uptake and elimination is often approximated with a single half-time compartment in statistical descriptions of denitrogenation [prebreathe(PB)] protocols. Air breaks during PB complicate N2 kinetics. A comparison of symmetrical versus asymmetrical N2 kinetics was performed using the time to onset of hypobaric decompression sickness (DCS) as a surrogate for actual venous N2 tension. METHODS: Published results of 12 tests involving 179 hypobaric exposures in altitude chambers after PB, with and without airbreaks, provide the complex protocols from which to model N2 kinetics. DCS survival time for combined control and airbreaks were described with an accelerated log logistic model where N2 uptake and elimination before, during, and after the airbreak was computed with a simple exponential function or a function that changed half-time depending on ambient N2 partial pressure. P1N2-P2 = (Delta)P defined decompression dose for each altitude exposure, where P2 was the test altitude and P1N2 was computed N2 pressure at the beginning of the altitude exposure. RESULTS: The log likelihood (LL) without decompression dose (null model) was -155.6, and improved (best-fit) to -97.2 when dose was defined with a 240 min half-time for both N2 elimination and uptake during the PB. The description of DCS survival time was less precise with asymmetrical N2 kinetics, for example, LL was -98.9 with 240 min half-time elimination and 120 min half-time uptake. CONCLUSION: The statistical regression described survival time mechanistically linked to symmetrical N2 kinetics during PBs that also included airbreaks. The results are data-specific, and additional data may change the conclusion. The regression is useful to compute additional PB time to compensate for an airbreak in PB within the narrow range of tested conditions.

  17. Defining Nitrogen Kinetics for Air Break in Prebreathe

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Conkin, Johnny

    2009-01-01

    Actual tissue nitrogen (N2) kinetics are complex; the uptake and elimination is often approximated with a single half-time compartment in statistical descriptions of denitrogenation [prebreathe (PB)] protocols. Air breaks during PB complicate N2 kinetics. A comparison of symmetrical versus asymmetrical N2 kinetics was performed using the time to onset of hypobaric decompression sickness (DCS) as a surrogate for actual venous N2 tension. Published results of 12 tests involving 179 hypobaric exposures in altitude chambers after PB, with and without air breaks, provide the complex protocols from which to model N2 kinetics. DCS survival time for combined control and air breaks were described with an accelerated log logistic model where N2 uptake and elimination before, during, and after the air break was computed with a simple exponential function or a function that changed half-time depending on ambient N2 partial pressure. P1N2-P2 = delta P defined DCS dose for each altitude exposure, where P2 was the test altitude and P1N2 was computed N2 pressure at the beginning of the altitude exposure. The log likelihood (LL) without DCS dose (null model) was -155.6, and improved (best-fit) to -97.2 when dose was defined with a 240 min half-time for both N2 elimination and uptake during the PB. The description of DCS survival time was less precise with asymmetrical N2 kinetics, for example, LL was -98.9 with 240 min half-time elimination and 120 min half-time uptake. The statistical regression described survival time mechanistically linked to symmetrical N2 kinetics during PBs that also included air breaks. The results are data-specific, and additional data may change the conclusion. The regression is useful to compute additional PB time to compensate for an air break in PB within the narrow range of tested conditions.

  18. Uptake of dissolved inorganic and organic nitrogen by the benthic toxic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata.

    PubMed

    Jauzein, Cécile; Couet, Douglas; Blasco, Thierry; Lemée, Rodolphe

    2017-05-01

    Environmental factors that shape dynamics of benthic toxic blooms are largely unknown. In particular, for the toxic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata, the importance of the availability of nutrients and the contribution of the inorganic and organic pools to growth need to be quantified in marine coastal environments. The present study aimed at characterizing N-uptake of dissolved inorganic and organic sources by O. cf. ovata cells, using the 15 N-labelling technique. Experiments were conducted taking into account potential interactions between nutrient uptake systems as well as variations with the diel cycle. Uptake abilities of O. cf. ovata were parameterized for ammonium (NH 4 + ), nitrate (NO 3 - ) and N-urea, from the estimation of kinetic and inhibition parameters. In the range of 0 to 10μmolNL -1 , kinetic curves showed a clear preference pattern following the ranking NH 4 + >NO 3 - >N-urea, where the preferential uptake of NH 4 + relative to NO 3 - was accentuated by an inhibitory effect of NH 4 + concentration on NO 3 - uptake capabilities. Conversely, under high nutrient concentrations, the preference for NH 4 + relative to NO 3 - was largely reduced, probably because of the existence of a low-affinity high capacity inducible NO 3 - uptake system. Ability to take up nutrients in darkness could not be defined as a competitive advantage for O. cf. ovata. Species competitiveness can also be defined from nutrient uptake kinetic parameters. A strong affinity for NH 4 + was observed for O. cf. ovata cells that may partly explain the success of this toxic species during the summer season in the Bay of Villefranche-sur-mer (France). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Sodium uptake in different life stages of crustaceans: the water flea Daphnia magna Strauss.

    PubMed

    Bianchini, Adalto; Wood, Chris M

    2008-02-01

    The concentration-dependent kinetics and main mechanisms of whole-body Na+ uptake were assessed in neonate and adult water flea Daphnia magna Strauss acclimated to moderately hard water (0.6 mmol l(-1) NaCl, 1.0 mmol l(-1) CaCO3 and 0.15 mmol l(-1) MgSO4.7H2O; pH 8.2). Whole-body Na+ uptake is independent of the presence of Cl(-) in the external medium and kinetic parameters are dependent on the life stage. Adults have a lower maximum capacity of Na+ transport on a mass-specific basis but a higher affinity for Na+ when compared to neonates. Based on pharmacological analyses, mechanisms involved in whole-body Na+ uptake differ according to the life stage considered. In neonates, a proton pump-coupled Na+ channel appears to play an important role in the whole-body Na+ uptake at the apical membrane. However, they do not appear to contribute to whole-body Na+ uptake in adults, where only the Na+ channel seems to be present, associated with the Na+/H+ exchanger. In both cases, carbonic anhydrase contributes by providing H+ for the transporters. At the basolateral membrane of the salt-transporting epithelia of neonates, Na+ is pumped from the cells to the extracellular fluid by a Na+, K+-ATPase and a Na+/Cl(-) exchanger whereas K+ and Cl(-) move through specific channels. In adults, a Na+/K+/2Cl(-) cotransporter replaces the Na+/Cl(-) exchanger. Differential sensitivity of neonates and adults to iono- and osmoregulatory toxicants, such as metals, are discussed with respect to differences in whole-body Na+ uptake kinetics, as well as in the mechanisms of Na+ transport involved in the whole-body Na+ uptake in the two life stages.

  20. Defining the Subcellular Interface of Nanoparticles by Live-Cell Imaging

    PubMed Central

    Hemmerich, Peter H.; von Mikecz, Anna H.

    2013-01-01

    Understanding of nanoparticle-bio-interactions within living cells requires knowledge about the dynamic behavior of nanomaterials during their cellular uptake, intracellular traffic and mutual reactions with cell organelles. Here, we introduce a protocol of combined kinetic imaging techniques that enables investigation of exemplary fluorochrome-labelled nanoparticles concerning their intracellular fate. By time-lapse confocal microscopy we observe fast, dynamin-dependent uptake of polystyrene and silica nanoparticles via the cell membrane within seconds. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments reveal fast and complete exchange of the investigated nanoparticles at mitochondria, cytoplasmic vesicles or the nuclear envelope. Nuclear translocation is observed within minutes by free diffusion and active transport. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and raster image correlation spectroscopy (RICS) indicate diffusion coefficients of polystyrene and silica nanoparticles in the nucleus and the cytoplasm that are consistent with particle motion in living cells based on diffusion. Determination of the apparent hydrodynamic radii by FCS and RICS shows that nanoparticles exert their cytoplasmic and nuclear effects mainly as mobile, monodisperse entities. Thus, a complete toolkit of fluorescence fluctuation microscopy is presented for the investigation of nanomaterial biophysics in subcellular microenvironments that contributes to develop a framework of intracellular nanoparticle delivery routes. PMID:23637951

  1. Biokinetics and dosimetry of several radiolabelled peptides in cancer cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rodríguez-Cortés, J.; Ferro-Flores, G.; de Murphy, C. Arteaga; Pedraza-López, M.; Ramírez-Iglesias, M. A. T.

    Radiolabelled peptides have been used as target-specific radiopharmaceuticals. The goal of this research was the in vitro assessment of the uptake, internalization, externalization, and efflux of five radiolabelled peptides in cancer cells to estimate radiation-absorbed doses from experimental biokinetic data. 177Lu-DOTA-octreotate, 188Re-lanreotide, and 99mTc-HYNIC-octreotide were studied in the AR42J cell line. The PC3 and NCIH69 cells were used for 99mTc-HYNIC-bombesin and 177Lu-DOTA-minigastrin, respectively. The cumulated activities in the membrane and cytoplasm were calculated by integration of the experimental time-activity curves and used for dosimetry calculations according to the Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) cellular methodology. The mean absorbed dose to the cell nucleus were 0.69±0.09, 0.11±0.08, 0.55±0.09, 3.45±0.48, and 3.30±0.65 Gy/Bq for 99mTc-HYNIC-bombesin, 99mTc-HYNIC-octreotide, 177Lu-DOTA-minigastrin, 177Lu-DOTA-octreotate, and 188Re-lanreotide, respectively. If radiopharmaceutical cell kinetics were not used and only uptake data were considered, the calculated doses would be overestimated up to 25 times.

  2. Impact of assimilable nitrogen availability in glucose uptake kinetics in Saccharomyces cerevisiae during alcoholic fermentation

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background The expression and activity of the different Saccharomyces cerevisiae hexose uptake systems (Hxt) and the kinetics of glucose uptake are considered essential to industrial alcoholic fermentation performance. However, the dynamics of glucose uptake kinetics during the different stages of fermentation, depending on glucose and nitrogen availability, is very poorly characterized. The objective of the present work was to examine thoroughly the alterations occurring in glucose uptake kinetics during alcoholic fermentation, by the wine strain S. cerevisiae PYCC 4072, of a synthetic grape juice basal medium with either a limiting or non-limiting initial nitrogen concentration and following nitrogen supplementation of the nitrogen-depleted sluggish fermentation. Results Independently of the initial concentration of the nitrogen source, glucose transport capacity is maximal during the early stages of fermentation and presumably sustained by the low-affinity and high-capacity glucose transporter Hxt1p. During nitrogen-limited sluggish fermentation, glucose uptake capacity was reduced to approximately 20% of its initial values (Vmax = 4.9 ± 0.8 compared to 21.9 ± 1.2 μmol h-1 10-8 cells), being presumably sustained by the low-affinity glucose transporter Hxt3p (considering the calculated Km = 39.2 ± 8.6 mM). The supplementation of the sluggish fermentation broth with ammonium led to the increase of glucose transport capacity associated to the expression of different glucose uptake systems with low and high affinities for glucose (Km = 58.2 ± 9.1 and 2.7 ± 0.4 mM). A biclustering analysis carried out using microarray data, previously obtained for this yeast strain transcriptional response to equivalent fermentation conditions, indicates that the activation of the expression of genes encoding the glucose transporters Hxt2p (during the transition period to active fermentation) and Hxt3p, Hxt4p, Hxt6p and Hxt7p (during the period of active fermentation) may have a major role in the recovery of glucose uptake rate following ammonium supplementation. These results suggest a general derepression of the glucose-repressible HXT genes and are consistent with the downregulation of Mig1p and Rgt1p. Conclusions Although reduced, glucose uptake rate during nitrogen-limited fermentation is not abrogated. Following ammonium supplementation, sluggish fermentation recovery is associated to the increase of glucose uptake capacity, related to the de novo synthesis of glucose transporters with different affinity for glucose and capacity, presumably of Hxt2p, Hxt3p, Hxt4p, Hxt6p and Hxt7p. This study is a contribution to the understanding of yeast response to different stages of alcoholic fermentation at the level of glucose uptake kinetics, in particular under nitrogen limitation or replenish, which is useful knowledge to guide fermentation practices. PMID:22846176

  3. Exercise modality effect on oxygen uptake off-transient kinetics at maximal oxygen uptake intensity.

    PubMed

    Sousa, Ana; Rodríguez, Ferran A; Machado, Leandro; Vilas-Boas, J Paulo; Fernandes, Ricardo J

    2015-06-01

    What is the central question of this study? Do the mechanical differences between swimming, rowing, running and cycling have a potential effect on the oxygen uptake (V̇O2) off-kinetics after an exercise sustained until exhaustion at 100% of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) intensity? What is the main finding and its importance? The mechanical differences between exercise modes had a potential effect and contributed to distinct amplitude of the fast component (higher in running compared with cycling) and time constant (higher in swimming compared with rowing and cycling) in the V̇O2 off-kinetic patterns at 100% of V̇O2max intensity. This suggests that swimmers, unlike rowers and cyclists, would benefit more from a longer duration of training intervals after each set of exercise performed at V̇O2max intensity. The kinetics of oxygen uptake (V̇O2) during recovery (off-transient kinetics) for different exercise modes is largely unexplored, hampering the prescription of training and recovery to enhance performance. The purpose of this study was to compare the V̇O2 off-transient kinetics response between swimmers, rowers, runners and cyclists during their specific mode of exercise at 100% of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) intensity and to examine the on-off symmetry. Groups of swimmers, rowers, runners and cyclists (n = 8 per group) performed (i) an incremental exercise protocol to assess the velocity or power associated with V̇O2max (vV̇O2max or wV̇O2max, respectively) and (ii) a square-wave exercise transition from rest to vV̇O2max/vV̇O2maxwV̇O2maxwV̇O2max until volitional exhaustion. Pulmonary exchange parameters were measured using a telemetric portable gas analyser (K4b(2) ; Cosmed, Rome, Italy), and the on- and off-transient kinetics were analysed through a double-exponential approach. For all exercise modes, both transient periods were symmetrical in shape once they had both been adequately fitted by a double-exponential model. However, differences were found in the off-kinetic parameters between exercise modes; the amplitude of the fast component of the V̇O2 off-response was higher in running compared with cycling (48 ± 5 and 36 ± 7 ml kg(-1) min(-1) , respectively; P < 0.001), and the time constant of the same phase was higher in swimming compared with rowing and cycling (63 ± 5, 56 ± 5 and 55 ± 3 s, respectively; P < 0.001). Although both phases were well described by a double-exponential model, the differences between exercise modes had a potential effect and contributed to distinct V̇O2 off-transient kinetic patterns at 100% of V̇O2max intensity. © 2015 The Authors. Experimental Physiology © 2015 The Physiological Society.

  4. Muscular Oxygen Uptake Kinetics in Aged Adults.

    PubMed

    Koschate, J; Drescher, U; Baum, K; Eichberg, S; Schiffer, T; Latsch, J; Brixius, K; Hoffmann, U

    2016-06-01

    Pulmonary oxygen uptake (V˙O2) kinetics and heart rate kinetics are influenced by age and fitness. Muscular V˙O2 kinetics can be estimated from heart rate and pulmonary V˙O2. In this study the applicability of a test using pseudo-random binary sequences in combination with a model to estimate muscular V˙O2 kinetics was tested. Muscular V˙O2 kinetics were expected to be faster than pulmonary V˙O2 kinetics, slowed in aged subjects and correlated with maximum V˙O2 and heart rate kinetics. 27 elderly subjects (73±3 years; 81.1±8.2 kg; 175±4.7 cm) participated. Cardiorespiratory kinetics were assessed using the maximum of cross-correlation functions, higher maxima implying faster kinetics. Muscular V˙O2 kinetics were faster than pulmonary V˙O2 kinetics (0.31±0.1 vs. 0.29±0.1 s; p=0.004). Heart rate kinetics were not correlated with muscular or pulmonary V˙O2 kinetics or maximum V˙O2. Muscular V˙O2 kinetics correlated with maximum V˙O2 (r=0.35; p=0.033). This suggests, that muscular V˙O2 kinetics are faster than estimates from pulmonary V˙O2 and related to maximum V˙O2 in aged subjects. In the future this experimental approach may help to characterize alterations in muscular V˙O2 under various conditions independent of motivation and maximal effort. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  5. Purification, immunotoxic effects, and cellular uptake of trichothecene mycotoxins

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Witt, M.F.

    1989-01-01

    Studies were carried out to better understand how the trichothecenes alter immune function in animals and humans. Deoxynivalenol (DON) was purified for use in animal feeding studies. Dietary exposure to DON for 8 weeks altered the serum immunoglobulin profile in mice and decreased the splenic plaque-forming cell response to the antigen sheep red blood cells. The uptake of ({sup 3}H)T-2 toxin by a murine B-cell hybridoma was studied in order to learn more about the way in which trichothecenes interact with immune cells. A simple procedure was developed for the laboratory production and purification of gram quantities of crystalline DON.more » When Fusarium graminearum R6576 was grown on rice, concentrations of 600 to 700 ppm DON accumulated after 13 to 18 days of incubation. A DON derivative, 15-acetylDON, was also found at concentrations of 100 to 300 ppm after 7 to 10 days. DON was purified from crude culture extracts by water-saturated silica gel chromatography. Alpha-({sup 3}H)T-2 toxin of 99% chemical and radiochemical purity was prepared for use in uptake studies. Both the rate of uptake of ({sup 3}H)T-2 toxin by hybridomas and the time required for accumulation of ({sup 3}H)T-2 to reach equilibrium were proportional to the concentration of ({sup 3}H)T-2. ({sup 3}H)T-2 toxin accumulated by hybridomas was proportional to the concentration of ({sup 3}H)T-2 between 10{sup {minus}8} and 10{sup {minus}3} M. The rate of uptake of ({sup 3}H)jT-2 toxin by hybridomas was inhibited by the trichothecenes T-2 toxin, DON, verrucarin A, and roridin A, as well as the antibiotic anisomycin. The kinetics and concentration dependence of accumulation, along with the inhibition patterns, suggest that uptake of ({sup 3}H)T-2 toxin by hybridomas is mediated by binding of toxin to ribosomes.« less

  6. Vacuolar amino acid transporter Avt5p is responsible for lithium uptake in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

    PubMed

    Iwaki, Tomoko; Sekito, Takayuki; Kakinuma, Yoshimi

    2010-01-01

    The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe was sensitive to salinity; cell growth was stopped by 0.5 M NaCl and by 10 mM LiCl. The avt5+ gene encodes a vacuolar transporter with a broad specificity for amino acids. We found that the avt5Delta mutant became highly tolerant of Li+ and Na+ in growth. Concanamycin A-sensitive Li+ uptake as well as cellular Li+ content was lower in the avt5 mutant, suggesting a role of Avt5p in cellular uptake of toxic Li+.

  7. Interplay of drug metabolizing enzymes with cellular transporters.

    PubMed

    Böhmdorfer, Michaela; Maier-Salamon, Alexandra; Riha, Juliane; Brenner, Stefan; Höferl, Martina; Jäger, Walter

    2014-11-01

    Many endogenous and xenobiotic substances and their metabolites are substrates for drug metabolizing enzymes and cellular transporters. These proteins may not only contribute to bioavailability of molecules but also to uptake into organs and, consequently, to overall elimination. The coordinated action of uptake transporters, metabolizing enzymes, and efflux pumps, therefore, is a precondition for detoxification and elimination of drugs. As the understanding of the underlying mechanisms is important to predict alterations in drug disposal, adverse drug reactions and, finally, drug-drug interactions, this review illustrates the interplay between selected uptake/efflux transporters and phase I/II metabolizing enzymes.

  8. VO2 Off Transient Kinetics in Extreme Intensity Swimming.

    PubMed

    Sousa, Ana; Figueiredo, Pedro; Keskinen, Kari L; Rodríguez, Ferran A; Machado, Leandro; Vilas-Boas, João P; Fernandes, Ricardo J

    2011-01-01

    Inconsistencies about dynamic asymmetry between the on- and off- transient responses in oxygen uptake are found in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize the oxygen uptake off-transient kinetics during a maximal 200-m front crawl effort, as examining the degree to which the on/off regularity of the oxygen uptake kinetics response was preserved. Eight high level male swimmers performed a 200-m front crawl at maximal speed during which oxygen uptake was directly measured through breath-by-breath oxymetry (averaged every 5 s). This apparatus was connected to the swimmer by a low hydrodynamic resistance respiratory snorkel and valve system. The on- and off-transient phases were symmetrical in shape (mirror image) once they were adequately fitted by a single-exponential regression models, and no slow component for the oxygen uptake response was developed. Mean (± SD) peak oxygen uptake was 69.0 (± 6.3) mL·kg(-1)·min(-1), significantly correlated with time constant of the off- transient period (r = 0.76, p < 0.05) but not with any of the other oxygen off-transient kinetic parameters studied. A direct relationship between time constant of the off-transient period and mean swimming speed of the 200-m (r = 0.77, p < 0.05), and with the amplitude of the fast component of the effort period (r = 0.72, p < 0.05) were observed. The mean amplitude and time constant of the off-transient period values were significantly greater than the respective on- transient. In conclusion, although an asymmetry between the on- and off kinetic parameters was verified, both the 200-m effort and the respectively recovery period were better characterized by a single exponential regression model. Key pointsThe VO2 slow component was not observed in the recovery period of swimming extreme efforts;The on and off transient periods were better fitted by a single exponential function, and so, these effort and recovery periods of swimming extreme efforts are symmetrical;The rate of VO2 decline during the recovery period may be due to not only the magnitude of oxygen debt but also the VO2peak obtained during the effort period.

  9. Polyethyleneimine Coating Enhances the Cellular Uptake of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles and Allows Safe Delivery of siRNA and DNA Constructs

    PubMed Central

    Xia, Tian; Kovochich, Michael; Liong, Monty; Meng, Huan; Kabehie, Sanaz; Zink, Jeffrey I.; Nel, Andre E.

    2014-01-01

    Surface-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNP) can be used as an efficient and safe carrier for bioactive molecules. In order to make the MSNP a more efficient delivery system, we modified the surface of the particles by a functional group that enhances cellular uptake and allows nucleic acid delivery in addition to traditional drug delivery. Non-covalent attachment of polyethyleneimine (PEI) polymers to the surface not only increases MSNP cellular uptake, but also generates a cationic surface to which DNA and siRNA constructs could be attached. While efficient for intracellular delivery of these nucleic acids, the 25 KD PEI polymer unfortunately changes the safety profile of the MSNP that is otherwise very safe. By experimenting with several different polymer molecular weights, it was possible to retain high cellular uptake and transfection efficiency while reducing or even eliminating cationic MSNP cytotoxicity. The particles coated with the 10 KD PEI polymer was particularly efficient for transducing HEPA-1 cells with a siRNA construct that was capable of knocking down GFP expression. Similarly, transfection of a GFP plasmid induced effective expression of the fluorescent protein in > 70% cells in the population. These outcomes were quantitatively assessed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. We also demonstrated that the enhanced cellular uptake of the non-toxic cationic MSNP enhance the delivery of the hydrophobic anticancer drug, paclitaxel, to pancreatic cancer cells. In summary, we demonstrate that by a careful selection of PEI size, it is possible to construct cationic MSNP that are capable of nucleotide and enhanced drug delivery with minimal or no cytotoxicity. This novel use of a cationic MSNP extends its therapeutic use potential. PMID:19739605

  10. Bioaccumulation of total mercury in the earthworm Eisenia andrei.

    PubMed

    Le Roux, Shirley; Baker, Priscilla; Crouch, Andrew

    2016-01-01

    Earthworms are a major part of the total biomass of soil fauna and play a vital role in soil maintenance. They process large amounts of plant and soil material and can accumulate many pollutants that may be present in the soil. Earthworms have been explored as bioaccumulators for many heavy metal species such as Pb, Cu and Zn but limited information is available for mercury uptake and bioaccumulation in earthworms and very few report on the factors that influence the kinetics of Hg uptake by earthworms. It is known however that the uptake of Hg is strongly influenced by the presence of organic matter, hence the influence of ligands are a major factor contributing to the kinetics of mercury uptake in biosystems. In this work we have focused on the uptake of mercury by earthworms (Eisenia andrei) in the presence of humic acid (HA) under varying physical conditions of pH and temperature, done to assess the role of humic acid in the bioaccumulation of mercury by earthworms from soils. The study was conducted over a 5-day uptake period and all earthworm samples were analysed by direct mercury analysis. Mercury distribution profiles as a function of time, bioaccumulation factors (BAFs), first order rate constants and body burden constants for mercury uptake under selected conditions of temperature, pH as well as via the dermal and gut route were evaluated in one comprehensive approach. The results showed that the uptake of Hg was influenced by pH, temperature and the presence of HA. Uptake of Hg(2+) was improved at low pH and temperature when the earthworms in soil were in contact with a saturating aqueous phase. The total amount of Hg(2+) uptake decreased from 75 to 48 % as a function of pH. For earthworms in dry soil, the uptake was strongly influenced by the presence of the ligand. Calculated BAF values ranged from 0.1 to 0.8. Mercury uptake typically followed first order kinetics with rate constants determined as 0.2 to 1 h(-1).

  11. Vectorization of biomacromolecules into cells using extracellular vesicles with enhanced internalization induced by macropinocytosis.

    PubMed

    Nakase, Ikuhiko; Noguchi, Kosuke; Fujii, Ikuo; Futaki, Shiroh

    2016-10-17

    Extracellular vesicles (EVs, exosomes) are approximately 30- to 200-nm-long vesicles that have received increased attention due to their role in cell-to-cell communication. Although EVs are highly anticipated to be a next-generation intracellular delivery tool because of their pharmaceutical advantages, including non-immunogenicity, their cellular uptake efficacy is low because of the repulsion of EVs and negatively charged cell membranes and size limitations in endocytosis. Here, we demonstrate a methodology for achieving enhanced cellular EV uptake using arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) to induce active macropinocytosis. The induction of macropinocytosis via a simple modification to the exosomal membrane using stearylated octaarginine, which is a representative CPP, significantly enhanced the cellular EV uptake efficacy. Consequently, effective EV-based intracellular delivery of an artificially encapsulated ribosome-inactivating protein, saporin, in EVs was attained.

  12. Kinetics of proton uptake and dye binding by photoactive yellow protein in wild type and in the E46Q and E46A mutants.

    PubMed

    Borucki, Berthold; Devanathan, Savitha; Otto, Harald; Cusanovich, Michael A; Tollin, Gordon; Heyn, Maarten P

    2002-08-06

    We studied the kinetics of proton uptake and release by photoactive yellow protein (PYP) from Ectothiorhodospira halophila in wild type and the E46Q and E46A mutants by transient absorption spectroscopy with the pH-indicator dyes bromocresol purple or cresol red in unbuffered solution. In parallel, we investigated the kinetics of chromophore protonation as monitored by the rise and decay of the blue-shifted state I(2) (lambda(max) = 355 nm). For wild type the proton uptake kinetics is synchronized with the fast phase of I(2) formation (tau = 500 micros at pH 6.2). The transient absorption signal from the dye also contains a slower component which is not due to dye deprotonation but is caused by dye binding to a hydrophobic patch that is transiently exposed in the structurally changed and partially unfolded I(2) intermediate. This conclusion is based on the wavelength, pH, and concentration dependence of the dye signal and on dye measurements in the presence of buffer. SVD analysis, moreover, indicates the presence of two components in the dye signal: protonation and dye binding. The dye binding has a rise time of about 4 ms and is coupled kinetically with a transition between two I(2) intermediates. In the mutant E46Q, which lacks the putative internal proton donor E46, the formation of I(2) is accelerated, but the proton uptake kinetics remains kinetically coupled to the fast phase of I(2) formation (tau = 100 micros at pH 6.3). For this mutant the protein conformational change, as monitored by the dye binding, occurs with about the same time constant as in wild type but with reduced amplitude. In the alkaline form of the mutant E46A the formation of the I(2)-like intermediate is even faster as is the proton uptake (tau = 20 micros at pH 8.3). No dye binding occurred in E46A, suggesting the absence of a conformational change. In all of the systems proton release is synchronized with the decay of I(2). Our results support mechanisms in which the chromophore of PYP is protonated directly from the external medium rather than by the internal donor E46.

  13. Reduction in clonogenic survival of sodium-iodide symporter (NIS)-positive cells following intracellular uptake of (99m)Tc versus (188)Re.

    PubMed

    Freudenberg, Robert; Wendisch, Maria; Runge, Roswitha; Wunderlich, Gerd; Kotzerke, Jörg

    2012-12-01

    Cellular radionuclide uptake increases the heterogeneity of absorbed dose to biological structures. Dose increase depends on uptake yield and emission characteristics of radioisotopes. We used an in vitro model to compare the impact of cellular uptake of (188)Re-perrhenate and (99m)Tc-pertechnetate on cellular survival. Rat thyroid PC Cl3 cells in culture were incubated with (188)Re or (99m)Tc in the presence or absence of perchlorate for 1 hour. Clonogenic cell survival was measured by colony formation. In addition, intracellular radionuclide uptake was quantified. Dose effect curves were established for (188)Re and (99m)Tc for various extra- and intracellular distributions of the radioactivity. In the presence of perchlorate, no uptake of radionuclides was detected and (188)Re reduced cell survival more efficiently than (99m)Tc. A(37), the activity that is necessary to yield 37% cell survival was 14 MBq/ml for (188)Re and 480 MBq/ml for (99m)Tc. In the absence of perchlorate, both radionuclides showed similar uptakes; however, A(37) was reduced by 30% for the beta-emitter and by 95% for (99m)Tc. The dose D(37) that yields 37% cell survival was between 2.3 and 2.8 Gy for both radionuclides. Uptake of (188)Re and (99m)Tc decreased cell survival. Intracellular (99m)Tc yielded a dose increase that was higher compared to (188)Re due to emitted Auger and internal conversion-electrons. Up to 5 Gy there was no difference in radiotoxicity of (188)Re and (99m)Tc. At doses higher than 5 Gy intracellular (99m)Tc became less radiotoxic than (188)Re, probably due to a non-uniform lognormal radionuclide uptake.

  14. Identification of metabolic engineering targets for the enhancement of 1,4-butanediol production in recombinant E. coli using large-scale kinetic models.

    PubMed

    Andreozzi, Stefano; Chakrabarti, Anirikh; Soh, Keng Cher; Burgard, Anthony; Yang, Tae Hoon; Van Dien, Stephen; Miskovic, Ljubisa; Hatzimanikatis, Vassily

    2016-05-01

    Rational metabolic engineering methods are increasingly employed in designing the commercially viable processes for the production of chemicals relevant to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and food and beverage industries. With the growing availability of omics data and of methodologies capable to integrate the available data into models, mathematical modeling and computational analysis are becoming important in designing recombinant cellular organisms and optimizing cell performance with respect to desired criteria. In this contribution, we used the computational framework ORACLE (Optimization and Risk Analysis of Complex Living Entities) to analyze the physiology of recombinant Escherichia coli producing 1,4-butanediol (BDO) and to identify potential strategies for improved production of BDO. The framework allowed us to integrate data across multiple levels and to construct a population of large-scale kinetic models despite the lack of available information about kinetic properties of every enzyme in the metabolic pathways. We analyzed these models and we found that the enzymes that primarily control the fluxes leading to BDO production are part of central glycolysis, the lower branch of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and the novel BDO production route. Interestingly, among the enzymes between the glucose uptake and the BDO pathway, the enzymes belonging to the lower branch of TCA cycle have been identified as the most important for improving BDO production and yield. We also quantified the effects of changes of the target enzymes on other intracellular states like energy charge, cofactor levels, redox state, cellular growth, and byproduct formation. Independent earlier experiments on this strain confirmed that the computationally obtained conclusions are consistent with the experimentally tested designs, and the findings of the present studies can provide guidance for future work on strain improvement. Overall, these studies demonstrate the potential and effectiveness of ORACLE for the accelerated design of microbial cell factories. Copyright © 2016 International Metabolic Engineering Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Increased cellular uptake of peptide-modified PEGylated gold nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    He, Bo; Yang, Dan; Qin, Mengmeng; Zhang, Yuan; He, Bing; Dai, Wenbing; Wang, Xueqing; Zhang, Qiang; Zhang, Hua; Yin, Changcheng

    2017-12-09

    Gold nanoparticles are promising drug delivery vehicles for nucleic acids, small molecules, and proteins, allowing various modifications on the particle surface. However, the instability and low bioavailability of gold nanoparticles compromise their clinical application. Here, we functionalized gold nanoparticles with CPP fragments (CALNNPFVYLI, CALRRRRRRRR) through sulfhydryl PEG to increase their stability and bioavailability. The resulting gold nanoparticles were characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-visible spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the stability in biological solutions was evaluated. Comparing to PEGylated gold nanoparticles, CPP (CALNNPFVYLI, CALRRRRRRRR)-modified gold nanoparticles showed 46 folds increase in cellular uptake in A549 and B16 cell lines, as evidenced by the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The interactions between gold nanoparticles and liposomes indicated CPP-modified gold nanoparticles bind to cell membrane more effectively than PEGylated gold nanoparticles. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used to measure interactions between nanoparticles and the membrane. TEM and uptake inhibitor experiments indicated that the cellular entry of gold nanoparticles was mediated by clathrin and macropinocytosis. Other energy independent endocytosis pathways were also identified. Our work revealed a new strategy to modify gold nanoparticles with CPP and illustrated the cellular uptake pathway of CPP-modified gold nanoparticles. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Moisture uptake of polyoxyethylene glycol glycerides used as matrices for drug delivery: kinetic modelling and practical implications.

    PubMed

    Qi, Sheng; Belton, Peter; McAuley, William; Codoni, Doroty; Darji, Neerav

    2013-04-01

    Gelucire 50/13, a polyoxyethylene glycol glyceride mixture, has been widely used in drug delivery, but its moisture uptake behaviour is still poorly understood. In this study, the effects of relative humidity, temperature, and drug incorporation on the moisture uptake of Gelucire are reported in relation to their practical implications for preparation of solid dispersions using this material. DVS combined with kinetics modelling was used as the main experimental method to study the moisture uptake behaviour of Gelucire. Thermal and microscopic methods were employed to investigate the effect of moisture uptake on the physical properties of the material and drug loaded solid dispersions. The moisture uptake by Gelucire 50/13 is temperature and relative humidity dependent. At low temperatures and low relative humidities, moisture sorption follows a GAB model. The model fitting indicated that at high relative humidities the sorption is a complex process, potentially involving PEG being dissolved and the PEG solution acting as solvent to dissolve other components. Careful control of the storage and processing environmental conditions are required when using Gelucire 50/13. The incorporation of model drugs not only influences the moisture uptake capacity of Gelucire 50/13 but also the solidification behaviour.

  17. Mass transfer kinetics during deep fat frying of wheat starch and gluten based snacks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sobukola, O. P.; Bouchon, P.

    2014-06-01

    Mass transfer (moisture loss and oil uptake) kinetics during deep fat frying of wheat starch and gluten based snacks was investigated. Both followed a modified first order reaction. Activation energies, z-value, and highest values of D and k for moisture loss and oil uptake were 28.608 kJ/mol, 129.88 °C, 490 and 0.0080 s-1; and 60.398 kJ/mol, 61.79 °C, 1,354.71 and 0.0052 s-1, respectively.

  18. Mechanisms of cell uptake, inflammatory potential and protein corona effects with gold nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Li, Yang; Monteiro-Riviere, Nancy A

    2016-12-01

    To assess inflammation, cellular uptake and endocytic mechanisms of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) in human epidermal keratinocytes with and without a protein corona. Human epidermal keratinocytes were exposed to 40 and 80 nm AuNP with lipoic acid, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI) coatings with and without a protein corona up to 48 h. Inhibitors were selected to characterize endocytosis. BPEI-AuNP showed the greatest uptake, while PEG-AuNP had the least. Protein coronas decreased uptake and affected their mechanism. AuNP uptake was energy-dependent, except for 40 nm lipoic-AuNP. Most AuNP were internalized by clathrin and lipid raft-mediated endocytosis, except for 40 nm PEG was by raft/noncaveolae mediated endocytosis. Coronas inhibited caveolae-mediated-endocytosis with lipoic acid and BPEI-AuNP and altered 40 nm PEG-AuNP from raft/noncaveolae to clathrin. Inflammatory responses decreased with a plasma corona. Results suggest protein coronas significantly affect cellular uptake and inflammatory responses of AuNP.

  19. The placenta: the forgotten essential organ of iron transport

    PubMed Central

    Cao, Chang

    2016-01-01

    Optimal iron nutrition in utero is essential for development of the fetus and helps establish birth iron stores adequate to sustain growth in early infancy. In species with hemochorial placentas, such as humans and rodents, iron in the maternal circulation is transferred to the fetus by directly contacting placental syncytiotrophoblasts. Early kinetic studies provided valuable data on the initial uptake of maternal transferrin, an iron-binding protein, by the placenta. However, the remaining steps of iron trafficking across syncytiotrophoblasts and through the fetal endothelium into the fetal blood remain poorly characterized. Over the last 20 years, identification of transmembrane iron transporters and the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin has greatly expanded the knowledge of cellular iron transport and its regulation by systemic iron status. In addition, emerging human and animal data demonstrating comprised fetal iron stores in severe maternal iron deficiency challenge the classic dogma of exclusive fetal control over the transfer process and indicate that maternal and local signals may play a role in regulating this process. This review compiles current data on the kinetic, molecular, and regulatory aspects of placental iron transport and considers new questions and knowledge gaps raised by these advances. PMID:27261274

  20. Genotoxic capacity of Cd/Se semiconductor quantum dots with differing surface chemistries

    PubMed Central

    Manshian, Bella B.; Soenen, Stefaan J.; Brown, Andy; Hondow, Nicole; Wills, John; Jenkins, Gareth J. S.; Doak, Shareen H.

    2016-01-01

    Quantum dots (QD) have unique electronic and optical properties promoting biotechnological advances. However, our understanding of the toxicological structure–activity relationships remains limited. This study aimed to determine the biological impact of varying nanomaterial surface chemistry by assessing the interaction of QD with either a negative (carboxyl), neutral (hexadecylamine; HDA) or positive (amine) polymer coating with human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells. Following QD physico-chemical characterisation, cellular uptake was quantified by optical and electron microscopy. Cytotoxicity was evaluated and genotoxicity was characterised using the micronucleus assay (gross chromosomal damage) and the HPRT forward mutation assay (point mutagenicity). Cellular damage mechanisms were also explored, focusing on oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. Cell uptake, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were found to be dependent on QD surface chemistry. Carboxyl-QD demonstrated the smallest agglomerate size and greatest cellular uptake, which correlated with a dose dependent increase in cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Amine-QD induced minimal cellular damage, while HDA-QD promoted substantial induction of cell death and genotoxicity. However, HDA-QD were not internalised by the cells and the damage they caused was most likely due to free cadmium release caused by QD dissolution. Oxidative stress and induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species were only partially associated with cytotoxicity and genotoxicity induced by the QD, hence were not the only mechanisms of importance. Colloidal stability, nanoparticle (NP) surface chemistry, cellular uptake levels and the intrinsic characteristics of the NPs are therefore critical parameters impacting genotoxicity induced by QD. PMID:26275419

  1. Diselenolane-mediated cellular uptake.

    PubMed

    Chuard, Nicolas; Poblador-Bahamonde, Amalia I; Zong, Lili; Bartolami, Eline; Hildebrandt, Jana; Weigand, Wolfgang; Sakai, Naomi; Matile, Stefan

    2018-02-21

    The emerging power of thiol-mediated uptake with strained disulfides called for a move from sulfur to selenium. We report that according to results with fluorescent model substrates, cellular uptake with 1,2-diselenolanes exceeds uptake with 1,2-dithiolanes and epidithiodiketopiperazines with regard to efficiency as well as intracellular localization. The diselenide analog of lipoic acid performs best. This 1,2-diselenolane delivers fluorophores efficiently to the cytosol of HeLa Kyoto cells, without detectable endosomal capture as with 1,2-dithiolanes or dominant escape into the nucleus as with epidithiodiketopiperazines. Diselenolane-mediated cytosolic delivery is non-toxic (MTT assay), sensitive to temperature but insensitive to inhibitors of endocytosis (chlorpromazine, methyl-β-cyclodextrin, wortmannin, cytochalasin B) and conventional thiol-mediated uptake (Ellman's reagent), and to serum. Selenophilicity, the extreme CSeSeC dihedral angle of 0° and the high but different acidity of primary and secondary selenols might all contribute to uptake. Thiol-exchange affinity chromatography is introduced as operational mimic of thiol-mediated uptake that provides, in combination with rate enhancement of DTT oxidation, direct experimental evidence for existence and nature of the involved selenosulfides.

  2. Kinetic evaluation study on the bioactivity of silver doped hydroxyapatite-polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites.

    PubMed

    Mostafa, Amany A; Oudadesse, Hassane; El Sayed, Mayyada M H; Kamal, Gehan; Kamel, Mohamed; Foad, Enas

    2014-12-01

    This work investigates the effect of adding silver nanoparticles (NPs) in ppm on the bioactivity of hydroxyapatite/polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites (HAV). HAV prepared by an in situ biomimetic approach was doped with different concentrations of silver NPs (HAV-Ag), and the formed powder samples were characterized by different techniques such as Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-EOS), X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Bioactivity was evaluated in simulated body fluid through studying the kinetics of Ca and P uptake onto the different HAV-Ag nanocomposites. Uptake profiles of Ca and P were well described by a pseudo-second order kinetic model, and the obtained kinetic parameters confirmed that the highest uptake capacities were achieved by adding less than 0.001 ppm of silver NPs which is an amount not detectable by ICP. Furthermore, HAV-Ag nanocomposites were shown to be non-toxic as well as have a strong antibacterial effect. Silver NPs significantly enhanced the bioactivity of HAV nanocomposites and thus the developed nanocomposites promise to be excellent biomaterials for bone and reconstructive surgery applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  3. Relative contributions of copper oxide nanoparticles and dissolved copper to Cu uptake kinetics of Gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis) embryos

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Jiang, Chuanjia; Castellon, Benjamin T.; Matson, Cole W.; Aiken, George R.; Hsu-Kim, Heileen

    2017-01-01

    The toxicity of soluble metal-based nanomaterials may be due to the uptake of metals in both dissolved and nanoparticulate forms, but the relative contributions of these different forms to overall metal uptake rates under environmental conditions are not quantitatively defined. Here, we investigated the linkage between the dissolution rates of copper(II) oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) and their bioavailability to Gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis) embryos, with the aim of quantitatively delineating the relative contributions of nanoparticulate and dissolved species for Cu uptake. Gulf killifish embryos were exposed to dissolved Cu and CuO NP mixtures comprising a range of pH values (6.3–7.5) and three types of natural organic matter (NOM) isolates at various concentrations (0.1–10 mg-C L–1), resulting in a wide range of CuO NP dissolution rates that subsequently influenced Cu uptake. First-order dissolution rate constants of CuO NPs increased with increasing NOM concentration and for NOM isolates with higher aromaticity, as indicated by specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA), while Cu uptake rate constants of both dissolved Cu and CuO NP decreased with NOM concentration and aromaticity. As a result, the relative contribution of dissolved Cu and nanoparticulate CuO species for the overall Cu uptake rate was insensitive to NOM type or concentration but largely determined by the percentage of CuO that dissolved. These findings highlight SUVA and aromaticity as key NOM properties affecting the dissolution kinetics and bioavailability of soluble metal-based nanomaterials in organic-rich waters. These properties could be used in the incorporation of dissolution kinetics into predictive models for environmental risks of nanomaterials.

  4. Development and Evaluation of Amphotericin B Loaded Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery to Systemic Fungal Infections

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Balabathula, Pavan

    A targeted nanotheronostic drug delivery system to diagnose and treat life threatening invasive fungal infections (IFIs) such as cryptococcal meningitis was designed, developed, characterized, and evaluated. To address the development processes, first, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) (34-40 nm) coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA), loaded and targeted with amphotericin B (AMB) (AMB-IONP) was formulated by applying a layer by layer approach. Several designs (A, B, C, D, & E) of AMB-IONP were developed and their physicochemical properties such as drug loading with HPLC method, particle size, poly dispersity index (PDI), and zeta-potential using dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique, morphology with transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), and in vitro drug release profile with dialysis method were evaluated. Second, uptake (with fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry) and killing efficacy (with susceptibility testing) of AMB-IONP in fungal clinical isolates of Candida species were evaluated and compared with standard drug AMB deoxycholate (AMB-D) data. Third, the cellular uptake mechanisms with endocytosis inhibitors and intracellular trafficking using TEM for design D were evaluated in selected isolates. Fourth, a stable lyophilized AMB-IONP formulation was developed and was suitable for clinical trials. A validated isocratic HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of AMB. Design D was determined to be the lead formulation with drug loading of 13.6+/-6.9 of AMB/mg of IONP. The size, zeta-potential, and PDI for all formulation designs were found to be in an optimum range for a nanomedicine with ≤36 nm, ˜ -20 mV, and ≤0.2, respectively. The TEM images confirmed that the nanoparticles were monodispersed and spherical in shape. The drug release profile indicated a burst release up to 3 hours for designs A and B, followed by a sustained drug release profile up to 72 hours. Designs C and D (with and without glutaraldehyde) also had a sustained drug release profile up to 72 hours. The major mechanisms of drug release from these formulations were determined to be Fickian and non-Fickian diffusion with first order and Higuchi kinetic models as best fit. The cellular uptake profile for design D exhibited a time dependent uptake with maximum uptake at 0.5 and 4 hours for C. albicans and C. glabrata, respectively. All designs exhibited improved efficacy over AMB-D in the susceptibility testing conducted on clinical isolates of Candida. Design D was found to have an enhanced killing ability and was 16-25 fold more efficacious than AMB-D. An in vitro cellular association study found the uptake mechanism was energy dependent. An endocytosis inhibitor evaluation determined the major particle uptake pathway for C. albicans was lipid-raft mediated endocytosis, whereas for C. glabrata, it was clathrin-, caveolar-, and lipid-raft-mediated endocytosis. TEM and confocal images provided evidence the AMB-IONP were localized at or near the cell wall and membrane wall and inside the cytoplasm, nucleus and endolysosomal vesicles for tested isolates. The lyophilized formulation of AMB-IONP was successfully prepared using an appropriate amount (1:16 to the weight of IONP) of the lyoprotectant, sucrose. A short term stability study of both formulations (lyophilized and aqueous dispersion) at 5°C and 25°C for up to two months showed the lyophilized form was stable. In conclusion, a targeted nanotheronostic drug delivery system (AMB-IONP) was successfully designed, developed, characterized and evaluated as a potential drug product for IFIs treatment.

  5. Electrophysiological approach to determine kinetic parameters of sucrose uptake by single sieve elements or phloem parenchyma cells in intact Vicia faba plants.

    PubMed

    Hafke, Jens B; Höll, Sabina-Roxana; Kühn, Christina; van Bel, Aart J E

    2013-01-01

    Apart from cut aphid stylets in combination with electrophysiology, no attempts have been made thus far to measure in vivo sucrose-uptake properties of sieve elements. We investigated the kinetics of sucrose uptake by single sieve elements and phloem parenchyma cells in Vicia faba plants. To this end, microelectrodes were inserted into free-lying phloem cells in the main vein of the youngest fully-expanded leaf, half-way along the stem, in the transition zone between the autotrophic and heterotrophic part of the stem, and in the root axis. A top-to-bottom membrane potential gradient of sieve elements was observed along the stem (-130 mV to -110 mV), while the membrane potential of the phloem parenchyma cells was stable (approx. -100 mV). In roots, the membrane potential of sieve elements dropped abruptly to -55 mV. Bathing solutions having various sucrose concentrations were administered and sucrose/H(+)-induced depolarizations were recorded. Data analysis by non-linear least-square data fittings as well as by linear Eadie-Hofstee (EH) -transformations pointed at biphasic Michaelis-Menten kinetics (2 MM, EH: K m1 1.2-1.8 mM, K m2 6.6-9.0 mM) of sucrose uptake by sieve elements. However, Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) favored single MM kinetics. Using single MM as the best-fitting model, K m values for sucrose uptake by sieve elements decreased along the plant axis from 1 to 7 mM. For phloem parenchyma cells, higher K m values (EH: K m1 10 mM, K m2 70 mM) as compared to sieve elements were found. In preliminary patch-clamp experiments with sieve-element protoplasts, small sucrose-coupled proton currents (-0.1 to -0.3 pA/pF) were detected in the whole-cell mode. In conclusion (a) K m values for sucrose uptake measured by electrophysiology are similar to those obtained with heterologous systems, (b) electrophysiology provides a useful tool for in situ determination of K m values, (c) As yet, it remains unclear if one or two uptake systems are involved in sucrose uptake by sieve elements, (d) Affinity for sucrose uptake by sieve elements exceeds by far that by phloem parenchyma cells, (e) Patch-clamp studies provide a feasible basis for quantification of sucrose uptake by single cells. The consequences of the findings for whole-plant carbohydrate partitioning are discussed.

  6. Electrophysiological approach to determine kinetic parameters of sucrose uptake by single sieve elements or phloem parenchyma cells in intact Vicia faba plants

    PubMed Central

    Hafke, Jens B.; Höll, Sabina-Roxana; Kühn, Christina; van Bel, Aart J. E.

    2013-01-01

    Apart from cut aphid stylets in combination with electrophysiology, no attempts have been made thus far to measure in vivo sucrose-uptake properties of sieve elements. We investigated the kinetics of sucrose uptake by single sieve elements and phloem parenchyma cells in Vicia faba plants. To this end, microelectrodes were inserted into free-lying phloem cells in the main vein of the youngest fully-expanded leaf, half-way along the stem, in the transition zone between the autotrophic and heterotrophic part of the stem, and in the root axis. A top-to-bottom membrane potential gradient of sieve elements was observed along the stem (−130 mV to −110 mV), while the membrane potential of the phloem parenchyma cells was stable (approx. −100 mV). In roots, the membrane potential of sieve elements dropped abruptly to −55 mV. Bathing solutions having various sucrose concentrations were administered and sucrose/H+-induced depolarizations were recorded. Data analysis by non-linear least-square data fittings as well as by linear Eadie–Hofstee (EH) -transformations pointed at biphasic Michaelis–Menten kinetics (2 MM, EH: Km1 1.2–1.8 mM, Km2 6.6–9.0 mM) of sucrose uptake by sieve elements. However, Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) favored single MM kinetics. Using single MM as the best-fitting model, Km values for sucrose uptake by sieve elements decreased along the plant axis from 1 to 7 mM. For phloem parenchyma cells, higher Km values (EH: Km1 10 mM, Km2 70 mM) as compared to sieve elements were found. In preliminary patch-clamp experiments with sieve-element protoplasts, small sucrose-coupled proton currents (−0.1 to −0.3 pA/pF) were detected in the whole-cell mode. In conclusion (a) Km values for sucrose uptake measured by electrophysiology are similar to those obtained with heterologous systems, (b) electrophysiology provides a useful tool for in situ determination of Km values, (c) As yet, it remains unclear if one or two uptake systems are involved in sucrose uptake by sieve elements, (d) Affinity for sucrose uptake by sieve elements exceeds by far that by phloem parenchyma cells, (e) Patch-clamp studies provide a feasible basis for quantification of sucrose uptake by single cells. The consequences of the findings for whole-plant carbohydrate partitioning are discussed. PMID:23914194

  7. Surface-anchored poly(acryloyl-L(D)-valine) with enhanced chirality-selective effect on cellular uptake of gold nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Deng, Jun; Wu, Sai; Yao, Mengyun; Gao, Changyou

    2016-01-01

    Chirality is one of the ubiquitous phenomena in biological systems. The left handed (L-) amino acids and right handed (D-) sugars are normally found in proteins, and in RNAs and DNAs, respectively. The effect of chiral surfaces at the nanoscale on cellular uptake has, however, not been explored. This study reveals for the first time the molecular chirality on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functions as a direct regulator for cellular uptake. Monolayers of 2-mercaptoacetyl-L(D)-valine (L(D)-MAV) and poly(acryloyl-L(D)-valine (L(D)-PAV) chiral molecules were formed on AuNPs surface, respectively. The internalized amount of PAV-AuNPs was several times larger than that of MAV-AuNPs by A549 and HepG2 cells, regardless of the chirality difference. However, the D-PAV-AuNPs were internalized with significantly larger amount than the L-PAV-AuNPs. This chirality-dependent uptake effect is likely attributed to the preferable interaction between the L-phospholipid-based cell membrane and the D-enantiomers. PMID:27531648

  8. Surface-anchored poly(acryloyl-L(D)-valine) with enhanced chirality-selective effect on cellular uptake of gold nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deng, Jun; Wu, Sai; Yao, Mengyun; Gao, Changyou

    2016-08-01

    Chirality is one of the ubiquitous phenomena in biological systems. The left handed (L-) amino acids and right handed (D-) sugars are normally found in proteins, and in RNAs and DNAs, respectively. The effect of chiral surfaces at the nanoscale on cellular uptake has, however, not been explored. This study reveals for the first time the molecular chirality on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functions as a direct regulator for cellular uptake. Monolayers of 2-mercaptoacetyl-L(D)-valine (L(D)-MAV) and poly(acryloyl-L(D)-valine (L(D)-PAV) chiral molecules were formed on AuNPs surface, respectively. The internalized amount of PAV-AuNPs was several times larger than that of MAV-AuNPs by A549 and HepG2 cells, regardless of the chirality difference. However, the D-PAV-AuNPs were internalized with significantly larger amount than the L-PAV-AuNPs. This chirality-dependent uptake effect is likely attributed to the preferable interaction between the L-phospholipid-based cell membrane and the D-enantiomers.

  9. Surface-anchored poly(acryloyl-L(D)-valine) with enhanced chirality-selective effect on cellular uptake of gold nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Deng, Jun; Wu, Sai; Yao, Mengyun; Gao, Changyou

    2016-08-17

    Chirality is one of the ubiquitous phenomena in biological systems. The left handed (L-) amino acids and right handed (D-) sugars are normally found in proteins, and in RNAs and DNAs, respectively. The effect of chiral surfaces at the nanoscale on cellular uptake has, however, not been explored. This study reveals for the first time the molecular chirality on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functions as a direct regulator for cellular uptake. Monolayers of 2-mercaptoacetyl-L(D)-valine (L(D)-MAV) and poly(acryloyl-L(D)-valine (L(D)-PAV) chiral molecules were formed on AuNPs surface, respectively. The internalized amount of PAV-AuNPs was several times larger than that of MAV-AuNPs by A549 and HepG2 cells, regardless of the chirality difference. However, the D-PAV-AuNPs were internalized with significantly larger amount than the L-PAV-AuNPs. This chirality-dependent uptake effect is likely attributed to the preferable interaction between the L-phospholipid-based cell membrane and the D-enantiomers.

  10. Sonoporation as a cellular stress: induction of morphological repression and developmental delays.

    PubMed

    Chen, Xian; Wan, Jennifer M F; Yu, Alfred C H

    2013-06-01

    For sonoporation to be established as a drug/gene delivery paradigm, it is essential to account for the biological impact of this membrane permeation strategy on living cells. Here we provide new insight into the cellular impact of sonoporation by demonstrating in vitro that this way of permeating the plasma membrane may inadvertently induce repressive cellular features even while enhancing exogenous molecule uptake. Both suspension-type (HL-60) and monolayer (ZR-75-30) cells were considered in this investigation, and they were routinely exposed to 1-MHz pulsed ultrasound (pulse length, 100 cycles; pulse repetition frequency, 1 kHz; exposure period, 60 s) with calibrated field profile (spatial-averaged peak negative pressure, 0.45 MPa) and in the presence of microbubbles (cell:bubble ratio, 10:1). The post-exposure morphology of sonoporated cells (identified as those with calcein internalization) was examined using confocal microscopy, and their cell cycle progression kinetics were analyzed using flow cytometry. Results show that for both cell types investigated, sonoporated cells exhibited membrane shrinkage and intra-cellular lipid accumulation over a 2-h period. Also, as compared with normal cells, the deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis duration of sonoporated cells was significantly lengthened, indicative of a delay in cell cycle progression. These features are known to be characteristics of a cellular stress response, suggesting that sonoporation indeed constitutes as a stress to living cells. This issue may need to be addressed in optimizing sonoporation for drug/gene delivery purposes. On the other hand, it raises opportunities for developing other therapeutic applications via sonoporation. Copyright © 2013 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Efficient delivery of cell impermeable phosphopeptides by a cyclic peptide amphiphile containing tryptophan and arginine.

    PubMed

    Nasrolahi Shirazi, Amir; Tiwari, Rakesh Kumar; Oh, Donghoon; Banerjee, Antara; Yadav, Arpita; Parang, Keykavous

    2013-05-06

    Phosphopeptides are valuable reagent probes for studying protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions. The cellular delivery of phosphopeptides is challenging because of the presence of the negatively charged phosphate group. The cellular uptake of a number of fluorescent-labeled phosphopeptides, including F'-GpYLPQTV, F'-NEpYTARQ, F'-AEEEIYGEFEAKKKK, F'-PEpYLGLD, F'-pYVNVQN-NH2, and F'-GpYEEI (F' = fluorescein), was evaluated in the presence or absence of a [WR]4, a cyclic peptide containing alternative arginine (R) and tryptophan (W) residues, in human leukemia cells (CCRF-CEM) after 2 h incubation using flow cytometry. [WR]4 improved significantly the cellular uptake of all phosphopeptides. PEpYLGLD is a sequence that mimics the pTyr1246 of ErbB2 that is responsible for binding to the Chk SH2 domain. The cellular uptake of F'-PEpYLGLD was enhanced dramatically by 27-fold in the presence of [WR]4 and was found to be time-dependent. Confocal microscopy of a mixture of F'-PEpYLGLD and [WR]4 in live cells exhibited intracellular localization and significantly higher cellular uptake compared to that of F'-PEpYLGLD alone. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and isothermal calorimetry (ITC) were used to study the interaction of PEpYLGLD and [WR]4. TEM results showed that the mixture of PEpYLGLD and [WR]4 formed noncircular nanosized structures with width and height of 125 and 60 nm, respectively. ITC binding studies confirmed the interaction between [WR]4 and PEpYLGLD. The binding isotherm curves, derived from sequential binding models, showed an exothermic interaction driven by entropy. These studies suggest that amphiphilic peptide [WR]4 can be used as a cellular delivery tool of cell-impermeable negatively charged phosphopeptides.

  12. Ceramic nanoparticles: Recompense, cellular uptake and toxicity concerns.

    PubMed

    Singh, Deependra; Singh, Satpal; Sahu, Jageshwari; Srivastava, Shikha; Singh, Manju Rawat

    2016-01-01

    Over the past few years, nanoparticles and their role in drug delivery have been the centre of attraction as new drug delivery systems. Various forms of nanosystems have been designed, such as nanoclays, scaffolds and nanotubes, having numerous applications in areas such as drug loading, target cell uptake, bioassay and imaging. The present study discusses various types of nanoparticles, with special emphasis on ceramic nanocarriers. Ceramic materials have high mechanical strength, good body response and low or non-existing biodegradability. In this article, the various aspects concerning ceramic nanoparticles, such as their advantages over other systems, their cellular uptake and toxicity concerns are discussed in detail.

  13. Characterization of rabies pDNA nanoparticulate vaccine in poloxamer 407 gel.

    PubMed

    Bansal, Amit; Wu, Xianfu; Olson, Victoria; D'Souza, Martin J

    2018-07-10

    Plasmid DNA (pDNA) vaccines have the potential for protection against a wide range of diseases including rabies but are rapid in degradation and poor in uptake by antigen-presenting cells. To overcome the limitations, we fabricated a pDNA nanoparticulate vaccine. The negatively charged pDNA was adsorbed onto the surface of cationic PLGA (poly (d, l-lactide-co-glycolide))-chitosan nanoparticles and were used as a delivery vehicle. To create a hydrogel for sustainable vaccine release, we dispersed the pDNA nanoparticles in poloxamer 407 gel which is liquid at 4 °C and turns into soft gels at 37 °C, providing ease of administration and preventing burst release of pDNA. Complete immobilization of pDNA to cationic nanoparticles was achieved at a pDNA to nanoparticles ratio (P/N) of 1/50. Cellular uptake of nanoparticles was both time and concentration dependent and followed a saturation kinetics with V max of 11.389 µg/mL h and K m of 139.48 µg/mL. The in vitro release studies showed the nanoparticulate vaccine has a sustained release for up to 24 days. In summary, pDNA PLGA-chitosan nanoparticles were non-cytotoxic, their buffering capacity and cell uptake were enhanced, and sustained the release of pDNA. We expect our pDNA vaccine's potency will be greatly improved in the animal studies. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Effect of pulmonary surfactant on the dissolution, stability and uptake of zinc oxide nanowires by human respiratory epithelial cells

    PubMed Central

    Theodorou, Ioannis G.; Ruenraroengsak, Pakatip; Gow, Andrew; Schwander, Stephan; Zhang, Junfeng (Jim); Chung, Kian Fan; Tetley, Teresa D.; Ryan, Mary P.; Porter, Alexandra E.

    2017-01-01

    Inhaled nanoparticles have high deposition rates in the alveolar region of the lung but the effects of pulmonary surfactant (PS) on nanoparticle bioreactivity are unclear. Here, the impact of PS on the stability and dissolution of ZnO nanowires (ZnONWs) was investigated, and linked with their bioreactivity in vitro with human alveolar epithelial type 1-like cells (TT1). Pre-incubation of ZnONWs with Curosurf® (a natural porcine PS) decreased their dissolution at acidic pH, through the formation of a phospholipid corona. Confocal live cell microscopy confirmed that Curosurf® lowered intracellular dissolution, thus delaying the onset of cell death compared to bare ZnONWs. Despite reducing dissolution, Curosurf® significantly increased the uptake of ZnONWs within TT1 cells, ultimately increasing their toxicity after 24h. Although serum, improved ZnONW dispersion in suspension similar to Curosurf®, it had no effect on ZnONW internalization and toxicity, indicating a unique role of PS in promoting particle uptake. In the absence of PS, ZnONW length had no effect on dissolution kinetics or degree of cellular toxicity, indicating a less important role of length in determining ZnONW bioreactivity. This work provides unique findings on the effects of PS on the stability and toxicity of ZnONWs, which could be important in the study of pulmonary toxicity and epithelial-endothelial translocation of nanoparticles in general. PMID:27441789

  15. A MARCH6 and IDOL E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Circuit Uncouples Cholesterol Synthesis from Lipoprotein Uptake in Hepatocytes

    PubMed Central

    Loregger, Anke; Cook, Emma Claire Laura; Nelson, Jessica Kristin; Moeton, Martina; Sharpe, Laura Jane; Engberg, Susanna; Karimova, Madina; Lambert, Gilles; Brown, Andrew John

    2015-01-01

    Cholesterol synthesis and lipoprotein uptake are tightly coordinated to ensure that the cellular level of cholesterol is adequately maintained. Hepatic dysregulation of these processes is associated with pathological conditions, most notably cardiovascular disease. Using a genetic approach, we have recently identified the E3 ubiquitin ligase MARCH6 as a regulator of cholesterol biosynthesis, owing to its ability to promote degradation of the rate-limiting enzymes 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) and squalene epoxidase (SQLE). Here, we present evidence for MARCH6 playing a multifaceted role in the control of cholesterol homeostasis in hepatocytes. We identify MARCH6 as an endogenous inhibitor of the sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) transcriptional program. Accordingly, loss of MARCH6 increases expression of SREBP-regulated genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and lipoprotein uptake. Unexpectedly, this is associated with a decrease in cellular lipoprotein uptake, induced by enhanced lysosomal degradation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Finally, we provide evidence that induction of the E3 ubiquitin ligase IDOL represents the molecular mechanism underlying this MARCH6-induced phenotype. Our study thus highlights a MARCH6-dependent mechanism to direct cellular cholesterol accretion that relies on uncoupling of cholesterol synthesis from lipoprotein uptake. PMID:26527619

  16. Variable phosphorus uptake rates and allocation across microbial groups in the oligotrophic Gulf of Mexico.

    PubMed

    Popendorf, Kimberly J; Duhamel, Solange

    2015-10-01

    Microbial uptake of dissolved phosphorus (P) is an important lever in controlling both microbial production and the fate and cycling of marine P. We investigated the relative role of heterotrophic bacteria and phytoplankton in P cycling by measuring the P uptake rates of individual microbial groups (heterotrophic bacteria and the phytoplankton groups Synechococcus, Prochlorococcus and picoeukaryotic phytoplankton) in the P-depleted Gulf of Mexico. Phosphorus uptake rates were measured using incubations with radiolabelled phosphate and adenosine triphosphate coupled with cell sorting flow cytometry. We found that heterotrophic bacteria were the dominant consumers of P on both a biomass basis and a population basis. Biovolume normalized heterotrophic bacteria P uptake rate per cell (amol P μm(-3) h(-1)) was roughly an order of magnitude greater than phytoplankton uptake rates, and heterotrophic bacteria were responsible for generally greater than 50% of total picoplankton P uptake. We hypothesized that this variation in uptake rates reflects variation in cellular P allocation strategies, and found that, indeed, the fraction of cellular P uptake utilized for phospholipid production was significantly higher in heterotrophic bacteria compared with cyanobacterial phytoplankton. These findings indicate that heterotrophic bacteria have a uniquely P-oriented physiology and play a dominant role in cycling dissolved P. © 2015 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  17. Tempo-spatially resolved cellular dynamics of human immunodeficiency virus transacting activator of transcription (Tat) peptide-modified nanocargos in living cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wei, Lin; Yang, Qiaoyu; Xiao, Lehui

    2014-08-01

    Understanding the cellular uptake mechanism and intracellular fate of nanocarriers in living cells is of great importance for the rational design of efficient drug delivery cargos as well as the development of robust biomedical diagnostic probes. In present study, with a dual wavelength view darkfield microscope (DWVD), the tempo-spatially resolved dynamics of Tat peptide-functionalized gold nanoparticles (TGNPs, with size similar to viruses) in living HeLa cells were extensively explored. It was found that energy-dependent endocytosis (both clathrin- and caveolae-mediated processes were involved) was the prevailing pathway for the cellular uptake of TGNPs. The time-correlated dynamic spatial distribution information revealed that TGNPs could not actively target the cell nuclei, which is contrary to previous observations based on fixed cell results. More importantly, the inheritance of TGNPs to the daughter cells through mitosis was found to be the major route to metabolize TGNPs by HeLa cells. These understandings on the cellular uptake mechanism and intracellular fate of nanocargos in living cells would provide deep insight on how to improve and controllably manipulate their translocation efficiency for targeted drug delivery.Understanding the cellular uptake mechanism and intracellular fate of nanocarriers in living cells is of great importance for the rational design of efficient drug delivery cargos as well as the development of robust biomedical diagnostic probes. In present study, with a dual wavelength view darkfield microscope (DWVD), the tempo-spatially resolved dynamics of Tat peptide-functionalized gold nanoparticles (TGNPs, with size similar to viruses) in living HeLa cells were extensively explored. It was found that energy-dependent endocytosis (both clathrin- and caveolae-mediated processes were involved) was the prevailing pathway for the cellular uptake of TGNPs. The time-correlated dynamic spatial distribution information revealed that TGNPs could not actively target the cell nuclei, which is contrary to previous observations based on fixed cell results. More importantly, the inheritance of TGNPs to the daughter cells through mitosis was found to be the major route to metabolize TGNPs by HeLa cells. These understandings on the cellular uptake mechanism and intracellular fate of nanocargos in living cells would provide deep insight on how to improve and controllably manipulate their translocation efficiency for targeted drug delivery. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental section and additional supporting results as noted in the text. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr02732a

  18. Distinct Roles for CdtA and CdtC during Intoxication by Cytolethal Distending Toxins

    PubMed Central

    Tamilselvam, Batcha; Spiegelman, Lindsey M.; Son, Sophia B.; Eshraghi, Aria; Blanke, Steven R.; Bradley, Kenneth A.

    2015-01-01

    Cytolethal distending toxins (CDTs) are heterotrimeric protein exotoxins produced by a diverse array of Gram-negative pathogens. The enzymatic subunit, CdtB, possesses DNase and phosphatidylinositol 3-4-5 trisphosphate phosphatase activities that induce host cell cycle arrest, cellular distension and apoptosis. To exert cyclomodulatory and cytotoxic effects CDTs must be taken up from the host cell surface and transported intracellularly in a manner that ultimately results in localization of CdtB to the nucleus. However, the molecular details and mechanism by which CDTs bind to host cells and exploit existing uptake and transport pathways to gain access to the nucleus are poorly understood. Here, we report that CdtA and CdtC subunits of CDTs derived from Haemophilus ducreyi (Hd-CDT) and enteropathogenic E. coli (Ec-CDT) are independently sufficient to support intoxication by their respective CdtB subunits. CdtA supported CdtB-mediated killing of T-cells and epithelial cells that was nearly as efficient as that observed with holotoxin. In contrast, the efficiency by which CdtC supported intoxication was dependent on the source of the toxin as well as the target cell type. Further, CdtC was found to alter the subcellular trafficking of Ec-CDT as determined by sensitivity to EGA, an inhibitor of endosomal trafficking, colocalization with markers of early and late endosomes, and the kinetics of DNA damage response. Finally, host cellular cholesterol was found to influence sensitivity to intoxication mediated by Ec-CdtA, revealing a role for cholesterol or cholesterol-rich membrane domains in intoxication mediated by this subunit. In summary, data presented here support a model in which CdtA and CdtC each bind distinct receptors on host cell surfaces that direct alternate intracellular uptake and/or trafficking pathways. PMID:26618479

  19. Citrate- and Succinate-Modified Carbonate Apatite Nanoparticles with Loaded Doxorubicin Exhibit Potent Anticancer Activity against Breast Cancer Cells

    PubMed Central

    Mehbuba Hossain, Sultana; Chowdhury, Ezharul Hoque

    2018-01-01

    Biodegradable inorganic apatite-based particle complex is popular for its pH-sensitivity at the endosomal acidic environment to facilitate drug release following cellular uptake. Despite being a powerful anticancer drug, doxorubicin shows severe off-target effects and therefore would need a carrier for the highest effectiveness. We aimed to chemically modify carbonate apatite (CA) with Krebs cycle intermediates, such as citrate and succinate in order to control the growth of the resultant particles to more efficiently carry and transport the anticancer drug into the cancer cells. Citrate- or succinate-modified CA particles were synthesized with different concentrations of sodium citrate or sodium succinate, respectively, in the absence or presence of doxorubicin. The drug loading efficiency of the particles and their cellular uptake were observed by quantifying fluorescence intensity. The average diameter and surface charge of the particles were determined using Zetasizer. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. Citrate-modified carbonate apatite (CMCA) exhibited the highest (31.38%) binding affinity for doxorubicin and promoted rapid cellular uptake of the drug, leading to the half-maximal inhibitory concentration 1000 times less than that of the free drug in MCF-7 cells. Hence, CMCA nanoparticles with greater surface area enhance cytotoxicity in different breast cancer cells by enabling higher loading and more efficient cellular uptake of the drug. PMID:29534497

  20. Sensitivity analysis of a pulse nutrient addition technique for estimating nutrient uptake in large streams

    Treesearch

    Laurence Lin; J.R. Webster

    2012-01-01

    The constant nutrient addition technique has been used extensively to measure nutrient uptake in streams. However, this technique is impractical for large streams, and the pulse nutrient addition (PNA) has been suggested as an alternative. We developed a computer model to simulate Monod kinetics nutrient uptake in large rivers and used this model to evaluate the...

  1. Uptake of allochthonous dissolved organic matter from soil and salmon in coastal temperate rainforest streams

    Treesearch

    Jason B. Fellman; Eran Hood; Richard T. Edwards; Jeremy B. Jones

    2009-01-01

    Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is an important component of aquatic food webs. We compare the uptake kinetics for NH4-N and different fractions of DOM during soil and salmon leachate additions by evaluating the uptake of organic forms of carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON), and proteinaceous DOM, as measured by parallel factor (PARAFAC) modeling of...

  2. Biogeochemical controls of uranium bioavailability from the dissolved phase in natural freshwaters

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Croteau, Marie-Noele; Fuller, Christopher C.; Cain, Daniel J.; Campbell, Kate M.; Aiken, George R.

    2016-01-01

    To gain insights into the risks associated with uranium (U) mining and processing, we investigated the biogeochemical controls of U bioavailability in the model freshwater speciesLymnaea stagnalis (Gastropoda). Bioavailability of dissolved U(VI) was characterized in controlled laboratory experiments over a range of water hardness, pH, and in the presence of complexing ligands in the form of dissolved natural organic matter (DOM). Results show that dissolved U is bioavailable under all the geochemical conditions tested. Uranium uptake rates follow first order kinetics over a range encompassing most environmental concentrations. Uranium uptake rates in L. stagnalis ultimately demonstrate saturation uptake kinetics when exposure concentrations exceed 100 nM, suggesting uptake via a finite number of carriers or ion channels. The lack of a relationship between U uptake rate constants and Ca uptake rates suggest that U does not exclusively use Ca membrane transporters. In general, U bioavailability decreases with increasing pH, increasing Ca and Mg concentrations, and when DOM is present. Competing ions did not affect U uptake rates. Speciation modeling that includes formation constants for U ternary complexes reveals that the aqueous concentration of dicarbonato U species (UO2(CO3)2–2) best predicts U bioavailability to L. stagnalis, challenging the free-ion activity model postulate.

  3. Engineering the lipid layer of lipid-PLGA hybrid nanoparticles for enhanced in vitro cellular uptake and improved stability.

    PubMed

    Hu, Yun; Hoerle, Reece; Ehrich, Marion; Zhang, Chenming

    2015-12-01

    Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (NPs), consisting of a polymeric core and a lipid shell, have been intensively examined as delivery systems for cancer drugs, imaging agents, and vaccines. For applications in vaccine particularly, the hybrid NPs need to be able to protect the enclosed antigens during circulation, easily be up-taken by dendritic cells, and possess good stability for prolonged storage. However, the influence of lipid composition on the performance of hybrid NPs has not been well studied. In this study, we demonstrate that higher concentrations of cholesterol in the lipid layer enable slower and more controlled antigen release from lipid-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) acid (lipid-PLGA) NPs in human serum and phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Higher concentrations of cholesterol also promoted in vitro cellular uptake of hybrid NPs, improved the stability of the lipid layer, and protected the integrity of the hybrid structure during long-term storage. However, stabilized hybrid structures of high cholesterol content tended to fuse with each other during storage, resulting in significant size increase and lowered cellular uptake. Additional experiments demonstrated that PEGylation of NPs could effectively minimize fusion-caused size increase after long term storage, leading to improved cellular uptake, although excessive PEGylation will not be beneficial and led to reduced improvement. This paper reports the engineering of the lipid layer that encloses a polymeric nanoparticle, which can be used as a carrier for drug and vaccine molecules for targeted delivery. We demonstrated that the concentration of cholesterol is critical for the stability and uptake of the hybrid nanoparticles by dendritic cells, a targeted cell for the delivery of immune effector molecules. However, we found that hybrid nanoparticles with high cholesterol concentration tend to fuse during storage resulting in larger particles with decreased cellular uptake. This problem is subsequently solved by PEGylating the hybrid nanoparticles. With increased research and clinical applications of lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles in drug and vaccine delivery, this work will significantly impact the design of the hybrid nanoparticles for minimized molecule release during circulation and increased bioavailability of the target molecules. Copyright © 2015 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Cellular entry of G3.5 poly (amido amine) dendrimers by clathrin- and dynamin-dependent endocytosis promotes tight junctional opening in intestinal epithelia.

    PubMed

    Goldberg, Deborah S; Ghandehari, Hamidreza; Swaan, Peter W

    2010-08-01

    This study investigates the mechanisms of G3.5 poly (amido amine) dendrimer cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, transepithelial transport and tight junction modulation in Caco-2 cells in the context of oral drug delivery. Chemical inhibitors blocking clathrin-, caveolin- and dynamin-dependent endocytosis pathways were used to investigate the mechanisms of dendrimer cellular uptake and transport across Caco-2 cells using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Dendrimer cellular uptake was found to be dynamin-dependent and was reduced by both clathrin and caveolin endocytosis inhibitors, while transepithelial transport was only dependent on dynamin- and clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Dendrimers were quickly trafficked to the lysosomes after 15 min of incubation and showed increased endosomal accumulation at later time points, suggesting saturation of this pathway. Dendrimers were unable to open tight junctions in cell monolayers treated with dynasore, a selective inhibitor of dynamin, confirming that dendrimer internalization promotes tight junction modulation. G3.5 PAMAM dendrimers take advantage of several receptor-mediated endocytosis pathways for cellular entry in Caco-2 cells. Dendrimer internalization by dynamin-dependent mechanisms promotes tight junction opening, suggesting that dendrimers act on intracellular cytoskeletal proteins to modulate tight junctions, thus catalyzing their own transport via the paracellular route.

  5. Mathematical Modeling and Experimental Validation of Nanoemulsion-Based Drug Transport across Cellular Barriers.

    PubMed

    Kadakia, Ekta; Shah, Lipa; Amiji, Mansoor M

    2017-07-01

    Nanoemulsions have shown potential in delivering drug across epithelial and endothelial cell barriers, which express efflux transporters. However, their transport mechanisms are not entirely understood. Our goal was to investigate the cellular permeability of nanoemulsion-encapsulated drugs and apply mathematical modeling to elucidate transport mechanisms and sensitive nanoemulsion attributes. Transport studies were performed in Caco-2 cells, using fish oil nanoemulsions and a model substrate, rhodamine-123. Permeability data was modeled using a semi-mechanistic approach, capturing the following cellular processes: endocytotic uptake of the nanoemulsion, release of rhodamine-123 from the nanoemulsion, efflux and passive permeability of rhodamine-123 in aqueous solution. Nanoemulsions not only improved the permeability of rhodamine-123, but were also less sensitive to efflux transporters. The model captured bidirectional permeability results and identified sensitive processes, such as the release of the nanoemulsion-encapsulated drug and cellular uptake of the nanoemulsion. Mathematical description of cellular processes, improved our understanding of transport mechanisms, such as nanoemulsions don't inhibit efflux to improve drug permeability. Instead, their endocytotic uptake, results in higher intracellular drug concentrations, thereby increasing the concentration gradient and transcellular permeability across biological barriers. Modeling results indicated optimizing nanoemulsion attributes like the droplet size and intracellular drug release rate, may further improve drug permeability.

  6. The contribution of water soluble and water insoluble organic fractions to oxygen uptake rate during high rate composting.

    PubMed

    Giuliana, D'Imporzano; Fabrizio, Adani

    2007-02-01

    This study aims to establish the contribution of the water soluble and water insoluble organic fractions to total oxygen uptake rate during high rate composting process of a mixture of organic fraction of municipal solid waste and lignocellulosic material. This mixture was composted using a 20 l self-heating pilot scale composter for 250 h. The composter was fully equipped to record both the biomass-temperature and oxygen uptake rate. Representative compost samples were taken at 0, 70, 100, 110, 160, and 250 h from starting time. Compost samples were fractionated in water soluble and water insoluble fractions. The water soluble fraction was then fractionated in hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and neutral hydrophobic fractions. Each fraction was then studied using quantitative (total organic carbon) and qualitative analysis (diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy and biodegradability test). Oxygen uptake rates were high during the initial stages of the process due to rapid degradation of the soluble degradable organic fraction (hydrophilic plus hydrophobic fractions). Once this fraction was depleted, polymer hydrolysis accounted for most of the oxygen uptake rate. Finally, oxygen uptake rate could be modeled using a two term kinetic. The first term provides the oxygen uptake rate resulting from the microbial growth kinetic type on easily available, no-limiting substrate (soluble fraction), while the second term considers the oxygen uptake rate caused by the degradation of substrate produced by polymer hydrolysis.

  7. Bulk chlorine uptake by polyamide active layers of thin-film composite membranes upon exposure to free chlorine-kinetics, mechanisms, and modeling.

    PubMed

    Powell, Joshua; Luh, Jeanne; Coronell, Orlando

    2014-01-01

    We studied the volume-averaged chlorine (Cl) uptake into the bulk region of the aromatic polyamide active layer of a reverse osmosis membrane upon exposure to free chlorine. Volume-averaged measurements were obtained using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry with samples prepared at a range of free chlorine concentrations, exposure times, and mixing, rinsing, and pH conditions. Our volume-averaged measurements complement previous studies that have quantified Cl uptake at the active layer surface (top ≈ 7 nm) and advance the mechanistic understanding of Cl uptake by aromatic polyamide active layers. Our results show that surface Cl uptake is representative of and underestimates volume-averaged Cl uptake under acidic conditions and alkaline conditions, respectively. Our results also support that (i) under acidic conditions, N-chlorination followed by Orton rearrangement is the dominant Cl uptake mechanism with N-chlorination as the rate-limiting step; (ii) under alkaline conditions, N-chlorination and dechlorination of N-chlorinated amide links by hydroxyl ion are the two dominant processes; and (iii) under neutral pH conditions, the rates of N-chlorination and Orton rearrangement are comparable. We propose a kinetic model that satisfactorily describes Cl uptake under acidic and alkaline conditions, with the largest discrepancies between model and experiment occurring under alkaline conditions at relatively high chlorine exposures.

  8. Intravascular Drug Release Kinetics Dictate Arterial Drug Deposition, Retention, and Distribution

    PubMed Central

    Balakrishnan, Brinda; Dooley, John F.; Kopia, Gregory; Edelman, Elazer R.

    2007-01-01

    Millions of patients worldwide have received drug-eluting stents to reduce their risk for in-stent restenosis. The efficacy and toxicity of these local therapeutics depend upon arterial drug deposition, distribution, and retention. To examine how administered dose and drug release kinetics control arterial drug uptake, a model was created using principles of computational fluid dynamics and transient drug diffusion-convection. The modeling predictions for drug elution were validated using empiric data from stented porcine coronary arteries. Inefficient, minimal arterial drug deposition was predicted when a bolus of drug was released and depleted within seconds. Month-long stent-based drug release efficiently delivered nearly continuous drug levels, but the slow rate of drug presentation limited arterial drug uptake. Uptake was only maximized when the rates of drug release and absorption matched, which occurred for hour-long drug release. Of the two possibly means for increasing the amount of drug on the stent, modulation of drug concentration potently impacts the magnitude of arterial drug deposition, while changes in coating drug mass affect duration of release. We demonstrate the importance of drug release kinetics and administered drug dose in governing arterial drug uptake and suggest novel drug delivery strategies for controlling spatio-temporal arterial drug distribution. PMID:17868948

  9. Uptake and Depuration Kinetics Influence Microplastic Bioaccumulation and Toxicity in Antarctic Krill ( Euphausia superba).

    PubMed

    Dawson, Amanda; Huston, Wilhelmina; Kawaguchi, So; King, Catherine; Cropp, Roger; Wild, Seanan; Eisenmann, Pascale; Townsend, Kathy; Bengtson Nash, Susan

    2018-03-06

    The discarding of plastic products has led to the ubiquitous occurrence of microplastic particles in the marine environment. The uptake and depuration kinetics of ingested microplastics for many marine species still remain unknown despite its importance for understanding bioaccumulation potential to higher trophic level consumers. In this study, Antarctic krill ( Euphausia superba) were exposed to polyethylene microplastics to quantify acute toxicity and ingestion kinetics, providing insight into the bioaccumulation potential of microplastics at the first-order consumer level. In the 10 day acute toxicity assay, no mortality or dose-dependent weight loss occurred in exposed krill, at any of the exposure concentrations (0, 10, 20, 40, or 80% plastic diet). Krill exposed to a 20% plastic diet for 24 h displayed fast uptake (22 ng mg -1 h -1 ) and depuration (0.22 h -1 ) rates, but plastic uptake did not reach steady state. Efficient elimination also resulted in no bioaccumulation over an extended 25 day assay, with most individuals completely eliminating their microplastic burden in less than 5 days post exposure. Our results support recent findings of limited acute toxicity of ingested microplastics at this trophic level, and suggest sublethal chronic end points should be the focus of further ecotoxicological investigation.

  10. Composite polymeric beads containing N,N,N',N'-tetraoctyldiglycolamide for actinide ion uptake from nitric acid feeds: Batch uptake, kinetic modelling and column studies.

    PubMed

    Gujar, R B; Mohapatra, P K; Lakshmi, D Shanthana; Figoli, A

    2015-11-27

    Polyethersulphone (PES) based composite polymeric beads (CPB) containing TODGA (N,N,N',N'-tetraoctyldiglycolamide) as the extractant were prepared by conventional phase inversion technique and were tested for the uptake of actinide ions such as Am(3+), UO2(2+), Pu(4+), Np(4+) and fission product ions such as Eu(3+) and Sr(2+). The CPBs containing 2.5-10wt.% TODGA were characterized by various physical methods and their porosity, size, surface morphology, surface area and the degradation profile by thermogravimetry were analyzed. The batch uptake studies involved kinetics of metal ion sorption, uptake as a function of nitric acid concentration, kinetic modelling and adsorption isotherms and most of the studies involved the Am(3+) ions. The batch saturation sorption capacities for Eu(3+) loading at 3M HNO3 were determined to be 6.6±0.02, 9.1±0.02 and 22.3±0.04mgg(-1) of CRBs with 2.5wt.%, 5wt.% and 10wt.% TODGA, respectively. The sorption isotherm analysis with Langmuir, D-R and Freundlisch isotherms indicated chemisorption monolayer mechanism. Chromatographic studies indicated breakthrough of Eu(3+) (using a solution containing Eu carrier) after about 0.75 bed volume (3.5-4mL). Elution of the loaded Eu was carried out using 0.01M EDTA as the eluent. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Assessing the Role of Dissolved Organic Phosphate on Rates of Microbial Phosphorus Cycling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gonzalez, A. C.; Popendorf, K. J.; Duhamel, S.

    2016-02-01

    Phosphorus (P) is an element crucial to life, and it is limiting in many parts of the ocean. In oligotrophic environments, the dissolved P pool is cycled rapidly through the activity of microbes, with turnover times of several hours or less. The overarching aim of this study was to assess the flux of P from picoplankton to the dissolved pool and the role this plays in fueling rapid P cycling. To determine if specific microbial groups are responsible for significant return of P to the dissolved pool during cell lifetime, we compared the rate of cellular P turnover (cell-Pτ, the rate of cellular P uptake divided by cellular P content) to the rate of cellular biomass turnover (cellτ). High rates of P return to the dissolved pool during cell lifetime (high cell-Pτ/cellτ) indicate significant P regeneration, fueling more rapid turnover of the dissolved P pool. We hypothesized that cell-Pτ/cellτ varies widely across picoplankton groups. One factor influencing this variation may be each microbial group's relative uptake of dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) versus dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP). As extracellular hydrolysis is necessary for P incorporation from DOP, this process may return more P to the dissolved pool than DIP incorporation. This leads to the question: does a picoplankton's relative uptake of DOP (versus DIP) affect the rate at which it returns phosphorus to the dissolved pool? To address this question, we compared the rate of cellular P turnover based on uptake of DOP and uptake DIP using cultured representatives of three environmentally significant picoplankton groups: Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, and heterotrophic bacteria. These different picoplankton groups are known to take up different ratios of DOP to DIP, and may in turn make significantly different contributions to the regeneration and cycling phosphorus. These findings have implications towards our understanding of the timeframes of biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus in the ocean.

  12. Quantitative diffusion and swelling kinetic measurements using large-angle interferometric refractometry.

    PubMed

    Saunders, John E; Chen, Hao; Brauer, Chris; Clayton, McGregor; Chen, Weijian; Barnes, Jack A; Loock, Hans-Peter

    2015-12-07

    The uptake and release of sorbates into films and coatings is typically accompanied by changes of the films' refractive index and thickness. We provide a comprehensive model to calculate the concentration of the sorbate from the average refractive index and the film thickness, and validate the model experimentally. The mass fraction of the analyte partitioned into a film is described quantitatively by the Lorentz-Lorenz equation and the Clausius-Mosotti equation. To validate the model, the uptake kinetics of water and other solvents into SU-8 films (d = 40-45 μm) were explored. Large-angle interferometric refractometry measurements can be used to characterize films that are between 15 μm to 150 μm thick and, Fourier analysis, is used to determine independently the thickness, the average refractive index and the refractive index at the film-substrate interface at one-second time intervals. From these values the mass fraction of water in SU-8 was calculated. The kinetics were best described by two independent uptake processes having different rates. Each process followed one-dimensional Fickian diffusion kinetics with diffusion coefficients for water into SU-8 photoresist film of 5.67 × 10(-9) cm(2) s(-1) and 61.2 × 10(-9) cm(2) s(-1).

  13. Inverse modeling of the biodegradation of emerging organic contaminants in the soil-plant system.

    PubMed

    Hurtado, Carlos; Trapp, Stefan; Bayona, Josep M

    2016-08-01

    Understanding the processes involved in the uptake and accumulation of organic contaminants into plants is very important to assess the possible human risk associated with. Biodegradation of emerging contaminants in plants has been observed, but kinetical studies are rare. In this study, we analyse experimental data on the uptake of emerging organic contaminants into lettuce derived in a greenhouse experiment. Measured soil, root and leaf concentrations from four contaminants were selected within the applicability domain of a steady-state two-compartment standard plant uptake model: bisphenol A (BPA), carbamazepine (CBZ), triclosan (TCS) and caffeine (CAF). The model overestimated concentrations in most cases, when no degradation rates in plants were entered. Subsequently, biodegradation rates were fitted so that the measured concentrations were met. Obtained degradation kinetics are in the order, BPA < CAF ≈ TCS < CBZ in roots, and BPA ≈ TCS < CBZ < CAF in leaves. Kinetics determined by inverse modeling are, despite the inherent uncertainty, indicative of the dissipation rates. The advantage of the procedure that is additional knowledge can be gained from existing experimental data. Dissipation kinetics found via inverse modeling is not a conclusive proof for biodegradation and confirmation by experimental studies is needed. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  14. Toxicokinetics/toxicodynamics links bioavailability for assessing arsenic uptake and toxicity in three aquaculture species.

    PubMed

    Chen, Wei-Yu; Liao, Chung-Min

    2012-11-01

    The purpose of this study was to link toxicokinetics/toxicodynamics (TK/TD) and bioavailability-based metal uptake kinetics to assess arsenic (As) uptake and bioaccumulation in three common farmed species of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), milkfish (Chanos chanos), and freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea). We developed a mechanistic framework by linking damage assessment model (DAM) and bioavailability-based Michaelis-Menten model for describing TK/TD and As uptake mechanisms. The proposed model was verified with published acute toxicity data. The estimated TK/TD parameters were used to simulate the relationship between bioavailable As uptake and susceptibility probability. The As toxicity was also evaluated based on a constructed elimination-recovery scheme. Absorption rate constants were estimated to be 0.025, 0.016, and 0.175 mL g(-1) h(-1) and As uptake rate constant estimates were 22.875, 63.125, and 788.318 ng g(-1) h(-1) for tilapia, milkfish, and freshwater clam, respectively. Here we showed that a potential trade-off between capacities of As elimination and damage recovery was found among three farmed species. Moreover, the susceptibility probability can also be estimated by the elimination-recovery relations. This study suggested that bioavailability-based uptake kinetics and TK/TD-based DAM could be integrated for assessing metal uptake and toxicity in aquatic organisms. This study is useful to quantitatively assess the complex environmental behavior of metal uptake and implicate to risk assessment of metals in aquaculture systems.

  15. On Guanidinium and Cellular Uptake

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    Guanidinium-rich scaffolds facilitate cellular translocation and delivery of bioactive cargos through biological barriers. Although impressive uptake has been demonstrated for nonoligomeric and nonpept(o)idic guanidinylated scaffolds in cell cultures and animal models, the fundamental understanding of these processes is lacking. Charge pairing and hydrogen bonding with cell surface counterparts have been proposed, but their exact role remains putative. The impact of the number and spatial relationships of the guanidinium groups on delivery and organelle/organ localization is yet to be established. PMID:25019333

  16. Surface Chemistry Manipulation of Gold Nanorods Displays High Cellular Uptake In Vitro While Preserving Optical Properties for Bio-Imaging and Photo-Thermal Applications

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-03-28

    PROPERTIES FOR BIO -IMAGING AND PHOTO-THERMAL APPLICATIONS ANTHONY B. POLITO III, Maj, USAF, BSC, PhD, MT(ASCP)SBB March 2016 Final Report for March...HIGH CELLULAR UPTAKE IN VITRO WHILE PRESERVING OPTICAL PROPERTIES FOR BIO -IMAGING AND PHOTO-THERMAL APPLICATIONS. 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b...These findings identify MTAB-TA GNRs as prime candidates for use in nano-based bio -imaging and photo-thermal applications. 15. SUBJECT TERMS

  17. Size-dependent cellular uptake mechanism and cytotoxicity toward calcium oxalate on Vero cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Xin-Yuan; Gan, Qiong-Zhi; Ouyang, Jian-Ming

    2017-02-01

    Urinary crystals with various sizes are present in healthy individuals and patients with kidney stone; however, the cellular uptake mechanism of calcium oxalate of various sizes has not been elucidated. This study aims to compare the internalization of nano-/micron-sized (50 nm, 100 nm, and 1 μm) calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and dihydrate (COD) crystals in African green monkey renal epithelial (Vero) cells. The internalization and adhesion of COM and COD crystals to Vero cells were enhanced with decreasing crystal size. Cell death rate was positively related to the amount of adhered and internalized crystals and exhibited higher correlation with internalization than that with adhesion. Vero cells mainly internalized nano-sized COM and COD crystals through clathrin-mediated pathways as well as micron-sized crystals through macropinocytosis. The internalized COM and COD crystals were distributed in the lysosomes and destroyed lysosomal integrity to some extent. The results of this study indicated that the size of crystal affected cellular uptake mechanism, and may provide an enlightenment for finding potential inhibitors of crystal uptake, thereby decreasing cell injury and the occurrence of kidney stones.

  18. The minute virus of mice exploits different endocytic pathways for cellular uptake

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Garcin, Pierre O.; Panté, Nelly, E-mail: pante@zoology.ubc.ca

    The minute virus of mice, prototype strain (MVMp), is a non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA virus of the family Parvoviridae. Unlike other parvoviruses, the mechanism of cellular uptake of MVMp has not been studied in detail. We analyzed MVMp endocytosis in mouse LA9 fibroblasts and a tumor cell line derived from epithelial–mesenchymal transition through polyomavirus middle T antigen transformation in transgenic mice. By a combination of immunofluorescence and electron microscopy, we found that MVMp endocytosis occurs at the leading edge of migrating cells in proximity to focal adhesion sites. By using drug inhibitors of various endocytic pathways together with immunofluorescence microscopy andmore » flow cytometry analysis, we discovered that MVMp can use a number of endocytic pathways, depending on the host cell type. At least three different mechanisms were identified: clathrin-, caveolin-, and clathrin-independent carrier-mediated endocytosis, with the latter occurring in transformed cells but not in LA9 fibroblasts. - Highlights: • MVMp uptake takes place at the leading edge of migrating cells. • MVMp exploits a variety of endocytic pathways. • MVMp could use clathrin- and caveolin-mediated endocytosis. • MVMp could also use clathrin-independent carriers for cellular uptake.« less

  19. Mechanisms of the ultrasound-mediated intracellular delivery of liposomes and dextrans.

    PubMed

    Afadzi, Mercy; Strand, Sabina P; Nilssen, Esben A; Måsøy, Svein-Erik; Johansen, Tonni F; Hansen, Rune; Angelsen, Bjørn A; de L Davies, Catharina

    2013-01-01

    The mechanism involved in the ultrasoundenhanced intracellular delivery of fluorescein-isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran (molecular weight 4 to 2000 kDa) and liposomes containing doxorubicin (Dox) was studied using HeLa cells and an ultrasound transducer at 300 kHz, varying the acoustic power. The cellular uptake and cell viability were measured using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The role of endocytosis was investigated by inhibiting clathrin- and caveolae-mediated endocytosis, as well as macropinocytosis. Microbubbles were found to be required during ultrasound treatment to obtain enhanced cellular uptake. The percentage of cells internalizing Dox and dextran increased with increasing mechanical index. Confocal images and flow cytometric analysis indicated that the liposomes were disrupted extracellularly and that released Dox was taken up by the cells. The percentage of cells internalizing dextran was independent of the molecular weight of dextrans, but the amount of the small 4-kDa dextran molecules internalized per cell was higher than for the other dextrans. The inhibition of endocytosis during ultrasound exposure resulted in a significant decrease in cellular uptake of dextrans. Therefore, the improved uptake of Dox and dextrans may be a result of both sonoporation and endocytosis.

  20. Rational Targeting of Cellular Cholesterol in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Enabled by Functional Lipoprotein Nanoparticles: A Therapeutic Strategy Dependent on Cell of Origin.

    PubMed

    Rink, Jonathan S; Yang, Shuo; Cen, Osman; Taxter, Tim; McMahon, Kaylin M; Misener, Sol; Behdad, Amir; Longnecker, Richard; Gordon, Leo I; Thaxton, C Shad

    2017-11-06

    Cancer cells have altered metabolism and, in some cases, an increased demand for cholesterol. It is important to identify novel, rational treatments based on biology, and cellular cholesterol metabolism as a potential target for cancer is an innovative approach. Toward this end, we focused on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) as a model because there is differential cholesterol biosynthesis driven by B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling in germinal center (GC) versus activated B-cell (ABC) DLBCL. To specifically target cellular cholesterol homeostasis, we employed high-density lipoprotein-like nanoparticles (HDL NP) that can generally reduce cellular cholesterol by targeting and blocking cholesterol uptake through the high-affinity HDL receptor, scavenger receptor type B-1 (SCARB1). As we previously reported, GC DLBCL are exquisitely sensitive to HDL NP as monotherapy, while ABC DLBCL are less sensitive. Herein, we report that enhanced BCR signaling and resultant de novo cholesterol synthesis in ABC DLBCL drastically reduces the ability of HDL NPs to reduce cellular cholesterol and induce cell death. Therefore, we combined HDL NP with the BCR signaling inhibitor ibrutinib and the SYK inhibitor R406. By targeting both cellular cholesterol uptake and BCR-associated de novo cholesterol synthesis, we achieved cellular cholesterol reduction and induced apoptosis in otherwise resistant ABC DLBCL cell lines. These results in lymphoma demonstrate that reduction of cellular cholesterol is a powerful mechanism to induce apoptosis. Cells rich in cholesterol require HDL NP therapy to reduce uptake and molecularly targeted agents that inhibit upstream pathways that stimulate de novo cholesterol synthesis, thus, providing a new paradigm for rationally targeting cholesterol metabolism as therapy for cancer.

  1. Auxin physiology of the tomato mutant diageotropica

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Daniel, S. G.; Rayle, D. L.; Cleland, R. E.

    1989-01-01

    The tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill.) mutant diageotropica (dgt) exhibits biochemical, physiological, and morphological abnormalities that suggest the mutation may have affected a primary site of auxin perception or action. We have compared two aspects of the auxin physiology of dgt and wild-type (VFN8) seedlings: auxin transport and cellular growth parameters. The rates of basipetal indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) polar transport are identical in hypocotyl sections of the two genotypes, but dgt sections have a slightly greater capacity for IAA transport. 2,3,5-Triiodobenzoic acid and ethylene reduce transport in both mutant and wild-type sections. The kinetics of auxin uptake into VFN8 and dgt sections are nearly identical. These results make it unlikely that an altered IAA efflux carrier or IAA uptake symport are responsible for the pleiotropic effects resulting from the dgt mutation. The lack of auxin-induced cell elongation in dgt plants is not due to insufficient turgor, as the osmotic potential of dgt cell sap is less (more negative) than that of VFN8. An auxin-induced increase in wall extensibility, as measured by the Instron technique, only occurs in the VFN8 plants. These data suggest dgt hypocotyls suffer a defect in the sequence of events culminating in auxin-induced cell wall loosening.

  2. Small versus Large Iron Oxide Magnetic Nanoparticles: Hyperthermia and Cell Uptake Properties.

    PubMed

    Iacovita, Cristian; Florea, Adrian; Dudric, Roxana; Pall, Emoke; Moldovan, Alin Iulian; Tetean, Romulus; Stiufiuc, Rares; Lucaciu, Constantin Mihai

    2016-10-13

    Efficient use of magnetic hyperthermia in clinical cancer treatment requires biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), with improved heating capabilities. Small (~34 nm) and large (~270 nm) Fe₃O₄-MNPs were synthesized by means of a polyol method in polyethylene-glycol (PEG) and ethylene-glycol (EG), respectively. They were systematically investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and vibration sample magnetometry. Hyperthermia measurements showed that Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) dependence on the external alternating magnetic field amplitude (up to 65 kA/m, 355 kHz) presented a sigmoidal shape, with remarkable SAR saturation values of ~1400 W/g MNP for the small monocrystalline MNPs and only 400 W/g MNP for the large polycrystalline MNPs, in water. SAR values were slightly reduced in cell culture media, but decreased one order of magnitude in highly viscous PEG1000. Toxicity assays performed on four cell lines revealed almost no toxicity for the small MNPs and a very small level of toxicity for the large MNPs, up to a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL. Cellular uptake experiments revealed that both MNPs penetrated the cells through endocytosis, in a time dependent manner and escaped the endosomes with a faster kinetics for large MNPs. Biodegradation of large MNPs inside cells involved an all-or-nothing mechanism.

  3. ‘And then there were three’: highly efficient uptake of potassium by foliar trichomes of epiphytic bromeliads

    PubMed Central

    Winkler, Uwe; Zotz, Gerhard

    2010-01-01

    Background and Aims Vascular epiphytes have to acquire nutrients from atmospheric wash out, stem-flow, canopy soils and trapped litter. Physiological studies on the adaptations to nutrient acquisition and plant utilization of nutrients have focused on phosphorus and nitrogen; potassium, as a third highly abundant nutrient element, has received minor attention. In the present study, potassium uptake kinetics by leaves, within-plant distribution and nutrient accumulation were analysed to gain an improved understanding of physiological adaptations to non-terrestrial nutrient supply of plants. Methods Radioactively labelled 86RbCl was used as an analogue to study uptake kinetics of potassium absorbed from tanks of epiphytes, its plant distribution and the correlation between uptake efficiency and abundance of trichomes, functioning as uptake organs of leaves. Potassium in leaves was additionally analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy to assess plant responses to potassium deficiency. Key Results Labelled rubidium was taken up from tanks over a wide range of concentrations, 0·01–90 mm, which was achieved by two uptake systems. In four tank epiphytes, the high-affinity transporters had average Km values of 41·2 µm, and the low-affinity transporters average Km values of 44·8 mm. Further analysis in Vriesea splenriet showed that high-affinity uptake of rubidium was an ATP-dependent process, while low-affinity uptake was mediated by a K+-channel. The kinetic properties of both types of transporters are comparable with those of potassium transporters in roots of terrestrial plants. Specific differences in uptake velocities of epiphytes are correlated with the abundance of trichomes on their leaf surfaces. The main sinks for potassium were fully grown leaves. These leaves thus function as internal potassium sources, which allow growth to be maintained during periods of low external potassium availability. Conclusions Vascular epiphytes possess effective mechanisms to take up potassium from both highly diluted and highly concentrated solutions, enabling the plant to incorporate this nutrient element quickly and almost quantitatively from tank solutions. A surplus not needed for current metabolism is stored, i.e. plants show luxury consumption. PMID:20542886

  4. Olanzapine and aripiprazole differentially affect glucose uptake and energy metabolism in human mononuclear blood cells.

    PubMed

    Stapel, Britta; Kotsiari, Alexandra; Scherr, Michaela; Hilfiker-Kleiner, Denise; Bleich, Stefan; Frieling, Helge; Kahl, Kai G

    2017-05-01

    The use of antipsychotics carries the risk of metabolic side effects, such as weight gain and new onset type-2 diabetes mellitus. The mechanisms of the observed metabolic alterations are not fully understood. We compared the effects of two atypical antipsychotics, one known to favor weight gain (olanzapine), the other not (aripiprazole), on glucose metabolism. Primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated and stimulated with olanzapine or aripiprazole for 72 h. Cellular glucose uptake was analyzed in vitro by 18F-FDG uptake. Further measurements comprised mRNA expression of glucose transporter (GLUT) 1 and 3, GLUT1 protein expression, DNA methylation of GLUT1 promoter region, and proteins involved in downstream glucometabolic processes. We observed a 2-fold increase in glucose uptake after stimulation with aripiprazole. In contrast, olanzapine stimulation decreased glucose uptake by 40%, accompanied by downregulation of the cellular energy sensor AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK). GLUT1 protein expression increased, GLUT1 mRNA expression decreased, and GLUT1 promoter was hypermethylated with both antipsychotics. Pyruvat-dehydrogenase (PDH) complex activity decreased with olanzapine only. Our findings suggest that the atypical antipsychotics olanzapine and aripiprazole differentially affect energy metabolism in PBMC. The observed decrease in glucose uptake in olanzapine stimulated PBMC, accompanied by decreased PDH point to a worsening in cellular energy metabolism not compensated by AMKP upregulation. In contrast, aripiprazole stimulation lead to increased glucose uptake, while not affecting PDH complex expression. The observed differences may be involved in the different metabolic profiles observed in aripiprazole and olanzapine treated patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated PLGA nanoparticles for enhanced intracellular delivery of paclitaxel to colon cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Wang, Chunxia; Ho, Paul C; Lim, Lee Yong

    2010-11-15

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the potentiation of the anticancer activity and enhanced cellular retention of paclitaxel-loaded PLGA nanoparticles after surface conjugation with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) against colon cancer cells. Glycosylation patterns of representative colon cancer cells confirmed the higher expression levels of WGA-binding glycoproteins in the Caco-2 and HT-29 cells, than in the CCD-18Co cells. Cellular uptake and in vitro cytotoxicity of WNP (final formulation) against colon cell lines was evaluated alongside control formulations. Confocal microscopy and quantitative analysis of intracellular paclitaxel were used to monitor the endocytosis and retention of nanoparticles inside the cells. WNP showed enhanced anti-proliferative activity against Caco-2 and HT-29 cells compared to corresponding nanoparticles without WGA conjugation (PNP). The greater efficacy of WNP was associated with higher cellular uptake and sustained intracellular retention of paclitaxel, which in turn was attributed to the over-expression of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-containing glycoprotein on the colon cell membrane. WNP also demonstrated increased intracellular retention in the Caco-2 (30% of uptake) and HT-29 (40% of uptake) cells, following post-uptake incubation with fresh medium, compared to the unconjugated PNP nanoparticles (18% in Caco-2) and (27% in HT-29), respectively. Cellular trafficking study of WNP showed endocytosed WNP could successful escape from the endo-lysosome compartment and release into the cytosol with increasing incubation time. It may be concluded that WNP has the potential to be applied as a targeted delivery platform for paclitaxel in the treatment of colon cancer. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Smart Nanoparticles Undergo Phase Transition for Enhanced Cellular Uptake and Subsequent Intracellular Drug Release in a Tumor Microenvironment.

    PubMed

    Ye, Guihua; Jiang, Yajun; Yang, Xiaoying; Hu, Hongxiang; Wang, Beibei; Sun, Lu; Yang, Victor C; Sun, Duxin; Gao, Wei

    2018-01-10

    Inefficient cellular uptake and intracellular drug release at the tumor site are two major obstacles limiting the antitumor efficacy of nanoparticle delivery systems. To overcome both problems, we designed a smart nanoparticle that undergoes phase transition in a tumor microenvironment (TME). The smart nanoparticle is generated using a lipid-polypetide hybrid nanoparticle, which comprises a PEGylated lipid monolayer shell and a pH-sensitive hydrophobic poly-l-histidine core and is loaded with the antitumor drug doxorubicin (DOX). The smart nanoparticle undergoes a two-step phase transition at two different pH values in the TME: (i) At the TME (pH e : 7.0-6.5), the smart nanoparticle swells, and its surface potential turns from negative to neutral, facilitating the cellular uptake; (ii) After internalization, at the acid endolysosome (pH endo : 6.5-4.5), the smart nanoparticle dissociates and induces endolysosome escape to release DOX into the cytoplasm. In addition, a tumor-penetrating peptide iNRG was modified on the surface of the smart nanoparticle as a tumor target moiety. The in vitro studies demonstrated that the iNGR-modified smart nanoparticles promoted cellular uptake in the acidic environment (pH 6.8). The in vivo studies showed that the iNGR-modified smart nanoparticles exerted more potent antitumor efficacy against late-stage aggressive breast carcinoma than free DOX. These data suggest that the smart nanoparticles may serve as a promising delivery system for sequential uptake and intracellular drug release of antitumor agents. The easy preparation of these smart nanoparticles may also have advantages in the future manufacture for clinical trials and clinical use.

  7. Carbon nanotubes' surface chemistry determines their potency as vaccine nanocarriers in vitro and in vivo

    PubMed Central

    Hassan, Hatem A.F.M.; Smyth, Lesley; Rubio, Noelia; Ratnasothy, Kulachelvy; Wang, Julie T.-W.; Bansal, Sukhvinder S.; Summers, Huw D.; Diebold, Sandra S.; Lombardi, Giovanna; Al-Jamal, Khuloud T.

    2016-01-01

    Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have shown marked capabilities in enhancing antigen delivery to antigen presenting cells. However, proper understanding of how altering the physical properties of CNTs may influence antigen uptake by antigen presenting cells, such as dendritic cells (DCs), has not been established yet. We hypothesized that altering the physical properties of multi-walled CNTs (MWNTs)-antigen conjugates, e.g. length and surface charge, can affect the internalization of MWNT-antigen by DCs, hence the induced immune response potency. For this purpose, pristine MWNTs (p-MWNTs) were exposed to various chemical reactions to modify their physical properties then conjugated to ovalbumin (OVA), a model antigen. The yielded MWNTs-OVA conjugates were long MWNT-OVA (~ 386 nm), bearing net positive charge (5.8 mV), or short MWNTs-OVA (~ 122 nm) of increasing negative charges (− 23.4, − 35.8 or − 39 mV). Compared to the short MWNTs-OVA bearing high negative charges, short MWNT-OVA with the lowest negative charge demonstrated better cellular uptake and OVA-specific immune response both in vitro and in vivo. However, long positively-charged MWNT-OVA showed limited cellular uptake and OVA specific immune response in contrast to short MWNT-OVA displaying the least negative charge. We suggest that reduction in charge negativity of MWNT-antigen conjugate enhances cellular uptake and thus the elicited immune response intensity. Nevertheless, length of MWNT-antigen conjugate might also affect the cellular uptake and immune response potency; highlighting the importance of physical properties as a consideration in designing a MWNT-based vaccine delivery system. PMID:26802552

  8. Increased cellular uptake of lauryl gallate loaded in superparamagnetic poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles due to surface modification with folic acid.

    PubMed

    Feuser, Paulo Emilio; Arévalo, Juan Marcelo Carpio; Junior, Enio Lima; Rossi, Gustavo Rodrigues; da Silva Trindade, Edvaldo; Rocha, Maria Eliane Merlin; Jacques, Amanda Virtuoso; Ricci-Júnior, Eduardo; Santos-Silva, Maria Claudia; Sayer, Claudia; de Araújo, Pedro H Hermes

    2016-12-01

    Lauryl gallate loaded in superparamagnetic poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles surface modified with folic acid were synthesized by miniemulsion polymerization in just one step. In vitro biocompatibility and cytotoxicity assays on L929 (murine fibroblast), human red blood, and HeLa (uterine colon cancer) cells were performed. The effect of folic acid at the nanoparticles surface was evaluated through cellular uptake assays in HeLa cells. Results showed that the presence of folic acid did not affect substantially the polymer particle size (~120 nm), the superparamagnetic behavior, the encapsulation efficiency of lauryl gallate (~87 %), the Zeta potential (~38 mV) of the polymeric nanoparticles or the release profile of lauryl gallate. The release profile of lauryl gallate from superparamagnetic poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles presented an initial burst effect (0-1 h) followed by a slow and sustained release, indicating a biphasic release system. Lauryl gallate loaded in superparamagnetic poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles with folic acid did not present cytotoxicity effects on L929 and human red blood cells. However, free lauryl gallate presented significant cytotoxic effects on L929 and human red blood cells at all tested concentrations. The presence of folic acid increased the cytotoxicity of lauryl gallate loaded in nanoparticles on HeLa cells due to a higher cellular uptake when HeLa cells were incubated at 37 °C. On the other hand, when the nanoparticles were incubated at low temperature (4 °C) cellular uptake was not observed, suggesting that the uptake occurred by folate receptor mediated energy-dependent endocytosis. Based on presented results our work suggests that this carrier system can be an excellent alternative in targeted drug delivery by folate receptor.

  9. Kinetics of Nucleic Acid Synthesis in Human Embryonic Kidney Cultures Infected with Adenovirus 2 or 12: Inhibition of Cellular Deoxyribonucleic Acid Synthesis

    PubMed Central

    Ledinko, Nada; Fong, Caroline K. Y.

    1969-01-01

    Infection of human embryonic kidney (HEK) cell cultures with adenovirus types 2 or 12 resulted in an initial drop in the rate of incorporation of 3H-thymidine into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) during the early latent period of virus growth, followed by a marked rise in label uptake. It was shown by cesium chloride isopycnic centrifugation that, after adenovirus 2 infection, there was a decrease in the rate of incorporation of thymidine into cellular DNA. Moreover, DNA-DNA hybridization experiments revealed that, by 28 to 32 hr after infection with either adenovirus 2 or 12, the amount of isolated pulse-labeled DNA capable of hybridizing with HEK cell DNA was reduced by approximately 60 to 70%. Autoradiographic measurements showed that the inhibition of cellular DNA synthesis was due to a decrease in the ability of an infected cell to synthesize DNA. The adenovirus-induced inhibition of host cell DNA synthesis was not due to degradation of cellular DNA. 3H-thymidine incorporated into cellular DNA at the time of infection remained acid-precipitable, and labeled material was not incorporated into viral DNA. Furthermore, when zone sedimentation through neutral or alkaline sucrose density gradients was employed, no detectable change was observed in the sedimentation rate of this cellular DNA at various times after infection with adenovirus 2 or 12. In addition, there was no increase in deoxyribonuclease activity in cells infected with either virus. Cultures infected for 38 hr with adenovirus 2 or 12 incorporated three to four times as much 3H-uridine into ribonucleic acid (RNA) as did non-infected cultures. Furthermore, the net RNA synthesized by infected cultures substantially exceeded that of control cultures. The activity of thymidine kinase was induced, but there was no stimulation of uridine kinase. PMID:5806981

  10. From receptor binding kinetics to signal transduction; a missing link in predicting in vivo drug-action.

    PubMed

    Nederpelt, Indira; Kuzikov, Maria; de Witte, Wilbert E A; Schnider, Patrick; Tuijt, Bruno; Gul, Sheraz; IJzerman, Adriaan P; de Lange, Elizabeth C M; Heitman, Laura H

    2017-10-26

    An important question in drug discovery is how to overcome the significant challenge of high drug attrition rates due to lack of efficacy and safety. A missing link in the understanding of determinants for drug efficacy is the relation between drug-target binding kinetics and signal transduction, particularly in the physiological context of (multiple) endogenous ligands. We hypothesized that the kinetic binding parameters of both drug and endogenous ligand play a crucial role in determining cellular responses, using the NK1 receptor as a model system. We demonstrated that the binding kinetics of both antagonists (DFA and aprepitant) and endogenous agonists (NKA and SP) have significantly different effects on signal transduction profiles, i.e. potency values, in vitro efficacy values and onset rate of signal transduction. The antagonistic effects were most efficacious with slowly dissociating aprepitant and slowly associating NKA while the combination of rapidly dissociating DFA and rapidly associating SP had less significant effects on the signal transduction profiles. These results were consistent throughout different kinetic assays and cellular backgrounds. We conclude that knowledge of the relationship between in vitro drug-target binding kinetics and cellular responses is important to ultimately improve the understanding of drug efficacy in vivo.

  11. Approaching the cellular processes involved in the positive effect of glycosaminoglycans on Fe uptake to Caco-2 cells

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    This study constitutes an approach to understand the enhancing effect of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) on Fe uptake to Caco-2 cells. The high-sulfated GAGs fraction was isolated and purified from cooked haddock. An in vitro digestion/Caco-2 cell culture model was used to monitor Fe uptake (cell ferritin...

  12. Luminescent single-walled carbon nanotube-sensitized europium nanoprobes for cellular imaging

    PubMed Central

    Avti, Pramod K; Sitharaman, Balaji

    2012-01-01

    Lanthanoid-based optical probes with excitation wavelengths in the ultra-violet (UV) range (300–325 nm) have been widely developed as imaging probes. Efficient cellular imaging requires that lanthanoid optical probes be excited at visible wavelengths, to avoid UV damage to cells. The efficacy of europium-catalyzed single-walled carbon nanotubes (Eu-SWCNTs), as visible nanoprobes for cellular imaging, is reported in this study. Confocal fluorescence microscopy images of breast cancer cells (SK-BR-3 and MCF-7) and normal cells (NIH 3T3), treated with Eu-SWCNT at 0.2 μg/mL concentration, showed bright red luminescence after excitation at 365 nm and 458 nm wavelengths. Cell viability analysis showed no cytotoxic effects after the incubation of cells with Eu-SWCNTs at this concentration. Eu-SWCNT uptake is via the endocytosis mechanism. Labeling efficiency, defined as the percentage of incubated cells that uptake Eu-SWCNT, was 95%–100% for all cell types. The average cellular uptake concentration was 6.68 ng Eu per cell. Intracellular localization was further corroborated by transmission electron microscopy and Raman microscopy. The results indicate that Eu-SWCNT shows potential as a novel cellular imaging probe, wherein SWCNT sensitizes Eu3+ ions to allow excitation at visible wavelengths, and stable time-resolved red emission. The ability to functionalize biomolecules on the exterior surface of Eu-SWCNT makes it an excellent candidate for targeted cellular imaging. PMID:22619533

  13. Non-specific cellular uptake of surface-functionalized quantum dots

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kelf, T. A.; Sreenivasan, V. K. A.; Sun, J.; Kim, E. J.; Goldys, E. M.; Zvyagin, A. V.

    2010-07-01

    We report a systematic empirical study of nanoparticle internalization into cells via non-specific pathways. The nanoparticles were comprised of commercial quantum dots (QDs) that were highly visible under a fluorescence confocal microscope. Surface-modified QDs with basic biologically significant moieties, e.g. carboxyl, amino, and streptavidin, were used, in combination with surface derivatization with polyethylene glycol (PEG) for a range of immortalized cell lines. Internalization rates were derived from image analysis and a detailed discussion about the effect of nanoparticle size, charge and surface groups is presented. We find that PEG derivatization dramatically suppresses the non-specific uptake while PEG-free carboxyl and amine functional groups promote QD internalization. These uptake variations displayed a remarkable consistency across different cell types. The reported results are important for experiments concerned with cellular uptake of surface-functionalized nanomaterials, both when non-specific internalization is undesirable and when it is intended for material to be internalized as efficiently as possible.

  14. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) promotes uptake of influenza A viruses (IAV) into host cells.

    PubMed

    Eierhoff, Thorsten; Hrincius, Eike R; Rescher, Ursula; Ludwig, Stephan; Ehrhardt, Christina

    2010-09-09

    Influenza A viruses (IAV) bind to sialic-acids at cellular surfaces and enter cells by using endocytotic routes. There is evidence that this process does not occur constitutively but requires induction of specific cellular signals, including activation of PI3K that promotes virus internalization. This implies engagement of cellular signaling receptors during viral entry. Here, we present first indications for an interplay of IAV with receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). As representative RTK family-members the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the c-Met receptor were studied. Modulation of expression or activity of both RTKs resulted in altered uptake of IAV, showing that these receptors transmit entry relevant signals upon virus binding. More detailed studies on EGFR function revealed that virus binding lead to clustering of lipid-rafts, suggesting that multivalent binding of IAV to cells induces a signaling platform leading to activation of EGFR and other RTKs that in turn facilitates IAV uptake.

  15. The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Promotes Uptake of Influenza A Viruses (IAV) into Host Cells

    PubMed Central

    Eierhoff, Thorsten; Hrincius, Eike R.; Rescher, Ursula; Ludwig, Stephan; Ehrhardt, Christina

    2010-01-01

    Influenza A viruses (IAV) bind to sialic-acids at cellular surfaces and enter cells by using endocytotic routes. There is evidence that this process does not occur constitutively but requires induction of specific cellular signals, including activation of PI3K that promotes virus internalization. This implies engagement of cellular signaling receptors during viral entry. Here, we present first indications for an interplay of IAV with receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). As representative RTK family-members the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the c-Met receptor were studied. Modulation of expression or activity of both RTKs resulted in altered uptake of IAV, showing that these receptors transmit entry relevant signals upon virus binding. More detailed studies on EGFR function revealed that virus binding lead to clustering of lipid-rafts, suggesting that multivalent binding of IAV to cells induces a signaling platform leading to activation of EGFR and other RTKs that in turn facilitates IAV uptake. PMID:20844577

  16. Ethanol intake and sup 3 H-serotonin uptake II: A study in alcoholic patients using platelets sup 3 H-paroxetine binding

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Daoust, M.; Boucly, P.; Ernouf, D.

    1991-01-01

    The kinetic parameters of {sup 3}H-paroxetine binding and {sup 3}H-serotonin uptake were studied in platelets of alcoholic patients. There was no difference between alcoholic and non alcoholic subjects in {sup 3}H-paroxetine binding. When binding and {sup 3}H-serotonin uptake were studied, in the same plasma of the same subjects, the Vmax of serotonin uptake was increased in alcoholics. The data confirm the involvement of serotonin uptake system in alcohol dependance and suggest that serotonin uptake and paroxetine binding sites may be regulated independently in this pathology.

  17. Reactive Uptake of Ammonia to Secondary Organic Aerosols: Kinetics of Organonitrogen Formation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Yongchun; Liggio, John; Staebler, Ralf; Li, Shao-Meng

    2015-04-01

    Organonitrogen compounds originating from the heterogeneous uptake of NH3 or amines by secondary organic aerosol (SOA) has received significant attention recently. This is primarily due to its potential contribution to brown carbon (BrC), which can absorb solar radiation and affect climate. In addition, particle phase Organonitrogen species may represent a means of altering regional nitrogen cycles and/or nitrogen deposition patterns though the sequestering of ambient ammonia which is ultimately deposited downwind. Several reduced nitrogen forming heterogeneous reactions have previously been proposed, including Schiff base and/or Mannich reactions between NH3, ammonium salts or amines and organic carbonyl functional groups in particles. In order to assess and model the possible impact of Schiff base, Mannich or other N-forming reactions (via NH3) on the radiative forcing ability of ambient SOA and/or its impact on N-deposition, the kinetics of such heterogeneous reactions are required, and yet remain largely unknown. In the current study, the uptake kinetics of NH3 to form organonitrogen compounds in SOA derived from the ozonolysis of α-pinene and the OH oxidation of m-xylene is reported for the first time from experiments performed in a 9 m3 smog chamber equipped with a High Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer. The results demonstrate that particle bound organonitrogen compounds are mainly formed by NH3 uptake onto newly formed SOA (~1 hr), but relatively little onto more aged SOA. The uptake coefficients of NH3 to form organonitrogen compounds (between 0-150 min) are on the order of 10-4-10-3 and are prominently dependent upon particle acidity. Following 6 hours of reaction, the total organonitrogen mass contributed up to 10.0±1.5 wt% and 31.5±4.4 wt% to the total SOA mass from the ozonolysis of α-pinene and OH oxidation of m-xylene. The influence of VOC precursors, seed particle acidity and gaseous NH3 concentration on the obtained uptake coefficients is described. The implications of the kinetics on atmospheric BrC and N-deposition are also discussed.

  18. Children-Adult Comparisons of VO2 and HR Kinetics during Submaximum Exercise.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sady, Stanley P.; And Others

    1983-01-01

    Oxygen uptake and heart rate kinetics for submaximum exercise (bicycle riding) were compared in prepubescent boys and adult men. Resulting data suggest that children and adults do not differ significantly in cardiorespiratory adjustments during low-intensity exercise. (Authors/PP)

  19. Membrane Microdomain Structures of Liposomes and Their Contribution to the Cellular Uptake Efficiency into HeLa Cells.

    PubMed

    Onuki, Yoshinori; Obata, Yasuko; Kawano, Kumi; Sano, Hiromu; Matsumoto, Reina; Hayashi, Yoshihiro; Takayama, Kozo

    2016-02-01

    The purpose of this study is to obtain a comprehensive relationship between membrane microdomain structures of liposomes and their cellular uptake efficiency. Model liposomes consisting of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC)/1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC)/cholesterol (Ch) were prepared with various lipid compositions. To detect distinct membrane microdomains in the liposomes, fluorescence-quenching assays were performed at temperatures ranging from 25 to 60 °C using 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene-labeled liposomes and (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl. From the data analysis using the response surface method, we gained a better understanding of the conditions for forming distinct domains (Lo, Ld, and gel phase membranes) as a function of lipid composition. We further performed self-organizing maps (SOM) clustering to simplify the complicated behavior of the domain formation to obtain its essence. As a result, DPPC/DOPC/Ch liposomes in any lipid composition were integrated into five distinct clusters in terms of similarity of the domain structure. In addition, the findings from synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering analysis offered further insight into the domain structures. As a last phase of this study, an in vitro cellular uptake study using HeLa cells was conducted using SOM clusters' liposomes with/without PEGylation. As a consequence of this study, higher cellular uptake was observed from liposomes having Ch-rich ordered domains.

  20. Exploring the cellular and tissue uptake of nanomaterials in a range of biological samples using multimodal nonlinear optical microscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Johnston, Helinor J.; Mouras, Rabah; Brown, David M.; Elfick, Alistair; Stone, Vicki

    2015-12-01

    The uptake of nanomaterials (NMs) by cells is critical in determining their potential biological impact, whether beneficial or detrimental. Thus, investigation of NM internalization by cells is a common consideration in hazard and efficacy studies. There are currently a number of approaches that are routinely used to investigate NM-cell interactions, each of which have their own advantages and limitations. Ideally, imaging modalities used to investigate NM uptake by cells should not require the NM to be labelled (e.g. with fluorophores) to facilitate its detection. We present a multimodal imaging approach employing a combination of label-free microscopies that can be used to investigate NM-cell interactions. Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy was used in combination with either two-photon photoluminescence or four-wave mixing (FWM) to visualize the uptake of gold or titanium dioxide NMs respectively. Live and fixed cell imaging revealed that NMs were internalized by J774 macrophage and C3A hepatocyte cell lines (15-31 μg ml-1). Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to NMs (intratracheal instillation, 62 μg) and NMs were detected in blood and lung leucocytes, lung and liver tissue, demonstrating that NMs could translocate from the exposure site. Obtained data illustrate that multimodal nonlinear optical microscopy may help overcome current challenges in the assessment of NM cellular uptake and biodistribution. It is therefore a powerful tool that can be used to investigate unlabelled NM cellular and tissue uptake in three dimensions, requires minimal sample preparation, and is applicable to live and fixed cells.

  1. Predictive value of tracer studies for /sup 131/I treatment in hyperthyroid cats

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Broome, M.R.; Turrel, J.M.; Hays, M.T.

    In 76 cats with hyperthyroidism, peak thyroidal radioiodine (/sup 131/I) uptakes and effective half-lives were determined after administration of tracer and therapeutic activities of /sup 131/I. In 6 additional hyperthyroid cats, only peak thyroidal uptakes after administration of tracer and therapeutic activities of /sup 131/I were determined. Good correlation was found between peak thyroidal uptakes of tracer and therapeutic /sup 131/I; however, only fair correlation was observed between effective half-lives. In 79% of the cats, the effective half-life for therapeutic /sup 131/I was longer than that for tracer /sup 131/I. After administration of therapeutic activity of /sup 131/I, monoexponential andmore » biphasic decay curves were observed in 51 and 16 cats, respectively. Using therapeutic kinetic data, radiation doses to the thyroid gland were calculated retrospectively on the basis of 2 methods for determining the activity of /sup 131/I administered: (1) actual administration of tracer-compensated activity and (2) hypothetic administration of uniform activity (3 mCi). Because of the good predictive ability of tracer kinetic data for the therapeutic kinetic data, the tracer-compensated radiation doses came significantly (P = 0.008) closer to the therapeutic goal than did the uniform-activity doses. In addition, the use of tracer kinetic information reduced the extent of the tendency for consistently high uniform-activity doses. A manual method for acquiring tracer kinetic data was developed and was an acceptable alternative to computerized techniques. Adoption of this method gives individuals and institutions with limited finances the opportunity to characterize the iodine kinetics in cats before proceeding with administration of therapeutic activities of /sup 131/I.« less

  2. Accuracy of two simple methods for estimation of thyroidal {sup 131}I kinetics for dosimetry-based treatment of Graves' disease

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Traino, A. C.; Xhafa, B.; Sezione di Fisica Medica, U.O. Fisica Sanitaria, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, via Roma n. 67, Pisa 56125

    2009-04-15

    One of the major challenges to the more widespread use of individualized, dosimetry-based radioiodine treatment of Graves' disease is the development of a reasonably fast, simple, and cost-effective method to measure thyroidal {sup 131}I kinetics in patients. Even though the fixed activity administration method does not optimize the therapy, giving often too high or too low a dose to the gland, it provides effective treatment for almost 80% of patients without consuming excessive time and resources. In this article two simple methods for the evaluation of the kinetics of {sup 131}I in the thyroid gland are presented and discussed. Themore » first is based on two measurements 4 and 24 h after a diagnostic {sup 131}I administration and the second on one measurement 4 h after such an administration and a linear correlation between this measurement and the maximum uptake in the thyroid. The thyroid absorbed dose calculated by each of the two methods is compared to that calculated by a more complete {sup 131}I kinetics evaluation, based on seven thyroid uptake measurements for 35 patients at various times after the therapy administration. There are differences in the thyroid absorbed doses between those derived by each of the two simpler methods and the ''reference'' value (derived by more complete uptake measurements following the therapeutic {sup 131}I administration), with 20% median and 40% 90-percentile differences for the first method (i.e., based on two thyroid uptake measurements at 4 and 24 h after {sup 131}I administration) and 25% median and 45% 90-percentile differences for the second method (i.e., based on one measurement at 4 h post-administration). Predictably, although relatively fast and convenient, neither of these simpler methods appears to be as accurate as thyroid dose estimates based on more complete kinetic data.« less

  3. The Role of Endocytosis during Morphogenetic Signaling

    PubMed Central

    Gonzalez-Gaitan, Marcos; Jülicher, Frank

    2014-01-01

    Morphogens are signaling molecules that are secreted by a localized source and spread in a target tissue where they are involved in the regulation of growth and patterning. Both the activity of morphogenetic signaling and the kinetics of ligand spreading in a tissue depend on endocytosis and intracellular trafficking. Here, we review quantitative approaches to study how large-scale morphogen profiles and signals emerge in a tissue from cellular trafficking processes and endocytic pathways. Starting from the kinetics of endosomal networks, we discuss the role of cellular trafficking and receptor dynamics in the formation of morphogen gradients. These morphogen gradients scale during growth, which implies that overall tissue size influences cellular trafficking kinetics. Finally, we discuss how such morphogen profiles can be used to control tissue growth. We emphasize the role of theory in efforts to bridge between scales. PMID:24984777

  4. Kinetic Adaptations of Myosins for their Diverse Cellular Functions

    PubMed Central

    Heissler, Sarah M.; Sellers, James R.

    2016-01-01

    Members of the myosin superfamily are involved in all aspects of eukaryotic life. Their function ranges from the transport of organelles and cargos to the generation of membrane tension, and the contraction of muscle. The diversity of physiological functions is remarkable, given that all enzymatically active myosins follow a conserved mechanoenzymatic cycle in which the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP and inorganic phosphate is coupled to either actin-based transport or tethering of actin to defined cellular compartments. Kinetic capacities and limitations of a myosin are determined by the extent to with actin can accelerate the hydrolysis of ATP and the release of the hydrolysis products and are indispensably linked to its physiological tasks. This review focuses on kinetic competencies that – together with structural adaptations – result in myosins with unique mechanoenzymatic properties targeted to their diverse cellular function. PMID:26929436

  5. Insulin activation of plasma non-esterified fatty acid uptake in metabolic syndrome

    PubMed Central

    Ramos-Roman, Maria A.; Lapidot, Smadar A.; Phair, Robert D.; Parks, Elizabeth J.

    2012-01-01

    Objectives Insulin control of fatty acid metabolism has long been deemed dominated by suppression of adipose lipolysis. This study’s goal was to test the hypothesis that this single role of insulin is insufficient to explain observed fatty acid dynamics. Methods and Results Fatty acid kinetics were measured during a meal-tolerance test and insulin sensitivity assessed by IVGTT in overweight human subjects (n=15, BMI 35.8 ± 7.1 kg/m2). Non-steady state tracer kinetic models were formulated and tested using ProcessDB© software. Suppression of adipose release alone could not account for NEFA concentration changes postprandially, but when combined with insulin activation of fatty acid uptake was consistent with the NEFA data. The observed insulin Km for NEFA uptake was inversely correlated with both insulin sensitivity of glucose uptake (IVGTT Si) (r=−0.626, P=0.01), and whole body fat oxidation after the meal (r=−0.538, P=0.05). Conclusions These results support insulin regulation of fatty acid turnover by both release and uptake mechanisms. Activation of fatty acid uptake is consistent with the human data, has mechanistic precedent in cell culture, and highlights a new potential target for therapies aimed at improving the control of fatty acid metabolism in insulin-resistant disease states. PMID:22723441

  6. Cellular cytotoxic response induced by highly purified multi-wall carbon nanotube in human lung cells.

    PubMed

    Tsukahara, Tamotsu; Haniu, Hisao

    2011-06-01

    Carbon nanotubes, a promising nanomaterial with unique characteristics, have applications in a variety of fields. The cytotoxic effects of carbon nanotubes are partially due to the induction of oxidative stress; however, the detailed mechanisms of nanotube cytotoxicity and their interaction with cells remain unclear. In this study, the authors focus on the acute toxicity of vapor-grown carbon fiber, HTT2800, which is one of the most highly purified multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) by high-temperature thermal treatment. The authors exposed human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) to HTT2800 and measured the cellular uptake, mitochondrial function, cellular LDH release, apoptotic signaling, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release. The HTT2800-exposed cells showed cellular uptake of the carbon nanotube, increased cell death, enhanced DNA damage, and induced cytokine release. However, the exposed cells showed no obvious intracellular ROS generation. These cellular and molecular findings suggest that HTT2800 could cause a potentially adverse inflammatory response in BEAS-2B cells.

  7. Sorption isotherm and kinetic modeling of aniline on Cr-bentonite.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Hong; Liu, Donghong; Zheng, Yan; Liang, Shuping; Liu, Zhe

    2009-08-15

    In this paper, the sorption characteristics of aniline on Cr-bentonite prepared using synthetic wastewater containing chromium was investigated in a batch system at 30 degrees C. The effects of relevant parameters, such as pH value of solution, adsorbent dosage and initial aniline concentration were examined. The experimental data were analyzed by the Langmuir and Freundlich, and Temkin models of sorption. The sorption isotherm data were fitted well to Langmuir isotherm and the monolayer sorption capacity was found to be 21.60 mg/g at 30 degrees C. Dubinin-Redushkevich (D-R) isotherm was applied to describe the nature of aniline uptake and it was found that it occurred chemically. The kinetic data obtained at different concentrations were analyzed using a pseudo first-order, pseudo second-order kinetic equation and intraparticle diffusion model. The experimental data fitted very well the pseudo second-order kinetic model. Intraparticle diffusion affects aniline uptake. The results indicate that there is significant potential for Cr-bentonite as an adsorbent material for aniline removal from aqueous solutions.

  8. What happens in the skin? Integrating skin permeation kinetics into studies of developmental and reproductive toxicity following topical exposure.

    PubMed

    Dancik, Yuri; Bigliardi, Paul L; Bigliardi-Qi, Mei

    2015-12-01

    Animal-based developmental and reproductive toxicological studies involving skin exposure rarely incorporate information on skin permeation kinetics. For practical reasons, animal studies cannot investigate the many factors which can affect human skin permeation and systemic uptake kinetics in real-life scenarios. Traditional route-to-route extrapolation is based on the same types of experiments and requires assumptions regarding route similarity. Pharmacokinetic modeling based on skin physiology and structure is the most efficient way to incorporate the variety of intrinsic skin and exposure-dependent parameters occurring in clinical and occupational settings into one framework. Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models enable the integration of available in vivo, in vitro and in silico data to quantitatively predict the kinetics of uptake at the site of interest, as needed for 21st century toxicology and risk assessment. As demonstrated herein, proper interpretation and integration of these data is a multidisciplinary endeavor requiring toxicological, risk assessment, mathematical, pharmaceutical, biological and dermatological expertise. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies of Cd2+ Biosorption by the Brown Algae Sargassum fusiforme

    PubMed Central

    Zou, Hui-Xi; Li, Nan; Wang, Li-Hua; Yu, Ping; Yan, Xiu-Feng

    2014-01-01

    A fundamental investigation of the biosorption of Cd2+ from aqueous solution by the edible seaweed Sargassum fusiforme was performed under batch conditions. The influences of experimental parameters, such as the initial pH, sorption time, temperature, and initial Cd2+ concentration, on Cd2+ uptake by S. fusiforme were evaluated. The results indicated that the biosorption of Cd2+ depended on the initial Cd2+ concentration, as well as the pH. The uptake of Cd2+ could be described by the Langmuir isotherm model, and both the Langmuir biosorption equilibrium constant and the maximum biosorption capacity of the monolayer decreased with increasing temperature, thereby confirming the exothermic character of the sorption process. The biosorption kinetics follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and intraparticle diffusion is the sole rate-limiting step for the entire biosorption period. These fundamental equilibrium and kinetic results can support further studies to the removal of cadmium from S. fusiforme harvested from cadmium-polluted waters. PMID:24736449

  10. Glucagon-like peptide-1 increases myocardial glucose uptake via p38alpha MAP kinase-mediated, nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms in conscious dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy.

    PubMed

    Bhashyam, Siva; Fields, Anjali V; Patterson, Brandy; Testani, Jeffrey M; Chen, Li; Shen, You-Tang; Shannon, Richard P

    2010-07-01

    We have shown that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1[7-36] amide) stimulates myocardial glucose uptake in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) independent of an insulinotropic effect. The cellular mechanisms of GLP-1-induced myocardial glucose uptake are unknown. Myocardial substrates and glucoregulatory hormones were measured in conscious, chronically instrumented dogs at control (n=6), DCM (n=9) and DCM after treatment with a 48-hour infusion of GLP-1 (7-36) amide (n=9) or vehicle (n=6). GLP-1 receptors and cellular pathways implicated in myocardial glucose uptake were measured in sarcolemmal membranes harvested from the 4 groups. GLP-1 stimulated myocardial glucose uptake (DCM: 20+/-7 nmol/min/g; DCM+GLP-1: 61+/-12 nmol/min/g; P=0.001) independent of increased plasma insulin levels. The GLP-1 receptors were upregulated in the sarcolemmal membranes (control: 98+/-2 density units; DCM: 256+/-58 density units; P=0.046) and were expressed in their activated (65 kDa) form in DCM. The GLP-1-induced increases in myocardial glucose uptake did not involve adenylyl cyclase or Akt activation but was associated with marked increases in p38alpha MAP kinase activity (DCM+vehicle: 97+/-22 pmol ATP/mg/min; DCM+GLP-1: 170+/-36 pmol ATP/mg/min; P=0.051), induction of nitric oxide synthase 2 (DCM+vehicle: 151+/-13 density units; DCM+GLP-1: 306+/-12 density units; P=0.001), and GLUT-1 translocation (DCM+vehicle: 21+/-3% membrane bound; DCM+GLP-1: 39+/-3% membrane bound; P=0.005). The effects of GLP-1 on myocardial glucose uptake were blocked by pretreatment with the p38alpha MAP kinase inhibitor or the nonspecific nitric oxide synthase inhibitor nitro-l-arginine. GLP-1 stimulates myocardial glucose uptake through a non-Akt-1-dependent mechanism by activating cellular pathways that have been identified in mediating chronic hibernation and the late phase of ischemic preconditioning.

  11. Functional characterization of malaria parasites deficient in the K+ channel Kch2.

    PubMed

    Ellekvist, Peter; Mlambo, Godfree; Kumar, Nirbhay; Klaerke, Dan A

    2017-11-04

    K + channels are integral membrane proteins, which contribute to maintain vital parameters such as the cellular membrane potential and cell volume. Malaria parasites encode two K + channel homologues, Kch1 and Kch2, which are well-conserved among members of the Plasmodium genus. In the rodent malaria parasite P. berghei, the functional significance of K + channel homologue PbKch2 was studied using targeted gene knock-out. The knockout parasites were characterized in a mouse model in terms of growth-kinetics and infectivity in the mosquito vector. Furthermore, using a tracer-uptake technique with 86 Rb + as a K + congener, the K + transporting properties of the knockout parasites were assessed. Genetic disruption of Kch2 did not grossly affect the phenotype in terms of asexual replication and pathogenicity in a mouse model. In contrast to Kch1-null parasites, Kch2-null parasites were fully capable of forming oocysts in female Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. 86 Rb + uptake in Kch2-deficient blood-stage P. berghei parasites (Kch2-null) did not differ from that of wild-type (WT) parasites. About two-thirds of the 86 Rb + uptake in WT and in Kch2-null parasites could be inhibited by K + channel blockers and could be inferred to the presence of functional Kch1 in Kch2 knockout parasites. Kch2 is therefore not required for transport of K + in P. berghei and is not essential to mosquito-stage sporogonic development of the parasite. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Comparison of fluorescence-based methods to determine nanoparticle uptake by phagocytes and non-phagocytic cells in vitro

    PubMed Central

    Claudia, Meindl; Kristin, Öhlinger; Jennifer, Ober; Eva, Roblegg; Eleonore, Fröhlich

    2017-01-01

    At many portals of entry the relative uptake by phagocytes and non-phagocytic cells has a prominent effect on availability and biological action of nanoparticles (NPs). Cellular uptake can be determined for fluorescence-labeled NPs. The present study compares three methods (plate reader, flow cytometry and image analysis) in order to investigate the influence of particle size and functionalization and medium content on cellular uptake of fluorescence–labeled polystyrene particles and to study the respective method’s suitability for uptake studies. For comparison between the techniques, ratios of macrophage to alveolar epithelial cell uptakes were used. Presence of serum protein in the exposure solution decreased uptake of carboxyl-functionalized and non-functionalized particles; there was no clear effect for the amine-functionalized particles. The 200 nm non- or carboxyl-functionalized NPs were taken up preferentially by phagocytes while for amine-functionalized particles preference was lowest. The presence of the serum slightly increased the preference for these particles. In conclusion, due to the possibility of calibration, plate reader measurements might present a better option than the other techniques to (semi)quantify differences between phagocytes and non-phagocytic cells for particles with different fluorescence. In order to obtain unbiased data the fluorescent labeling has to fulfill certain requirements. PMID:28065592

  13. Fatty acid transport protein-2 inhibitor Grassofermata/CB5 protects cells against lipid accumulation and toxicity

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Saini, Nipun; Black, Paul N.; Montefusco, David

    The inhibition of the fatty acid uptake into non-adipose tissues provides an attractive target for prevention of lipotoxicity leading to obesity-associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. Fatty acid transport proteins (FATPs) are bifunctional proteins involved in the uptake and activation of fatty acids by esterification with coenzyme A. Here we characterize Grassofermata/CB5, previously identified as a fatty acid uptake inhibitor directed against HsFATP2. The compound was effective in inhibiting the uptake of fatty acids in the low micro-molar range (IC{sub 50} 8–11 μM) and prevented palmitate-mediated lipid accumulation and cell death in cell lines that are models formore » intestines, liver, muscle and pancreas. In adipocytes, uptake inhibition was less effective (IC{sub 50} 58 μM). Inhibition was specific for long chain fatty acids and was ineffective toward medium chain fatty acids, which are transported by diffusion. Kinetic analysis of Grassofermata-dependent FA transport inhibition verified a non-competitive mechanism. By comparison with Grassofermata, several atypical antipsychotic drugs previously implicated as inhibitors of FA uptake were ineffectual. In mice Grassofermata decreased absorption of {sup 13}C-oleate demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic agent. - Highlights: • Grassofermata is a small compound inhibitor of FATP2. • Uptake inhibition is specific for long chain fatty acids. • Uptake kinetics shows low specificity for adipocytes compared to other cell types. • Inhibition is by a non-competitive mechanism. • Atypical antipsychotics do not inhibit FA uptake by comparison with Grassofermata.« less

  14. Physiological Response of Plants Grown on Porous Ceramic Tubes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tsao, David; Okos, Martin

    1997-01-01

    This research involves the manipulation of the root-zone water potential for the purposes of discriminating the rate limiting step in the inorganic nutrient uptake mechanism utilized by higher plants. This reaction sequence includes the pathways controlled by the root-zone conditions such as water tension and gradient concentrations. Furthermore, plant based control mechanisms dictated by various protein productions are differentiated as well. For the nutrients limited by the environmental availability, the kinetics were modeled using convection and diffusion equations. Alternatively, for the nutrients dependent upon enzyme manipulations, the uptakes are modeled using Michaelis-Menten kinetics. In order to differentiate between these various mechanistic steps, an experimental apparatus known as the Porous Ceramic Tube - Nutrient Delivery System (PCT-NDS) was used. Manipulation of the applied suction pressure circulating a nutrient solution through this system imposes a change in the matric component of the water potential. This compensates for the different osmotic components of water potential dictated by nutrient concentration. By maintaining this control over the root-zone conditions, the rate limiting steps in the uptake of the essential nutrients into tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Cherry Elite) were differentiated. Results showed that the uptake of some nutrients were mass transfer limited while others were limited by the enzyme kinetics. Each of these were adequately modeled with calculations and discussions of the parameter estimations provided.

  15. Elucidating the Function of Penetratin and a Static Magnetic Field in Cellular Uptake of Magnetic Nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Chaudhary, Suman; Smith, Carol Anne; del Pino, Pablo; de la Fuente, Jesus M.; Mullin, Margaret; Hursthouse, Andrew; Stirling, David; Berry, Catherine C.

    2013-01-01

    Nanotechnology plays an increasingly important role in the biomedical arena. In particular, magnetic nanoparticles (mNPs) have become important tools in molecular diagnostics, in vivo imaging and improved treatment of disease, with the ultimate aim of producing a more theranostic approach. Due to their small sizes, the nanoparticles can cross most of the biological barriers such as the blood vessels and the blood brain barrier, thus providing ubiquitous access to most tissues. In all biomedical applications maximum nanoparticle uptake into cells is required. Two promising methods employed to this end include functionalization of mNPs with cell-penetrating peptides to promote efficient translocation of cargo into the cell and the use of external magnetic fields for enhanced delivery. This study aimed to compare the effect of both penetratin and a static magnetic field with regards to the cellular uptake of 200 nm magnetic NPs and determine the route of uptake by both methods. Results demonstrated that both techniques increased particle uptake, with penetratin proving more cell specific. Clathrin- medicated endocytosis appeared to be responsible for uptake as shown via PCR and western blot, with Pitstop 2 (known to selectively block clathrin formation) blocking particle uptake. Interestingly, it was further shown that a magnetic field was able to reverse or overcome the blocking, suggesting an alternative route of uptake. PMID:24275948

  16. Celllular Uptake and Clearance of TIO2 Nanoparticles

    EPA Science Inventory

    Differential rates of cellular uptake and clearance of engineered nanomaterials may influence the propensity for tissue accumulation under chronic exposure conditions. A retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) was used to investigate 1) if Ti02 (Degussa, P25) nanoparticles...

  17. The effects of salt, particle and pore size on the process of carbon dioxide hydrate formation: A critical review

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ghaedi, Hosein; Ayoub, Muhammad; Bhat, A. H.; Mahmood, Syed Mohammad; Akbari, Saeed; Murshid, Ghulam

    2016-11-01

    Hydration is an alternative method for CO2 capture. In doing so, some researchers use porous media on an experimental scale. This paper tries to gather the researches on the formation of CO2 hydrate in different types of porous media such as silica sand, quartz sand, Toyoura, pumice, and fire hardened red clay. This review has attempted to examine the effects of salt and particle sizes as two major factors on the induction time, water to hydrate conversion, gas uptake (or gas consumption), and the rate of CO2 hydrate formation. By performing a critical assessment of previous research works, it was observed that the figure for the gas uptake (or gas consumption) and water to hydrate conversion in porous media was decreased by increasing the particle size provided that the pore size was constant. Although, salt can play a role in hydrate formation as the thermodynamic inhibitor, the results show that salt can be regarded as the kinetic growth inhibitor and kinetic promoter. Because of the fact that the gas uptake in seawater is lower than pure water at the end of experiment, the salt can act as a kinetic growth inhibitor. However, since gas uptake (after the nucleation period and for a short period) and the initial rate of hydrate formation in saline water were more than that of pure water, salt can play a promoter role in the kinetic reaction, too. Besides these, in the case of pure water and within a certain particle size, the amount of the hydrate formation rate has been seen to be greater in smaller particles (provided that the pore size is constant), however this has not been observed for seawater.

  18. Multiphase chemical kinetics of OH radical uptake by molecular organic markers of biomass burning aerosols: humidity and temperature dependence, surface reaction, and bulk diffusion.

    PubMed

    Arangio, Andrea M; Slade, Jonathan H; Berkemeier, Thomas; Pöschl, Ulrich; Knopf, Daniel A; Shiraiwa, Manabu

    2015-05-14

    Multiphase reactions of OH radicals are among the most important pathways of chemical aging of organic aerosols in the atmosphere. Reactive uptake of OH by organic compounds has been observed in a number of studies, but the kinetics of mass transport and chemical reaction are still not fully understood. Here we apply the kinetic multilayer model of gas-particle interactions (KM-GAP) to experimental data from OH exposure studies of levoglucosan and abietic acid, which serve as surrogates and molecular markers of biomass burning aerosol (BBA). The model accounts for gas-phase diffusion within a cylindrical coated-wall flow tube, reversible adsorption of OH, surface-bulk exchange, bulk diffusion, and chemical reactions at the surface and in the bulk of the condensed phase. The nonlinear dependence of OH uptake coefficients on reactant concentrations and time can be reproduced by KM-GAP. We find that the bulk diffusion coefficient of the organic molecules is approximately 10(-16) cm(2) s(-1), reflecting an amorphous semisolid state of the organic substrates. The OH uptake is governed by reaction at or near the surface and can be kinetically limited by surface-bulk exchange or bulk diffusion of the organic reactants. Estimates of the chemical half-life of levoglucosan in 200 nm particles in a biomass burning plume increase from 1 day at high relative humidity to 1 week under dry conditions. In BBA particles transported to the free troposphere, the chemical half-life of levoglucosan can exceed 1 month due to slow bulk diffusion in a glassy matrix at low temperature.

  19. Live Cell Imaging of a Fluorescent Gentamicin Conjugate

    PubMed Central

    Escobedo, Jorge O.; Chu, Yu-Hsuan; Wang, Qi; Steyger, Peter S.; Strongin, Robert M.

    2012-01-01

    Understanding cellular mechanisms of ototoxic and nephrotoxic drug uptake, intracellular distribution, and molecular trafficking across cellular barrier systems aids the study of potential uptake blockers that preserve sensory and renal function during critical life-saving therapy. Herein we report the design, synthesis characterization and evaluation of a fluorescent conjugate of the aminoglycoside antibiotic gentamicin. Live cell imaging results show the potential utility of this new material. Related gentamicin conjugates studied to date quench in live kindney cells, and have been largely restricted to use in fixed (delipidated) cells. PMID:22545403

  20. Cellular automata-based modelling and simulation of biofilm structure on multi-core computers.

    PubMed

    Skoneczny, Szymon

    2015-01-01

    The article presents a mathematical model of biofilm growth for aerobic biodegradation of a toxic carbonaceous substrate. Modelling of biofilm growth has fundamental significance in numerous processes of biotechnology and mathematical modelling of bioreactors. The process following double-substrate kinetics with substrate inhibition proceeding in a biofilm has not been modelled so far by means of cellular automata. Each process in the model proposed, i.e. diffusion of substrates, uptake of substrates, growth and decay of microorganisms and biofilm detachment, is simulated in a discrete manner. It was shown that for flat biofilm of constant thickness, the results of the presented model agree with those of a continuous model. The primary outcome of the study was to propose a mathematical model of biofilm growth; however a considerable amount of focus was also placed on the development of efficient algorithms for its solution. Two parallel algorithms were created, differing in the way computations are distributed. Computer programs were created using OpenMP Application Programming Interface for C++ programming language. Simulations of biofilm growth were performed on three high-performance computers. Speed-up coefficients of computer programs were compared. Both algorithms enabled a significant reduction of computation time. It is important, inter alia, in modelling and simulation of bioreactor dynamics.

  1. Effects of calcium on hepatocyte iron uptake from transferrin, iron-pyrophosphate and iron-ascorbate.

    PubMed

    Nilsen, T

    1991-10-16

    Calcium stimulates hepatocyte iron uptake from transferrin, ferric-iron-pyrophosphate and ferrous-iron-ascorbate. Maximal stimulation of iron uptake is observed at 1-1.5 mM of extra-cellular calcium and the effect is reversible and immediate. Neither the receptor affinity for transferrin, nor the total amounts of transferrin associated with the cells or the rate of transferrin endocytosis are significantly affected by calcium. In the presence of calcium the rate of iron uptake of non-transferrin bound iron increases abruptly at approximate 17 degrees C and 27 degrees C and as assessed by Arrhenius plots, the activation energy is reduced in a calcium dependent manner at approx. 27 degrees C. At a similar temperature, i.e., between 25 degrees C and 28 degrees C, calcium increases the rates of cellular iron uptake from transferrin in a way that is not reflected in the rate of transferrin endocytosis. By the results of this study it is concluded that calcium increases iron transport across the plasma membrane by a mechanism dependent on membrane fluidity.

  2. Overexpression of amyloid precursor protein increases copper content in HEK293 cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Suazo, Miriam; Hodar, Christian; Morgan, Carlos

    2009-05-15

    Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a transmembrane glycoprotein widely expressed in mammalian tissues and plays a central role in Alzheimer's disease. However, its physiological function remains elusive. Cu{sup 2+} binding and reduction activities have been described in the extracellular APP135-156 region, which might be relevant for cellular copper uptake and homeostasis. Here, we assessed Cu{sup 2+} reduction and {sup 64}Cu uptake in two human HEK293 cell lines overexpressing APP. Our results indicate that Cu{sup 2+} reduction increased and cells accumulated larger levels of copper, maintaining cell viability at supra-physiological levels of Cu{sup 2+} ions. Moreover, wild-type cells exposed to bothmore » Cu{sup 2+} ions and APP135-155 synthetic peptides increased copper reduction and uptake. Complementation of function studies in human APP751 transformed Fre1 defective Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells rescued low Cu{sup 2+} reductase activity and increased {sup 64}Cu uptake. We conclude that Cu{sup 2+} reduction activity of APP facilitates copper uptake and may represent an early step in cellular copper homeostasis.« less

  3. Point-particle method to compute diffusion-limited cellular uptake.

    PubMed

    Sozza, A; Piazza, F; Cencini, M; De Lillo, F; Boffetta, G

    2018-02-01

    We present an efficient point-particle approach to simulate reaction-diffusion processes of spherical absorbing particles in the diffusion-limited regime, as simple models of cellular uptake. The exact solution for a single absorber is used to calibrate the method, linking the numerical parameters to the physical particle radius and uptake rate. We study the configurations of multiple absorbers of increasing complexity to examine the performance of the method by comparing our simulations with available exact analytical or numerical results. We demonstrate the potential of the method to resolve the complex diffusive interactions, here quantified by the Sherwood number, measuring the uptake rate in terms of that of isolated absorbers. We implement the method in a pseudospectral solver that can be generalized to include fluid motion and fluid-particle interactions. As a test case of the presence of a flow, we consider the uptake rate by a particle in a linear shear flow. Overall, our method represents a powerful and flexible computational tool that can be employed to investigate many complex situations in biology, chemistry, and related sciences.

  4. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Willemin, Marie-Emilie; Lumen, Annie, E-mail: Anni

    Thyroid homeostasis can be disturbed due to thiocyanate exposure from the diet or tobacco smoke. Thiocyanate inhibits both thyroidal uptake of iodide, via the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS), and thyroid hormone (TH) synthesis in the thyroid, via thyroid peroxidase (TPO), but the mode of action of thiocyanate is poorly quantified in the literature. The characterization of the link between intra-thyroidal thiocyanate concentrations and dose of exposure is crucial for assessing the risk of thyroid perturbations due to thiocyanate exposure. We developed a PBPK model for thiocyanate that describes its kinetics in the whole-body up to daily doses of 0.15 mmol/kg, withmore » a mechanistic description of the thyroidal kinetics including NIS, passive diffusion, and TPO. The model was calibrated in a Bayesian framework using published studies in rats. Goodness-of-fit was satisfactory, especially for intra-thyroidal thiocyanate concentrations. Thiocyanate kinetic processes were quantified in vivo, including the metabolic clearance by TPO. The passive diffusion rate was found to be greater than NIS-mediated uptake rate. The model captured the dose-dependent kinetics of thiocyanate after acute and chronic exposures. Model behavior was evaluated using a Morris screening test. The distribution of thiocyanate into the thyroid was found to be determined primarily by the partition coefficient, followed by NIS and passive diffusion; the impact of the latter two mechanisms appears to increase at very low doses. Extrapolation to humans resulted in good predictions of thiocyanate kinetics during chronic exposure. The developed PBPK model can be used in risk assessment to quantify dose-response effects of thiocyanate on TH. - Highlights: • A PBPK model of thiocyanate (SCN{sup −}) was calibrated in rats in a Bayesian framework. • The intra-thyroidal kinetics of thiocyanate including NIS and TPO was modeled. • Passive diffusion rate for SCN{sup −} seemed to be greater than the NIS-mediated uptake. • The dose-dependent kinetics of SCN{sup −} was captured after an acute and chronic exposure. • The PBPK model of thiocyanate was successfully extrapolated to humans.« less

  5. Estimation of kinetic parameters from list-mode data using an indirect apporach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ortiz, Joseph Christian

    This dissertation explores the possibility of using an imaging approach to model classical pharmacokinetic (PK) problems. The kinetic parameters which describe the uptake rates of a drug within a biological system, are parameters of interest. Knowledge of the drug uptake in a system is useful in expediting the drug development process, as well as providing a dosage regimen for patients. Traditionally, the uptake rate of a drug in a system is obtained via sampling the concentration of the drug in a central compartment, usually the blood, and fitting the data to a curve. In a system consisting of multiple compartments, the number of kinetic parameters is proportional to the number of compartments, and in classical PK experiments, the number of identifiable parameters is less than the total number of parameters. Using an imaging approach to model classical PK problems, the support region of each compartment within the system will be exactly known, and all the kinetic parameters are uniquely identifiable. To solve for the kinetic parameters, an indirect approach, which is a two part process, was used. First the compartmental activity was obtained from data, and next the kinetic parameters were estimated. The novel aspect of the research is using listmode data to obtain the activity curves from a system as opposed to a traditional binned approach. Using techniques from information theoretic learning, particularly kernel density estimation, a non-parametric probability density function for the voltage outputs on each photo-multiplier tube, for each event, was generated on the fly, which was used in a least squares optimization routine to estimate the compartmental activity. The estimability of the activity curves for varying noise levels as well as time sample densities were explored. Once an estimate for the activity was obtained, the kinetic parameters were obtained using multiple cost functions, and the compared to each other using the mean squared error as the figure of merit.

  6. Oncogene pathway activation in mammary tumors dictates [18F]-FDG-PET uptake

    PubMed Central

    Alvarez, James V.; Belka, George K.; Pan, Tien-chi; Chen, Chien-Chung; Blankemeyer, Eric; Alavi, Abass; Karp, Joel; Chodosh, Lewis A.

    2015-01-01

    Increased glucose utilization is a hallmark of human cancer that is used to image tumors clinically. In this widely used application, glucose uptake by tumors is monitored by positron emission tomography (PET) of the labeled glucose analog F-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG). Despite its widespread clinical use, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that determine FDG uptake - a tool that can monitor tumor heterogeneity - remain poorly understood. In this study, we compared FDG uptake in mammary tumors driven by the Akt1, c-MYC, HER2/neu, Wnt1 or H-Ras oncogenes in genetically engineered mice, correlating it to tumor growth, cell proliferation and levels of gene expression involved in key steps of glycolytic metabolism. We found that FDG uptake by tumors was dictated principally by the driver oncogene and was not independently associated with tumor growth or cellular proliferation. Oncogene downregulation resulted in a rapid decrease in FDG uptake, preceding effects on tumor regression, irrespective of the baseline level of uptake. FDG uptake correlated positively with expression of hexokinase-2 (HK2) and HIF-1α and associated negatively with PFK-2b expression and p-AMPK. The correlation of HK2 and FDG uptake was independent of all variables tested, including the initiating oncogene, suggesting that HK2 is an independent predictor of FDG uptake. In contrast, expression of Glut1 was correlated with FDG uptake only in tumors driven by Akt or HER2/neu. Together, these results showed that the oncogenic pathway activated within a tumor is a primary determinant of its FDG uptake, mediated by key glycolytic enzymes that provide a framework to interpret effects on this key parameter in clinical imaging. PMID:25239452

  7. Exertional oxygen uptake kinetics: a stamen of stamina?

    PubMed

    Whipp, Brian J; Rossiter, H B; Ward, S A

    2002-04-01

    The fundamental pulmonary O(2) uptake (.VO(2)) response to moderate, constant-load exercise can be characterized as (d.VO(2)/dt)(tau)+Delta.VO(2) (t)=Delta.VO(2SS) where Delta.VO(2SS) is the steady-state response, and tau is the time constant, with the .VO(2) kinetics reflecting intramuscular O(2) uptake (.QO(2)) kinetics, to within 10%. The role of phosphocreatine (PCr) turnover in .QO(2) control can be explored using (31)P-MR spectroscopy, simultaneously with .VO(2). Although tau.VO(2) and tauPCr vary widely among subjects (approx. 20-65 s), they are not significantly different from each other, either at the on- or off-transient. A caveat to interpreting the "well-fit" exponential is that numerous units of similar Delta.VO(2SS) but with a wide tau distribution can also yield a .VO(2) response with an apparent single tau. This tau is, significantly, inversely correlated with lactate threshold and .VO(2max)(but is poorly predictive; a frail stamen, therefore), consistent with tau not characterizing a compartment with uniform kinetics. At higher intensities, the fundamental kinetics become supplemented with a slowly-developing phase, setting .VO(2)on a trajectory towards maximum .VO(2). This slow component is also demonstrable in Delta[PCr]: the decreased efficiency thereby reflecting a predominantly high phosphate-cost of force production rather than a high O(2)-cost of phosphate production. We also propose that the O(2)-deficit for the slow-component is more likely to reflect shifting Delta.VO(2SS) rather than a single one with a single tau.

  8. Kinetic analysis of central ( sup 11 C)raclopride binding to D2-dopamine receptors studied by PET--a comparison to the equilibrium analysis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Farde, L.; Eriksson, L.; Blomquist, G.

    1989-10-01

    (11C)Raclopride binding to central D2-dopamine receptors in humans has previously been examined by positron emission tomography (PET). Based on the rapid occurrence of binding equilibrium, a saturation analysis has been developed for the determination of receptor density (Bmax) and affinity (Kd). For analysis of PET measurements obtained with other ligands, a kinetic three-compartment model has been used. In the present study, the brain uptake of (11C)raclopride was analyzed further by applying both a kinetic and an equilibrium analysis to data obtained from four PET experiments in each of three healthy subjects. First regional CBV was determined. In the second andmore » third experiment, (11C)-raclopride with high and low specific activity was used. In a fourth experiment, the (11C)raclopride enantiomer (11C)FLB472 was used to examine the concentration of free radioligand and nonspecific binding in brain. Radio-activity in arterial blood was measured using an automated blood sampling system. Bmax and Kd values for (11C)raclopride binding could be determined also with the kinetic analysis. As expected theoretically, those values were similar to those obtained with the equilibrium analysis. In addition, the kinetic analysis allowed separate determination of the association and dissociation rate constants, kon and koff, respectively. Examination of (11C)raclopride and (11C)FLB472 uptake in brain regions devoid of specific D2-dopamine receptor binding indicated a fourth compartment in which uptake was reversible, nonstereoselective, and nonsaturable in the dose range studied.« less

  9. Cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of doxorubicin and its formamidine derivatives in HL60 sensitive and HL60/MX2 resistant cells.

    PubMed

    Kik, Krzysztof; Wasowska-Lukawska, Malgorzata; Oszczapowicz, Irena; Szmigiero, Leszek

    2009-04-01

    In this work a comparison was made of the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of doxorubicin (DOX) and two of its derivatives containing a formamidino group (-N=CH-N<) at the 3' position with morpholine (DOXM) or hexamethyleneimine (DOXH) ring. All tests were performed in doxorubicin-sensitive HL60 and -resistant HL60/MX2 cells which are known for the presence of altered topoisomerase II. Cytotoxic activity of DOX toward HL60/MX2 cells was about 195 times lower when compared with the sensitive HL60 cell line. DOXM and DOXH were approximately 20 times more active in resistant cells than DOX. It was found that the uptake of DOX was lower in resistant cells by about 16%, while that of DOXM and DOXH was lower by about 36% and 19%, respectively. Thus the changes in the cellular uptake of anthracyclines are not associated with the fact that cytotoxicity of DOXM and DOXH exceed the cytotoxicity of DOX. Experiments in cell-free system containing human topoisomerase II showed that topoisomerase II is not inhibited by DOXM and DOXH. Formamidinoanthracyclines may be more useful than parent drugs in therapy against tumor cells with altered topoisomerase II activity.

  10. Construction and evaluation of BSA-CaP nanomaterials with enhanced transgene performance via biocorona-inspired caveolae-mediated endocytosis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ma, Xi-Xi; Gao, Han; Zhang, Ya-Xuan; Jia, Yi-Yang; Li, Chen; Zhou, Si-Yuan; Zhang, Bang-Le

    2018-02-01

    Non-viral nanovectors have attracted much attention owing to their ability to condense genetic materials and their ease of modification. However, their poor stability, low biocompatibility and gene degradation in endosomes or lysosomes has significantly hampered their application in vivo and in the clinic. In an attempt to overcome these difficulties a series of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles were constructed. The CaP condenses with DNA to form nanocomplexes coated with a biomimetic corona of BSA. Such complexes may retain the inherent endocytosis profile of BSA, with improved biocompatibility. In particular the transgene performance may be enhanced by stimulating the cellular uptake pathway via caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Two methods were employed to construct and optimize the formulation of BSA-CaP nanomaterials. The optimized BSA-CaP-50-M2 nanoparticles prepared by our second method exhibited good stability, negligible cytotoxicity and enhanced transgene performance with long-term expression for 72 h in vivo even with a single dose. Determination of the cellular uptake pathway and Western blot revealed that cellular uptake of the designed BSA-CaP-50-M2 nanoparticles was mainly via caveolae-mediated endocytosis in a non-degradative pathway in which the biomimetic uptake profile of BSA was retained.

  11. Construction and evaluation of BSA-CaP nanomaterials with enhanced transgene performance via biocorona-inspired caveolae-mediated endocytosis.

    PubMed

    Ma, Xi-Xi; Gao, Han; Zhang, Ya-Xuan; Jia, Yi-Yang; Li, Chen; Zhou, Si-Yuan; Zhang, Bang-Le

    2018-02-23

    Non-viral nanovectors have attracted much attention owing to their ability to condense genetic materials and their ease of modification. However, their poor stability, low biocompatibility and gene degradation in endosomes or lysosomes has significantly hampered their application in vivo and in the clinic. In an attempt to overcome these difficulties a series of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles were constructed. The CaP condenses with DNA to form nanocomplexes coated with a biomimetic corona of BSA. Such complexes may retain the inherent endocytosis profile of BSA, with improved biocompatibility. In particular the transgene performance may be enhanced by stimulating the cellular uptake pathway via caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Two methods were employed to construct and optimize the formulation of BSA-CaP nanomaterials. The optimized BSA-CaP-50-M2 nanoparticles prepared by our second method exhibited good stability, negligible cytotoxicity and enhanced transgene performance with long-term expression for 72 h in vivo even with a single dose. Determination of the cellular uptake pathway and Western blot revealed that cellular uptake of the designed BSA-CaP-50-M2 nanoparticles was mainly via caveolae-mediated endocytosis in a non-degradative pathway in which the biomimetic uptake profile of BSA was retained.

  12. Study on kinetics of glucose uptake by some species of plankton

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Wenquan; Wang, Xian; Zhang, Yaohua

    1993-03-01

    The rates of glucose uptake by some species of plankton were determined by3H-glucose tracer method. Experimental results indicated that the observed glucose uptake at natural seawater concentrations by Platymonas subcordiformis and Brachionus plicatilis was principally a metabolic process fitted with the Michaelis-Menten equation in the range of adaptive temperatures. Heterotrophic uptake by Platymonas subcordiformis was mainly dependent on diffusion at high glucose levels. The uptake by Brachionus plicatilis showed active transport even at high glucose levels, indicating its high heterotrophic activity. The uptake rate by Artemia salina was lower, and its V m/K ratio was lower than those of the other two species of plankton.

  13. Size of submicrometric and nanometric particles affect cellular uptake and biological activity of macrophages in vitro.

    PubMed

    Leclerc, L; Rima, W; Boudard, D; Pourchez, J; Forest, V; Bin, V; Mowat, P; Perriat, P; Tillement, O; Grosseau, P; Bernache-Assollant, D; Cottier, M

    2012-08-01

    Micrometric and nanometric particles are increasingly used in different fields and may exhibit variable toxicity levels depending on their physicochemical characteristics. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the size parameter on cellular uptake and biological activity, working with well-characterized fluorescent particles. We focused our attention on macrophages, the main target cells of the respiratory system responsible for the phagocytosis of the particles. FITC fluorescent silica particles of variable submicronic sizes (850, 500, 250 and 150 nm) but with similar surface coating (COOH) were tailored and physico-chemically characterized. These particles were then incubated with the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. After microscopic observations (SEM, TEM, confocal), a quantitative evaluation of the uptake was carried out. Fluorescence detected after a quenching with trypan blue allows us to distinguish and quantify entirely engulfed fluorescent particles from those just adhering to the cell membrane. Finally, these data were compared to the in vitro toxicity assessed in terms of cell damage, inflammation and oxidative stress (evaluated by LDH release, TNF-α and ROS production respectively). Particles were well characterized (fluorescence, size distribution, zeta potential, agglomeration and surface groups) and easily visualized after cellular uptake using confocal and electron microscopy. The number of internalized particles was precisely evaluated. Size was found to be an important parameter regarding particles uptake and in vitro toxicity but this latter strongly depends on the particles doses employed.

  14. Analysis of heart rate and oxygen uptake kinetics studied by two different pseudo-random binary sequence work rate amplitudes.

    PubMed

    Drescher, U; Koschate, J; Schiffer, T; Schneider, S; Hoffmann, U

    2017-06-01

    The aim of the study was to compare the kinetics responses of heart rate (HR), pulmonary (V˙O 2 pulm) and predicted muscular (V˙O 2 musc) oxygen uptake between two different pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS) work rate (WR) amplitudes both below anaerobic threshold. Eight healthy individuals performed two PRBS WR protocols implying changes between 30W and 80W and between 30W and 110W. HR and V˙O 2 pulm were measured beat-to-beat and breath-by-breath, respectively. V˙O 2 musc was estimated applying the approach of Hoffmann et al. (Eur J Appl Physiol 113: 1745-1754, 2013) considering a circulatory model for venous return and cross-correlation functions (CCF) for the kinetics analysis. HR and V˙O 2 musc kinetics seem to be independent of WR intensity (p>0.05). V˙O 2 pulm kinetics show prominent differences in the lag of the CCF maximum (39±9s; 31±4s; p<0.05). A mean difference of 14W between the PRBS WR amplitudes impacts venous return significantly, while HR and V˙O 2 musc kinetics remain unchanged. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Cellular uptake of modified oligonucleotides: fluorescence approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kočišová, Eva; Praus, Petr; Rosenberg, Ivan; Seksek, Olivier; Sureau, Franck; Štěpánek, Josef; Turpin, Pierre-Yves

    2005-06-01

    Cellular uptake and intracellular distribution of the synthetic antisense analogue of dT 15 oligonucleotide (homogenously containing 3'-O-P-CH 2-O-5' internucleotide linkages and labeled with tetramethylrhodamine dye) was studied on B16 melanoma cell line by fluorescence micro-imaging and time-resolved microspectrofluorimetry. By using amphotericin B 3-dimethylaminopropyl amide as an enhancer molecule for the uptake process, homogenous staining of the cells with rather distinct nucleoli staining was achieved after 4 h of incubation. Two spectral components of 2.7 and 1.3 ns lifetime, respectively, were resolved in the emission collected from the cell nucleus. The way of staining and the long-lived component differed from our previous experiments demonstrating complexity of the intracellular oligonucleotide distribution and in particular of the binding inside the nucleus.

  16. Surface bioengineering of diatomite based nanovectors for efficient intracellular uptake and drug delivery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Terracciano, Monica; Shahbazi, Mohammad-Ali; Correia, Alexandra; Rea, Ilaria; Lamberti, Annalisa; de Stefano, Luca; Santos, Hélder A.

    2015-11-01

    Diatomite is a natural porous silica material of sedimentary origin. Due to its peculiar properties, it can be considered as a valid surrogate of synthetic porous silica for nano-based drug delivery. In this work, we exploit the potential of diatomite nanoparticles (DNPs) for drug delivery with the aim of developing a successful dual-biofunctionalization method by polyethylene glycol (PEG) coverage and cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) bioconjugation, to improve the physicochemical and biological properties of the particles, to enhance the intracellular uptake in cancer cells, and to increase the biocompatibility of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APT) modified-DNPs. DNPs-APT-PEG-CPP showed hemocompatibility for up to 200 μg mL-1 after 48 h of incubation with erythrocytes, with a hemolysis value of only 1.3%. The cytotoxicity of the modified-DNPs with a concentration up to 200 μg mL-1 and incubation with MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells for 24 h, demonstrated that PEGylation and CPP-bioconjugation can strongly reduce the cytotoxicity of DNPs-APT. The cellular uptake of the modified-DNPs was also evaluated using the above mentioned cancer cell lines, showing that the CPP-bioconjugation can considerably increase the DNP cellular uptake. Moreover, the dual surface modification of DNPs improved both the loading of a poorly water-soluble anticancer drug, sorafenib, with a loading degree up to 22 wt%, and also enhanced the drug release profiles in aqueous solutions. Overall, this work demonstrates that the biofunctionalization of DNPs is a promising platform for drug delivery applications in cancer therapy as a result of its enhanced stability, biocompatibility, cellular uptake, and drug release profiles.Diatomite is a natural porous silica material of sedimentary origin. Due to its peculiar properties, it can be considered as a valid surrogate of synthetic porous silica for nano-based drug delivery. In this work, we exploit the potential of diatomite nanoparticles (DNPs) for drug delivery with the aim of developing a successful dual-biofunctionalization method by polyethylene glycol (PEG) coverage and cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) bioconjugation, to improve the physicochemical and biological properties of the particles, to enhance the intracellular uptake in cancer cells, and to increase the biocompatibility of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APT) modified-DNPs. DNPs-APT-PEG-CPP showed hemocompatibility for up to 200 μg mL-1 after 48 h of incubation with erythrocytes, with a hemolysis value of only 1.3%. The cytotoxicity of the modified-DNPs with a concentration up to 200 μg mL-1 and incubation with MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells for 24 h, demonstrated that PEGylation and CPP-bioconjugation can strongly reduce the cytotoxicity of DNPs-APT. The cellular uptake of the modified-DNPs was also evaluated using the above mentioned cancer cell lines, showing that the CPP-bioconjugation can considerably increase the DNP cellular uptake. Moreover, the dual surface modification of DNPs improved both the loading of a poorly water-soluble anticancer drug, sorafenib, with a loading degree up to 22 wt%, and also enhanced the drug release profiles in aqueous solutions. Overall, this work demonstrates that the biofunctionalization of DNPs is a promising platform for drug delivery applications in cancer therapy as a result of its enhanced stability, biocompatibility, cellular uptake, and drug release profiles. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr05173h

  17. A polymeric nanoparticle consisting of mPEG-PLA-Toco and PLMA-COONa as a drug carrier: improvements in cellular uptake and biodistribution.

    PubMed

    Yi, Yilwoong; Kim, Jae Hong; Kang, Hye-Won; Oh, Hun Seung; Kim, Sung Wan; Seo, Min Hyo

    2005-02-01

    To evaluate a new polymeric nanoparticulate drug delivery formulation that consists of two components: i) an amphiphilic diblock copolymer having tocopherol moiety at the end of the hydrophobic block in which the hydrophobic tocopherol moiety increases stability of hydrophobic core of the nanoparticle in aqueous medium; and ii) a biodegradable copolyester having carboxylate end group that is capable of forming ionic complex with positively charged compounds such as doxorubicin. A doxourubicin-loaded polymeric nanoparticle (Dox-PNP) was prepared by solvent evaporation method. The entrapment efficiency, size distribution, and in vitro release profile at various pH conditions were characterized. In vitro cellular uptake was investigated by confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and MTT assay using drug-sensitive and drug-resistant cell lines. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution were evaluated in rats and tumor-bearing mice. Doxorubicin (Dox) was efficiently loaded into the PNP (higher than 95% of entrapment efficiency), and the diameter of Dox-PNP was in the range 20-25 nm with a narrow size distribution. In Vitro study showed that Dox-PNP exhibited higher cellular uptake into both human breast cancer cell (MCF-7) and human uterine cancer cell (MES-SA) than free doxorubicin solution (Free-Dox), especially into drug-resistant cells (MCF-7/ADR and MES-SA/Dx-5). In pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution study, the bioavailability of Dox-PNP calculated from the area under the blood concentration-time curve (AUC) was 69.8 times higher than that of Free-Dox in rats, and Dox-PNP exhibited 2 times higher bioavailability in tumor tissue of tumor-bearing mice. Dox-PNP exhibited enhanced cellular uptake of the drug. In the cytotoxic activity study, this improved cellular uptake was proved to be more advantageous in drug-resistant cell. Dox-PNP exhibited much higher bioavailability in blood plasma and more drug accumulation in tumor tissue than conventional doxorubicin formulation. The results of this study suggest that the PNP system is an advantageous carrier for drug delivery.

  18. Cellular trafficking and anticancer activity of Garcinia mangostana extract-encapsulated polymeric nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Pan-In, Porntip; Wanichwecharungruang, Supason; Hanes, Justin; Kim, Anthony J

    2014-01-01

    Garcinia mangostana Linn extract (GME) is a natural product that has received considerable attention in cancer therapy, and has the potential to reduce side effects of chemotherapeutics and improve efficacy. We formulated GME-encapsulated ethyl cellulose (GME-EC) and a polymer blend of ethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose (GME-EC/MC) nanoparticles. We achieved high drug-loading and encapsulation efficiency using a solvent-displacement method with particle sizes around 250 nm. Cellular uptake and accumulation of GME was higher for GME-encapsulated nanoparticles compared to free GME. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis showed effective anticancer activity of GME-EC and GME-EC/MC nanoparticles in HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner. GME-EC/MC nanoparticles showed approximately twofold-higher anticancer activity compared to GME-EC nanoparticles, likely due to their enhanced bioavailability. GME-encapsulated nanoparticles primarily entered HeLa cells by clathrin-mediated endocytosis and trafficked through the endolysosomal pathway. As far as we know, this is the first report on the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking mechanism of drug-loaded cellulose-based nanoparticles. In summary, encapsulation of GME using cellulose-derivative nanoparticles – GME-EC and GME-EC/MC nanoparticles – successfully improved the bioavailability of GME in aqueous solution, enhanced cellular uptake, and displayed effective anticancer activity. PMID:25125977

  19. Dual peptide conjugation strategy for improved cellular uptake and mitochondria targeting.

    PubMed

    Lin, Ran; Zhang, Pengcheng; Cheetham, Andrew G; Walston, Jeremy; Abadir, Peter; Cui, Honggang

    2015-01-21

    Mitochondria are critical regulators of cellular function and survival. Delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents into mitochondria is a challenging task in modern pharmacology because the molecule to be delivered needs to first overcome the cell membrane barrier and then be able to actively target the intracellular organelle. Current strategy of conjugating either a cell penetrating peptide (CPP) or a subcellular targeting sequence to the molecule of interest only has limited success. We report here a dual peptide conjugation strategy to achieve effective delivery of a non-membrane-penetrating dye 5-carboxyfluorescein (5-FAM) into mitochondria through the incorporation of both a mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS) and a CPP into one conjugated molecule. Notably, circular dichroism studies reveal that the combined use of α-helix and PPII-like secondary structures has an unexpected, synergistic contribution to the internalization of the conjugate. Our results suggest that although the use of positively charged MTS peptide allows for improved targeting of mitochondria, with MTS alone it showed poor cellular uptake. With further covalent linkage of the MTS-5-FAM conjugate to a CPP sequence (R8), the dually conjugated molecule was found to show both improved cellular uptake and effective mitochondria targeting. We believe these results offer important insight into the rational design of peptide conjugates for intracellular delivery.

  20. Bioaccessibility, Cellular Uptake, and Transport of Astaxanthin Isomers and their Antioxidative Effects in Human Intestinal Epithelial Caco-2 Cells.

    PubMed

    Yang, Cheng; Zhang, Hua; Liu, Ronghua; Zhu, Honghui; Zhang, Lianfu; Tsao, Rong

    2017-11-29

    The bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and antioxidative activities of three astaxanthin geometric isomers were investigated using an in vitro digestion model and human intestinal Caco-2 cells. This study demonstrated that the trans-cis isomerization of all-E-astaxanthin and the cis-trans isomerization of Z-astaxanthins could happen both during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and cellular uptake processes. 13Z-Astaxanthin showed higher bioaccessibility than 9Z- and all-E-astaxanthins during in vitro digestion, and 9Z-astaxanthin exhibited higher transport efficiency than all-E- and 13Z-astaxanthins. These might explain why 13Z- and 9Z-astaxanthins are found at higher concentrations in human plasma than all-E-astaxanthin in reported studies. All three astaxanthin isomers were effective in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis as seen in the antioxidant enzyme (CAT, SOD) activities ; 9Z- and 13Z- astaxanthins exhibited a higher protective effect than all-E-astaxanthin against oxidative stress as demonstrated by the lower cellular uptake of Z-astaxanthins and lower secretion and gene expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 in Caco-2 cells treated with H 2 O 2 . We conclude, for the first time, that Z-astaxanthin isomers may play a more important role in preventing oxidative stress induced intestinal diseases.

  1. Catalposide is a natural agonistic ligand of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{alpha}

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lee, Ji Hae; Jun, Hee-jin; Hoang, Minh-Hien

    2012-06-15

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Catalposide is a novel ligand for PPAR{alpha}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cell stimulated with catalposide improved fatty acid uptake, regulated target genes in fatty acid {beta}-oxidation and synthesis. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Catalposdie reduces hepatic triacylglycerides. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Theses demonstrate catalposide could ameliorate hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis. -- Abstract: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR{alpha}) is a nuclear receptor that regulates the expression of genes related to cellular lipid uptake and oxidation. Thus, PPAR{alpha} agonists may be important in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia and hepatic steatosis. In this study, we demonstrated that catalposide is a novel natural PPAR{alpha} agonist, identified from reporter gene assay-based activity screening withmore » approximately 900 natural plant and seaweed extracts. Results of time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer analyses suggested that the compound interacted directly with the ligand-binding domain of PPAR{alpha}. Cultured hepatocytes stimulated with catalposide exhibited significantly reduced cellular triglyceride concentrations, by 21%, while cellular uptake of fatty acids was increased, by 70% (P < 0.05). Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the increase in cellular fatty acid uptake was due to upregulation of fatty acid transporter protein-4 (+19% vs. the control) in cells stimulated with catalposide. Additionally, expression of genes related to fatty acid oxidation and high-density lipoprotein metabolism were upregulated, while that of genes related to fatty acid synthesis were suppressed. In conclusion, catalposide is hypolipidemic by activation of PPAR{alpha} via a ligand-mediated mechanism that modulates the expression of in lipid metabolism genes in hepatocytes.« less

  2. Dendrimer-paclitaxel complexes for efficient treatment in ovarian cancer: study on OVCAR-3 and HEK293T cells.

    PubMed

    Yao, Hua; Ma, Jinqi

    2018-01-01

    The present paper investigates the enhancement of the therapeutic effect of Paclitaxel (a potent anticancer drug) by increasing its cellular uptake in the cancerous cells with subsequent reduction in its cytotoxic effects. To fulfill these goals the Paclitaxel (PTX)-Biotinylated PAMAM dendrimer complexes were prepared using biotinylation method. The primary parameter of Biotinylated PAMAM with a terminal HN 2 group - the degree of biotinylation - was evaluated using HABA assay. The basic integrity of the complex was studied using DSC. The Drug Loading (DL) and Drug Release (DR) parameters of Biotinylated PAMAM dendrimer-PTX complexes were also examined. Cellular uptake study was performed in OVCAR-3 and HEK293T cells using fluorescence technique. The statistical analysis was also performed to support the experimental data. The results obtained from HABA assay showed the complete biotinylation of PAMAM dendrimer. DSC study confirmed the integrity of the complex as compared with pure drug, biotinylated complex and their physical mixture. Batch 9 showed the highest DL (12.09%) and DR (70%) for 72 h as compared to different concentrations of drug and biotinylated complex. The OVCAR-3 (cancerous) cells were characterized by more intensive cellular uptake of the complexes than HEK293T (normal) cells. The obtained experimental results were supported by the statistical data. The results obtained from both experimental and statistical evaluation confirmed that the biotinylated PAMAM NH 2 dendrimer-PTX complex not only displays increased cellular uptake but has also enhanced release up to 72 h with the reduction in cytotoxicity.

  3. Multiphase OH oxidation kinetics of organic aerosol: The role of particle phase state and relative humidity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Slade, Jonathan H.; Knopf, Daniel A.

    2014-07-01

    Organic aerosol can exhibit different phase states in response to changes in relative humidity (RH), thereby influencing heterogeneous reaction rates with trace gas species. OH radical uptake by laboratory-generated levoglucosan and methyl-nitrocatechol particles, serving as surrogates for biomass burning aerosol, is determined as a function of RH. Increasing RH lowers the viscosity of amorphous levoglucosan aerosol particles enabling enhanced OH uptake. Conversely, OH uptake by methyl-nitrocatechol aerosol particles is suppressed at higher RH as a result of competitive coadsorption of H2O that occupies reactive sites. This is shown to have substantial impacts on organic aerosol lifetimes with respect to OH oxidation. The results emphasize the importance of organic aerosol phase state to accurately describe the multiphase chemical kinetics and thus chemical aging process in atmospheric models to better represent the evolution of organic aerosol and its role in air quality and climate.

  4. Kinetics of 3H-serotonin uptake by platelets in infantile autism and developmental language disorder (including five pairs of twins)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Katsui, T.; Okuda, M.; Usuda, S.

    The kinetics of 5-HT uptake by platelets was studied in cases of infantile autism and developmental language disorder (DLD) and normal subjects. Two patients of the autism group were twins, and the seven patients of the DLD group were members of four pairs of twins. The Vmax values (means +/- SD) for autism and DLD were 6.46 +/- .90 pmol 5-HT/10(7) cells/min and 4.85 +/- 1.50 pmol 5-HT/10(7) cells/min, respectively. These values were both significantly higher than that of 2.25 +/- .97 pmole 5-HT/10(7) cells/min for normal children. The Km values of the three groups were not significantly different. Datamore » on the five pairs of twins examined suggested that the elevated Vmax of 5-HT uptake by platelets was determined genetically.« less

  5. Cellular instability in rapid directional solidification - Bifurcation theory

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Braun, R. J.; Davis, S. H.

    1992-01-01

    Merchant and Davis performed a linear stability analysis on a model for the directional solidification of a dilute binary alloy valid for all speeds. The analysis revealed that nonequilibrium segregation effects modify the Mullins and Sekerka cellular mode, whereas attachment kinetics has no effect on these cells. In this paper, the nonlinear stability of the steady cellular mode is analyzed. A Landau equation is obtained that determines the amplitude of the cells. The Landau coefficient here depends on both nonequilibrium segregation effects and attachment kinetics. This equation gives the ranges of parameters for subcritical bifurcation (jump transition) or supercritical bifurcation (smooth transition) to cells.

  6. Hydrogen peroxide inhibits iodide uptake and iodine organification in cultured porcine thyroid follicles.

    PubMed

    Fukayama, H; Murakami, S; Nasu, M; Sugawara, M

    1991-01-01

    We investigated the effect of hydrogen peroxide on the process of thyroid hormone formation in a physiologic culture system of porcine thyroid follicles that we recently established. Porcine thyroid follicles cultured in medium containing 1 mU/mL TSH were exposed to 0 to 500 microM hydrogen peroxide in the presence of 0.1 microCi carrier-free Na125 and sodium iodide for 2 h. Iodide uptake and iodine organification were measured in this incubation system. The kinetics of iodide uptake were used to explain the action of hydrogen peroxide. In addition, cAMP content and Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity (an enzyme necessary for iodide uptake) were measured to investigate the mechanism of hydrogen peroxide action. Hydrogen peroxide at concentrations of 100, 200, and 500 microM inhibited iodide uptake in a dose-dependent manner. Iodide organification was inhibited only when the concentration of hydrogen peroxide was greater than 200 microM. The kinetics of iodide uptake indicated that hydrogen peroxide was a noncompetitive inhibitor with iodide. Inhibition of iodide uptake and iodine organification by hydrogen peroxide were not mediated by alteration of cAMP content of Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity, since exposure to even 500 microM hydrogen peroxide did not change these parameters in the follicle when compared with those of control samples. Our results suggest that the iodide transport system in the thyroid follicle is inhibited at 200 microM hydrogen peroxide or greater.

  7. Hydrodynamic size-dependent cellular uptake of aqueous QDs probed by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Dong, Chaoqing; Irudayaraj, Joseph

    2012-10-11

    Aqueous quantum dots (QDs) directly synthesized with various thiol ligands have been investigated as imaging probes in living cells. However, the effect of the surface chemistry of these ligands on QDs' cellular uptakes and their intracellular fate remains poorly understood. In this work, four CdTe QDs were directly synthesized under aqueous conditions using four different thiols as stabilizers and their interactions with cells were investigated. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and zeta potential measurements on QDs primarily show that the surface structure of these QDs is highly dependent on the thiol ligands used in the preparation of QDs' precursors, including its layer thicknesses, densities, and surface charges. Subsequently, FCS integrated with the maximum-entropy-method-based FCS (MEMFCS) was used to investigate the concentration distribution and dynamics of these QDs in living A-427 cells. Our findings indicate that QDs' surface characteristics affect cell membrane adsorption and subsequent internalization. More critically, we show that the cellular uptake of aqueous QDs is dependent on their hydrodynamic diameter and might have the potential to escape trapped environments to accumulate in the cytoplasm.

  8. Continuous transport of a small fraction of plasma membrane cholesterol to endoplasmic reticulum regulates total cellular cholesterol

    PubMed Central

    Infante, Rodney Elwood; Radhakrishnan, Arun

    2017-01-01

    Cells employ regulated transport mechanisms to ensure that their plasma membranes (PMs) are optimally supplied with cholesterol derived from uptake of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and synthesis. To date, all inhibitors of cholesterol transport block steps in lysosomes, limiting our understanding of post-lysosomal transport steps. Here, we establish the cholesterol-binding domain 4 of anthrolysin O (ALOD4) as a reversible inhibitor of cholesterol transport from PM to endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Using ALOD4, we: (1) deplete ER cholesterol without altering PM or overall cellular cholesterol levels; (2) demonstrate that LDL-derived cholesterol travels from lysosomes first to PM to meet cholesterol needs, and subsequently from PM to regulatory domains of ER to suppress activation of SREBPs, halting cholesterol uptake and synthesis; and (3) determine that continuous PM-to-ER cholesterol transport allows ER to constantly monitor PM cholesterol levels, and respond rapidly to small declines in cellular cholesterol by activating SREBPs, increasing cholesterol uptake and synthesis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.25466.001 PMID:28414269

  9. Enhanced cellular uptake of size-separated lipophilic silicon nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kusi-Appiah, Aubrey E.; Mastronardi, Melanie L.; Qian, Chenxi; Chen, Kenneth K.; Ghazanfari, Lida; Prommapan, Plengchart; Kübel, Christian; Ozin, Geoffrey A.; Lenhert, Steven

    2017-03-01

    Specific size, shape and surface chemistry influence the biological activity of nanoparticles. In the case of lipophilic nanoparticles, which are widely used in consumer products, there is evidence that particle size and formulation influences skin permeability and that lipophilic particles smaller than 6 nm can embed in lipid bilayers. Since most nanoparticle synthetic procedures result in mixtures of different particles, post-synthetic purification promises to provide insights into nanostructure-function relationships. Here we used size-selective precipitation to separate lipophilic allyl-benzyl-capped silicon nanoparticles into monodisperse fractions within the range of 1 nm to 5 nm. We measured liposomal encapsulation and cellular uptake of the monodisperse particles and found them to have generally low cytotoxicities in Hela cells. However, specific fractions showed reproducibly higher cytotoxicity than other fractions as well as the unseparated ensemble. Measurements indicate that the cytotoxicity mechanism involves oxidative stress and the differential cytotoxicity is due to enhanced cellular uptake by specific fractions. The results indicate that specific particles, with enhanced suitability for incorporation into lipophilic regions of liposomes and subsequent in vitro delivery to cells, are enriched in certain fractions.

  10. FAT/CD36 expression alone is insufficient to enhance cellular uptake of oleate

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Eyre, Nicholas S.; Cleland, Leslie G.; Mayrhofer, Graham

    2008-06-06

    Fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) is one of several proteins implicated in receptor-mediated uptake of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs). We have tested whether levels of FAT/CD36 correlate with cellular oleic acid import, using a Tet-Off inducible transfected CHO cell line. Consistent with our previous findings, FAT/CD36 was enriched in lipid raft-derived detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs) that also contained caveolin-1, the marker protein of caveolae. Furthermore in transfected cells, plasma membrane FAT/CD36 co-localized extensively with the lipid raft-enriched ganglioside GM1, and partially with a caveolin-1-EGFP fusion protein. Nevertheless, even at high levels of expression, FAT/CD36 did not affect uptake of oleic acid. Wemore » propose that the ability of FAT/CD36 to mediate enhanced uptake of LCFAs is dependent on co-expression of other proteins or factors that are lacking in CHO cells.« less

  11. Genome-wide assessment of the carriers involved in the cellular uptake of drugs: a model system in yeast

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background The uptake of drugs into cells has traditionally been considered to be predominantly via passive diffusion through the bilayer portion of the cell membrane. The recent recognition that drug uptake is mostly carrier-mediated raises the question of which drugs use which carriers. Results To answer this, we have constructed a chemical genomics platform built upon the yeast gene deletion collection, using competition experiments in batch fermenters and robotic automation of cytotoxicity screens, including protection by 'natural' substrates. Using these, we tested 26 different drugs and identified the carriers required for 18 of the drugs to gain entry into yeast cells. Conclusions As well as providing a useful platform technology, these results further substantiate the notion that the cellular uptake of pharmaceutical drugs normally occurs via carrier-mediated transport and indicates that establishing the identity and tissue distribution of such carriers should be a major consideration in the design of safe and effective drugs. PMID:22023736

  12. Synchrotron radiation induced X-ray emission studies of the antioxidant mechanism of the organoselenium drug ebselen.

    PubMed

    Aitken, Jade B; Lay, Peter A; Duong, T T Hong; Aran, Roshanak; Witting, Paul K; Harris, Hugh H; Lai, Barry; Vogt, Stefan; Giles, Gregory I

    2012-04-01

    Synchrotron radiation induced X-ray emission (SRIXE) spectroscopy was used to map the cellular uptake of the organoselenium-based antioxidant drug ebselen using differentiated ND15 cells as a neuronal model. The cellular SRIXE spectra, acquired using a hard X-ray microprobe beam (12.8-keV), showed a large enhancement of fluorescence at the K(α) line for Se (11.2-keV) following treatment with ebselen (10 μM) at time periods from 60 to 240 min. Drug uptake was quantified and ebselen was shown to induce time-dependent changes in cellular elemental content that were characteristic of oxidative stress with the efflux of K, Cl, and Ca species. The SRIXE cellular Se distribution map revealed that ebselen was predominantly localized to a discreet region of the cell which, by comparison with the K and P elemental maps, is postulated to correspond to the endoplasmic reticulum. On the basis of these findings, it is hypothesized that a major outcome of ebselen redox catalysis is the induction of cellular stress. A mechanism of action of ebselen is proposed that involves the cell responding to drug-induced stress by increasing the expression of antioxidant genes. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that ebselen also regulated the homeostasis of the transition metals Mn, Cu, Fe, and Zn, with increases in transition metal uptake paralleling known induction times for the expression of antioxidant metalloenzymes. © SBIC 2012

  13. The agglomeration state of nanoparticles can influence the mechanism of their cellular internalisation.

    PubMed

    Halamoda-Kenzaoui, Blanka; Ceridono, Mara; Urbán, Patricia; Bogni, Alessia; Ponti, Jessica; Gioria, Sabrina; Kinsner-Ovaskainen, Agnieszka

    2017-06-26

    Significant progress of nanotechnology, including in particular biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, has resulted in a high number of studies describing the biological effects of nanomaterials. Moreover, a determination of so-called "critical quality attributes", that is specific physicochemical properties of nanomaterials triggering the observed biological response, has been recognised as crucial for the evaluation and design of novel safe and efficacious therapeutics. In the context of in vitro studies, a thorough physicochemical characterisation of nanoparticles (NPs), also in the biological medium, is necessary to allow a correlation with a cellular response. Following this concept, we examined whether the main and frequently reported characteristics of NPs such as size and the agglomeration state can influence the level and the mechanism of NP cellular internalization. We employed fluorescently-labelled 30 and 80 nm silicon dioxide NPs, both in agglomerated and non-agglomerated form. Using flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, the inhibitors of endocytosis and gene silencing we determined the most probable routes of cellular uptake for each form of tested silica NPs. We observed differences in cellular uptake depending on the size and the agglomeration state of NPs. Caveolae-mediated endocytosis was implicated particularly in the internalisation of well dispersed silica NPs but with an increase of the agglomeration state of NPs a combination of endocytic pathways with a predominant role of macropinocytosis was noted. We demonstrated that the agglomeration state of NPs is an important factor influencing the level of cell uptake and the mechanism of endocytosis of silica NPs.

  14. Use of Mechanistic Modeling to Assess Interindividual Variability and Interspecies Differences in Active Uptake in Human and Rat Hepatocytes

    PubMed Central

    Ménochet, Karelle; Kenworthy, Kathryn E.; Houston, J. Brian

    2012-01-01

    Interindividual variability in activity of uptake transporters is evident in vivo, yet limited data exist in vitro, confounding in vitro-in vivo extrapolation. The uptake kinetics of seven organic anion-transporting polypeptide substrates was investigated over a concentration range in plated cryopreserved human hepatocytes. Active uptake clearance (CLactive, u), bidirectional passive diffusion (Pdiff), intracellular binding, and metabolism were estimated for bosentan, pitavastatin, pravastatin, repaglinide, rosuvastatin, telmisartan, and valsartan in HU4122 donor using a mechanistic two-compartment model in Matlab. Full uptake kinetics of rosuvastatin and repaglinide were also characterized in two additional donors, whereas for the remaining drugs CLactive, u was estimated at a single concentration. The unbound affinity constant (Km, u) and Pdiff values were consistent across donors, whereas Vmax was on average up to 2.8-fold greater in donor HU4122. Consistency in Km, u values allowed extrapolation of single concentration uptake activity data and assessment of interindividual variability in CLactive across donors. The maximal contribution of active transport to total uptake differed among donors, for example, 85 to 96% and 68 to 87% for rosuvastatin and repaglinide, respectively; however, in all cases the active process was the major contributor. In vitro-in vivo extrapolation indicated a general underprediction of hepatic intrinsic clearance, an average empirical scaling factor of 17.1 was estimated on the basis of seven drugs investigated in three hepatocyte donors, and donor-specific differences in empirical factors are discussed. Uptake Km, u and CLactive, u were on average 4.3- and 7.1-fold lower in human hepatocytes compared with our previously published rat data. A strategy for the use of rat uptake data to facilitate the experimental design in human hepatocytes is discussed. PMID:22665271

  15. Enviromental influences on the {sup 137}Cs kinetics of the yellow-bellied turtle (Trachemys Scripta)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Peters, E.L.; Brisbin, L.I. Jr.

    1996-02-01

    Assessments of ecological risk require accurate predictions of contaminant dynamics in natural populations. However, simple deterministic models that assume constant uptake rates and elimination fractions may compromise both their ecological realism and their general application to animals with variable metabolism or diets. In particular, the temperature-dependent model of metabolic rates characteristic of ectotherms may lead to significant differences between observed and predicted contaminant kinetics. We examined the influence of a seasonally variable thermal environment on predicting the uptake and annual cycling of contaminants by ectotherms, using a temperature-dependent model of {sup 137}Cs kinetics in free-living yellow-bellied turtles, Trachemys scripta. Wemore » compared predictions from this model with those of deterministics negative exponential and flexibly shaped Richards sigmoidal models. Concentrations of {sup 137}Cs in a population if this species in Pond B, a radionuclide-contaminated nuclear reactor cooling reservoir, and {sup 137}Cs uptake by the uncontaminated turtles held captive in Pond B for 4 yr confirmed both the pattern of uptake and the equilibrium concentrations predicted by the temperature-dependent model. Almost 90% of the variance on the predicted time-integrated {sup 137}Cs concentration was explainable by linear relationships with model paramaters. The model was also relatively insensitive to uncertainties in the estimates of ambient temperature, suggesting that adequate estimates of temperature-dependent ingestion and elimination may require relatively few measurements of ambient conditions at sites of interest. Analyses of Richards sigmoidal models of {sup 137}Cs uptake indicated significant differences from a negative exponential trajectory in the 1st yr after the turtles` release into Pond B. 76 refs., 7 figs., 5 tabs.« less

  16. High vascular delivery of EGF, but low receptor binding rate is observed in AsPC-1 tumors as compared to normal pancreas.

    PubMed

    Samkoe, Kimberley S; Sexton, Kristian; Tichauer, Kenneth M; Hextrum, Shannon K; Pardesi, Omar; Davis, Scott C; O'Hara, Julia A; Hoopes, P Jack; Hasan, Tayyaba; Pogue, Brian W

    2012-08-01

    Cellular receptor targeted imaging agents present the potential to target extracellular molecular expression in cancerous lesions; however, the image contrast in vivo does not reflect the magnitude of overexpression expected from in vitro data. Here, the in vivo delivery and binding kinetics of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was determined for normal pancreas and AsPC-1 orthotopic pancreatic tumors known to overexpress EGFR. EGFR in orthotopic xenograft AsPC-1 tumors was targeted with epidermal growth factor (EGF) conjugated with IRDye800CW. The transfer rate constants (k(e), K₁₂, k₂₁, k₂₃, and k₃₂) associated with a three-compartment model describing the vascular delivery, leakage rate and binding of targeted agents were determined experimentally. The plasma excretion rate, k (e), was determined from extracted blood plasma samples. K₁₂, k₂₁, and k₃₂ were determined from ex vivo tissue washing studies at time points ≥ 24 h. The measured in vivo uptake of IRDye800CW-EGF and a non-targeted tracer dye, IRDye700DX-carboxylate, injected simultaneously was used to determined k₂₃. The vascular exchange of IRDye800CW-EGF in the orthotopic tumor (K₁₂ and k₂₁) was higher than in the AsPC-1 tumor as compared to normal pancreas, suggesting that more targeted agent can be taken up in tumor tissue. However, the cellular associated (binding) rate constant (k₂₃) was slightly lower for AsPC-1 pancreatic tumor (4.1 × 10(-4) s(-1)) than the normal pancreas (5.5 × 10(-4) s(-1)), implying that less binding is occurring. Higher vascular delivery but low cellular association in the AsPC-1 tumor compared to the normal pancreas may be indicative of low receptor density due to low cellular content. This attribute of the AsPC-1 tumor may indicate one contributing cause of the difficulty in treating pancreatic tumors with cellular targeted agents.

  17. ``Sheddable'' PEG-lipid to balance the contradiction of PEGylation between long circulation and poor uptake

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Caiyan; Deng, Hongzhang; Xu, Jing; Li, Shuyi; Zhong, Lin; Shao, Leihou; Wu, Yan; Liang, Xing-Jie

    2016-05-01

    PEGylated lipids confer longer systemic circulation and tumor accumulation via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. However, PEGylation inhibits cellular uptake and subsequent endosomal escape. In order to balance the contradiction between the advantages of long circulation and the disadvantages of poor uptake of PEGylated lipids, we prepared a ``sheddable'' PEG-lipid micelle system based on the conjugation of PEG and phosphatidyl ethanolamine (DSPE) with a pH sensitive benzoic imine bond. In a physiological environment, the PEG-protected micelles were not readily taken up by the reticuloendothelial system (RES) and could be successfully delivered to tumor tissue by the EPR effect. In a tumor acidic microenvironment, the PEG chains detached from the surfaces of the micelles while the degree of linker cleavage could not cause a significant particle size change, which facilitated the carrier binding to tumor cells and improved the cellular uptake. Subsequently, the ``sheddable'' PEG-lipid micelles easily internalized into cells and the increased acidity in the lysosomes further promoted drug release. Thus, this ``sheddable'' PEG-lipid nanocarrier could be a good candidate for effective intracellular drug delivery in cancer chemotherapy.PEGylated lipids confer longer systemic circulation and tumor accumulation via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. However, PEGylation inhibits cellular uptake and subsequent endosomal escape. In order to balance the contradiction between the advantages of long circulation and the disadvantages of poor uptake of PEGylated lipids, we prepared a ``sheddable'' PEG-lipid micelle system based on the conjugation of PEG and phosphatidyl ethanolamine (DSPE) with a pH sensitive benzoic imine bond. In a physiological environment, the PEG-protected micelles were not readily taken up by the reticuloendothelial system (RES) and could be successfully delivered to tumor tissue by the EPR effect. In a tumor acidic microenvironment, the PEG chains detached from the surfaces of the micelles while the degree of linker cleavage could not cause a significant particle size change, which facilitated the carrier binding to tumor cells and improved the cellular uptake. Subsequently, the ``sheddable'' PEG-lipid micelles easily internalized into cells and the increased acidity in the lysosomes further promoted drug release. Thus, this ``sheddable'' PEG-lipid nanocarrier could be a good candidate for effective intracellular drug delivery in cancer chemotherapy. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr02174c

  18. Comparison of fluorescence-based methods to determine nanoparticle uptake by phagocytes and non-phagocytic cells in vitro.

    PubMed

    Claudia, Meindl; Kristin, Öhlinger; Jennifer, Ober; Eva, Roblegg; Eleonore, Fröhlich

    2017-03-01

    At many portals of entry the relative uptake by phagocytes and non-phagocytic cells has a prominent effect on availability and biological action of nanoparticles (NPs). Cellular uptake can be determined for fluorescence-labeled NPs. The present study compares three methods (plate reader, flow cytometry and image analysis) in order to investigate the influence of particle size and functionalization and medium content on cellular uptake of fluorescence-labeled polystyrene particles and to study the respective method́s suitability for uptake studies. For comparison between the techniques, ratios of macrophage to alveolar epithelial cell uptakes were used. Presence of serum protein in the exposure solution decreased uptake of carboxyl-functionalized and non-functionalized particles; there was no clear effect for the amine-functionalized particles. The 200nm non- or carboxyl-functionalized NPs were taken up preferentially by phagocytes while for amine-functionalized particles preference was lowest. The presence of the serum slightly increased the preference for these particles. In conclusion, due to the possibility of calibration, plate reader measurements might present a better option than the other techniques to (semi)quantify differences between phagocytes and non-phagocytic cells for particles with different fluorescence. In order to obtain unbiased data the fluorescent labeling has to fulfill certain requirements. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Enhanced Cellular Uptake of Short Polyarginine Peptides through Fatty Acylation and Cyclization

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    Many of the reported arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) for the enhanced delivery of drugs are linear peptides composed of more than seven arginine residues to retain the cell penetration properties. Herein, we synthesized a class of nine polyarginine peptides containing 5 and 6 arginines, namely, R5 and R6. We further explored the effect of acylation with long chain fatty acids (i.e., octanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, and hexadecanoic acid) and cyclization on the cell penetrating properties of the peptides. The fluorescence-labeled acylated cyclic peptide dodecanoyl-[R5] and linear peptide dodecanoyl-(R5) showed approximately 13.7- and 10.2-fold higher cellular uptake than that of control 5,6-carboxyfluorescein, respectively. The mechanism of the peptide internalization into cells was found to be energy-dependent endocytosis. Dodecanoyl-[R5] and dodecanoyl-[R6] enhanced the intracellular uptake of a fluorescence-labeled cell-impermeable negatively charged phosphopeptide (F′-GpYEEI) in human ovarian cancer cells (SK-OV-3) by 3.4-fold and 5.5-fold, respectively, as shown by flow cytometry. The cellular uptake of F′-GpYEEI in the presence of hexadecanoyl-[R5] was 9.3- and 6.0-fold higher than that in the presence of octanoyl-[R5] and dodecanoyl-[R5], respectively. Dodecanoyl-[R5] enhanced the cellular uptake of the phosphopeptide by 1.4–2.5-fold higher than the corresponding linear peptide dodecanoyl-(R5) and those of representative CPPs, such as hepta-arginine (CR7) and TAT peptide. These results showed that a combination of acylation by long chain fatty acids and cyclization on short arginine-containing peptides can improve their cell-penetrating property, possibly through efficient interaction of rigid positively charged R and hydrophobic dodecanoyl moiety with the corresponding residues in the cell membrane phospholipids. PMID:24978295

  20. Vibrational imaging of glucose uptake activity in live cells and tissues by stimulated Raman scattering microscopy (Conference Presentation)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, Fanghao; Chen, Zhixing; Zhang, Luyuan; Shen, Yihui; Wei, Lu; Min, Wei

    2016-03-01

    Glucose is consumed as an energy source by virtually all living organisms, from bacteria to humans. Its uptake activity closely reflects the cellular metabolic status in various pathophysiological transformations, such as diabetes and cancer. Extensive efforts such as positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence microscopy have been made to specifically image glucose uptake activity but all with technical limitations. Here, we report a new platform to visualize glucose uptake activity in live cells and tissues with subcellular resolution and minimal perturbation. A novel glucose analogue with a small alkyne tag (carbon-carbon triple bond) is developed to mimic natural glucose for cellular uptake, which can be imaged with high sensitivity and specificity by targeting the strong and characteristic alkyne vibration on stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscope to generate a quantitative three dimensional concentration map. Cancer cells with differing metabolic characteristics can be distinguished. Heterogeneous uptake patterns are observed in tumor xenograft tissues, neuronal culture and mouse brain tissues with clear cell-cell variations. Therefore, by offering the distinct advantage of optical resolution but without the undesirable influence of bulky fluorophores, our method of coupling SRS with alkyne labeled glucose will be an attractive tool to study energy demands of living systems at the single cell level.

  1. Diselenolane-mediated cellular uptake† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Detailed procedures and results for all reported experiments. See DOI: 10.1039/c7sc05151d

    PubMed Central

    Chuard, Nicolas; Poblador-Bahamonde, Amalia I.; Zong, Lili; Bartolami, Eline; Hildebrandt, Jana; Weigand, Wolfgang; Sakai, Naomi

    2018-01-01

    The emerging power of thiol-mediated uptake with strained disulfides called for a move from sulfur to selenium. We report that according to results with fluorescent model substrates, cellular uptake with 1,2-diselenolanes exceeds uptake with 1,2-dithiolanes and epidithiodiketopiperazines with regard to efficiency as well as intracellular localization. The diselenide analog of lipoic acid performs best. This 1,2-diselenolane delivers fluorophores efficiently to the cytosol of HeLa Kyoto cells, without detectable endosomal capture as with 1,2-dithiolanes or dominant escape into the nucleus as with epidithiodiketopiperazines. Diselenolane-mediated cytosolic delivery is non-toxic (MTT assay), sensitive to temperature but insensitive to inhibitors of endocytosis (chlorpromazine, methyl-β-cyclodextrin, wortmannin, cytochalasin B) and conventional thiol-mediated uptake (Ellman's reagent), and to serum. Selenophilicity, the extreme CSeSeC dihedral angle of 0° and the high but different acidity of primary and secondary selenols might all contribute to uptake. Thiol-exchange affinity chromatography is introduced as operational mimic of thiol-mediated uptake that provides, in combination with rate enhancement of DTT oxidation, direct experimental evidence for existence and nature of the involved selenosulfides. PMID:29675232

  2. Impact of food components during in vitro digestion of silver nanoparticles on cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in intestinal cells.

    PubMed

    Lichtenstein, Dajana; Ebmeyer, Johanna; Knappe, Patrick; Juling, Sabine; Böhmert, Linda; Selve, Sören; Niemann, Birgit; Braeuning, Albert; Thünemann, Andreas F; Lampen, Alfonso

    2015-11-01

    Because of the rising application of nanoparticles in food and food-related products, we investigated the influence of the digestion process on the toxicity and cellular uptake of silver nanoparticles for intestinal cells. The main food components--carbohydrates, proteins and fatty acids--were implemented in an in vitro digestion process to simulate realistic conditions. Digested and undigested silver nanoparticle suspensions were used for uptake studies in the well-established Caco-2 model. Small-angle X-ray scattering was used to estimate particle core size, size distribution and stability in cell culture medium. Particles proved to be stable and showed radii from 3.6 to 16.0 nm. Undigested particles and particles digested in the presence of food components were comparably taken up by Caco-2 cells, whereas the uptake of particles digested without food components was decreased by 60%. Overall, these findings suggest that in vivo ingested poly (acrylic acid)-coated silver nanoparticles may reach the intestine in a nanoscaled form even if enclosed in a food matrix. While appropriate for studies on the uptake into intestinal cells, the Caco-2 model might be less suited for translocation studies. Moreover, we show that nanoparticle digestion protocols lacking food components may lead to misinterpretation of uptake studies and inconclusive results.

  3. Human adenovirus Ad36 and its E4orf1 gene enhance cellular glucose uptake even in the presence of inflammatory cytokines.

    PubMed

    Na, Ha-Na; Dubuisson, Olga; Hegde, Vijay; Nam, Jae-Hwan; Dhurandhar, Nikhil V

    2016-05-01

    Aging and obesity are associated with elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines such as monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, which are linked to insulin resistance. Anti-inflammatory agents have marginal effect in improving insulin resistance. Hence, agents are needed to improve glycemic control despite the inflammation. Ad36, a human adenovirus, increases TNFα and MCP1 mRNA in adipose tissue, yet improves glycemic control in mice. Ad36 via its E4orf1 gene, up-regulates AKT/glucose transporter (Glut)-4 signaling to enhance cellular glucose uptake. Directly test a role of Ad36, or E4orf1 in enhancing cellular glucose uptake in presence of inflammatory cytokines. Experiment 1: 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were treated with 0, 10 or 100 ng/mL lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and infected with 0 or 5 plaque forming units (PFU) of Ad36/cell. 3T3-L1 cells that stably and inducibly express E4orf1 or a null vector (pTRE-E4orf1 or pTRE-null cells), were similarly treated with LPS and then with doxycycline, to induce E4orf1. Experiment 2: 3T3L1 preadipocytes were treated with 25 nM MCP1 or 20 nM TNFα for 16 h, followed by infection with 0 or 5 PFU of Ad36/cell. Experiment 3: pTRE-E4orf1 or -null cells were similarly treated with MCP1 or TNFα followed by doxycycline to induce E4orf1. Cellular glucose uptake and cellular signaling were determined 72 h post-Ad36 infection or E4orf1-induction, in continued presence of MCP1 or TNFα. In 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, Ad36, but not E4orf1, increased MCP1 and TNFα mRNA, in presence of LPS stimulation. Ad36 or E4orf1 up-regulated AKT-phosphorylation and Glut4 and increased glucose uptake (P < 0.05) in the presence of MCP1 or TNFα. Unlike Ad36, E4orf1 does not appear to stimulate inflammatory response. Ad36 and E4orf1 both enhance cellular glucose uptake even in presence of inflammation. Further research is needed to harness this novel and beneficial property of E4orf1 to improve hyperglycemia despite chronic inflammation that is commonly present in aging and obesity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. and Société Française de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire (SFBBM). All rights reserved.

  4. MEDIA SERUM LEVELS AND IN VITRO HEPATIC ABSORPTION OF LINDANE

    EPA Science Inventory

    High plasma protein binding is known to reduce the tissue uptake of chemicals in vivo, but the extent of its importance in vitro is less clear. Experiments were conducted to determine the cellular uptake of lindane in vitro under different conditions. Lindane was selected because...

  5. In vitro investigation of intestinal transport mechanism of silicon, supplied as orthosilicic acid-vanillin complex.

    PubMed

    Sergent, Thérèse; Croizet, Karine; Schneider, Yves-Jacques

    2017-02-01

    Silicon (Si) is one of the most abundant trace elements in the body. Although pharmacokinetics data described its absorption from the diet and its body excretion, the mechanisms involved in the uptake and transport of Si across the gut wall have not been established. Caco-2 cells were used as a well-accepted in vitro model of the human intestinal epithelium to investigate the transport, across the intestinal barrier in both the absorption and excretion directions, of Si supplied as orthosilicic acid stabilized by vanillin complex (OSA-VC). The transport of this species was found proportional to the initial concentration and to the duration of incubation, with absorption and excretion mean rates similar to those of Lucifer yellow, a marker of paracellular diffusion, and increasing in the presence of EGTA, a chelator of divalents cations including calcium. A cellular accumulation of Si, polarized from the apical side of cells, was furthermore detected. These results provide evidence that Si, ingested as a food supplement containing OSA-VC, crosses the intestinal mucosa by passive diffusion via the paracellular pathway through the intercellular tight junctions and accumulates intracellularly, probably by an uptake mechanism of facilitated diffusion. This study can help to further understand the kinetic of absorption of Si. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. Iron in Neisseria meningitidis: minimum requirements, effects of limitation, and characteristics of uptake.

    PubMed Central

    Archibald, F S; DeVoe, I W

    1978-01-01

    A simple defined medium (neisseria defined medium) was devised that does not require iron extraction to produce iron-limited growth of Neisseria meningitidis (SDIC). Comparison of this medium to Mueller-Hinton broth and agar showed nearly identical growth rates and yields. The defined medium was used in batch cultures to determine the disappearance of iron from the medium and its uptake by cells. To avoid a number of problems inherent in batch culture, continuous culture, in which iron and dissolved oxygen were varied independently, was used. Most of the cellular iron was found to be nonheme and associated with the particulate fraction in sonically disrupted cells. Nonheme and catalase-heme iron were reduced by iron starvation far more than cytochromes b and c and N,N,N',N'-tetramethylphenylenediamine-oxidase. The respiration rate and efficiency also decreased under iron limitation, whereas generation times increased. The iron-starved meningococcus took up iron by an energy-independent system operating in the first minute after an iron pulse and a slower energy-dependent system inhibited by respiratory poisons and an uncoupler. The energy-dependent system showed saturation kinetics and was stimulated nearly fourfold by iron privation. In addition, to determine the availability to the meningococcus of the iron in selected compounds, a sensitive assay was devised in which an iron-limited continuous culture was pulsed with the iron-containing compound. PMID:101516

  7. Significance of Xenobiotic Metabolism for Bioaccumulation Kinetics of Organic Chemicals in Gammarus pulex

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Bioaccumulation and biotransformation are key toxicokinetic processes that modify toxicity of chemicals and sensitivity of organisms. Bioaccumulation kinetics vary greatly among organisms and chemicals; thus, we investigated the influence of biotransformation kinetics on bioaccumulation in a model aquatic invertebrate using fifteen 14C-labeled organic xenobiotics from diverse chemical classes and physicochemical properties (1,2,3-trichlorobenzene, imidacloprid, 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol, ethylacrylate, malathion, chlorpyrifos, aldicarb, carbofuran, carbaryl, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4,5-trichlorophenol, pentachlorophenol, 4-nitrobenzyl-chloride, 2,4-dichloroaniline, and sea-nine (4,5-dichloro-2-octyl-3-isothiazolone)). We detected and identified metabolites using HPLC with UV and radio-detection as well as high resolution mass spectrometry (LTQ-Orbitrap). Kinetics of uptake, biotransformation, and elimination of parent compounds and metabolites were modeled with a first-order one-compartment model. Bioaccumulation factors were calculated for parent compounds and metabolite enrichment factors for metabolites. Out of 19 detected metabolites, we identified seven by standards or accurate mass measurements and two via pathway analysis and analogies to other compounds. 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene, imidacloprid, and 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol were not biotransformed. Dietary uptake contributed little to overall uptake. Differentiation between parent and metabolites increased accuracy of bioaccumulation parameters compared to total 14C measurements. Biotransformation dominated toxicokinetics and strongly affected internal concentrations of parent compounds and metabolites. Many metabolites reached higher internal concentrations than their parents, characterized by large metabolite enrichment factors. PMID:22321051

  8. The abundant marine bacterium Pelagibacter simultaneously catabolizes dimethylsulfoniopropionate to the gases dimethyl sulfide and methanethiol

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sun, Jing; Todd, Jonathan D.; Thrash, J. Cameron

    2016-05-16

    Marine phytoplankton produce ~109 tons of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) per year1,2, an estimated 10% of which is catabolized by bacteria through the DMSP cleavage pathway to the climatically active gas dimethyl sulfide (DMS)3,4. SAR11 Alphaproteobacteria (order Pelagibacterales), the most abundant chemoorganotrophic bacteria in the oceans, have been shown to assimilate DMSP into biomass, thereby supplying this cell’s unusual requirement for reduced sulfur5,6. Here we report that Pelagibacter HTCC1062 produces the gas methanethiol (MeSH) and that simultaneously a second DMSP catabolic pathway, mediated by a DMSP lyase, shunts as much as 59% of DMSP uptake to DMS production. We propose a modelmore » in which the allocation of DMSP between these pathways is kinetically controlled to release increasing amounts of DMS as the supply of DMSP exceeds cellular sulfur demands for biosynthesis. These findings suggest that DMSP supply and demand relationships in Pelagibacter metabolism are important to determining rates of oceanic DMS production.« less

  9. Why does the brain (not) have glycogen?

    PubMed

    DiNuzzo, Mauro; Maraviglia, Bruno; Giove, Federico

    2011-05-01

    In the present paper we formulate the hypothesis that brain glycogen is a critical determinant in the modulation of carbohydrate supply at the cellular level. Specifically, we propose that mobilization of astrocytic glycogen after an increase in AMP levels during enhanced neuronal activity controls the concentration of glucose phosphates in astrocytes. This would result in modulation of glucose phosphorylation by hexokinase and upstream cell glucose uptake. This mechanism would favor glucose channeling to activated neurons, supplementing the already rich neuron-astrocyte metabolic and functional partnership with important implications for the energy compounds used to sustain neuronal activity. The hypothesis is based on recent modeling evidence suggesting that rapid glycogen breakdown can profoundly alter the short-term kinetics of glucose delivery to neurons and astrocytes. It is also based on review of the literature relevant to glycogen metabolism during physiological brain activity, with an emphasis on the metabolic pathways identifying both the origin and the fate of this glucose reserve. Copyright © 2011 WILEY Periodicals, Inc.

  10. F-actin-based Ca signaling-a critical comparison with the current concept of Ca signaling.

    PubMed

    Lange, Klaus; Gartzke, Joachim

    2006-11-01

    A short comparative survey on the current idea of Ca signaling and the alternative concept of F-actin-based Ca signaling is given. The two hypotheses differ in one central aspect, the mechanism of Ca storage. The current theory rests on the assumption of Ca-accumulating endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum-derived vesicles equipped with an ATP-dependent Ca pump and IP3- or ryanodine-sensitive channel-receptors for Ca-release. The alternative hypothesis proceeds from the idea of Ca storage at the high-affinity binding sites of actin filaments. Cellular sites of F-actin-based Ca storage are microvilli and the submembrane cytoskeleton. Several specific features of Ca signaling such as store-channel coupling, quantal Ca release, spiking and oscillations, biphasic and "phasic" uptake kinetics, and Ca-induced Ca release (CICR), which are not adequately described by the current concept, are inherent properties of the F-actin system and its dynamic state of treadmilling. Copyright 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  11. Real-time intravital microscopy of individual nanoparticle dynamics in liver and tumors of live mice

    PubMed Central

    van de Ven, Anne L; Kim, Pilhan; Ferrari, Mauro; Yun, Seok Hyun

    2013-01-01

    Intravital microscopy is emerging as an important experimental tool for the research and development of multi-functional therapeutic nanoconstructs. The direct visualization of nanoparticle dynamics within live animals provides invaluable insights into the mechanisms that regulate nanotherapeutics transport and cell-particle interactions. Here we present a protocol to image the dynamics of nanoparticles within the liver and tumors of live mice immediately following systemic injection using a high-speed (30-400 fps) confocal or multi-photon laser-scanning fluorescence microscope. Techniques for quantifying the real-time accumulation and cellular association of individual particles with a size ranging from several tens of nanometers to micrometers are described, as well as an experimental strategy for labeling Kupffer cells in the liver in vivo. Experimental design considerations and controls are provided, as well as minimum equipment requirements. The entire protocol takes approximately 4-8 hours and yields quantitative information. These techniques can serve to study a wide range of kinetic parameters that drive nanotherapeutics delivery, uptake, and treatment response. PMID:25383179

  12. Combinatorics of feedback in cellular uptake and metabolism of small molecules.

    PubMed

    Krishna, Sandeep; Semsey, Szabolcs; Sneppen, Kim

    2007-12-26

    We analyze the connection between structure and function for regulatory motifs associated with cellular uptake and usage of small molecules. Based on the boolean logic of the feedback we suggest four classes: the socialist, consumer, fashion, and collector motifs. We find that the socialist motif is good for homeostasis of a useful but potentially poisonous molecule, whereas the consumer motif is optimal for nutrition molecules. Accordingly, examples of these motifs are found in, respectively, the iron homeostasis system in various organisms and in the uptake of sugar molecules in bacteria. The remaining two motifs have no obvious analogs in small molecule regulation, but we illustrate their behavior using analogies to fashion and obesity. These extreme motifs could inspire construction of synthetic systems that exhibit bistable, history-dependent states, and homeostasis of flux (rather than concentration).

  13. Folic acid-decorated polyamidoamine dendrimer mediates selective uptake and high expression of genes in head and neck cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Xu, Leyuan; Kittrell, Shannon; Yeudall, W Andrew; Yang, Hu

    2016-11-01

    Folic acid (FA)-decorated polyamidoamine dendrimer G4 (G4-FA) was synthesized and studied for targeted delivery of genes to head and neck cancer cells expressing high levels of folate receptors (FRs). Cellular uptake, targeting specificity, cytocompatibility and transfection efficiency were evaluated. G4-FA competes with free FA for the same binding site. G4-FA facilitates the cellular uptake of DNA plasmids in a FR-dependent manner and selectively delivers plasmids to FR-high cells, leading to enhanced gene expression. G4-FA is a suitable vector to deliver genes selectively to head and neck cancer cells. The fundamental understandings of G4-FA as a vector and its encouraging transfection results for head and neck cancer cells provided support for its further testing in vivo.

  14. The role of FDG-PET in detecting rejection after liver transplantation.

    PubMed

    Watson, Ashley M; Bhutiani, Neal; Philips, Prejesh; Davis, Eric G; Eng, Mary; Cannon, Robert M; Jones, Christopher M

    2018-05-15

    The activation and increased metabolic activity of T cells in acute cellular rejection could allow fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography to be utilized for detection of acute cellular rejection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography in detecting acute cellular rejection in the clinical setting. Fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography studies were performed on 88 orthotopic liver transplant patients at 7 and 17 days postoperatively (first positron emission tomography and second positron emission tomography, respectively). Additional studies were performed if patients had suspicion of rejection and at resolution of rejection (third positron emission tomography and fourth positron emission tomography, respectively). A circular region of interest was placed over the liver for semiquantitative evaluation of fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography images by means of standard uptake values. Eighteen of 88 patients in our study (20.5%) had histologically proven acute cellular rejection during a 16 ± 11 day follow-up. There was no significant difference between the standard uptake values of first positron emission tomography among non-rejecters versus rejecters (2.05 ±0.46 non-rejecters versus 1.82 ± 0.40 rejecters, P = .127). Within the rejection cohort, the standard uptake values from the third positron emission tomography (rejection) were higher compared to the first positron emission tomography (baseline) (2.41 ± 0.48 third positron emission tomography versus 1.82 ± 0.41 first positron emission tomography, P < .001). Increased signal on fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography over baseline is associated with acute cellular rejection in liver transplant recipients. Additional prospective validation studies are essential to define the role of fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan as an early marker for acute cellular rejection. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Exposure of colonic epithelial cells to oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress causes rapid potassium efflux and calcium influx.

    PubMed

    Shabala, Lana; Walker, Emma J; Eklund, Annelie; Randall-Demllo, Sarron; Shabala, Sergey; Guven, Nuri; Cook, Anthony L; Eri, Rajaraman D

    2013-10-01

    Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and oxidative stress have recently been linked to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases. Under physiological conditions, intestinal epithelial cells are exposed to ER and oxidative stress affecting the cellular ionic homeostasis. However, these altered ion flux 'signatures' during these stress conditions are poorly characterized. We investigated the kinetics of K(+) , Ca(2+) and H(+) ion fluxes during ER and oxidative stress in a colonic epithelial cell line LS174T using a non-invasive microelectrode ion flux estimation technique. ER and oxidative stress were induced by cell exposure to tunicamycin (TM) and copper ascorbate (CuAsc), respectively, from 1 to 24 h. Dramatic K(+) efflux was observed following acute ER stress with peak K(+) efflux being -30·6 and -138·7 nmolm(-2)  s(-1) for 10 and 50 µg ml(-1) , respectively (p < 0·01). TM-dependent Ca(2+) uptake was more prolonged with peak values of 0·85 and 2·68 nmol m(-2)  s(-1) for 10 and 50 µg ml(-1) TM, respectively (p < 0·02). Ion homeostasis was also affected by the duration of ER stress. Increased duration of TM treatment from 0 to 18 h led to increases in both K(+) efflux and Ca(2+) uptake. While K(+) changes were significantly higher at each time point tested, Ca(2+) uptake was significantly higher only after prolonged treatment (18 h). CuAsc also led to an increased K(+) efflux and Ca(2+) uptake. Functional assays to investigate the effect of inhibiting K(+) efflux with tetraethylammonium resulted in increased cell viability. We conclude that ER/oxidative stress in colonic epithelial cells cause dramatic K(+) , Ca(2+) and H(+) ion flux changes, which may predispose this lineage to poor stress recovery reminiscent of that seen in inflammatory bowel diseases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  16. Regulation of protein expression and function of octn2 in forskolin-induced syncytialization in BeWo Cells.

    PubMed

    Huang, F-D; Kung, F-L; Tseng, Y-C; Chen, M-R; Chan, H-S; Lin, C-J

    2009-02-01

    Placental OCTN2 is a high-affinity carnitine transporter that can interact with a number of therapeutic agents. The process of syncytialization is associated with the expression of a variety of genes. However, the association between syncytialization and OCTN2 expression is not yet clear. Given that forskolin induces BeWo cells to undergo biochemical and morphological differentiation, the purpose of the present study was to investigate whether the function and expression of OCTN2 are influenced by forskolin treatment during syncytialization. The forskolin-induced differentiation of BeWo cells was validated by secretion of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) and syncytin expression. Cellular localization of OCTN2 was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Expression of OCTN2 and the modular proteins PDZK1, PDZK2, NHERF1 and NHERF2 was analyzed by Western blotting and carnitine uptake by BeWo cells was estimated and the kinetic properties of uptake measured. The results showed that forskolin treatment increased beta-hCG secretion and syncytin expression, suggesting induction of syncytialization. Confocal images of BeWo cells showed the localization of OCTN2 in the brush-border membrane. OCTN2 protein expression was upregulated in isolated brush-border membranes by long-term forskolin treatment, but the V(m) for carnitine uptake was unchanged, although the K(m) increased. PDZK1, NHERF1 and NHERF2 protein expression in the brush-border membrane was downregulated by forskolin treatment, whereas PDZK2 levels remained unchanged. In conclusion, protein expression and function of OCTN2 in BeWo cells can be regulated by forskolin treatment. While the presence of forskolin results in an increase in OCTN2 protein expression, the increase in uptake capacity may be compensated by the decreased expression of PDZK1, NHERF1 or NHERF2.

  17. Phosphate uptake studies of cross-linked chitosan bead materials.

    PubMed

    Mahaninia, Mohammad H; Wilson, Lee D

    2017-01-01

    A systematic experimental study is reported that provides a molecular based understanding of cross-linked chitosan beads and their adsorption properties in aqueous solution containing phosphate dianion (HPO 4 2- ) species. Synthetically modified chitosan using epichlorohydrin and glutaraldehyde cross-linkers result in surface modified beads with variable hydrophile-lipophile character and tunable HPO 4 2- uptake properties. The kinetic and thermodynamic adsorption properties of cross-linked chitosan beads with HPO 4 2- species were studied in aqueous solution. Complementary structure and physicochemical characterization of chitosan beads via potentiometry, Raman spectroscopy, DSC, and dye adsorption measurements was carried out to establish structure-property relationships. The maximum uptake (Q m ) of bead systems with HPO 4 2- at equilibrium was 52.1mgg -1 ; whereas, kinetic uptake results for chitosan bead/phosphate systems are relatively rapid (0.111-0.113min -1 ) with an intraparticle diffusion rate-limiting step. The adsorption process follows a multi-step pathway involving inner- and outer-sphere complexes with significant changes in hydration. Phosphate uptake strongly depends on the composition and type of cross-linker used for preparation of chitosan beads. The adsorption isotherms and structural characterization of bead systems illustrate the role of surface charge, hydrophile-lipophile balance, adsorption site accessibility, and hydration properties of the chitosan bead surface. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Use of an uncertainty analysis for genome-scale models as a prediction tool for microbial growth processes in subsurface environments.

    PubMed

    Klier, Christine

    2012-03-06

    The integration of genome-scale, constraint-based models of microbial cell function into simulations of contaminant transport and fate in complex groundwater systems is a promising approach to help characterize the metabolic activities of microorganisms in natural environments. In constraint-based modeling, the specific uptake flux rates of external metabolites are usually determined by Michaelis-Menten kinetic theory. However, extensive data sets based on experimentally measured values are not always available. In this study, a genome-scale model of Pseudomonas putida was used to study the key issue of uncertainty arising from the parametrization of the influx of two growth-limiting substrates: oxygen and toluene. The results showed that simulated growth rates are highly sensitive to substrate affinity constants and that uncertainties in specific substrate uptake rates have a significant influence on the variability of simulated microbial growth. Michaelis-Menten kinetic theory does not, therefore, seem to be appropriate for descriptions of substrate uptake processes in the genome-scale model of P. putida. Microbial growth rates of P. putida in subsurface environments can only be accurately predicted if the processes of complex substrate transport and microbial uptake regulation are sufficiently understood in natural environments and if data-driven uptake flux constraints can be applied.

  19. Nano modification of NZVI with an aquatic plant Azolla filiculoides to remove Pb(II) and Hg(II) from water: Aging time and mechanism study.

    PubMed

    Arshadi, M; Abdolmaleki, M K; Mousavinia, F; Foroughifard, S; Karimzadeh, A

    2017-01-15

    This paper reports the preparation and stabilization of nano zero valent iron (NZVI) on a modified aquatic plant, Azolla filiculoides, and investigates its potential for the adsorption/reduction of Pb(II) and Hg(II) ions from aqueous media even after six months of storage in the lab condition. XRD, TEM and zeta potential results demonstrated that the Azolla-NaOH could be a good stabilizer of aged NZVI (six months) and the green support suppressed the oxidation and aggregation of immobilized NZVI. Kinetic and equilibrium models for lead and mercury ions uptake were developed by considering the effect of the initial Pb(II) and Hg(II) concentrations, contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial pH and effect of temperature. The contact time to obtain equilibrium for maximum uptake by Azolla-OH-NZVI was 20min. The removal of toxic metal ions has been monitored in terms of pseudo-first- and -second-order kinetics, and the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms models have also been utilized to the equilibrium uptake results. The uptake kinetics followed the mechanism of the pseudo-second-order equation for all systems studied, confirming chemical sorption as the rate-limiting step of adsorption mechanisms and not involving a mass transfer in solution. The thermodynamic results confirmed that the uptake of Pb(II) and Hg(II) ions were feasible, spontaneous and endothermic at 25-80°C. XRD and zeta potential data displayed the existence of Pb(0) and Hg(0) on the Azolla-OH-NZVI surface. The nanobioadsorbent revealed high recyclability due to its reasonable uptake efficiency after 7th adsorption-desorption cycles. The proposed nano biocomposite could also be utilized to uptake Pb(II) and Hg(II) ions from the real water (Anzali lagoon water). However, coated NZVI with Azolla filiculoides as a green and environmentally friendly support suppressed rapid oxidation and aggregation of the immobilized NZVI, therefore vastly enhancing the probability of environmental transport and reducing the sedimentation and potential for toxicity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Cellular uptake mediated by epidermal growth factor receptor facilitates the intracellular activity of phosphorothioate-modified antisense oligonucleotides

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Shiyu; Allen, Nickolas; Vickers, Timothy A; Revenko, Alexey S; Sun, Hong; Liang, Xue-hai; Crooke, Stanley T

    2018-01-01

    Abstract Chemically modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) with phosphorothioate (PS) linkages have been extensively studied as research and therapeutic agents. PS-ASOs can enter the cell and trigger cleavage of complementary RNA by RNase H1 even in the absence of transfection reagent. A number of cell surface proteins have been identified that bind PS-ASOs and mediate their cellular uptake; however, the mechanisms that lead to productive internalization of PS-ASOs are not well understood. Here, we characterized the interaction between PS-ASOs and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We found that PS-ASOs trafficked together with EGF and EGFR into clathrin-coated pit structures. Their co-localization was also observed at early endosomes and inside enlarged late endosomes. Reduction of EGFR decreased PS-ASO activity without affecting EGF-mediated signaling pathways and overexpression of EGFR increased PS-ASO activity in cells. Furthermore, reduction of EGFR delays PS-ASO trafficking from early to late endosomes. Thus, EGFR binds to PS-ASOs at the cell surface and mediates essential steps for active (productive) cellular uptake of PS-ASOs through its cargo-dependent trafficking processes which migrate PS-ASOs from early to late endosomes. This EGFR-mediated process can also serve as an additional model to better understand the mechanism of intracellular uptake and endosomal release of PS-ASOs. PMID:29514240

  1. A cellular uptake and cytotoxicity properties study of gallic acid-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles on Caco-2 cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rashidi, Ladan; Vasheghani-Farahani, Ebrahim; Soleimani, Masoud; Atashi, Amir; Rostami, Khosrow; Gangi, Fariba; Fallahpour, Masoud; Tahouri, Mohammad Taher

    2014-03-01

    In this study, the effects of intracellular delivery of various concentrations of gallic acid (GA) as a semistable antioxidant, gallic acid-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs-GA), and cellular uptake of nanoparticles into Caco-2 cells were investigated. MSNs were synthesized and loaded with GA, then characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The cytotoxicity of MSNs and MSNs-GA at low and high concentrations were studied by means of 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test and flow cytometry. MSNs did not show significant toxicity in various concentrations (0-500 μg/ml) on Caco-2 cells. For MSNs-GA, cell viability was reduced as a function of incubation time and different concentrations of nanoparticles. The in vitro GA release from MSNs-GA exhibited the same antitumor properties as free GA on Caco-2 cells. Flow cytometry results confirmed those obtained using MTT assay. TEM and fluorescent microscopy confirmed the internalization of MSNs by Caco-2 cells through nonspecific cellular uptake. MSNs can easily internalize into Caco-2 cells without deleterious effects on cell viability. The cell viability of Caco-2 cells was affected during MSNs-GA uptake. MSNs could be designed as suitable nanocarriers for antioxidants delivery.

  2. The uptake of 3H-vincristine by a mouse carcinoma during a course of fractionated radiotherapy.

    PubMed

    Zanelli, G D; Rota, L; Trovo, M; Grigoletto, E; Roncadin, M

    1989-09-01

    The variations in uptake of 3H-vincristine sulphate, given as a bolus i.v. injection, by a transplantable murine tumour during a realistic course of fractionated daily gamma-radiation of 25 x 2.0 Gy have been investigated. Maximum levels of 3H in the tumours are found when the tracer is injected 4h after irradiation and the tumours are dissected out 1 h after injection. During the course of daily irradiation the pattern of uptake varies considerably but reproducibly. There are peaks of uptake after 7, 13 and 22 fractions of 2.0 Gy when the amount of 3H in the tumours is as much as three times that found in non-irradiated tumours. After 17-18 fractions, however, the tumour content of 3H is lower than that of non-irradiated tumours. The wave-like pattern of uptake could be due either to capillary occlusion brought about by radiation induced cellular swelling and oedema followed by re-opening of the capillaries during periods of decreased cellularity, or to some mechanism of recovery from radiation damage during the week-end rest period.

  3. The uptake of 3H-vincristine by a mouse carcinoma during a course of fractionated radiotherapy.

    PubMed Central

    Zanelli, G. D.; Rota, L.; Trovo, M.; Grigoletto, E.; Roncadin, M.

    1989-01-01

    The variations in uptake of 3H-vincristine sulphate, given as a bolus i.v. injection, by a transplantable murine tumour during a realistic course of fractionated daily gamma-radiation of 25 x 2.0 Gy have been investigated. Maximum levels of 3H in the tumours are found when the tracer is injected 4h after irradiation and the tumours are dissected out 1 h after injection. During the course of daily irradiation the pattern of uptake varies considerably but reproducibly. There are peaks of uptake after 7, 13 and 22 fractions of 2.0 Gy when the amount of 3H in the tumours is as much as three times that found in non-irradiated tumours. After 17-18 fractions, however, the tumour content of 3H is lower than that of non-irradiated tumours. The wave-like pattern of uptake could be due either to capillary occlusion brought about by radiation induced cellular swelling and oedema followed by re-opening of the capillaries during periods of decreased cellularity, or to some mechanism of recovery from radiation damage during the week-end rest period. PMID:2789937

  4. On the modeling of breath-by-breath oxygen uptake kinetics at the onset of high-intensity exercises: simulated annealing vs. GRG2 method.

    PubMed

    Bernard, Olivier; Alata, Olivier; Francaux, Marc

    2006-03-01

    Modeling in the time domain, the non-steady-state O2 uptake on-kinetics of high-intensity exercises with empirical models is commonly performed with gradient-descent-based methods. However, these procedures may impair the confidence of the parameter estimation when the modeling functions are not continuously differentiable and when the estimation corresponds to an ill-posed problem. To cope with these problems, an implementation of simulated annealing (SA) methods was compared with the GRG2 algorithm (a gradient-descent method known for its robustness). Forty simulated Vo2 on-responses were generated to mimic the real time course for transitions from light- to high-intensity exercises, with a signal-to-noise ratio equal to 20 dB. They were modeled twice with a discontinuous double-exponential function using both estimation methods. GRG2 significantly biased two estimated kinetic parameters of the first exponential (the time delay td1 and the time constant tau1) and impaired the precision (i.e., standard deviation) of the baseline A0, td1, and tau1 compared with SA. SA significantly improved the precision of the three parameters of the second exponential (the asymptotic increment A2, the time delay td2, and the time constant tau2). Nevertheless, td2 was significantly biased by both procedures, and the large confidence intervals of the whole second component parameters limit their interpretation. To compare both algorithms on experimental data, 26 subjects each performed two transitions from 80 W to 80% maximal O2 uptake on a cycle ergometer and O2 uptake was measured breath by breath. More than 88% of the kinetic parameter estimations done with the SA algorithm produced the lowest residual sum of squares between the experimental data points and the model. Repeatability coefficients were better with GRG2 for A1 although better with SA for A2 and tau2. Our results demonstrate that the implementation of SA improves significantly the estimation of most of these kinetic parameters, but a large inaccuracy remains in estimating the parameter values of the second exponential.

  5. The cellular uptake and transport of zein nanoparticles: Effect of sodium caseinate

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Cellular evaluation of zein nanoparticles has not been studied systematically due to their poor redispersibility. Caseinate (CAS) stabilized zein nanoparticles have been recently developed with better redispersibility in salt solutions. In this study, zein-CAS nanoparticles were prepared with differ...

  6. Side-binding proteins modulate actin filament dynamics

    PubMed Central

    Crevenna, Alvaro H; Arciniega, Marcelino; Dupont, Aurélie; Mizuno, Naoko; Kowalska, Kaja; Lange, Oliver F; Wedlich-Söldner, Roland; Lamb, Don C

    2015-01-01

    Actin filament dynamics govern many key physiological processes from cell motility to tissue morphogenesis. A central feature of actin dynamics is the capacity of filaments to polymerize and depolymerize at their ends in response to cellular conditions. It is currently thought that filament kinetics can be described by a single rate constant for each end. In this study, using direct visualization of single actin filament elongation, we show that actin polymerization kinetics at both filament ends are strongly influenced by the binding of proteins to the lateral filament surface. We also show that the pointed-end has a non-elongating state that dominates the observed filament kinetic asymmetry. Estimates of flexibility as well as effects on fragmentation and growth suggest that the observed kinetic diversity arises from structural alteration. Tuning elongation kinetics by exploiting the malleability of the filament structure may be a ubiquitous mechanism to generate a rich variety of cellular actin dynamics. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.04599.001 PMID:25706231

  7. Simultaneous quantum yield measurements of carbon uptake and oxygen evolution in microalgal cultures

    PubMed Central

    Gholami, Pardis; Kline, David I.; DuPont, Christopher L.; Dickson, Andrew G.; Mendola, Dominick; Martz, Todd; Allen, Andrew E.; Mitchell, B. Greg

    2018-01-01

    The photosynthetic quantum yield (Φ), defined as carbon fixed or oxygen evolved per unit of light absorbed, is a fundamental but rarely determined biophysical parameter. A method to estimate Φ for both net carbon uptake and net oxygen evolution simultaneously can provide important insights into energy and mass fluxes. Here we present details for a novel system that allows quantification of carbon fluxes using pH oscillation and simultaneous oxygen fluxes by integration with a membrane inlet mass spectrometer. The pHOS system was validated using Phaeodactylum tricornutum cultured with continuous illumination of 110 μmole quanta m-2 s-1 at 25°C. Furthermore, simultaneous measurements of carbon and oxygen flux using the pHOS-MIMS and photon flux based on spectral absorption were carried out to explore the kinetics of Φ in P. tricornutum during its acclimation from low to high light (110 to 750 μmole quanta m-2 s-1). Comparing results at 0 and 24 hours, we observed strong decreases in cellular chlorophyll a (0.58 to 0.21 pg cell-1), Fv/Fm (0.71 to 0.59) and maximum ΦCO2 (0.019 to 0.004) and ΦO2 (0.028 to 0.007), confirming the transition toward high light acclimation. The Φ time-series indicated a non-synchronized acclimation response between carbon uptake and oxygen evolution, which has been previously inferred based on transcriptomic changes for a similar experimental design with the same diatom that lacked physiological data. The integrated pHOS-MIMS system can provide simultaneous carbon and oxygen measurements accurately, and at the time-resolution required to resolve high-resolution carbon and oxygen physiological dynamics. PMID:29920568

  8. Enhancement of indocyanine green stability and cellular uptake by incorporating cationic lipid into indocyanine green-loaded nanoemulsions.

    PubMed

    Lee, Eun-Hye; Kim, Jin-Ki; Lim, Joon-Seok; Lim, Soo-Jeong

    2015-12-01

    Indocyanine green (ICG) is a near-infrared optical dye approved by the Food and Drug Administration. ICG has been investigated as a simultaneous color and fluorescence-imaging tracer for the intraoperative identification of sentinel lymph nodes, but its use has recently expanded to include application as a photosensitizer for the local photodynamic/thermal treatment of identified lymph node metastases. The current study was designed to develop an ICG-loaded nanoemulsion as an effective agent for both the diagnosis and treatment of lymph node metastases. Incorporating the cationic lipid stearylamine (SA) together with ICG in the shell of nanoemulsions did not affect the loaded ICG concentration, but changed the surface charge of nanoemulsions from a negative to a positive value and improved the physical stability of nanoemulsions. Loading ICG into SA-incorporated nanoemulsions more effectively blocked the aggregation and degradation of ICG compared to loading in SA-free nanoemulsions. SA incorporation also enhanced tumor cell uptake of ICG-loaded nanoemulsions, resulting in greater cell killing upon light irradiation. After subcutaneous injection into the footpad of mice, SA-incorporated nanoemulsions increased the concentration of ICG accumulated in popliteal lymph nodes to a greater extent than SA-free nanoemulsions without affecting the kinetics of lymph node uptake of nanoemulsions. These multiple beneficial effects of incorporating SA in nanoemulsions are likely attributable to the electrostatic interaction between anionic ICG and cationic SA, as well as the change in the nanoemulsion surface charge from negative to positive. Our findings indicate that SA-incorporated nanoemulsions are promising ICG carriers for combined diagnosis and treatment of lymph node metastases. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Novel application of complementary imaging techniques to examine in vivo glucose metabolism in the kidney

    PubMed Central

    Hato, Takashi; Friedman, Allon N.; Mang, Henry; Plotkin, Zoya; Dube, Shataakshi; Hutchins, Gary D.; Territo, Paul R.; McCarthy, Brian P.; Riley, Amanda A.; Pichumani, Kumar; Malloy, Craig R.; Harris, Robert A.; Dagher, Pierre C.

    2016-01-01

    The metabolic status of the kidney is a determinant of injury susceptibility and a measure of progression for many disease processes; however, noninvasive modalities to assess kidney metabolism are lacking. In this study, we employed positron emission tomography (PET) and intravital multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to assess cortical and proximal tubule glucose tracer uptake, respectively, following experimental perturbations of kidney metabolism. Applying dynamic image acquisition PET with 2-18fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) and tracer kinetic modeling, we found that an intracellular compartment in the cortex of the kidney could be distinguished from the blood and urine compartments in animals. Given emerging literature that the tumor suppressor protein p53 is an important regulator of cellular metabolism, we demonstrated that PET imaging was able to discern a threefold increase in cortical 18F-FDG uptake following the pharmacological inhibition of p53 in animals. Intravital MPM with the fluorescent glucose analog 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino]-2-deoxyglucose (2-NBDG) provided increased resolution and corroborated these findings at the level of the proximal tubule. Extending our observation of p53 inhibition on proximal tubule glucose tracer uptake, we demonstrated by intravital MPM that pharmacological inhibition of p53 diminishes mitochondrial potential difference. We provide additional evidence that inhibition of p53 alters key metabolic enzymes regulating glycolysis and increases intermediates of glycolysis. In summary, we provide evidence that PET is a valuable tool for examining kidney metabolism in preclinical and clinical studies, intravital MPM is a powerful adjunct to PET in preclinical studies of metabolism, and p53 inhibition alters basal kidney metabolism. PMID:26764206

  10. Optimization of a Biomimetic Apatite Nanoparticle Delivery System for Non-viral Gene Transfection---a Simulated Body Fluid Approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Das, Debobrato

    Current methods for gene delivery utilize nanocarriers such as liposomes and viral vectors that may produce in vivo toxicity, immunogenicity, or mutagenesis. Moreover, these common high-cost systems have a low efficacy of gene-vehicle transport across the cell plasma membrane followed by inadequate release and weak intracellular stability of the genetic sequence. Thus, this study aims to maximize gene transfection while minimizing cytotoxicity by utilizing supersaturated blood-plasma ions derived from simulated body fluids (SBF). With favorable electrostatic interactions to create biocompatible calcium-phosphate nanoparticles (NPs) derived from biomimetic apatite (BA), results suggest that the SBF system, though naturally sensitive to reaction conditions, after optimization can serve as a tunable and versatile platform for the delivery of various types of nucleic acids. From a systematic exploration of the effects of nucleation pH, incubation temperature, and time on transfection efficiency, the study proposes distinct characteristic trends in SBF BA-NP morphology, cellular uptake, cell viability, and gene modulation. Specifically, with aggressive nucleation and growth of BA-NPs in solution (observed via scanning electron microscopy), the ensuing microenvironment imposes a more toxic cellular interaction (indicated by alamarBlue and BCA assays), limiting particle uptake (fluorescence experiments) and subsequent gene knockdown (quantitative loss of function assays). Controlled precipitation of BA-NPs function to increase particle accessibility by surrounding cells, and subsequently enhance uptake and transfection efficiency. By closely examining such trends, an optimal fabrication condition of pH 6.5-37C can be observed where particle growth is more tamed and less chaotic, providing improved, favorable cellular interactions that increase cell uptake and consequently maximize gene transfection, without compromising cellular viability.

  11. Cellular Uptake and Delivery of Myeloperoxidase to Lysosomes Promote Lipofuscin Degradation and Lysosomal Stress in Retinal Cells.

    PubMed

    Yogalingam, Gouri; Lee, Amanda R; Mackenzie, Donald S; Maures, Travis J; Rafalko, Agnes; Prill, Heather; Berguig, Geoffrey Y; Hague, Chuck; Christianson, Terri; Bell, Sean M; LeBowitz, Jonathan H

    2017-03-10

    Neutrophil myeloperoxidase (MPO) catalyzes the H 2 O 2 -dependent oxidation of chloride anion to generate hypochlorous acid, a potent antimicrobial agent. Besides its well defined role in innate immunity, aberrant degranulation of neutrophils in several inflammatory diseases leads to redistribution of MPO to the extracellular space, where it can mediate tissue damage by promoting the oxidation of several additional substrates. Here, we demonstrate that mannose 6-phosphate receptor-mediated cellular uptake and delivery of MPO to lysosomes of retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells acts to clear this harmful enzyme from the extracellular space, with lysosomal-delivered MPO exhibiting a half-life of 10 h. Lysosomal-targeted MPO exerts both cell-protective and cytotoxic functions. From a therapeutic standpoint, MPO catalyzes the in vitro degradation of N -retinylidene- N -retinylethanolamine, a toxic form of retinal lipofuscin that accumulates in RPE lysosomes and drives the pathogenesis of Stargardt macular degeneration. Furthermore, chronic cellular uptake and accumulation of MPO in lysosomes coincides with N -retinylidene- N -retinylethanolamine elimination in a cell-based model of macular degeneration. However, lysosomal-delivered MPO also disrupts lysosomal acidification in RPE cells, which coincides with nuclear translocation of the lysosomal stress-sensing transcription factor EB and, eventually, cell death. Based on these findings we predict that under periods of acute exposure, cellular uptake and lysosomal degradation of MPO mediates elimination of this harmful enzyme, whereas chronic exposure results in progressive accumulation of MPO in lysosomes. Lysosomal-accumulated MPO can be both cell-protective, by promoting the degradation of toxic retinal lipofuscin deposits, and cytotoxic, by triggering lysosomal stress and cell death. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  12. Cellular Uptake and Delivery of Myeloperoxidase to Lysosomes Promote Lipofuscin Degradation and Lysosomal Stress in Retinal Cells*

    PubMed Central

    Yogalingam, Gouri; Lee, Amanda R.; Mackenzie, Donald S.; Maures, Travis J.; Rafalko, Agnes; Prill, Heather; Berguig, Geoffrey Y.; Hague, Chuck; Christianson, Terri; Bell, Sean M.; LeBowitz, Jonathan H.

    2017-01-01

    Neutrophil myeloperoxidase (MPO) catalyzes the H2O2-dependent oxidation of chloride anion to generate hypochlorous acid, a potent antimicrobial agent. Besides its well defined role in innate immunity, aberrant degranulation of neutrophils in several inflammatory diseases leads to redistribution of MPO to the extracellular space, where it can mediate tissue damage by promoting the oxidation of several additional substrates. Here, we demonstrate that mannose 6-phosphate receptor-mediated cellular uptake and delivery of MPO to lysosomes of retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells acts to clear this harmful enzyme from the extracellular space, with lysosomal-delivered MPO exhibiting a half-life of 10 h. Lysosomal-targeted MPO exerts both cell-protective and cytotoxic functions. From a therapeutic standpoint, MPO catalyzes the in vitro degradation of N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine, a toxic form of retinal lipofuscin that accumulates in RPE lysosomes and drives the pathogenesis of Stargardt macular degeneration. Furthermore, chronic cellular uptake and accumulation of MPO in lysosomes coincides with N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine elimination in a cell-based model of macular degeneration. However, lysosomal-delivered MPO also disrupts lysosomal acidification in RPE cells, which coincides with nuclear translocation of the lysosomal stress-sensing transcription factor EB and, eventually, cell death. Based on these findings we predict that under periods of acute exposure, cellular uptake and lysosomal degradation of MPO mediates elimination of this harmful enzyme, whereas chronic exposure results in progressive accumulation of MPO in lysosomes. Lysosomal-accumulated MPO can be both cell-protective, by promoting the degradation of toxic retinal lipofuscin deposits, and cytotoxic, by triggering lysosomal stress and cell death. PMID:28115520

  13. Clusterin in the protein corona plays a key role in the stealth effect of nanoparticles against phagocytes.

    PubMed

    Aoyama, Michihiko; Hata, Katsutomo; Higashisaka, Kazuma; Nagano, Kazuya; Yoshioka, Yasuo; Tsutsumi, Yasuo

    2016-11-25

    In biological fluids, nanoparticles interact with biological components such as proteins, and a layer called the "protein corona" forms around the nanoparticles. It is believed that the composition of the protein corona affects the cellular uptake and in vivo biodistribution of nanoparticles; however, the key proteins of the protein corona that control the biological fate of nanoparticles remain unclear. Recently, it was reported that clusterin binding to pegylated nanoparticles is important for the stealth effect of pegylated nanoparticles in phagocytes. However, the effect of clusterin on non-pegylated nanoparticles is unknown, although it is known that clusterin is present in the protein corona of non-pegylated nanoparticles. Here, we assessed the stealth effect of clusterin in the corona of non-pegylated silver nanoparticles and silica nanoparticles. We found that serum- and plasma-protein corona inhibited the cellular uptake of silver nanoparticles and silica nanoparticles in phagocytes and that the plasma-protein corona showed a greater stealth effect compared with the serum-protein corona. Clusterin was present in both the serum- and plasma-protein corona, but was present at a higher level in the plasma-protein corona than in the serum-protein corona. Clusterin binding to silver nanoparticles and silica nanoparticles suppressed the cellular uptake of nanoparticles in human macrophage-like cells (THP-1 cells). Although further studies are required to determine how clusterin suppresses non-specific cellular uptake in phagocytes, our data suggest that clusterin plays a key role in the stealth effect of not only pegylated nanoparticles but also non-pegylated nanoparticles. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Adenosine uptake by the isolated epithelium of guine pig jejunum.

    PubMed

    Kolassa, N; Stengg, R; Turnheim, K

    1977-10-01

    The uptake of [8-14C]adenosine by the isolated epithelium of guinea pig jejunum was faster than that of inosine, hypoxanthine, or adenine. The initial velocity of adenosine uptake from both the luminal and the antiluminal side of the epithelium exhibited saturation kinetics. The apparent Km, V, and passive permeability of luminal adenosine uptake were all lower than the corresponding values of antiluminal uptake. p-Nitrobenzyl-thioguanosine inhibited adenosine uptake from both the luminal and the antiluminal side, whilst hexobendine decreased the uptake only from the antiluminal side of the epithelium. The results suggest that adenosine enters the intestinal epithelium by a carrier-mediated process in addition to passive diffusion. The antiluminal transport system for adenosine seems similar to that of other tissues with respect to hexobendine inhibition; the luminal transport mechanism, however, exhibits different properties, being insensitive to hexobendine.

  15. Facile Synthesis of Uniform Virus-like Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Enhanced Cellular Internalization

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    The low-efficiency cellular uptake property of current nanoparticles greatly restricts their application in the biomedical field. Herein, we demonstrate that novel virus-like mesoporous silica nanoparticles can easily be synthesized, showing greatly superior cellular uptake property. The unique virus-like mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a spiky tubular rough surface have been successfully synthesized via a novel single-micelle epitaxial growth approach in a low-concentration-surfactant oil/water biphase system. The virus-like nanoparticles’ rough surface morphology results mainly from the mesoporous silica nanotubes spontaneously grown via an epitaxial growth process. The obtained nanoparticles show uniform particle size and excellent monodispersity. The structural parameters of the nanoparticles can be well tuned with controllable core diameter (∼60–160 nm), tubular length (∼6–70 nm), and outer diameter (∼6–10 nm). Thanks to the biomimetic morphology, the virus-like nanoparticles show greatly superior cellular uptake property (invading living cells in large quantities within few minutes, <5 min), unique internalization pathways, and extended blood circulation duration (t1/2 = 2.16 h), which is much longer than that of conventional mesoporous silica nanoparticles (0.45 h). Furthermore, our epitaxial growth strategy can be applied to fabricate various virus-like mesoporous core–shell structures, paving the way toward designed synthesis of virus-like nanocomposites for biomedicine applications. PMID:28852697

  16. Insulin differentially affects the distribution kinetics of amyloid beta 40 and 42 in plasma and brain.

    PubMed

    Swaminathan, Suresh Kumar; Ahlschwede, Kristen M; Sarma, Vidur; Curran, Geoffry L; Omtri, Rajesh S; Decklever, Teresa; Lowe, Val J; Poduslo, Joseph F; Kandimalla, Karunya K

    2018-05-01

    Impaired brain clearance of amyloid-beta peptides (Aβ) 40 and 42 across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is believed to be one of the pathways responsible for Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Hyperinsulinemia prevalent in type II diabetes was shown to damage cerebral vasculature and increase Aβ accumulation in AD brain. However, there is no clarity on how aberrations in peripheral insulin levels affect Aβ accumulation in the brain. This study describes, for the first time, an intricate relation between plasma insulin and Aβ transport at the BBB. Upon peripheral insulin administration in wild-type mice: the plasma clearance of Aβ40 increased, but Aβ42 clearance reduced; the plasma-to-brain influx of Aβ40 increased, and that of Aβ42 reduced; and the clearance of intracerebrally injected Aβ40 decreased, whereas Aβ42 clearance increased. In hCMEC/D3 monolayers (in vitro BBB model) exposed to insulin, the luminal uptake and luminal-to-abluminal permeability of Aβ40 increased and that of Aβ42 reduced; the abluminal-to-luminal permeability of Aβ40 decreased, whereas Aβ42 permeability increased. Moreover, Aβ cellular trafficking machinery was altered. In summary, Aβ40 and Aβ42 demonstrated distinct distribution kinetics in plasma and brain compartments, and insulin differentially modulated their distribution. Cerebrovascular disease and metabolic disorders may disrupt this intricate homeostasis and aggravate AD pathology.

  17. Protein Corona Formation on Colloidal Polymeric Nanoparticles and Polymeric Nanogels: Impact on Cellular Uptake, Toxicity, Immunogenicity, and Drug Release Properties.

    PubMed

    Obst, Katja; Yealland, Guy; Balzus, Benjamin; Miceli, Enrico; Dimde, Mathias; Weise, Christoph; Eravci, Murat; Bodmeier, Roland; Haag, Rainer; Calderón, Marcelo; Charbaji, Nada; Hedtrich, Sarah

    2017-06-12

    The adsorption of biomolecules to the surface of nanoparticles (NPs) following administration into biological environments is widely recognized. In particular, the "protein corona" is well understood in terms of formation kinetics and impact upon the biological interactions of NPs. Its presence is an essential consideration in the design of therapeutic NPs. In the present study, the protein coronas of six polymeric nanoparticles of prospective therapeutic use were investigated. These included three colloidal NPs-soft core-multishell (CMS) NPs, plus solid cationic Eudragit RS (EGRS), and anionic ethyl cellulose (EC) nanoparticles-and three nanogels (NGs)-thermoresponsive dendritic-polyglycerol (dPG) nanogels (NGs) and two amino-functionalized dPG-NGs. Following incubation with human plasma, protein coronas were characterized and their biological interactions compared with pristine NPs. All NPs demonstrated protein adsorption and increased hydrodynamic diameters, although the solid EGRS and EC NPs bound notably more protein than the other tested particles. Shifts toward moderately negative surface charges were also observed for all corona bearing NPs, despite varied zeta potentials in their pristine states. While the uptake and cellular adhesion of the colloidal NPs in primary human keratinocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were significantly decreased when bearing the protein corona, no obvious impact was seen in the NGs. By contrast, corona bearing NGs induced marked increases in cytokine release from primary human macrophages not seen with corona bearing colloidal NPs. Despite this, no apparent enhancement to in vitro toxicity was noted. Finally, drug release from EGRS and EC NPs was assessed, where a decrease was seen in the EGRS NPs alone. Together these results provide a direct comparison of the physical and biological impact the protein corona has on NPs of widely varied character and in particular highlights a distinction between the corona's effects on NGs and colloidal NPs.

  18. Glucose-functionalized Au nanoprisms for optoacoustic imaging and near-infrared photothermal therapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Jishu; Zhang, Jingjing; Yang, Meng; Cui, Daxiang; de La Fuente, Jesus M.

    2015-12-01

    Targeted imaging and tumor therapy using nanomaterials has stimulated research interest recently, but the high cytotoxicity and low cellular uptake of nanomaterials limit their bioapplication. In this paper, glucose (Glc) was chosen to functionalize Au nanoprisms (NPrs) for improving the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of Au@PEG-Glc NPrs into cancer cells. Glucose is a primary source of energy at the cellular level and at cellular membranes for cell recognition. A coating of glucose facilitates the accumulation of Au@PEG-Glc NPrs in a tumor region much more than Au@PEG NPrs. Due to the high accumulation and excellent photoabsorbing property of Au@PEG-Glc NPrs, enhanced optoacoustic imaging of a tumor in vivo was achieved, and visualization of the tumor further guided cancer treatment. Based on the optical-thermal conversion performance of Au@PEG-Glc NPrs, the tumor in vivo was effectively cured through photothermal therapy. The current work demonstrates the great potential of Au@PEG-Glc NPrs in optoacoustic imaging and photothermal cancer therapy in future.Targeted imaging and tumor therapy using nanomaterials has stimulated research interest recently, but the high cytotoxicity and low cellular uptake of nanomaterials limit their bioapplication. In this paper, glucose (Glc) was chosen to functionalize Au nanoprisms (NPrs) for improving the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of Au@PEG-Glc NPrs into cancer cells. Glucose is a primary source of energy at the cellular level and at cellular membranes for cell recognition. A coating of glucose facilitates the accumulation of Au@PEG-Glc NPrs in a tumor region much more than Au@PEG NPrs. Due to the high accumulation and excellent photoabsorbing property of Au@PEG-Glc NPrs, enhanced optoacoustic imaging of a tumor in vivo was achieved, and visualization of the tumor further guided cancer treatment. Based on the optical-thermal conversion performance of Au@PEG-Glc NPrs, the tumor in vivo was effectively cured through photothermal therapy. The current work demonstrates the great potential of Au@PEG-Glc NPrs in optoacoustic imaging and photothermal cancer therapy in future. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: The evolution of the UV-vis absorption of Au NPrs by centrifugation, TEM image of PEG-capped Au NPrs, the UV-vis absorption of glucose, cytotoxicity of Au@PEG-Glc NPrs, gastric cell viabilities versus the concentration of Au@PEG-Glc NPrs and gastric cell viabilities filled with 80 μg Au@PEG-Glc NPrs versus the irradiation time, optoacoustic signals of Au NPr solution and Au@PEG NPrs. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr06261f

  19. Kinetics of hydrophobic organic contaminant extraction from sediment by granular activated carbon.

    PubMed

    Rakowska, M I; Kupryianchyk, D; Smit, M P J; Koelmans, A A; Grotenhuis, J T C; Rijnaarts, H H M

    2014-03-15

    Ex situ solid phase extraction with granular activated carbon (GAC) is a promising technique to remediate contaminated sediments. The methods' efficiency depends on the rate by which contaminants are transferred from the sediment to the surface of GAC. Here, we derive kinetic parameters for extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from sediment by GAC, using a first-order multi-compartment kinetic model. The parameters were obtained by modeling sediment-GAC exchange kinetic data following a tiered model calibration approach. First, parameters for PAH desorption from sediment were calibrated using data from systems with 50% (by weight) GAC acting as an infinite sink. Second, the estimated parameters were used as fixed input to obtain GAC uptake kinetic parameters in sediment slurries with 4% GAC, representing the ex situ remediation scenario. PAH uptake rate constants (kGAC) by GAC ranged from 0.44 to 0.0005 d(-1), whereas GAC sorption coefficients (KGAC) ranged from 10(5.57) to 10(8.57) L kg(-1). These values are the first provided for GAC in the presence of sediment and show that ex situ extraction with GAC is sufficiently fast and effective to reduce the risks of the most available PAHs among those studied, such as fluorene, phenanthrene and anthracene. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Overall kinetics of heterogeneous elemental mercury reactions on TiO2 sorbent particles with UV radiation

    EPA Science Inventory

    A system consisting of a photochemical reaction was used to evaluate the kinetic parameters, such as reaction order and rate constant for the elemental mercury uptake by TiO2 in the presence of uv irradiation. TiO2 particles generated by an aerosol route were used in a fixed bed...

  1. Kinetic memory based on the enzyme-limited competition.

    PubMed

    Hatakeyama, Tetsuhiro S; Kaneko, Kunihiko

    2014-08-01

    Cellular memory, which allows cells to retain information from their environment, is important for a variety of cellular functions, such as adaptation to external stimuli, cell differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. Although posttranslational modifications have received much attention as a source of cellular memory, the mechanisms directing such alterations have not been fully uncovered. It may be possible to embed memory in multiple stable states in dynamical systems governing modifications. However, several experiments on modifications of proteins suggest long-term relaxation depending on experienced external conditions, without explicit switches over multi-stable states. As an alternative to a multistability memory scheme, we propose "kinetic memory" for epigenetic cellular memory, in which memory is stored as a slow-relaxation process far from a stable fixed state. Information from previous environmental exposure is retained as the long-term maintenance of a cellular state, rather than switches over fixed states. To demonstrate this kinetic memory, we study several models in which multimeric proteins undergo catalytic modifications (e.g., phosphorylation and methylation), and find that a slow relaxation process of the modification state, logarithmic in time, appears when the concentration of a catalyst (enzyme) involved in the modification reactions is lower than that of the substrates. Sharp transitions from a normal fast-relaxation phase into this slow-relaxation phase are revealed, and explained by enzyme-limited competition among modification reactions. The slow-relaxation process is confirmed by simulations of several models of catalytic reactions of protein modifications, and it enables the memorization of external stimuli, as its time course depends crucially on the history of the stimuli. This kinetic memory provides novel insight into a broad class of cellular memory and functions. In particular, applications for long-term potentiation are discussed, including dynamic modifications of calcium-calmodulin kinase II and cAMP-response element-binding protein essential for synaptic plasticity.

  2. Deciphering the mechanisms of cellular uptake of engineered nanoparticles by accurate evaluation of internalization using imaging flow cytometry

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background The uptake of nanoparticles (NPs) by cells remains to be better characterized in order to understand the mechanisms of potential NP toxicity as well as for a reliable risk assessment. Real NP uptake is still difficult to evaluate because of the adsorption of NPs on the cellular surface. Results Here we used two approaches to distinguish adsorbed fluorescently labeled NPs from the internalized ones. The extracellular fluorescence was either quenched by Trypan Blue or the uptake was analyzed using imaging flow cytometry. We used this novel technique to define the inside of the cell to accurately study the uptake of fluorescently labeled (SiO2) and even non fluorescent but light diffracting NPs (TiO2). Time course, dose-dependence as well as the influence of surface charges on the uptake were shown in the pulmonary epithelial cell line NCI-H292. By setting up an integrative approach combining these flow cytometric analyses with confocal microscopy we deciphered the endocytic pathway involved in SiO2 NP uptake. Functional studies using energy depletion, pharmacological inhibitors, siRNA-clathrin heavy chain induced gene silencing and colocalization of NPs with proteins specific for different endocytic vesicles allowed us to determine macropinocytosis as the internalization pathway for SiO2 NPs in NCI-H292 cells. Conclusion The integrative approach we propose here using the innovative imaging flow cytometry combined with confocal microscopy could be used to identify the physico-chemical characteristics of NPs involved in their uptake in view to redesign safe NPs. PMID:23388071

  3. Transcriptional bursting is intrinsically caused by interplay between RNA polymerases on DNA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fujita, Keisuke; Iwaki, Mitsuhiro; Yanagida, Toshio

    2016-12-01

    Cell-to-cell variability plays a critical role in cellular responses and decision-making in a population, and transcriptional bursting has been broadly studied by experimental and theoretical approaches as the potential source of cell-to-cell variability. Although molecular mechanisms of transcriptional bursting have been proposed, there is little consensus. An unsolved key question is whether transcriptional bursting is intertwined with many transcriptional regulatory factors or is an intrinsic characteristic of RNA polymerase on DNA. Here we design an in vitro single-molecule measurement system to analyse the kinetics of transcriptional bursting. The results indicate that transcriptional bursting is caused by interplay between RNA polymerases on DNA. The kinetics of in vitro transcriptional bursting is quantitatively consistent with the gene-nonspecific kinetics previously observed in noisy gene expression in vivo. Our kinetic analysis based on a cellular automaton model confirms that arrest and rescue by trailing RNA polymerase intrinsically causes transcriptional bursting.

  4. Loss of intracellular lipid binding proteins differentially impacts saturated fatty acid uptake and nuclear targeting in mouse hepatocytes

    PubMed Central

    Storey, Stephen M.; McIntosh, Avery L.; Huang, Huan; Martin, Gregory G.; Landrock, Kerstin K.; Landrock, Danilo; Payne, H. Ross; Kier, Ann B.

    2012-01-01

    The liver expresses high levels of two proteins with high affinity for long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs): liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) and sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2). Real-time confocal microscopy of cultured primary hepatocytes from gene-ablated (L-FABP, SCP-2/SCP-x, and L-FABP/SCP-2/SCP-x null) mice showed that the loss of L-FABP reduced cellular uptake of 12-N-methyl-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazo)-aminostearic acid (a fluorescent-saturated LCFA analog) by ∼50%. Importantly, nuclear targeting of the LCFA was enhanced when L-FABP was upregulated (SCP-2/SCP-x null) but was significantly reduced when L-FABP was ablated (L-FABP null), thus impacting LCFA nuclear targeting. These effects were not associated with a net decrease in expression of key membrane proteins involved in LCFA or glucose transport. Since hepatic LCFA uptake and metabolism are closely linked to glucose uptake, the effect of glucose on L-FABP-mediated LCFA uptake and nuclear targeting was examined. Increasing concentrations of glucose decreased cellular LCFA uptake and even more extensively decreased LCFA nuclear targeting. Loss of L-FABP exacerbated the decrease in LCFA nuclear targeting, while loss of SCP-2 reduced the glucose effect, resulting in enhanced LCFA nuclear targeting compared with control. Simply, ablation of L-FABP decreases LCFA uptake and even more extensively decreases its nuclear targeting. PMID:22859366

  5. Muscarinic receptor stimulation of D-aspartate uptake into human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells is attenuated by hypoosmolarity.

    PubMed

    Foster, Daniel J; Heacock, Anne M; Fisher, Stephen K

    2010-04-01

    In addition to its function as an excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate plays a major role as an osmolyte within the central nervous system (CNS). Accordingly, mechanisms that regulate glutamate release and uptake are of physiological importance not only during conditions in which cell volume remains constant but also when cells are subjected to hypoosmotic stress. In the present study, the ability of muscarinic cholinergic receptors (mAChRs) to regulate the uptake of glutamate (monitored as D-aspartate) into human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells under isotonic or hypotonic conditions has been examined. In isotonic media, agonist activation of mAChRs resulted in a significant increase (250-300% of control) in the uptake of D-aspartate and, concurrently, a cellular redistribution of the excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3) to the plasma membrane. mAChR-mediated increases in d-aspartate uptake were potently blocked by the EAAT3 inhibitor l-beta-threo-benzyl-aspartate. In hypotonic media, the ability of mAChR activation to facilitate D-aspartate uptake was significantly attenuated (40-50%), and the cellular distribution of EAAT3 was disrupted. Reduction of mAChR-stimulated D-aspartate uptake under hypoosmotic conditions could be fully reversed upon re-exposure of the cells to isotonic media. Under both isotonic and hypotonic conditions, mAChR-mediated increases in D-aspartate uptake depended on cytoskeletal integrity, protein kinase C and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activities, and the availability of intracellular Ca2+. In contrast, dependence on extracellular Ca2+ was observed only under isotonic conditions. The results suggest that, although the uptake of D-aspartate into SH-SY5Y cells is enhanced after mAChR activation, this process is markedly attenuated by hypoosmolarity.

  6. Isolation of RNA From Peripheral Blood Cells: A Validation Study for Molecular Diagnostics by Microarray and Kinetic RT-PCR Assays - Application in Aerospace Medicine

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2004-01-01

    of RNA From Peripheral Blood Cells: A Validation Study for Molecular Diagnostics by Microarray and Kinetic RT-PCR Assays  Application in...VALIDATION STUDY FOR MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS BY MICROARRAY AND KINETIC RT-PCR ASSAYS  APPLICATION IN AEROSPACE MEDICINE INTRODUCTION Extraction of cellular

  7. Effect of adenosine on the growth of human T-lymphocyte leukemia cell line MOLT-4.

    PubMed

    Streitová, Denisa; Weiterová, Lenka; Hofer, Michal; Holá, Jirina; Horváth, Viktor; Kozubík, Alois; Znojil, Vladimír

    2007-09-01

    Adenosine has been observed to suppress the growth of MOLT-4 human leukemia cells in vitro. Changes in the cell cycle, especially increased percentage of cells in S phase, prolonged generation time, and induction of apoptosis at higher adenosine concentrations have been found to be responsible for the growth suppression. Dipyridamole, a drug inhibiting the cellular uptake of adenosine, reversed partially but significantly the adenosine-induced growth suppression. It follows from these results that the action of adenosine on the MOLT-4 cells comprises its cellular uptake and intracellular operation. These findings present new data on anticancer efficacy of adenosine.

  8. Improved Cellular Specificity of Plasmonic Nanobubbles versus Nanoparticles in Heterogeneous Cell Systems

    PubMed Central

    Lukianova-Hleb, Ekaterina Y.; Ren, Xiaoyang; Constantinou, Pamela E.; Danysh, Brian P.; Shenefelt, Derek L.; Carson, Daniel D.; Farach-Carson, Mary C.; Kulchitsky, Vladimir A.; Wu, Xiangwei; Wagner, Daniel S.; Lapotko, Dmitri O.

    2012-01-01

    The limited specificity of nanoparticle (NP) uptake by target cells associated with a disease is one of the principal challenges of nanomedicine. Using the threshold mechanism of plasmonic nanobubble (PNB) generation and enhanced accumulation and clustering of gold nanoparticles in target cells, we increased the specificity of PNB generation and detection in target versus non-target cells by more than one order of magnitude compared to the specificity of NP uptake by the same cells. This improved cellular specificity of PNBs was demonstrated in six different cell models representing diverse molecular targets such as epidermal growth factor receptor, CD3 receptor, prostate specific membrane antigen and mucin molecule MUC1. Thus PNBs may be a universal method and nano-agent that overcome the problem of non-specific uptake of NPs by non-target cells and improve the specificity of NP-based diagnostics, therapeutics and theranostics at the cell level. PMID:22509318

  9. Improved cellular specificity of plasmonic nanobubbles versus nanoparticles in heterogeneous cell systems.

    PubMed

    Lukianova-Hleb, Ekaterina Y; Ren, Xiaoyang; Constantinou, Pamela E; Danysh, Brian P; Shenefelt, Derek L; Carson, Daniel D; Farach-Carson, Mary C; Kulchitsky, Vladimir A; Wu, Xiangwei; Wagner, Daniel S; Lapotko, Dmitri O

    2012-01-01

    The limited specificity of nanoparticle (NP) uptake by target cells associated with a disease is one of the principal challenges of nanomedicine. Using the threshold mechanism of plasmonic nanobubble (PNB) generation and enhanced accumulation and clustering of gold nanoparticles in target cells, we increased the specificity of PNB generation and detection in target versus non-target cells by more than one order of magnitude compared to the specificity of NP uptake by the same cells. This improved cellular specificity of PNBs was demonstrated in six different cell models representing diverse molecular targets such as epidermal growth factor receptor, CD3 receptor, prostate specific membrane antigen and mucin molecule MUC1. Thus PNBs may be a universal method and nano-agent that overcome the problem of non-specific uptake of NPs by non-target cells and improve the specificity of NP-based diagnostics, therapeutics and theranostics at the cell level.

  10. Phagocytosis: studies by optical tweezers and time-resolved microspectrofluorometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schneckenburger, Herbert; Sailer, Reinhard; Hendinger, Anita; Gschwend, Michael H.; Bauer, Manfred; Strauss, Wolfgang S. L.

    1999-01-01

    Cellular uptake of transparent Latex particles by J774A.1 mouse macrophages has been studied: First, single beads were kept within an optical light trap and located in close vicinity to individual cells. Uptake of the beads was visualized, and intrinsic fluorescence was detected in the spectral range of 420 - 530 nm. Second, time-gated fluorescence spectra of single cells were recorded at pre- selected times during one hour after cellular uptake. A rapid increase of autofluorescence and a subsequent decrease to the level of control cells within about 10 min. was measured within a time gate of 0 - 5 ns after the exciting laser pulses, and attributed to the 'free' coenzyme NAD(P)H. In contrast, fluorescence increase of NAD(P)H bound to proteins (measured within time gates of 5 - 10 ns or 10 - 15 ns) was less pronounced, and the subsequent decrease occurred within a longer period (about one hour).

  11. Intracellular Delivery of a Planar DNA Origami Structure by the Transferrin-Receptor Internalization Pathway.

    PubMed

    Schaffert, David H; Okholm, Anders H; Sørensen, Rasmus S; Nielsen, Jesper S; Tørring, Thomas; Rosen, Christian B; Kodal, Anne Louise B; Mortensen, Michael R; Gothelf, Kurt V; Kjems, Jørgen

    2016-05-01

    DNA origami provides rapid access to easily functionalized, nanometer-sized structures making it an intriguing platform for the development of defined drug delivery and sensor systems. Low cellular uptake of DNA nanostructures is a major obstacle in the development of DNA-based delivery platforms. Herein, significant strong increase in cellular uptake in an established cancer cell line by modifying a planar DNA origami structure with the iron transport protein transferrin (Tf) is demonstrated. A variable number of Tf molecules are coupled to the origami structure using a DNA-directed, site-selective labeling technique to retain ligand functionality. A combination of confocal fluorescence microscopy and quantitative (qPCR) techniques shows up to 22-fold increased cytoplasmic uptake compared to unmodified structures and with an efficiency that correlates to the number of transferrin molecules on the origami surface. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  12. Improving the biopharmaceutical attributes of mangiferin using vitamin E-TPGS co-loaded self-assembled phosholipidic nano-mixed micellar systems.

    PubMed

    Khurana, Rajneet Kaur; Gaspar, Balan Louis; Welsby, Gail; Katare, O P; Singh, Kamalinder K; Singh, Bhupinder

    2018-06-01

    The current research work encompasses the development, characterization, and evaluation of self-assembled phospholipidic nano-mixed miceller system (SPNMS) of a poorly soluble BCS Class IV xanthone bioactive, mangiferin (Mgf) functionalized with co-delivery of vitamin E TPGS. Systematic optimization using I-optimal design yielded self-assembled phospholipidic nano-micelles with a particle size of < 60 nm and > 80% of drug release in 15 min. The cytotoxicity and cellular uptake studies performed using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines demonstrated greater kill and faster cellular uptake. The ex vivo intestinal permeability revealed higher lymphatic uptake, while in situ perfusion and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies indicated nearly 6.6- and 3.0-folds augmentation in permeability and bioavailability of Mgf. In a nutshell, vitamin E functionalized SPNMS of Mgf improved the biopharmaceutical performance of Mgf in rats for enhanced anticancer potency.

  13. Bovine lactoferrin and lactoferricin interfere with intracellular trafficking of Herpes simplex virus-1.

    PubMed

    Marr, A K; Jenssen, H; Moniri, M Roshan; Hancock, R E W; Panté, N

    2009-01-01

    Although both lactoferrin (Lf), a component of the innate immune system of living organisms, and its N-terminal pepsin cleavage product lactoferricin (Lfcin) have anti-herpes activity, the precise mechanisms by which Lf and Lfcin bring about inhibition of herpes infections are not fully understood. In the present study, experiments were carried out to characterize the activity of bovine Lf and Lfcin (BLf and BLfcin) against the Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). HSV-1 cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking were studied by immunofluorescence microscopy. In comparison to the untreated infected control cells, both the BLf- and BLfcin-treated cells showed a significant reduction in HSV-1 cellular uptake. The few virus particles that were internalized appeared to have a delayed intracellular trafficking. Thus, in addition to their interference with the uptake of the virus into host cells, Lf and Lfcin also exert their antiviral effect intracellularly.

  14. g-force induced giant efficiency of nanoparticles internalization into living cells

    PubMed Central

    Ocampo, Sandra M.; Rodriguez, Vanessa; de la Cueva, Leonor; Salas, Gorka; Carrascosa, Jose. L.; Josefa Rodríguez, María; García-Romero, Noemí; Luis, Jose; Cuñado, F.; Camarero, Julio; Miranda, Rodolfo; Belda-Iniesta, Cristobal; Ayuso-Sacido, Angel

    2015-01-01

    Nanotechnology plays an increasingly important role in the biomedical arena. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs)-labelled cells is one of the most promising approaches for a fast and reliable evaluation of grafted cells in both preclinical studies and clinical trials. Current procedures to label living cells with IONPs are based on direct incubation or physical approaches based on magnetic or electrical fields, which always display very low cellular uptake efficiencies. Here we show that centrifugation-mediated internalization (CMI) promotes a high uptake of IONPs in glioblastoma tumour cells, just in a few minutes, and via clathrin-independent endocytosis pathway. CMI results in controllable cellular uptake efficiencies at least three orders of magnitude larger than current procedures. Similar trends are found in human mesenchymal stem cells, thereby demonstrating the general feasibility of the methodology, which is easily transferable to any laboratory with great potential for the development of improved biomedical applications. PMID:26477718

  15. Neomycin inhibits PDGF-induced IP3 formation and DNA synthesis but not PDGF-stimulated uptake of inorganic phosphate in C3H/10T1/2 fibroblasts.

    PubMed

    Vassbotn, F S; Langeland, N; Holmsen, H

    1990-09-01

    Porcine PDGF was found to increase [3H]inositol trisphosphate, [3H]thymidine incorporation and 32P-labelling of polyphosphoinositides in C3H/10T1/2 Cl 8 fibroblasts. These responses to PDGF stimulation were all inhibited by 5 mM neomycin, a polycationic aminoglycoside formerly known to inhibit polyphosphoinositide turnover. PDGF also markedly increased the cellular uptake of inorganic [32P]Pi. This response of PDGF was not inhibited by neomycin (5 mM). Thus, neomycin inhibited PDGF-induced IP3 formation, 32P-labelling of polyphosphoinositides and DNA synthesis, but not cellular uptake of inorganic phosphate. These effects of neomycin suggest a bifurcation of the initial part of the PDGF-induced signal transduction, separating at the receptor level or before phospholipase C activation.

  16. Effect of PEG molecular weight on stability, T₂ contrast, cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs).

    PubMed

    Park, Yoonjee C; Smith, Jared B; Pham, Tuan; Whitaker, Ragnhild D; Sucato, Christopher A; Hamilton, James A; Bartolak-Suki, Elizabeth; Wong, Joyce Y

    2014-07-01

    Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are currently unavailable as MRI contrast agents for detecting atherosclerosis in the clinical setting because of either low signal enhancement or safety concerns. Therefore, a new generation of SPIONs with increased circulation time, enhanced image contrast, and less cytotoxicity is essential. In this study, monodisperse SPIONs were synthesized and coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) of varying molecular weights. The resulting PEGylated SPIONs were characterized, and their interactions with vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were examined. SPIONs were tested at different concentrations (100 and 500 ppm Fe) for stability, T2 contrast, cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake to determine an optimal formulation for in vivo use. We found that at 100 ppm Fe, the PEG 2K SPIONs showed adequate stability and magnetic contrast, and exhibited the least cytotoxicity and nonspecific cellular uptake. An increase in cell viability was observed when the SPION-treated cells were washed with PBS after 1h incubation compared to 5 and 24h incubation without washing. Our investigation provides insight into the potential safe application of SPIONs in the clinic. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Multifunctional organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles and nanosheets based on chitosan derivative and layered double hydroxide: cellular uptake mechanism and application for topical ocular drug delivery

    PubMed Central

    Chi, Huibo; Gu, Yan; Xu, Tingting; Cao, Feng

    2017-01-01

    To study the cellular uptake mechanism of multifunctional organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles and nanosheets, new chitosan–glutathione–valine–valine-layered double hydroxide (CG-VV-LDH) nanosheets with active targeting to peptide transporter-1 (PepT-1) were prepared, characterized and further compared with CG-VV-LDH nanoparticles. Both organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles and nanosheets showed a sustained release in vitro and prolonged precorneal retention time in vivo, but CG-VV-LDH nanoparticles showed superior permeability in the isolated cornea of rabbits than CG-VV-LDH nanosheets. Furthermore, results of cellular uptake on human corneal epithelial primary cells (HCEpiC) and retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells indicated that both clathrin-mediated endocytosis and active transport of PepT-1 are involved in the internalization of CG-VV-LDH nanoparticles and CG-VV-LDH nanosheets. In summary, the CG-VV-LDH nanoparticle may be a promising carrier as a topical ocular drug delivery system for the treatment of ocular diseases of mid-posterior segments, while the CG-VV-LDH nanosheet may be suitable for the treatment of ocular surface diseases. PMID:28280329

  18. Min-By-Min Respiratory Exchange and Oxygen Uptake Kinetics During Steady-State Exercise in Subjects of High and Low Max VO2

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weltman, Arthur; Katch, Victor

    1976-01-01

    No statistically meaningful differences in steady-state vo2 uptake for high and low max vo2 groups was indicated in this study, but a clear tendency was observed for the high max vo2 group to reach the steady-state at a faster rate. (MB)

  19. Vanadium Requirements and Uptake Kinetics in the Dinitrogen-Fixing Bacterium Azotobacter vinelandii▿

    PubMed Central

    Bellenger, J. P.; Wichard, T.; Kraepiel, A. M. L.

    2008-01-01

    Vanadium is a cofactor in the alternative V-nitrogenase that is expressed by some N2-fixing bacteria when Mo is not available. We investigated the V requirements, the kinetics of V uptake, and the production of catechol compounds across a range of concentrations of vanadium in diazotrophic cultures of the soil bacterium Azotobacter vinelandii. In strain CA11.70, a mutant that expresses only the V-nitrogenase, V concentrations in the medium between 10−8 and 10−6 M sustain maximum growth rates; they are limiting below this range and toxic above. A. vinelandii excretes in its growth medium micromolar concentrations of the catechol siderophores azotochelin and protochelin, which bind the vanadate oxoanion. The production of catechols increases when V concentrations become toxic. Short-term uptake experiments with the radioactive isotope 49V show that bacteria take up the V-catechol complexes through a regulated transport system(s), which shuts down at high V concentrations. The modulation of the excretion of catechols and of the uptake of the V-catechol complexes allows A. vinelandii to precisely manage its V homeostasis over a range of V concentrations, from limiting to toxic. PMID:18192412

  20. Effect of Ionic Strength and Surface Charge Density on the Kinetics of Cellulose Nanocrystal Thin Film Swelling.

    PubMed

    Reid, Michael S; Kedzior, Stephanie A; Villalobos, Marco; Cranston, Emily D

    2017-08-01

    This work explores cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) thin films (<50 nm) and particle-particle interactions by investigating film swelling in aqueous solutions with varying ionic strength (1-100 mM). CNC film hydration was monitored in situ via surface plasmon resonance, and the kinetics of liquid uptake were quantified. The contribution of electrostatic double-layer forces to film swelling was elucidated by using CNCs with different surface charges (anionic sulfate half ester groups, high and low surface charge density, and cationic trimethylammonium groups). Total water uptake in the thin films was found to be independent of ionic strength and surface chemistry, suggesting that in the aggregated state van der Waals forces dominate over double-layer forces to hold the films together. However, the rate of swelling varied significantly. The water uptake followed Fickian behavior, and the measured diffusion constants decreased with the ionic strength gradient between the film and the solution. This work highlights that nanoparticle interactions and dispersion are highly dependent on the state of particle aggregation and that the rate of water uptake in aggregates and thin films can be tailored based on surface chemistry and solution ionic strength.

  1. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sheppard, S.C.; Evenden, W.G.; Cornwell, T.C.

    The relative depuration and uptake kinetics of contaminants should be known to interpret appropriately the use of organisms such as earthworms in environmental bioassays and monitoring. For example, 14-d earthworm bioassays should be interpreted with the knowledge that some contaminants will continue to accumulate in tissues for months. The radiotracers {sup 125}I, {sup 134}Cs, {sup 54}Mn, {sup 65}Zn, and {sup 109}Cd were applied to deciduous litter and specimens of Lumbricus terrestris were exposed, either to litter alone or to litter on the top of soil columns. Depuration was monitored for 120 d and uptake, in a separate experiment, for 20more » d. Both depuration and uptake were described using two-phase, first-order statistical models. Cut clearance had a mean half-time of 1.4 d. The mean half-time for physiological depuration decreased from I (210 d) > Cd (150 d) > Zn (69 d) > Mn (40 d) > Cs (24 d). Both the depuration and the uptake experiments were necessary to resolve even partially the multiphase processes. Earthworm/soil dry weight concentration ratios decreased from Cd > Zn > I {ge} Cs {ge} Mn. The very slow kinetics indicate that tissue concentrations will increase continuously for a long time, with important implications for subsequent food-chain transfers.« less

  2. Surface modification of solid lipid nanoparticles for oral delivery of curcumin: Improvement of bioavailability through enhanced cellular uptake, and lymphatic uptake.

    PubMed

    Baek, Jong-Suep; Cho, Cheong-Weon

    2017-08-01

    Curcumin has been reported to exhibit potent anticancer effects. However, poor solubility, bioavailability and stability of curcumin limit its in vivo efficacy for the cancer treatment. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are a promising delivery system for the enhancement of bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs. However, burst release of drug from SLN in acidic environment limits its usage as oral delivery system. Hence, we prepared N-carboxymethyl chitosan (NCC) coated curcumin-loaded SLN (NCC-SLN) to inhibit the rapid release of curcumin in acidic environment and enhance the bioavailability. The NCC-SLN exhibited suppressed burst release in simulated gastric fluid while sustained release was observed in simulated intestinal fluid. Furthermore, NCC-SLN exhibited increased cytotoxicity and cellular uptake on MCF-7 cells. The lymphatic uptake and oral bioavailability of NCC-SLN were found to be 6.3-fold and 9.5-fold higher than that of curcumin solution, respectively. These results suggest that NCC-SLN could be an efficient oral delivery system for curcumin. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Caffeine inhibition of aflatoxin synthesis: probable site of action.

    PubMed Central

    Buchanan, R L; Lewis, D F

    1984-01-01

    Aflatoxin production by pregrown cultures of Aspergillus parasiticus was completely inhibited by incorporation of 2 mg of caffeine per ml into the medium. This was accompanied by a decrease in glucose utilization and an inhibition of oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide evolution. Enzyme analyses indicated no significant differences in specific activities on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, mannitol dehydrogenase, phosphofructokinase, fructose 1,6-diphosphatase, pyruvate kinase, or malate dehydrogenase. Glucose uptake kinetics indicated a linear dose-related inhibition of glucose uptake. It appears likely that caffeine inhibits aflatoxin synthesis by restricting the uptake of carbohydrates which are ultimately used by the mold to synthesize this family of mycotoxins. PMID:6331311

  4. Lactose digestion by human jejunal biopsies: the relationship between hydrolysis and absorption.

    PubMed Central

    Dawson, D J; Lobley, R W; Burrows, P C; Miller, V; Holmes, R

    1986-01-01

    The relationship between lactose hydrolysis and absorption of released glucose was investigated by determining the kinetics of lactose digestion by jejunal biopsies incubated in vitro. Lactase activity in intact biopsies correlated with conventional assay of tissue homogenates (r = 0.85, p less than 0.001), and glucose uptake from 28 mM lactose was directly proportional to lactase activity (r = 0.95, p less than 0.001) in 21 subjects with normal lactase levels, six with hypolactasia (primary or secondary to coeliac disease) and two with lactose intolerance but normal lactase activity. Kinetic analysis at 0.56-56 mM lactose in five normal subjects showed saturable kinetics for hydrolysis (app Km = 33.9 +/- 2.2 mM; app Vmax = 26.5 +/- 1.1 nmol/min/mg dry weight) but glucose uptake could be fitted to a model either of saturable uptake (app Kt = 47.2 +/- 0.3 mM; app Jmax = 14.1 +/- 0.2 nmol/min/mg) or saturable uptake plus a linear component (app Kt = 21.3 +/- 1.15; app Jmax = 4.59 +/- 0.12; app Kd = 0.093 +/- 0.010 nmol/min/mg/mM). The proportion of glucose taken into the tissue did not significantly exceed 50% of the total released at any lactose concentration suggesting the lack of an efficient capture mechanism for the released glucose. The results suggest that lactose hydrolysis is the rate limiting step in the overall absorption of glucose from lactose in vitro, and that the relationship between hydrolysis and absorption is the same in normal subjects and in hypolactasic subjects. PMID:3084346

  5. Cerium oxide nanoparticle uptake kinetics from the gas-phase into lung cells in vitro is transport limited.

    PubMed

    Raemy, David O; Limbach, Ludwig K; Rothen-Rutishauser, Barbara; Grass, Robert N; Gehr, Peter; Birbaum, Karin; Brandenberger, Christina; Günther, Detlef; Stark, Wendelin J

    2011-04-01

    Nowadays, aerosol processes are widely used for the manufacture of nanoparticles (NPs), creating an increased occupational exposure risk of workers, laboratory personnel and scientists to airborne particles. There is evidence that possible adverse effects are linked with the accumulation of NPs in target cells, pointing out the importance of understanding the kinetics of particle internalization. In this context, the uptake kinetics of representative airborne NPs over 30 min and their internalization after 24 h post-exposure were investigated by the use of a recently established exposure system. This system combines the production of aerosolized cerium oxide (CeO(2)) NPs by flame spray synthesis with its simultaneous particle deposition from the gas-phase onto A549 lung cells, cultivated at the air-liquid interface. Particle uptake was quantified by mass spectrometry after several exposure times (0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 min). Over 35% of the deposited mass was found internalized after 10 min exposure, a value that increased to 60% after 30 min exposure. Following an additional 24 h post-incubation, a time span, after which adverse biological effects were observed in previous experiments, over 80% of total CeO(2) could be detected intracellularly. On the ultrastructural level, focal cerium aggregates were present on the apical surface of A549 cells and could also be localized intracellularly in vesicular structures. The uptake behaviour of aerosolized CeO(2) is in line with observations on cerium suspensions, where particle mass transport was identified as the rate-limiting factor for NP internalization. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Chemical stimulation of adherent cells by localized application of acetylcholine from a microfluidic system.

    PubMed

    Zibek, Susanne; Hagmeyer, Britta; Stett, Alfred; Stelzle, Martin

    2010-01-01

    Chemical stimulation of cells is inherently cell type selective in contrast to electro-stimulation. The availability of a system for localized application of minute amounts of chemical stimulants could be useful for dose related response studies to test new compounds. It could also bring forward the development of a novel type of neuroprostheses. In an experimental setup microdroplets of an acetylcholine solution were ejected from a fluidic microsystem and applied to the bottom of a nanoporous membrane. The solution traveled through the pores to the top of the membrane on which TE671 cells were cultivated. Calcium imaging was used to visualize cellular response with temporal and spatial resolution. Experimental demonstration of chemical stimulation for both threshold gated stimulation as well as accumulated dose-response was achieved by either employing acetylcholine as chemical stimulant or applying calcein uptake, respectively. Numerical modeling and simulation of transport mechanisms involved were employed to gain a theoretical understanding of the influence of pore size, concentration of stimulant and droplet volume on the spatial-temporal distribution of stimulant and on the cellular response. Diffusion, pressure driven flow and evaporation effects were taken into account. Fast stimulation kinetic is achieved with pores of 0.82 μm diameter, whereas sustained substance delivery is obtained with nanoporous membranes. In all cases threshold concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.015 μM acetylcholine independent of pore size were determined.

  7. Environmental assessment of depleted uranium used in military armor-piercing rounds in terrestrial systems.

    PubMed

    Stanley, Jacob K; Coleman, Jessica G; Brasfield, Sandra M; Bednar, Anthony J; Ang, Choo Y

    2014-06-01

    Depleted uranium (DU) from the military testing and use of armor-piercing kinetic energy penetrators has been shown to accumulate in soils; however, little is known about the toxicity of DU geochemical species created through corrosion or weathering. The purpose of the present study was to assess the toxic effects and bioaccumulation potential of field-collected DU oxides to the model terrestrial invertebrates Eisenia fetida (earthworm) and Porcellio scaber (isopod). Earthworm studies were acute (72 h) dermal exposures or 28-d spiked soil exposures that used noncontaminated field-collected soils from the US Army's Yuma and Aberdeen Proving Grounds. Endpoints assessed in earthworm testing included bioaccumulation, growth, reproduction, behavior (soil avoidance), and cellular stress (neutral red uptake in coelomocytes). Isopod testing used spiked food, and endpoints assessed included bioaccumulation, survival, and feeding behavior. Concentration-dependent bioaccumulation of DU in earthworms was observed with a maximum bioaccumulation factor of 0.35; however, no significant reductions in survival or impacts to cellular stress were observed. Reproduction lowest-observed-effect concentrations (LOEC) of 158 mg/kg and 96 mg/kg were observed in Yuma Proving Ground and a Mississippi reference soil (Karnac Ferry), respectively. Earthworm avoidance of contaminated soils was not observed in 48-h soil avoidance studies; however, isopods were shown to avoid food spiked with 12.7% by weight DU oxides through digital tracking studies. © 2014 SETAC.

  8. Dynamic acid/base equilibrium in single component switchable ionic liquids and consequences on viscosity

    DOE PAGES

    Cantu, David C.; Lee, Juntaek; Lee, Mal -Soon; ...

    2016-03-28

    The deployment of transformational non-aqueous CO 2-capture solvent systems is encumbered by high viscosity even at intermediate uptakes. Using single-molecule CO 2 binding organic liquids as a prototypical example, we identify the key molecular features controlling bulk liquid viscosity and CO 2 uptake kinetics. Fast uptake kinetics arise from close proximity of the alcohol and amine sites that are involved in CO 2 binding. This process results in the concerted formation of a Zwitterion containing both an alkylcarbonate and a protonated amine. The hydrogen bonding between the two functional groups ultimately determines the solution viscosity. Based on molecular simulation, thismore » work reveals options to significantly reduce viscosity with molecular modifications that shift the proton transfer equilibrium towards a neutral acid/amine species as opposed to the ubiquitously accepted Zwitterionic state. Lastly, the molecular design concepts proposed here, for the alkyl-carbonate systems, are readily extensible to other CO 2 capture technologies, such as the carbamate- or imidazole-based solvent chemistries.« less

  9. Tracking of cell nuclei for assessment of in vitro uptake kinetics in ultrasound-mediated drug delivery using fibered confocal fluorescence microscopy.

    PubMed

    Derieppe, Marc; de Senneville, Baudouin Denis; Kuijf, Hugo; Moonen, Chrit; Bos, Clemens

    2014-10-01

    Previously, we demonstrated the feasibility to monitor ultrasound-mediated uptake of a cell-impermeable model drug in real time with fibered confocal fluorescence microscopy. Here, we present a complete post-processing methodology, which corrects for cell displacements, to improve the accuracy of pharmacokinetic parameter estimation. Nucleus detection was performed based on the radial symmetry transform algorithm. Cell tracking used an iterative closest point approach. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by fitting a two-compartment model to the time-intensity curves of individual cells. Cells were tracked successfully, improving time-intensity curve accuracy and pharmacokinetic parameter estimation. With tracking, 93 % of the 370 nuclei showed a fluorescence signal variation that was well-described by a two-compartment model. In addition, parameter distributions were narrower, thus increasing precision. Dedicated image analysis was implemented and enabled studying ultrasound-mediated model drug uptake kinetics in hundreds of cells per experiment, using fiber-based confocal fluorescence microscopy.

  10. Effectiveness of Vegetated Drainage Ditches for Domestic Sewage Effluent Mitigation.

    PubMed

    Kumwimba, Mathieu Nsenga; Zhu, Bo

    2017-05-01

    Plant species have an important role in eco-ditches; however, the Michaelis-Menten kinetic parameters of nutrient uptake, growth rate and purification efficiency of ditch plants and their influences on domestic sewage treatment efficiency are still unclear. Growth rates of all nine species, but especially Lemna gibba, Cladophora and Myriophyllum verticillatum were best in undiluted domestic sewage as opposed to a mixture of domestic sewage. Performance of species to accumulate nutrients was not only species-specific, but was also affected by both sewage treatments. Removal efficiency of nutrients was dependent on both plant species and treatment. Uptake kinetic parameters were significantly affected by both nutrient form and plant species. The maximum uptake rate (Vmax) of NH 4 -N was higher than NO 3 -N. Similarly, Km values for NH 4 -N were greater than NO 3 -N. These results could be used to identify plants for sewage treatment efficiency and enhance water quality in eco-ditch treatment systems.

  11. Comparative Studies on the Toxicokinetics of Benzo[a]pyrene in Pinctada martensii and Perna viridis.

    PubMed

    Wang, Haihua; Cui, Lili; Cheng, Huamin; Zhang, Yu; Diao, Xiaoping; Wang, Jun

    2017-05-01

    Research on the kinetics of Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) bioaccumulation in the clam Pinctada martensii and mussel Perna viridis showed that the initial rate of uptake was directly related to the PAH concentrations in the ambient environment. The uptake and depuration rate constants were different at the four B[a]P exposure levels, which indicated that the toxicokinetic rate constants mainly depended on the exposure levels of pollutants to the environment. In addition, the uptake rate constants of B[a]P were higher than the depuration rate constants in the entire experiment. The comparison demonstrated that mussels release B[a]P more rapidly than clams. The bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of B[a]P varied from 3335 to 12892 in the clam and 2373-6235 in the mussel. These findings on the bioaccumulation kinetics for petroleum hydrocarbons, in association with the critical body residue, will be valuable when choosing sensitive organisms to assess the potential ecotoxicological risk to the marine environment.

  12. Two different forms of metarhodopsin II: Schiff base deprotonation precedes proton uptake and signaling state.

    PubMed

    Arnis, S; Hofmann, K P

    1993-08-15

    Rhodopsin is a retinal protein and a G-protein-coupled receptor; it shares with both of these families the seven helix structure. To generate the G-interacting helix-loop conformation, generally identified with the 380-nm absorbing metarhodopsin II (MII) photoproduct, the retinal Schiff base bond to the apoprotein must be deprotonated. This occurs as a key event also in the related retinal proteins, sensory rhodopsins, and the proton pump bacteriorhodopsin. In MII, proton uptake from the aqueous phase must be involved as well, since its formation increases the pH of the aqueous medium and is accelerated under acidic conditions. In the native membrane, the pH effect matches MII formation kinetically, suggesting that intramolecular and aqueous protonation changes contribute in concert to the protein transformation. We show here, however, that proton uptake, as indicated by bromocresol purple, and Schiff base deprotonation (380-nm absorption change) show different kinetics when the protein is solubilized in suitable detergents. Our data are consistent with a two-step reaction:

  13. Nitrate uptake in Aspergillus nidulans and involvement of the third gene of the nitrate assimilation gene cluster.

    PubMed Central

    Brownlee, A G; Arst, H N

    1983-01-01

    In Aspergillus nidulans, chlorate strongly inhibited net nitrate uptake, a process separate and distinct from, but dependent upon, the nitrate reductase reaction. Uptake was inhibited by uncouplers, indicating that a proton gradient across the plasma membrane is required. Cyanide, azide, and N-ethylmaleimide were also potent inhibitors of uptake, but these compounds also inhibited nitrate reductase. The net uptake kinetics were problematic, presumably due to the presence of more than one uptake system and the dependence on nitrate reduction, but an apparent Km of 200 microM was estimated. In uptake assays, the crnA1 mutation reduced nitrate uptake severalfold in conidiospores and young mycelia but had no effect in older mycelia. Several growth tests also indicate that crnA1 reduces nitrate uptake. crnA expression was subject to control by the positive-acting regulatory gene areA, mediating nitrogen metabolite repression, but was not under the control of the positive-acting regulatory gene nirA, mediating nitrate induction. PMID:6350263

  14. Highlights in Endocytosis of Nanostructured Systems.

    PubMed

    Voltan, Aline R; Alarcon, Kaila M; Fusco-Almeida, Ana M; Soares, Christiane P; Mendes-Giannini, Maria J S; Chorilli, Marlus

    2017-01-01

    The focus of this review is the cellular internalisation mechanism of nanostructured systems (NSs) and their endosomal escape for targeted drug delivery. Endocytosis is a cellular process of internalisation of different molecules and foreign microorganisms. It is currently being studied for drug delivery through nanostructured systems. The most commonly studied routes of cellular uptake are phagocytosis, macro-pinocytosis, clathrinmediated endocytosis, caveolin-mediated endocytosis, and clathrin and caveolinindependent endocytosis. The mechanism utilised by NSs for cellular entry depends on factors such as cell type and its physicochemical properties. Currently, with the development of drugs-loaded onto NSs, it has been possible to increase the therapeutic index against few diseases. The NSs can deliver the active drug at locations that conventional drugs cannot, thereby minimising unwanted side effects. On cellular entry of NSs, there is a possibility of an endosomal escape of the contents into the cytoplasm, a mechanism that can be exploited so that NSs can migrate intra-cellularly and deliver the drug to the target of interest. Designing endolysosomal escape strategy is not an easy task, but it is critical for the optimal pharmacological action on the target tissue. The cellular uptake of drugs is a very important factor in therapy. Although NSs have emerged as effective drug delivery vehicle for treatment of diseases, it is crucial to understand the mechanism of NSs endocytosis. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  15. Surface bioengineering of diatomite based nanovectors for efficient intracellular uptake and drug delivery.

    PubMed

    Terracciano, Monica; Shahbazi, Mohammad-Ali; Correia, Alexandra; Rea, Ilaria; Lamberti, Annalisa; De Stefano, Luca; Santos, Hélder A

    2015-12-21

    Diatomite is a natural porous silica material of sedimentary origin. Due to its peculiar properties, it can be considered as a valid surrogate of synthetic porous silica for nano-based drug delivery. In this work, we exploit the potential of diatomite nanoparticles (DNPs) for drug delivery with the aim of developing a successful dual-biofunctionalization method by polyethylene glycol (PEG) coverage and cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) bioconjugation, to improve the physicochemical and biological properties of the particles, to enhance the intracellular uptake in cancer cells, and to increase the biocompatibility of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APT) modified-DNPs. DNPs-APT-PEG-CPP showed hemocompatibility for up to 200 μg mL(-1) after 48 h of incubation with erythrocytes, with a hemolysis value of only 1.3%. The cytotoxicity of the modified-DNPs with a concentration up to 200 μg mL(-1) and incubation with MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells for 24 h, demonstrated that PEGylation and CPP-bioconjugation can strongly reduce the cytotoxicity of DNPs-APT. The cellular uptake of the modified-DNPs was also evaluated using the above mentioned cancer cell lines, showing that the CPP-bioconjugation can considerably increase the DNP cellular uptake. Moreover, the dual surface modification of DNPs improved both the loading of a poorly water-soluble anticancer drug, sorafenib, with a loading degree up to 22 wt%, and also enhanced the drug release profiles in aqueous solutions. Overall, this work demonstrates that the biofunctionalization of DNPs is a promising platform for drug delivery applications in cancer therapy as a result of its enhanced stability, biocompatibility, cellular uptake, and drug release profiles.

  16. Arsenic augments the uptake of oxidized LDL by upregulating the expression of lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor in mouse aortic endothelial cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hossain, Ekhtear; Ota, Akinobu, E-mail: aota@aichi-med-u.ac.jp; Karnan, Sivasundaram

    Although chronic arsenic exposure is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, the molecular mechanism underlying arsenic-induced atherosclerosis remains obscure. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate this molecular mechanism. We examined changes in the mRNA level of the lectin-like oxidized LDL (oxLDL) receptor (LOX-1) in a mouse aortic endothelial cell line, END-D, after sodium arsenite (SA) treatment. SA treatment significantly upregulated LOX-1 mRNA expression; this finding was also verified at the protein expression level. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy analyses showed that the cellular uptake of fluorescence (Dil)-labeled oxLDL was significantly augmented with SA treatment. In addition, anmore » anti-LOX-1 antibody completely abrogated the augmented uptake of Dil-oxLDL. We observed that SA increased the levels of the phosphorylated forms of nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells (NF-κB)/p65. SA-induced upregulation of LOX-1 protein expression was clearly prevented by treatment with an antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), or an NF-κB inhibitor, caffeic acid phenethylester (CAPE). Furthermore, SA-augmented uptake of Dil-oxLDL was also prevented by treatment with NAC or CAPE. Taken together, our results indicate that arsenic upregulates LOX-1 expression through the reactive oxygen species-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway, followed by augmented cellular oxLDL uptake, thus highlighting a critical role of the aberrant LOX-1 signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of arsenic-induced atherosclerosis. - Highlights: • Sodium arsenite (SA) increases LOX-1 expression in mouse aortic endothelial cells. • SA enhances cellular uptake of oxidized LDL in dose-dependent manner. • SA-induced ROS generation enhances phosphorylation of NF-κB. • SA upregulates LOX-1 expression through ROS-activated NF-κB signaling pathway.« less

  17. In Vitro Assessment of Uptake and Lysosomal Sequestration of Respiratory Drugs in Alveolar Macrophage Cell Line NR8383.

    PubMed

    Ufuk, Ayşe; Somers, Graham; Houston, J Brian; Galetin, Aleksandra

    2015-12-01

    To assess accumulation and lysosomal sequestration of 9 drugs used in respiratory indications (plus imipramine as positive control) in the alveolar macrophage (AM) cell line NR8383. For all drugs, uptake at 5 μM was investigated at 37 and 4°C to delineate active uptake and passive diffusion processes. Accumulation of basic clarithromycin, formoterol and imipramine was also assessed over 0.1-100 μM concentration range. Lysosomal sequestration was investigated using ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), monensin and nigericin. Impact of lysosomal sequestration on clarithromycin accumulation kinetics was investigated. Both cell-to-medium concentration ratio (Kp) and uptake clearance (CLuptake) ranged > 400-fold for the drugs investigated. The greatest Kp was observed for imipramine (391) and clarithromycin (82), in contrast to no accumulation seen for terbutaline. A concentration-dependent accumulation was evident for the basic drugs investigated. Imipramine and clarithromycin Kp and CLuptake were reduced by 59-85% in the presence of NH4Cl and monensin/nigericin, indicating lysosomal accumulation, whereas lysosomal sequestration was not pronounced for the other 8 respiratory drugs. Clarithromycin uptake rate was altered by NH4Cl, highlighting the impact of subcellular distribution on accumulation kinetics. This study provides novel evidence of the utility of NR8383 for investigating accumulation and lysosomal sequestration of respiratory drugs in AMs.

  18. Gas uptake and chemical aging of semisolid organic aerosol particles

    PubMed Central

    Shiraiwa, Manabu; Ammann, Markus; Koop, Thomas; Pöschl, Ulrich

    2011-01-01

    Organic substances can adopt an amorphous solid or semisolid state, influencing the rate of heterogeneous reactions and multiphase processes in atmospheric aerosols. Here we demonstrate how molecular diffusion in the condensed phase affects the gas uptake and chemical transformation of semisolid organic particles. Flow tube experiments show that the ozone uptake and oxidative aging of amorphous protein is kinetically limited by bulk diffusion. The reactive gas uptake exhibits a pronounced increase with relative humidity, which can be explained by a decrease of viscosity and increase of diffusivity due to hygroscopic water uptake transforming the amorphous organic matrix from a glassy to a semisolid state (moisture-induced phase transition). The reaction rate depends on the condensed phase diffusion coefficients of both the oxidant and the organic reactant molecules, which can be described by a kinetic multilayer flux model but not by the traditional resistor model approach of multiphase chemistry. The chemical lifetime of reactive compounds in atmospheric particles can increase from seconds to days as the rate of diffusion in semisolid phases can decrease by multiple orders of magnitude in response to low temperature or low relative humidity. The findings demonstrate that the occurrence and properties of amorphous semisolid phases challenge traditional views and require advanced formalisms for the description of organic particle formation and transformation in atmospheric models of aerosol effects on air quality, public health, and climate. PMID:21690350

  19. Membrane-bound heat shock proteins facilitate the uptake of dying cells and cross-presentation of cellular antigen.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Haiyan; Fang, Xiaoyun; Zhang, Dongmei; Wu, Weicheng; Shao, Miaomiao; Wang, Lan; Gu, Jianxin

    2016-01-01

    Heat shock proteins (HSPs) were originally identified as stress-responsive proteins and serve as molecular chaperones in different intracellular compartments. Translocation of HSPs to the cell surface and release of HSPs into the extracellular space have been observed during the apoptotic process and in response to a variety of cellular stress. Here, we report that UV irradiation and cisplatin treatment rapidly induce the expression of membrane-bound Hsp60, Hsp70, and Hsp90 upstream the phosphatidylserine exposure. Membrane-bound Hsp60, Hsp70 and Hsp90 could promote the release of IL-6 and IL-1β as well as DC maturation by the evaluation of CD80 and CD86 expression. On the other hand, Hsp60, Hsp70 and Hsp90 on cells could facilitate the uptake of dying cells by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), as a common receptor for Hsp60, Hsp70, and Hsp90, is response for their recognition and mediates the uptake of dying cells. Furthermore, membrane-bound Hsp60, Hsp70 and Hsp90 could promote the cross-presentation of OVA antigen from E.G7 cells and inhibition of the uptake of dying cells by LOX-1 decreases the cross-presentation of cellular antigen. Therefore, the rapid exposure of HSPs on dying cells at the early stage allows for the recognition by and confers an activation signal to the immune system.

  20. Phloretin attenuates hyperuricemia-induced endothelial dysfunction through co-inhibiting inflammation and GLUT9-mediated uric acid uptake.

    PubMed

    Liu, Shuyun; Yuan, Yujia; Zhou, Yijie; Zhao, Meng; Chen, Younan; Cheng, Jingqiu; Lu, Yanrong; Liu, Jingping

    2017-10-01

    Hyperuricemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular and renal diseases. Phloretin had shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its role in endothelial injury is rarely reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of phloretin on UA-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The effects of UA and phloretin on cell viability, inflammation, THP-1 monocyte adhesion, endothelial cell tube formation, GLUT9 expression and UA uptake in human umbilical vein endothelial cells were evaluated. The changes of nuclear factor-kappa B/extracellular regulated protein kinases signalling were also analysed. Our results showed that UA reduced cell viability and tube formation, and increased inflammation and monocytes adhesion in human umbilical vein endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, phloretin significantly attenuated pro-inflammatory factors expression and endothelial injury induced by UA. Phloretin inhibited the activation of extracellular regulated protein kinases/nuclear factor-kappa B pathway, and reduced GLUT9 and it mediated UA uptake in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. These results indicated that phloretin attenuated UA-induced endothelial injury via a synergic mechanism including direct anti-inflammatory effect and lowering cellular UA uptake. Our study suggested that phloretin might be a promising therapy for hyperuricemia-related cardiovascular diseases. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.

  1. E4orf1 Enhances Glucose Uptake Independent of Proximal Insulin Signaling

    PubMed Central

    Na, Ha-Na; Hegde, Vijay; Dubuisson, Olga; Dhurandhar, Nikhil V.

    2016-01-01

    Impaired proximal insulin signaling is often present in diabetes. Hence, approaches to enhance glucose disposal independent of proximal insulin signaling are desirable. Evidence indicates that Adenovirus-derived E4orf1 protein may offer such an approach. This study determined if E4orf1 improves insulin sensitivity and downregulates proximal insulin signaling in vivo and enhances cellular glucose uptake independent of proximal insulin signaling in vitro. High fat fed mice were injected with a retrovirus plasmid expressing E4orf1, or a null vector. E4orf1 significantly improved insulin sensitivity in response to a glucose load. Yet, their proximal insulin signaling in fat depots was impaired, as indicated by reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor (IR), and significantly increased abundance of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-1 (ENPP1). In 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes E4orf1 expression impaired proximal insulin signaling. Whereas, treatment with rosiglitazone reduced ENPP1 abundance. Unaffected by IR-KD (insulin receptor knockdown) with siRNA, E4orf1 significantly up-regulated distal insulin signaling pathway and enhanced cellular glucose uptake. In vivo, E4orf1 impairs proximal insulin signaling in fat depots yet improves glycemic control. This is probably explained by the ability of E4orf1 to promote cellular glucose uptake independent of proximal insulin signaling. E4orf1 may provide a therapeutic template to enhance glucose disposal in the presence of impaired proximal insulin signaling. PMID:27537838

  2. E4orf1 Enhances Glucose Uptake Independent of Proximal Insulin Signaling.

    PubMed

    Na, Ha-Na; Hegde, Vijay; Dubuisson, Olga; Dhurandhar, Nikhil V

    2016-01-01

    Impaired proximal insulin signaling is often present in diabetes. Hence, approaches to enhance glucose disposal independent of proximal insulin signaling are desirable. Evidence indicates that Adenovirus-derived E4orf1 protein may offer such an approach. This study determined if E4orf1 improves insulin sensitivity and downregulates proximal insulin signaling in vivo and enhances cellular glucose uptake independent of proximal insulin signaling in vitro. High fat fed mice were injected with a retrovirus plasmid expressing E4orf1, or a null vector. E4orf1 significantly improved insulin sensitivity in response to a glucose load. Yet, their proximal insulin signaling in fat depots was impaired, as indicated by reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor (IR), and significantly increased abundance of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-1 (ENPP1). In 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes E4orf1 expression impaired proximal insulin signaling. Whereas, treatment with rosiglitazone reduced ENPP1 abundance. Unaffected by IR-KD (insulin receptor knockdown) with siRNA, E4orf1 significantly up-regulated distal insulin signaling pathway and enhanced cellular glucose uptake. In vivo, E4orf1 impairs proximal insulin signaling in fat depots yet improves glycemic control. This is probably explained by the ability of E4orf1 to promote cellular glucose uptake independent of proximal insulin signaling. E4orf1 may provide a therapeutic template to enhance glucose disposal in the presence of impaired proximal insulin signaling.

  3. Photocytotoxicity of mTHPC (Temoporfin) Loaded Polymeric Micelles Mediated by Lipase Catalyzed Degradation

    PubMed Central

    Hofman, Jan-Willem; Carstens, Myrra G.; van Zeeland, Femke; Helwig, Conny; Flesch, Frits M.; Hennink, Wim E.

    2008-01-01

    Purpose To study the in vitro photocytotoxicity and cellular uptake of biodegradable polymeric micelles loaded with the photosensitizer mTHPC, including the effect of lipase-catalyzed micelle degradation. Methods Micelles of mPEG750-b-oligo(ɛ-caprolactone)5 (mPEG750-b-OCL5) with a hydroxyl (OH), benzoyl (Bz) or naphthoyl (Np) end group were formed and loaded with mTHPC by the film hydration method. The cellular uptake of the loaded micelles, and their photocytotoxicity on human neck squamous carcinoma cells in the absence and presence of lipase were compared with free and liposomal mTHPC (Fospeg®). Results Micelles composed of mPEG750-b-OCL5 with benzoyl and naphtoyl end groups had the highest loading capacity up to 30% (w/w), likely due to π–π interactions between the aromatic end group and the photosensitizer. MTHPC-loaded benzoylated micelles (0.5 mg/mL polymer) did not display photocytotoxicity or any mTHPC-uptake by the cells, in contrast to free and liposomal mTHPC. After dilution of the micelles below the critical aggregation concentration (CAC), or after micelle degradation by lipase, photocytotoxicity and cellular uptake of mTHPC were restored. Conclusion The high loading capacity of the micelles, the high stability of mTHPC-loaded micelles above the CAC, and the lipase-induced release of the photosensitizer makes these micelles very promising carriers for photodynamic therapy in vivo. PMID:18597164

  4. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Despotopulos, John D.; Kmak, Kelly N.; Gharibyan, Narek

    Eichrom’s Pb resin, a crown-ether-based extraction chromatography resin, was characterized for separation of the flerovium (Fl) homologs, Pb and Sn. Batch uptake of Pb(II) and Sn(IV) radionuclides was determined from an HNO 3 matrix. Pb(II) was strongly retained on the resin at all HNO 3 concentrations, while Sn(IV) showed no uptake. Extraction kinetics for Pb(II) were examined and show suitable uptake on the second time scale. Here, separation methods for the isolation of individual homologs, Pb(II) and Sn(IV), have been established using 2 mL pre-packed vacuum flow Pb resin columns.

  5. Targeted delivery of polyoxometalate nanocomposites.

    PubMed

    Geisberger, Georg; Paulus, Susann; Gyenge, Emina Besic; Maake, Caroline; Patzke, Greta R

    2011-10-04

    Polyoxometalate/carboxymethyl chitosan nanocomposites with an average diameter of 130 nm are synthesized and labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) for a combined drug-carrier and cellular-monitoring approach. [Eu(β(2) -SiW(11) O(39) )(2) ](13-) /CMC nanospheres as a representative example do not display cytotoxicity for POM concentrations up to 2 mg mL(-1) . Cellular uptake of fluoresecently labelled {EuSiW(11) O(39) }/FITC-CMC nanoparticles is monitored with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Nanoparticle uptake occurs after incubation times of around 1 h and no cyctotoxic effects are observed upon prolonged treatment. The preferential location of the POM/CMC nanocomposites in the perinuclear region is furthermore verified with transmission electron microscopy investigations on unlabeled nanoparticles. Therefore, this approach is a promising dual strategy for the safe cellular transfer and monitoring of bioactive POMs. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. Uptake of the antileishmania drug tafenoquine follows a sterol-dependent diffusion process in Leishmania.

    PubMed

    Manzano, José Ignacio; Carvalho, Luis; García-Hernández, Raquel; Poveda, José Antonio; Ferragut, José Antonio; Castanys, Santiago; Gamarro, Francisco

    2011-11-01

    The present study was designed to elucidate the mechanism of tafenoquine uptake in Leishmania and its sterol dependence. Because tafenoquine is a fluorescent compound, spectrofluorimetric analysis allowed us to monitor its uptake by Leishmania promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes, and to evaluate the effect of temperature, energy and H+ gradient on drug entry. The influence of sterols on tafenoquine uptake in Leishmania parasites was determined in experiments using sterol-depleting agents such as methyl-β-cyclodextrin or cholesterol oxidase. Tafenoquine exhibited fast entry kinetics into Leishmania in an energy-independent, but pH- and temperature-dependent, non-saturable process. Furthermore, sterol depletion decreased tafenoquine uptake. These findings suggest that Leishmania takes up tafenoquine by a diffusion process and that decreases in membrane sterol content may induce a decrease in drug uptake.

  7. Influence of exercise intensity on skeletal muscle blood flow, O2 extraction and O2 uptake on-kinetics

    PubMed Central

    Jones, Andrew M; Krustrup, Peter; Wilkerson, Daryl P; Berger, Nicolas J; Calbet, José A; Bangsbo, Jens

    2012-01-01

    Following the start of low-intensity exercise in healthy humans, it has been established that the kinetics of skeletal muscle O2 delivery is faster than, and does not limit, the kinetics of muscle O2 uptake (). Direct data are lacking, however, on the question of whether O2 delivery might limit kinetics during high-intensity exercise. Using multiple exercise transitions to enhance confidence in parameter estimation, we therefore investigated the kinetics of, and inter-relationships between, muscle blood flow (), a– difference and following the onset of low-intensity (LI) and high-intensity (HI) exercise. Seven healthy males completed four 6 min bouts of LI and four 6 min bouts of HI single-legged knee-extension exercise. Blood was frequently drawn from the femoral artery and vein during exercise and , a– difference and were calculated and subsequently modelled using non-linear regression techniques. For LI, the fundamental component mean response time (MRTp) for kinetics was significantly shorter than kinetics (mean ± SEM, 18 ± 4 vs. 30 ± 4 s; P < 0.05), whereas for HI, the MRTp for and was not significantly different (27 ± 5 vs. 29 ± 4 s, respectively). There was no difference in the MRTp for either or between the two exercise intensities; however, the MRTp for a– difference was significantly shorter for HI compared with LI (17 ± 3 vs. 28 ± 4 s; P < 0.05). Excess O2, i.e. oxygen not taken up (×), was significantly elevated within the first 5 s of exercise and remained unaltered thereafter, with no differences between LI and HI. These results indicate that bulk O2 delivery does not limit kinetics following the onset of LI or HI knee-extension exercise. PMID:22711961

  8. The effect of tunicamycin on the glucose uptake, growth, and cellular adhesion in the protozoan parasite Crithidia fasciculata.

    PubMed

    Rojas, Robert; Segovia, Christopher; Trombert, Annette Nicole; Santander, Javier; Manque, Patricio

    2014-10-01

    Crithidia fasciculata represents a very interesting model organism to study biochemical, cellular, and genetic processes unique to members of the family of the Trypanosomatidae. Thus, C. fasciculata parasitizes several species of insects and has been widely used to test new therapeutic strategies against parasitic infections. By using tunicamycin, a potent inhibitor of glycosylation in asparaginyl residues of glycoproteins (N-glycosylation), we demonstrate that N-glycosylation in C. fasciculata cells is involved in modulating glucose uptake, dramatically impacting growth, and cell adhesion. C. fasciculata treated with tunicamycin was severely affected in their ability to replicate and to adhere to polystyrene substrates and losing their ability to aggregate into small and large groups. Moreover, under tunicamycin treatment, the parasites were considerably shorter and rounder and displayed alterations in cytoplasmic vesicles formation. Furthermore, glucose uptake was significantly impaired in a tunicamycin dose-dependent manner; however, no cytotoxic effect was observed. Interestingly, this effect was reversible. Thus, when tunicamycin was removed from the culture media, the parasites recovered its growth rate, cell adhesion properties, and glucose uptake. Collectively, these results suggest that changes in the tunicamycin-dependent glycosylation levels can influence glucose uptake, cell growth, and adhesion in the protozoan parasite C. fasciculata.

  9. Cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of PEG-b-PLA polymeric micelles.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Zhen; Xiong, Xiaoqin; Wan, Jiangling; Xiao, Ling; Gan, Lu; Feng, Youmei; Xu, Huibi; Yang, Xiangliang

    2012-10-01

    Besides as an inert carrier for hydrophobic anticancer agents, polymeric micelles composed of di-block copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic acid) (PEG-b-PLA) function as biological response modifiers including reversal of multidrug resistance in cancer. However, the uptake mechanisms and the subsequent intracellular trafficking remain to be elucidated. In this paper, we found that the uptake of PEG-b-PLA polymeric micelles incorporating nile red (M-NR) was significantly inhibited by both dynamin inhibitor dynasore and dynamin-2 dominant negative mutant (dynamin-2 K44A). Exogenously expressed caveolin-1 colocalized with M-NR and upregulated M-NR internalization in HepG2 cells expressing low level of endogenous caveolin-1, while caveolin-1 dominant negative mutant (caveolin-1 Y14F) significantly downregulated M-NR internalization in C6 cells expressing high level of endogenous caveolin-1. Exogenously expressed clathrin light chain A (clathrin LCa) did not mainly colocalize with the internalized M-NR and had no effect on M-NR uptake. These results suggested that dynamin- and caveolin-dependent but clathrin-independent endocytosis was involved in M-NR cellular uptake. We further found that M-NR colocalized with lysosome and microtubulin after internalization. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Transport of Gold Nanoparticles by Vascular Endothelium from Different Human Tissues

    PubMed Central

    Gromnicova, Radka; Kaya, Mehmet; Romero, Ignacio A.; Williams, Phil; Satchell, Simon; Sharrack, Basil; Male, David

    2016-01-01

    The selective entry of nanoparticles into target tissues is the key factor which determines their tissue distribution. Entry is primarily controlled by microvascular endothelial cells, which have tissue-specific properties. This study investigated the cellular properties involved in selective transport of gold nanoparticles (<5 nm) coated with PEG-amine/galactose in two different human vascular endothelia. Kidney endothelium (ciGENC) showed higher uptake of these nanoparticles than brain endothelium (hCMEC/D3), reflecting their biodistribution in vivo. Nanoparticle uptake and subcellular localisation was quantified by transmission electron microscopy. The rate of internalisation was approximately 4x higher in kidney endothelium than brain endothelium. Vesicular endocytosis was approximately 4x greater than cytosolic uptake in both cell types, and endocytosis was blocked by metabolic inhibition, whereas cytosolic uptake was energy-independent. The cellular basis for the different rates of internalisation was investigated. Morphologically, both endothelia had similar profiles of vesicles and cell volumes. However, the rate of endocytosis was higher in kidney endothelium. Moreover, the glycocalyces of the endothelia differed, as determined by lectin-binding, and partial removal of the glycocalyx reduced nanoparticle uptake by kidney endothelium, but not brain endothelium. This study identifies tissue-specific properties of vascular endothelium that affects their interaction with nanoparticles and rate of transport. PMID:27560685

  11. Improved kinetic model of Escherichia coli central carbon metabolism in batch and continuous cultures.

    PubMed

    Kurata, Hiroyuki; Sugimoto, Yurie

    2018-02-01

    Many kinetic models of Escherichia coli central metabolism have been built, but few models accurately reproduced the dynamic behaviors of wild type and multiple genetic mutants. In 2016, our latest kinetic model improved problems of existing models to reproduce the cell growth and glucose uptake of wild type, ΔpykA:pykF and Δpgi in a batch culture, while it overestimated the glucose uptake and cell growth rates of Δppc and hardly captured the typical characteristics of the glyoxylate and TCA cycle fluxes for Δpgi and Δppc. Such discrepancies between the simulated and experimental data suggested biological complexity. In this study, we overcame these problems by assuming critical mechanisms regarding the OAA-regulated isocitrate dehydrogenase activity, aceBAK gene regulation and growth suppression. The present model accurately predicts the extracellular and intracellular dynamics of wild type and many gene knockout mutants in batch and continuous cultures. It is now the most accurate, detailed kinetic model of E. coli central carbon metabolism and will contribute to advances in mathematical modeling of cell factories. Copyright © 2017 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Effect of the Addition of a Labile Gelatin Component on the Degradation and Solute Release Kinetics of a Stable PEG Hydrogel

    PubMed Central

    Waldeck, H.; Kao, W. J.

    2013-01-01

    Characterization of the degradation mechanisms and resulting products of biodegradable materials is critical in understanding the behavior of the material including solute transport and biological response. Previous mathematical analyses of a semi-interpenetrating network (sIPN) containing both labile gelatin and a stable cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) network found that diffusion-based models alone were unable to explain the release kinetics of solutes from the system. In this study, degradation of the sIPN and its effect on solute release and swelling kinetics were investigated. The kinetics of the primary mode of degradation, gelatin dissolution, was dependent on temperature, preparation methods, PEGdA and gelatin concentration, and the weight ratio between the gelatin and PEG. The gelatin dissolution rate positively correlated with both matrix swelling and the release kinetics of high-molecular-weight model compound, FITC-dextran. Coupled with previous in vitro studies, the kinetics of sIPN degradation provided insights into the time-dependent changes in cellular response including adhesion and protein expression. These results provide a facile guide in material formulation to control the delivery of high-molecular-weight compounds with concomitant modulation of cellular behavior. PMID:21801489

  13. Activity of a sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter (SVCT) in MDCK-MDR1 cells and mechanism of ascorbate uptake

    PubMed Central

    Luo, Shuanghui; Wang, Zhiying; Kansara, Viral; Pal, Dhananjay; Mitra, Ashim. K.

    2008-01-01

    The objective of this research was to functionally characterize sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter (SVCT) in MDCK-MDR1 cells and to study the effect of substituted benzene derivatives on the intracellular accumulation of ascorbic acid (AA). Mechanism of AA uptake and transport was delineated. Uptake of [14C]ascorbic acid ([14C]AA) was studied in the absence and presence of excess unlabelled AA, anion transporter inhibitors, and a series of mono- and di- substituted benzenes. Transepithelial transport of [14C]AA across polarized cell membrane has been studied for the first time. Role of cellular protein kinase mediated pathways on the regulation of AA uptake has been investigated. The cellular localizations of SVCTs were observed using confocal microscopy. Uptake of AA was found to be saturable with a Km of 83.2 μM and Vmax of 94.2 pmol/min/mg protein for SVCT1. The process was pH, sodium, temperature, and energy dependent. It was under the regulation of cellular protein kinase C (PKC) and Ca2+/CaM mediated pathways. [14C]AA uptake was significantly inhibited in the presence of excess unlabelled AA and a series of electron-withdrawing group i.e. halogen- and nitro- substituted benzene derivatives. AA appears to translocate across polarized cell membrane from apical to basal side (A−B) as well as basal to apical side (B−A) at a similar permeability. It appears that SVCT1 was mainly expressed on the apical side and SVCT2 may be located on both apical and basal sides. In conclusion, SVCT has been functionally characterized in MDCK-MDR1 cells. The interference of a series of electrophile substituted benzenes on the AA uptake process may be explained by their structural similarity. SVCT may be targeted to facilitate the delivery of drugs with low bioavailability by conjugating with AA and its structural analogs. MDCK-MDR1 cell line may be utilized as an in vitro model to study the permeability of AA conjugated prodrugs. PMID:18417304

  14. The effect of albumin on podocytes: The role of the fatty acid moiety and the potential role of CD36 scavenger receptor

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pawluczyk, I.Z.A., E-mail: izap1@le.ac.uk; John Walls Renal Unit, Leicester General Hospital Leicester; Pervez, A.

    Evidence is emerging that podocytes are able to endocytose proteins such as albumin using kinetics consistent with a receptor-mediated process. To date the role of the fatty acid moiety on albumin uptake kinetics has not been delineated and the receptor responsible for uptake is yet to be identified. Albumin uptake studies were carried out on cultured human podocytes exposed to FITC-labelled human serum albumin either carrying fatty acids (HSA{sub +FA}) or depleted of them (HSA{sub −FA}). Receptor-mediated endocytosis of FITC-HSA{sub +FA} over 60 min was 5 times greater than that of FITC-HSA{sub −FA}. 24 h exposure of podocytes to albuminmore » up-regulated nephrin expression and induced the activation of caspase-3. These effects were more pronounced in response to HSA{sub −FA.} Individually, anti-CD36 antibodies had no effect upon endocytosis of FITC-HSA. However, a cocktail of 2 antibodies reduced uptake by nearly 50%. Albumin endocytosis was enhanced in the presence of the CD36 specific inhibitor sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate (SSO) while knock-down of CD36 using CD36siRNA had no effect on uptake. These data suggest that receptor-mediated endocytosis of albumin by podocytes is regulated by the fatty acid moiety, although, some of the detrimental effects are induced independently of it. CD36 does not play a direct role in the uptake of albumin. - Highlights: • The fatty acid moiety is essential for receptor mediated endocytosis of albumin. • Fatty acid depleted albumin is more pathogenic to podocytes. • CD36 is not directly involved in albumin uptake by podocytes.« less

  15. Characterization of the selenite uptake mechanism in the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi (Haptophyta).

    PubMed

    Araie, Hiroya; Sakamoto, Kou; Suzuki, Iwane; Shiraiwa, Yoshihiro

    2011-07-01

    The marine coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi (Haptophyta) requires selenium as an essential element for growth, and the active species absorbed is selenite, not selenate. This study characterized the selenite uptake mechanism using ⁷⁵Se as a tracer. Kinetic analysis of selenite uptake showed the involvement of both active and passive transport processes. The active transport was suppressed by 0.5 mM vanadate, a membrane-permeable inhibitor of H⁺-ATPase, at pH 8.3. When the pH was lowered from 8.3 to 5.3, the selenite uptake activity greatly increased, even in the presence of vanadate, suggesting that the H⁺ concentration gradient may be a motive force for selenite transport. [⁷⁵Se]Selenite uptake at selenite-limiting concentrations was hardly affected by selenate, sulfate and sulfite, even at 100 μM. In contrast, 3 μM orthophosphate increased the K(m) 5-fold. These data showed that HSeO₃⁻, a dominant selenite species at acidic pH, is the active species for transport through the plasma membrane and transport is driven by ΔpH energized by H⁺-ATPase. Kinetic analysis showed that the selenite uptake activity was competitively inhibited by orthophosphate. Furthermore, the active selenite transport mechanism was shown to be induced de novo under Se-deficient conditions and induction was suppressed by the addition of either sufficient selenite or cycloheximide, an inhibitor of de novo protein synthesis. These results indicate that E. huxleyi cells developed an active selenite uptake mechanism to overcome the disadvantages of Se limitation in ecosystems, maintaining selenium metabolism and selenoproteins for high viability.

  16. Mechanisms for the increase in phosphorus uptake of waterlogged plants: soil phosphorus availability, root morphology and uptake kinetics.

    PubMed

    Rubio, Gerardo; Oesterheld, Martín; Alvarez, Carina R; Lavado, Raúl S

    1997-10-01

    Waterlogging frequently reduces plant biomass allocation to roots. This response may result in a variety of alterations in mineral nutrition, which range from a proportional lowering of whole-plant nutrient concentration as a result of unchanged uptake per unit of root biomass, to a maintenance of nutrient concentration by means of an increase in uptake per unit of root biomass. The first objective of this paper was to test these two alternative hypothetical responses. In a pot experiment, we evaluated how plant P concentration of Paspalum dilatatum, (a waterlogging-tolerant grass from the Flooding Pampa, Argentina) was affected by waterlogging and P supply and how this related to changes in root-shoot ratio. Under both soil P levels waterlogging reduced root-shoot ratios, but did not reduce P concentration. Thus, uptake of P per unit of root biomass increased under waterlogging. Our second objective was to test three non-exclusive hypotheses about potential mechanisms for this increase in P uptake. We hypothesized that the greater P uptake per unit of root biomass was a consequence of: (1) an increase in soil P availability induced by waterlogging; (2) a change in root morphology, and/or (3) an increase in the intrinsic uptake capacity of each unit of root biomass. To test these hypotheses we evaluated (1) changes in P availability induced by waterlogging; (2) specific root length of waterlogged and control plants, and (3) P uptake kinetics in excised roots from waterlogged and control plants. The results supported the three hypotheses. Soil P avail-ability was higher during waterlogging periods, roots of waterlogged plants showed a morphology more favorable to nutrient uptake (finer roots) and these roots showed a higher physiological capacity to absorb P. The results suggest that both soil and plant mechanisms contributed to compensate, in terms of P nutrition, for the reduction in allocation to root growth. The rapid transformation of the P uptake system is likely an advantage for plants inhabiting frequently flooded environments with low P fertility, like the Flooding Pampa. This advantage would be one of the reasons for the increased relative abundance of P. dilatatum in the community after waterlogging periods.

  17. Mechanistic aspects of fluorescent gold nanocluster internalization by live HeLa cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Linxiao; Shang, Li; Nienhaus, G. Ulrich

    2013-01-01

    We have studied cellular uptake of ultrasmall fluorescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) by HeLa cells by confocal fluorescence microscopy in combination with quantitative image analysis. Water solubilized, lipoic acid-protected AuNCs, which had an overall hydrodynamic diameter of 3.3 nm and emitted fluorescence in the near-infrared region at ~700 nm, were observed to accumulate on the cell membrane prior to internalization. The internalization mechanisms were analyzed using inhibitors known to interfere with specific pathways. Cellular uptake of AuNCs is energy-dependent and involves multiple mechanisms: clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis appear to play a significant role, whereas the caveolin-mediated pathway contributes only to a lesser extent. Co-labeling of different cell organelles showed that intracellular trafficking of AuNCs mainly follows through endosomal pathways. The AuNCs were ultimately transferred to lysosomes; they were completely excluded from the nucleus even after 24 h.We have studied cellular uptake of ultrasmall fluorescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) by HeLa cells by confocal fluorescence microscopy in combination with quantitative image analysis. Water solubilized, lipoic acid-protected AuNCs, which had an overall hydrodynamic diameter of 3.3 nm and emitted fluorescence in the near-infrared region at ~700 nm, were observed to accumulate on the cell membrane prior to internalization. The internalization mechanisms were analyzed using inhibitors known to interfere with specific pathways. Cellular uptake of AuNCs is energy-dependent and involves multiple mechanisms: clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis appear to play a significant role, whereas the caveolin-mediated pathway contributes only to a lesser extent. Co-labeling of different cell organelles showed that intracellular trafficking of AuNCs mainly follows through endosomal pathways. The AuNCs were ultimately transferred to lysosomes; they were completely excluded from the nucleus even after 24 h. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Effect of serum on the AuNC uptake by HeLa cells and colocalization result of AuNCs with the cell nucleus for 2-24 h. See DOI: 10.1039/c2nr33147k

  18. Characterization of iron uptake from transferrin by murine endothelial cells.

    PubMed

    Hallmann, R; Savigni, D L; Morgan, E H; Baker, E

    2000-01-01

    Iron is required by the brain for normal function, however, the mechanisms by which it crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are poorly understood. The uptake and efflux of transferrin (Tf) and Fe by murine brain-derived (bEND3) and lymph node-derived (m1END1) endothelial cell lines was compared. The effects of iron chelators, metabolic inhibitors and the cellular activators, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), on Tf and Fe uptake were investigated. Cells were incubated with 59Fe-125I-Tf; Fe uptake was shown to increase linearly over time for both cell lines, while Tf uptake reached a plateau within 2 h. Both Tf and Fe uptake were saturable. bEND3 cells were shown to have half as many Tf receptors as m1END1 cells, but the mean cycling times of a Tf molecule were the same. Tf and Fe efflux from the cells were measured over time, revealing that after 2 h only 25% of the Tf but 80% of the Fe remained associated with the cells. Of 7 iron chelators, only deferriprone (L1) markedly decreased Tf uptake. However, Fe uptake was reduced by more than 50% by L1, pyridoxal isonicotinoyl hydrazone (PIH) and desferrithiocin (DFT). The cellular activators TNF-alpha or LPS had little effect on Tf turnover, but they accelerated Fe uptake in both endothelial cell types. Phenylarsenoxide (PhAsO) and N-ethyl maleimide (NEM), inhibitors of Tf endocytosis, reduced both Tf and Fe uptake in both cell lines, while bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of endosomal acidification, reduced Fe uptake but did not affect Tf uptake. The results suggest that Tf and Fe uptake by both bEND3 and m1END1 is via receptor-mediated endocytosis with release of Fe from Tf within the cell and recycling of apo-Tf. On the basis of Tf- and Fe-metabolism both cell lines are similar and therefore well suited for use in in vitro models for Fe transport across the BBB.

  19. Understanding the tissue effects of tribo-corrosion: uptake, distribution, and speciation of cobalt and chromium in human bone cells.

    PubMed

    Shah, Karan M; Quinn, Paul D; Gartland, Alison; Wilkinson, J Mark

    2015-01-01

    Cobalt and chromium species are released in the local tissues as a result of tribo-corrosion, and affect bone cell survival and function. However we have little understanding of the mechanisms of cellular entry, intracellular distribution, and speciation of the metals that result in impaired bone health. Here we used synchrotron based X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and fluorescent-probing approaches of candidate receptors P2X7R and divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT-1), to better understand the entry, intra-cellular distribution and speciation of cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) in human osteoblasts and primary human osteoclasts. We found that both Co and Cr were most highly localized at nuclear and perinuclear sites in osteoblasts, suggesting uptake through cell membrane transporters, and supported by a finding that P2X7 receptor blockade reduced cellular entry of Co. In contrast, metal species were present at discrete sites corresponding to the basolateral membrane in osteoclasts, suggesting cell entry by endocytosis and trafficking through a functional secretory domain. An intracellular reduction of Cr6+ to Cr3+ was the only redox change observed in cells treated with Co2+, Cr3+, and Cr6+. Our data suggest that the cellular uptake and processing of Co and Cr differs between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Research Society.

  20. Degradable gene delivery systems based on Pluronics-modified low-molecular-weight polyethylenimine: preparation, characterization, intracellular trafficking, and cellular distribution

    PubMed Central

    Fan, Wei; Wu, Xin; Ding, Baoyue; Gao, Jing; Cai, Zhen; Zhang, Wei; Yin, Dongfeng; Wang, Xiang; Zhu, Quangang; Liu, Jiyong; Ding, Xueying; Gao, Shen

    2012-01-01

    Background Cationic copolymers consisting of polycations linked to nonionic amphiphilic block polymers have been evaluated as nonviral gene delivery systems, and a large number of different polymers and copolymers of linear, branched, and dendrimeric architectures have been tested in terms of their suitability and efficacy for in vitro and in vivo transfection. However, the discovery of new potent materials still largely relies on empiric approaches rather than a rational design. The authors investigated the relationship between the polymers’ structures and their biological performance, including DNA compaction, toxicity, transfection efficiency, and the effect of cellular uptake. Methods This article reports the synthesis and characterization of a series of cationic copolymers obtained by grafting polyethyleneimine with nonionic amphiphilic surfactant polyether-Pluronic® consisting of hydrophilic ethylene oxide and hydrophobic propylene oxide blocks. Transgene expression, cytotoxicity, localization of plasmids, and cellular uptake of these copolymers were evaluated following in vitro transfection of HeLa cell lines with various individual components of the copolymers. Results Pluronics can exhibit biological activity including effects on enhancing DNA cellular uptake, nuclear translocation, and gene expression. The Pluronics with a higher hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value lead to homogeneous distribution in the cytoplasm; those with a lower hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value prefer to localize in the nucleus. Conclusion This Pluronic-polyethyleneimine system may be worth exploring as components in the cationic copolymers as the DNA or small interfering RNA/microRNA delivery system in the near future. PMID:22403492

  1. Droplet Growth Kinetics in Various Environments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Raatikainen, T. E.; Lathem, T. L.; Moore, R.; Lin, J. J.; Cerully, K. M.; Padro, L.; Lance, S.; Cozic, J.; Anderson, B. E.; Nenes, A.

    2012-12-01

    The largest uncertainties in the effects of atmospherics aerosols on the global radiation budget are related to their indirect effects on cloud properties (IPCC, the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007). Cloud formation is a kinetic process where the resulting cloud properties depend on aerosol properties and meteorological parameters such as updraft velocity (e.g. McFiggans et al., Atmos. Chem. Phys., 6, 2593-2649, 2006). Droplet growth rates are limited by the water vapor diffusion, but additional kinetic limitations, e.g., due to organic surface films, slow solute dissociation or highly viscous or glassy aerosol states have been hypothesized. Significant additional kinetic limitations can lead to increased cloud droplet number concentration, thus the effect is similar to those of increased aerosol number concentration or changes in vertical velocity (e.g. Nenes et al., Geophys. Res. Lett., 29, 1848, 2002). There are a few studies where slow droplet growth has been observed (e.g. Ruehl et al., Geophys. Res. Lett., 36, L15814, 2009), however, little is currently known about their global occurrence and magnitude. Cloud micro-physics models often describe kinetic limitations by an effective water vapor uptake coefficient or similar parameter. Typically, determining aerosol water vapor uptake coefficients requires experimental observations of droplet growth which are interpreted by a numerical droplet growth model where the uptake coefficient is an adjustable parameter (e.g. Kolb et al., Atmos. Chem. Phys., 10, 10561-10605, 2010). Such methods have not been practical for high time-resolution or long term field measurements, until a model was recently developed for analyzing Droplet Measurement Technologies (DMT) cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) counter data (Raatikainen et al., Atmos. Chem. Phys., 12, 4227-4243, 2012). Model verification experiments showed that the calibration aerosol droplet size can be predicted accurately for various instrument settings and also in the case of high CCN concentrations when water vapor depletion decreases supersaturation and droplet size (Lathem and Nenes, Aerosol Sci. Tech., 45, 604-615, 2011). The model also accounts for aerosol hygroscopicity and size distribution variations, which can have significant effects on the droplet size. We have examined cloud droplet activation and growth kinetics by analyzing several DMT CCN counter data sets collected from various environments including boreal forests, arctic areas, fresh and aged biomass burning plumes, and polluted and biogenically influenced urban areas (Raatikainen et al., In preparation, 2012). Model simulations show that the variations in observed droplet size are caused by water vapor depletion effects, changes in dry particle size distributions and hygroscopicity, and changes in instrument supersaturation profiles. This means that fast droplet growth kinetics with water uptake coefficient close to 0.2 is prevalent at least for the studied environments.

  2. The effects of collagen-rich extracellular matrix on the intracellular delivery of glycol chitosan nanoparticles in human lung fibroblasts.

    PubMed

    Yhee, Ji Young; Yoon, Hong Yeol; Kim, Hyunjoon; Jeon, Sangmin; Hergert, Polla; Im, Jintaek; Panyam, Jayanth; Kim, Kwangmeyung; Nho, Richard Seonghun

    2017-01-01

    Recent progress in nanomedicine has shown a strong possibility of targeted therapy for obstinate chronic lung diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a fatal lung disease characterized by persistent fibrotic fibroblasts in response to type I collagen-rich extracellular matrix. As a pathological microenvironment is important in understanding the biological behavior of nanoparticles, in vitro cellular uptake of glycol chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) in human lung fibroblasts was comparatively studied in the presence or absence of type I collagen matrix. Primary human lung fibroblasts from non-IPF and IPF patients (n=6/group) showed significantly increased cellular uptake of CNPs (>33.6-78.1 times) when they were cultured on collagen matrix. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of enhanced cellular delivery of CNPs in lung fibroblasts on collagen, cells were pretreated with chlorpromazine, genistein, and amiloride to inhibit clathrin-mediated endocytosis, caveolae-mediated endocytosis, and macropinocytosis, respectively. Amiloride pretreatment remarkably reduced the cellular uptake of CNPs, suggesting that lung fibroblasts mainly utilize the macropinocytosis-dependent mechanism when interacted with collagen. In addition, the internalization of CNPs was predominantly suppressed by a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor in IPF fibroblasts, indicating that enhanced PI3K activity associated with late-stage macropinocytosis can be particularly important for the enhanced cellular delivery of CNPs in IPF fibroblasts. Our study strongly supports the concept that a pathological microenvironment which surrounds lung fibroblasts has a significant impact on the intracellular delivery of nanoparticles. Based on the property of enhanced intracellular delivery of CNPs when fibroblasts are made to interact with a collagen-rich matrix, we suggest that CNPs may have great potential as a drug-carrier system for targeting fibrotic lung fibroblasts.

  3. The effects of collagen-rich extracellular matrix on the intracellular delivery of glycol chitosan nanoparticles in human lung fibroblasts

    PubMed Central

    Yhee, Ji Young; Yoon, Hong Yeol; Kim, Hyunjoon; Jeon, Sangmin; Hergert, Polla; Im, Jintaek; Panyam, Jayanth; Kim, Kwangmeyung; Nho, Richard Seonghun

    2017-01-01

    Recent progress in nanomedicine has shown a strong possibility of targeted therapy for obstinate chronic lung diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a fatal lung disease characterized by persistent fibrotic fibroblasts in response to type I collagen-rich extracellular matrix. As a pathological microenvironment is important in understanding the biological behavior of nanoparticles, in vitro cellular uptake of glycol chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) in human lung fibroblasts was comparatively studied in the presence or absence of type I collagen matrix. Primary human lung fibroblasts from non-IPF and IPF patients (n=6/group) showed significantly increased cellular uptake of CNPs (>33.6–78.1 times) when they were cultured on collagen matrix. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of enhanced cellular delivery of CNPs in lung fibroblasts on collagen, cells were pretreated with chlorpromazine, genistein, and amiloride to inhibit clathrin-mediated endocytosis, caveolae-mediated endocytosis, and macropinocytosis, respectively. Amiloride pretreatment remarkably reduced the cellular uptake of CNPs, suggesting that lung fibroblasts mainly utilize the macropinocytosis-dependent mechanism when interacted with collagen. In addition, the internalization of CNPs was predominantly suppressed by a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor in IPF fibroblasts, indicating that enhanced PI3K activity associated with late-stage macropinocytosis can be particularly important for the enhanced cellular delivery of CNPs in IPF fibroblasts. Our study strongly supports the concept that a pathological microenvironment which surrounds lung fibroblasts has a significant impact on the intracellular delivery of nanoparticles. Based on the property of enhanced intracellular delivery of CNPs when fibroblasts are made to interact with a collagen-rich matrix, we suggest that CNPs may have great potential as a drug-carrier system for targeting fibrotic lung fibroblasts. PMID:28860768

  4. Multifunctional PLGA Nanobubbles as Theranostic Agents: Combining Doxorubicin and P-gp siRNA Co-Delivery Into Human Breast Cancer Cells and Ultrasound Cellular Imaging.

    PubMed

    Yang, Hong; Deng, Liwei; Li, Tingting; Shen, Xue; Yan, Jie; Zuo, Liangming; Wu, Chunhui; Liu, Yiyao

    2015-12-01

    Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major impediment to the success of cancer chemotherapy. One of the effective approaches to overcome MDR is to use nanoparticle-mediated the gene silence of chemotherapeutic export proteins by RNA interference to increase drug accumulation in drug resistant cancer cells. In this work, a new co-delivery system, DOX-PLGA/PEI/P-gp shRNA nanobubbles (NBs) around 327 nm, to overcome doxorubicin (DOX) resistance in MCF-7 human breast cancer was designed and developed. Positively charged polyethylenimine (PEI) were modified onto the surface of DOX-PLGA NBs through DCC/NHS crosslinking, and could efficiently condense P-gp shRNA into DOX-PLGA/PEI NBs at vector/shRNA weight ratios of 70:1 and above. An in vitro release profile demonstrated an efficient DOX release (more than 80%) from DOX-PLGA/PEI NBs at pH 4.4, suggesting a pH-responsive drug release for the multifunctionalized NBs. Cellular experimental results further showed that DOX-PLGA/PEI/P-gp shRNA NBs could facilitate cellular uptake of DOX into cells and increase the cell proliferation suppression effect of DOX against MCF-7/ADR cells (a DOX-resistant and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) over-expression cancer cell line). The IC50 of DOX-PLGA NBs against MCF-7/ADR cells was 2-fold lower than that of free DOX. The increased cellular uptake and nuclear accumulation of DOX delivered by DOX-PLGA/PEI/P-gp shRNA NBs in MCF-7/ADR cells was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence spectrophotometry, and might be owning to the down-regulation of P-gp and reduced the efflux of DOX. The cellular uptake mechanism of DOX-PLGA/PEI/P-gp shRNA NBs indicated that the macropinocytosis was one of the pathways for the uptake of NBs by MCF-7/ADR cells, which was also an energy-dependent process. Furthermore, the in vitro cellular ultrasound imaging suggested that the employment of the DOX-PLGA/PEI/P-gp shRNA NBs could efficiently enhance ultrasound imaging of cancer cells. These results demonstrated that the developed DOX-PLGA/PEI/P-gp shRNA NBs is a potential, safe and efficient theranotic agent for cancer therapy and diagnostics.

  5. Lipopolysaccharide inhibits colonic biotin uptake via interference with membrane expression of its transporter: a role for a casein kinase 2-mediated pathway.

    PubMed

    Lakhan, Ram; Said, Hamid M

    2017-04-01

    Biotin (vitamin B7), an essential micronutrient for normal cellular functions, is obtained from both dietary sources as well as gut microbiota. Absorption of biotin in both the small and large intestine is via a carrier-mediated process that involves the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT). Although different physiological and molecular aspects of intestinal biotin uptake have been delineated, nothing is known about the effect of LPS on the process. We addressed this issue using in vitro (human colonic epithelial NCM460 cells) and in vivo (mice) models of LPS exposure. Treating NCM460 cells with LPS was found to lead to a significant inhibition in carrier-mediated biotin uptake. Similarly, administration of LPS to mice led to a significant inhibition in biotin uptake by native colonic tissue. Although no changes in total cellular SMVT protein and mRNA levels were observed, LPS caused a decrease in the fraction of SMVT expressed at the cell surface. A role for casein kinase 2 (CK2) (whose activity was also inhibited by LPS) in mediating the endotoxin effects on biotin uptake and on membrane expression of SMVT was suggested by findings that specific inhibitors of CK2, as well as mutating the putative CK2 phosphorylation site (Thr 78 Ala) in the SMVT protein, led to inhibition in biotin uptake and membrane expression of SMVT. This study shows for the first time that LPS inhibits colonic biotin uptake via decreasing membrane expression of its transporter and that these effects likely involve a CK2-mediated pathway.

  6. Lipopolysaccharide inhibits colonic biotin uptake via interference with membrane expression of its transporter: a role for a casein kinase 2-mediated pathway

    PubMed Central

    Lakhan, Ram

    2017-01-01

    Biotin (vitamin B7), an essential micronutrient for normal cellular functions, is obtained from both dietary sources as well as gut microbiota. Absorption of biotin in both the small and large intestine is via a carrier-mediated process that involves the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT). Although different physiological and molecular aspects of intestinal biotin uptake have been delineated, nothing is known about the effect of LPS on the process. We addressed this issue using in vitro (human colonic epithelial NCM460 cells) and in vivo (mice) models of LPS exposure. Treating NCM460 cells with LPS was found to lead to a significant inhibition in carrier-mediated biotin uptake. Similarly, administration of LPS to mice led to a significant inhibition in biotin uptake by native colonic tissue. Although no changes in total cellular SMVT protein and mRNA levels were observed, LPS caused a decrease in the fraction of SMVT expressed at the cell surface. A role for casein kinase 2 (CK2) (whose activity was also inhibited by LPS) in mediating the endotoxin effects on biotin uptake and on membrane expression of SMVT was suggested by findings that specific inhibitors of CK2, as well as mutating the putative CK2 phosphorylation site (Thr78Ala) in the SMVT protein, led to inhibition in biotin uptake and membrane expression of SMVT. This study shows for the first time that LPS inhibits colonic biotin uptake via decreasing membrane expression of its transporter and that these effects likely involve a CK2-mediated pathway. PMID:28052864

  7. Development of fluorescent glucose bioprobes and their application on real-time and quantitative monitoring of glucose uptake in living cells.

    PubMed

    Lee, Hyang Yeon; Lee, Jae Jeong; Park, Jongmin; Park, Seung Bum

    2011-01-03

    We developed a novel fluorescent glucose bioprobe, GB2-Cy3, for the real-time and quantitative monitoring of glucose uptake in living cells. We synthesized a series of fluorescent glucose analogues by adding Cy3 fluorophores to the α-anomeric position of D-glucose through various linkers. Systematic and quantitative analysis of these Cy3-labeled glucose analogues revealed that GB2-Cy3 was the ideal fluorescent glucose bioprobe. The cellular uptake of this probe competed with the cellular uptake of D-glucose in the media and was mediated by a glucose-specific transport system, and not by passive diffusion. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy analyses revealed that GB2-Cy3 is ten times more sensitive than 2-NBDG, a leading fluorescent glucose bioprobe. GB2-Cy3 can also be utilized for the quantitative flow cytometry monitoring of glucose uptake in metabolically active C2C12 myocytes under various treatment conditions. As opposed to a glucose uptake assay performed by using radioisotope-labeled deoxy-D-glucose and a scintillation counter, GB2-Cy3 allows the real-time monitoring of glucose uptake in living cells under various experimental conditions by using fluorescence microscopy or confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Therefore, we believe that GB2-Cy3 can be utilized in high-content screening (HCS) for the discovery of novel therapeutic agents and for making significant advances in biomedical studies and diagnosis of various diseases, especially metabolic diseases. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  8. Comparative evaluation of transmembrane ion transport due to monopolar and bipolar nanosecond, high-intensity electroporation pulses based on full three-dimensional analyses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, Q.; Joshi, R. P.

    2017-07-01

    Electric pulse driven membrane poration finds applications in the fields of biomedical engineering and drug/gene delivery. Here we focus on nanosecond, high-intensity electroporation and probe the role of pulse shape (e.g., monopolar-vs-bipolar), multiple electrode scenarios, and serial-versus-simultaneous pulsing, based on a three-dimensional time-dependent continuum model in a systematic fashion. Our results indicate that monopolar pulsing always leads to higher and stronger cellular uptake. This prediction is in agreement with experimental reports and observations. It is also demonstrated that multi-pronged electrode configurations influence and increase the degree of cellular uptake.

  9. Interaction of nanoparticles with proteins: relation to bio-reactivity of the nanoparticle.

    PubMed

    Saptarshi, Shruti R; Duschl, Albert; Lopata, Andreas L

    2013-07-19

    Interaction of nanoparticles with proteins is the basis of nanoparticle bio-reactivity. This interaction gives rise to the formation of a dynamic nanoparticle-protein corona. The protein corona may influence cellular uptake, inflammation, accumulation, degradation and clearance of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the nanoparticle surface can induce conformational changes in adsorbed protein molecules which may affect the overall bio-reactivity of the nanoparticle. In depth understanding of such interactions can be directed towards generating bio-compatible nanomaterials with controlled surface characteristics in a biological environment. The main aim of this review is to summarise current knowledge on factors that influence nanoparticle-protein interactions and their implications on cellular uptake.

  10. Mechanisms of pH-Sensitivity and Cellular Internalization of PEOz-b-PLA Micelles with Varied Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Ratios and Intracellular Trafficking Routes and Fate of the Copolymer.

    PubMed

    Wang, Dishi; Zhou, Yanxia; Li, Xinru; Qu, Xiaoyou; Deng, Yunqiang; Wang, Ziqi; He, Chuyu; Zou, Yang; Jin, Yiguang; Liu, Yan

    2017-03-01

    pH-responsive polymeric micelles have shown promise for the targeted and intracellular delivery of antitumor agents. The present study aimed to elucidate the possible mechanisms of pH-sensitivity and cellular internalization of PEOz-b-PLA micelles in detail, further unravel the effect of hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio of the micelles on their cellular internalization, and examine the intracellular trafficking routes and fate of PEOz-b-PLA after internalization of the micelles. The results of variations in the size and Zeta potential of PEOz-b-PLA micelles and cross-sectional area of PEOz-b-PLA molecules with pH values suggested that electrostatic repulsion between PEOz chains resulting from ionization of the tertiary amide groups along PEOz chain at pH lower than its pK a was responsible for pH-sensitivity of PEOz-b-PLA micelles. Furthermore, the studies on internalization of PEOz-b-PLA micelles by MCF-7 cells revealed that the uptake of PEOz-b-PLA micelles was strongly influenced by their structural features, and showed that PEOz-b-PLA micelles with hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio of 1.7-2.0 exhibited optimal cellular uptake. No evident alteration in cellular uptake of PEOz-b-PLA micelles was detected by flow cytometry upon the existence of EIPA and chlorpromazine. However, the intracellular uptake of the micelles in the presence of MβCD and genistein was effectively inhibited. Hence, the internalization of such micelles by MCF-7 cells appeared to proceed mainly through caveolae/lipid raft-mediated endocytosis without being influenced by their hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio. Confocal micrographs revealed that late endosomes, mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum were all involved in the intracellular trafficking of PEOz-b-PLA copolymers following their internalization via endocytosis, and then part of them was excreted from tumor cells to extracellular medium. These findings provided valuable information for developing desired PEOz-b-PLA micelles to improve their therapeutic efficacy and reducing the potential safety risks associated with their intracellular accumulation.

  11. Mapping cellular Fe-S cluster uptake and exchange reactions - divergent pathways for iron-sulfur cluster delivery to human ferredoxins.

    PubMed

    Fidai, Insiya; Wachnowsky, Christine; Cowan, J A

    2016-12-07

    Ferredoxins are protein mediators of biological electron-transfer reactions and typically contain either [2Fe-2S] or [4Fe-4S] clusters. Two ferredoxin homologues have been identified in the human genome, Fdx1 and Fdx2, that share 43% identity and 69% similarity in protein sequence and both bind [2Fe-2S] clusters. Despite the high similarity, the two ferredoxins play very specific roles in distinct physiological pathways and cannot replace each other in function. Both eukaryotic and prokaryotic ferredoxins and homologues have been reported to receive their Fe-S cluster from scaffold/delivery proteins such as IscU, Isa, glutaredoxins, and Nfu. However, the preferred and physiologically relevant pathway for receiving the [2Fe-2S] cluster by ferredoxins is subject to speculation and is not clearly identified. In this work, we report on in vitro UV-visible (UV-vis) circular dichroism studies of [2Fe-2S] cluster transfer to the ferredoxins from a variety of partners. The results reveal rapid and quantitative transfer to both ferredoxins from several donor proteins (IscU, Isa1, Grx2, and Grx3). Transfer from Isa1 to Fdx2 was also observed to be faster than that of IscU to Fdx2, suggesting that Fdx2 could receive its cluster from Isa1 instead of IscU. Several other transfer combinations were also investigated and the results suggest a complex, but kinetically detailed map for cellular cluster trafficking. This is the first step toward building a network map for all of the possible iron-sulfur cluster transfer pathways in the mitochondria and cytosol, providing insights on the most likely cellular pathways and possible redundancies in these pathways.

  12. Kinetics of caesium and potassium absorption by roots of three grass pastures and competitive effects of potassium on caesium uptake in Cynodon sp.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ayub, J. Juri; Valverde, L. Rubio; Garcia-Sanchez, M. J.; Fernandez, J. A.; Velasco, R. H.

    2008-08-01

    Caesium uptake by plant roots has been normally associated with the uptake of potassium as the potassium transport systems present in plants have also the capacity to transport caesium. Three grass species (Eragrostis curvula, Cynodon sp and Distichlis spicata) growing in seminatural grassland of central Argentina were selected to study their capability to incorporate Cs+ (and K+) using electrophysiological techniques. Although the 137Cs soil inventory ranged between 328-730 Bq m-2 in this region, no 137Cs activity was detected in these plants. However, all the species, submitted previously to K+ starvation, showed the uptake of both Cs+ and K+ when micromolar concentrations of these cations were present in the medium. The uptake showed saturation kinetics for both cations that could be fitted to the Michelis-Menten model. KM values were smaller for K+ than for Cs+, indicating a higher affinity for the first cation. The presence of increasing K+ concentrations in the assay medium inhibited Cs+ uptake in Cynodon sp., as expected if both cations are transported by the same transport systems. This effect is due to the competition of both ions for the union sites of the high affinity potassium transporters. In field situation, where soil concentration of Cs+ is smaller than K+ concentration, is then expectable that caesium activity in plants is not detectable. Nevertheless, the studied plants would have the capacity to incorporate caesium if its availability in soil solution increases. In addition, studies of Cs/K interaction can help us to understand the variability in transfer factors.

  13. A model for the kinetics of homotypic cellular aggregation under static conditions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Neelamegham, S.; Munn, L. L.; Zygourakis, K.; McIntire, L. V. (Principal Investigator)

    1997-01-01

    We present the formulation and testing of a mathematical model for the kinetics of homotypic cellular aggregation. The model considers cellular aggregation under no-flow conditions as a two-step process. Individual cells and cell aggregates 1) move on the tissue culture surface and 2) collide with other cells (or aggregates). These collisions lead to the formation of intercellular bonds. The aggregation kinetics are described by a system of coupled, nonlinear ordinary differential equations, and the collision frequency kernel is derived by extending Smoluchowski's colloidal flocculation theory to cell migration and aggregation on a two-dimensional surface. Our results indicate that aggregation rates strongly depend upon the motility of cells and cell aggregates, the frequency of cell-cell collisions, and the strength of intercellular bonds. Model predictions agree well with data from homotypic lymphocyte aggregation experiments using Jurkat cells activated by 33B6, an antibody to the beta 1 integrin. Since cell migration speeds and all the other model parameters can be independently measured, the aggregation model provides a quantitative methodology by which we can accurately evaluate the adhesivity and aggregation behavior of cells.

  14. Distribution of adoptively transferred porcine T-lymphoblasts tracked by (18)F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose and position emission tomography.

    PubMed

    Eriksson, Olof; Sadeghi, Arian; Carlsson, Björn; Eich, Torsten; Lundgren, Torbjörn; Nilsson, Bo; Tötterman, Thomas; Korsgren, Olle; Sundin, Anders

    2011-08-01

    Autologous or allogeneic transfer of tumor-infiltrating T-lymphocytes is a promising treatment for metastatic cancers, but a major concern is the difficulty in evaluating cell trafficking and distribution in adoptive cell therapy. This study presents a method of tracking transfusion of T-lymphoblasts in a porcine model by (18)F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose ([(18)F]FDG) and positron emission tomography. T-lymphoblasts were labeled with the positron-emitting tracer [(18)F]FDG through incubation. The T-lymphoblasts were administered into the bloodstream, and the distribution was followed by positron emission tomography for 120 min. The cells were administered either intravenously into the internal jugular vein (n=5) or intraarterially into the ascending aorta (n=1). Two of the pigs given intravenous administration were pretreated with low-molecular-weight dextran sulphate. The cellular kinetics and distribution were readily quantifiable for up to 120 min. High (78.6% of the administered cells) heterogeneous pulmonary uptake was found after completed intravenous transfusion. The pulmonary uptake was decreased either by preincubating and coadministrating the T-lymphoblasts with low-molecular-weight dextran sulphate or by administrating them intraarterially. The present work shows the feasibility of quantitatively monitoring and evaluating cell trafficking and distribution following administration of [(18)F]FDG-labeled T-lymphoblasts. The protocol can potentially be transferred to the clinical setting with few modifications. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Nitric Oxide Modulates Sodium Vitamin C Transporter 2 (SVCT-2) Protein Expression via Protein Kinase G (PKG) and Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB)*

    PubMed Central

    Portugal, Camila Cabral; da Encarnação, Thaísa Godinho; Socodato, Renato; Moreira, Sarah Rodrigues; Brudzewsky, Dan; Ambrósio, António Francisco; Paes-de-Carvalho, Roberto

    2012-01-01

    Ascorbate is an important antioxidant, which also displays important functions in neuronal tissues, including the retina. The retina is responsible for the initial steps of visual processing, which is further refined in cerebral high-order centers. The retina is also a prototypical model for studying physiologic aspects of cells that comprise the nervous system. Of major importance also is the cellular messenger nitric oxide (NO). Previous studies have demonstrated the significance of NO for both survival and proliferation of cultured embryonic retinal cells. Cultured retinal cells express a high-affinity ascorbate transporter, and the release of ascorbate is delicately regulated by ionotropic glutamate receptors. Therefore, we proposed whether there is interplay between the ascorbate transport system and NO signaling pathway in retinal cells. Here we show compelling evidence that ascorbate uptake is tightly controlled by NO and its downstream signaling pathway in culture. NO also modulates the expression of SVCT-2, an effect mediated by cGMP and PKG. Kinetic studies suggest that NO increases the transport capacity for ascorbate, but not the affinity of SVCT-2 for its substrate. Interestingly, NO utilizes the NF-κB pathway, in a PKG-dependent manner, to modulate both SVCT-2 expression and ascorbate uptake. These results demonstrate that NO exerts a fine-tuned control of the availability of ascorbate to cultured retinal cells and strongly reinforces ascorbate as an important bioactive molecule in neuronal tissues. PMID:22041898

  16. Nitric oxide modulates sodium vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT-2) protein expression via protein kinase G (PKG) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB).

    PubMed

    Portugal, Camila Cabral; da Encarnação, Thaísa Godinho; Socodato, Renato; Moreira, Sarah Rodrigues; Brudzewsky, Dan; Ambrósio, António Francisco; Paes-de-Carvalho, Roberto

    2012-02-03

    Ascorbate is an important antioxidant, which also displays important functions in neuronal tissues, including the retina. The retina is responsible for the initial steps of visual processing, which is further refined in cerebral high-order centers. The retina is also a prototypical model for studying physiologic aspects of cells that comprise the nervous system. Of major importance also is the cellular messenger nitric oxide (NO). Previous studies have demonstrated the significance of NO for both survival and proliferation of cultured embryonic retinal cells. Cultured retinal cells express a high-affinity ascorbate transporter, and the release of ascorbate is delicately regulated by ionotropic glutamate receptors. Therefore, we proposed whether there is interplay between the ascorbate transport system and NO signaling pathway in retinal cells. Here we show compelling evidence that ascorbate uptake is tightly controlled by NO and its downstream signaling pathway in culture. NO also modulates the expression of SVCT-2, an effect mediated by cGMP and PKG. Kinetic studies suggest that NO increases the transport capacity for ascorbate, but not the affinity of SVCT-2 for its substrate. Interestingly, NO utilizes the NF-κB pathway, in a PKG-dependent manner, to modulate both SVCT-2 expression and ascorbate uptake. These results demonstrate that NO exerts a fine-tuned control of the availability of ascorbate to cultured retinal cells and strongly reinforces ascorbate as an important bioactive molecule in neuronal tissues.

  17. Stable curcumin-loaded polymeric micellar formulation for enhancing cellular uptake and cytotoxicity to FLT3 overexpressing EoL-1 leukemic cells.

    PubMed

    Tima, Singkome; Anuchapreeda, Songyot; Ampasavate, Chadarat; Berkland, Cory; Okonogi, Siriporn

    2017-05-01

    The present study aims to develop a stable polymeric micellar formulation of curcumin (CM) with improved solubility and stability, and that is suitable for clinical applications in leukemia patients. CM-loaded polymeric micelles (CM-micelles) were prepared using poloxamers. The chemical structure of the polymers influenced micellar properties. The best formulation of CM-micelles, namely CM-P407, was obtained from poloxamer 407 at drug to polymer ratio of 1:30 and rehydrated with phosphate buffer solution pH 7.4. CM-P407 exhibited the smallest size of 30.3±1.3nm and highest entrapment efficiency of 88.4±4.1%. When stored at -80°C for 60days, CM-P407 retained high protection of CM and had no significant size change. In comparison with CM solution in dimethyl sulfoxide (CM-DMSO), CM kinetic degradation in both formulations followed a pseudo-first-order reaction, but the half-life of CM in CM-P407 was approx. 200 times longer than in CM-DMSO. Regarding the activity against FLT3 overexpressing EoL-1 leukemic cells, CM-P407 showed higher cytotoxicity than CM-DMSO. Moreover, intracellular uptake to leukemic cells of CM-P407 was 2-3 times greater than that of CM-DMSO. These promising results for CM-P407 will be further investigated in rodents and in clinical studies for leukemia treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. An updated model for nitrate uptake modelling in plants. I. Functional component: cross-combination of flow–force interpretation of nitrate uptake isotherms, and environmental and in planta regulation of nitrate influx

    PubMed Central

    Le Deunff, Erwan; Malagoli, Philippe

    2014-01-01

    Background and Aims In spite of major breakthroughs in the last three decades in the identification of root nitrate uptake transporters in plants and the associated regulation of nitrate transport activities, a simplified and operational modelling approach for nitrate uptake is still lacking. This is due mainly to the difficulty in linking the various regulations of nitrate transport that act at different levels of time and on different spatial scales. Methods A cross-combination of a Flow–Force approach applied to nitrate influx isotherms and experimentally determined environmental and in planta regulation is used to model nitrate in oilseed rape, Brassica napus. In contrast to ‘Enzyme–Substrate’ interpretations, a Flow–Force modelling approach considers the root as a single catalytic structure and does not infer hypothetical cellular processes among nitrate transporter activities across cellular layers in the mature roots. In addition, this approach accounts for the driving force on ion transport based on the gradient of electrochemical potential, which is more appropriate from a thermodynamic viewpoint. Key Results and Conclusions Use of a Flow–Force formalism on nitrate influx isotherms leads to the development of a new conceptual mechanistic basis to model more accurately N uptake by a winter oilseed rape crop under field conditions during the whole growth cycle. This forms the functional component of a proposed new structure–function mechanistic model of N uptake. PMID:24638820

  19. The effect of static magnetic fields and tat peptides on cellular and nuclear uptake of magnetic nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Smith, Carol-Anne M; de la Fuente, Jesus; Pelaz, Beatriz; Furlani, Edward P; Mullin, Margaret; Berry, Catherine C

    2010-05-01

    Magnetic nanoparticles are widely used in bioapplications such as imaging (MRI), targeted delivery (drugs/genes) and cell transfection (magnetofection). Historically, the impermeable nature of both the plasma and nuclear membranes hinder potential. Researchers combat this by developing techniques to enhance cellular and nuclear uptake. Two current popular methods are using external magnetic fields to remotely control particle direction or functionalising the nanoparticles with a cell penetrating peptide (e.g. tat); both of which facilitate cell entry. This paper compares the success of both methods in terms of nanoparticle uptake, analysing the type of magnetic forces the particles experience, and determines gross cell response in terms of morphology and structure and changes at the gene level via microarray analysis. Results indicated that both methods enhanced uptake via a caveolin dependent manner, with tat peptide being the more efficient and achieving nuclear uptake. On comparison to control cells, many groups of gene changes were observed in response to the particles. Importantly, the magnetic field also caused many change in gene expression, regardless of the nanoparticles, and appeared to cause F-actin alignment in the cells. Results suggest that static fields should be modelled and analysed prior to application in culture as cells clearly respond appropriately. Furthermore, the use of cell penetrating peptides may prove more beneficial in terms of enhancing uptake and maintaining cell homeostasis than a magnetic field. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Superparamagnetic poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles surface modified with folic acid presenting cell uptake mediated by endocytosis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Feuser, Paulo Emilio; Jacques, Amanda Virtuoso; Arévalo, Juan Marcelo Carpio; Rocha, Maria Eliane Merlin; dos Santos-Silva, Maria Claudia; Sayer, Claudia; de Araújo, Pedro H. Hermes

    2016-04-01

    The encapsulation of superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) with modified surfaces can improve targeted delivery and induce cell death by hyperthermia. The goals of this study were to synthesize and characterize surface modified superparamagnetic poly(methyl methacrylate) with folic acid (FA) prepared by miniemulsion polymerization (MNPsPMMA-FA) and to evaluate their in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake in non-tumor cells, murine fibroblast (L929) cells and tumor cells that overexpressed folate receptor (FR) β, and chronic myeloid leukemia cells in blast crisis (K562). Lastly, hemolysis assays were performed on human red blood cells. MNPsPMMA-FA presented an average mean diameter of 135 nm and a saturation magnetization (Ms) value of 37 emu/g of iron oxide, as well as superparamagnetic behavior. The MNPsPMMA-FA did not present cytotoxicity in L929 and K562 cells. Cellular uptake assays showed a higher uptake of MNPsPMMA-FA than MNPsPMMA in K562 cells when incubated at 37 °C. On the other hand, MNPsPMMA-FA showed a low uptake when endocytosis mechanisms were blocked at low temperature (4 °C), suggesting that the MNPsPMMA-FA uptake was mediated by endocytosis. High concentrations of MNPsPMMA-FA showed hemocompatibility when incubated for 24 h in human red blood cells. Therefore, our results suggest that these carrier systems can be an excellent alternative in targeted drug delivery via FR.

  1. Augmented cellular uptake of nanoparticles using tea catechins: effect of surface modification on nanoparticle-cell interaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lu, Yi-Ching; Luo, Pei-Chun; Huang, Chun-Wan; Leu, Yann-Lii; Wang, Tzu-Hao; Wei, Kuo-Chen; Wang, Hsin-Ell; Ma, Yunn-Hwa

    2014-08-01

    Nanoparticles may serve as carriers in targeted therapeutics; interaction of the nanoparticles with a biological system may determine their targeting effects and therapeutic efficacy. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major component of tea catechins, has been conjugated with nanoparticles and tested as an anticancer agent. We investigated whether EGCG may enhance nanoparticle uptake by tumor cells. Cellular uptake of a dextran-coated magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) was determined by confocal microscopy, flow cytometry or a potassium thiocyanate colorimetric method. We demonstrated that EGCG greatly enhanced interaction and/or internalization of MNPs (with or without polyethylene glycol) by glioma cells, but not vascular endothelial cells. The enhancing effects are both time- and concentration-dependent. Such effects may be induced by a simple mix of MNPs with EGCG at a concentration as low as 1-3 μM, which increased MNP uptake 2- to 7-fold. In addition, application of magnetic force further potentiated MNP uptake, suggesting a synergetic effect of EGCG and magnetic force. Because the effects of EGCG were preserved at 4 °C, but not when EGCG was removed from the culture medium prior to addition of MNPs, a direct interaction of EGCG and MNPs was implicated. Use of an MNP-EGCG composite produced by adsorption of EGCG and magnetic separation also led to an enhanced uptake. The results reveal a novel interaction of a food component and nanocarrier system, which may be potentially amenable to magnetofection, cell labeling/tracing, and targeted therapeutics.

  2. The Bad Berka dose protocol: comparative results of dosimetry in peptide receptor radionuclide therapy using (177)Lu-DOTATATE, (177)Lu-DOTANOC, and (177)Lu-DOTATOC.

    PubMed

    Schuchardt, Christiane; Kulkarni, Harshad R; Prasad, Vikas; Zachert, Carolin; Müller, Dirk; Baum, Richard P

    2013-01-01

    The objective of this study is to analyze the in vivo behavior of the (177)Lu-labeled peptides DOTATATE, DOTANOC, and DOTATOC used for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRNT) of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), by measuring organ and tumor kinetics and by performing dosimetric calculations. Two hundred fifty-three patients (group 1) with metastasized NET who underwent PRRNT were examined. Out of these, 185 patients received (177)Lu-DOTATATE, 9 were treated with (177)Lu-DOTANOC, and 59 with (177)Lu-DOTATOC. Additionally, 25 patients receiving, in consecutive PRRNT cycles, DOTATATE followed by DOTATOC (group 2) and 3 patients receiving DOTATATE and DOTANOC (group 3) were analyzed. Dosimetric calculations (according to MIRD scheme) were performed using OLINDA software. In group 1, DOTATOC exhibited the lowest and DOTANOC the highest uptake and therefore mean absorbed dose in normal organs (whole body, kidney, and spleen). In group 2, there was a significant difference between DOTATATE and DOTATOC concerning kinetics and normal organ doses. (177)Lu-DOTATOC had the lowest uptake/dose delivered to normal organs and highest tumor-to-kidney ratio. There were no significant differences between the three peptides concerning tumor kinetics and mean absorbed tumor dose. The study demonstrates a correlation between high affinity of DOTANOC in vitro and high uptake in normal organs/whole body in vivo, resulting in a higher whole-body dose. DOTATOC exhibited the lowest uptake and dose delivered to normal tissues and the best tumor-to-kidney ratio. Due to large interpatient variability, individual dosimetry should be performed for each therapy cycle.

  3. Blooms of the Toxic Dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense in the Gulf of Maine: Investigations Using a Physical-Biological Model

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-02-01

    M. R., 1983. 25 years of algal growth kinetic, a personal view. Botanica Marina 26, 99-112. Eppley, R. W., Rogers, J. N., McCarthy, J. J., 1969. Half...kinetic, a personal view. Botanica Marina 26, 99-112. Eppley, R. W., Rogers, J. N., McCarthy, J. J., 1969. Half-saturation constants for uptake of

  4. Influence of P-Glycoprotein Inhibition or Deficiency at the Blood-Brain Barrier on (18)F-2-Fluoro-2-Deoxy-D-glucose ( (18)F-FDG) Brain Kinetics.

    PubMed

    Tournier, Nicolas; Saba, Wadad; Goutal, Sébastien; Gervais, Philippe; Valette, Héric; Scherrmann, Jean-Michel; Bottlaender, Michel; Cisternino, Salvatore

    2015-05-01

    The fluorinated D-glucose analog (18)F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG) is the most prevalent radiopharmaceutical for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. P-Glycoprotein's (P-gp, MDR1, and ABCB1) function in various cancer cell lines and tumors was shown to impact (18)F-FDG incorporation, suggesting that P-gp function at the blood-brain barrier may also modulate (18)F-FDG brain kinetics. We tested the influence of P-gp inhibition using the cyclosporine analog valspodar (PSC833; 5 μM) on the uptake of (18)F-FDG in standardized human P-gp-overexpressing cells (MDCKII-MDR1). Consequences for (18)F-FDG brain kinetics were then assessed using (i) (18)F-FDG PET imaging and suitable kinetic modelling in baboons without or with P-gp inhibition by intravenous cyclosporine infusion (15 mg kg(-1) h(-1)) and (ii) in situ brain perfusion in wild-type and P-gp/Bcrp (breast cancer resistance protein) knockout mice and controlled D-glucose exposure to the brain. In vitro, the time course of (18)F-FDG uptake in MDR1 cells was influenced by the presence of valspodar in the absence of D-glucose but not in the presence of high D-glucose concentration. PET analysis revealed that P-gp inhibition had no significant impact on estimated brain kinetics parameters K 1, k 2, k 3, V T , and CMRGlc. The lack of P-gp effect on in vivo (18)F-FDG brain distribution was confirmed in P-gp/Bcrp-deficient mice. P-gp inhibition indirectly modulates (18)F-FDG uptake into P-gp-overexpressing cells, possibly through differences in the energetic cell level state. (18)F-FDG is not a P-gp substrate at the BBB and (18)F-FDG brain kinetics as well as estimated brain glucose metabolism are influenced by neither P-gp inhibition nor P-gp/Bcrp deficiencies in baboon and mice, respectively.

  5. ( sup 14 C)-Sucrose uptake by guard cell protoplasts of pisum sativum, argenteum mutant

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rohrig, K.; Raschke, K.

    1991-05-01

    Guard cells rely on import for their supply with reduced carbon. The authors tested by silicone oil centrifugation the ability of guard cell protoplasts to accumulated ({sup 14}C)-sucrose. Uptake rates were corrected after measurement of {sup 14}C-sorbitol and {sup 3}H{sub 2}O spaces. Sucrose uptake followed biphasic kinetics, with a high-affinity component below 1 mM external sucrose (apparent K{sub m} 0.8 mM at 25C) and a low-affinity nonsaturable component above. Uptake depended on pH (optimum at pH 5.0). Variations in the concentrations of external KCl, CCCP, and valinomycin indicated that about one-half of the sucrose uptake rate could be related tomore » an electrochemical gradient across the plasmalemma. Total uptake rates measured at 5 mM external sucrose seem to be sufficient to replenish emptied plastids with starch within a few hours.« less

  6. Kinetic mechanism of non-muscle myosin IIB: functional adaptations for tension generation and maintenance.

    PubMed

    Wang, Fei; Kovacs, Mihaly; Hu, Aihua; Limouze, John; Harvey, Estelle V; Sellers, James R

    2003-07-25

    Besides driving contraction of various types of muscle tissue, conventional (class II) myosins serve essential cellular functions and are ubiquitously expressed in eukaryotic cells. Three different isoforms in the human myosin complement have been identified as non-muscle class II myosins. Here we report the kinetic characterization of a human non-muscle myosin IIB subfragment-1 construct produced in the baculovirus expression system. Transient kinetic data show that most steps of the actomyosin ATPase cycle are slowed down compared with other class II myosins. The ADP affinity of subfragment-1 is unusually high even in the presence of actin filaments, and the rate of ADP release is close to the steady-state ATPase rate. Thus, non-muscle myosin IIB subfragment-1 spends a significantly higher proportion of its kinetic cycle strongly attached to actin than do the muscle myosins. This feature is even more pronounced at slightly elevated ADP levels, and it may be important in carrying out the cellular functions of this isoform working in small filamentous assemblies.

  7. Cationic Phosphorus Dendrimer Enhances Photodynamic Activity of Rose Bengal against Basal Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines.

    PubMed

    Dabrzalska, Monika; Janaszewska, Anna; Zablocka, Maria; Mignani, Serge; Majoral, Jean Pierre; Klajnert-Maculewicz, Barbara

    2017-05-01

    In the last couple of decades, photodynamic therapy emerged as a useful tool in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. However, it still meets limitations due to unfavorable properties of photosensitizers such as poor solubility or lack of selectivity. Dendrimers, polymers widely studied in biomedical field, may play a role as photosensitizer carriers and improve the efficacy of photodynamic treatment. Here, we describe the evaluation of an electrostatic complex of cationic phosphorus dendrimer and rose bengal in such aspects as singlet oxygen production, cellular uptake, and phototoxicity against three basal cell carcinoma cell lines. Rose bengal-cationic dendrimer complex in molar ratio 5:1 was compared to free rose bengal. Obtained results showed that the singlet oxygen production in aqueous medium was significantly higher for the complex than for free rose bengal. The cellular uptake of the complex was 2-7-fold higher compared to a free photosensitizer. Importantly, rose bengal, rose bengal-dendrimer complex, and dendrimer itself showed no dark toxicity against all three cell lines. Moreover, we observed that phototoxicity of the complex was remarkably enhanced presumably due to high cellular uptake. On the basis of the obtained results, we conclude that rose bengal-cationic dendrimer complex has a potential in photodynamic treatment of basal cell carcinoma.

  8. Stepwise pH-responsive nanoparticles for enhanced cellular uptake and on-demand intracellular release of doxorubicin.

    PubMed

    Chen, Wei-Liang; Li, Fang; Tang, Yan; Yang, Shu-di; Li, Ji-Zhao; Yuan, Zhi-Qiang; Liu, Yang; Zhou, Xiao-Feng; Liu, Chun; Zhang, Xue-Nong

    2017-01-01

    Physicochemical properties, including particle size, zeta potential, and drug release behavior, affect targeting efficiency, cellular uptake, and antitumor effect of nanocarriers in a formulated drug-delivery system. In this study, a novel stepwise pH-responsive nanodrug delivery system was developed to efficiently deliver and significantly promote the therapeutic effect of doxorubicin (DOX). The system comprised dimethylmaleic acid-chitosan-urocanic acid and elicited stepwise responses to extracellular and intracellular pH. The nanoparticles (NPs), which possessed negative surface charge under physiological conditions and an appropriate nanosize, exhibited advantageous stability during blood circulation and enhanced accumulation in tumor sites via enhanced permeability and retention effect. The tumor cellular uptake of DOX-loaded NPs was significantly promoted by the first-step pH response, wherein surface charge reversion of NPs from negative to positive was triggered by the slightly acidic tumor extracellular environment. After internalization into tumor cells, the second-step pH response in endo/lysosome acidic environment elicited the on-demand intracellular release of DOX from NPs, thereby increasing cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Furthermore, stepwise pH-responsive NPs showed enhanced antiproliferation effect and reduced systemic side effect in vivo. Hence, the stepwise pH-responsive NPs provide a promising strategy for efficient delivery of antitumor agents.

  9. Stepwise pH-responsive nanoparticles for enhanced cellular uptake and on-demand intracellular release of doxorubicin

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Wei-liang; Li, Fang; Tang, Yan; Yang, Shu-di; Li, Ji-zhao; Yuan, Zhi-qiang; Liu, Yang; Zhou, Xiao-feng; Liu, Chun; Zhang, Xue-nong

    2017-01-01

    Physicochemical properties, including particle size, zeta potential, and drug release behavior, affect targeting efficiency, cellular uptake, and antitumor effect of nanocarriers in a formulated drug-delivery system. In this study, a novel stepwise pH-responsive nanodrug delivery system was developed to efficiently deliver and significantly promote the therapeutic effect of doxorubicin (DOX). The system comprised dimethylmaleic acid-chitosan-urocanic acid and elicited stepwise responses to extracellular and intracellular pH. The nanoparticles (NPs), which possessed negative surface charge under physiological conditions and an appropriate nanosize, exhibited advantageous stability during blood circulation and enhanced accumulation in tumor sites via enhanced permeability and retention effect. The tumor cellular uptake of DOX-loaded NPs was significantly promoted by the first-step pH response, wherein surface charge reversion of NPs from negative to positive was triggered by the slightly acidic tumor extracellular environment. After internalization into tumor cells, the second-step pH response in endo/lysosome acidic environment elicited the on-demand intracellular release of DOX from NPs, thereby increasing cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Furthermore, stepwise pH-responsive NPs showed enhanced antiproliferation effect and reduced systemic side effect in vivo. Hence, the stepwise pH-responsive NPs provide a promising strategy for efficient delivery of antitumor agents. PMID:28652730

  10. Heart cells in culture: a model of myocardial iron overload and chelation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Link, G.; Pinson, A.; Hershko, C.

    1985-08-01

    The effect of iron loading and chelation was studied in heart cell cultures obtained from newborn rats. Radioactive iron uptake per 2 X 10(6) cells/24 hr was 3.8% for /sup 59/Fe-transferrin, 15.8% for /sup 59/Fe-ferric ammonium citrate (FeAC) at 20 micrograms Fe/ml in 20% serum, and 37.1% for /sup 59/FeAC at 20 micrograms Fe/ml in serum-free medium. About one third of the cellular radioactive iron was in ferritin and the rest in an insoluble lysosomal fraction. Iron uptake was almost completely inhibited by reducing the incubation temperature from 37 degrees C to 10 degrees C. Intracellular concentrations of malonyldialdehyde (MDA)more » were doubled after 15 minutes of iron loading and reached maximal concentrations at 3 hours. Conversely, iron mobilization by deferoxamine at concentrations ranging from 0.025 mmol/L to 0.3 mmol/L resulted in normalization of cellular MDA concentrations, in direct proportion to the amounts of iron removed. These findings indicate that cultured myocardial cells are able to assimilate large amounts of nontransferrin iron and that iron uptake and mobilization are associated with striking changes in lipid peroxidation as manifested by the respective increase and decrease in cellular MDA concentrations.« less

  11. Uptake and cellular distribution, in four plant species, of fluorescently labeled mesoporous silica nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Sun, Dequan; Hussain, Hashmath I; Yi, Zhifeng; Siegele, Rainer; Cresswell, Tom; Kong, Lingxue; Cahill, David M

    2014-08-01

    We report the uptake of MSNs into the roots and their movement to the aerial parts of four plant species and their quantification using fluorescence, TEM and proton-induced x - ray emission (micro - PIXE) elemental analysis. Monodispersed mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) of optimal size and configuration were synthesized for uptake by plant organs, tissues and cells. These monodispersed nanoparticles have a size of 20 nm with interconnected pores with an approximate diameter of 2.58 nm. There were no negative effects of MSNs on seed germination or when transported to different organs of the four plant species tested in this study. Most importantly, for the first time, a combination of confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and proton-induced X-ray emission (micro-PIXE) elemental analysis allowed the location and quantification MSNs in tissues and in cellular and sub-cellular locations. Our results show that MSNs penetrated into the roots via symplastic and apoplastic pathways and then via the conducting tissues of the xylem to the aerial parts of the plants including the stems and leaves. The translocation and widescale distribution of MSNs in plants will enable them to be used as a new delivery means for the transport of different sized biomolecules into plants.

  12. Effects of Nanoparticle Size on Cellular Uptake and Liver MRI with PVP-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Jing; Bu, Lihong; Xie, Jin; Chen, Kai; Cheng, Zhen; Li, Xingguo; Chen, Xiaoyuan

    2010-01-01

    The effect of nanoparticle size (30–120 nm) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of hepatic lesions in vivo has been systematically examined using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (PVP-IOs). Such biocompatible PVP-IOs with different sizes were synthesized by a simple one-pot pyrolysis method. These PVP-IOs exhibited good crystallinity and high T2 relaxivities, and the relaxivity increased with the size of the magnetic nanoparticles. It was found that cellular uptake changed with both size and surface physiochemical properties, and that PVP-IO-37 with a core size of 37 nm and hydrodynamic particle size of 100 nm exhibited higher cellular uptake rate and greater distribution than other PVP-IOs and Feridex. We systematically investigated the effect of nanoparticle size on MRI of normal liver and hepatic lesions in vivo. The physical and chemical properties of the nanoparticles influenced their pharmacokinetic behavior, which ultimately determined their ability to accumulate in the liver. The contrast enhancement of PVP-IOs within the liver was highly dependent on the overall size of the nanoparticles, and the 100 nm PVP-IO-37 nanoparticles exhibited the greatest enhancement. These results will have implications in designing engineered nanoparticles that are optimized as MR contrast agents or for use in therapeutics. PMID:21043459

  13. Kinetic study of heterogeneous reaction of deliquesced NaCl particles with gaseous HNO3 using particle-on-substrate stagnation flow reactor approach.

    PubMed

    Liu, Y; Cain, J P; Wang, H; Laskin, A

    2007-10-11

    Heterogeneous reaction kinetics of gaseous nitric acid with deliquesced sodium chloride particles NaCl(aq) + HNO3(g) --> NaNO3(aq) + HCl(g) were investigated with a novel particle-on-substrate stagnation flow reactor (PS-SFR) approach under conditions, including particle size, relative humidity, and reaction time, directly relevant to the atmospheric chemistry of sea salt particles. Particles deposited onto an electron microscopy grid substrate were exposed to the reacting gas at atmospheric pressure and room temperature by impingement via a stagnation flow inside the reactor. The reactor design and choice of flow parameters were guided by computational fluid dynamics to ensure uniformity of the diffusion flux to all particles undergoing reaction. The reaction kinetics was followed by observing chloride depletion in the particles by computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (CCSEM/EDX). The validity of the current approach was examined first by conducting experiments with median dry particle diameter D(p) = 0.82 microm, 80% relative humidity, particle loading densities 4 x 10(4)

  14. Effect of Thiols, Zinc, and Redox Conditions on Hg Uptake in Shewanella oneidensis

    DOE PAGES

    Szczuka, Aleksandra; Morel, Francois M. M.; Schaefer, Jeffra K.

    2015-05-18

    Mercury uptake in bacteria represents a key first step in the production and accumulation Of methylmercury in biota. Previous experiments with mercury methylating bacteria have shown that Hg uptake is enhanced by some thiols, in particular cysteine, and that it is an energy-dependent process through heavy Metal TA transporters. In this study, we examine Hg uptake in the nonmethylating facultative aerobe, Shewanella oneidensis, under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions. Our results demonstrate similar characteristics of the Hg uptake system to those of the Hg methylating strains: uptake is enhanced in the presence of some thiols but not others; uptake ismore » energy dependent as evidenced by inhibition by a protonophore; and uptake is inhibited by high Zn(II) concentrations. Initial cellular uptake rates in S. oneidensis were remarkably similar under aerobic and fumarate-reducing conditions. In conclusion, these data support a similar Hg(II) uptake mechanism within the proteobacteria of accidental Hg(II) transport through heavy metal transporters with similar rates of uptake but differences in the ability to take up Hg bound to different thiols.« less

  15. Kinetics of sulfate and hydrogen uptake by the thermophilic sulfate-reducing bacteria thermodesulfobacterium sp. Strain JSP and thermodesulfovibrio sp. Strain R1Ha3

    PubMed

    Sonne-Hansen; Westermann; Ahring

    1999-03-01

    Half-saturation constants (Km), maximum uptake rates (Vmax), and threshold concentrations for sulfate and hydrogen were determined for two thermophilic sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in an incubation system without headspace. Km values determined for the thermophilic SRB were similar to the constants described for mesophilic SRB isolated from environments with low sulfate concentrations.

  16. Kinetics of Sulfate and Hydrogen Uptake by the Thermophilic Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria Thermodesulfobacterium sp. Strain JSP and Thermodesulfovibrio sp. Strain R1Ha3

    PubMed Central

    Sonne-Hansen, Jacob; Westermann, Peter; Ahring, Birgitte K.

    1999-01-01

    Half-saturation constants (Km), maximum uptake rates (Vmax), and threshold concentrations for sulfate and hydrogen were determined for two thermophilic sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in an incubation system without headspace. Km values determined for the thermophilic SRB were similar to the constants described for mesophilic SRB isolated from environments with low sulfate concentrations. PMID:10049897

  17. Integration of biotic ligand models (BLM) and bioaccumulation kinetics into a mechanistic framework for metal uptake in aquatic organisms.

    PubMed

    Veltman, Karin; Huijbregts, Mark A J; Hendriks, A Jan

    2010-07-01

    Both biotic ligand models (BLM) and bioaccumulation models aim to quantify metal exposure based on mechanistic knowledge, but key factors included in the description of metal uptake differ between the two approaches. Here, we present a quantitative comparison of both approaches and show that BLM and bioaccumulation kinetics can be merged into a common mechanistic framework for metal uptake in aquatic organisms. Our results show that metal-specific absorption efficiencies calculated from BLM-parameters for freshwater fish are highly comparable, i.e. within a factor of 2.4 for silver, cadmium, copper, and zinc, to bioaccumulation-absorption efficiencies for predominantly marine fish. Conditional affinity constants are significantly related to the metal-specific covalent index. Additionally, the affinity constants of calcium, cadmium, copper, sodium, and zinc are significantly comparable across aquatic species, including molluscs, daphnids, and fish. This suggests that affinity constants can be estimated from the covalent index, and constants can be extrapolated across species. A new model is proposed that integrates the combined effect of metal chemodynamics, as speciation, competition, and ligand affinity, and species characteristics, as size, on metal uptake by aquatic organisms. An important direction for further research is the quantitative comparison of the proposed model with acute toxicity values for organisms belonging to different size classes.

  18. Kinetics and dosimetry of thallium-201 in human testes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rao, D.V.; Shepstone, B.J.; Wilkins, H.B.

    Thallous chloride ({sup 201}Tl) is a well-known imaging agent. It has been shown to accumulate in the testes. In view of this, the testicular kinetics of {sup 201}Tl is investigated in humans and the absorbed dose to the organ calculated. Thallous chloride {sup 201}Tl was injected intravenously into four patients for myocardial perfusion studies. After clinical evaluation, the testicular uptake and clearance of {sup 201}Tl were monitored for about 1 wk using a gamma camera. Testicular uptake of {sup 201}Tl was rapid with a mean biological uptake half-time of 0.67 hr and mean biological clearance half-time of 280 hr. Themore » mean maximum testicular uptake of {sup 201}Tl was about 0.4% of the injected activity. These data were utilized to calculate the average absorbed dose to the testes. The absorbed dose to the testes was calculated to be 3.5 x 10{sup {minus}4} Gy/MBq (1.3 rad/mCi) of injected activity. When the relative biological effectiveness of the Auger emitter {sup 201}Tl is taken into account, the equivalent dose to the testes is 9.5 x 10{sup {minus}4} Sv/MBq (3.5 rem/mCi). 14 refs., 1 fig., 2 tabs.« less

  19. Pentachlorophenol: Uptake/elimination kinetics and metabolism in an aquatic plant, Eichhornia crassipes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Roy, S.; Haenninen, O.

    1994-05-01

    Eichhornia crassipes [(Mart) Solms], an aquatic plant widely used for the treatment of wastewaters, was used to study uptake/elimination kinetics and metabolism of pentachlorophenol (PCP). PCP is a well-known industrial by-product and a major pollutant of the aquatic environment. The initial phase of PCP uptake by the plant was rapid and reached a nearly steady state between 24 and 48 h of exposure to PCP. The major by-products of PCP metabolisms in Eichhornia crassipes were identified as ortho- and para- substituted chlorohydroxyphenols (chlorocatechols and -hydroquiones), -anisoles, and -veratroles. Partially dechlorinated products of PCP were also detected. A major portion ofmore » the absorbed PCP and metabolites was found in bound/conjugated form. The response of the enzyme systems involved in the xenobiotic metabolism and antioxidative system were also studied following PCP exposure. A significant increase was observed in the activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST), a major conjugating enzyme, and in the activities of superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase of PCP exposed plants. Such responses of plant enzymes may be implemented as useful markers of aquatic pollution. The result related to the uptake and metabolism of PCP obtained from the present study suggests a crucial role of aquatic plants in determining the fate of environmental chemicals.« less

  20. Evaluation of metal biouptake from the analysis of bulk metal depletion kinetics at various cell concentrations: theory and application.

    PubMed

    Rotureau, Elise; Billard, Patrick; Duval, Jérôme F L

    2015-01-20

    Bioavailability of trace metals is a key parameter for assessment of toxicity on living organisms. Proper evaluation of metal bioavailability requires monitoring the various interfacial processes that control metal partitioning dynamics at the biointerface, which includes metal transport from solution to cell membrane, adsorption at the biosurface, internalization, and possible excretion. In this work, a methodology is proposed to quantitatively describe the dynamics of Cd(II) uptake by Pseudomonas putida. The analysis is based on the kinetic measurement of Cd(II) depletion from bulk solution at various initial cell concentrations using electroanalytical probes. On the basis of a recent formalism on the dynamics of metal uptake by complex biointerphases, the cell concentration-dependent depletion time scales and plateau values reached by metal concentrations at long exposure times (>3 h) are successfully rationalized in terms of limiting metal uptake flux, rate of excretion, and metal affinity to internalization sites. The analysis shows the limits of approximate depletion models valid in the extremes of high and weak metal affinities. The contribution of conductive diffusion transfer of metals from the solution to the cell membrane in governing the rate of Cd(II) uptake is further discussed on the basis of estimated resistances for metal membrane transfer and extracellular mass transport.

  1. Fate of antimicrobials in duckweed Lemna minor wastewater treatment systems.

    PubMed

    Iatrou, Evangelia I; Gatidou, Georgia; Damalas, Dimitrios; Thomaidis, Nikolaos S; Stasinakis, Athanasios S

    2017-05-15

    The fate of four antimicrobials (cefadroxil, CFD; metronidazole, METRO; trimethoprim, TRI; sulfamethoxazole, SMX) was studied in Lemna minor systems and the role of different mechanisms on their removal was evaluated. All micropollutants were significantly removed in batch experiments with active Lemna minor; the highest removal was observed for CFD (100% in 14 d), followed by METRO (96%), SMX (73%) and TRI (59%) during 24 d of the experiment. Calculation of kinetic constants for hydrolysis, photodegradation, sorption to biomass and plant uptake revealed significant differences depending on the compound and the studied mechanism. For METRO, TRI and SMX the kinetic constants of plant uptake were by far higher comparing to those of the other mechanisms. The transformation products of antimicrobials were identified using UHPLC-QToF-MS. Two were the main degradation pathways for TRI; hydroxylation takes place during both phyto- and photodegradation, while demethylation occurs only in absence of Lemna minor. The operation of a continuous-flow duckweed system showed METRO and TRI removal equal to 71±11% and 61±8%, respectively. The application of mass balance and the use of published biodegradation constants showed that plant uptake and biodegradation were the major mechanisms governing METRO removal; the most important mechanism for TRI was plant uptake. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Uptake, translocation and biotransformation kinetics of BDE-47, 6-OH-BDE-47 and 6-MeO-BDE-47 in maize (Zea mays L.).

    PubMed

    Xu, Xuehui; Wen, Bei; Huang, Honglin; Wang, Sen; Han, Ruixia; Zhang, Shuzhen

    2016-01-01

    This study presents a detailed kinetic investigation on the uptake, acropetal translocation and transformation of BDE-47, 6-OH-BDE-47 and 6-MeO-BDE-47 in maize (Zea mays L.) by hydroponic exposure. Root uptake followed the order: BDE-47 > 6-MeO-BDE-47 > 6-OH-BDE-47, while 6-OH-BDE-47 was the most prone to acropetal translocation. Debromination rates of BDE-47 were 1.31 and 1.46 times greater than the hydroxylation and methoxylation rates, respectively. Transformation from BDE-47 to lower brominated OH/MeO-PBDEs occurred mainly through debromination first followed by hydroxylation or methoxylation. There was no transformation from 6-OH-BDE-47 or 6-MeO-BDE-47 to PBDEs. Methylation rate of 6-OH-BDE-47 was twice as high as that of 6-MeO-BDE-47 hydroxylation, indicating methylation of 6-OH-BDE-47 was easier and more rapid than hydroxylation of 6-MeO-BDE-47. Debromination and isomerization were potential metabolic pathways for 6-OH-BDE-47 and 6-MeO-BDE-47 in maize. This study provides important information for better understanding the mechanism on plant uptake and transformation of PBDEs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Understanding the in vivo uptake kinetics of a phosphatidylethanolamine-binding agent 99mTc-Duramycin

    PubMed Central

    Audi, Said; Li, Zhixin; Capacete, Joseph; Liu, Yu; Fang, Wei; Shu, Laura G.; Zhao, Ming

    2013-01-01

    Introduction 99mTc-Duramycin is a peptide-based molecular probe that binds specifically to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). The goal was to characterize the kinetics of molecular interactions between 99mTc-Duramycin and the target tissue. Methods High level of accessible PE is induced in cardiac tissues by myocardial ischemia (30 min) and reperfusion (120 min) in Sprague Dawley rats. Target binding and biodistribution of 99mTc-duramycin was captured using SPECT/CT. To quantify the binding kinetics, the presence of radioactivity in ischemic versus normal cardiac tissues was measured by gamma counting at 3, 10, 20, 60 and 180 min after injection. A partially inactivated form of 99mTc-Duramycin was analyzed in the same fashion. A compartment model was developed to quantify the uptake kinetics of 99mTc-Duramycin in normal and ischemic myocardial tissue. Results 99mTc-duramycin binds avidly to the damaged tissue with a high target-to-background radio. Compartment modeling shows that accessibility of binding sites in myocardial tissue to 99mTc-Duramycin is not a limiting factor and the rate constant of target binding in the target tissue is at 2.2 ml/nmol/min/g. The number of available binding sites for 99mTc-Duramycin in ischemic myocardium was estimated at 0.14 nmol/g. Covalent modification of D15 resulted in a 9 fold reduction in binding affinity. Conclusion 99mTc-Duramycin accumulates avidly in target tissues in a PE-dependent fashion. Model results reflect an efficient uptake mechanism, consistent with the low molecular weight of the radiopharmaceutical and the relatively high density of available binding sites. These data help better define the imaging utilities of 99mTc-Duramycin as a novel PE-binding agent. PMID:22534031

  4. Toxicokinetics of Zn and Cd in the earthworm Eisenia andrei exposed to metal-contaminated soils under different combinations of air temperature and soil moisture content.

    PubMed

    González-Alcaraz, M Nazaret; Loureiro, Susana; van Gestel, Cornelis A M

    2018-04-01

    This study evaluated how different combinations of air temperature (20 °C and 25 °C) and soil moisture content (50% and 30% of the soil water holding capacity, WHC), reflecting realistic climate change scenarios, affect the bioaccumulation kinetics of Zn and Cd in the earthworm Eisenia andrei. Earthworms were exposed for 21 d to two metal-contaminated soils (uptake phase), followed by 21 d incubation in non-contaminated soil (elimination phase). Body Zn and Cd concentrations were checked in time and metal uptake (k 1 ) and elimination (k 2 ) rate constants determined; metal bioaccumulation factor (BAF) was calculated as k 1 /k 2 . Earthworms showed extremely fast uptake and elimination of Zn, regardless of the exposure level. Climate conditions had no major impacts on the bioaccumulation kinetics of Zn, although a tendency towards lower k 1 and k 2 values was observed at 25 °C + 30% WHC. Earthworm Cd concentrations gradually increased with time upon exposure to metal-contaminated soils, especially at 50% WHC, and remained constant or slowly decreased following transfer to non-contaminated soil. Different combinations of air temperature and soil moisture content changed the bioaccumulation kinetics of Cd, leading to higher k 1 and k 2 values for earthworms incubated at 25 °C + 50% WHC and slower Cd kinetics at 25 °C + 30% WHC. This resulted in greater BAFs for Cd at warmer and drier environments which could imply higher toxicity risks but also of transfer of Cd within the food chain under the current global warming perspective. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Antimetabolic Effects of Polyphenols in Breast Cancer Cells: Focus on Glucose Uptake and Metabolism.

    PubMed

    Keating, Elisa; Martel, Fátima

    2018-01-01

    In the last years, metabolic reprogramming became a new key hallmark of tumor cells. One of its components is a deviant energetic metabolism, known as Warburg effect-an aerobic lactatogenesis- characterized by elevated rates of glucose uptake and consumption with high-lactate production even in the presence of oxygen. Because many cancer cells display a greater sensitivity to glucose deprivation-induced cytotoxicity than normal cells, inhibitors of glucose cellular uptake (facilitative glucose transporter 1 inhibitors) and oxidative metabolism (glycolysis inhibitors) are potential therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. Polyphenols, abundantly contained in fruits and vegetables, are dietary components with an established protective role against cancer. Several molecular mechanisms are involved in the anticancer effect of polyphenols, including effects on apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, plasma membrane receptors, signaling pathways, and epigenetic mechanisms. Additionally, inhibition of glucose cellular uptake and metabolism in cancer cell lines has been described for several polyphenols, and this effect was shown to be associated with their anticarcinogenic effect. This work will review data showing an antimetabolic effect of polyphenols and its involvement in the chemopreventive/chemotherapeutic potential of these dietary compounds, in relation to breast cancer.

  6. Lentiviral Nef suppresses iron uptake in a strain specific manner through inhibition of Transferrin endocytosis

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Increased cellular iron levels are associated with high mortality in HIV-1 infection. Moreover iron is an important cofactor for viral replication, raising the question whether highly divergent lentiviruses actively modulate iron homeostasis. Here, we evaluated the effect on cellular iron uptake upon expression of the accessory protein Nef from different lentiviral strains. Results Surface Transferrin receptor (TfR) levels are unaffected by Nef proteins of HIV-1 and its simian precursors but elevated in cells expressing Nefs from most other primate lentiviruses due to reduced TfR internalization. The SIV Nef-mediated reduction of TfR endocytosis is dependent on an N-terminal AP2 binding motif that is not required for downmodulation of CD4, CD28, CD3 or MHCI. Importantly, SIV Nef-induced inhibition of TfR endocytosis leads to the reduction of Transferrin uptake and intracellular iron concentration and is accompanied by attenuated lentiviral replication in macrophages. Conclusion Inhibition of Transferrin and thereby iron uptake by SIV Nef might limit viral replication in myeloid cells. Furthermore, this new SIV Nef function could represent a virus-host adaptation that evolved in natural SIV-infected monkeys. PMID:24383984

  7. Synthesis and in vitro biochemical evaluation of oxime bond-linked daunorubicin–GnRH-III conjugates developed for targeted drug delivery

    PubMed Central

    Schuster, Sabine; Biri-Kovács, Beáta; Szeder, Bálint; Farkas, Viktor; Buday, László; Szabó, Zsuzsanna; Halmos, Gábor

    2018-01-01

    Gonadotropin releasing hormone-III (GnRH-III), a native isoform of the human GnRH isolated from sea lamprey, specifically binds to GnRH receptors on cancer cells enabling its application as targeting moieties for anticancer drugs. Recently, we reported on the identification of a novel daunorubicin–GnRH-III conjugate (GnRH-III–[4Lys(Bu), 8Lys(Dau=Aoa)] with efficient in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity. To get a deeper insight into the mechanism of action of our lead compound, the cellular uptake was followed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Hereby, the drug daunorubicin could be visualized in different subcellular compartments by following the localization of the drug in a time-dependent manner. Colocalization studies were carried out to prove the presence of the drug in lysosomes (early stage) and on its site of action (nuclei after 10 min). Additional flow cytometry studies demonstrated that the cellular uptake of the bioconjugate was inhibited in the presence of the competitive ligand triptorelin indicating a receptor-mediated pathway. For comparative purpose, six novel daunorubicin–GnRH-III bioconjugates have been synthesized and biochemically characterized in which 6Asp was replaced by D-Asp, D-Glu and D-Trp. In addition to the analysis of the in vitro cytostatic effect and cellular uptake, receptor binding studies with 125I-triptorelin as radiotracer and degradation of the GnRH-III conjugates in the presence of rat liver lysosomal homogenate have been performed. All derivatives showed high binding affinities to GnRH receptors and displayed in vitro cytostatic effects on HT-29 and MCF-7 cancer cells with IC50 values in a low micromolar range. Moreover, we found that the release of the active drug metabolite and the cellular uptake of the bioconjugates were strongly affected by the amino acid exchange which in turn had an impact on the antitumor activity of the bioconjugates. PMID:29719573

  8. Novel theranostic zinc phthalocyanine-phospholipid complex self-assembled nanoparticles for imaging-guided targeted photodynamic treatment with controllable ROS production and shape-assisted enhanced cellular uptake.

    PubMed

    Ma, Jinyuan; Li, Yang; Liu, Guihua; Li, Ai; Chen, Yilin; Zhou, Xinyi; Chen, Dengyue; Hou, Zhenqing; Zhu, Xuan

    2018-02-01

    The novel drug delivery system based on self-assembly of zinc phthalocyanine-soybean phosphatidylcholine (ZnPc-SPC) complex was developed by a co-solvent method followed by a nanoprecipitaion technique. DSPE-PEG-methotrexate (DSPE-PEG-MTX) was introduced on the surface of ZnPc-SPC self-assembled nanoparticles (ZS) to endow them with folate receptor-targeting property. NMR, XRD, FTIR, and UV-vis-NIR analysis demonstrated the weak molecular interaction between ZnPc and SPC. The ZS functionalized with DSPE-PEG-MTX (ZSPM) was successfully constructed with an average particle size of ∼170nm, a narrow size distribution, and could remain physiologically stable for at least 7days. In vitro cellular uptake and cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that ZSPM exhibited stronger cellular uptake efficacy and photodynamic cytotoxicity against HeLa and MCF-7 cells than ZS functionalized with DSPE-mPEG (ZSP) and free ZnPc. More importantly, ZSPM showed the enhanced accumulation effect at the tumor region compared with ZSP by the active-plus-passive targeting via enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and folate receptor-mediated endocytosis. Furthermore, in vivo antitumor effect and histological analysis demonstrated the superior tumor growth inhibition effect of ZSPM. In addition, the needle-shape ZSP (ZSPN) exhibited better in vitro cellular uptake and in vivo tumor accumulation compared with ZSP due to the shape-assisted effect. Moreover, the interesting off-on switch effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of ZnPc-SPC complex-based nanoparticles was discovered to achieve photodynamic treatment in a controllable way. These findings suggested that the ZnPc-SPC complex-based self-assembled nanoparticles could serve as a promising and effective formulation to achieve tumor-targeting fluorescence imaging and enhanced photodynamic treatment. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  9. Improving cell penetration of helical peptides stabilized by N-terminal crosslinked aspartic acids.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Hui; Jiang, Yanhong; Tian, Yuan; Yang, Dan; Qin, Xuan; Li, Zigang

    2017-01-04

    Cell penetration and nucleus translocation efficiency are important for the cellular activities of peptide therapeutics. For helical peptides stabilized by N-terminal crosslinked aspartic acid, correlations between their penetration efficiency/nucleus translocation and physicochemical properties were studied. An increase in hydrophobicity and isoelectric point will promote cellular uptake and nucleus translocation of stabilized helices.

  10. Effect of binary organic solvents together with emulsifier on particle size and in vitro behavior of paclitaxel-encapsulated polymeric lipid nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Qin, Shuzhi; Sun, Xiangshi; Li, Feng; Yu, Kongtong; Zhou, Yulin; Liu, Na; Zhao, Chengguo; Teng, Lesheng; Li, Youxin

    2017-12-21

    Biodegradable nanoparticles with diameters between 100 nm and 500 nm are of great interest in the contexts of targeted delivery. The present work provides a review concerning the effect of binary organic solvents together with emulsifier on particle size as well as the influence of particle size on the in vitro drug release and uptake behavior. The polymeric lipid nanoparticles (PLNs) with different particle sizes were prepared by using binary solvent dispersion method. Various formulation parameters such as binary organic solvent composition and emulsifier types were evaluated on the basis of their effects on particle size and size distribution. PLNs had a strong dependency on the surface tension, intrinsic viscosity and volatilization rate of binary organic solvents and the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of emulsifiers. Acetone-methanol system together with pluronic F68 as emulsifier was proved to obtain the smallest particle size. Then the PLNs with different particle sizes were used to investigate how particle size at nanoscale affects interacted with tumor cells. As particle size got smaller, cellular uptake increased in tumor cells and PLNs with particle size of ~120 nm had the highest cellular uptake and fastest release rate. The paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded PLNs showed a size-dependent inhibition of tumor cell growth, which was commonly influenced by cellular uptake and PTX release. The PLNs would provide a useful means to further elucidate roles of particle size on delivery system of hydrophobic drugs. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  11. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles loading doxorubicin reverse multidrug resistance: performance and mechanism

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shen, Jianan; He, Qianjun; Gao, Yu; Shi, Jianlin; Li, Yaping

    2011-10-01

    Multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the major obstacles for successful chemotherapy in cancer. One of the effective approaches to overcome MDR is to use nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery to increase drug accumulation in drug resistant cancer cells. In this work, we first report that the performance and mechanism of an inorganic engineered delivery system based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) loading doxorubicin (DMNs) to overcome the MDR of MCF-7/ADR (a DOX-resistant and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) over-expression cancer cell line). The experimental results showed that DMNs could enhance the cellular uptake of doxorubicin (DOX) and increase the cell proliferation suppression effect of DOX against MCF-7/ADR cells. The IC50 of DMNs against MCF-7/ADR cells was 8-fold lower than that of free DOX. However, an improved effect of DOX in DMNs against MCF-7 cells (a DOX-sensitive cancer cell line) was not found. The increased cellular uptake and nuclear accumulation of DOX delivered by DMNs in MCF-7/ADR cells was confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy, and could result from the down-regulation of P-gp and bypassing the efflux action by MSNs themselves. The cellular uptake mechanism of DMNs indicated that the macropinocytosis was one of the pathways for the uptake of DMNs by MCF-7/ADR cells. The in vivo biodistribution showed that DMNs induced a higher accumulation of DOX in drug resistant tumors than free DOX. These results suggested that MSNs could be an effective delivery system to overcome multidrug resistance.

  12. The Receptor-Binding Domain in the VP1u Region of Parvovirus B19.

    PubMed

    Leisi, Remo; Di Tommaso, Chiarina; Kempf, Christoph; Ros, Carlos

    2016-02-24

    Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is known as the human pathogen causing the mild childhood disease erythema infectiosum. B19V shows an extraordinary narrow tissue tropism for erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow, which is determined by a highly restricted uptake. We have previously shown that the specific internalization is mediated by the interaction of the viral protein 1 unique region (VP1u) with a yet unknown cellular receptor. To locate the receptor-binding domain (RBD) within the VP1u, we analyzed the effect of truncations and mutations on the internalization capacity of the recombinant protein into UT7/Epo cells. Here we report that the N-terminal amino acids 5-80 of the VP1u are necessary and sufficient for cellular binding and internalization; thus, this N-terminal region represents the RBD required for B19V uptake. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we further identified a cluster of important amino acids playing a critical role in VP1u internalization. In silico predictions and experimental results suggest that the RBD is structured as a rigid fold of three α-helices. Finally, we found that dimerization of the VP1u leads to a considerably enhanced cellular binding and internalization. Taken together, we identified the RBD that mediates B19V uptake and mapped functional and structural motifs within this sequence. The findings reveal insights into the uptake process of B19V, which contribute to understand the pathogenesis of the infection and the neutralization of the virus by the immune system.

  13. The Receptor-Binding Domain in the VP1u Region of Parvovirus B19

    PubMed Central

    Leisi, Remo; Di Tommaso, Chiarina; Kempf, Christoph; Ros, Carlos

    2016-01-01

    Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is known as the human pathogen causing the mild childhood disease erythema infectiosum. B19V shows an extraordinary narrow tissue tropism for erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow, which is determined by a highly restricted uptake. We have previously shown that the specific internalization is mediated by the interaction of the viral protein 1 unique region (VP1u) with a yet unknown cellular receptor. To locate the receptor-binding domain (RBD) within the VP1u, we analyzed the effect of truncations and mutations on the internalization capacity of the recombinant protein into UT7/Epo cells. Here we report that the N-terminal amino acids 5–80 of the VP1u are necessary and sufficient for cellular binding and internalization; thus, this N-terminal region represents the RBD required for B19V uptake. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we further identified a cluster of important amino acids playing a critical role in VP1u internalization. In silico predictions and experimental results suggest that the RBD is structured as a rigid fold of three α-helices. Finally, we found that dimerization of the VP1u leads to a considerably enhanced cellular binding and internalization. Taken together, we identified the RBD that mediates B19V uptake and mapped functional and structural motifs within this sequence. The findings reveal insights into the uptake process of B19V, which contribute to understand the pathogenesis of the infection and the neutralization of the virus by the immune system. PMID:26927158

  14. Melanin targeting for intracellular drug delivery: Quantification of bound and free drug in retinal pigment epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Rimpelä, Anna-Kaisa; Hagström, Marja; Kidron, Heidi; Urtti, Arto

    2018-05-31

    Melanin binding affects drug distribution and retention in pigmented ocular tissues, thereby affecting drug response, duration of activity and toxicity. Therefore, it is a promising possibility for drug targeting and controlled release in the pigmented cells and tissues. Intracellular unbound drug concentrations determine pharmacological and toxicological actions, but analyses of unbound vs. total drug concentrations in pigmented cells are lacking. We studied intracellular binding and cellular drug uptake in pigmented retinal pigment epithelial cells and in non-pigmented ARPE-19 cells with five model drugs (chloroquine, propranolol, timolol, diclofenac, methotrexate). The unbound drug fractions in pigmented cells were 0.00016-0.73 and in non-pigmented cells 0.017-1.0. Cellular uptake (i.e. distribution ratio Kp), ranged from 1.3 to 6300 in pigmented cells and from 1.0 to 25 in non-pigmented cells. Values for intracellular bioavailability, F ic , were similar in both cells types (although larger variation in pigmented cells). In vitro melanin binding parameters were used to predict intracellular unbound drug fraction and cell uptake. Comparison of predictions with experimental data indicates that other factors (e.g. ion-trapping, lipophilicity-related binding to other cell components) also play a role. Melanin binding is a major factor that leads to cellular uptake and unbound drug fractions of a range of 3-4 orders of magnitude indicating that large reservoirs of melanin bound drug can be generated in the cells. Understanding melanin binding has important implications on retinal drug targeting, efficacy and toxicity. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  15. Dominant oceanic bacteria secure phosphate using a large extracellular buffer

    PubMed Central

    Zubkov, Mikhail V.; Martin, Adrian P.; Hartmann, Manuela; Grob, Carolina; Scanlan, David J.

    2015-01-01

    The ubiquitous SAR11 and Prochlorococcus bacteria manage to maintain a sufficient supply of phosphate in phosphate-poor surface waters of the North Atlantic subtropical gyre. Furthermore, it seems that their phosphate uptake may counter-intuitively be lower in more productive tropical waters, as if their cellular demand for phosphate decreases there. By flow sorting 33P-phosphate-pulsed 32P-phosphate-chased cells, we demonstrate that both Prochlorococcus and SAR11 cells exploit an extracellular buffer of labile phosphate up to 5–40 times larger than the amount of phosphate required to replicate their chromosomes. Mathematical modelling is shown to support this conclusion. The fuller the buffer the slower the cellular uptake of phosphate, to the point that in phosphate-replete tropical waters, cells can saturate their buffer and their phosphate uptake becomes marginal. Hence, buffer stocking is a generic, growth-securing adaptation for SAR11 and Prochlorococcus bacteria, which lack internal reserves to reduce their dependency on bioavailable ambient phosphate. PMID:26198420

  16. Protein Corona Influences Cellular Uptake of Gold Nanoparticles by Phagocytic and Nonphagocytic Cells in a Size-Dependent Manner.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Xiaju; Tian, Xin; Wu, Anqing; Li, Jianxiang; Tian, Jian; Chong, Yu; Chai, Zhifang; Zhao, Yuliang; Chen, Chunying; Ge, Cuicui

    2015-09-23

    The interaction at nanobio is a critical issue in designing safe nanomaterials for biomedical applications. Recent studies have reported that it is nanoparticle-protein corona rather than bare nanoparticle that determines the nanoparticle-cell interactions, including endocytic pathway and biological responses. Here, we demonstrate the effects of protein corona on cellular uptake of different sized gold nanoparticles in different cell lines. The experimental results show that protein corona significantly decreases the internalization of Au NPs in a particle size- and cell type-dependent manner. Protein corona exhibits much more significant inhibition on the uptake of large-sized Au NPs by phagocytic cell than that of small-sized Au NPs by nonphagocytic cell. The endocytosis experiment indicates that different endocytic pathways might be responsible for the differential roles of protein corona in the interaction of different sized Au NPs with different cell lines. Our findings can provide useful information for rational design of nanomaterials in biomedical application.

  17. Measurement of cellular copper levels in Bacillus megaterium during exponential growth and sporulation.

    PubMed

    Krueger, W B; Kolodziej, B J

    1976-01-01

    Both atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and neutron activation analysis have been utilized to determine cellular Cu levels in Bacillus megaterium ATCC 19213. Both methods were selected for their sensitivity to detection of nanogram quantities of Cu. Data from both methods demonstrated identical patterms of Cu uptake during exponenetial growth and sporulation. Late exponential phase cells contained less Cu than postexponential t2 cells while t5 cells contained amounts equivalent to exponential cells. The t11 phase-bright forespore containing cells had a higher Cu content than those of earlier time periods, and the free spores had the highest Cu content. Analysis of the culture medium by AAS corroborated these data by showing concomitant Cu uptake during exponential growth and into t2 postexponential phase of sporulation. From t2 to t4, Cu egressed from the cells followed by a secondary uptake during the maturation of phase-dark forespores into phase-bright forespores (t6--t9).

  18. Relationship between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha activity and cellular concentration of 14 perfluoroalkyl substances in HepG2 cells.

    PubMed

    Rosenmai, Anna Kjerstine; Ahrens, Lutz; le Godec, Théo; Lundqvist, Johan; Oskarsson, Agneta

    2018-02-01

    Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) is a molecular target for perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Little is known about the cellular uptake of PFASs and how it affects the PPARα activity. We investigated the relationship between PPARα activity and cellular concentration in HepG2 cells of 14 PFASs, including perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs), perfluoroalkyl sulfonates and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA). Cellular concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and PPARα activity was determined in transiently transfected cells by reporter gene assay. Cellular uptake of the PFASs was low (0.04-4.1%) with absolute cellular concentrations in the range 4-2500 ng mg -1 protein. Cellular concentration of PFCAs increased with perfluorocarbon chain length up to perfluorododecanoate. PPARα activity of PFCAs increased with chain length up to perfluorooctanoate. The maximum induction of PPARα activity was similar for short-chain (perfluorobutanoate and perfluoropentanoate) and long-chain PFCAs (perfluorododecanoate and perfluorotetradecanoate) (approximately twofold). However, PPARα activities were induced at lower cellular concentrations for the short-chain homologs compared to the long-chain homologs. Perfluorohexanoate, perfluoroheptanoate, perfluorooctanoate, perfluorononanoate (PFNA) and perfluorodecanoate induced PPARα activities >2.5-fold compared to controls. The concentration-response relationships were positive for all the tested compounds, except perfluorooctane sulfonate PFOS and FOSA, and were compound-specific, as demonstrated by differences in the estimated slopes. The relationships were steeper for PFCAs with chain lengths up to and including PFNA than for the other studied PFASs. To our knowledge, this is the first report establishing relationships between PPARα activity and cellular concentration of a broad range of PFASs. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  19. Quantifying stream nutrient uptake from ambient to saturation with instantaneous tracer additions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Covino, T. P.; McGlynn, B. L.; McNamara, R.

    2009-12-01

    Stream nutrient tracer additions and spiraling metrics are frequently used to quantify stream ecosystem behavior. However, standard approaches limit our understanding of aquatic biogeochemistry. Specifically, the relationship between in-stream nutrient concentration and stream nutrient spiraling has not been characterized. The standard constant rate (steady-state) approach to stream spiraling parameter estimation, either through elevating nutrient concentration or adding isotopically labeled tracers (e.g. 15N), provides little information regarding the stream kinetic curve that represents the uptake-concentration relationship analogous to the Michaelis-Menten curve. These standard approaches provide single or a few data points and often focus on estimating ambient uptake under the conditions at the time of the experiment. Here we outline and demonstrate a new method using instantaneous nutrient additions and dynamic analyses of breakthrough curve (BTC) data to characterize the full relationship between spiraling metrics and nutrient concentration. We compare the results from these dynamic analyses to BTC-integrated, and standard steady-state approaches. Our results indicate good agreement between these three approaches but we highlight the advantages of our dynamic method. Specifically, our new dynamic method provides a cost-effective and efficient approach to: 1) characterize full concentration-spiraling metric curves; 2) estimate ambient spiraling metrics; 3) estimate Michaelis-Menten parameters maximum uptake (Umax) and the half-saturation constant (Km) from developed uptake-concentration kinetic curves, and; 4) measure dynamic nutrient spiraling in larger rivers where steady-state approaches are impractical.

  20. Moss bags as sentinels for human safety in mercury-polluted groundwaters.

    PubMed

    Cesa, Mattia; Nimis, Pier Luigi; Buora, Clara; Lorenzonetto, Alberta; Pozzobon, Alessandro; Raris, Marina; Rosa, Maria; Salvadori, Michela

    2014-05-01

    An equation to estimate Hg concentrations of <4 μg/L in groundwaters of a polluted area in NE Italy was set out by using transplants of the aquatic moss Rhynchostegium riparioides as trace element bioaccumulators. The equation is derived from a previous mathematical model which was implemented under laboratory conditions. The work aimed at (1) checking the compliance of the uptake kinetics with the model, (2) improving/adapting the model for groundwater monitoring, (3) comparing the performances of two populations of moss collected from different sites, and (4) assessing the environmental impact of Hg contamination on a small river. The main factors affecting Hg uptake in the field were-as expected-water concentration and time of exposure, even though the uptake kinetics in the field were slightly different from those which were previously observed in the lab, since the redox environmental conditions influence the solubility of cationic Fe, which is a negative competitor of Hg(2+). The equation was improved by including the variable 'dissolved oxygen concentration'. A numerical parameter depending on the moss collection site was also provided, since the differences in uptake efficiency were observed between the two populations tested. Predicted Hg concentrations well fitted the values measured in situ (approximately ±50%), while a notable underestimation was observed when the equation was used to predict Hg concentration in a neighbouring river (-96%), probably due to the organic pollution which hampers metal uptake by mosses.

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